Frequently Asked Questions

We have put together some of the common questions we have been asked and are currently being asked since there is much confusion in Connetquot because there are multiple baseball and softball organizations.  

What is the difference between Connetquot Little League and Connetquot Youth Association (CYA)?

This is by far the most asked question.  CYA is an independent organization that is NOT affiliated with or sanctioned by Little League of Americas.  They are not bound by Little League's rules, regulations, age and bat restrictions or guidelines.  They have players from other towns participating in their leagues as well so you will be playing with kids from towns other than Connetquot.  They are not eligible to participate or represent Connetquot in the Little League International or state tournament.   CYA also offers travel baseball and softball.  Connetquot Little League does not offer travel programs or teams.  If you are also looking to play travel, that would be one of the options you have.  All recreational baseball and softball should be under one organization, much like soccer and other sports in Connetquot are.  We urge you to consider this and unite all kids under the sanctioned Little League organization for the Connetquot community. 

What about the CYO Leagues?  

They are similar to CYA, except they do not offer travel.  

Can I request a certain coach or for my child to be with his or her friends?

In certain situations, this is possible.  For all Tee Ball and Farms teams, these requests are granted.  Please indicate that in your registration signup.  There is a section for requests.  For the older divisions, minors and majors, teams are assembled via a draft to ensure they are even.  The only exception to that is if there are low numbers of kids, then special requests may be honored.  

Do you require fundraising?  

No, there is no fundraising requirement.  

Do I have to volunteer?  

Of course!  All kidding aside, our league is 100% run by volunteers.  We cannot run without them.  These volunteers are parents of our kids who care about their development and want to assist in those endeavors.  We understand that everyone has a lot going on and may not be able to help much.  Any help is appreciated, even an hour a season!  If you absolutely cannot volunteer, we started imposing a $25 non-volunteer fee.  This money does not get paid to volunteers but is used to supplement work that would have been done by volunteers with paid services.  Some of these include field maintenance and cleaning services.  Again, we DO NOT keep this money, it goes right back to the league to help run it due to the lack of volunteers. 

If I already paid the volunteer fee, but I changed my mind and want to help can I get it back?

Of course.  Please contact a board member or email [email protected] and you will be refunded.

Do you offer refunds?  

All of the registration money goes to run the league, so this money gets spent fairly quickly after registration closes for all of the items needed for the season.  Having said that, generally we cannot offer a refund.  If there is an extenuating circumstance, please email [email protected] and we will take it to the board and discuss.  

What are the field dimensions of each division?

Generally, baseball fields are 60 foot bases and a 46 foot mound.  For Farms, the mound is more like 42 feet to start.  Intermediate baseball fields are 50 foot bases and a 70 foot mound.  Softball fields are also 60 foot bases, but a 40 foot mound.  

Are uniforms included?  

Yes, a hat and shirt are included in the registration fee.  If you register late, you may not get your uniform in time for opening day.

Do you charge a late fee?

No, life is busy, so we do not charge a late fee.  As stated above, if you do register late, you may not get your uniform in time for opening day.

My child wants to play, but we just can't afford it, do you offer any assistance?

One core value of Little League is that no child should be left behind and not play because of the cost.  We will work with you and figure out a way for your child to play.  We will never let a child sit on the sidelines because of money.  This is one reason why the Little League program is so great and better than any independent league.  Please contact us at [email protected] if you have a hardship.
 
My child wants to play, but he/she has other sports and we may have conflicts.

Children should play multiple sports, it makes them all around better athletes.  It's also very important that they try as many sports as they want to so that they know what they love to do.  With that being said, we have worked around this issue in the past and will continue to do so.  We can be flexible with schedules and try to arrange the schedule around other sports.  Please consider signing up and put any conflicts in the comment section of the registration form.  If for some reason it does not work out, we will make it right.  We are not here to take anyone's money, we just want the kids to have a great experience.

I want to coach, but I do not know how, can someone help me?

Yes, we are all about teaching, both kids and parents.  Our board has members that have coached for many years, including travel and school ball.  We will help you get started and give you some resources to guide you.  Do not let that be a reason to not volunteer.

What days are games and practices and where?

Another popular question.  Games are typically played on Saturdays and one weeknight.  These can vary based on the division, however, especially if we are playing other Little Leagues.  Once this is finalized it will be communicated with you.  The younger divisions, there will always be a Saturday game, generally in the morning.  Practices are at the discretion of the coach.  Do not worry if you miss a practice or two.  This is not a stressful environment, and it is about having fun and enjoying the game, but also learning.  Games are usually played at the Locust Ave Town Ballfields.  Games may also be played at the Riverdale complex or other Little League fields in surrounding towns.  These facilities are listed under the locations section of the web site.  

What do I need to do as a team parent?

Team parents help with organizing the kids on the team, help make sure the medical forms are completed, send out communications about games or practices, help groom the fields, help with uniform distribution, help run practices, assist with picture day and opening day, and any other tasks that can help the team and league.  Any help is appreciated, even if only for an hour.  

What do I do if I am not getting the proper information from my child's coach?

We need to know if there are any issues with a coach.  We want to make sure everyone is enjoying their season and is getting all the information delivered in a timely manner.  If there is an issue with a coach, please send an email to [email protected] and put "Issue with team" in the subject line.  We will address it as soon as we can.

How does the tournament teams work?

At the conclusion of the spring season, there will be one or more tournament teams for each minor and major baseball and softball division.  These all depend on enrollment.  If the enrollment is large, multiple teams may be entered into the tournament.  This has never happened, so if it does, we are in a great place.   Tryouts will be help for these teams.  These teams are performance based.  The best kids will get selected for these teams and play time will be based on performance.  This is equivalent to a travel team.  Coaches will be selected from the regular season coaches, or if none can commit, past tournament team coaches.  These teams will have special uniforms that represent the Connetquot community in these tournaments.  This our opportunity to put the best team of ball players on the field against our neighboring towns.  These tournaments are double elimination and if you win, you move on the play teams from across Long Island and then eventually the state, and if you get further, regionals and then finals in Williamsport, PA.  This all starts here and is why Little League is so special and important.  More info will be posted about these teams later on in the season.