Dear NSBA Players and Families,
I hope you and yours are well and have been able to stay active and healthy during these unusual times. I am emailing to provide an update on our plans for the 2021 season and to provide our best current guess as to what baseball will look like in 2021. There are lots of things we don’t yet know, but I do know that we will have our kids on the field, getting fresh air, and spending time with their friends (and out of your hair!).
First, we have already had strong uptake on registration for 2021. Late registration fees will begin to apply after January 15th. So tell your friends that baseball is going ahead and encourage them to sign up too!
SEASON PLAN
At the league level, we are continuing to plan for a return to a full baseball season on April 1st or thereabouts. While changing COVID restrictions may prevent us from starting on time, our full intention is to be prepared for game play from day 1. We are finalizing plans for our spring evaluation process and will share details soon. Be prepared for the process to look a bit different than in previous years due to space limitations. The outcome will be the same: FUN, safe and competitive baseball options for all our members.
We are also prepared to operate under phase 2 / modified play rules and to provide great outdoor activity and training for your young player! We now have a full season and off-season of practice, and we believe that we can continue to provide engaging baseball content for our children while fully supporting provincial efforts to manage the pandemic.
NEW THIS YEAR
NSBA is always looking for additional ways to provide great baseball programming to its members, and so we are working on several new options and program updates for 2021. Among other items, keep your eye out for the following:
- March Break “Rust Removal” Camps in partnership with Travail Baseball (subject to permits and covid restrictions)
- Updated 5U/7U program structure with greater emphasis on active, fun, skill development and additional paid coaching support for our newest players. We are working to implement a program which looks similar to the Baseball Canada Rally Cap program.
- Additional coach development opportunities with NSBA support for Baseball Canada NCCP training for coaches
- BCBUA will have a new, online umpire training format which we will continue to augment with mentorship by experienced umpires
- And more!
OTHER UPDATES
11U Tiered Play
In 2020, there was some question about whether tiered play would be allowed for this division. Due to advocacy by NSBA and other large associations, we have confirmed with BC Minor Baseball that tiered spring play at 11U will be allowed for 2021 and future seasons. The NSBA Board has considered the various options for tiering at this age and intends to offer an AL/NL tiering structure, similar to the 2019 season, with some modification possible depending on the COVID environment and registration numbers.
9U / 11U Pitching Skills Development and Coaching Support
NSBA is currently evaluating options for providing additional in-season pitching skills development for players in these divisions. Given the importance of pitching to the game, we want to ensure that our excellent core of volunteer coaches is supported with appropriate resources to help players have a fun and positive experience with pitching. We are also working to provide additional professional coaching support as a resource to our volunteer coaches.
I’m personally very excited to be getting back to the field. I am confident that it will provide some much needed escape from the winter doldrums, and an opportunity for players (and parents) to stretch their social (and socially distanced) muscles without the need for a computer screen.
As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Yours in baseball,
Nicholas Van Dyk
President
president@northshorebaseball.ca
North Shore Baseball Association