River Park Little League - Parent, Player and Coach Handbook 2018 Season For the latest information: www.riverparkll.com
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
River Park Little League
Parent, Player and Coach Handbook
2018 Season
For the latest information: www.riverparkll.com
Updated November 2018Little League
Pledge
I TRUST IN GOD
I LOVE MY COUNTRY
AND WILL RESPECT ITS LAWS
I WILL PLAY FAIR
AND STRIVE TO WIN
BUT WIN OR LOSE
I WILL ALWAYS
DO MY BEST
From the ranks of youngsters who
stand now on the morning side of the
hill will come the leader, the future
strength and character of the nation.
2018 Schedule
Online Registration – November 15, 2017, to February 2018
Walk Up Registration at Dick’s Sporting Goods River Park Location – Dec 2, 2017
Big Al’s Coaching Clinic – February 18, 2018
Tryouts – February 3 or February 10
(each player ages 8 to 12 attends only one)
Draft Day Majors – February 13, 2018
Draft Day AAA – February 15, 2018
Draft Day Rookies – TBA
Establish T-Ball, AA teams – Week of February 12, 2018
Coaches Clinic and Work Day – February 17, 2018Opening Day and Team Pictures
Saturday, March 17, 2018
Opening Day attendance mandatory for all players and coaches
Reg. Season Play Begins – March 18, 2018
(Approximate, depends upon team schedule)
Spring Break – March 26 – April 2, 2018
Memorial Weekend Tournament – May 26 - 28, 2018
End of Season – End of May 2018
Tournament of Champions – June 2018*
All Star Play Begins – June 2018
*Subject to Change
Check http://www.riverparkll.com/ for latest updates
Dear Parent,
Welcome to River Park Little League’s 2018 baseball season. Please take a little time to review this
handbook and hopefully we will be able to impart our vision for the league and answer some of the more
commonly asked questions.
Our Mission:
River Park Little League exists to provide a supervised program of competitive baseball to be played under
the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc. Our primary aim is to firmly implant in the children
of the League the ideas of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect for authority so that
they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children who will grow to be good, decent, healthy and
trustworthy citizens.
A Little History:
River Park Little League was created in late 1993 by local community leaders who had a desire to bring
sanctioned Little League to North Fresno. The League was incorporated as a non-profit public benefit
corporation on May 19, 1994. River Park Little League was chartered in 1994 by Little League Baseball,
Inc.
River Park Little League is affiliated with Little League Baseball, Inc., which has its headquarters in
Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Little League is the oldest and largest youth sports program in the world, and
is the only youth sports program to be voted a Federal Incorporation by the Congress of the United States.
Little League baseball is played in ninety-one countries by over three million boys and girls, ages five
through eighteen. Little League conducts a world-wide program of tournament play at the Minor, Major,
Junior, Senior and Big League level of play that culminates in a true World Series held at various locations
in the USA. The best known is the Little League World Series held in Williamsport and televised by ABC
sports.Even though River Park Little League is chartered by and affiliated with Little League Baseball, Inc., the
League is controlled locally. The operations of the League are conducted by a duly elected Board of
Directors voted on by the membership of the League.
In May 1994, by a vote of its duly elected Board of Directors, the League committed to its vision to build
a baseball complex consisting of four baseball fields. The wagon wheel shaped arrangement includes for
each field: a grass infield, an electronic scoreboard, lighting, dugouts and fencing. A two-story building
allows for concessions on the bottom floor and the top floor is used for game announcers and official
score keepers. Also to be located on the North West corner is a clubhouse with a multi-purpose meeting
room, storage room and permanent restrooms.
During 2000 a new relationship was developed between River Park Little League and the Harry Goorabian
Baseball Foundation. The Foundation has provided the League with the necessary funds to complete the
League’s vision of a World Class Baseball Complex. In appreciation, the River Park Little League Board of
Directors and the Fresno Metropolitan Flood Control District have elected to rename the ballpark the
“Harry Goorabian Park” in honor of the Goorabian family.
With the completion of this project, the league is attracting regional tournaments such as District,
Sectional, and Divisional Little League All Star games.
How Do I Get Involved
Managers and Coaches:
During registration any parent wishing to manage their player’s team or assist in coaching should be sure
to fill out a Manager/Coaches application. All applications are reviewed by the Managers selection
committee. A recommendation is made to the President and League’s Board of Directors for their final
approval.
Team Parent:
Every team must have a Team Mom/Dad. A Team Mom or Dad is invaluable to the team’s manager and
all the parents and players of the team. A Team Mom or Dad organizes all tam functions such as snack
schedules, parties and team volunteer responsibilities as well as assisting the manager/coach in the
planning of practices and contacting all the players when necessary. The Team Mom or Dad is
responsible to make sure that the concession stand is manned by their team parents when it is that
teams turn to do so. Consider being your team’s Official Team Parent. Little League of America requires
that all volunteers interacting with the players submit to a background check. Any information received
will be confidential.
Concession Stand:
The concession stand is a great opportunity for the league to raise much needed revenue to keep up our
great facility. As you can imagine a lot of volunteers are needed to staff the concession stand. Please
volunteer as much time as possible during games. Every team is provided a schedule and assigned a
time when that team is responsible to work in the stand.Announcers & Scorers:
Some games are announced from the announcers/scores booth. Each player will get to hear their name
announced as they come up to bat. The League also needs official scorers to keep statistics and official
score books. Every AAA and Major team is required to provide a volunteer to record the official score
and pitch count log when they are the home team. The official scorer must maintain the official score
book and operate the scoreboard in the AAA and Major divisions.
Tournament Volunteers:
Each year River Park will have the opportunity to host several baseball tournaments at the end of our
regular season and throughout the summer. Teams from all over the Valley compete in our
tournaments. Successful field preparation and management of tournament affairs requires dependable
personnel willing to help with duties required to make our tournaments successful.
