General

Question Why do we run assessments?

Answer To build balanced teams and place players where they will develop best. Every player makes a team.

Question Who attends?

Answer 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.

Question I think my 9-year-old is pretty good—can they try out?

Answer 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.

Question Is there a make-up date or what if we miss our window?

Answer 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.

Question What if we arrive late but before the last group begins their stations?

Answer 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.

Question What if we arrive late and there are no more groups?

Answer 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

Question When and where?

Answer Baseball: Sat, Jan 24 at Robert Eagle Staff MS. Softball: Sat, Feb 7 at Wallingford Boys & Girls Club.

Question How do I sign up?

Answer Use the player and volunteer SignUpGenius links on the Assessments page. For the full registration walkthrough, see Registration Instructions.

Question What should we bring?

Answer Glove, water, weather-appropriate clothing. Helmet (loaners likely available), bat optional. Softball is indoors—wear clean indoor shoes.

Question Can parents stay?

Answer Yes, but give coaches and assessors space to run stations. Please keep siblings clear of drill areas.

Question How early should we arrive?

Answer Arrive 15–20 minutes before your window for check-in, bibs, and a quick warm-up.

During assessments

Question What skills are evaluated?

Answer Throwing/receiving, infield/outfield reads, hitting (tee/front toss), and baserunning. Pitching/catching may be a separate station.

Question How long will it take?

Answer Plan for about 90 minutes in your window. Please arrive early enough for check-in and warm-up.

Question How are coaches involved?

Answer 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.

Question Why do players wear bibs?

Answer Bib numbers keep evaluations consistent and impartial. Assessors score the number, not the name, and the draft calculations stay number-based to reduce bias.

Question How is scoring handled?

Answer 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.

Question What if my player is nervous?

Answer Remind them it's a practice-style workout. Effort, attitude, and listening to cues matter as much as results.

After assessments

Question When are teams formed?

Answer 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.

Question What if my player is on the bubble?

Answer Final placement depends on scores, roster sizes, and division needs. Younger players may be placed in the best-fit division for development.

Question Can we appeal placement?

Answer Placements are final. If you have a serious concern, email [email protected].