Babe Ruth League and Ripken Baseball are establishing a leadership role in youth baseball and softball by requiring all coaches to successfully complete coaching education and certification. Courses are available online. See these links if you're interested in more information about the program.

If you're interested in volunteering with the BYA, please contact a board member.

Q. What must a player possess?
A. Players must possess good baseball or softball skills. Managers and coaches are looking for well rounded players. Able to hit, play solid defense, and solid on base skills. The capability to play specific positions is considered (Pitching, catching, first base for example).
Players must be coachable. They listen to their coaches and follow directions. When a coach tries to improve the skills of a player, it is important that the player be flexible to change. If a coach asks a player to change their position on the base for example, the player is expected to do this.

Players need to be team players. They need to show they can get along with all types of personalities and show support to their teammates. All players must show respect to all coaches, all team members, the opposing teams and umpires. Could a very good player be left off a team if they show disrespect to coaches, other players, or umpires? Yes. Players need to be good representatives of Barrington and the BYA. Coaches will consider how all the players will get along. A manager is looking for a team that will gel, a team that he/she will enjoy working with as all coaches give a considerable amount of volunteer time and a good part of their summer.

Players need to emotionally handle the elevated play of the all-star team. The all-star teams play a game more elevated than the regular season. The teams play to win, as generally if a tournament loss occurs it is the end of the season. Players need to handle sitting and waiting for their turn to play. Players need to be able to move on in the game if they make a bad play. Play for the team continues after an error and the team needs every player in the game.

Q. What age must a player be?
A. Each all-star team has Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken age guidelines to work with. All BYA players will be considered for their respective age group team. Softball and baseball do have different cut off dates.

Q. What is the time commitment for All-Stars?
A. Players with the commitment of their parents need to be available to play ball through the month of July and if the team is very successful through a good part of August. The 2003 12&U girl’s softball team found success by making this commitment. They played into August and made memories they will never forget. Practice for the all-star teams can begin as early as the end of May. Players and their parents must make a commitment to many practices and games. During the regular season the player and parents have to make a commitment to both their regular season team and new all-star team.

Q. What are the positives to this commitment?
The upside to making the commitment to an all-star team is the players generally come out being much better ball players. They have fun playing, get to express their passion and get to travel. The travel can involve just to the next town, or other ends of the state. If successful, travel could be to other New England states as well. Playing with players that are only your age group and near the same ability is also very positive. Meeting players from other towns can also be fun.

Q. What does it cost?
A. There is an additional charge to play on the all-star teams. The BYA purchases uniforms for each player, umpire and tournament charges need to be covered and needed equipment is purchased. Each year the expenses are reviewed and the BYA Board decides on the fee.

Q. How are the all-star managers and coaches chosen?
The Managers of each team are voted on by the BYA Board of Directors based on who submits their name for consideration. The manager then decides the coaches he or she would like to work with and the BYA Board votes to approve them.

Q. How are the players chosen for the teams?
A. The managers for each all-star team will observe all the players that are eligible for their respective teams during BYA games. Tryouts will be held for each team. All interested players should come to the tryouts. However if a player is unavailable for the particular time and date of tryouts, let the all-star manager know in advance. The skills shown at tryouts are not all that is considered, as how a player plays in a game is as important as the skills they possess. Players from the previous year’s team are not automatically on the team and need to tryout. The managers generally review the choices with their coaches and ask the player’s regular season manager for their thoughts. Once the manager decides on their team, the manager talks to the player’s parents for their commitment and then, if given the OK, talks to the player for their commitment. When everyone is on board a list of team members will be posted at the concession stand.