Division Coordinators:
River Park Little League has five separate divisions consisting of: T-Ball, AA, Rookie, AAA, and Majors.
Each division demands one individual as a Division Coordinator. Coordinators are responsible to
communicate all activities between the League and the Managers. Also, the Coordinators have limited
authority to observe conduct of Managers, Parents and Players and communicate any potential
problems to the League’s Board of Directors.
Field Maintenance:
Field Maintenance is the primary responsibility of the League’s appointed Facilities Coordinator.
However there is a lot of volunteer time required to prepare and keep the fields in good playing
condition. The Facilities Coordinator organizes work parties and must have volunteers to assist. Please
sign-up for field maintenance and be available to the Coordinator when the need arises. In addition,
parents and coaches are expected to prepare the fields for the next game immediately following their
game, regardless of whether there is a game immediately following or not.
Opening Day:
Opening Day is an exciting and busy day for everyone. Lots of volunteers are needed to cause all the
festivities to come together and make the day special for the players and spectators. It is one full day so
if your time is normally limited please consider volunteering for this event.
Managers and Coaches Selection Process
River Park Little League annually forms a Managers Committee. The primary function of the committee is
to interview and investigate prospective managers and coaches, and recommend acceptable candidates
to the President, for appointment and subsequent approval by the Board of Directors.
If you want to coach:
During registration any parent wishing to manage their player’s team or assist in coaching should be sure
to fill out a Manager/Coaches application. All applications are reviewed by the committee. The managers
committee is looking for managers and coaches with experience in baseball and teaching skills. You must
be able to teach good character and baseball skills to the players. Little League of America requires that
all volunteers interacting with the players submit to a background check. Any information received will
be confidential.Coaching educational clinics are mandatory for all managers and coaches in River Park Little League. Clinics
are conducted prior to the beginning of each season.
Those applying to be managers and assistant coaches are not guaranteed positions. No manager or
coach has tenure, regardless of the years of service with the league.
League Age Determination
In 2014, Little League District Administrators initially voted to move the age determination date from April
30 to December 31, effective with the 2018 season. That was amended by District Administrators and the
Little League International Board of Directors in August 2015, moving the date from December 31 to
August 31. Effective November 2015, the implementation plan has been amended, grandfathering the
four-months of children born between May 1 and August 31, 2005 as 12-year-olds for the 2018 season.
As of 2018 no players with an actual age of 13 will be playing in Little League regular or post season
games.
For players born on or before April 30, 2005: The new age determination date of August 31 will be
effective starting with the 2018 Little League Baseball Season. For the 2018 season these players will use
the April 30 age determination date.
For players born between May 1, 2005 and August 31, 2005: The new age determination date of August
31 will be effective starting with the 2019 Little League Baseball Season. For the 2016, 2017, 2018
season, these players will use the April 30 age determination date.
Draft Method
To establish an equitable distribution of player talent at the Minor and Major levels, Little League has
devised a draft selection system, which has proved very successful. The purpose of this plan is to provide
balance in player talent between teams and for protection of players assigned to individual teams at the
Major division level.
After the completion of try-outs, all Minor and Major managers will meet to determine how to place each
player on a team. The draft process is used only to ensure parity amongst each of the teams. River Park
Little League adheres to Little League’s recommended draft procedures and all drafts are approved by the
Player Agent and the Board of Directors.
Draft order for Majors will begin with the team with the lowest prior regular season finish order, then
progress through all teams, unless a pick is not available for a particular team, then begin over at the
lowest ranked team for the second round.
Draft order for AAA and Rookies is determined at random. Draft order is serpentine, moving up the list of
teams and then back down for the next round.
All players league age 9-12, except those who were on a Majors team the prior year, must try out. A 12
year old who fails to try out will not be permitted to play. An 11 year old who fails to try out may be
selected at random for a Majors or AAA team, or not be permitted to play, as the Board may determine.“Frozen” Players
A maximum of two players may be "frozen" on each Majors team. A player may be frozen if the player's
parent is an approved coach for a team. Once a player is frozen, the player remains one of the two
frozen players on that team until the player is no longer playing at River Park Little League, regardless of
whether the parent continues to coach. An opening for another frozen player arises only when an
existing frozen player leaves the league. A player who was first drafted (not frozen) to a Majors team is
not considered frozen if the player's parent becomes a coach of the team. AAA teams may freeze 2
players and Rookies may freeze 3 players, but in both circumstances it is for one season only. All frozen
players, except those already having played on a Majors team, must still participate in try outs.
Trading Players
Immediately following the draft, managers may, if they desire, trade players acquired in the draft in the
draft room. No trades can take place after that, except in extraordinary circumstances for good cause.
All trades shall be made through and with the approval of the Player Agent. Minor League players may
not be traded for Major team players. The Player Agent will monitor any attempts by managers and
parents to manipulate the system and thus create an imbalance in the league. All trades must be for
justifiable reasons and be approved by the Board of Directors.
Releasing Players
Players repeatedly absent from practices and games may be released from the team’s roster. Managers
are required to inform the Player Agent if a player is repeatedly absent. Players are sometimes released
from the team due to injury, illness or relocation.
Calling Up A Player From The Minors
LOCAL RULE - Call Up Procedure
A Major team requesting to call up a AAA player must complete the transaction prior to the start of the
Major team’s 14th game of the season. The Major Coach has seven (7) days from the date of player loss
to provide a list of five AAA players in order of rank to both the Major Coordinator and the Player Agent.
If all five players deny the request to be pulled up the Major Coach has the option to submit additional
players or to play the remaining season without replacement. In the event the Major Team loses a player
prior to the 9th game of the season, that team is obligated to find a replacement otherwise a player will
be appointed by the board. Note: Frozen players, opt outs, coaches’ kids, and kids who did not try out,
are not eligible to be called up.The Player Agent will make contact to the parents of the AAA player informing them of the call up request.
