THE ONE CONSTANT BATTER UP! - Westerville Youth Baseball & Softball League
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Spring 2023 BATTER UP!
Volume 28, Issue 1
Westerville Youth Baseball & Softball League
THE ONE CONSTANT…
Registration Opens
January 31
Practices Begin
(b/u final # teams)
Green Hat (& older)
Week of April 10
Coach-Pitch/Tee-Ball
Week of April 17
Season Ends
July 9
With the new year comes a new WYBSL season and we’re ready to get the ball rolling! Most
would agree, recent times have brought much change and many challenges. Communities and
families are working harder than ever to navigate these times, especially for the sake of
children which the WYBSL can assist with.
In our favorite baseball movie, James Earl Jones speaks of the role our sport plays in our
history and as a remedy to what ails us. The WYBSL has been a proud “constant” in
Westerville for 72 years as an all volunteer, non-profit organization serving our youth and
their families.
Baseball and softball help teach our youth the value of sportsmanship, teamwork and respect
while providing development of athletic skills for players age 4-18. Thanks to our partnership
with the City of Westerville and Westerville City Schools, we also play on arguably some of the
best recreational league fields in the area and where parents, players and siblings can spend
quality family time together!
In 2023, we will continue to invest in field, equipment and other program improvements
including the return of tournament teams in Red Hat softball and baseball. These teams will
play in a limited number of local “rec” tournaments in July. Please read on to find all the
information you’ll need to register your young player(s) for the spring/summer leagues.
As Terence Mann so eloquently stated, if you build it, “people will come” and now we’re ready
for you to join us for another great season!
See you at the fields!
Ken Sahlin, Editor
Weather
Website Email Hotline
Twitter
www.wybsl.org wybsl@wybsl.org (614) 523-6220 @WYBSLalerts
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 2
SPRING OVERVIEW IMPORTANT DATES
LEAGUES - The WYBSL offers 10 leagues in tee-ball,
Activity Date
baseball and softball. Practices start in mid-April; games
begin in May. The regular season ends at the end of
On-line Registration OPEN @ 1/31
June. In all leagues, except tee-ball, post-season league
tournaments begin in late June. Each player receives a www.wybsl.org
team shirt and cap or softball visor if desired. The
Regular Registration, Scholarship & 3/20
league supplies all fields, balls, batting and catcher 2 of 17“Play with a Friend” (Tee-Ball &
equipment. Players supply gloves, shoes, socks and
Softball Coach-Pitch) deadline
baseball pants or shorts (depending on the league).
PLAYING AGES & FEES - As a result of proactive steps
Withdrawal w/full refund deadline 3/31
to mitigate the impact of inflation last year and in 2023, (see p. 8)
there will be NO increase in league fees this year!
See p.3 for a complete list of fees by league. Play-Up & Skill Assessments 4/8
Rain Date: 4/15 (see pp. 4 & 7 for
Playing age is determined by age on 4/30/23. Fees more info)
include a league registration fee and a $24 Fields Fund
fee. In exchange for the Fields Fund fee, each player Practices Begin* Wk of:
receives 12 - $2 raffle tickets which they may sell to Green Hat & older leagues 4/10
defray the costs or simply put their parent’s name on Coach-Pitch & Tee-Ball 4/17
* Based on weather and final # teams
them for entry in our All Star Saturday raffle. * pending assessments
REGISTRATION - Registration will once again be done Final Withdrawal deadline (see p. 8) 4/30
through the online application on our website
(www.wybsl.org) and begins January 31st.
Games Begin** Week of:
CALENDAR - Please reference the league calendar on Coach-Pitch & older leagues 5/8
page 4 for league deadlines, schedules and events. Be Tee-Ball league 5/15
sure to check our website for updates throughout the
season.
Spring/Summer Season Ends 7/9
NEW IN 2023
RED/BLUE HAT SOFTBALL - after testing last fall, new
WYBSL UNIVERSITY
playing ages for Red (11-13) and Blue Hat (14-17) are in
place this Spring.
Volunteer coaches are essential to our program.
and “WYBSL U” is an important for new coaches
SUMMER TOURNAMENT TEAMS - assuming sufficient
and especially head coaches in our Tee-Ball and
commitment and availability, the WYBSL hopes to field a
Coach-Pitch leagues.
team in Red Hat Softball and Baseball to play “local”
recreational league tournaments. Tournament play is
Recognizing many such volunteers
anticipated to occur in July with tryouts in late May/early
may not have experience or want to
June. More information will be available in May.
improve their skills, this program will
help coaches in areas such as:
COACH-PITCH BASEBALL - as done in the fall, we will
• League rules
be consolidating the “A” & “B” leagues into one coach-
• Pre-season preparation
pitch league for players age 7 & 8 as of 4/30/23.
