Team Selection

Team tryouts will occur each year in August (or as denoted by the Jr. Dukes Baseball Board of Directors).  Players need to tryout each year.  Previous year play does not automatically qualify you for the current year’s team.

 

A standardized number rating system is used to select teams. Players are rated by a team of evaluators (typically coaches, Jr. Dukes Baseball Board members and potentially other volunteers). Rating results, combined with coach’s feedback and previous season’s player evaluation form will determine team selection. Not every player that tries out for a team will be selected to participate. It is the goal of Jr. Dukes Baseball to maximize participation of area youth by fielding as many quality teams as reasonably possible without compromising the competitiveness within any group. This is accomplished by the Jr. Dukes Baseball Board:

 

·         Forming one baseball team comprised of the top players within that age/grade level;

·         Assessing the relative talent of the remaining interested players in that group for purpose of determining if a second team is a viable option;

·         Seeking volunteers and making solicitations, if a second team is an option, for a coaching staff of the second team;

·         Assisting the managers, where necessary, with the final roster selections of the team while keeping in mind the overall goals of the Jr. Dukes Baseball.

 

For all Jr. Duke Baseball Club teams, rosters will be determined with the philosophy of having an “A” and if necessary a “B” team.

 

Jr. Dukes Baseball will field teams with a minimum of 11 players and the Board reserves the right to increase or include taxi (practice) squad players at each grade for the baseball division.

 

The Board reserves the right to adjust or amend rosters as needed at any time due to unforeseen circumstances. Situations of players moving up or down a grade level of play will be evaluated and determined by the discretion of the Jr. Dukes Baseball Board.

 

 Expectations of Players

·         Read the “Nine Rules of Baseball” on the website

·         All players are expected to attend all practices and games. If you are going to be late or miss a practice, let your coach know with as much advanced notice as possible.

·         Be on time! This means at the diamond and ready to start at the designated time for practice and for games.

·         Provide coaches with your full attention and respect.

·         Treat others with dignity and respect on and off the field.

·         A player must always respect the umpires “call”. It will be the coach’s roll to talk with the umpire on questionable calls. A Jr. Dukes Baseball player may never make a derogatory comment to an umpire, opposing team player or their coaches/fans.

·         Baseball is a challenging sport and long season with many highs and lows. We expect each player to work at maintaining poise and embrace the team with a positive  attitude. If a player/parent question or become confused about your role on the team, let your coach know and he/she will talk to you on an individual basis.

·         Have fun, and show good sportsmanship! Support your fellow teammates and other Jr.  Dukes Baseball teams. Remember, we all play on the same team, represent yourself,  your team and village with pride.

 

Expectations of Parents

·         Support all the players (not just your own child) and coaches.

·         Respect the umpires and their calls.

·         Represent Jr. Dukes Baseball and Whitefish Bay in a positive manner at each tournament game.

·         Pay the annual participation fee for each child participating in the Jr. Dukes Baseball program. If a parent has financial difficulty paying the annual participation fee, the parent is directed to confidentially contact one of the Jr. Dukes Baseball Board members. The Board can set up the fees to be paid in installments if needed.

·         Parents will bring to the coach’s attention any medical condition or issues that may impact the player’s ability during the season.

 

Coaches

Quality of baseball coaching is one of the most critical components of a successful club baseball program. Head coaches must be able to work with youth players and have an appropriate level of knowledge and expertise for the age and ability level of the team they are coaching. Demonstrated past experience in coaching and playing will be strongly considered. The Board will assign one head coach to each team. The head coach will select assistant coaches based upon the Board’s approval. Like the players, coaches selected in the previous year, do not automatically qualify to coach the current year. Coaches must re-apply and will be evaluated every year along with any new potential candidates.

 

Expectations of Coaches

·         Provide Leadership

·         Improve the overall skills and talent of each player on the team

·         Instill a mentality within the players that focuses on playing the game with the following mindset:

1.    100% effort every time they step on the field

2.    Team first

3.    Self discipline

4.    Responsibility

5.    Self confidence

6.    Respect for teammates, coaches, parents, opponents, umpires

7.    Toughness

8.    That doing your best is a huge success and really fun

·         Provide a positive learning experience, not necessarily a winning experience

·         Be a positive and mature role model for the players

·         Give ALL players the opportunity to improve

·         Exhibit diligence, enthusiasm, honesty, and a love for the game

·         Represent Whitefish Bay in the baseball community

·         Maintain open and timely communication with players, parents, and the Jr. Dukes Baseball Board

·         Take care of the equipment provided for your team

·         Conduct a parent meeting at the beginning of the season

·         Run challenging, well-organized practice sessions

·         Attend mandatory coaches’ meetings/clinics