BASEBALL FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS 2024
1. Who may participate in Hawks baseball?
Any child from 6 years old to 14 years old (based on child's age as of 5/1/2024). We do allow a 5 year old to play up to a 6 year old team so long as he/she meets the age requirement (i.e. turns 5 by May 1).
Documentation is required for all returning and new players. Official state certified birth certificates or a valid passport are accepted and must be submitted to your coach no later than the first week of practice.
2. When does AA baseball registration occur?
Online individual registration for Hawks baseball opens December 15 and closes the end of January. Registration may close early based on number of registrations and capacity. Baseball registration can close early if we reach capacity. Registration is on a first come first serve basis. Late fees are assigned to any registration beginning January 15, 2024. EARLY REGISTRATION IS SUGGESTED. We were at capacity at most age groups before Christmas last year.
3. When does AAA & Majors baseball registration occur?
Team registration (no individual registration) for AAA & Majors will occur early February. Coaches will receive a specific registration link that they will forward to their team/players after they have paid in full for the AYL league fee.
4. What is the difference between AA and AAA/Majors?
AA is a moderately competitive level (usually the step up after rec baseball). AAA/Majors is for the most advanced/proficient of players who have played at the AA level prior and typically play in tournaments throughout the season.
5. How do I register my player for AAA/Majors team/league?
The coaches of the AAA/Majors teams control their rosters. Roster spots are obtained by coaches invitation only or through a tryout (see tryout tab). The Hawks has no ability to place players on a competitive AAA/Majors roster without the consent from the head coach. Team tryouts are typically held shortly after the baseball season ends (usually July, August or September). AAA/Majors teams usually start indoor practice in January. If you miss tryouts, but wish for your player at this level we suggest networking to obtain information about teams or visit the tryouts tab on this website.
6. Why does baseball registration occur so early for this Spring/Summer sport?
The Hawks are a member of the AYL which has more than 300+ teams participating in youth baseball. Each club must define and commit by the middle of February each year as to the number of teams by grade and division that will participate in the league. This is required to allow time for the all volunteer AYL baseball board to complete detailed plans for the season including game schedule, number of officials required, game fields, etc. This also provides ample time for Hawks to acquire quality coaches to fill any coaching vacancies.
7. When does the typical baseball season run (All Levels)?
Practice begins in February or March depending on age and level of competition with a 4 – 5 week pre-season practice schedule. This allows ample time for the players to get into "baseball" shape. The regular season starts with the first games being played in March and April (depending on age and level of competition). The AA season consists of approx. 10 regular season games and an end of season AYL World Series double elimination tournament. The AAA & Majors season consists of regular season games and an end of season single elimination AYL World Series tournament. Our AYL World Series season ending tournament is usually completed by the end of June. The season calendar varies year to year by as much as one week. Games may be added or subtracted based on weather and schedule optimization. If weather affects games AA teams may have to play during the week for make-ups. The AYL will attempt to "over schedule" games so make ups may not be played.
8. How do I go about registering my child for Hawks baseball (AA levels)?
Register online on the baseball homepage under the tab "register now" when registration opens. Registration opens mid-December.
9. What is the cost to play Hawks baseball (AA levels)?
The cost for Hawks baseball can change from year-to-year primarily based on our field provider’s adjustments in field usage fees. The cost to play baseball in 2024 is $390 per child if registered and paid in full prior to closing registration or age groups reaching capacity. Late registration begins on January 16th; however, each year we sell out. Any registration and or payment received after January 15th will only be placed on a roster if space is available. Once we reach capacity we will move late registers and unpaid registrants to a waitlist. After the deadline Hawks assesses a late fee of an additional $40 per child. Players registering late are only placed on a waitlist and on a team if space is available. Registrations must be paid in full to be placed on a roster. Registration without a payment does not "hold" a spot on any roster.
10. What is the cost to play Hawks baseball (AAA & Majors levels)?
The team cost for AAA & Majors baseball can change from year-to-year primarily based on our field provider’s adjustments in field usage fees and AYL league costs. The cost to play baseball in 2024 is $3740 per team. Teams must be registered by the registration deadline and paid in full by January 31, 2024.
11. What does the registration fee cover (AA levels)?
The fee covers many items including but not limited to:
Registration costs which are league fees, insurance costs, coach background checks, etc.
permits, coaching and practice equipment. Practice costs such as practice field usage and baseballs
Game costs such as field permits, official’s costs, website scheduling, etc.
Hawks baseball operating expenses such as bank fees, credit card fees, administration costs, copying, postage, etc.
**Registration fee does NOT include uniforms**
12. What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Hawks baseball (AA levels)?
Each individual player is responsible for purchasing his/her own game uniform, glove and cleats. Hawks does not provide batting helmets, or baseball bats.
The required Hawks game uniform consists of a home navy blue jersey and an away white jersey with the Hawks logo on the front, white baseball pants with navy piping and the approved Hawks baseball hat. Game socks colors are to be based on team and coach preference. Locker Room Sports is the authorized provider of the official Hawks game jerseys, pants and hat. THE BLUE JERSEY (HOME) IS NEW FOR 2024. ALL PLAYERS NEW AND RETURNING WILL NEED TO PURCHASE THE NEW BLUE JERSEY.
Before purchasing and putting a number on your jersey be sure your jersey number has been approved by your coach.
13. Where can we purchase baseball uniforms and equipment (AA levels)?
Locker Room Sports is the authorized uniform provider. They also offer a complete line of equipment, practice uniforms, and many accessories for your Hawks baseball player.