• Planning & conducting practices
• Coaching games
PITCH LIMIT UPDATES - in our continued efforts to
• Communicating with parents
ensure player safety and development, new pitch limits
are in place in both softball and baseball (see p.5).
This spring, “class” will be April 16th (time &
location TBA) with lunch also being provided. We
BLACK/BLUE HAT BASEBALL METAL CLEATS - the
hope you’ll volunteer as a coach in these important
WYBSL has decided to ALLOW metal cleats in the Black &
entry level leagues and become a graduate of
Blue hat baseball leagues in 2023 while it continues to
WYBSL U!
evaluate the portable mounds installed last spring.
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 3
LEAGUE AGES / FEES REGISTRATION ELIGIBILITY
We’ll assure a place for every family who lives,
League Baseball Softball Registration
Fee works or attends school within the boundaries
of the Westerville City School District and
Co-Ed Tee-Ball 4-6 — $85 applies by the regular registration deadline.
Coach-Pitch 7-8 7-8 $97 3 of 17
We will accept other applications at any time
on a space available basis. In all past seasons,
Green Hat 9-10 9-10 $102 we have placed 100% of all applications
received by the regular registration deadline
Red Hat 11-12 11-13 $108 date of March 20th.
Blue Hat 13-14 13-17 $113 All players who did not play in the WYBSL
during 2022 must provide a birth certificate
Black Hat * 15-18 — $118 copy that can be uploaded via our online
application.
Player age as of 4/30/23.
* To play at age 18, a player must be a full-time
SCHOLARSHIPS
high school student at the beginning of the playing
season.
FIELDS FUND FEE
Each player must add a $24 Fields Fund fee to the
above registration amount. Players will receive
twelve $2 raffle tickets which they can sell to defray
the cost. Our Fields Fund goes to maintaining, The WYBSL would like to thank Dick’s Sporting
improving and building new fields! Goods, Lake Shore Cryotronics and Westerville
Local 3480 Firefighters for their generous
FAMILY PLAN support that helps fund our scholarship program
(Calculated from the highest to lowest registration fee) to help assure that more eligible players (who
reside within the Westerville City School
First two players @ Full Fee + Fields Fund Fee District) can participate in our league,
All other players @ Fields Funds Fee only regardless of financial circumstances.
LATE REGISTRATION Depending on the individual situation, this
program may allow deferred payments and/or
AFTER MARCH 20, 2023
full or partial fee grants to provide assistance
Additional $30 per player. with Registration and Fields Fund fees, up to
$118 per year per child.
VOLUNTEER IN 2023
Full information and the scholarship application
Coaches and Staff are needed at all age
can be found within our online registration.
levels! Use the online application to
volunteer or contact Lauren Swihart PLEASE NOTE, all scholarship applications
(secy@wybsl.org) must be submitted by March 20th for
consideration.
