Yes, it is updated annually by Little League and Little League Softball. See below for the 2023 charts.
We recognize that some players occasionally have advanced skills and would like to play in a more competitive division (e.g. play up). This is still possible, but not a guarantee. While players in T-Ball and Coach Pitch divisions are simply assigned evenly to teams, our Minor and Major divisions are competitive. Players participate in a skills assessment and are drafted to their teams. We follow Little League guidelines for drafts which allows each coach to take turns choosing one available player in each round of the draft.
All players league age 8 and above can attend our skills assessment to be considered for the draft. A player who is league age 8 will be eligible for the Minor Division draft but if they are not drafted, then they will be assigned to a coach pitch team. Similarly, a 10-year-old could be considered for the Major draft if he had a strong score in the skills assessment.
Please do not hesitate to contact our BYS Registrar if you have any questions about registration for the different divisions.
We do accept late registrations up to the point of team formation. There is a $25 late fee included the late registration costs.
BYS understands that sometimes it is not possible for you to uphold your commitment to Spring Baseball/Softball and players may need to withdraw from a sport due to unforeseen circumstances. Registration fees are based on a variety of costs determined by the total number of players and teams each season. Since many of these costs must be paid in advance, player withdrawals still result in a cost to BYS.
We have the following policy for refunds to accommodate families whose plans have changed while maintaining the financial responsibilities associated with each sports season:
You will be notified about teams shortly after the final in-person registration date scheduled for late August in the Fall or early February for the spring season, most likely sometime the week after.
Can my child be placed on a team with one of their friends or with a particular coach?
Balcones Youth Sports allows friends to request to be placed on the same team together or with a particular coach only in the T-ball and Coach Pitch divisions. Best efforts will be made to honor the request but it cannot be guaranteed. For Minor and Major players, the draft selection process does not allow for these requests. It is our goal that all players are placed into the appropriate division based primarily on their skill level although there are age restrictions as well. Every player that has registered will be placed on a team; there are no "cuts!"
Can I keep my child down in a lower division or play him up a division a year early?
Balcones strongly supports age appropriate competition and development. However, requests can be made during registration and try-outs. The try-out evaluation will help determine the placement of a player. Placements will be made in accordance with Little League requirements.
I have a daughter, should she play Little League baseball or Little League Softball?
You daughter can play either. Girls are allowed to play at all levels of Little League Baseball. However, if you prefer you daughter to be on a team with just girls, Softball would be the choice. It is up to you. If you would like more information about the difference between baseball and softball, please check out our softball web page and contact our Director of Softball who can provide specific information.
How often and long will my child practice?
Practice frequency and duration are up to the team manager and vary based on division. Typically older division teams will practice one-two times per week and the younger divisions practice at least once per week. T-Ball and Coach Pitch players usually have practices and games at 6 PM. TB/CP games are almost always the first games of game day. If they are Saturdays they will be morning games, if they are weeknight games they will be at 6 PM. TB games are 60 minutes and CP games are 90 minutes long.
What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?
Players should arrive at their first practice with at least a baseball glove. Baseball helmets and catcher’s equipment are provided by Balcones. Due to COVID-19, players/parents are encouraged to purchase their own equipment.
What attire is needed for practices or games?
Typical athletic attire is recommended for all age levels: T-shirt, shorts or sweat pants preferred (for sliding) and sneakers. Your coaches will inform you of what baseball pant color is needed for your team and Balcones will provide the shirt and hat to make up the rest of the uniform. Cleats are optional in T-ball and Coach Pitch and are highly recommended for all higher divisions. All players in Minor or higher must wear a cup.
What days and times are the games played?
Balcones typically schedules games on Wednesdays and/or Saturdays. Most teams will play one game per week, but older divisions may play two. Some games may be rescheduled due to weather conditions and it is possible to have a make-up game added during a week. Weekday games will typically start at 5:45pm for T-Ball and coach pitch and older divisions games will begin at 7:00pm and are expected to be completed by 9:00pm. Practices are typically on weeknight evenings or Sunday afternoons.
How many games will each team play?
T-ball and coach pitch teams will play about 10-12 games, Minor teams will play about 10-15 games, Major and Junior teams will play about 15 games. The number of games played will depend on number of teams.
Who umpires BYS games?
T-Ball games do not have umpires. The team managers/coaches direct the play of the game. Score is not kept in T-Ball. One paid or volunteer umpire will keep track of scores/outs in Coach Pitch games. BYS uses paid umpires for Minor, Major and 14u PONY.
How do I sign-up to be an umpire, and what qualifications do I need?
You can sign up as an umpire applicant during player registration. Balcones may hold an umpire clinic prior to the start of the season. All applicants are subject to a background check.
How do I sign-up to be a team manager, and what qualifications do I need?
You can sign up as a manager applicant during player registration. Balcones will hold a coaches clinic prior to the spring season for those that do not have any coaching experience or to those that want to continue learning better coaching techniques. Applicants will be selected based on qualifications and need by division player agents. Please note that all applicants will be subject to a background check per Little League rules.
What are the volunteer requirements for parents?
The Balcones organization is an all volunteer organization. Everyone affiliated with BYS is a volunteer, including board members. At the very least, we require all parents to assist in the operation of the concession stand when your child is not playing. However, there are other volunteer opportunities such as coaching, assistant coaching, field maintenance, team parent, score keeper, announcer, etc.
Who do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved?
Check the ‘Board of Directors’ link on the website for an appropriate contact. You may also send an email to the BYS Registrar (registrar@balconesyouthsports.org) and it will be forwarded to the appropriate person. When sending an email please allow at least 24-48 hours for a response as all board members are volunteers.
Who can volunteer and work concession?
Anyone over 15 years of age. We are a 501 c3 non-profit organization, so you may count this toward volunteer hours if needed.
Who can handle food?
Those who are over 18 years of age may work in the back kitchen; however, an Auxiliary member will be the one preparing food.
How many times will our team be asked to volunteer?
2-3 times in concession and possibly other fundraising activities.
Why do you ask for volunteers?
Unlike many other organizations, BYS is 100% volunteer run. Volunteers do all of the work, maintenance and running of the facility.
How can I become more involved with the league?
We would gladly take any and all help from those who offer. You are more than welcome to join the Board, a committee, and the Auxiliary team or simply help out with field and grounds maintenance. Please contact the Director of Parent Representatives and Volunteers for volunteer opportunities: volunteer@balconesyouthsports.org
What is Auxiliary and what does it involve?
Auxiliary members are volunteers who run the concession. They set up, stock food and supplies if needed, make deposits into the safe and handle/prepare all of the hot food.
Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns regarding my child’s baseball or softball coach?
First, contact the PLAYER AGENT for the division your child plays in. If you have no response within 24 hours, please contact the BYS President at president@balconesyouthsports.org.