KW/FCBA FAQs
VERY IMPORTANT! – Regardless of how many newsletters distributed and signs we post, many parents continue to ask questions that can easily be found and answered on our website. The web site continues to be the best source of information for those interested in the league. Team rosters, game schedules, team standings, league bylaws, playing rules, manager’s responsibilities as well as the lost and found forum are just some of the informational items maintained on the web site. The documentation contained on the Web site is continuously updated to reflect changes enacted during year. If you have access to a computer, please visit our website: http://www.kwfcba.org
GENERAL
Q – How old is Kingwood Forest Cove Baseball Association?
KW/FCBA was chartered as a Little League in March 1975 and joined PONY Baseball in 1990.
Q – How is a player’s age determined?
A player’s age is determined according to the PONY Baseball League Age Key. All ages are as of April 30th. of the current year (Fall is upcoming Spring). Proof of age is only required at the time of initial registration in the League.
Q – What parts of the uniforms / equipment does the League supply?
The League provides each player with a MLB-logo cap, a MLB-logo jersey and coordinating socks to keep. Players are responsible for obtaining white baseball pants and if desired, a baseball belt. Rubber baseball cleats are optional at all age groups. Metal cleats may only be worn at the Pony and Colt / Palomino age groups unless playing in a PONY-sanctioned tournament. The League provides each team with baseballs, batting helmets and catching equipment (including catcher’s mitt). Players are responsible for providing their own gloves.
Q – Who do I talk to if there is a problem?
If a player or a parent has a problem, the manager/coach is normally the first one to talk to in an effort to resolve the problem. If the problem remains unresolved, then the coordinator or player agent is the one to talk to. If the problem remains unresolved, the next person up the chain of command is the vice president for your age group. If the problem is with the manager/coach, and the problem remains unresolved, then the player agent should be contacted. That is the job of the player agent to try to work out problems between manager/coach and a player/parent. The person above the player agent to contact when the player agent cannot help is the vice president for your age group. Ultimately, the Board of Directors is the last resort.
Every year the Board receives at least one complaint after the season is over, when it is too late for it to do anything. The appropriate officers, and if necessary the Board, should be made aware of any problem when the problem exists, not later. All contact information can be found on the league’s website.
Q – How do I evaluate a manager?
It is your duty as a parent to objectively evaluate your son’s manager. While we hope that all of your experiences with KWFCBA managers and coaches are pleasant ones, unfortunately you may have a bad experience with one of them that has left a sour taste in your mouth. Unless you tell us we will never know! PLEASE do not be afraid to send in a manager evaluation form. Sometimes parents have told us that they think if they send in a negative report on a manager they feel there will be repercussions on them and/or their child. That is not true! All Manager evaluations are handled by the Player Agents. At the time when managers are being selected, the Player Agent will review the evaluations to determine if there is something that needs to be reported to the Manger’s Selection Committee and/or the Board. No one will know who sent them (unless you chose to make that disclosure). Evaluation forms are distributed and collected at the conclusion of each season by the Player Agent for your age group. Forms for the regular season and for tournament teams are also available on our website for you to download, fill out, and mail in to our PO Box.
Q – Why does the league need volunteers – can’t we just pay to have everything done?
Parents and even some coaches continue to ask, “Why should we have to work the fields, work the concession stand, or umpire? Why don’t we pay someone to do this for us?” The reality is that if we paid for everything, we would not have the funds to build and maintain the facilities that we now have. For some unknown reason, some parents think that they shouldn’t have to help because they paid their registration fee for their son to play baseball. If parents don’t help out . . . who will? No one gets paid to do this. This is an all volunteer organization. From the board of directors all the way through the league no one is benefiting at all except our children. That is why we do it . . . for our kids.
Q – Doesn’t the league already have enough volunteers / board members?
We have approximately 1,100 players each spring playing in KWFCBA which equates to a minimum of 2,000 parents available to help, but less than 10% actually help (including manager’s and coaches) while less than 2% serve on the Board. If we could get just one parent of these 1,100 players to volunteer only a couple of hours per year (not per week) to assist with field maintenance, opening day activities, fund raising, or just helping in general the league would benefit so much. If everyone takes a little ownership, all in the league will benefit, particularly our children.
Q – Is there any medical insurance covering the players?
Yes, the League maintains medical and accidental death & disability insurance to afford protection to all participants in any league-endorsed event. It can be used to supplement other insurance carried under a family policy or provided by parent's employer. If there is no other coverage, this insurance, which is purchased by the league, not the parent, takes over and provides benefits for all covered injury treatment costs up to the maximum stated benefits. This coverage in force at all times during the season and if your child sustains a covered injury while taking part in KW/FCBA Baseball activities, here is how the insurance works:
1. File claim initially under insurance carried by the family.
2. Should your family insurance plan not fully cover the injury treatment, the League insurance policy will help pay the difference up to the maximum stated benefits. This includes any deductibles or exclusions in your own insurance.