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 4
CALENDAR
JANUARY APRIL (continued)
Tue 31st Online Registration Opens SKILL ASSESSMENTS (continued)
www.wybsl.org
Baseball - Huber Village
Green Hat (9-10)
FEBRUARY Last Name / Time Last Name / Time
A-D / 10:00A M-P / 1:00P
E-H / 11:00A Q-Z / 2:00P
Sat 25th Walk-in Registration/Open House 4 of 17 I-L / 12:00P
Time/Location TBA Sat 8th
Red Hat (11-12)
A-H / 11:30A S-Z / 1:30P
I-R / 12:30P
MARCH
Baseball - Highlands Park
Blue Hat (13-14) - 9:00A
Regular Registration, Scholarship &
Black Hat (15-18) - 10:00A
Mon 20th “Play with a Friend” deadline
(Tee-Ball & Softball Coach-Pitch) Baseball & Softball League Drafts
Rain date: week of 17th
Fri 31st Deadline for Withdrawal w/Full Refund
Week of Green Hat & Older League Players
10th Notified of Team Assignment
APRIL After completion of drafts
Green Hat & Older League Practices Begin
Week of Baseball & Softball Coaches Meetings
Green/Red/Blue/Black Hat Leagues Rain date: Week of 17th
3rd
Sun 16 “WYBSL-U” for Tee-Ball & Coach Pitch Head
PLAY-UP ASSESSMENTS Coaches; Location/Time TBA
Rain date: 4/15
Tee-Ball & Coach-Pitch Coaches Mtg’s
Softball - Huber Village Week of
Coach-Pitch Play-ups for 6 y/o's: 8:30A 17th Tee-Ball & Coach-Pitch League Players
Green Hat Play-ups for 8 y/o's: 9:00A Notified of Team Assignments
Red Hat Play-ups for 10 y/o's: 11:00A
Sat 8th Blue Hat Play-ups for 13 y/o's: 12:00P Tee-Ball & Coach-Pitch Practices Begin
Baseball - Huber Village Sun 30th Final Deadline for Refunds
Green Hat Play-ups for 8 y/o's: 10:00A
Red Hat Play-ups for 10 y/o's: 11:30A
MAY
Coach-Pitch Play-ups for 6 y/o's: 10:30A
Week of 8th Coach-Pitch & Older League Play Begins
Baseball - Highlands Park
Blue Hat Play-ups for 12 y/o's: 9:00A
Sat 6th Team Photo Day (rain date: 5/13)
SKILL ASSESSMENTS Week of 15th Tee-Ball League Play Begins
Rain date: 4/15
JUNE
Softball - Huber Village
Green Hat (9-10)
Post Season Tournaments Begin
Last Name / Time
Week of 19th (except Tee-Ball)
Sat 8th A-M / 9:00A
N-Z / 10:00A
Fri 23rd Last Day to Turn in Raffle Tickets
Red Hat (11-12) - 11:00A
Blue Hat (13-15) - 12:00P JULY
Sat 1st All Star Saturday (see p. 13)
Tue 4th Independence Day Parade
Look for Fall Ball
registration information in Sun 9th Spring/Summer Season Ends
mid-June! Sat 15th Fall Ball Registration Open House
12P-2P; Location TBA
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 5
LEAGUE OVERVIEW
We offer young boys and girls the opportunity to spend many years in our program. Although skills and
competition increase as players advance, the focus at all levels is on learning and fun. Continuous
batting orders are used and all players must play a minimum number of innings in the field. Although
we base our rules on National Federation of High School standards, there are modifications for each
league to provide a careful evolution and recreational focus as summarized below:
Co-Ed No scores or standings are kept, ten players5bat each inning regardless of outs and ten defensive
of 17
Tee-Ball players with coaches in the field for instruction. Players placed in different field positions each inning.
Coach- Coaches pitch to their own team, scores and standings are kept but not emphasized, batters receive
Pitch up to 7 pitches, there are no walks. Ten fielders are used with coaches teaching from the field.
Fielders must play 3 defensive innings and must play both infield and outfield.
Green Players are pitching, bunting and stealing (see specific rules). Coaches pitch once 4 “balls” are called.
Hat Baseball teams play with 9 players in the field and pitch count limits are in place.
Red Competition increases but focus on instruction continues. Stealing of all bases is allowed and dropped
Hat 3rd strike is introduced. In baseball, field size increases, limited balk rules & pitch counts are added.
Blue Generally a middle school age league, certified OHSAA umpires are used, pitchers can pitch complete
Hat games subject to pitch count. In baseball, field size increases and lead-offs are allowed.
Black For baseball, generally high school young men playing on “major league” field size.
Hat
Baseball Overview By League
Baselines Pitch Dist. Innings Ages Days Balls Umpires 2 2
IP/Game IP/Wk
Co-Ed 45’ n/a 4 4-6 TuWTh RIF1 Volunteer n/a n/a
Tee-Ball
Coach-Pitch 60' 46' 6 7-8 MWF RIF5 Volunteer n/a n/a
Green Hat 60' 46' 6 9-10 MWF League Trained 55 pitches 100 pitches
Red Hat 70’ 50’ 6 11-12 TuWTh League Trained 65 pitches 120 pitches
Blue Hat 80’ 54’ 7 13-14 MWF League Certified 75 pitches 140 pitches
Black Hat 90’ 60’6” 7 15-18 TuWTh League Certified 85 pitches 150 pitches
Softball Overview By League
Pitch Dist. Innings Ages Days Balls Umpires IP/Wk2
Baselines 2
IP/Game
Coach-Pitch 50’ 30’ 6 7-8 MWF 11” RIF1 Volunteer n/a n/a
Green Hat 60' 35’ 6 9-10 MWF 11” Trained 2 n/a
Red Hat 60’ 40’ 6 11-13 TuWTh 12” Trained 3 n/a
Blue Hat 60’ 46’ 7 14-17 MWF 12” Certified 4 n/a
1 Reduced Injury Factor Ball 2 Innings Pitched Limits
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 6
6 of 17
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 7
SKILL ASSESSMENTS PLAYING UP
Skill assessments are only conducted for certain A player’s “Playing Age” is his/her age on 4/30/23
leagues. and we urge parents and guardians to consider that
children play in the normal league for their age.
