Frequently Asked Questions

Richmond Chuckers FAQ

Here are some of the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) that we get by our membership.
If you can’t see your question on here, be sure to look around the rest of the website.

If you still can’t find what you are looking for, make sure you e-mail the Registrar at registrar@richmondcitybaseball.ca

WHAT IS RICHMOND CITY BASEBALL?

RCBA is a fifty-four year old not-for-profit society that provides community baseball programming to youth ages four and up. 2017 saw over 550 youth registered and play baseball. Our association is a member of BC (Minor) Baseball which is comprised of 53 associations with over 18,000 players in British Columbia. BC Minor Baseball is the largest not-for- profit youth governing body in BC. https://www.bcminorbaseball.org

GENERAL ALL-STAR (REP LEVEL) PROGRAMS LTAD REGISTRATION WHERE TO PLAY COST TO PLAY WHAT ABOUT LITTLE LEAGUE?

GENERAL

WHEN DOES THE SEASON START?

The Spring season of games for most players starts in April.

WHEN DOES THE SEASON END?

Most players play in the spring season which ends towards the end of June. Some players will continue on in the summer season until early August. We also offer Fall Ball at many levels 9U and up. Our 5U -7U programming runs through the end of July.

WHAT EQUIPMENT DO I NEED TO PLAY BASEBALL?

At the lowest levels all you need is a glove, a “jock or jill”, and a batting helmet (chin straps are mandatory through 13U PeeWee). As you get older, you will want to have baseball cleats and baseball pants. You may start to acquire optional things like your own bat, batting gloves, slider shorts and more. RCBA supplies hat and “keeper” jerseys which the players that play spring baseball. Single season teams wear RCBA owned apparel to be returned at year’s end. RCBA does not supply baseball pants (though those who qualify for financial assistance may request for a donation).

AT WHAT AGE DO KIDS START PLAYING BASEBALL?

Our youngest players register for Blastball, usually when they are 4 years old. However, older kids are always welcome to try baseball, whether it is in Rally Cap (5U-7U) Tadpole (8U & 9U), Mosquito (11U), PeeWee (13U), Bantam (15U) or Midget (18U).

For Fallball (where offered) the divisions and ages are:

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN BASEBALL, HARDBALL, SOFTBALL, FAST PITCH AND SLO-PITCH

It can be confusing to sort all that out! Richmond City Baseball Association, offers baseball to the kids of Richmond. Baseball and hardball are interchangeable terms and refer to the game played with the small, hard baseball and overhand pitching although to confuse matters more, the ball is softer when introduced to 5U (T-ball) and 6U &7U (Tadpole) players. Baseball is the game played at the Major Leagues (MLB) and all over the world. The RCBA has baseball for kids up to the end of high school. There are opportunities after that to play professional, collegiate or amateur baseball.

Softball refers to games played with the larger ball (not soft at all) with underhand pitching. Fast pitch is the competitive form of softball with fast, underhand “windmill” pitching. It is played by kids and adults. Slo-pitch is another softball game can be competitive or recreational and is generally played by adults.

The rules can vary depending on the level of competition.

CAN GIRLS PLAY BASEBALL?

Of course they can! Girls play with the boys through almost all of the divisions. At the higher levels, some girls choose to play in girls’ baseball leagues or on girls only teams. There are growing opportunities for girls to play baseball at provincial, national and international competitions. There are also opportunities to play for BC Selects programs.

CAN I PLAY BASEBALL IF I ALSO PLAY HOCKEY, BASKETBALL, SOCCER OR RUGBY?

Yes. In fact, RCBA believes that it is good for kids to play all sorts of different sports. It will make you a better all-around athlete, a better baseball player, and even a better person! Play lots of sports for as long as you can. Don’t forget that Wayne Gretzky and Michael Jordan both played baseball.

WHAT ARE AAA, AA AND A?

That’s a good question, and the answer is confusing because they mean different things at different levels.

