Frequently Asked Questions

Who Runs SRA?

SRA is an all-volunteer organization that operates under the direction of a Board of Directors that currently has 11 members. In addition to our Board members, all of the coaches, assistant coaches, team moms and other volunteers are a vital part of our organization. SRA would not exist if those involved did not step up to the plate to give of their time and talents. As a member of our organization, you are also expected to donate time for the needs of the Association. There are many ways you can help out and there is a place for everyone. Working together spreads out the workload and allows SRA to provide the quality program from which our children benefit.

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How are All Star teams picked?

Each baseball division, Pinto through Colt, creates an All Star team for post-season tournament play. Each coach submits names of their top ten player choices from the entire division, ranking them in order from 1-10. Points are assigned to each player, 10 for #1 through 1 for #10. Coaches are responsible for giving serious consideration to the players they put on this list. The Commissioner and all division coaches will meet together to ensure two things; a) The six players with the highest point total are automatically on the team. b) The remaining six to eight at-large selections are players who were nominated by one or more of the division coaches. In the end, the All-Star coach shall have the final say on who the final six to eight at large players will be from the list of nominations submitted by the division coaches. The SRA Division Coach having the best regular season record, has the honor of coaching the All Star team. If you have any questions regarding this selection process, please talk to the respective Commissioner (baseball/softball).

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I requested a coach, but I didn't get him, Why?

At sign ups, your are allowed to request a coach; however it is not a guarantee that you will get him/her. SRA uses the following system to draft regular season teams, and for coaches, especially returning coaches, it is usually impossible for them to take all the kids who sign up for them. SRA drafts teams with this policy to ensure that each year the teams are drafted as fairy as possible. You may or may not agree with the SRA draft policy, but over the years, and in consultation with other leagues, we feel that we have a fair system. It is truly amazing how many different ways leagues handle team selection, and if there was a perfect way, everyone would be doing it. So, in a nutshell here is our policy:

Prior to the draft a skills day is held for each division. This gives all the coaches a chance to view the skills of the players. This is not a "tryout." It is simply a means of allowing the coaches to see what's out there and enable them to make good choices in order to spread out the talent. This assures a more even team selection. At the draft, each coach receives a list of all the players that requested him/her. From that list, a coach may "protect" a max of 4 of players to include their own child. Once each coach has his/her initial 4 off his list, all the players that selected a coach are put back into the general pool of players. The coaches then pick a number and, in order, take turns picking the remaining players until all children are placed on a team. Click Here to see the entire Draft Rules document

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Who can sponsor a team or get a sign at the park?

Anyone can! Sponsorships are another way SRA generates funds to operate You may not know it, but just to maintain Beale Park runs about $25,000 a year! And that does not include equipment, uniforms, or fees paid to PONY for teams and tournaments. If you or any one you know is interested in becoming a sponsor, contact the Finance board member.

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How do you get to be an umpire? And, do they get paid?

Yes, we use paid umpires for both softball and baseball. If you are interested in umpiring, please contact the Vice President for additional information.

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Why are Team Parents important?

Each coach will, at the beginning of the season, be looking for a Team Parent to help him/her with various duties throughout the season. These duties include the following: organizing team parents to cover team concession stand duties, making phone call regarding practices & rain outs, planning your team party and ordering trophies. Some team moms do everything alone, and others put together a group of parents from the team to do different jobs. Either way, by helping your coach with all the other parts he can dedicate more of his time doing what he does best - Teaching your children! Coaches also look to their parents to keep the score book and help get the field ready before and after a game.

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Who takes care of Beale Park?

You do! The land for Beale Park was donated to SRA in the mid 1960's and all the maintenance and upkeep is done by our volunteer membership. We do hire out the grass cutting during the season, but all repairs and field work is done by recruiting our membership - working in conjunction with the Building and Ground board member. Help is always needed! As far as general clean up - trash pick up, cleaning the bathrooms and keeping the park clean - everyone needs to help take care of it! Coaches are required to clean out the dugouts and pick up trash around the bleachers after each game, so pitch in yourself and pitch your own trash into the cans! It's your park, help keep it clean!

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Why are the lights turned off so fast after the games are over?

Since it is our park, and we pay the light bill, SRA tries to keep light usage in check. They only need to be on when it is necessary. Just like at your house, lights left on for no reason cost money! Many times, after games or practice, people hang out and chat, many times long after the kids have left the field. Please be frugal with light usage! If the kids are on a field, lights should be on, but once it is over, as soon as safely possible, the lights need to be turned off!

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