SYAA
#1 Park Drive
Shiloh, IL 62269
(618) 632-1022

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SYAA 2005 League Information

The SYAA will continue its charter for the 2005 season with Babe Ruth League (BRL), Inc. and Cal Ripken Division.  The BRL has allowed the SYAA to establish a well-defined set of rules governing play for younger players. There will also be an opportunity for establishing tournament teams, which may qualify for post-season play, for divisions over 9 years of age.

In keeping with the associations and Cal Ripken philosophy of a recreational and instructional league, no player may be “selected” to a team (except for optioned players).  All teams (except tee ball) must be formed through an evaluation and draft process to maintain a fair balance of age and talent on each team.  Click here for the evaluation rules & regulations.

All Rookie baseball and 8U softball players, except for returning players not wanting free agency, will be required to participate in an evaluation process on Saturday, April 2^nd at 9:00A (rain date is Monday, April 4^th at 6:00P).  Players and their parents should report to the Field B Pavilion with hats, gloves, bats (optional), shoes and appropriate attire.

Using the Age Bracket Chart (see below), and age as of July 31^st of the current year, players will be grouped into the following divisions:

Tee-Ball – recommended for 4, 5 and 6-year old boys and girls. A large number of participants in the past couple of years may necessitate dividing this age group into a minor league (4 and 5 year olds) and major league (6 year olds).  Teaches the fundamentals of hitting and fielding.

Rookie – recommended for 7, 8 and 9-year old players.  At the discretion of parents and association officials, some 8 year olds may be selected to move up to the Minor division.  This league will use machine pitching and several modified rules of play. Continues the teaching of fundamentals of the game and building player confidence.

8U Softball – recommended for 7, 8 and 9-year old girls.  At the discretion of parents and association officials, some 8 year olds may be selected to move up to the 10U division.

Minors – recommended for 9 and 10-year old players.  At the discretion of parents and association officials, some 10 year olds may be selected to move up to the Majors.  This is the first level where kids pitch and post-season tournament play may begin.

10U Softball – recommended for 9 and 10-year old girls.  At the discretion of parents and association officials, some 10 year olds may be selected to move up to the 12U division.

Majors – recommended for 11 and 12-year old players. This is the most experienced level of Cal Ripken.  Played under the Official Baseball Rules using a 60-foot diamond and 46-foot pitching distance, with special base running and pitching rules in effect.

12U Softball – recommended for 11 and 12-year old girls. At the discretion of parents and association officials, some 12 year olds may be selected to move up to the 16U division.

13/15 Division – consists of 13 to 15-year old players.  Played under Official Baseball Rules with some pitching limitations.

16U Softball – recommended for 13 to 16-year old girls.

Age Bracket Chart
(Select birth month and year.  This is the age for your child during the current season.)

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