Locker Room Sports
6218 East Pine Lane
Parker, CO 80138
(303) 840-5310
14. How is a new player assigned to a team?
Can we request a friend to play with or a coach to play for?
A baseball player is assigned to a team based on what the players age is on May 1, 2024 and experience. We attempt to place a new player on a team with a similar experience level. Then if there are multiple choices we will try to match the new player with a team that has other players from the same school or within the middle school feeder system. Priority for placement is based on what date you registered online.
Hawks baseball players may request to play with a friend or a particular coach. This can be noted in the notes/comments/coach request section of the online registration process. If a team preference is indicated on the registration form, Hawks will try to honor that preference. However, there are other factors such as team level of competitive play, specific team roster openings, etc. that affect that placement.
15. Are there tryouts?
At this time, the Hawks do not hold tryouts for AA levels. The Hawks reserve the right to change this policy in the future.
At the AAA & Majors level there are tryouts, please refer to the tryouts tab or email us.
16. How many players are on a team (AA levels)?
Team size can vary depending upon the number of kids registering to play but the preferred max roster size is 12-13 kids.
17. Where, when and how often is practice (all levels)?
The Hawks pay for permits for practice fields primarily from The Town of Parker, Douglas County Parks & Recreation and Douglas County Schools. Typically, all of our practice fields are located in Parker and Franktown.
Teams will be given 2 practices per week in the preseason prior to games starting. Once the regular season starts, teams will typically practice 1 time per week (April - June) with the practice times being 4:30pm to 9:00pm during the week. The start and end time for practices is determined by the Hawks and generally takes in to account the coaches work schedule and field availability. Generally practices are 90 minutes long.
18. How many games are played (AA levels)?
Where and when are they scheduled (AA levels)?
The AYL regular season generally consists of 10 games. All teams qualify for the post-season double elimination AYL World Series tournament. Beyond the guaranteed games in the World Series, the number of games that a team can play depends on how many games a team can win. In some cases, teams can play 2-3 games in a day.
The AYL is comprised of Member Clubs establishing teams in the South Metro area communities of Littleton, Centennial, Highlands Ranch, SE Denver, South Aurora, Parker, Castle Rock, Cherry Creek and South Jeffco. Games can be played at any of these locations at specific fields.
Regular season games are scheduled for Friday (5-10PM), Saturday (9AM-9PM) Sunday (9AM-9PM), and Monday (5-10PM) if no other day is available. Typically the first regular-season game is scheduled for Friday, Saturday or Sunday of the beginning weekend in April. The regular season runs through early June. Postseason playoffs begin immediately following the conclusion of the regular season and continue with the AYL World Series tournament that is usually completed the end of June/early July. Please understand that games may be postponed by weather, field issues or other problems resulting in game cancelations. Games are typically rescheduled ASAP and can be played on any day of the week. The AYL will attempt to "over schedule" games so some games will not be rescheduled.
19. What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?
Baseball requires significant preparation and practice as well as a strong commitment to the team. Family vacations during the season are highly discouraged. Depending upon team rules, playing time may be impacted because of the time your player misses due to a vacation. You are encouraged to schedule your vacations prior to or after the season to avoid playing time impacts. If you must schedule a family vacation during the season please inform your head coach as soon as possible to understand how your team is impacted.
20. What if my child decides after signing up that he does not like baseball and wants to quit?
What is the refund policy?
Prior to being placed on a roster you will be fully refunded minus a $25 administration fee. Once you are placed on a roster (prior to practices starting) the refund is 50% minus the $25 administration fee. Once the season starts there is no refund. The policy is noted on the home page of our website.
21. Who can be a coach?
Anyone can apply to be a head coach. The head coach will appoint his/her own assistant coaches. The process involves filling out an application, undergoing a background check and completing an interview with the Hawks baseball representatives. All Hawks coaches are required to attend any mandated yearly AYL coach trainings/meetings and are encouraged to attend any local coaching clinics if they can as well. All Hawks baseball coaches must go through the mandatory concussion training offered free online which is required by state law. If you are interested in coaching Hawks baseball please contact the Hawks baseball representatives directly.
22. Who will be my player's coach?
Hawks is an all-volunteer organization. Every coach, assistant coach, team mom/dad, AYL delegate, treasurer, president, vice-president, coordinator, etc., is a volunteer. While many of our coaches have been with us for many years, we have new coaches every season and are always looking for more interested coaches to continue to grow our program. Hawks provides instruction to coaches in the form of clinics (coaches are required to attend at least one clinic per season) and requires background checks on all coaches as well as concussion training. In the situation where a roster is formed from registrations but there is no coach for that team, we will reach out to the parents of those players to fill the coaching role - we understand it's a big commitment but it's also a very rewarding one!
23. When will I be contacted by my player's coach?
Coaches will be contacting their players by the 3rd week in February. If you have not been contacted by the last week in February please contact: admin@parkerhawks.org
24. Where can I find the age-specific baseball rules?
Baseball rules can be found on the AYL Baseball website: www.aylsports.org
25. Does my player get equal playing time?
As a competitive organization players may not receive equal play time. For specific play time rule regulations please visit the baseball rules at www.aylsports.org
26. How can I help?
There are many volunteer opportunities. If you are interested in volunteering your time to the Hawks organization, please contact the Hawks baseball representative directly at baseball@parkerhawks.org or baseball1@parkerhawks.org
Should you have further questions please contact our baseball directors listed below:
Aaron Kretzer ( AAA/M/CPrep) - baseball@parkerhawks.org
John Rios (AA) - baseball1@parkerhawks.org