3. If your child is not covered by any family insurance, the League insurance policy becomes primary and will provide benefits for all covered injury treatment costs up to the maximum benefits of the policy.
4. Treatment of dental injuries can extend beyond the normal 52-week period if dental work must be delayed due to physiological changes of a growing child. Benefits will be paid at time treatment is given, even though it may be some years later. Maximum dollar benefit is $500 for eligible deferred dental treatment after the normal 52-week period.
Note: This information is subject to change and maybe incorrect if revisions have been made to the League's insurance policy by the insurance company.
Q – I have heard of a Parent’s Baseball Creed. What is that?
PARENT’S BASEBALL CREED I shall set an example of sportsmanship for my child to follow. I shall remember that only 9 children can play at a time. I shall remember that all officers, managers, and auxiliaries are volunteers. I shall not complain about anyone unless I have labored as much or more on League projects as they have. I shall not criticize the umpires unless I am ready to assume their duties.
FINANCIAL POLICY AND FEES
Q – How does the league fund its activities?
KWFCBA is a non-profit 501c3 corporation registered with the IRS. Total funding for the program is derived from player registration fees and sponsorships solicited. We do not receive any financial support from the State of Texas, the City of Houston, Harris County, Kingwood Services Association, or any other organization including homeowner associations. Unlike other baseball programs, there are no mandatory fundraisers. The league conducts events such as hit-a-thons and/or raffles from time to time to raise funds for flood remediation (Forest Cove complex floods frequently) and capital projects. The facilities in Kingwood and Forest Cove are leased from the respective homeowner’s associations. The league pays all expenses for maintenance and upkeep. Note: The land that the league uses is, for all practical purposes, either landfill from the original build-out of Kingwood or flood zone. This is land that can not be developed!
Q – Is there a discount for families with more than one player?
Yes. Families registering three or more players receive a 50% discount off the lowest-priced registration being paid for the third player (or more).
Q – We changed our mind about playing – am I entitled to a refund?
Possibly. If a player withdraws from the league prior to the drafts and the formation of teams, (even if they tried out) the player shall receive a full refund. If a player withdraws from the league prior to the start of the season, but after the drafts and the teams have been formed, the player shall receive a 50% refund. Once the season begins, there will be no refund.
OFFICERS & BOARD
Q – Who runs the league?
KWFCBA is an all-volunteer organization and the Board of Directors administers the league. Elected officers are: President, First Vice President, Second Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer and Player Agent(s). Other positions are filled by elected Board members: Equipment Coordinator(s), Field and Facilities Coordinator(s) T-Ball Coordinator(s), Pinto Coordinator(s), Mustang Coordinator(s), Bronco Coordinator(s), Pony Coordinator(s), Colt Coordinator(s), Palomino Coordinator(s), Umpire Coordinator(s), Concessions Coordinator(s), Fund-raiser Coordinator(s), Corporate Sponsorship Coordinator(s), Publicity Coordinator(s) and Team Parent/Volunteer Development Coordinator(s).
Q – Are Board meetings open to the public?
Yes. The Board meets at least once a month and with the exception of Disciplinary meetings, are open to the public. Check the calendar on the website for all Board meeting dates and times.
Q – How do you join the Board? When are elections held?
We are always looking for energetic Board Members to help us run our league. Election of New Board Members takes place at the annual meeting held every September and the newly elected board takes over at the conclusion of the election. The notice for the annual meeting is published in the Kingwood Observer at least ten days prior to the meeting and is also posted on website. The terms of office for all Directors shall be one (1) year, beginning the day following the annual meeting. All Directors shall be eligible for reelection. If you want to be on the board because you have an agenda or an axe to grind such as: (1.) Your child did not make a tournament team; (2.) You were not selected as a manager, (3.) You want to be able for to use our facilities for your select team; (4.) You want to change the way something has been done in our league for years AND you cannot honestly give the proper amount of time that is required to make our league a better place to play baseball for all players in all divisions / age groups, please be considerate of the other board members and do not join the board. In the past we have had individuals join the board, who do not help whatsoever, get their team, are nowhere to be found except for tournament season, and only show up at the board meetings to vote for something on their agenda. The players and parents of this league do not need this type of individuals on the board, we do, however, need individuals who want to help our league grow so that the players have a great environment to play baseball!
