» How many players should I have?

Most teams operate with at least 12 players. If you have any less you may find it difficult to field a team.

» Is there mandatory playing time rules?

You as a coach will have the freedom to select your team and are under no mandatory playing time rules. This allows you to field a more competitive team and play a better brand of baseball.

» What is the Summer League like?

The Summer League is short compact season and is a good alternative or addition to summer tournaments. It is meant to keep your team sharp and play some consist baseball. The summer league in 2012 will consist of a 7 game regular season + the top two teams in a division make the playoffs. With games being scheduled on Sunday and 1-2 games scheduled during the week. The summer season will run from July 1st to August 5th, all teams will have 4th of July weekend off.

» What is the Summer League Cost?

The league fee for the summer league is $750 for any team that played in the Spring League. For any team that did not play in the Spring League the league fee is $1,000. The league fee will include baseballs, insurance, & umpires.

» What is the cost of the Spring or Fall League?

If you select to enter your team in either the Spring or Fall on the 60-ft or the 50/70 diamonds, the cost will be $125 per player or a maximum team fee of $1350.  The cost for the 90ft diamond will be $125 per player or a maximum team fee of $1375.  The USABL schedules and pays for umpires for all your games & play-off games, supplies two dozen baseballs, and insurance.  Since everyone makes the play-offs, most teams play an average of 12 games. The cost for the 7U program is $1000.

» What age groups does USABL offer?

There will be division for 7,8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13/14, 14/15, 15/16, 16/18 and 18 & Over.  Ten and Eleven year old teams will have the option to play on the 46/60 or the 50/70 diamond.  Twelve year old teams will play on the 50/70 diamond in the Spring & Summer but will move to the 90 ft. diamond for the Fall season.

The 13/14 division is a 13U league, however teams may have 2 players on the roster that have turned 14 before April 30th. The 14/15 divsion is a 14U league, however, teams may have 2 players on the roster that have turned 15. Teams playing 15/16 will be able to carry any mixture of 16 year olds or younger.

» What are the start & end dates for the 2012 seaons?

This year we will again offer three different seasons.  You will have the option to play the Spring, Summer, Fall or all in all three leagues.  The Spring season will begin the first Sunday in April, which is April 1st and will be complete by about June 17th. The Summer season will begin July 1st and end the first week in August. The Fall League will start the weekend after Labor day September 8th/9th and will end in early November.

» How do I know what team age my team will be?

The cut-off date is April 30th. If a player turns the next age on or before April 30th, he must play in the next division. Teams playing in the Fall League will be classified as the same age as they played during the Spring & Summer Season. Example: If you had a 9 year old team in the Spring or Summer, your team will still play as a 9 year old team in the Fall.

Teams playing in the 13/14 division is a 13U league, however teams may have 2 players on the roster that have turned 14 before April 30th. The 14/15 divsion is a 14U league, however, teams may have 2 players on the roster that have turned 15. Teams playing 15/16 will be able to carry any mixture of 16 year olds or younger.

» What will the 50/70 program be like?

Many teams have over the last 10 years made a move to the 50/70 diamond. This is a little bigger field and allows the players to take leads, steal bases with pitchers pitching from the stretch while having to hold runners on base. In general this is closer to real baseball and does prepare players and teams for the 90-foot diamond.  This option is offered to 11 -and 12 year old teams and 10 year olds in the Fall.  Please note that all 12 year old teams will play on the 90 ft. diamond during the Fall season.

» When can the team practice?

The team may not practice until the team is insured. If you would like to practice before you league fee has been paid, you can pay the first $125 for insurance. This amount will be deducted from your league fee.

» What will the insurance cover?

The insurance will cover the players, coaches, umpires and spectators. You will have liability coverage and an accident policy, in case of injury. The league does not offer primary health insurance coverage.

This insurance is for our program only. You cannot transfer the insurance policy to any other league. We will however insure you to participate in tournaments.

» What does the league cover?

The league fee will cover the cost of umpires, baseballs, and insurance. 

» How do I rate my team?

If you have put together a town team and this will be the team’s first season, with players that are rec players (not all-stars), you should rate your team 1 or 2. If your team has been together for a season or two and has some all-star players, or a strong pitcher you should rate your team 3 or 4, depending on your success in the past.  If you have an all-star caliber team that is looking to play competitive baseball and has a strong track record in league play and tournament play, you should rate the team a 4 or 5. Please note if you have one dominant pitcher you should at least be a 3 or 4. If you won your division or went the season with less than 2 losses you should bump your rating up.

 *7U and 8U teams please note these divisions are mainly done by geographical location as most 7U an 8U teams do not have track records in the Spring.  If you have 7U or 8U all-star caliber team we ask that you rate your team a 4 or 5.

» How many home games will I have?

You should have at least one half your games scheduled at home. If you do not have a home field, you will be the home team at someone else’s field.

» How far will I have to travel?

Almost all teams are from Monmouth, Middlesex, Ocean, Mercer, & Burlington counties. Most games are no more than a 20-minute drive from your home. 

» Do I need a home field?

Most teams that join the program have a home field. If you cannot obtain a home field, the league will schedule your games on a league field or at your opponent’s field.

» When will the games be played?

Games will be played on Sunday's in the Spring.  The Summer League will offer one game on Sunday and one game during the week. The Fall program will be played on Saturdays.  Some games for the older divisions will be scheduled on Sundays.

» How do I go about getting a home field?

Every town is different. In most cases you need to apply for a permit. To do that you will need to contact the lessee of the field or owner, possibly both. For example some Little League/Cal Ripken program lease the field from the town others own their fields. Some town recreation departments handle giving out the permits, others let the local LL or Cal Ripken program handle it.

That said the most common point of contact to obtain a permit would be your local LL or Cal Ripken program, local recreation department, local board of education, or county recreation department.