The AAA Player now has 24 hours to accept or reject the call up request. If this offer is rejected the AAA
player is no longer eligible for call up that season and the Player Agent begins this process with the second
choice provided by the Major Coach. If this offer is accepted the AAA player is moved to the Major roster
immediately.
The Board is responsible to approve all call ups once a player has been selected and accepted. The Board
has the authority to approve or disapprove of any act if the majority of the board believes the Major Call
Up Procedure is being manipulated.
The same rules hold true for Rookies being called up to AAA so long as the roster falls below 11 players.
The Rookie team roster cannot fall below 10 as a result of a call up.
*This Local Rule must take into account the maximum numbers for ages on each team (Majors teams can carry a
maximum of 8 players league age 12, 7 players league age 11, and 6 players league age 10).
**If the Player Agent has a conflict the Major Coordinator or AAA Coordinator can facilitate the parent contact.
***Coaches are not to make contact with any of the players or their families identified to be called up.
T-Ball & AA Placement Policies
League ages 4-6 are placed on a T-ball team. T-ball teams hit the ball off of a batting tee. League ages 7/8
are placed on a AA team. AA players hit from a pitching machine set at 35 mph. League age 6 players who
have completed 2 years of T-ball and have sufficient maturity and physical development may be permitted
to play AA. League age 5 players may not play AA. League age 8 players who try out may be drafted by a
Rookies team. League age 7 players may be permitted to play Rookies only if they are granted an exception
by the Rookies coordinator, attend a try-out, and are then drafted by a Rookies team.
It is impossible to honor all requests for players to be placed on specific teams or with a particular
Manager/Coach, therefore River Park Little League will no longer attempt to do so. All players will get the
best instruction from Managers that have all been approved by the River Park Board of Directors.
Schedules
The League plays a schedule that is produced by a computer program. There are no established days for
teams or divisions to play, except for T-ball which plays on Saturday mornings. The computer will generate
a team schedule. The League cannot and will not accommodate requests to play on specific days.
Parking
Parking for all baseball games at Harry Goorabian Park will be at Kaiser Park. Vehicles are allowed to park
no earlier than 5:00 p.m. weekdays in this lot. Please drive slowly and carefully and refrain from leaving
any trash in the parking lot. The River Park Board of Directors reserves the right to eject players from the
League, without refund, if the player, player’s parents, guardians, or other family members do anything
that may impair the relationship with the private property owners, City of Fresno, or the FMFCD!
Therefore, any actions, such as speeding, entering early, parking inappropriately, dumping trash,causing property damage, or any negative verbal interactions with the private property owners, their
tenants, or patrons will be dealt with very seriously. Vehicles parked on Alluvial Street, or in the
residential complex east of the fields will most likely be towed.
Opening Day Ceremonies
All Managers, Coaches and Players are required to attend Opening Day Ceremonies. This has proven to
be a very exciting day for the players. All players fully dressed in their uniforms line up with their teams
and participate in a large parade starting at the entrance to Harry Goorabian Park and proceed around
the long walkway down to the diamonds where their teams are all introduced. A short ceremony will
take place with various dignitaries throwing out the first pitches. Then, a full day of baseball activities
including team pictures will occur. Parents should plan on bringing cameras and video recorders because
this is something that shouldn’t be missed!
Post Season Play
Tournament play, sometimes called "travel ball," has been judged to be desirable and a beneficial phase
of Little League activity. It makes possible a normal climax to regular season play and gives youngsters a
chance to experience travel and association with players from other leagues. River Park Little League
provides many opportunities for post season play in addition to All-Star and Tournament of Champions
post season play. Players league ages 8-12 may continue to play baseball throughout the summer as
desired and as teams are successful. If you are interested in this additional post season play, you may
contact a team manager or a member of the Board of Directors.
Tournament of Champions (TOC)
At both the Minor and Major divisions River Park Little League participates in the Little League District 10
Tournament of Champions, (TOC). District 10 is made up of Little League organizations throughout Central
California http://www.cadistrict10.com/ . Each participating team has a chance to play in a format that
allows the advancement to a final game which determines which local league wins the District
Championship.
The tournament is played at several ballparks around the valley and River Park will act as host for some of
the games. The tournament begins in June after our regular season and spans approximately one week.
River Park will send one representative team at each level (AAA and Major) to the TOC. At the tournament
our players represent River Park Little League. It is a great honor for the players and they all have a great
time.
See the playing rules for each division to see how the TOC playoff teams are determined and the format.All – Stars
The League’s All-Star tournament teams are selected on the basis of individual player ability from among
all of the teams in our Minor and Major Divisions. River Park Little League forms three teams, a 10 year
old and under team, an 11 year old team and a 12 year old (and under, if applicable) team. Play begins
after TOC and is initially concentrated around Central California. If teams advance through district,
section, state, division and regional play to establish the field for the WORLD SERIES. Note: 11 and 10
year old divisions may advance to state level only.
The World Series
In the World Series the regional winners from around the world gather in Williamsport, Pennsylvania for
a week-long round of education activities and competition. Taking part in “The World Series” is an
unforgettable adventure. The opportunity to meet and make friends with other youngsters from all over
the world, to enjoy the educational benefits of travel and to take part in the varied program of events is a
rare experience. Media coverage of the World Series and the tournaments leading up to them is the most
extensive of any youth sports championship. Games are televised.
Fall Baseball
River Park Little League provides a fall baseball program. Play is primarily instructional and consists of
organized clinics and games. Practice is limited. Players play on Sundays for eight weeks. The season
starts in September and generally runs through the end of October.
Insurance
WARNING: Protective equipment cannot prevent all injuries a player might receive while participating in
baseball.
