KOUTS YOUTH BASEBALL
FAQ's
Q: How do I register my player for Kouts Youth Baseball or T-Ball?
A: Kouts Youth Baseball and T-Ball registration is completed through an online registration process where you must make an account. When creating an account on the website you, the parent, need to register yourself with your information. After your account is created you can then register your child as a player with their information.
Q: How much is the Registration fee?
A: The registration fee for Baseball Divisions 8U-14U is $150 and T-Ball is $80. Siblings that live in the same household may receive a sibling discount. The first child is full price, every child registered after that will receive a $10 discount on each registration.
Q: What gear does my child need?
A: The Registration fee does include the player’s game jersey and a baseball hat for both baseball and T-ball. Baseball players will also receive a baseball belt and socks. Pants are NOT included. Baseball players will need black baseball pants. They can be full length or knickers, but must be black and for baseball.
8U-14U Baseball: Your child will need a baseball glove, bat, protective cup, a batting helmet, and a water bottle. They will also need baseball cleats, however, metal cleats are not permitted. This is required for every game and practice! Make sure your child is dressed appropriately if they want to participate.
T-Ball: Your child will need a baseball glove, bat, a batting helmet, and a water bottle. They will also need gym shoes or baseball cleats, however, metal cleats are not permitted. This is required for every game and practice! T-ball players can wear gym shorts, sweatpants, or baseball pants. Make sure your child is dressed appropriately if they want to participate. If you need assistance with gear, please email us at: [email protected].
Q: Can I register if I don't live in Kouts?
A: Yes! Anyone can register. The Kouts Youth Baseball League does not have any residency restrictions or out-of-district fees.
Q: I missed the registration deadline, can you make an exception?
A: Unfortunately, no. The preparation and process after registration is lengthy, and we have strict deadlines to meet. Our league is a non-profit organization run by volunteer board members and we need time to do all of the background work before the season begins. We will advertise a lot so keep an eye on our Facebook page and website!
Q: Why is there a waitlist?
A: We cap registration at a certain number, based on averages, to ensure we have the right amount of players per team. A waitlist will allow you to register but not pay at that time. When we get enough players to fill a team, the waitlisted players will be notified and you will then be able proceed with your payment.
Q: What is the refund policy?
A: There are no refunds after registration closes. If you need a refund before it closes, there will be a $10 processing fee. No exceptions!
Q: What age group/division will my player be placed in?
A: All divisions are broken down by birthdate with a cut off of April 30th of that specific season year. Building of the teams will reflect this criteria. Your child's correct age division will auto-populate based on their birth date during the online registration process. Please see our age Matrix.
Q: How will teams be made?
A: This season, we are introducing player assessments for baseball (not T-Ball). The purpose of these assessments is not to rank or cut players, but to help us evenly distribute skill levels across teams so that games are competitive, fun, and developmentally appropriate for everyone. A team of assessors will observe basic skills during assessments and share notes that reflect each player’s current development. Team selections will then be made draft-style, using this information to ensure balanced teams. We will reach out via email and our Facebook page to notify you of these days. If you have a conflict with the assigned day, please let us know and we will work with you to reschedule.
Q: If I have a special request, where do I notify the league about it?
A: When registering your child you can type this in the boxes titled "Special Requests/Comments". Due to the overwhelming amount of requests and for the purpose of appropriately placing players where they will thrive, we are no longer taking requests on teams, coaches, practice dates, etc. Requests for siblings living in the same household who are in the same age and gender divisions will be accommodated. You may email us with any special conditions/situations, however, this does not mean we will be able to accommodate them. Wanting to be on a friends team, car pooling, and convenience are not special conditions.
Q: What does the “U” mean in the age divisions?
A: The “U” means under. You can think of it as: 8U means 8 and under, as long as the child turns 8 on or before the cut off date of April 30th of that season year. This means 8 year olds are in the division, but only those that have turned 8 on or before April 30th. This goes for all of the divisions for Kouts Youth Baseball, 8U through 14U.
Q: The site says there are no available programs for my child, what do I do now?