• Blue Hat Softball: these assessments help
league staff balance team selection. We realize that skills develop faster for some and
the17WYBSL provides a way for boys and girls to
7 of
• Green/Red Hat Softball: assessments are used “play-up”. To do so, parents must complete a
for coaches to draft teams. Play-up Application with their registration and
pay the appropriate fees for that age level. Players
• Green/Red/Blue/Black Baseball: assessments must also attend a mandatory play-up
are used for coaches to draft teams. assessment.
Players who cannot attend their skill assessment Players may play-up one age year – NOT one
are assigned to teams using a “blind draw”, or league. For example, a six year old may request to
“age and alphabet” assignment, or by Staff. play Coach-Pitch instead of Tee-Ball – a five year
old cannot. In summary, play-up eligibility is:
Skill assessments are not mandatory, but highly
encouraged in order to balance team formation. • For SOFTBALL Playing Ages of 6, 8, 10 or 13
Please see the calendar on p. 4 for times and • For BASEBALL Playing Ages of 6, 8, 10, or 12
locations for each league.
Players will be considered in the chronological order
in which their registration(s) are received and space
PLEASE NOTE, INTERSCHOLASTIC must be open after regular registration ends.
PLAYERS are prohibited from participating in
WYBSL activities (excluding Photo Day) until Players must either:
the school season is complete. • Have played in the same WYBSL higher age
division before (2022 Fall or Spring), or
This includes all types of WYBSL assessments, • Attend a mandatory play-up assessment session
practices and clinics. Affected players will be on April 8th. Make-up dates, times and
assigned to teams by draw or by Staff. locations are listed on the calendar on p.4.
The WYBSL staff must agree that the player is
“CALL-UP” PLAYERS able to safely and competitively play at the
requested level.
A “Call-Up” player is one that is asked to play a game,
in the next higher division when a team may be short If the player does not meet the above criteria, the
players on a given day (e.g. a 10-year-old Green Hat parents will be contacted and given the option of
player filling in on a Red Hat team). Call-up players are playing at the normal age level, if space is
used in Green Hat and older baseball and softball available.
leagues.
If parents are not completely confident of
Head Coaches in these leagues will be asked to their daughter or son’s ability to play-up, we
identify potential players on their current roster that are recommend not applying.
capable of being a Call-Up player and would have an
interest in becoming a Call-Up player. Upon the The WYBSL reserves the right to evaluate a play-up
parent’s completion of league permission and release participant at any time, before or during the
forms, the player will be added to the call list. season, and take appropriate action to ensure the
safety of all participants. Please note, “play-down”
Forms and additional requirements and restrictions requests to a younger level can not be honored.
regarding call-up players are available on our website.
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 8
TEAM SELECTION
Team selection is a very time-consuming task for In Green and Red Hat Softball and Green,
your League administrators. Regardless of the Red, Blue and Black Hat Baseball leagues,
age group involved in all leagues, the first players players are selected in a “skill assessment” and
to be assigned are: “draft” procedure. If a player is new to a league
or wishes to play on a different team than last
• Sons/Daughters of Head and Asst. Coaches 8 of s17
pring, he/she should go to the Skill
• Returning players in the same league as last Assessment Session listed for the appropriate
year, unless they ask to be reassigned league in the WYBSL calendar on page 4.
• Siblings in the same league are automatically Coaches then participate in a Player Draft. At
placed on the same team, unless otherwise the end of this draft, any players who could not
requested attend their skill assessment session are
assigned to teams using a “blind draw” or “age
We also balance the playing ages on each team, and alphabet” assignment (except in Green/
so that no team has a disproportionate number Red Softball which is done by staff).
of older or younger players (but no continuing
team is penalized because all potential returning In Blue Hat Softball, players should attend
players wish to return to their team) the appropriate Skill Assessment (see calendar
on page 4). These are used to help the league
Requests for specific coaches or “car pooling” staff assign girls to teams by balancing skill
groups unfortunately cannot be honored. level, age, pitchers, catchers and “play with a
friend” requests.
