LTYA PROSPECT 08 Q & A
Q&A regarding changes and improvements to the 08 Prospect League
(This supplements a document explaining the 08 Prospect Program)
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Q: Why is LTYA making these changes for Prospect?
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A: LTYA continues to review and benchmark other Baseball Clubs across the U.S. We also have reviewed all surveys sent in from parents last Spring and Fall. As LTYA continues to grow, we will look at ways to best structure our Rec. Baseball, while closely monitoring the changes and results. It’s a continuous process.
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Q: Why will we have 2 different groupings within Prospect in 08?
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A: LTYA has tried several ways to accommodate the Prospect age group. In the past we have: A) Mixed all kids, regardless of age or ability and B) Split by age regardless of ability. In the spring we typically had younger kids in one division and older kids in another. In the Fall all ages played together. As not all kids develop at the same time or rate, we have decided to continue with 2 Prospect divisions and split by ability, not age. This should increase safety for the kids, allow developing kids to get more playing time at “active positions” –( i.e. pitcher, shortstop, second, first, etc.), create less disparity between kids within the teams, and foster higher confidence levels and focused skill development, especially for those who are just starting out or developing at a slower pace.
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Q: Some feel that playing with better kids will improve my child’s abilities?
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A: This can be true. But, there still will be a diverse set of skilled kids in each division and within each team. Baseball is a highly technical team sport and much of a child’s improvement will come from repetition, good coaching, concentration, effort, and self confidence. The 08 Program aligns to these philosophies.
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Q: If my child is evaluated and selected to be in the National grouping vs the American grouping, will he/she be in the same Division next year or in the Fall?
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A: No. Regardless of the division he/she played, all kids will be re-evaluated at the beginning of the new Spring Season. They will also be eligible to try out for All-Stars.
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Q: My son was discouraged/bored at times and afraid to throw a ball to several kids on his team. Several kids got hit in the head, while trying to catch a ball thrown to his/her base.
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A: We have reviewed all comments from last years surveys and real-time from parents and coaches throughout each season. Although we can never eliminate the stated concerns above, the new program should minimize these concerns.
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Q: How will, the draft work this year? I’m hearing that there will be 2 drafts.
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A: Yes – we will form the first XX teams, followed by the second round of XX teams. Each team will consist of 11 to 12 kids. As an example: The first draft list will contain the highest scoring kids listed 1-99 (i.e. we have 9 National Teams of 11 kids). LTYA Spring 08 Prospect will have approx. 18 teams in total. We need more Head Coach’s and some flexibility.
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Q: How were Coaches selected this year? How did you decide what division they would coach in?
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A: We asked for volunteer coaches. Most Coach’s filled out a questionnaire on the LTYA site, listing their experience, coaching history at LTYA, we looked at their child’s previous ability, Coach’s survey results, and gathered general feedback. Our coach’s placement and participation will be finalized after our 2 player evaluation sessions in the month of Feb 08. All Coaching slots will be finalized based on LTYA’s needs in the weeks to come. Coaches will also need to agree to their LTYA Coach’s roles and responsibilities, in advance, which we will be distributing in the weeks ahead. We ask that all volunteer coaches remain flexible and supportive throughout this process. Coaching is a privilege and an important leadership role for the kids/community. Remember, LTYA is run and staffed with volunteers. The LTYA Baseball Board does their best to manage the club and volunteers. Not everyone who volunteered will receive their primary request.
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Q: Implementing changes can be difficult. Also, many parents think their “little Johnny” should be in the top 99 picks. It’s hard for parents to be objective at times. How will you work through this?
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A: In theory, this revised Prospect Program should be straight forward. Parents need to continue supporting their child, while keeping in mind that Prospect is a “Developmental” League! Remember, these kids are very young. We will always strive to do what is right for the kids. LTYA Commissioners and Coaches will be change “agents” and assisting those parents who are experiencing difficulty in understanding the new changes and improvements. Prospect will administer the season firmly and fairly. We will ask everyone to work with us in making this a successful and fun season for the kids! Coaches and Prospect Commissioners are always available to listen to positive and constructive feedback, while promoting and implementing continuous improvement.
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Q: Will there be any differences between the National and American Team resources and privileges, in terms of fields, practice slots, coaching, resources, rules, etc.?
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A: No – If you sign-up for Prospect, all kids, teams, volunteers, etc. will have equal field time, games, rules, and resources. All coaches are volunteers for LTYA and we try to select the best available coaches for all teams.