MANAGERS, TEAMS & PLAYERS
Q - Can we arrange for our child to be with a certain manager or teammate?
Yes and No. Only the TB / Shetland players may request accommodations. Any requests must be in writing on the registration form. TB / Shetland teams are generally formed by village. Although efforts will be made to accommodate your request, there are no guarantees! Players in all other age groups may not request accommodations. Also, a manager can not guarantee to select your child (unless he has the first pick in a draft).
Q - Can we arrange for our child to avoid a certain manager or teammate?
Yes and No. This can happen only by directly asking that manager not to draft your child. You should also let the Player Agent for your age group know of your request. As to avoiding a teammate, you should inform the Player Agent of that request also. There are no guarantees related to teammate requests!
Q - How are regular season league teams formed? How is the draft run?
T-Ball / Shetland – Players do not tryout. The T-Ball / Shetland Coordinator assigns players to the teams. Every effort is made to assign players to teams according to their neighborhood villages. Pinto, Mustang, Bronco and Pony Divisions - Players will be divided into Open / Division I (AAA) and Division II (AA) for the spring season. No player will be assigned to Open / Division I except through the draft. In order to be eligible for the Division I draft, a prospective player must participate in the Division I tryout. For the Mustang, Bronco, and Pony Divisions, the Open / Division I teams will select all twelve (12) players before the Division II teams draft. Players not selected in the Open / Division I draft will be eligible for the Division II draft and must participate in one of the Division II tryouts. Team rosters will be in accordance with guidelines established by PONY Baseball, Inc. An attempt will be made to keep all Division II rosters to the twelve (12) player limit (minimum by PONY Baseball, Inc.). The roster size is at the discretion of the Board of Directors and is based on availability of players per Age Group and Division.
How The Draft Is Run – One Player Agent or Executive Committee member must be present at all drafts in order for the draft to be valid. Only Managers will be responsible for selection of players through the draft. Once all coaches have arrived, the draft order will be randomly chosen. Once the draft order is determined, coaches can swap draft order by agreement. Team names will be chosen by a lottery system of those coaches who have sponsors at draft time. Teams without sponsors will pick from the remaining names in reverse order of draft. Presiding Player Agent will go over special circumstances such as brothers, car pools, etc. There is no protection of players. No exceptions! Selecting The Players – Picks will be made in draft order (1 to 10) for odd numbered rounds and in reverse order (10 – 1) for even numbered rounds. Older age group coaches’ sons will be the third round pick for that coach, while younger age sons will be the fourth round pick for that coach. Each coach is allowed one trade, which must be completed before leaving the draft site. Trades must be approved by the League Coordinator and the Player Agent. Trading draft order prior to the beginning of the draft will not count as your trade. For more information, visit KW/FCBA website – http://www.kwfcba.org
TOURNAMENT TEAMS Q – How are tournament teams selected?
PINTO 8 & MUSTANG DIVISION II Pinto 8 and Mustang Division II may field up to two (2) tournament teams for playing games and entry into PONY Baseball INC. and into USSSA Pinto 8U Tournaments. There shall be a first team and a second team (if interest warrants). Players for all post-season Tournament Teams in the Pinto 8 and Mustang Division II will be selected in the following manner: (a) Each Manager in the regular Spring Season for Pinto 8 and Mustang Division II shall nominate up to five (5) players from their team whom they believe are worthy of Tournament Team play. (b) Each Manager will vote for twelve (12) players from the nomination list. (c) Eight (8) players with the majority of votes, and who accept the “commitment agreement” shall be placed on the First Team. The Tournament Team Manager will break ties and (d) the First Team Manager will then select four (4) to seven (7) players of his choice. MUSTANG DIVISION 1, BRONCO, PONY, COLT AND PALOMINO DIVISIONS Players for all post-season Tournament Teams in the Mustang, Bronco, Pony, Colt and Palomino Divisions will be selected in the following manner: (a) All players vote. Younger age players vote for both older age and younger age players while the older age players’ only vote for older age players. The four (4) players with the most votes by the players automatically make the team. (b) four (4) players with the most votes by the Managers; (c) between four (4) and seven (7) players selected by the Tournament Team Manager and (d) ties in the players' vote will be broken by the Managers' vote, and ties in the Managers' vote will be broken by the Tournament Team Manager. The trading of players among tournament teams is not allowed.
