Q: What should my child bring?
A: Players should bring:
- Baseball/softball glove
- Batting helmet
- Bats -- Players are welcome to bring their own Little League approved bat if they would like. While we encourage players to bring their own bats, they must be checked prior to batting.
- Players should wear baseball/softball pants or comfortable clothes.
- Please be sure to collect all of your belongings when the skills demonstrations end.
Q: How can I prepare my child for skills demonstrations?
A: Please encourage your child to try his or her best at the skills demonstrations, but in the end, this is supposed to be FUN! We want the kids to relax and take a deep breath - everyone of league age is placed on a team!
Based on the player’s performance during the skills demonstration, they may be drafted by a manager to play at the higher level of their eligibility. Participating at the skills demonstrations does not guarantee the player will be drafted to the higher Division, but a player must participate in tryouts to be eligible to play at the higher level.
Q: What if my child can't make the skills demonstrations dates?
A: Players who do not attend the skills demonstrations, and did not reschedule a time with the Player Agent to attend a skills demonstration, will not be included in the Draft Pool and will be assigned to teams by "Hat Pick". Learn more about Hat Picks here.
Q: What if a registered player can’t participate in the skills demonstrations due to an injury?
A: A registered and paid player who is physically unable to participate in the tryouts due to a temporary injury (e.g., broken arm, sprained ankle, etc.) should notify the Player Agent of their injury and recuperative status and then still attend a skills demonstration session. They will be excused after skills demonstration registration.
Q: What if I want my child to remain in Minors (A - AAA divisions)?
A: Occasionally, in the interest of a player’s safety or development, parents may prefer that the player not play at his or her highest level of eligibility. Sometimes playing a level below the minimum for his or her age group is indicated. For example, Little League International requires that all 12 year-olds, regardless of their experience level, be assigned to a Majors Division team. This might present a physical or emotional risk for the player. When it is in the best interest of the player, the parents can request a waiver of this rule to keep the player at the appropriate level. Parents wishing to exercise this option must notify the Player Agent in writing. Please note that per Little League International rules, 12 year olds are NOT ALLOWED to pitch in AAA.
Q: What happens at skills demonstrations?
A: Countryside Little League uses a skills assessment process to determine eligibility and skill level.
When the player arrives at the skills demonstration, they will be directed to the registration table. Only players who are paid/approved registrants will be allowed to participate in the skills demonstrations. The players will all be given an identification number to attach to their shirt and then directed to the warm-up area.
In the warm-up area, the players should stretch and pick a partner to throw a ball with and loosen their arms. When the managers and league staff are ready, they will be instructed on where to wait for their turn.
Each player will in turn be evaluated on the following:
- Fielding ground balls
- Catching fly balls
- Throwing after fly balls and ground balls
- Batting
- Pitching (if time allows)
- Running (if time allows)
Each player rotates through positions 1 through 6 above until all players have had their opportunity.
During each activity the managers from each division evaluate the players. Each manager and coach has his own style and preference, but they are all evaluating skill, results, and effort.
Q: Who is allowed inside the field during the skills demonstrations?
A:Only managers, league staff, and other approved personnel are allowed. Assistant coaches are not allowed on the field – as no assistants have been assigned prior to the skills demonstrations.
Q: I volunteered to manage a team. Does my child need to attend skills demonstrations?
A: Yes, before and possibly during the draft, managers’ children are discussed in terms of placement in the division so attendance at skills demonstration helps to make the placement equitable to all involved.