Archive for April, 2009

If you are interested in having your child trial for Little League please contact your coach.

2009 Little League Championships 

As ACT Baseball is a member of the International Little League Association we are entitled to submit a team into the Australian Little League titles. 

Last year was the first year for the Australian chapter to hold the championships and while ACT did not participate due to the timing of the event and low participation numbers, the championships were by all accounts a great event. 

This years tournament will be held on the Gold Coast at the Surfers Paradise Baseball club between Thursday June 4 and Sunday June 7 (Monday is the Queens B’day weekend – This is a free day). We are hopeful of getting a Canberra team into these championships. 

Here are some Q & A’s to help you understand the qualification process and how this will be handled. 

Who can play?

Under the rules of Little League, players aged 10 or age 13 on the 30^th April each year are not be permitted to play. But those who have turned 11 and are still 12 as of this date are eligible. 

Which team goes to the championships?

While it is possible for a winning team in a local competition to be submitted as the representative side for the relevant chapter that they play in, the rules also allow for combination teams to be formed from players within the chapter, provided they are not drawn from more than 10 teams.

This being the case, it has been deceided to hold selection trials for all players from all clubs in the ACT who fit the age category conditions. In this way, it is hoped that there will be sufficient players wanting to attend and a strong side can be placed on the diamond. 

How many players will go away?

There will be a maximum of 18 players in the touring side, plus coaching staff, executive officers, scorers & umpirers.

Should the interest in the event be below this number, a decision will be made as to the minimum number that can be taken away to ensure safety of players arms and a competitive side. (Should the numbers be too low, participation may be withdrawn again this year)

What will it cost?

Final costings have not yet been determined but parents should expect that if their child is travelling with the team (airplane) then a cost not less than $1,000 can be expected. Where alternative travel with family members is arranged, then costs will be limited to accommodation.

Meals will be at the players expense.  

How do I register players from my club?

ACT Clubs are asked to tell all Little Leaguers, who fit within the age criteria, about the selection trials.

However, we also ask that you assist us by nominating those players who have shown talent throughout the season and again fit into the age criteria..

When will the trials be held?

Trials will be held at Narrabundah Baseball centre on Saturday morning 18 April from 10am. 

More information?

More info can be obtained from the Little League webpage on the ABF site

Click onto  www.baseball.com.au   then go to Events, then Little League. 

Or contact myself. 

Finally, I had a meeting today with the ABF. They told me that only South Australia Winter League has selected a team, as this was completed last year. All other chapters have yet to hold selection trials and regular season competitions are still running in some states. Therefore, we are not behind the eight-ball and with your support we have plenty of time to select a fine group of youngsters to represent Canberra. 

I look forward to your support in pushing this among your members.

Sincerely,

Damian von Demleux

ACT Baseball 

Phone: 6162 4055     Fax: 6162 4155
Email: damian@cmsinsurance.com.au