Important Note: If you have any questions about uniform sizing, you may consult the informational page Uniform Sizing before you begin registration.

 

 

Q: How do I know if my child is eligible to play in the FOD League?
A: This program was developed for our exceptional children in mind. Any child that cannot typically play in standard recreational baseball can play in the FOD League. This includes any child, from age 5, or in Kindergarten, no matter his or her level of ability, who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having an impairment. Major life activities as defined in the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 include caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working.

 

Q: Will my child be able to play regardless of his/her disability?
A: ABSOLUTELY! At Field of Dreams every child plays!

 

Q: How much does it cost to register?
A: Registration is free for the season. Our generous sponsors have made it possible for FOD to purchase uniforms and pay for other league expenses such as field & facility improvements, ensuring the success of our program. We are making every effort to keep our costs down so our program is affordable for everyone thanks to our team and league sponsors and our many wonderful & dedicated volunteers.  A very special thank you to our donors and volunteers. 

 

Q: Is FOD League a non-profit organization?
A: The Field of Dreams is a 501c3, tax exempt, non-profit, charitable organization and proud member of Creeks Athletic Association (CAA).

 

Q: Where does FOD gets it's funding?
A: Funding for FOD is solely through public contributions, team sponsors, and league sponsorship donations. Donations and contributions are always welcome. Visit the Volunteer table to learn more about how you can make donations outside of our concession stand. 

 

Q: I registered my child for the upcoming season. Now what do I do?
A: Please keep a copy of your registration for your records, visit our Facebook, and our website for important information and announcements. You will be notified before the season begins of dates for team selections, opening day and other important information. You will be notified by your coach after your child is drafted to a team about game dates, uniforms and any other information you will need.  If you have additional questions, please reach out directly to Jaclyn Conatser, Director of Registration. 

 

Q: Does my child have to tryout? 
A: We will not be holding tryouts, all eligible athletes are welcome.

 

Q: When do practices start? How many practices are there per week? 
A: There are no practices for FOD teams.

Q: When will games start? How many games will we play? 
A: Spring season games will begin with Open Day Saturday February 5, 2022, with the first pitch at 9AM. Games will be held each Saturday for 9 weeks until early May.  Typically games are not held during Spring Break, nor Easter weekend.  We may have potential rain date make-ups scheduled, if needed. 

  More information and dates will be announced by your child's coach.

Q: How long are the games?
A: An official game consists of two (2) innings or one (1) hour of play, whichever comes first. If the time limit is reached, the entire inning must complete. 

 

Q: What are the game rules?
A: A copy of the Field of Dreams official rules is posted on our Website and available in both word format or PDF. Please click on the icon below to view & print. 

 

Q: Will it be kid pitch? Machine pitch or a will the children use a tee?
A: Each batter has the option, based upon head coach preference, of hitting the ball off a tee or having a head coach or big buddy pitch.

 

Q: What type of baseball is used?
A: The official FOD League baseball is a Reduced Injury Factor (RIF) Level 5 baseball. RIF baseballs are rated from Level 1 to Level 10 with Level 1 being a softer ball and Level 10 being near “regulation”. A RIF baseball Level 5 is soft enough to help the fear factor and increase player safety.

 

Q: Does my child need any special equipment?
A: All bats, balls, helmets and other equipment will be provided by FOD with the exception of gloves. Players will also receive a full uniform. Comfortable tennis or walking shoes are also recommended. Athletic supporters and cups are encouraged for all boys and required for any child wishing to catch. NO METAL CLEATS ARE ALLOWED on the turf field. Any type of athletic footwear, sneakers, baseball/soccer type shoes with rubber soles or medically necessary footwear prescribed by a doctor are permitted. There are no other restrictions.

 

 

Q: What kind of bat is used? Can my child bring their own bat?
A: The diameter of the bat barrel cannot exceed 2 ¼ inch. The length of the bat cannot exceed 33 inches. Metal composite bats not exceeding a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.5, wooden bats, plastic or foam style bats are permitted but cannot exceed barrel and length restrictions. Bats will be provided, however a player may bring their own bat as long as the meet the previously stated requirements.

 

Q: When will my child need to wear a helmet and/or can a player bring their own helmet?
A: Any offensive player in the on-deck circle, coaching the bases, batting or running the bases MUST wear a helmet with ear flaps. The helmet must fit snuggly and completely cover the player ears. It is optional for any defensive player, except for the catcher, to wear a helmet. The helmet must meet all NOCSAE performance and safety standards and have the official NOCSAE seal clearly visible (see right). A child may and is encouraged to wear a helmet in the outfield based upon the discretion of the player, parent or guardian, therapist or coach. A player may bring their own helmet, but it MUST have the NOCSAE seal.

 

Q: What if my child wants to catch? Will additional equipment be required or supplied?
A:  A helmet with a faceguard must be worn; the helmet and faceguard must meet NOCSAE performance and safety standards, fit snuggly and completely covers the players ears. A dangling throat protector must be worn for any type of catchers helmet including the hockey style helmet. The catcher must wear knee and shin guards that meet NOCSAE performance and safety standards. Where applicable, the knee and shin guard must completely cover the catchers knee cap and front part of the ankles. A catchers chest protector with drop down clap that is designed to protect the groin area must be worn. The chest protector must meet NOCSAE performance and safety standards. For male catchers and where applicable, an athletic supporter and cup are required. A catchers’ mitt is recommended but is not required. All required catchers gear will be provided, with the exception of an athletic supporter and cup.

 

Q: What happens if it rains?
A: Our first priority is the safety of everyone at the facility. If the fields are judged unsafe, we will suspend, postpone, reschedule, or cancel games as needed. There are numerous factors in deciding when games are allowed to continue and we weigh each of those before making a decision. During the regular season, the FOD Website will be updated daily by 9am with weather-related information concerning Field of Dreams Baseball, such as field condition & field closures. FOD will close the fields (and update the Website) on days when official games are scheduled or when field conditions are unplayable.  Parents should contact their team Manager if they are unsure about practice.

 

Q: What is a buddy? What does a buddy do? How do you become a buddy?
A: Buddies are volunteers from local High School teams and are invited to participate by a Designated League Official. All buddies must be at the field 30 minutes prior to game time, attend a brief orientation session hosted by the umpire or DLO and must be in their designated team uniform. The main objective of the buddy is to be a friend to their assigned league player; engage them in conversation; talk; laugh and help the player have a rewarding and fun experience. For more information, click: Buddy Program

 

Q: I want to be a manager, assistant coach, team parent, or buddy. How do I volunteer? 
A: You can indicate this when filling out the registration form by answering the question 'How can you help?" in the Parent/Guardian section. Additionally, you can use our Website page 'Board of Directors' to contact one of Board members directly with any questions or to express your interest in wanting to help. If you are not sure whom to contact or you would like to volunteer for a position within our league, please contact our President, Gene Kolisnyk at uke123@aol.com.  We are ALWAYS in need of more volunteers to help run the league. More information is also availble on our Volunteer Info & Forms page.

 
IMPORTANT NOTE ABOUT VOLUNTEERED REQUIRED 2023 BADGES 

ALL parents and adults age 18 and older who would like to volunteer as a team manager, assistant coach, team mom, big buddy or be on the field or in the dugout are required to go through the background check process to obtain a CAA issued 2023 Badge. 

 

 

Questions

You may also contact our Board Members with any additional questions or concerns.

 

 

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Please contact FOD's President, Gene Kolisnyk at uke123@aol.com,

for any questions or concerns about the FOD Web site.