In Co-Ed Tee-Ball & Softball Coach-Pitch,
teams are selected by General Managers based “Play With A Friend Requests” (Tee-Ball &
upon “play with a friend” requests and Coach-Pitch Softball): In order to be put on a
neighborhood. team with one friend or be paired with another
coach, both players must list each other as 1st
In Baseball Coach-Pitch leagues, remaining Friend Requests on their registration. We will
players are assigned to teams by General not necessarily honor requests of more than
Managers. Players are grouped together by one person who lists the same friend and will
neighborhood, although some teams might be not allow “chaining”, where one player lists one
composed of multiple neighborhoods and some friend who lists another friend and so on.
neighborhoods may be divided. Lastly, requests must be made by March
20th to be guaranteed.
REFUNDS
We understand unforeseen circumstances
may arise that might cause a player to
withdraw from the league. In order to request
a refund, a parent or guardian must SEND
AN E-MAIL to WYBSL@WYBSL.ORG
reporting the player’s name, league, date and
reason for withdrawal.
If the withdrawal is reported by March 31, a
full refund will be given. If reported by April
30, a $25 processing fee will be charged. If
reported on/after May 1, there shall be no
refund.
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 9
WHEN DO WE PRACTICE & PLAY
MAKE-UP GAMES
Practices Games
Make-up games are scheduled
Start Mid-April Early May throughout the season as
needed. Schedules will be
9 of 17 posted on the league website
Days See p.5 by league See p.5 by league generally on Friday mornings.
Games are traditionally
Frequency 2 weeknights & 2 weeknights per week. scheduled on Saturdays
Saturday each week Make-up games on (starting @ 10a) & Sundays
before games begin weekends as needed. (after 12p).
Time(s) Weeknights: Weeknights: 6:15p/6:30p
5:30p-7p or 7p - Saturdays: vary
8:30p Sundays: after Noon
Saturdays: vary
WEATHER HOTLINE: 614-523-6220 MAKE-UP WEEKS
The hotline is updated for GAMES & EVENTS ONLY.
The “make-up week” is Friday
Weeknights: by 4:30p | Saturdays: 8a Sundays: 11a
thru Thursday. For example, a
Field changes are sometimes necessary & posted (even for non-weather). Thursday rain-out will be made
up 2-3 days later on Saturday/
Generally, there will not be further updates on weekdays. On weekends, if Sunday. A Friday rain-out will
time allows, alerts regarding later games may be made. be made-up 8-9 days later on
the following Saturday/
Updates also available on Twitter (@WYBSLalerts) & Facebook. Sunday.
WHY WYBSL TEE-BALL?
WYBSL’s Co-Ed Tee-ball program offers Practices Separately scheduled practices for better
superior value, convenience and more skill development.
continuity than other programs. It all
starts with a sense of community – we Games 12 game schedule; emphasis on skills and
are an all volunteer, non-profit sportsmanship. No standings or stats.
organization. All fees go directly to a
Coaches Parent volunteers who complete
program with over 70 years of tradition
mandatory Concussion Training and
and service to the Westerville
Background checks.
Community.
Fees $85 (plus Field Fund Fee)
As Westerville’s officially recognized
youth tee-ball organization – our Fields Huber Village Park & Towers Park w/ full
partnership with the City of Westerville Amenities restroom & concession services
provides access to the newest and best (pending guidelines).
facilities right here in our community.
Equipment Jersey, Hat/Visor & participation award for
all players. League supplies bats & balls.
Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 10
UMPIRES SPORTSMANSHIP
Good sportsmanship is held in the highest regard in
The WYBSL schedules
the WYBSL. It is the responsibility of all of us –
over 800 games each
especially the examples set by coaches and parents.
season using the
following classification
We expect all players, coaches and fans to respect
of Umpires by league
the work of our umpires. Understand that our
level: 10 of 17
younger and less experienced umpires officiate in
the Green and Red Hat leagues and may make
Green and Red Hat:
mistakes while learning.
The Umpire Director
schedules WYBSL
We need everyone’s help to make sure that the
trained and paid
WYBSL experience is a great one for all players.
umpires.
Please direct your “enthusiasm” toward positive
encouragement.
