Empowering Youth through Community Sports - DYBSA Program Overview

2025 Program Overview www.dybsa.com

MISSION To provide a great experience for players at every ability and experience level VALUES Keep it fun; these are our children and it s just a game Ensure safety is foremost with our players, coaches and fans Use practice time efficiently to develop skills for every player Instill respect for the game including teammates, opponents, umpires, coaches and parents Build leadership and teamwork skills in every player Community-based approach offering opportunities for engagement for all involved MEASURE OF SUCCESS Players are excited to come back and play next year

DYBSA Philosophies DYBSA is a community-based organization. Our primary focus is ensuring that all stakeholders enjoy their experience. Remember, these are just kids. They are not playing college or professionally. Keep it light and respect others. Kids should be allowed to be kids and not worry about playing.

Mark Petersen President Adam Wortz Vice President Kevin Danielson Director (BB) Katie Danielson Vice President (SB) Steve Stone Director (BB) Laura Jaunich Director (SB) Ethan Schwehr Secretary Chris Lindstrom Director (BB) Karna Gunia Director (SB) Matt Van Beusekom Treasurer Jessica Rock Director (BB) Bryce Stahlke Director (SB) Nicole Jensen Director (BB) Becky Jorgenson Director (BB) John Zitzloff Director (SB) Chris Conway Director (BB) Open Position Director (SB) Chris Runke Director (SB)

Coaches\Parents\Players Demonstrate a positive attitude Treat coaches, umpires, & opponents with respect and portray good sportsmanship Place player well-being ahead of winning and competition Address differences with coaches, other parents, and board respectfully Represent Delano on and off the field. Detailed Code of Conduct on Website and signed during registration.

Parents and Players Support a positive team environment While not always agreeing with them, respect decisions and play calls made by coaches and umpires. DYBSA has a zero tolerance policy for umpire conflicts. A large reason for the substantial shortage of umpires is due to parent actions. Address differences with coaches, other parents, and board respectfully and privately. Communicate directly with coaches, rather than have things travel via rumors or the grapevine. Be a role model, set a good example Travel teams require greater commitment to the sport and team Generally, 3-4 weekend tournaments are to be expected Weeknight league games will require greater travel distances Detailed Code of Conduct on Website and signed during registration.

Parents and Players Be respectful to coaches and teammates Practices are not optional, unless your coach specifically says so. All players are expected to be at all practices. This is part of the team commitment. If there is a reason they cannot attend, please let the coaches know as soon as possibly so that practice plans can be altered. During games, the dugouts are meant for team personnel only. The only adults allowed in the dugout are the head coach, up to 2 assistants, and a scorekeeper. Friends and siblings should not be allowed in the dugout at any time Volunteering requirements Details discussed later in presentation Link to detailed DYBSA Family and Player Expectations

Players Arrive to practices and games on time and ready to play. A 6:00 start time does not mean show up at 6:00 to get your cleats and equipment on. Arrive early to be ready to go! Practices are vital to improvement. They are not optional. Communicate any absences with your coach in advance of the absence. Every effort should be made to make all games and practices. Every position on the field is equally important. Be respectful of umpires, coaches, teammates, and opponents. Travel teams require greater commitment to the sport and team. Detailed Code of Conduct on Website and signed during registration.

Delano Baseball/Softball Core Expectations Be committed and accountable Have the proper, positive attitude Give maximum effort Always hustle during games and practices Focus during games and practices, and control what you can control Be a great, supportive teammate Be a role model! The example you set in working hard is vital to the growth of your team and all athletes. Detailed Code of Conduct on Website and signed during registration.

March 15th: ages 9-14 evaluations Specific times/groups will be sent out ahead of evaluations 8U Safety evaluations for Willie Mays move ups will be held shortly. **Age determination based on age as of May 1, 2025; players may opt to play up with grade. No other move up requests will be granted per our move up policy. Please notate any requests to be placed at the upper grade level of play when registering. **Any 8-year-old players wishing to move up to the Willie Mays kid pitch league will be evaluated at a separate time. These safety evaluations are held in early April, with limited roster spots available. Your request to be moved up may not be granted due players skill level and/or available roster spots.

Purpose of evaluations DYBSA s goal is to place player at an appropriate competitive level of play Evaluations are only a single component of team determinations. We aim to divide talent according to evaluation scores, prior coach feedback, and past player performance. Ensuring proper placement on a team helps to ensure a positive experience for all stakeholders Evaluation components Hitting, ground balls, and fly balls Outside evaluators are used to ensure impartiality Team formation information can be found on our website.

48-hour rule Please wait to contact anyone from the DYBSA about team selection and evaluation results until 48 hours after team rosters have posted. Likewise, we will not respond to any communication within this window. We have found that often this period of time allows families and players to carefully consider their options and to make the most out of the opportunity and/or team they were selected to play with. Once evaluations are complete and team rosters are posted, no refunds will be given. Baseball Travel rosters will be posted on the evening of 3/23. House league rosters shortly thereafter.

