Spring 2008 ADBSA Parent Handbook

Leagues
The Auburn Dixie Baseball-Softball Association operates programs through affiliations with Dixie Youth Baseball, Dixie Softball, and Dixie Boys and Majors Baseball.  T-ball and baseball / softball players are assigned to leagues based upon their ages as of May 1st.
 

Leagues playing at Felton Little Park:
Girls 7 & 8	Darlings
Girls 9 & 10	Angels
Boys and Girls 5 & 6	T-Ball
Boys 7 & 8	Dixie Youth Sally Southern
Girls 11 & 12	Ponytails
Girls 13-15	Belles
Leagues playing at Duck Samford Park:
Boys 7 & 8	Dixie Youth Sally Southern
Boys 9 & 10	Dixie Youth Minors
Boys 11 & 12	Dixie Youth Majors
Boys 13 & 14	Dixie Boys
Leagues playing at Auburn High School:
Boys 15-19	Dixie Majors

Coaches
All coaches are volunteers and all head coaches are certified through the National Youth Sports Coaches Association (NYSCA). Coaches must have a background check and must sign an ethics statement and a code of conduct. Violations of these agreements subject coaches to disciplinary action or removal by the ADBSA and/or NYSCA.

Practice Information

• Teams are assigned to a regular practice day and field for the season. The coach sets the practice time; however, a maximum practice time is established for each league. Dixie Boys and Dixie Majors practice on their game fields at time assigned weekly around scheduled games.
• Players are required to attend practices. Coaches should be notified in case of an illness or an emergency. Coaches are not required to play those who miss practice or those who are discipline problems.
• The coach cancels practices. Coaches should make the team aware of his/her policy for rained-out practices.
• Coaches are not responsible for transporting players to and from practices.

Parents should make every effort to have players at practice on time and pick them up when practice is over.

Pictures
Individual and team pictures will be made during the first few weeks of the season before a scheduled game. The company awarded the picture contract will be responsible for the collection of money and the distribution of pictures.

Basic Park Rules

• No alcoholic beverages are allowed anywhere in the park.
• Trash receptacles are provided at various locations and should be used by players and fans.
• Only registered coaches and players are allowed in dugouts.
• No one should climb or sit on any fence or batting cage at any time.
• Vehicles should be parked only in marked spaces. Those double-parked or parked in handicapped spaces are subject to being towed.

Responsibilities of the Board of Directors
The Auburn Dixie Baseball-Softball Association Board of Directors, in conjunction with the Auburn Parks and Recreation Department, directs the operation of the baseball and softball programs in the City of Auburn. The board meets on the second Thursday of each month throughout the year. All meetings are open to the public, and interested persons are invited to attend.

Through the work of its various committees, the board sets policies and procedures, establishes calendars, provides for fund-raising activities, designs and carries out procedures for team selections and all-star selections, contracts with the Umpire's Association, operates the concessions stands, assists in the renovation and development of facilities, and carries out other projects as needed.

The board is self-perpetuating, which means that the current board will elect the new year's board members. This election occurs in August. Persons interested in learning more about the board or becoming a member of the board should contact the board president.

To see a list of the current board members, please click here or on the Board of Directors link to the left.

Uniforms

• Team shirts and hats are provided and required for participation.
• Shirts must be tucked into the pants.
• No jewelry (watches, chains, rings, bracelets, earrings) should be worn at practice or games.
• Cleats are optional, but only those made of molded plastic are allowed through Dixie Youth Majors.  Metal cleats are allowed in Dixie Boys and Dixie Majors.
• Pants are not provided; players are responsible for purchasing their own pants.

All-Stars
With the exception of T-Ball, Sally/Southern, and Darlings, all-star teams are selected in all leagues at the end of the season. An all-star fee of $75.00 is assessed to offset the cost of the uniforms for all leagues. The all-star fee is due at the time uniforms are distributed. This fee must be collected at that time to facilitate the all-star process.

All-Star Player Selection
To be eligible, a player must meet regulations (Dixie) for the league in which they participate. League commissioners verify eligibility. Each head coach submits at least 4 nominees from his/her team several weeks before the end of the season. The list is compiled and given to each head coach to review before the selection meeting. Additional names can be added at the meeting. The selection meeting is made up of head coaches, the league commissioner, the player agent, and one member of the all-star selection committee who does not have a child playing in that league. Criteria for nominees and the discussion phase includes but is not limited to attitude, statistics, attendance, ability, and commitment. After the initial discussion of the players, a vote is conducted. All voting is via secret ballot. If the all-star team is made up of 13 players, the coaches vote for 13 players on the first ballot. If there are 10 unanimous selections, the coaches vote for 3 players on the second ballot, and continue in this manner until the team is selected. Each head coach announces to their team the all-stars from his/her team after the last game. The all-star coach will contact the team members concerning practices. All-star players are expected to attend practices, and vacations are not excused.

Bad Weather or Rainouts

• Schools are notified if games are cancelled before the end of the school day.
• WAUD 1230 AM and WKKR 97.7 FM are notified of cancellations.
• Call 745-6311 (time and temp.) for game cancellations.
• Games Cancelled signs and/or yellow flags will be posted on park signs at Duck Samford Park and Felton Little Park if games are cancelled.
• Make-up games are at the discretion of league officials.

• Send all players/coaches to nearest shelter. If no shelter is available, players / coaches should be advised to go to their cars.
• 15 minutes must elapse without any other visible lightning before players / coaches can return to the field.
• If lightning occurs before 15 minutes elapses, time must be restarted.