In 11U (Mosquito), all players play “House” baseball for the Spring. All-Star Rep teams are then selected for Summer Baseball and a chance to compete for Provincial Championships. The best 11U (Mosquito) players, generally “Second Year” 11U players are chosen for the Mosquito “AAA Tier 1” team. The best “First Year” 10U players are selected for the Mosquito “A” team. All remaining Mosquito players can try out for the “AAA Tier 2” team.

In 13U (Peewee), the best 13U players are selected to play for our two Spring “AA” teams. These teams are selected to be as equal as possible with a mix of 1st and 2nd year players to continue the development model for continued tiered programming. Those players are then selected to represent the Chuckers in “AAA” and “AA” competitions during the summer. All other players play on Spring House teams in a local interlocking “A” league with Burnaby, Tsawwassen and Vancouver. The best RCBA “A” level players are then selected to represent the Chuckers to compete for a Provincial “A” All-Star league in the summer.

In 15U (Bantam), the Chuckers select the best 15U players to a single season “AAA” team which competes from April to August. This team can include up-to three (3) non-Richmond residents on its roster by BC Baseball rule. The next best are chosen for the Spring and Summer “AA” team, again to compete from April to August. All other players play on Spring “A” House team. This team(s) plays in a local interlocking “A” league with Burnaby, Tsawwassen and Vancouver. In the summer, the best Richmond “A” level players are then selected to represent the Chuckers to compete for a Provincial “A” Championship.

WHY DOES RCBA CONDUCT PLAYER EVALUATIONS AT 8U (TADPOLE) AND UP?

RCBA is committed to “Player Development” and this starts at the grassroots level of players. Each Spring RCBA host evaluation days (though not mandatory) to allow coaches to assess players. This allows RCBA to use the information for a number of things:

it allows players to be evaluated for Divisions that have team drafts to help in making sure all Spring teams are balanced;
it will allow the Player Development Coordinator to evaluate each player’s development through the years; helps RCBA understand where to focus future developmental programs
it provides a standardized evaluation process and takes away individual grading opinions and provides insight towards making decisions to permit coaches to communicate to players, parents and RCBA Board.

WHAT IS LONG-TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (LTAD)?

RCBA is committed to player development and the first step in this process is LTAD. Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a systemic approach being developed and adopted by Baseball Canada to maximize a participant's potential and involvement in our sport. The LTAD framework aims to define optimal training, competition and recovery throughout an athlete's career to enable him / her to reach his / her full potential in baseball and as an athlete. Tailoring a child's sports development program to suit basic principles of growth and maturation, especially during the 'critical' early years of their development, enables him / her

Reach full potential
Increase lifelong participation in baseball and other physical× activities

Baseball Canada Long Term Athlete Development

ALL-STAR (REP LEVEL)

WHAT IS SUMMER BALL? (ALL-STAR / REP LEVEL)

Summer Ball is an All-Star program that is available in each division from Tadpole through Midget. In Tadpole we form separate teams at the 8U and 9U levels (number of team are dependant on the number of players registering). Tadpole Summer Ball plays modified Mosquito Rules, where a hard ball is used, 9 players on the field, and live pitching in all innings.

In Mosquito we form a Mosquito AAA Tier-1 team comprised of a mixture of the best 1st and 2nd year players. (1st year players are invited and may decline to play Mosquito A), and a Mosquito A team comprised of 1st year players. We then will to to form a Mosquito AAA Tier-2 team comprised of 2nd year and 1st year players who were not selected. Then lastly we will try to form a Mosquito AA team. Our goal is to get as many players playing in the summer season as possible.

In Pee Wee we form a Pee Wee AAA team, a Pee Wee AA team, and a Pee Wee A team (the Pee Wee A team is only open to players who played at the Pee Wee A level during regular season).

In Bantam we form a Bantam A team (the Bantam A team is only open to players who played at the Bantam A level during regular season). The Bantam AAA and AA levels play what is called a single season as it goes from April to August.

In Midget we form a Midget AA team summer team. The Midget AAA/College Prep level plays a single season.

