Assessments FAQ
Quick answers about the 2026 AAA/Majors assessments for baseball and softball.
General
Why do we run assessments?
To build balanced teams and place players where they will develop best. Every player makes a team.
Who attends?
All registered AAA/Majors players (baseball and softball). Skilled baseball 9's may attend for AAA
consideration; younger divisions do not assess. If you need a refresher on league eligibility rules, see
Eligibility & Boundaries.
I think my 9-year-old is pretty good—can they try out?
10's, 11's and 12's fill AAA/Majors first. After 10's, 11's and 12's are placed, skilled 9's can earn spots
if roster space remains and their assessment score places them in the draftable pool. If you think your
9-year-old is ready, have them attend; the draftable pool size depends on available roster space after 10's
and 11's are placed and, ultimately, how many teams we field. Read the
AAA Draft Overview
to see how teams are formed.
Is there a make-up date or what if we miss our window?
No make-up date is planned. Email
[email protected]
ASAP if you will be late or must miss. Placement may rely on prior-season evaluations and coach input; late
or no-show players may have limited division options.
What if we arrive late but before the last group begins their stations?
Check in immediately. We will work you into the remaining stations during your sport's window if space
allows. The earlier you arrive, the more complete your evaluation.
What if we arrive late and there are no more groups?
If the final group of the day has gone, you will not be able to participate. Email
[email protected]
right away. Placement will lean on prior-season evaluations and coach input, which may limit options. We
cannot guarantee a live evaluation after the window closes.
Logistics
When and where?
Baseball: Sat, Jan 24 at Robert Eagle Staff MS. Softball: Sat, Feb 7 at Wallingford Boys & Girls Club.
How do I sign up?
Use the player and volunteer SignUpGenius links on the Assessments page. For the full registration
walkthrough, see Registration Instructions.
What should we bring?
Glove, water, weather-appropriate clothing. Helmet (loaners likely available), bat optional. Softball is
indoors—wear clean indoor shoes.
Can parents stay?
Yes, but give coaches and assessors space to run stations. Please keep siblings clear of drill areas.
How early should we arrive?
Arrive 15–20 minutes before your window for check-in, bibs, and a quick warm-up.
During assessments
What skills are evaluated?
Throwing/receiving, infield/outfield reads, hitting (tee/front toss), and baserunning. Pitching/catching may
be a separate station.
How long will it take?
Plan for about 90 minutes in your window. Please arrive early enough for check-in and warm-up.
How are coaches involved?
Coaches run stations and assess players. If you are a coach and cannot attend, email
[email protected]
so coverage is arranged. New to volunteering? Visit the
Volunteer Hub.
Why do players wear bibs?
Bib numbers keep evaluations consistent and impartial. Assessors score the number, not the name, and the
draft calculations stay number-based to reduce bias.
How is scoring handled?
Multiple coaches score each station using the same rubric; scores are combined to form the draft pool and
inform placements. See the AAA Draft Overview for how the pool feeds the draft and team assignments.
What if my player is nervous?
Remind them it's a practice-style workout. Effort, attitude, and listening to cues matter as much as
results.
After assessments
When are teams formed?
Drafts occur shortly after assessments; families are notified by team staff once rosters are set. See the
AAA Draft Overview for how teams are formed and assignments are finalized.
What if my player is on the bubble?
Final placement depends on scores, roster sizes, and division needs. Younger players may be placed in the
best-fit division for development.
Can we appeal placement?