Fishers-HSE Youth Baseball and Softball League

 

Travel Baseball
The travel baseball program is designed to provide a higher level of training and competition to those players that have a desire to develop their skills beyond what the recreational level allows.  This program is an integral part of the Fishers - HSE community based youth baseball league, but it requires a more significant parental and player commitment.  2011 travel teams are already in place with the exception of 7 – 8U.   These tryouts will take place on March 13th – at Fishers HS.  (Possible callbacks on March 20th.)  Contact Tim McCoy with any additional questions at 371-7546.   
* Tryouts for 2012 Travel Teams will take place in early August as to not conflict with Football activities.   Please check website for updates and accurate time/dates.

Vision
To provide the most effective community based travel baseball program for the town of Fishers and the students in the Hamilton Southeastern school district.  To help all players develop the fundamental skills and aptitude to play competitive baseball at the high school level and beyond.  We are very fortunate to have the High School coaches (Coach Johnson –HSE , Coach Cherry – Fishers) wanting to take an active role in developing their programs starting at the younger age groups by splitting the Travel team into Royals and Tigers.  The splitting of teams based on school has come as a recommendation from the High School coaches.  Starting at 11U we will have a Royals A team and a Tigers A team and they will be introduced to the teachings of the Royals and Tigers program that will be coming from the High School coaches.  In the past, we have developed some very good young teams and then when they split at the High School level, the varsity coaches have found that we have underdeveloped arms and the talent was not distributed equally to each school.  We lack depth at all the positions but in particular we need to improve our pitcher and catcher development.  By splitting the age groups by high school we feel that we will develop and deliver more talent to each High School.  It is possible that we will also have a mixed Cats team at these age groups if the numbers, talent and available coaches will allow us to field a competitive team.  We are currently in the process of evaluating the Tigers and Royals system and it is possible that we will be implementing the split in the younger age groups.

Mission
To offer a more instructive and competitive baseball atmosphere than the recreational league allows for all baseball players (1st – 8th Grades) in the Fishers/HSE school districts.  Teach basic baseball fundamentals along with reinforcing life skills and values such as honesty, work ethic, leadership, teamwork & good sportsmanship.  Provide a fun and rewarding experience to help inspire and develop a player’s passion for the game.  Help prepare all players to be physically, mentally and competitively ready to play for their respective high school’s varsity baseball program. To continue to improve our program we have added a Travel Board that will consist of a commissioner for each age division.

Travel Program Teams
The travel program will be comprised of three distinct levels: Full-time, Travel and All-Stars.   Players should try-out for the travel team that best fits their skills, talent and commitment levels.

Full-Time travel Royals and Tigers: 11U, 12U, 13U and 14U
Starting at 11U we will have a full time Royals team and one full time Tigers team with the possibility of having a combined Fishers-HSE Cats team as well.  (Players interested in participating on potential Cats Teams will also play in the REC League)  All of these travel teams will compete against the most competitive teams in the local and regional area.  It is also very possible that these teams may choose to compete at a national level.   These teams start early in the year (Jan/Feb) and practice times could be 3-5 days per week.  These teams typically play in 6-8 tournaments per season, which ends late July.  Each team will be responsible for hosting and coordinating a home travel tournament.  If we are unable to field a Cats team at any of these age groups we would encourage participation in our All-Star program that will give you additional baseball beyond the Rec. league.  

Travel Teams: 7U, 8U, 9U and 10U
At this time we are not splitting these age groups in their High School districts although it is possible that we will in the future.  There could be up to three travel teams per grade level.  Up to thirty-six players could be selected for each grade per the travel program evaluation process.  The head coach for their respective grade will be responsible for conducting additional player assessments during outdoor practices and scrimmages.  These teams will then be separated into A and B level teams.  The player rosters for the A, B, and C teams will be determined and based upon the initial evaluations along with the head coach assessments.   Each team will be responsible for hosting and coordinating a home travel tournament.

Team Selection
Evaluations will be set up by the travel commissioners.  The evaluators will have an appropriate level of baseball knowledge and experience. They will follow the same consistent approach as outlined by the travel program for evaluating each grade level.  All players will be assessed on basic baseball skills: fielding, throwing, hitting, and running.  Players will also be evaluated on their aptitude for the various skilled positions such as outfield, infield, pitching and catching.  Teams will be selected based upon the results of this evaluation process along with how the talents of each player best contribute to the overall chemistry of the team. Team selections will be posted on our League website http://www.fishershseyouthbaseball.com. The number of teams in the travel program will be determined per the league’s discretion based upon the overall interest and player skill at each grade level.

Coach Selection
Head coaching candidates for the full-time and travel teams need to submit an application to the travel commissioner by the designated due date and prior to the player evaluation and team selection process.  Members of the executive baseball board along with the travel commissioner will interview and select all head coaches.  Candidates with the best combination of coaching and/or playing experience, good judgment and commitment to the travel program along with strong organization, motivation and communication skills will be given highest consideration.  The head coach is responsible for selecting (2 to 3) assistant coaches to help with the team.  All coaches must submit a background check form.

