Q. Is DYBSA part of DARA ?
A. No, DYBSA and DARA are separate organizations. Where DARA leaves off with Tee ball and coaches pitch co-ed play, DYBSA begins. DYBSA runs both the DeWitt Recreational baseball and softball organizations as well as the travel/tournament baseball program. DYBSA is the largest youth sports organization in DeWitt with over 400 kids participating annually. DYBSA is affiliated with the P.O.N.Y. national organization.

Q. What is the DYBSA philosophy?
A. The DYBSA exists to further grow the baseball and softball talent in the DeWitt School District Area. This is done through Travel, Tournament, and Recreational programs. The travel/tournament philosophy is to develop as many players as possible for the high school baseball and softball programs, and not use a win-at-all cost mentality. The recreational program's goal is to grow the number and quality of players in DeWitt--to keep and attract as many DeWitt residents into baseball and softball as possible, and to provide a safe and fun experience for players.

Q. What are the age guidelines? Can my child play "up" if their ability warrants it?
A. DYBSA follows P.O.N.Y. age guidelines which form teams of 9-10, 11-12, and 13-14. Baseball age is determined on April 30th and softball on January 1st. As of 2009 players can play up with the kids in their grade. This means that player’s with birthdays after the cutoff date (April 30 for baseball or January 1 for softball) can play up one age level, provided their skill level is appropriate and they are grade appropriate. DYBSA feels allowing players to play with their grade is aligned with the goal of providing the highest caliber team to the high school. The Board revised its Travel Program Policy for teams formed in 2010 to emphasize developing teams by grade level.

Q. What is a tournament team and how is it different than a travel team?
A. Tournament teams are formed for the age levels where there is only rec. available. Travel baseball starts at in 5th grade (Pony 11U) for DeWitt players. Travel softball is not yet offered. Offering a tournament team is a good way to expose better players to a higher level of play while still fulfilling the recreational goals of the program. Tournament team players play in the DeWitt Recreational league during the week, and then participate in competitive tournaments on weekends. Players for a single tournament team typically play on multiple recreational teams. Travel team players play together during the week and on weekends in tournaments.

Q. How are travel and tournament teams picked?
A. Please see the handouts section for the new DYBSA Travel Program Policy. Generally, the DYBSA intends to conduct tryout sessions in the summer, consisting of skill exercises and simulated game situations. Team selections will be made by selection committees, with participation from the high school coaching staff, neutral board members, and other neutral members with experience. The DYBSA Board will oversee the formation of selection committees and will approve all committee team selections.

Q. Do I have to be on the board to be a travel/tournament coach?
A. No, you do not have to be a member of the DYBSA Board to be a coach. Travel and Tournament coaches are chosen from applications submitted to the DYBSA Board. The Board recently adopted a new policy/process for coach selections. This will involve the use of coaching selection committees, consisting or participation from the high school coaches, a neutral board member, and additional neutral members having experience (previous DYBSA coaches). The selection committees will consider a number of selection criteria/factors including: coaching experience, parent feedback, feedback from previous teams, impact to other teams, and ability of the coach’s son/daughter. The DYBSA Board will oversee the formation of selection committees and will approve all committee coach selections.

Q. How do I become a travel coach?
A. Return a completed application prior to the application deadline. When more than one person applies, applicants may be asked for a personal interview. Coaching applications for 2012 teams are due July 17, 2011.

Q. Does my son/daughter have to play in the DeWitt Rec. league if he is on a tournament team?
A. Yes, our tournament teams are formed from the recreational players. They share insurances, fees, fields, and equipment with the rec.

Q. How does my son/daughter become an umpire ?
A. Umpires are first made up from the kids in the DYBSA program. Please contact Scott Helmic to apply for becoming an umpire. Umpires must attend a training seminar, demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the rules of baseball/softball, and be dependable.

Q. How can I sponsor a team, player, or the league?
A. The DYBSA greatly appreciates its sponsors. There are a number of ways to assist with the org. financial obligations. One can sponsor the league, a team, a player that may have needs, or even a tournament. Based on the level of sponsorship, the DYBSA provides plaques, team jerseys with your name, and press information. Please speak with a DYBSA Board member for additional information or visit the DYBSA website.
Please also note a new sponsorship initiative this year: Registration fees will be waived for players of sponsors, and sponsor names will be included on the team shirts. See the website for more information about this program.