WHAT PARENTS SHOULD KNOW ABOUT LITTLE LEAGUE INSURANCE:
The CNA Little League Insurance program is designed to afford protection to participants at the most
economical cost to the local League. It can be used to supplement other insurance carried under a family
policy or insurance provided through the participant or family’s employer(s). If there is no other coverage,
CAN Little League insurance-which is purchased by the league, not the parent – takes over and provides
benefits, after a $50 deductible per claim, for all covered injury treatment costs up to the maximum stated
benefits.This plan makes it possible to offer exceptional, low-cost protection. Parents may wish to read the
insurance brochure, which is provided to the league, to obtain more information on the insurance
coverage. If your child sustains a covered injury while taking part in Little League Baseball, here is how the
insurance works:
A. File claim initially under insurance carried by the family: Blue Cross, Blue Shield, HMO or any other
insurance protection available.
B. Should your family insurance plan not fully cover the injury treatment, the Little League CNA
insurance policy will help pay the difference, after a $50 deductible per claim, up to the maximum
stated benefits. This includes any deductibles, co-pays or exclusions in your insurance.
C. If your child is not covered by any family insurance, the Little League Insurance Policy becomes
primary and will provide benefits for all covered injury treatment costs, after a $50 deductible per
claim, up to the maximum benefits of the policy.
D. Treatment of dental injuries can extend beyond the normal 52 week period if dental work must
be delayed due to physiological changes of a growing child. Benefits will be paid at time treatment
is given, even though it may be some years later. Maximum dollar benefit is $500 for eligible
dental treatment after the normal 52 week period subject to the $50 per claim deductible.
We hope this brief summary is helpful in better understanding the important aspects of the operation of
the Little League endorsed insurance program.
Helpful Hints for Parents
• Make every effort to attend your child’s game.
• Understand that the game is very difficult to learn and play, and should look for opportunities to work
with your child on the skills of the game.
• Understand that progress and growth often come one small step at a time, and that players improve
at different rates.
• Conduct yourself at games/practices in a responsible manner. Treat coaches and League officials with
respect and courtesy.
• Exercise good judgment and care around the players, and encourage good safety measures to protect
the players.
• Do not question a manager’s or coach’s decision in front of the players or communicate with the
manager or coach in inappropriate ways.
• Ensure that children will arrive at games and practices on time.
• All players may only wear the uniform issued by the league, and it must be worn properly (shirts
tucked in and hats the right direction).
• Do not remove your child from a game because you disagree with a coach’s decision.
• Encourage your child to exhibit good sportsmanship, good teamwork and exercise good discipline.
• Instill a sense of responsibility in children concerning obligations to the team, teammates, coaches
and the League.
• DO NOT permit a child to leave the designated player area to sit with you during a game.
• Support children in both successes and failures.• Do not question or voice disapproval of an umpire’s decision.
• Participation trophies are not supplied by the League. If you desire to provide trophies, they can be
purchased locally.
Helpful Hints for Managers
• Create a safe and caring environment for players to learn, practice, and play.
• Be kind, approachable, courteous and polite.
• Set clear and reasonable expectations.
• Be knowledgeable of the rules of the game and teach the fundamentals.
• Use good judgment as to when and how to discipline.
• Be positive in situations where there seems to be failure.
• Be fair to all players.
• Demonstrate poise, self-control and self-confidence.
• Warm up the players before every practice and every game.
• Ensure all players are instructed on safety.
• Support the work of the league organizers and volunteers.
• Model good sportsmanship.
• Understand that progress and growth often come on small step at a time.
• Understand that players improve at different rates.
• Communicate appropriately with players and parents.
• Be a good role model.
• Demonstrate a high level of respect for volunteers and umpires.
• Remember that the game is for the players.
Harry Goorabian Baseball Foundation
The partnership between the Harry Goorabian Baseball Foundation and River Park Little League has
provided the League with the necessary funds to complete construction of our baseball complex. The
Foundation is also providing continued support for specific programs the foundation and League are
planning together.
Harry Goorabian Baseball Foundation Mission Statement:
The Harry Goorabian Baseball Foundation continues Harry and Zabelle Goorabian’s desire to serve our
communities youth, in the hope that as children are nurtured in a positive, supportive environment, they
will grow to adulthood with the desire to return that same commitment to our city.
Foundation History:
The Harry Goorabian Baseball Foundation was created by Mrs. Zabelle Goorabian in tribute to and in
memory of her husband Harry E. Goorabian. Harry and Zabelle Goorabian have for many years been active
supporters of Fresno’s youth. The Harry and Zabelle Goorabian Family Life Center at Pilgrim Armeniancongregational Church, providing basketball programs for the community, as well as Kuppajoe coffee house providing a positive alternative coffeehouse/nightclub for Fresno’s youth continue to be examples of their vision. The Foundation was created by Mrs. Goorabian after viewing the commitment of the Little League of America and other organizations to children, baseball, and the ideals of sportsmanship, team play, and personal character. Assisting these organizations, together with helping youth that might otherwise not have opportunity to develop their skills and character, was and is an essential part of the Goorabian’s life goals. Foundation Goals: The foundations goals are to partner with many local, regional, and national individuals, businesses, and organizations to: • Provide assistance to youth baseball organizations. • Promote events consistent with baseball’s team and person values. • Provide assistance and equipment to areas and teams in need. • Providing post baseball assistance for educational opportunities of deserving individuals. Biography of Harry Goorabian: Harry Goorabian spent his youth in the Fresno community, demonstrating a unique blend of athletic talent and communicative skill. He delighted in serving as student body president of his high school (Roosevelt), and playing baseball at the highest local levels (twilight league). At the end of his high school career, Harry contracted with the Saint Louis Organization of Major League Baseball and began his journey to the Majors. By 1942, Harry had advanced to the AAA San Francisco Seals playing under the management of Lefty O’Doul and was readying himself for the move to a Major League team that would utilize his third baseman’s skills and his powerful bat. Unfortunately, fate in the form of WWII stepped in and as did so many of his peers, Harry enlisted in the US Armed services. He served as a recruit physical. After his discharge in 1946, harry returned to the Seals, but realized that his age would probably hinder his chances for a major league career. He was pursued, and signed on as a player/manager of the Stockton Ports for the 1946 season during which he lead and homered the team to the league pennant. By the end of the 1946 season, Harry felt he had accomplished his goals within baseball, so he retired, and together with his young bride Zabelle, returned to their home of Fresno to embark on a business career. Harry soon founded and developed Mid Valley Distributors, the largest fastener wholesaler between Los Angeles and San Francisco, guiding its success until his death in 1997. Harry Goorabian was a man of strength and action, but also one of humor and compassion. Together with Zabell, the Goorabian’s have quite a legacy of assisting Fresno’s youth, consistent with his love of sports and the belief that cultivating team concepts and personal responsibility will serve our youth in their adult lives.