A: This means that registration has closed or that your player is not eligible to participate based on the birth date or gender requirements set by the organization. This will also happen if your cart has a program in it from a previous attempt. You can look at your account page and check your cart to see if there are any items in it. *Please Note: Sometimes this will happen if the child's birth date is set incorrectly. You can always check this by going to your account screen and clicking on “My Account”. Click on “Edit Player Info” next to your child's name. See "How can I edit any of my account or participant information?" for more info.
Q: What are the profile picture requirements?
A: The profile picture on your account is required and will be used for your child’s player's account. The profile picture must be a headshot, a good example is a "driver's license photo". The requirements for the profile picture are as stated:
* No other family members or pets in the photo
* No sunglasses
* No hats
* Forward Facing (No side angles)
Q: What kind of bat does my child need?
A: Every player will need a bat with the USA Bat Marking on the barrel.
Baseball: All baseball players will need a bat with the USA Bat Marking on the barrel. The marking must be clearly identifiable, or the bat will not be allowed for game play. Barrel Maximum 2 5/8”. No BBCOR or USSA bats are permitted. No T-ball bats are permitted for baseball.
T-Ball: All T-ball players will need a T-Ball bat with an official USA stamp on the barrel.
Q: What if I ordered the wrong size jersey or it gets lost?
A: All single or late ordered jerseys after our bulk order has been placed have fees that we can not accommodate. If you need a new jersey please contact us and we will provide you with the store information so you can order and purchase a new one on your own.
Q: When does the season start and end?
A: The season begins in the Spring with practices starting in April and the first game starting in May. The regular season will end in June with a division tournament to follow. The tournament is usually in late June or early July. These are estimations and are subject to change.
Q: When and where are practices?
A: Practices start approximately 2-3 weeks before the first game of the season. They are held 1-2 times a week in Kouts at the Kouts Youth Baseball Fields. Days and times will be decided by your child’s coach. Coaches will reach out to their teams to discuss this information.
Q: How will games work, and where will they be?
A: The teams in the Kouts Youth Baseball teams will compete against teams in the PCYL. The PCYL Baseball program serves the following leagues: Morgan Twp, Washington Twp, Kouts, Valparaiso Parks Dept, Valpo Americans, Liberty Rec, Duneland Diamond, Portage, and Westville. Games will be played at home and away at any of these field locations. Please Note: Should we have more than one Kouts team in a specific division, Kouts will play against Kouts in regular season games. The season consists of twelve regular season games and a seeded, single-elimination tournament. Seeding for the tournament will be based on win percentage at designated points in the schedule. A minimum number of games played will be required. Tournament games shall be hosted by the better seeded team. The championship game shall be held at a predetermined site. Kouts T-Ball teams will play against other Kouts teams at home in Kouts only.
Q: How much time is involved with volunteering?
A: The time commitment related to volunteering for our league is entirely up to you and the tasks you take on. Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches are always needed. Some baseball experience is strongly encouraged, especially at higher league levels for head coaches. This sort of volunteering would require a few hours each week during the normal baseball season. However, volunteering to serve on our board can require several hours each week, even during the off season.
Q: How do I sign up to coach a team?
A: To coach a team you need to register yourself as a volunteer. Kouts Youth Baseball is always in need of both head and assistant coaches. Our league is run by volunteers! Coaching is a rewarding and positive experience. The goal is to create lasting memories with your child! All of the Kouts Youth Baseball League volunteers will require a background screen.
Q: Will my child get a medal at the end of season?
A: ONLY T-Ball players will receive a participation medal from Kouts Youth Baseball. 8U and up will have the chance to EARN a trophy during their division tournament if they win the championship game.
Weather Policy
If ANY lightning is sighted, thunder is heard, or sirens go off the fields must be cleared immediately! If the game was stopped a timer will be started for a 30 minute wait period. Even if the all clear siren goes off you must still wait 30 minutes. Each time thunder is heard or lightning is sighted during this first wait period, the 30 minute timer will restart. The total time of a weather delay must not exceed 60 minutes. If conditions exist whereby the delay would exceed 60 minutes, then the game is abandoned immediately.
Everyone is a volunteer and does not get paid for putting in many hours behind the scenes to keep this organization operating for your child to play baseball. If you have questions, suggestions, or are interested in getting involved with the club please do not hesitate to contact us by email at: [email protected]