KINSMEN REP TEAM PARENT INFORMATION AND POLICIES
Soon after the selection of a rep team, coaches will have a parent meeting to discuss team activities for the season and ask parents for assistance with various tasks to allow the team to operate. Please note the information below regarding Kinsmen rep team policies.
The Kinsmen program supports at least one rep team at the Bantam, Peewee and Mosquito levels. Should interested parents wish to organize a second rep team in any division, the program would support that team provided the team registered at a lower level then the original team.
- Equipment/Uniform:
- Jerseys – Players are supplied with a team jersey which has been provided by one of our sponsors. We encourage players to purchase their own grey pants as players usually want a particular style and size, as well, pants take a good deal of abuse and often are not worth collecting. Grey pants are available for purchase at most sports stores at a reasonable price. We do have some pants available for those who wish to borrow a pair.
- Helmets – Players should purchase a personal helmet for hygiene reasons. The coach does carry a couple of helmets in case of emergency. Younger players should wear the helmet with the chin strap as this is becoming a requirement.
- Other equipment – Players should also purchase personal cleats. Batting gloves can be useful although not necessary. Some players purchase a bat however the coach does carry a supply of team bats. A baseball equipment bag is also useful.
- Financial:
- The program provides each team with all team catching gear and other team supplies. All Baseball Nova Scotia fees are also provided as well as the registration for one invitational tournament. One dozen quality baseballs is also provided by the program.
- The program also ensures that supplies are on hand in the clubhouse for weekend games.
- The team is expected to raise funds to cover all umpire costs (including the umpire assigner fee) and any other expenses which arise.
- Teams may decide to run a home game canteen to raise additional funds. Some teams ask parents to cover those additional expenses which usually amount to between $80 – $100 per family.
- Overnight and travel expenses are the responsibility of the players’ families.
- Players of modest income families will not be denied participation due to financial restraints. Coaches will notify the program of any needs on his/her team.
- Playing Time:
- Baseball Nova Scotia provides that the coach must bat all players in their lineup. Also Baseball Nova Scotia mandates that each player must play a minimum of 2 innings in the field for a Mosquito game and 3 innings for Bantam/Peewee games.
- Kinsmen Baseball believes in a philosophy of fair play so the program has a recommendation that each player will play a minimum of 4 innings in the field during Bluenose league play, exhibition play and invitational tournament play. Kinsmen baseball encourages balanced play however the 4 innings would be a minimum recommendation when circumstances permit. PLAYERS CHOSEN BY THE COACH FOR THE REP TEAM SHOULD NOT FEEL MARGINALIZED DURING REGULAR SEASON PLAY.
- During all provincial/qualifier play and other meaningful games, coaches will follow the Baseball Nova Scotia play requirements as a minimum expectation. A meaningful game would be defined as a semi-final (crossover game) at an invitational tournament which could lead to another game for the team.
- All peewee and mosquito rep players are invited to play regularly on their house league team even if they play rep ball with Kinsmen Baseball.
- Positional Play:
- Coaches make all decisions regarding the positional play of all rep players.
- Coaches at the mosquito level are encouraged to try players at different positions throughout the season as young players and coaches begin to determine their most confident position.
- Players are encouraged to try various positions in house league to improve confidence and develop skills.
- Other Points:
- Practice times are set by the coach to avoid house league commitments. Our fields are used extensively in July and August so practices may take place at other nearby fields.
- Email, Facebook and other social media shall be used for information purposes only regarding any Kinsmen team. All potentially controversial issues should follow the protocol outlined in 5e.
- The Bluenose league begins near the end of May. Most games take place on a Saturday or Sunday and usually include a double header. Away games are at various places around the province.
- Parents may be asked to assist with organizing the canteen, book umpires, keep score, maintain pitch count, maintain a team account or prepare the field for games.
- Should there be concerns by a parent which may be deemed controversial that parent should follow the protocol below to try to solve the issue
- Contact manager who will notify the coach of the concern and the coach will respond within 24 hours with a face to face meeting
- Should Step i not resolve the issue, then the rep coordinator will be notified. He/she will arrange a meeting including the coach, parent and him/herself in an attempt to solve the issue. Should no consensus be reached then the decision of the rep coordinator will be final.