Blue and Black Hat:
OSHAA Certified
If you observe negative conduct, excessive
umpires are used to officiate all games at this
“intensity” or willful violations of the rules on the
level.
part of anyone – speak to your coach or, if
appropriate, email the League (wybsl@wybsl.org).
All umpires must complete concussion training.
The league will review the basis of your concern in a
confidential manner and, if warranted, deal with
Tee-Ball and Coach-Pitch: Adult volunteers
such conduct fairly, but swiftly.
are asked to count pitches, call foul balls and
safe/out at bases. Please speak to your coach
to help out! SOCIAL MEDIA RESPONSIBILITY
Become a “Blue” - Contact Bob Albert at
umpires@wybsl.org if you’re interested in
umpiring!
Upon completion of paid training/evaluation,
compensation varies by experience and can be
a great first job for high school students age 14 The WYBSL uses social media platforms
and above. primarily to communicate league updates in a
V
timely and consistent fashion. It is also a
conduit for parents and participants to ask
questions and share feedback with the league.
While these platforms are an effective means to
communicate, they can also be used in negative
ways. Please know that the WYBSL’s conduct
and sportsmanship policies also pertain to the
use of social media.
Lastly, please remember we are all members of
the same community participating in a
recreational program for our young people. If
you have significant concerns with the actions
of individuals or league operations, please email
us and we’ll be happy to assist!Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 11
11 of 17Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 12
EQUIPMENT BATS - IMPORTANT!
At all levels, the league supplies all team
equipment necessary to play the game – One of the most distressing things
bases, balls, helmets, bats, batting tee (tee- that a parent or player can be told
ball) and catcher’s gear (coach-pitch and is that a personal bat can’t be used
older). WYBSL also provides each player with because it is “illegal” – especially
a team shirt, a cap in baseball and visor (if 12after
of 17 it was just purchased last
desired) in softball. Optional items, such as year! In order to avoid costly
heart protectors or special masks, are not mistakes, here are some simple
required and, if chosen, are the family’s guidelines (generally for safety):
responsibility.
1. In ALL softball leagues, bats must be factory
Each player must supply a fielder’s glove, marked with the ASA 2004 and USSSA logos as
shoes and shorts or baseball pants (at the shown below:
Green Hat baseball level and older, baseball
pants are required). Your coach may ask that
all players wear the same color of shorts or
baseball pants. We ask that, if at all possible,
you follow the request of the coach.
Regarding gloves, we suggest a generic 2. In Tee-Ball, bats must be factory-marked
infielder or outfielder glove be your first “USABaseball” or “Tee-Ball” or a softball bat with
purchase. Most importantly, make sure it is ASA 2004 and USSSA logos as shown above. Tee-
the right size for your player! In older Ball only bats are only legal for play in the Tee-
leagues, pitcher’s gloves cannot include white Ball league.
or gray. Softball glove panels cannot match
the color of the ball. 3. In Coach-Pitch, Green Hat and Red Hat
baseball, the bats must be factory-marked
For our Tee-Ball and Coach-Pitch leagues, “USABaseball”.
gym shoes or baseball/softball shoes are fine.
As players grow, we recommend baseball/ 4. In Blue Hat baseball, bats must have a BBCOR
softball shoes with molded rubber “cleats.” -3 or USABaseball -5 marking, which must be part
Metal spikes are permitted in Blue/Black Hat of the manufacturer of the bat (see below).
Baseball only. Please note: pitcher’s can NOT
wear meetal spikes while pitching on portable 5. In Black Hat baseball, bats must have a BBCOR
mounds. -3 marking, which must be part of the
manufacture of the bat.
We suggest strongly that parents
consider that all boys wear cups
for protection as they grow in the
program. Catchers at Green Hat
and older levels must wear one.
BE SURE TO VISIT 6. Wood bats shall not exceed 2 3/4” and be 36”
WWW.WYBSL.ORG FOR: or less in length
Practices/Game Schedules
Standings And remember, the WYBSL provides each team
with non-wood bats that meet the above
Event Schedules requirements!
Announcements
League RulesBatter Up! Spring 2023 Page 13
ALL STAR GAMES
HOME RUN DERBIES
Don’t miss our traditional All Star
games and Home Run Derbies on July
13 of 17 1st (make-up 7/2) at Huber Village
and Highland Parks for Coach-Pitch
and older leagues!
Schedules and details will be posted
on the website prior to the event.