10U Black & 10U Orange (Tier 1 Teams) Games Tuesday and Thursday, starting in May Delano Tournament: May 31st and June 1st Must volunteer at this tournament, see volunteer info later in presentation Buffalo Tournament: June 7th and 8th State Qualifiers: June 28th-29th State Tournament: July 12th 13th 10U EWC (Tier 2 Team) Games begin on May 12th One game per week until school is out Two games per week starting June 9th July 16th End of Season Tournament held on Saturday, June 19th 12U Black & 12U Orange (Tier 1 Teams) Games Monday and Wednesday, starting in May Delano Tournament: May 31st and June 1st Must volunteer at this tournament, see volunteer info later in presentation Buffalo Tournament: June 7th and 8th State Qualifiers: June 28th-29th State Tournament: July 12th 13th 12U Recreational (Tier 2 Team) TBD based on registration numbers New for the 2025 season, this team will play in the Big West League Due to this change, DYBSA is still determining the logistics of this team. Please understand that this will be a bigger commitment to play on this team than it has been in the past.

1oU Monsta Championships Held July 24th 27th at Bloomington 12U Monsta Championships Held July 31st August 3rd at Shoreview If a team qualifies for nationals by taking first or second place in either the Dazzler or Bison Showdown, they will be awarded a bid to Monsta Championships. Teams will need to decide on their own if they would like to participate. There must be a willing coach and parent team coordinator. This comes as an added expense to the team. DYBSA does not fund this tournament cost or entry fees. Approximate Fees from last year include $550 Tournament Entry Fee $200 Team Gate Fee $580 for pins for trading with other teams $110 Gift bags for trading Approximate cost was $133/player for an 11 player team for these costs.

9U MBL AA team (2 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) 10U (Willie Mays) house league, limited travel (Year end tournament in Delano in early July) 10U Gopher State AA team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) Gopher State A team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) 10U (Willie Mays) house league, limited travel Rockford, Watertown, Delano, and Hanover Year end tournament in Delano in early July 11U MBL AAA team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) Gopher State A team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) Crow River 12U league (no tournaments) 12U Gopher State AAA team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) Gopher State AA team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) Crow River 12U league (no tournaments)

13U School ball until late April/early May if interested Unique to Delano MBL AAA team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) Gopher State A team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) Crow River 14U league? (no tournaments) 14U School ball until late April/early May if interested Unique to Delano MBL AAA team (4 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) 14/15A MBL Team (3 tournaments, plus a possible State tournament) 15U School ball until mid May if interested New for 2025 and beyond, all 15U players will play under the Delano Legion Baseball Umbrella

Communication from DYBSA will be in the form of email. We utilize the email distribution list formed during registration each year. Specific team communication will be done via your team coaches choice. Usually this is via email, group text, or some sort of team app such as GroupMe Utilize www.dybsa.com for your information needs. We are currently updating the website and working to make it more relevant. Safety protocols/guidelines Injuries Weather Hydration

DYBSA has adopted specific policies and guidelines on playing time, batting order, and position rotation. This is age and playing level dependent and has/will be distributed to all coaches at a coaches meeting once teams are announced and coaches named. Practices and league games are to be used for player development. Tournament games are designed to more competitive in nature and will used less for player development. Plan on practices to be roughly 1 hour and 30 minutes in length.

DYBSA is in need of volunteer coaches. Coaches are given specific guidelines and assistance throughout the season. Mandatory coaches meetings are held to ensure that DYBSA philosophies and guidelines are distributed to all. Baseball Coach meeting set for March 30th. Time and location TBD. Focus should be made on developing players at all ages and positions, dependent upon age and level of play. DYBSA is a volunteer-based organization and does not budget for paid coaches. Should a team require an outside coach, that team would need to arrange for (and finance) any said coach.

Coach Expectations Work on skill development for all players, even if there are different skill levels within a team. Teach respect to opponents, teammates, and umpires alike. Teach them to control what they can control. You can t control things like bad umpire calls, but you can control how you react to them. Teach the value of teamwork and supporting each other. Teach the Delano core expectations Communicate effectively with all members of your team

Coach Expectations (continued) Be organized with your practice plans, being as efficient as possible. Follow the age specific guidelines listed in the DYBSA Coach Expectations document Sample practice plans are available to help any new coaches looking for help

Weather Cancellations Age coordinators make determination on weather Will try their best to make a call early in the day, but sometimes decisions are game time Emails will be sent through website distribution list Coach communication to parents should also be expected Field Priority High School teams ALWAYS have priority of field access If a high school event is ongoing at the 4-plex, no practice or game activity can start until after the high school event has concluded.

