MISSION STATEMENT:

The St. Peter Baseball Association is a program of service to youth. Its goal is to provide children ages 8-18 with an enjoyable baseball experience, which includes learning the basic skills of baseball, teaching and instructing youth in the rules of baseball, promoting teamwork, and developing skills necessary to play youth baseball. The organization aims to instill the values of sportsmanship and competition in youth and to prepare them for high school athletics. It is a feeder program for varsity athletics.

OBJECTIVES
The primary objective of the St. Peter Baseball Association (SPBA) is to promote the growth of baseball at all levels of competition for the St. Peter Community. The SPBA Board of Directors must attract and develop the coaches, umpires, and other adult leaders to ensure that our children have an enjoyable learning and playing experience. The development of sportsmanship, teamwork, honest, courage, respect for authority, and physical fitness are the organization’s priorities. In order to accomplish these objectives, we seek to attain the following objectives:
*To govern the league in a manner that puts the development of our players, as both athletes and persons, above other considerations.
*To provide our players with volunteer coaches who work with players of all ability levels and who remember that development of exceptional athletic skills and winning games is secondary to the development of players and to providing our players with positive examples and a positive baseball experience.
*To provide our players with volunteer coaches who seek to teach those players the rules of the game along with proper baseball fundamentals.
*To provide quality facilities and equipment for the use of our players.
*To prepare players for high school athletics, varsity baseball, and life following athletics.

Levels of Play
Players ages 11-15 may be divided into levels of play, which include A and AA.
*AA-An advanced level of play that will be more competitive. While coaches will strive to keep playing time equal, it may not be so. The AA teams are typically a feeding program for Varsity athletics. Players may play up one age at this level at the discretion of the board, i.e. a 13-year-old player may play on a 14-year-old team. Priority may be given to players that play school baseball. We understand that some athletes may choose to participate in other spring school sports, and that is great. We want them to be well rounded. However, once they begin high school, playing time may be affected.

*A-The level is designed to be a developmental league to provide a competitive experience until they are ready to advance to a higher competitive level. Playing time is relatively equal at this level, with players playing and experiencing different positions at the early ages.  The older they get, the more defined their roles will become.  We can all agree there are some kids that just aren't made to play short stop or center field.  While playing time during the season at the A level will be mostly equal, tournaments and playoffs may be handled differently at the Coaches discretion.

Coaching

We are an organization that is made possible by the support and commitment of volunteer coaches.  We know the commitment that it is, and we cannot express our appreciation enough.  To that end, we ask that parents support those coaches on and off the field.  Please DO NOT approach a coach before, during, or immediately following a game with complaints and/or issues.  They should be hearing "Good luck", "Nice Game" or "Thank You."  And that is all.  It is never acceptable to verbally confront a coach in public regarding your childs playing time, batting position, or where they're playing in the field.  This does more harm to the kids that have to hear it than it will ever help.  
PLEASE consider volunteering to help.  The rewards that go along with it are truly priceless.

Umpires

We will give our umpires the utmost respect before, during and following the games.  These are human beings, they will make mistakes.  Disrespect of umpires will result in immediate removal from the ballpark without warning.  ​This is a valuable lesson you should be teaching your children from the beginning.  Don't be the reason they think it's acceptable.



The value of athletic competition is multi-faceted and includes many issues beyond the obvious thrill of victory and the agony of defeat. The concepts of teamwork, self-discipline, accepting rules, dealing with adversity, respecting your opponent, respecting the game officials and accepting their decisions, are all ideals found at the core of why athletic competition is so essential to the student athlete experience. In St. Peter, we will continue to demand nothing less than exemplary behavior when it comes to respect and sportsmanship. Victory may, at times, be out of reach, but appropriate behavior never is.


Parental Expectations

1. I commit to making sure my child arrives to games and practices on time. This means arriving when the coach specifies, so that my child has enough time to get situated prior to joining our practice or pre-game preparations.
2. I will be sure that my child is properly equipped, sun-protected, hydrated and fueled for practices and games. This includes proper uniforms, including hat, gloves, bags and meals.
3. I will show respect for the umpires. They will often make the wrong call, but the job of the umpire is not an easy one. Voicing my displeasure will not improve the situation.
4. I will stay away from the dugout during games and allow coaches to coach. While this is not easy, I know that providing potentially conflicting messages during a game can be confusing to my child and my presence at the dugout may contribute negatively to his ability to focus.
5. I will be a role model for my child regarding good sportsmanship, teamwork and self worth. These things start with the adults, and the players will behave accordingly. We will take pride in how we carry ourselves and treat others.
6. I am responsible for the behavior of all family members at games and practices. Others may attend games to cheer on my child, and I need to be sure that they also handle themselves according to these rules.
7. I will provide encouragement and support for my child. My child needs to hear my positive encouragement throughout the game.
8. I will provide encouragement and support for all players on the team.As a team, it’s important to provide the same support for my child’s teammates. We’re in this together!
9. I will respect the opposing team, coaches and fans. They are the same as us in many ways, but they simply wear different uniforms. Appreciation for their performance and respect for their abilities will contribute to a positive game environment.
10. I understand that winning is important to the team, but the primary objective is promoting an environment of growth and learning. They will win. They will lose. They will make mistakes. One of the most important things will be what they learn from success and failure.
11. I will get to know the team values and reinforce them with my child. I will read through those expectations with my child and serve as a reminder when they aren’t being met.
12. I will support the coach’s message. While I will not agree with the coach at all times, I also understand that contradicting the coach’s message is counterproductive.
13. I will help my child embrace his role, no matter what it is. I may not agree with where my child hits or plays in the field, but it is important that I help my child embrace and master that role for the best possible experience.
14. I will help nurture a positive environment on and off the field. I will do my best to keep a positive tone as I realize my reactions impact the team.
15. I will refrain from public complaints about coaching and other players with parents. While I will not always agree with how the team is being coached, I know that these reactions do not help.
16. I will schedule a time with the coach to calmly and constructively discuss lineup and playing time concerns rather than during, immediately before or after a practice or game. Instead of complaining publicly, I will be part of the solution by scheduling a private time to discuss my concerns.  Under no circumstances, should a coach be confronted before or immediately following a game.
17. I will offer my help as a volunteer to leverage my skills, where possible. The success of this team is run on the contributions of volunteers, and I want to contribute whatever I can to help.
18. I will respect the challenges the coaches face and time commitment they make. I know that coaching isn’t easy. It’s a significant contribution of time and energy, often with the side effect of stress.
19. I will make payments for team fees as scheduled. The team is not a bank, and several large payments are due on a scheduled basis for tournaments, uniforms, practice facilities and more.
20. I will do everything within my control to make this a positive experience for my child, other players, families and coaches. I will do my part to contribute to this baseball family!

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SPBA
​P.O. Box 8
St. Peter, MN 56082

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