PHOTO DAY
All teams and
individual players are AWARDS
encouraged to take
part in WYBSL’s Photo All Tee-Ball and Coach-Pitch
Day, which will be on players receive a trophy at the
Saturday, May 6th. In end of the season. In all leagues,
case of rain, photos trophies are awarded to league
will be taken on May champions and runners-up,
13th. tournament champions and
runners-up.
Even if you don’t wish
to purchase a photo, your teammates would
like a picture of the whole team as a
remembrance. Coaches will provide order forms
and time for this event.
RAFFLE TICKETS
After practices start, each player receives a
bundle of 12 raffle tickets which were paid for
as part of his/her registration. This is WYBSL’s
only fundraiser and proceeds go into our
Special Fields Fund for maintenance, renovation
and construction of facilities and playing fields.
Players can sell each ticket for $2 each and
keep the proceeds to offset the fee paid to
the league or put their name on the tickets.
Either way, be sure to turn the tickets in at a
concession trailer by June 23rd – and don’t
forget to pull the staple out!
Winning tickets will be drawn on All-Star
Saturday at Huber Village Park and you don’t
have to be there to win!Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 14
COACHES
Without the help of our volunteer coaches, we
would not be able to have a successful program.
To support new and returning coaches, the
league offers resources
and programs including a
New Coaches Meeting,
14 of 17
NYSCA Certification,
Coaching Clinics and
League Meetings during
the season.
Each year, hundreds of dedicated volunteers help the
WYBSL operate our program. No matter how little or L a s t l y, c o a c h i n g i s a
much time you have available and no matter what challenging responsibility that is acknowledged
skills or passion you have – we have place on our by the league. And as safety and security of our
roster for you! Some areas of service you might participants is paramount, our league policy is to
consider: conduct criminal background checks on ALL
coaches and league managers. Additionally, per
League Coordinators: Work with the Program
Ohio law, ALL coaches must complete concussion
Director to ensure communication between the
training and Lindsay’s Law requirements.
league and coaches is clear and efficient. Coordinate
uniform and equipment distribution, ensure
schedules are shared in a timely manner, and You can indicate your offer to coach using our
generally be a conduit between teams and coaches online registration application!
and the league.
Concessions: Work with the Concession Director to
schedule managers & volunteers and maintain stock
in the concession trailers. Ideal for someone who has
available time during the day!
Field Crew: Help check field conditions on weekends
for make-up games. Work with the Fields Director to
prepare fields for All Star Saturday and other special
events.
Equipment Crew: Assist the Equipment Director in
organizing inventory, preparing team bags and
maintaining field boxes throughout the season!
Fall Ball Committee: Volunteers looking to learn
and help the league in important operations – and
possible greater, future responsibility – are
encouraged to explore this opportunity. Help with
registration, team selection, scheduling or day-to-day
operations throughout the fall season.
VOLUNTEER TODAY!
Please use the online application or contact
Lauren Swihart at secy@wybsl.org to discuss
how you can help!Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 15
15 of 17Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 16
WEATHER POLICY
The safety of our players and damage to In the case of practices, Head Coaches are
fields should be primary concerns of all responsible for following the weather
WYBSL participants. Below is the Weather policy. For all Coach-Pitch and Tee-Ball
Policy: games, Head Coaches are jointly
responsible for following league policy.
Rain - Prior to a scheduled game, only the WYBSL16 of 17
Fields Director (or other WYBSL designee) has the Make-Ups - If a game cannot be played or
authority to cancel a game. If timing is possible, completed, the League will reschedule it as
the league will announce the day’s field conditions soon as possible, with final confirmation by your
on the Weather Hot Line (614) 523-6220 and Umpire Coordinator. Usually, your make-ups for
Twitter page @WYBSLalerts. However, if conditions the week will be played on Saturday or Sunday.
are marginal, or if rain occurs after one and one- Once scheduled, the make-up game will be
half hours before game time, teams should go to played or considered a forfeit.
their field. At that point, and throughout the game,
the authority to stop play rests with the umpires
and WYBSL staff. Games may be resumed at any
time within 30 minutes of stoppage, if fields are
playable.
Lightning/Thunder - If lightning is sighted or
thunder is heard, umpires will immediately clear
the field and dugouts; if sighted by one umpire in a
multiple diamond location, all fields will be cleared.
Games may resume no less than 30 minutes after
the last lightning sighting or thunder is heard, if
fields are playable.
