Family Guide

Getting ready for the season: equipment, schedules, communication, and answers to common family questions.

Before the first practice

Bring a glove, water, suitable shoes, and weather-appropriate layers.
Check with your coach before buying a bat, helmet, fielding mask, or softball pants; needs vary by age and program.
Little Tykes and Rising Rookies require a glove; a bat and helmet are optional.
A parent or guardian must stay with Little Tykes players throughout the session.

Keep up with your team

Watch for email after signup and keep parent and emergency contacts current.
Use GameChanger or the team tool your coach assigns.
Reply promptly to requests for practice, game, tournament, and volunteer availability.
Tell coaches about known schedule conflicts early.

On the sidelines and when questions come up

Encourage every player and let coaches coach. Keep dugouts and practice areas clear unless you are assigned to help. Pitch in with field care and cleanup when you can.

Ask your coach about team matters. Contact the board about registration, payments, sponsorships, or program policies. Raise safety concerns immediately. For other frustrations, pause 24 hours, then speak directly with the coach or board member who can help.

Coaches are expected to teach proper technique, prepare players, and make decisions for the team. Players are expected to support teammates, accept their roles, and own their effort and actions.

Common questions

Which program is right for my player?

Start with the program comparison for ages, season, time commitment, and costs. Each program has its own signup. Contact CYF if you need help choosing.

When can we register?

Little Tykes, Rising Rookies, and Rec registration is closed and expected to reopen in January 2027. Their notification lists are open. The Silvers interest form remains available, but July tryouts have passed; ask CYF about the next evaluation opportunity. See registration options.

What happens after we submit a form?

Watch for confirmation email and any payment or team follow-up. Exact schedules usually follow registration closing and coach or group assignments. If your information is wrong or you need help with a confirmation, contact CYF.

When is payment due, and what if cost is a concern?

Little Tykes, Rising Rookies, and Rec use online checkout when registration is open. Silvers collects payment only after selection and acceptance, with separate payment instructions. See program fees.

Contact the board privately about cost or payment timing. Review the refund, medical authorization, and photo/media release terms on your form before submitting.

Can siblings or friends be placed together?

Share requests when the signup form asks for them. CYF considers them, but age groups, team balance, coach availability, and roster size come first.

Where are schedules and Silvers tournament plans?

Dates and Games lists public dates. Coaches share exact team schedules and changes through team communication tools. The Silvers season plan explains tournaments and practice commitments by age group.

How can I volunteer or sponsor?

Help with coaching, field care, scorekeeping, team communication, or events. Explore volunteer roles or sponsorship options. Sponsors choose whether to receive a public thank-you and approve their display name and logo use. A receipt or sponsorship acknowledgment letter can be requested on the form. The board confirms recognition, payment, and documentation before finalizing support.