Promptly after Tournament Team voting and before the team is announced, each selected player and his/her parent(s) will be asked to sign a "commitment agreement" which outlines expectations regarding financial costs and team support, and which acknowledges the time involved in Tournament Team participation. The agreement shall also acknowledge that the player will play only on the team for which selected and will not concurrently play on any other baseball team. Tournament Berths: The Manager of the Older Age Group First Team will have the first choice of tournament berth. The Manager of the Older Age Group Second Team will have the second choice of tournament berth, with the Manager of the Younger Age Group First Team having third choice and the Manager of the Younger Age Group Second Team having fourth choice. For additional information, visit the KW/FCBA website at – http://www.kwfcba.org
Q – Why didn’t my son get selected for a tournament team?
Choosing a tournament team is usually very difficult. Any tournament team manager is worth his salt will select the best players he can to get his team as far as possible and hopefully on to the championship. Picking the best players is about an overall picture and who is most likely to make their plays and hit to manufacture runs. There are often several children who seem equally qualified but the manager can only take a limited number of players after the “voted” players. These particular selections are subjective so that different people see things in different ways or want different attributes used. This alone may explain many differences of opinion as to who should or should not have made the team. A manager must consider various factors on how the team will be composed and these may require tradeoffs. Pitching is most important, followed by hitting ability. Key fielding positions must be considered when constructing the team as well as the ability to play multiple positions. There are also intangibles that may be a factor, such as the attitude of a player and/or parents (many managers will not hesitate to take a child with less talent but a better attitude instead of a more talented player with a bad attitude or irritating parents), a child whose parent can help coach the team, and even intuition. Finally, it is very possible that a manager makes a mistake in his or her selection and your child should have been on the team.
PLAYING RULES
Q - Are there any rules regarding minimum playing time?
Rules will vary per age group regarding playing time. At a minimum, in all age groups, all players must play every other (complete) defensive inning in the field and all players will bat in a continuous batting order. Refer to the local rules posted on the KW/FCBA web site for your specific age group.
LEAGUE OPERATIONS
Q – Why don’t we have umpires in Pinto anymore?
Prior to the 2000 season, parent volunteers umpired all games in Pinto. At that time, a decision was made to allow the KWFC Umpires Association to provide umpires. One of the thoughts at the time was that Pinto would provide an entry point / training ground for new umpires. In Fall 2004, the KWFC Umpires Association notified the League that it would no longer provide umpires for the Pinto age group. Primary reason was that they did not have enough umpires wishing to call the games due to several reasons. Unfortunately, abuse from fans (i.e., parents in the stand and coaches) topped the list coupled with lower pay ($20 per game) relative to other age groups and the umpires were not getting experience behind the plate due to non-pitching. Due to the League’s prior experience using parent volunteers as umpires the league returned to this practice. Additionally, implemented as a direct result of the problems experienced at Pinto was the Principles For Parents mandatory contract signed each year before the player is allowed to play.
Q – Why are the restrooms always locked at Forest Cove?
There is no reason why it should not be open during league activities unless it was out-of-order. All coaches are given the bathroom code prior to the start of the season along with the codes for the electrical cage, storage shed for pitching machines and chalk etc. Typically coaches open them when they prep the field prior to the games. It may have been opened at the beginning of the game and someone shut it. KWFCBA does not have groundskeepers like county or city parks that are paid to unlock and lock things. We trust our volunteer coaches to do this. Lately, the bathrooms at Forest Cove have been the target of player siblings putting dirt and other objects into the sinks and toilets. We have to call plumbers out to rectify the situation. This sometimes takes a couple days based on when someone is notified and the plumber is available. There are portable facilities located at the TB/Shetland fields for use when these are out-of-order.
Q – Why don’t the scoreboards work?
All scoreboards are functioning and most are new within the last 3 years. Each scoreboard is checked prior to each season and unless someone notifies the age group coordinator and/or facilities coordinator, we do not know that a scoreboard is not working. To use a scoreboard, a coach or parent needs to get the controller out of the equipment shed and turn it on.
Q – Why don’t we have concession stands?
Since Kingwood was annexed by the City of Houston we are limited on what can be sold in the concession stand because of health department regulations, training requirements and fees which forced the evaluation of keeping the stands open especially when taking into consideration the lack of support from parents to staff the stands. Up until 2003, we opened the stands for spring seasons. Until annexed we had typical concession stand fare, hot dogs, sandwiches etc. After annexation, the stands were stocked with all pre-packaged items and soft drinks. Prices charged had a minimum mark up because the parents complained if it was more than they could buy it elsewhere. Health department requires a trained manager be present at all open hours. There is not enough profit to pay an individual to go for the training and then work all the games. Since the full fare concession stand is out of the question we still have the ability to provide a limited offering of prepackaged items. However, based upon experiences from the last few years that the stands were open we found that the parents did not want to work and in many cases refused to work in the stands even though it worked out to less than 1 hour per family per season.