Attempt to resolve differences privately with coach or within team Contact DYBSA board member if further resolution is needed Be specific about any concern List any witnesses Address the issue real time don t wait

Team Formation Evaluations Practice Time Board Volunteers League Placement

Not enough practice time before or during the season Coaching at some levels seem to be lacking Travel team selection seems to be unfair and flawed Teams not playing at the correct level given the talent Fees are getting too expensive

Not enough practice time before or during the season. Limited number of fields in Delano Number of players dictate number of teams Have to juggle baseball, softball, teeball, and coach pitch High School sports have priority for fields DYBSA will not intentionally interfere with fall or winter sports Coaching at some levels seem to be lacking Players numbers are very high this is a good thing More players = more teams = more coaches needed Have more teams than coaches volunteering Take what we can get not ideal, but necessary Offer to help out! DYBSA to conduct mandatory coaches training Will need to go through training in order to coach

Travel Team Selection seems to be unfair and flawed. No free passes from one year to the next Difficult to find enough space and time to do multiple sessions. Cost becomes a factor as well if looking elsewhere for venues, even you can find one open for use! Dome rentals are $350-$500/hour. Evaluations conducted by the outside coaches/players creates an unbiased evaluation Limited number of players to choose from in each age group Outside ball field evaluations ideal but has limitations Weather issues Season start dates DYBSA Selection Process Board needs to approve teams. This helps to provide checks and balances We utilize a three-part approach to placing players on teams. Evaluations Coach Feedback Player History/Results New for 2025 Players will be evaluated twice to get a longer look at each player.

Fees getting too expensive DYBSA is a non-profit organization - budget based on expected costs for each season Total of player fees = total costs to run association Registration fees are a net zero or net loss on the expected association expenses General fees for ALL players Field Usage: DYBSA does not own its fields. We must rent and maintain ALL of our fields in order to play. All fields are prepped and maintained by DYBSA throughout the season. In addition, annual rent payments are made to both the school and city in return of the use of the fields. Administrative Fees: Costs such as insurance, equipment, coach s background checks, first aid supplies, and admin costs. Additional fees for older players and travel team players Umpire fees, Tournament fees, League fees, Additional Equipment costs Different age groups carry different costs League fees vary by age Umpire costs vary by age Travel team fees are charged once teams are selected and due by May 1, 2025. Uniforms will not be distributed until fee is paid Payment can be made online or by mail via check

Uniforms will be ordered and should be delivered in mid to late April No baseball pants will be included with a uniform this year. Please utilize All Seasons Sports for you specific sizing needs. All levels of play beyond Willie Mays/8U softball will require their own batting helmets. Please make sure you get an appropriately sized helmet prior to practices starting. Each team will be given an equipment bag, which will consist of one set of catchers gear, and a team bat If you are experiencing hardships, and need assistance with specific gear, please send an email to dybsainformation@gmail.com

Each family must submit a $500 volunteer check prior to, or at, evaluation check in. Minimum of 8 hours required per child. Family max of 12 hours. Hours worked are during our hosted tournaments in May and June. All players above teeball, coach pitch, and 8U softball are required to submit volunteer checks and work volunteer hours. Volunteer Examples include Spring clean up Head Coach or Assistant Coach Per league rules, only one head coach, two assistants, and an official score keeper are allowed in the dugout. All others should not enter the dug out. Concessions Tournament help Field Maintenance, Host Family, First Aid, Prep Link to Volunteer Information Link to Dibs (volunteer assignment) **New This Year** Even though 14U players do not have a home tournament, parents still need to volunteer at one of the hosted baseball or softball tournaments. DYBSA Wants your Time and Talents not your Volunteer Check

DYBSA is a volunteer led organization. DYBSA Board Members are not paid, and fully volunteer their time. Registration costs are calculated to be a net zero, or even loss to DYBSA. We depend upon successful tournament operations to support the growth of the organization and improvements. Board meetings are held the second Sunday of the month. They are generally held at Delano City Hall at 6:00. Meetings are open any members wishing to attend. We welcome you to come help our efforts! Specifically, we are in need of volunteers who are interested in the youngest age groups. Many of our board volunteers will be turning over in the next year or two! DYBSA Wants your Time and Talents not your Volunteer Check

May 16-18th: 11A, 11AAA, and 12AAA Baseball May 30-June 1st: 12AA and Softball June 6-8th: 9AA, and 13AAA Baseball June 13-15th : 10A, 10AA, 13A Baseball

Recent/Upcoming Examples Batting Cage Improvements at Central Park Improving Zitzloff Field home plate area New bases and pegs Netting project at 4-Plex!! New freezers/refrigerators at concession stands New Mound rotation over next few seasons. Mounds cost nearly $2,000 each. New practice equipment L-screens, etc. Repair of bleachers where applicable Field improvements/upgrades constant need Maintenance of Toro equipment Concrete work at 4-Plex Earmarking funds to install lights at Zitzloff Field Rework/grading of infields of fields 10 and 11

If you know of someone interested in umpiring this season, please let us know. We are always in need of more people interested. Umpire clinic will be announced in early April Rates of pay for baseball umpires: 10U: $65/game 12U: $70/game 13U: $80/game 15U: $95/game Rates of pay for softball umpires: 10U: $65/double header 12U: $70/double header