Fund Raising
River Park Little League provides a supervised program of competitive baseball for 700 plus boys and girls
ages four through twelve. From 1993 until 1998 the League did not have a permanent place to call home.
Our children played baseball on fields considered unsafe due to lack of dug-outs and adequate backstops
to protect players from line drives or thrown bats.
Construction began in 1997 on our new baseball complex with the dream of a World Class Baseball
Complex for the children of our league and the community. It is only due to the League’s persistent fund
raising activities and the gift from the Harry Goorabian Baseball Foundation that enough money had been
raised to complete all major construction of our facility. However, the need to continue to upgrade and
improve the ballpark is necessary. The vision of a World Class Baseball Complex for children playing Little
League baseball continues. To continue to keep players of River Park Little League playing in the best
facility, having all of them using the safest and best equipment and have the same quality uniforms they
have become accustomed to, we must continue our fund-raising efforts.
The League raises funds through registration fees, sponsorships, outfield sign sales, “Family Day”, and an
annual Dinner/Dance. Without ongoing fund raising activities the vision for World Class Little League
Baseball Complex would not be realized.
Concessions
The concession stand is a great opportunity for the league to raise much needed revenue to complete the
vision. Team snack packages are available for after the games as well as many other individual snacks and
beverages. Please support your concession stand.
League Boundaries
At map is available at the River Park website, but generally the boundaries are as follows:
The southwest boundary line shall begin at the centerline of Herndon Ave and N. Fresno Street. The
western boundary line shall then proceed north along N. Fresno Street until it reaches N. Friant Rd. The
boundary shall then proceed north along N. Friant Road to a point of intersection at E. Copper Ave. The
northern boundary line shall proceed easterly along E. Copper Ave to N. Minnewawa Ave. The boundary
line shall then proceed southerly along Minnewawa Ave. to Shepard Ave. The boundary line shall then
proceed east along Shepard Ave. to its intersection with State Highway 168. The southeast boundary line
shall then proceed southwesterly along State Highway 168 to W. Herndon Ave. The southern boundary
line shall then proceed west to the centerline of Herndon Ave and N. Fresno Street.All players must either reside in or attend a regular school within the River Park boundaries. Certain
waivers may be available. Players must provide documentation of their residence or school attendance to
be eligible for post season play.
Challenger Division
River Park Little League is excited to add the Little League Challenger Division. Challenger is Little League’s
adaptive baseball program for boys and girls with physical and developmental challenges. Flexibility and
adaptability are key during Challenger games. Typically games are 2 innings long and last about an hour.
The game format is similar to T-Ball or coach underhand pitch. All players play defensively and bat every
inning. “Buddies” accompany each player. Buddies are individuals who assist Challenger athletes in
batting, base running and defense, but only as needed. Often buddies are peer athletes who are
participating in the Little League Baseball or Softball program. Rules for Challenger games are set forth
below in this Handbook.
Games are typically played on Sunday afternoons at the River Park fields. Practices are up to each team.
Twenty-five or more volunteers are required for a Challenger game, including 2 to 4 umpires in uniform,
an announcer, 3 or more coaches for each team, and 20 or more Buddies to assist the players.
Volunteering is extremely rewarding, as the Challenger game experience may be the first and most
important sporting event for many of the players, now able to participate rather than merely spectate.
Registration fees for Challenger are on a voluntary donation basis. Players are not required to reside or
attend school within the River Park boundaries. Please contact the League for more information and
registration for Challenger.
More Challenger information can be found at: http://www.littleleague.org/media/challenger/about.htm
RPLL Ground Rules & Local League Rules
ARTICLE I OBJECTIVES
Local Rules establish the league’s policies in certain areas where leeway is allowed by Little League
Baseball Rules, Regulations, and Policies. No league’s Local Rules can conflict with the published Rules,
Regulations, Policies, or Principles of Little League Baseball without expressed written permission from
the Charter Committee in Williamsport.
Local Rules are not considered part of the Constitution. They are two separate documents. The Local
Rules are annually reviewed, revised (if necessary) and adopted annually by the Board of Directors. The
constitution governs the Local League operation from year to year and can only be amended by the
Membership at a duly organized meeting as provided in article XIII of the Constitution.
ARTICLE II MEMBERSHIP
Regular Members wishing to maintain their “Good Standing Status” with the League must:A. Be active in at least one of the League’s committees or Manage, Coach or act as a Team Mom or
Dad.
B. Attend at least a majority of the General Membership meetings called by the League’s Board of
Directors.
C. Understand the fundamentals of the Little League program. Know how the local League is
organized and operated, its policies and objectives, and must be familiar with methods by which
these objectives are attained.
D. Maintain proper attitudes. In association with a program which aims to teach children discipline,
good sportsmanship, loyalty and values of team work, members must bring these same attributes
to their efforts on behalf of the league.
ARTICLE III LOCAL AUTHORITY
SECTION 1 General
River Park Little League board members have absolute authority at all local Little League games, practices
and activities. Board Members, Umpires, Managers and Coaches operate under Little League Baseball
Rules and Regulations except where local ground rules are permitted as established by River Park Little
League and approved by Little League Baseball.
