RDMBA Rep Program

Red Deer Minor Baseball Association offers a "Rep Program" that provides its players the opportunity to develop their skills and play at higher levels of competition. There are rep teams starting at the Mosquito age level and going up to the Midget age level. Typically, there are two to three teams at each age group, categorized according to Baseball Alberta divisions.

Mosquito (11 U) - age 10 & 11, Competitive (AA-1, AA-2), Community (A)                               (ages as of December 31)  
PeeWee (13 U) - age 12 & 13, Performance (AAA), Competitive (AA), Community (A)
Bantam (15 U) - age 14 & 15, Performance (AAA), Competitive (AA), Community (A)
Midget (18U) - age 16-18, Performance (AAA), Competitive (AA)

Coaches for the Rep Program are selected in January. Player evaluations or tryouts are conducted in early spring.  These evaluations involve independent evaluators with a baseball background and an understanding of how the evaluation system works.  These evaluations are based on direct observation of demonstrated skill, estimates of future development potential, perceived dedication to the program and other such factors.  In this way all players wishing to try out for Rep teams are required to demonstrate their ability so they can be placed at the appropriate level.

The Rep Program requires more of a time commitment for the players and coaches than the Rec Program.  This level will typically practice at least twice a week and play almost every weekend, starting in early May and going to August.  These weekends include league play as well as tournaments. Depending on how the teams do, there are Provincial, National and Western Canadian Championships that the team can qualify for (Mosquito only has a Provincial Championship).

There are also extra costs associated with this level of competition.  RDMBA fees cover basic expenses such as insurance, equipment and facilities.  Rep players must sell raffle tickets with the proceeds going to RDMBA.  Rep teams are required to cover their own travel and tournament costs.  The Head Coach should have a proposed team budget at the evaluations/tryouts so that people are aware of the extra costs associated with this level and can decide if they want their young athlete to participate.  This extra cost is usually offset by team fund raising activities.  The amount of fund raising will vary per team and is very much dependent on the amount of travel required.

Role of the Players

Players in baseball should be involved because they want to be with their peers and for the enjoyment of the game.  Baseball is a game of anticipation, hand to eye coordination and short energy bursts and requires skill and concentration.  There is much to learn and much to apply in the spirit of competing.  Players must develop individually and unconditionally contribute to the team in order to extract game enjoyment.

Code of Conduct

• Treat all players as you would like to be treated 
• Play by the rules
• Never argue with an officials' call
• Be attentive and cooperative with everyone on the field
• Control the emotions - no temper tantrums or mouthing off
• Be a good sport
• Hazing or bullying of any kind will not be tolerated
• Practice and play hard all the time
• Be coachable and teachable
• Respect the Coach, he is more experienced than you

Role of the Parents

The parents are the biggest supporters and cheerleaders of young baseball players.  As well, parents are supporters of RDMBA and are stakeholders in the success of the team and the organization.  Parents exert long hours of volunteerism and are a catalyst in helping the Coach and Players create the environment to extract enjoyment in the game.

Code of Conduct

• Encourage players to be involved in baseball for their enjoyment, not yours
• Encourage players to always play by the rules
• Always have good sportsmanship and skill development in mind regardless of the scoreboard
• Be mindful that players learn best by example - applaud good plays by either team
• Show consideration and respect for the officials, even when you do not agree with their calls
• Abuse of players, coaches, officials and volunteers will not be tolerated
• Respect the Coach's approaches and decisions - handle any difficult situations with unselfish motives

Developing The Team

After player selections, there will be a Coach / Parent meeting.  The Coach will present the coaching philosophy, the team goals and objectives and his general expectations of the season.  This meeting is intended to generate discussion and clear any questions that anyone may have.  Since this is the first official get together of the Coaches and Parents, the success of the year begins here.

• This is the time for volunteer positions to be filled
• The coach will welcome any parent questions or concerns individually
• Communicate
• Parents should be cooperative as volunteers
• Parents and Coaches are role models for Players - always speak and act accordingly
• All are responsible to create an open environment geared towards enjoyment of the game
• Make your season successful instead of waiting for it to be successful
• Don't sweat the small stuff
• Laugh at yourself, not at others
• Ask if you do not understand
• Explain if someone asks
• Carpool
• Offer suggestions for improvement to Board members of RDMBA

For more information, please call the Rep Division Director