FAQ's

League Questions:

Q: How do I get in touch with SLYAA to ask questions?

A: If you haven't been able to find the answer to your question on our website please email registerslyaa@gmail.com and we will get back to you. 

Q: What age groups can participate at SLYAA?

A: The SLYAA Offers baseball and softball opportunities to youth players in grades Pre-K to 7th. A player's grade for the season is at the time of registration.

Q: When does the season start and end?

A: Practices typically start the first full week in April (weather permitting) and games begin the second full week of May. The last regular season games are played the third week in June.

Q: Are there playoffs at the end of the season?

A: Minors and Majors divisions will participate in the playoffs at the end of the season. All teams make the playoffs regardless of their record or standings. Seeding for the playoff is based on regular season winning percentage.

Q: What equipment is provided by the league?

A: SLYAA provides each player with a team jersey. Game Balls are provide at the start of the game. Each team will also have an assigned catchers gear bag, helmets and bats. Players will need to provide their own glove, baseball shoes(cleats), pants, and socks.

Q: What if I have a complaint/issue about a coach, player, parent and/or umpire?

A: SLYAA takes any complaint/issue serious and ask for it to be reported. For most complaints think about applying the 24 hour rule. Please don't confront a player, coach, parent or umpire during or directly after the incident. Please contact the board at registerslyaa@gmail.com or contact a board member.

Registration Questions:

Q: Where do we register?

A: Click on the "Register" button that is on our home page or our registration page This will walk you through the registration process while the registration is open. Registration opens in February and runs through the second weekend in March. Check the registration page for exact dates. 

Q: What is included in the registration fee?

A: Registration fees for SLYAA help cover the cost of: player uniforms, team equipment (balls, bat, catcher's gear, etc.), umpires (Minors, & Majors divisions), field prep, and other expenses. 

Q: Can I still register after the registration close date?

A: No, the registration close date is firm. When registration closes, team building, team sponsorship, and jersey ordering begins within a tight window so we must have complete rosters at the time of registration close.

Q: Can my child still play if I cannot afford the registration fees?

A: Yes, the SLYAA board believes that all kids in Spirit Lake deserve the opportunity to play baseball or softball. If the registration fee is an issue, please contact registerslyaa@gmail.com for a scholarship for your child(ren).

Team/Equipment Questions:

Q: How many players are on a team?

A: SLYAA aims to have teams of 9-12 players but numbers can vary slightly depending on registered players. We try to keep the players per team low so that each player gets more playing time.

Q: Who can coach?

A: All coaches at SLYAA volunteer their time to help guide the development of baseball and softball skills to our players. We are always looking for volunteers to take on the coaching role. All coaches must go through a background check. If interested please note during player registration. No prior coaching experience is needed and members of the board are happy to assist and mentor new coaches.

Q: Can my player be on a team with their friend/sibling?

A: After registration closes, the board divides the players into teams as best we can to ensure parity between teams. If there are requests for siblings or cousins to be on the same team please contact a board member or email slyaaregistration@gmail.com and we will do our best to accommodate. Requests must be submitted prior to registration closing. 

Q: What equipment will I need for my player?

A: Player's jersey is provided by the league and the cost is included in your registration fee. At a minimum, your player should have a fielding glove. A bat, sized to your player, and baseball cleats are recommended but the league also has bats that are provided in the equipment bag each coach gets. Batting gloves and other equipment are optional. See our Equipment page for additional information. 

Q: What are the Bat Rules?

A: ALL bats MUST have the USA Baseball/Softball or USSSA certification on them to be legal.

Q: How do we get our uniforms?

A: Jerseys will be distributed at picture night. Any uniforms not picked up at picture night will be available to be picked up at the concession stand during the first week of games.

Q: Will pictures be taken for each team?

A: Yes, SLYAA works with Rocky Thompson Photography to provide the opportunity for the players to have their pictures taken in their jersey and gear. Pictures are taken individually and compiled for team photo. These may be purchased through the vendor. 

Q: How much are coaches paid?

A: All of our baseball coaches are volunteers.