SECTION 2 Practice Fields
No team practices at Harry Goorabian Park or any other practice facility in which the League is in control
without specific (day/time) permission from the League President or Facilities Coordinator. Any team
practicing at the facility has full responsibility for field and equipment maintenance as they would
following a game, as set forth below. No team is to practice at any Clovis Unified School District facility
without authorization from the League’s Practice Field Coordinator, and no team shall arrive at a School
practice field prior to the designated time on a school day.
ARTICLE IV TOURNAMENT OF CHAMPIONS (TOC) SELECTION
The Tournament of Champions teams are determined by the teams with the best records at the AAA and
Major levels respectively. A playoff method may be implemented at the discretion of the board of
directors. If not and there is a tie in the regular season standings and time permits there will be a tie
breaker. If there is not time for playoffs or a tie breaker the division champions will be determined on a
head to head basis. See the respective Divisions (AAA and Major) for determination of TOC teams and the
format of play.
ARTICLE V ALL-STAR SELECTION
(see also ARTICLE XVI AND XVII LEAGUE DIVISION AND POST SEASON RULES)
SECTION 1 Major Team and 11-12 Year Old All-Star Team
All players league age 11 and 12 who are playing in the Major division are eligible for the Major All-Star
teams.
Each Major Manager provides the League with a list of All-Star candidates from their team. The Major
Managers are then assembled typically on the last Saturday of the season, and each player’s ability and
eligibility is reviewed. After discussion and all Managers are fully familiar with each player, the Managers
are provided with a secret ballot and asked to pick 12 players for the Major All-Star team. The names are
kept confidential until such date that Little League allows their release, typically two weeks before All-Star
Tournament play.SECTION 2 10 Year Old and Under All-Star Team
First, the 10 years old and under team All-Star Managers are selected from the remaining Major division
Managers, and the top four Minor division Managers based on regular season win/loss records.
Major League and Minor League (AAA) 9 and 10 year old players are eligible for the 10 and under All-Star
team. All players league age 10 playing in the Major League division with Manager recommendation and
two players from each Minor League division team are eligible to attend tryouts for the 10 and under
team. Minor Managers may request permission only in extreme conditions from the Coordinator to send
additional players to tryouts.
Tryouts are typically run by the selected Manager and two or more Major division coaches who have
minimal conflict with the selection (sons not trying out), and at the Manager’s choice. The Manager
generally observes tryouts while the other selected coaches run drills. Following tryouts, the previously
selected Manager and two Major coaches determine the team.
The Manager, his Assistant Coaches and all players must be approved by the League’s Board of Directors.
The 10 and under team All-Star Manager and Assistant Coaches must have attended all applicable
mandatory Coaches’ clinics.
ARTICLE VI MANAGERS AND COACHES
SECTION 1 Manager Selection
All Managers and Coaches are selected by River Park Little League’s Managers committee. The committee
will interview and investigate prospective managers and coaches, including those of the T-Ball, AA, Rookie,
AAA, and Major teams and recommend acceptable candidates to the President, for appointment and
subsequent approval by the Board of Directors.
All Managers and Coaches applying to manage or coach in the League must fill out a Managers/Coaches
application (online). No Manager or Coach has tenure, regardless of the number of years managing or
coaching in the league. In addition, all Managers and Coaches must complete and sign a Volunteer
Application.
SECTION 2 Certification
All Managers must complete the league’s certification process in their respective divisions or provide
other satisfactory evidence of coaching competency. An exception to this rule is to receive a waiver from
the league’s Board of Directors which is only available in extreme or special situations.
SECTION 3 Conduct
Managers or Coaches deemed by the President or Board of Directors to conduct themselves in a manner
that is considered to be unacceptable will be removed from their team’s rosters. Following are only some
of the league’s Managers and Coaches Conduct Policies.
A. MANAGERS AND COACHES MUST READ AND UNDERSTAND THE RULES OF THE GAME AND THE
CONTENTS OF THIS HANDBOOK, INCLUDING LOCAL RULES!
B. No tobacco, alcohol or drugs are allowed on any Clovis Unified, Fresno Unified, any other practice
field or within Harry Goorabian Park.
C. Managers must be fair and include every player on the team in all team activities.
D. Managers and Coaches must model good sportsmanship.
E. Managers and Coaches must be good role models.F. Managers and Coaches must demonstrate respect for umpires, other managers, coaches, and
especially players from opposing teams.
G. For the T-ball, AA, and Rookie divisions, Managers and Coaches should generally not have a player
sitting out more than one inning consecutively, and should move players to a variety of positions,
infield and outfield, subject to safety concerns and the ability to play the specialty positions of
pitcher and catcher. Managers and Coaches should not “play favorites” and have certain players
always placed in desirable positions or having more play time. Teaching, developing players, and
instilling a love for the game are the goals, not winning (as score is not kept). Managers and
Coaches failing to comply with the spirit of these guidelines may be removed or denied coaching
positions in the future.
SECTION 4 Participation
All Managers and Coaches must support the work of the league by participating in the following activities.
Failure to do so may cause the Manager or Coach to be removed from their team’s roster and that
Manager or Coach may not be allowed to manage or coach in the league for the remainder of the season.
A. Managers and Coaches must participate in Opening Day activities.
B. Managers and Coaches must, within reason, participate in any mandatory “Field Work Parties”
that are called by the League’s Facilities Coordinator or Board of Directors.
C. Managers and Coaches (both home and visitor teams) are responsible for field and equipment
maintenance before and after games and practices.
ARTICLE VII FIELD AND EQUIPMENT PROCEDURES, MANAGERS AND COACHES
Please review the document “Field Care Guide” on the River Park “Documents and Downloads” web
page.
SECTION 1 Dugouts
The home team occupies the third base dugout.
SECTION 2 Before The Game
A. Both teams must roll up and remove the tarps, set out the bases, paint the foul lines and batter’s
boxes.