WHEN IS THE SUMMER BALL SEASON?

Summer Ball begins with tryouts in June, with games typically beginning with a tournament on the July 1st long weekend.

Tadpole Summer Ball season lasts for the month of July with 2 games per week and a season ending tournament (the weekend prior to the August long weekend). This involves travel to other associations for games.

Mosquito Summer Ball season has Provincial play down games (2 games per week), plus weekend tournaments. Teams that are successful in the Provincial Play Down round qualify for Provincials (August Long Weekend).

Pee Wee, Bantam and Midget Summer Ball seasons have Provincial play down games (2 games per week), plus weekend tournaments. Teams that are successful in the Provincial Play Down round qualify for Provincials (August Long Weekend or weekend after).

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO PLAY SUMMER BALL?

All players who play in Richmond in the spring season are eligible to try out for our Summer Ball teams.

HOW ARE THE PLAYERS SELECTED FOR A SUMMER BALL TEAM?

With the exception of 8U and 9U, the Summer Ball teams are determined by open tryouts. Depending on the division, there may be a single tryout session for all players, or there may be separate tryout sessions for each level of play (A, AA and AAA) that we participate in at that age group. There could also be multiple tryout sessions, especially when it comes to trying to decide who the players will be to fill out the final spots on the roster. After the tryouts, the division coordinator and coaches will evaluate the results and make the final determination as to which players will make the team or not. This means that the best players (who are committed to attending practices and games, and will be available to play in the Provincials) will be selected for each team. This also means that some kids who try out could unfortunately be cut and not be selected for a team.

HOW MANY GAMES WOULD WE PLAY IN SUMMER BALL?

This largely depends on the division and level of play, and how successful the team is (I.E. whether they qualify for provincials, or whether they qualify for semi-finals or final games in tournaments entered). But a typical Summer Ball team, between tournaments, exhibition games, and Provincial play down games, is likely to play in 18 to 23 games.

HOW MANY PRACTICES WOULD THERE BE?

As with all teams, the number of and schedule of practices is up to the individual coaches. However, as the goal of all Summer Ball team is to be competitive at a provincial level, you should expect to have 3 or more practices per week (depending on the level of play, and the number of games during the week).

WHAT IS THE BENEFIT FOR ME OR MY CHILD?

Firstly, being able to play any sport at a provincial level is an accomplishment that any child should be proud of, and it will be an experience that they will always remember. As well, your child will essentially play an entire extra season of baseball in each year that they participate in Summer Ball. They will be playing with players of a higher skill level than they may have played with in the spring season. They will possibly be receiving better coaching (or coaches will be able to coach at a more advanced level) than in spring season. This means that your child's skill levels will increase proportionally for each Summer Ball season they participate in.

WHAT IS THE DOWNSIDE OF SUMMER BALL?

Summer Ball requires a significant commitment on your part. You need to commit to having your child available to participate in practices, games and tournaments from the start of July to possibly the middle of August.

WE HAVE A VACATION PLANNED FOR JULY, DOES THAT MEAN WE CANNOT PARTICIPATE?

The only advice here is to come out to tryouts, and talk to the coach of the team. Depending on the division and the level of ball, it may be ok to miss a week during the Summer Ball season (providing it wouldn’t be during Provincials). But the coach would need to take it into consideration when making final roster selections.

IS THERE AN ADDITIONAL COST FOR SUMMER BALL?

Yes, there is an additional Registration Fee for Summer Ball. This fee is collected in July when your child has made the Summer Ball team.

CAN I COACH MY CHILD'S SUMMER BALL TEAM?

