T4 = TEAM MARKOWITZ

Dear Parents,

Spring is nearly upon us, which means it is almost time to play some baseball. Over the winter, the Litchfield Baseball Association (LBA) has been working on ways to improve the program.

Rich Rochford (Fields/Facilities) has worked diligently on improving the fields at Jeff Lane and Griffin Memorial School (GMS). The dilapidated concrete dugouts at GMS were replaced with fences, and bullpen fencing on the side was removed, creating a more open look to the field, and providing easier access to the infield. The dugouts only need a roof and benches, and we can then mark this project as complete. The Jeff Lane infields have been reworked into an all dirt infield, and one field has been upgraded to 60’ base paths.

Dan Jorgensen (Equipment) has been working on creating a standardized uniform for the league. This is a departure from previous years, where the league used MLB uniforms, which differed from year to year. The difficulty with this is that the league could not order in bulk, and players were often left to the whims of the sizes given out to each team. Now, all players will have the same uniforms, but different team colors. This change will really aid in management of uniform purchasing and distribution. The new logo designs have been approved by the board, and they really look fantastic.

In 2012, we want to begin practice for the summer tournament (All-Star) teams much earlier in the season. Tryouts will be held after the first week of the season. Anyone interested in managing a tournament team (U9, U10, U11, and U12) should notify the appropriate division coordinator. By starting earlier, team managers will have more time to find and enter tournaments, and team players will have more time to develop and bond with each other before tournament time.

As with all youth sports leagues, community support is vital to provide a safe, clean, supportive, and competitive atmosphere. The league has removed the volunteer opt out fee; however, we expect all families to help out where needed. The work involved is not a lot. If everyone pitches in, all should go well. Please support our league, team managers, and players by participating in this responsibility.

The league is also in need of people to serve on the board. This past fall, I had a conversation with a fellow parent, who stated, sincerely, that they just didn’t know enough about the sport to serve as a board member. My reply was that detailed knowledge about a sport or its rules is not needed to serve as a board member. I explained that it’s all really about being able to manage yourself and others to get a few tasks done. We have the necessary duties documented, but we need more participation at the board level. I especially appeal to and encourage people with younger players in the league to consider stepping up. After all, you’re probably going to be involved for a few years with the league. Unfamiliarity with the board and/or league does not matter! Some people are moving on, and we need your help to fill those roles. Why not be a part of deciding what paths the organization will follow in the future?

Lastly, registration for the 2012 season begins February 7 and will end on March 24. Skills assessments are done for Rookie divisions on up; dates are:

To accommodate parents who cannot register on-line, you can register on skills assessment day. It is imperative that all players register by the skills assessment day so that the formation of teams is efficient, and player hats/shirts are ordered timely. An additional $20 fee will be applied to registrations that occur after registration closes.

Sincerely,

Pete Moore. LBA President

Early Registration ENDS March 24, 2012

VOLUNTEERING

LBA needs volunteers for the upcoming Spring Baseball season. Volunteering is extremely important for the success of the season. It is expected that all parents will volunteer during the season. There are numerous volunteer roles, the most important ones are listed below. Read the 'Participant Job Descriptions' doc in the LBA Handouts for a description of all the available volunteer roles.

Team Manager

LBA needs volunteers for team managers. Individuals who enjoy teaching/instructing, leading a group, and serving as a role model for kids are highly encouraged to volunteer. LBA will provide coaching clinics to get team managers started, suggest baseball drills, tips on planning practice sessions, and communicating with parents.

Coach

LBA needs volunteers for team coaches. Individuals who enjoy teaching/instructing, leading a group, and serving as a role model for kids are highly encouraged to volunteer. LBA will provide coaching clinics to get team managers started, suggest baseball drills, tips on planning practice sessions, and communicating with parents.

Team Parent

Team parent is a fun role who keeps order at the bench, maintaining batting order during the game, keep record of the number of outs, and runs scored.

Field Day

Each Spring the fields need work to prepare them for game day. Many of volunteers are needed to complete the work in a few hours each day. Please consider marking your calendar (April 17 and 19) and volunteering for this important activity.

Concessions

The concession stand provides refreshment for game spectators and players on those warm summer days, and helps to support the LBA league. The concession stand needs volunteers for this service to be a success. If the above volunteer roles won't work for you, then parents should be volunteering for this important duty.

HOW TO REGISTER

Children who are residents of Litchfield and complete the registration process are eligible to participate in the Spring season. Online registration is the preferred method. Registering online is the best for the following reasons:

• Submitted information does not involve any additional human intervention
• Ensures your child will appear on the participant list used by Division Coordinators
• Ensures that registration fees will be received.

Sports Sign Up ONLINE Registration

To register your child, visit the LBA Sports Sign Up site. Registering online is convenient, takes only a few minutes, and includes three simple steps.

Sports Sign Up Online Registration Process for Parents/Guardians

Step 1. Click on the registration logo

Step 2. Signup for an account at LBA Sports Signup page

Step 3. Enter child or childrens names

Step 4. Complete the online registration form specifying the division that their child or children will participate.

A child is not officially registered for Spring 2012 Baseball until registration payment has been received.

Sports Sign OFFLINE Registration

Completing the Sports Sign Up online registration process in its entirety is the preferred method for parents/guardians to register their child/children for the upcoming Spring Baseball season. If completing Sports Sign Up online registration is not possible, it is possible for parents register their child/children offline.

Step 1. Obtain a LBA Sports Sign Up account

Step 2. Enter their childrens names

Step 3. Print the registration form for each child

Step 4. Deliver the completed registration form plus a personal check covering the fee(s) to the Player Agent.

LBA OFFLINE Registration Form

For parents who do not have Internet access, or appropriate online payment method, it is possible to register using the LBA registration form.

Step 1. Download and print the 2012 LBA Reg Form PDF

Step 2. Complete the form.

Step 3. Ensure payment details is accurate.

Step 4. Deliver the completed registration form plus a personal check covering the registration fee(s) to LBA Player Agent.

2012 REGISTRATION FEES

Early registration fees for the LBA 2012 Spring Baseball season will remain the same as last year. Below is a table of the current fees. The maximum cost a family will also remain the same as last year, which is $225.

Early Registration Fees Feb 7 - March 24, 2012

$20 late fee will be assessed for registrations after March 24, 2012.

Registration ENDS Sunday, April 7, 2012

2012 AGE CHART

The 2012 Age chart can also be downloaded from the LBA Handouts.

*4 year olds are registered by "Playing Up" the player.

For questions regarding registration send an email to LBA Player Agent or alan.hood68+LBAregistrar@gmail.com