B. Both teams must drag, rake, and wet the infield prior to each game -- do not pull the drag mats
across the grass!
C. Both teams must set up the pitching machine (AA only) and outfield cones (AA, Rookie only).
D. Both teams must set up the pitching mound (at 40’) and pick it up after the game (Rookie only).
E. Both teams are to make sure all gates along the foul ball lines are closed.
SECTION 3 After The Game
A. Both teams must rake the pitching mound and home plate area; at the end of the day, tarps should
be placed over these areas if there is any chance of rain before the next games. Make it ready for
the next game or the next day’s game.
B. Both teams must make sure all league equipment such as bases, water hoses, rakes, etc., are put
away in their proper places and the fields are clean. Bases, small tools, shovels, and paint are
placed in the blue bins near the bullpens. Pitching machines, batting T's, cords, and pitching
machine balls are placed in the blue bin by the snack bar. Other items, such as portable mounds,
stripers, hoses, batter’s box templates, rakes, and drags, are left out in their proper places.C. Please ensure all paint cans are locked up in the bins! Paint left out has been used by vandals to
graffiti the facility.
D. Both teams must wet the infield.
E. Both teams must take down and put away the pitching machine and outfield cones, if present.
F. Both teams are responsible to make sure the dugouts are cleaned out, and trash picked up.
G. All Managers or Coaches are responsible to make sure all exit gates and equipment boxes are
locked.
H. Managers and Coaches playing at Kaiser Field are to make sure that Kaiser gates are locked.
ARTICLE VIII TEAM MOM OR DAD
A. Every team must have a designated Team Mom or Dad. The Team Mom or Dad is appointed by
the Team Manager. Every Team Mom or Dad must complete a volunteer application for
background check as mandated by Little League Baseball.
B. The Team Mom or Dad is to assist the Manager in the day to day non coaching activities of the
team.
C. The Team Mom or Dad is to receive the concession stand work schedule, attend a mandatory
meeting on team parent duties regarding the concession stand, then schedule members of their
respective team to work in the concession stand when it is the team’s scheduled time.
D. The Team Mom or Dad is to make sure there is always an official scorer available when they are
the home team (AAA and Majors only).
E. The Team Manager always has final say within the team as to the duties of the Team Mom or Dad.
ARTICLE IX SPECTATORS' CODE OF CONDUCT
A. No loud music will be allowed by team fans or coaches between innings for motivational purposes.
No music allowed in the dugouts.
B. No throwing rocks or sticks.
C. No climbing fences.
D. No heckling Umpires, Managers, Coaches, or Players on the opposing team.
E. No children under the age of 9 are to be permitted to work in the Snack Bar.
F. No dogs, alcohol, and tobacco of any type are allowed in Harry Goorabian Park or any other
playing or practice facility at any time. All Managers, Coaches, Board Members, and volunteers
are to enforce this policy any time they see a violation.
G. No bicycles, skateboards, roller blades, and scooters are to be ridden at any time in Harry
Goorabian Park.
H. Players and Rostered Coaches are the only ones allowed in the dugout. No food is allowed in the
dugout.
I. Observe all posted signs. Players and spectators should be alert at all time for foul balls, home
runs, and errant throws.
J. Do not allow children to play on the practice pitching mounds (bullpens).
K. Do not allow children to play between the outfields, especially behind the catchers when they are
warming up pitchers on the practice mounds.
L. Spectators are not to address the umpire or loudly comment on the umpire’s calls during games.
Any concerns should be addressed to the team’s Manager, who has the sole authority to address
the umpire. The official scorer may address the umpire about scoring concerns, as necessary.M. Failure to comply with the above may result in expulsion from the Harry Goorabian Park.
N. Disruptive parents will be barred from future league activities. Disruptive coaches will be
removed from team rosters. Disruptive parents and spectators must leave the facility
immediately upon request from an umpire or a member of the league’s board of directors. As a
lesser alternative to ejection from the park or penalizing a manager or team, the umpire or a
member of the league’s board of directors has the authority to require any spectator violating
the above rules to go sit beyond the outfield fence, rather than in the regular spectator areas.
A spectator failing to immediately comply without discussion shall leave the facility and may be
prohibited from future attendance.
ARTICLE X SAFETY
These safety rules apply to all baseball activities at Harry Goorabian Park, including regular season games,
post season games, fall ball, tournaments, travel leagues, and practices.
SECTION 1 General
A. Managers and Coaches are to always have their First Aid Kit and ice packs in possession at all
practices and games.
B. Only players, managers, coaches, and umpires are permitted on the playing field during play and
practice sessions.
C. During warm-up drills players should be positioned so that no one is endangered by wild throws
or missed catches.
D. During practice and games, all players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch.
E. All pregame warm ups should be performed within the confines of the playing field and not within
areas that are frequented by, and thus endanger spectators (i.e., playing catch, pepper, swinging
bats, etc.) No warming up on infields, except “in and out” in the Majors division.
F. Coaches are not allowed to sit on buckets outside the dugout. A bucket may be positioned in the
dugout opening, subject to the direction of the umpire.
G. NO ON FIELD ON DECK BATTER AND NO HOLDING OR SWINGING BATS IN THE DUGOUT! Players
waiting to bat must remain fully inside the dugout.
H. No swinging bats at any time within the walkways and common areas of the Harry Goorabian
Park. Players may play catch to warm up in areas beyond the outfield fence, but only under the
direct supervision of a coach.
I. No throwing or hitting baseballs against dugouts, backstops, or any fences. Use plastic balls for
soft toss drills against the fence.
J. No games or practices are to be held when weather or field conditions are not good, particularly
when lighting is inadequate.
K. Managers and coaches are to inspect the play area before every game and practice for holes,
damage, stones, glass, and other foreign objects.
L. No one is allowed to climb up or over fences or gates.
M. Batters must wear Little League approved protective helmets during batting practice and games;
no stickers or paint may be applied to helmets that were not supplied by the helmet
manufacturer.