Any coach who wishes to apply to head coach a team in the Summer Ball season must indicate their intent by registering for a Summer Coaching position. As well, Summer Ball coaches must have the following NCCP certification levels:

Mosquito A, AA, AAA – One coach to have Regional Coach Trained Status. All other coaches must be Initiation Coach Trained status.
Pee Wee A – One coach to have Regional Coach Trained Status. All other coaches must be Initiation Coach Trained status.
Pee Wee AA, AAA – All coaches to have Regional Coach Trained Status.
Bantam A – One coach to have Regional Coach Trained Status. All other coaches must be Initiation Coach Trained status.
Bantam AA, AAA – All coaches to have Regional Coach Trained Status.
Midget AA – One coach to have Regional Coach Trained Status. All other coaches must be Initiation Coach Trained status.
Midget AAA – All coaches to have Regional Coach Trained Status.

PROGRAMS

WHAT IS RALLY CAP?

The Rally Cap program is an initiative to enhance players’ and coaches’ first experience with the game for players aged 6 and 7 years old. The program helps teams teach players the five FUNdamentals of baseball in a fun and safe environment. Players have the opportunity to perform different tasks in order to earn a colored Baseball Canada Rally Cap. Cap colours correspond with various levels of achievement.

WHAT IS GRAND SLAM?

The Grand Slam program is designed to promote physical development of children through the game of baseball. The program helps develop physical literacy by using a modified game to teach the basic baseball skills to children and ensure success. The program is designed for children of eight and nine and consists of four categories of activity fit into two seasons

WHAT IS CHALLENGER BASEBALL?

An opportunity for children with cognitive or physical disabilities to enjoy the thrill of playing baseball, being part of a team, developing physical and social skill plus all the benefits of participation in baseball at a level structured to their abilities. Games are played in a fun, safe environment where no score is kept. Our philosophy is very simple: 'Play, just for fun!!

LTAD

BASEBALL CANADA LONG TERM ATHLETE DEVELOPMENT

WHAT IS LTAD?

Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD) is a systemic approach being developed and adopted by Baseball Canada to maximize a participant's potential and involvement in our sport. The LTAD framework aims to define optimal training, competition and recovery throughout an athlete's career to enable him / her to reach his / her full potential in baseball and as an athlete. Tailoring a child's sports development programme to suit basic principles of growth and maturation, especially during the 'critical' early years of their development, enables him / her to:

Reach full potential
Increase lifelong participation in baseball and other physical× activities

The LTAD model is split into stages in which a player will move from simple to more complex skills and from general to baseball related skills. For example, a beginner may start by learning basic throwing and hitting actions and then once this has been mastered he / she will progress onto more advanced skills.

This framework will set out recommended training sequences and skills developments for the participant from the Active Start stage (5 and under) to the Active for Live Stage (adult recreational). It will address the physical, mental, emotional and technical needs of the athlete as they pass through each stage of devlopment.

WHERE HAS IT COME FROM?

A combination of recent research and the knowledge of coaches from around the world are being used to write the LTAD model. The program will be sport-science supported and based on the best data and research available. Our work will be based on the work of Canadian sport scientists, such as Istvan Bayyi, and focuses on key, common principlesw of individual development, which many sports organizations consider good practice in long-term planning for athletes.

Many leading sports stars have also attributed part of their success to participating in different sports and activities at a young age by giving them a wider base of sports skills. Our goal will be to develop our players to their maximum potential by training and enhancing all the athletic skills that contribute to their success.

WHAT WILL THIS MEAN FOR YOUR CHILD?

During your child's first few years of baseball, the emphasis will be on physical literacy. Time should be spent learning the ABC'S of athleticism (Agility, Balance, Coordination and Speed) to teach them how to control his / her own bodies. For this reason, your child may take part in exercises that do not look relevant to baseball but are supporting their development. Games and other sports will teach your child to throw the ball (basic hitting actions), catch it (hand-eye coordination), change direction and run properly. At each stage the child will be trained in the optimal systems and programs to maximize his / her potential as a ballplayer and as a long-term participant in sport.

WHAT HAS THIS GOT TO DO WITH BASEBALL?

Baseball Canada is looking to provide children with the all skills needed to take part in physical activity throughout their lifetimes. We are looking further into the future than teaching the skills to win games or tournaments tomorrow if it may have a detrimental effect on them taking part at a later age.