Playability - If a game is stopped during play,
players and fans should move to shelter or cars
and wait for a notice from the umpire or WYBSL
staff. The final decision regarding playability rests
with the umpires (in a multiple diamond location,
umpires may consult each other if field conditions
are marginal).
WEATHER FORECASTING
We don’t do it. Even the TV pros mess it up. A frequent frustration among parents is the changing
weather and its effects on our game scheduling and weather hotline. Challenges may occur after
Weather Hotline updates. From experience, we’ve learned the weather can be very different in one
part of Westerville vs. another. We also don’t try to predict conditions based on forecasts (we always
guess wrong). Make-up games are tough, so we always try our best to keep schedules, but are at the
mercy of Mother Nature!
Based on the above, and knowing families are “moving” towards the fields after the 4:30PM hotline
updates, we seldom make hotline changes that can’t be quickly & confidently made. We don’t mean to
drag families to games only to see them canceled, but with the uncertainty of weather, it’s sometimes
best to leave it to those at the fields to decide whether to play or not. We appreciate your
understanding of our efforts to maintain this balance – and, if you’re a weather savant, let us know –
we’ve got a spot for you!Batter Up! Spring 2023 Page 17
CONDUCT RULE
Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated in the league. Team coaches are responsible for their conduct and
the conduct of their players and fans. A coach, player or fan can be ejected from a game and/or removed from the
playing field area by order of an umpire, Fall Ball Committee Member or WYBSL Trustee if they violate a league rule
of conduct, as follows:
A. In a game, no coach may utilize any player(s) not currently assigned to his/her team roster by the League.
Violation of this rule will result in automatic permanent suspension of the coach(es) involved.
17altercation
B. No coach, player or fan shall ever engage in a physical of 17 with any player, umpire, coach or fan.
C. No coach, player or fan shall intentionally violate or refuse to follow any league or game rules.
D. No coach, player, umpire or fan shall come to the playing field under the influence of alcohol or an illegal drug;
and no coach, player or umpire shall use tobacco products at the playing field during a game or practice.
E. No coach, player or fan shall engage in grossly unsportsmanlike conduct, including, but not limited to, throwing
equipment, use of profanity, arguing with an umpire over a call or directing remarks to a player, umpire, coach or
fan which are of a degrading or distracting nature.
F. Only the Head Coach, or his/her designee in the Head Coach’s absence, may leave his/her designated area to
dispute a judgment call by an umpire. This infraction may be penalized by either restriction to the dugout for the
remainder of the game or ejecting the Head Coach and/or the offending coach.
G. After each game, in the practice of good sportsmanship, all coaches and players shall form two opposing lines
and proceed through a modified “handshake line” to maintain State guidelines. No coach or player shall avoid
participation in this line or exhibit unsportsmanlike conduct in the line.
H. No coach, player, parent or fan shall, at any time, threaten, intimidate, attempt to intimidate, harm or attempt
to harm, any umpire, player, coach, WYBSL official or fan. Any person who violates this rule may immediately be
banned from all WYBSL sites and activities for a period of time to be determined by the Board of Trustees, up to
and including a permanent ban. This rule shall be applied regardless of where and when the offending conduct
takes place.
If a coach, player or fan is ejected from a game and/or removed from the playing field area for conduct as
described above (or in the case of G. above, does not participate as described), the person shall provide a written
statement describing his/her version of the events and/or other explanation to the Committee within twenty-four
hours of the incident, and may not attend or participate in any practice or game until doing so.
The Committee or Program Director shall review the statement and gather any other information from other
parties that they deem necessary to determine if a further penalty should be assessed. Such further penalty, if any,
shall be assessed before the team’s next scheduled game.
Any coach who violates the above guidelines may be immediately removed from his/her position by the
Committee. In the event of such an occurrence, each coach would be provided with the opportunity to appear
before the Board of Trustees at its next scheduled meeting in order to describe for the Board his/her version of the
events which may exist for reinstating the coach.
CONCESSION CAPTAINS WANTED
The WYBSL operates concession services at Huber Village, Metzger and
Towers Park to help busy parents get food and drinks conveniently during
scheduled games. Training is provided and duties include opening/closing
the trailers, cooking, taking inventory and stocking. A friendly, service
oriented personality is required! Concession Captains must be at least 18
years old and start earning $10 per hour. Please contact Concessions
Director Stephen Naumann at food@wybsl.org for more information.You can also read
