Spring Evaluation Policy
Player evaluations, or tryouts, allow coaches from the AA Divisions and above to see players in action so they can better assess their skills prior to the team drafts. The evaluation process is used to help form more equal teams in each division to allow for a better experience for all players in all divisions. All players who participate in a tryout are selected for a team.
Here is some important information to remember about tryouts:
- Players LEAGUE AGES 5-7 do not need to tryout.
- Players only need to try out to be considered for the AA division and above.
- LEAGUE AGE 8 players are not required to tryout. However, if they want to be considered for the AA Division, they must participate in one of the two scheduled tryouts. If they forego tryouts, they will be placed on a Single A team.
- All players LEAGUE AGE 9 AND ABOVE must participate in one of the two scheduled tryouts.
- ALL players league age 9 and above that either do not try out or register after Tryout #2 will be placed on a wait list with no guarantee of placement on a team.
- Players that played in a previous Majors Division spring season and wish to remain on the same team do not need to try out. These players are considered property players (see table below). Please note that property player status is designated only when a player plays in a Majors Division spring season. Play during a Majors Division fall season does not qualify a player for property player status.
Players must register prior to the last tryout date. Players required to try-out must attend at least one of the two tryout dates. They don’t need to attend both, but are allowed to if they feel they didn’t perform as well as they could have in the first tryout.
What is the format of the evaluations?
All players participating in player evaluations will need to check in during the designated time slot. They will receive a number specific to their league age and then be grouped with other players with the same league age. FALL Board Members will lead each group through a short warm-up session before they participate in the official evaluation. Evaluations will consist of a series of simple drills that focus on fundamental baseball skills including catching, throwing, fielding, pop flies, pitching, and hitting. Players can wear shorts or baseball gear and should come equipped with a glove and a USA approved bat. If they do not have a USA approved bat, one will be provided for them. Because evaluations will be conducted on turf, NO CLEATS will be allowed. Regular running or athletic shoes will be fine.
The player evaluation experience can be nerve wracking for players. FALL strives to make the entire experience a positive one for each player. We encourage parents to support their players but to refrain from cheering or coaching during the process. All players will receive a team placement in Spring 2020.