It is thought that taking part in baseball-specific training too early can lead to an early drop out rate, create muscle imbalances and also neglect teaching the fundamental skills needed for most sports. In fact, research shows that early specialization in most team sports results in these outcomes.

Research has also shown that it is during childhood that people are best at learning physical skills. For this reason we are advising coaches and parents to teach transferable skills first that will allow your child to become proficient in a number of different sports and therefore increase their chances of being physically active throughout their lifetime. For example, if your child learns to catch and throw a ball successfully, an avenue to take part in other ball sports is opened.

Long Term Athlete Development

REGISTRATION

WHERE TO PLAY

WHERE DO WE PLAY BASEBALL?

Players aged 4 through 9 play games at Palmer/Garden City fields. Practices can be at Palmer/Garden City, Whiteside/South Arm, Dixon Elementary and/or Latrace field.

Players 10 and 11 years old play games or practice at Gibbons Park, Thompson Elementary, Palmer Garden City fields and/or Latrace field.

Players 12 and 13 years old play games at Brighouse field. Practices are located at Brighouse field, South Arm fields and/or Latrace field.

Players 14 and 15 years old play games at Blundell fields. Practices are located at Blundell fields and/or Latrace field.

Players 16 through 18 years old play games at Latrace field. Practices are located at Blundell fields and/or Latrace field.

Check out our fields and facilities

RICHMOND FIELDS & FACILITIES

COST TO PLAY

WHAT IS THE COST TO PLAY BASEBALL WITH RCBA?

All costs are noted on “Registration” tab on the RCBA website. There are no hidden costs for programming. Tiered team programs may have additional costing which is noted prior to the start of each year.

IS THERE FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE FOR MEMBERS?

RCBA has many options for families in regards to financial assistance. No child will be turned away from wanting to play baseball.

National funding partner “Jumpstart” http://jumpstart.canadiantire.ca/en.html.

Provincial funding partner athletics4kids http://www.a4k.ca/ and our own internal Bursary fund help top up and provide equipment to those who are in need.

WHAT ABOUT LITTLE LEAGUE?

What is the difference between Richmond City Baseball and Little League?

Richmond City Baseball (RCBA) follows BC (Minor) Baseball and Baseball Canada’s Long-term Athlete Development model (LTAD). RCBA programming is based on the LTAD model to and is able to adapt internally as needed and work with our governing body to provide the best programming for grassroots players (4U and up).

Why is RCBA a better option than Little League?

RCBA is in full control of its internal programming that can adapt year-after-year to our memberships needs. Player development is our biggest concentration of effort. RCBA’s governing body BC (Minor) Baseball’s annual regional workshops offer local associations the opportunity to provide valuable input in programming improvements.

As a member of BC Baseball there are opportunities to play any one of the 52 other associations and 18,000 players in BC. RCBA participates in local “Interlock Leagues” for players 13 years and up. This provides exposure to many skill levels and player development of other associations in spring and summer that is limited elsewhere in programming. This is not limited to just internal or “neighboring districts during the spring.

Can you play for Richmond City Baseball and Little League at the same time?

Though Little League does allow players to play within their programming in multiple organizations our governing body BC (Minor) Baseball does not allow players to be registered in two different organizations at the same time. RCBA’s biggest concern is player safety and tracking of training and game play. Can you register with RCBA after the Little League season is essentially finished at the end of May each year? YES. RCBA offers the opportunity to register and continue playing. Those who are able to play 50% of RCBA’s spring season can qualify to play summer through the beginning of August.

RCBA programming participation by month as compared to typical Little League association Following information provided by local Little League District at the end of 2016.

PARENT VOLUNTEERING

RCBA is an entirely volunteer-run operation and a team effort on the part of players and families alike. Board members put in many hours before, during, and after the season to ensure the league runs successfully. In addition, each family is expected to assist in volunteering during the season. Each Team Manager will schedule parents for various duties prior, during and/or after their child’s game or Volunteering is a wonderful way to play an active role in your child's baseball experience and community.

FAQs

Field locations