Independent coaches (Non –Dad) will be pursued for the 7th & 8th Grade teams.  These coaches will be selected and paid by the travel baseball program.  The primary goal for these coaches is to prepare and help each player develop the required skills to play competitive high school baseball.  The high school varsity baseball coaches will help select these coaches.  These coaches will work to help establish the work ethic and player expectations needed to prepare these players for the specific high school baseball programs.  Coaches for the all-star travel teams will be selected from candidates that are currently coaching at the National league level in the HSE-Fishers recreational league for that grade.

Playing Time
Unlike the recreational league, travel baseball does not guarantee equal playing time for every player on the team.   Playing time is the coach’s discretion based on the commitment of time and energy from the players as well as specific game situations.  Both individual and overall team development are the goals of this program. Thus, players typically earn playing time provided they are dedicated and maintain a positive attitude.  Baseball is a team sport, so every position is very critical.  Players will be put in positions that are best suited for them to best help the team.  

Scheduling
While every effort will be made to schedule practices and scrimmages at Billericay Park, travel teams may need to use other Fishers baseball facilities at times to help avoid scheduling conflicts during the recreational league season.  Travel teams will request and receive field time at either Billericay Park or other baseball facilities in Fishers as determined by the league scheduler, but these times cannot interfere with the recreational program.  

Codes of Conduct
For any game or practice during the travel baseball season, it is up to the adults to be positive role models for all of our children.  All of us need to be good ambassadors for our community when traveling or hosting games.  Inappropriate behavior not only has a detrimental effect on our children, but it also brings disgrace to our community and our travel baseball program.

Parent Expectations
Parents can talk to coaches about their own child’s situation at anytime with regards to what he can improve on, how he is doing and what he can do to get better.  Coaches will not discuss individual playing time or situations about another player on the team.  Allow the coaches to “coach”.  Cheer and encourage all players on the team to do their best at practices and games.

Player Expectations
Always give your best effort.  Ability, attitude and attendance help determine playing time.  Hustle.  Never argue with an official’s decision.   Listen to your coaches.  Be respectful to your teammates.  Be a team player. Be prepared (both mentally and with equipment) for all practices and games.  Look and act like a baseball player with shirt tucked-in, hat on properly, etc for all practices/games.   Learn as much as you can and have fun.

Equipment
The travel program will provide each team with four (4) batting helmets and one (1) set of catcher’s gear.  Helmets and catcher’s gear must be returned back to the league at the end of the travel season.  Any additional equipment (i.e. bats, etc.) is the responsibility of each team and/or individual player.

Cost
The travel program is self-funded.  Individual team fees can vary significantly depending upon the number of games and tournaments each team decides to play.  It is highly recommended that teams solicit sponsorships and/or have fund raising events to off-set the personal out-of-pocket expenses.  Each team should have a treasurer that manages the cash flow and expenses for the season.  A summary report should be prepared and distributed throughout the season so all parents understand how team funds are being spent.  Examples of team expenses may include: tournament costs, umpire fees, baseballs, misc. equipment, additional uniform items, hotel expenses, banners, sponsor gifts, etc. 

 

Please follow the proper Travel Team Checking Account process.

1. Open a checking account using the team name or the name of the team treasurer and their social security #.

2. Transactional records should be kept (team budget, revenues, expenses, etc.) by the team Treasurer throughout the season.

3. The checking account should be reconciled at the end of the travel season.  Close the account and distribute any remaining moneys to the team participants evenly or back to the league.

4. Finally, submit team account documentation to the League Treasurer to be filed.

 

In the instance that a team solicits sponsorship donations that are desired to be tax deductible, then a league provided tax deductible authorization letter should be used.  In this case, the tax deductible donation needs to be made out to the Fishers-HSE Youth Baseball League and turned into the League Treasurer at which time it will be deposited into the Youth Baseball League account.  The League will then make a dispursement back to the respective Travel Team.  This will allow proper documentation of all deductible donations as per 501C3.

Travel Rules
The travel teams are part of the overall S.P.O.R.T.S. program and must adhere to all policies set forth by S.P.O.R.T.S. and the Fishers HSE Youth Baseball Board.  Violations will be handled by the Baseball Player Agent, Travel Commissioner and League President.  Also, each coach, assistant coach and any individual helping with the players on a team, must have completed a background check form.

Team Volunteers
Each travel team will require parent volunteers to help perform critical roles for their respective teams. The head coach for each team will be responsible for ensuring these positions are fulfilled.  All team parents are expected to volunteer and help with the various team management responsibilities.

These positions may include:
Tournament Director (home tournament)
Concession Coordinator (home tournament)
Field Preparation Coordinator
Team Scheduler
Team Treasurer
Team Parent (liaison, uniforms, etc.)

TRAVEL TEAM - PARENT INFORMATION PACKET
For more information about the Fishers HSE Travel Program, download the 2011 Travel Baseball Information Packet.  Please contact the Travel Commissioner at ewoolwine@comcast.net if you have any additional questions about this program.