N. All catchers must wear a catcher’s helmet, mask, dangling throat protector, shin guards, long
model chest protector and protective cup with an athletic supporter at all times (male) for allpractices and games. NO EXCEPTIONS! No stickers or paint may be applied to helmets that were
not supplied by the helmet manufacturer.
O. Players in the position of catcher must wear a catcher’s helmet and mask with a dangling throat
protector when warming up pitchers on field, in bull pen, and infield drills.
P. In all divisions, managers and coaches may not warm up pitchers, either on field or in the
bullpen; have a bench player with a catcher’s helmet and cup ready to warm up pitchers.
Q. Managers should encourage all male players to wear protective cups and supporters for practices
and games.
R. Except when a runner is returning to a base, head first slides are not permitted; runners will be
called out for prohibited head first slides.
S. At no time is “horse play” permitted on the playing field, dugouts, or common areas.
T. Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide “safety glasses”.
U. Players must not wear jewelry of any kind or material, including watches, necklaces, bracelets,
rings, pins, or metallic items during games and practices.
V. Only equipment issued by the league may be in the dugout. Exception: Little League approved
bats, helmets, and personal items.
W. Managers are to have your players’ Medical Clearance Forms, if provided by the League, with you
at all games and practices.
X. Managers and coaches may not administer any medications.
Y. Managers are not to leave an unattended child at a practice or game. Parents should always arrive
at practices before they are over.
Z. Managers and Coaches must report any present or potential safety hazard to the Safety Officer
immediately.
AA. Managers and Coaches are responsible for keeping foul ball and bull pen fence gates closed at all
times on the fields they are playing on.
SECTION 2 Lightning Evacuation Procedure
A. Stop Game/Practice immediately.
B. Stay away from metal fencing (including dugouts)!
C. Do not hold a metal bat.
D. Walk, do not run to a car and wait for a decision on whether or not to continue the game or
practice.
SECTION 3 Communicable Disease Procedures
A. Bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered, and the uniform changed if there is blood
on it before the player may continue.
B. Routinely use gloves to prevent mucous membrane exposure when contact with blood or other
body fluids is anticipated, (provided in first-aid-kit).
C. Immediately wash hands and other skin surface if contaminated with blood.
D. Clean all blood contaminated surfaces and equipment.
E. Managers, coaches, and volunteers with open wounds should refrain from all direct contact until
the condition is resolved.F. Follow accepted guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding and disposal when handling
bloody dressings, mouth guards, and other articles containing body fluids.ARTICLE XI T-BALL PLAYING RULES
A. The T-Ball division is to be made up mostly of players league ages, 4, 5, and 6, with exceptions for
some league age 7 years old to play.
B. The time limit for all games is 4 innings or 1 hour and 30 minutes, whichever comes first. NO
EXCEPTIONS.
C. There are to be a maximum of one rostered Manager and two rostered assistant Coaches in the
dugout or anywhere on the field at any time. One rostered Practice Assistant may help only if a
regular Coach or Manager is absent.
D. One T-Ball parent such as an Official Team Mom or Dad may be in the dugout to sit with the
players.
E. Managers are to de-emphasize the score and encourage the players to learn and have fun. ANY
MANAGER OR COACH DEEMED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS TO BE PUTTING TOO MUCH
EMPHASIS ON THE SCORE AND WINNING WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TEAM ROSTER.
F. Only two defensive coaches are permitted in fair territory for instructional purposes. Managers
and Coaches are not permitted to interfere with the ball or touch offensive players, except to
prevent an injury from occurring. An offensive coach may assist the batter with his stance but
offensive coaches are not permitted in fair territory, and cannot help “Push” the runners to the
next base. Coaches are not to delay the game.
G. Managers and coaches will serve as impartial umpires.
H. Adults only are allowed in the coaching box. If a rostered team coach is available, parents are not
allowed to be in the coaching box.
I. All players on the roster are placed in the batting order. Every player hits every inning. Teams
change sides only after every player has had his at-bat. K. All players will hit off the tee.
L. Each batter will get five swings. A 6th swing will be allowed if the 5th swing is hit foul. The batter
is out if the batter fails to put the ball in play after the fifth/sixth swing.
M. When all the defensive players are in position and ready, the umpire (offensive manager) will
place the ball on the batting tee. The plate umpire must remove the Batting Tee from home plate
as soon as the ball is put into play.
N. Base runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit. If a base runner leaves the
base before the ball is hit, the base runner and batter will only be allowed to advance one base if
the ball is hit safely for a hit.
O. Runners must avoid running into the catcher or fielder who is waiting to make a tag on the runner.
The runner must avoid the collision by either sliding or running around the player with the ball
waiting to make the putout. The runner will be called out if he does not make an effort to avoid
the fielder waiting to make the tag.
P. No stealing of bases allowed, or sliding into first base by the batter-runner. The batter-runner will
be called out for any sliding into first base.
Q. FOUL BALLS - The same as regular baseball with two exceptions:
(1) The ball is foul if it does not travel beyond the 10-foot circle in fair territory from home
plate.
(2) The ball is foul if the batter hits the tee with the bat causing the ball to fall from the tee.
R. Bunting is not permitted.
S. A maximum of 10 defensive players are allowed on the field, and the rover must play an outfield
position, not directly behind and up close to 2nd base. Outfielders are to play their positions back
on outfield grass, not on infield dirt.T. A defensive player must be placed in the pitcher’s position.
U. Free substitutions are allowed with the condition that every player must play a minimum of two
defensive innings.
V. PLAY MUST BE STOPPED WHEN A PLAYER IS INJURED ON A PLAY, AND RUNNERS WILL NOT BE
ALLOWED TO ADVANCE MORE THAN TO THE NEXT BASE.
W. Player chatter must be directed to encourage teammates, and not to intimidate the opposing
team’s players.You can also read
