Principles of Rep/Select Baseball

Rep/Select baseball is, by its nature, more competitive than House League.  The competition against other communities and amongst players for a spot on the roster can be, at times, very intense.  We believe that a healthy competition is good for both the individual and the team.  It inspires top performance and, in the appropriate enviroment, will allow the player to thrive on rising to the level of competition required and will test their skills against the very best players.

While we encourage fostering a winning attitude, winning is one of several goals to be pursued.  Others, no less important, include: developing skills and talents; having fun; learning more about the game of baseball; learning to be a gracious athlete, win or lose; and developing a "TEAM" approach, which players can take into their adult careers.

Teams are made up of a wide range of individuals with differing capabilities and talents. Each was selected for the team because of a particular contribution which he/she can make to the team.  All players deserve the chance to become as good as they can be. This does not mean that all players must or will receive equal playing time.  It does mean that playing time for all players should be fair to the team and fair to the individual player.
 

Rep/Select Baseball Commitment

GAME NIGHTS: 1 home game per week and 1 away game per week. Game nights are typically Monday thru Thursday to allow for teams to participate in tournaments on the weekend.

SEASON LENGTH: Our Rep teams play in the Niagara District Baseball Association (NDBA) Loop which begins the second week of May, and goes until Labour Day weekend. 

PRACTICE NIGHT:  2 practices per week (e.g. a field practice and a batting cage practice). Team coaches will determine days and times which will be the same every week.

TOURNAMENTS:  Our teams will enter 3-4 tournament per season with the hope of qualifying for an additional tournament (OBA's which concludes the season on Labour day weekend). Head coaches will select the tournaments in February / March and communicate to families so there is plenty of time to plan for those weekend tournaments.

COST:  There is quite a wide range depending on a few factors.  Many teams have been successful at fundraising and lowering their cost significantly. The costs include diamond/umps, indoor facilities, tournaments fees, equipment, OBA/NDBA fees, uniforms, and some other miscellaneous. Typically $800 per season

TRAINING: Rep teams begin off season training in January, February or March, with usually 1 day per week and gradually ramping up to the beginning of the season.

TEAM SIZE: This depends on the age group, but typically teams have between 12 and 15 players. It is at the coaches discretion to determine the appropriate amount of players.

COACHES: All SCMBA coaches are required to have National Coaching Certification as specified by Baseball Ontario for their age group. The coaches take additional training in concussion protocols, and emergency procedures.

TRYOUTS: Tryouts occur in mid-September, where teams at each level (e.g. 8U, 9U, etc.) will offer at least three tryouts. Players will be required to attend a minimum of two tryouts unless there are extenuating circumstances as discussed with the coaching staff. Selection for Rep will be made by the head coach who will contact those successful in the tryout.

Those players not successful for Rep, will have the opportunity to participate in Select baseball (if we have sufficient numbers).  Select players will also be able to participate in scheduled off-season training.

The Catharines Minor Baseball Association Rep program is a non-profit association.  We provide baseball and affordable cost, and have programs available to help all interested players enjoy baseball.

Any additional questions can be sent to: repcobras@stcatharinesbaseball.ca