FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT GENERAL INFORMATION
LINKS TO OTHER TOPIC-SPECIFIC FAQs
How to Register a Player
Season Registration
Skills Assessment
Participation
WHAT DOES PONY STAND FOR?
PONY is an acronym for Protect Our Nation's Youth. The concept for the name originally came from boys at the local YMCA in Washington, Pennsylvania and stood for "Protect Our Neighborhood Youth," but when PONY became an international program in the early 1950's "Neighborhood" was switched to "Nation's."
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LITTLE LEAGUE AND PONY BASEBALL?
The primary features that distinguish PONY baseball from Little League baseball are those of a two year age bracket system and scaled diamonds. Additionally, Pony teaches lead offs and base stealing starting at age 9 (Mustang Division), or earlier while pitchers learn pick off moves and holding runners on base to counter the potential steal. Read more HERE
DO PARTICIPANTS HAVE TO LIVE IN TOWN ’N COUNTRY TO BE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY AT TNC?
We pride ourselves on being the preferred park for our Town ‘N Country community, but TNC is not restricted to just Town ‘N Country area residents. We welcome anyone in the surrounding Tampa area to play at our park!
HOW LONG IS THE BASEBALL SEASON?
Each season lasts approximately 10-12 weeks—this could change from season to season depending on holidays, school calendars, and other events. The spring season begins in February and ends with the last Saturday game played the first week of May. The fall season begins late August/Early September and ends with the last game played 1-2 Saturdays before Thanksgiving.
All-Star Season – All Star tryouts and selection is handled at the end of the Spring Season ends and practices begin during the middle of May. Tournament dates last through July.
Specific dates for programs will be published on our website each season along with the registration dates and times.
WILL COACHES RECEIVE A UNIFORM?
Coaches will receive a team jersey and a hat.
WHEN WILL UNIFORMS BE GIVEN TO PLAYERS AND COACHES?
There are times, when orders and shipments are delayed, but generally uniforms are handed out a week prior to the first game in the season. Account balances must be paid in full in order for players on the account to receive uniforms.
WILL MY CHILD RECEIVE AN AWARD AT THE END OF THE SEASON?
Every recreational league player will receive an award at the end of the season.
WHAT IS SNACK DUTY?
Snack duty is not a league requirement, and will be decided by the parents of the individual teams. Most sports have after-game snacks offered to younger players. A snack schedule will be assigned before the first game commences. They should be eaten 30 minutes after game time and the goal is to help tired muscles recover. Children who stay active most of the game (and practice) are likely to have glycogen stores (carbs stored in muscles used for energy) that are somewhat depleted — and it’s a good idea to replace them. Snacks suggestions for kids of all ages are: crackers, cookies, trail mix, grapes, oranges, fruit snacks, jerky, potato chips, pretzels, applesauce or fruit cup (don’t forget the spoon), juice box, water or Gatorade. You can get a feel for what the parents like their kids to have after just a few games.
WILL PHOTOS OR VIDEOS OF MY CHILD BE USED ON THE WEBSITE OR SOCIAL MEDIA?
Photographs or videos are occasionally taken of TNC program participants during various games, practices or league events. These photographs or videos are used to promote Town ‘N Country Baseball on the web and in other publications. You will be required to consent to their use during the registration application process. If, at any time, you wish to revoke the privilege to use these photographs or videos, you must do so in writing.
WHO DO I CONTACT IF I WOULD LIKE TO VOLUNTEER?
Thank you for asking! This park is 100% operated by dedicated volunteers and we cannot do it without them! During the registration process, you will be given an option to select a Volunteer Opportunity. Each Volunteer Opportunity will have its own set of application questions that you will be required to answer. Your application will be reviewed by the Board of Directors.
All Volunteer Applications must be received by the final registration date in order for TNC to meet its deadline for criminal background checks and team building.
VIEW VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES HERE
WHAT TYPE OF PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT IS OFFERED AT TNC?
TNC is a non-profit organization and its success is due to the service of its volunteers. It was founded by volunteers and is administered by a volunteer Board of Directors. There are a variety of tasks that can be done to help; all are part-time, some are short-term, some are longer-term commitments, but each one is very important with helping to make TNC the best it can be for the kids. It is expected that parents will commit to volunteer for at least one of the many volunteer activities available–there is something for everyone. Volunteering to be a Team Parent, bringing snacks or other tasks associated with your child’s team is great. However, there are important volunteer tasks required to operate the league, such as coaching, score keeping, concession stand operator, and volunteering for special events.
ARE ANIMALS ALLOWED AT THE PARK?
Service Animals are allowed. Unfortunately, all non-service animals are not allowed past the parking lot. This is a rule of Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation. Under Title III of the federal Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and virtually all state laws, a service animal is an animal that has been trained to perform work or tasks for the benefit of a person with a disability. The ADA provides no protection for emotional support animals in public accommodations.
I KNOW A POTENTIAL SPONSOR. HOW CAN I GET THEM INVOLVED?
We are always interested in speaking with people or businesses that are willing to help support our program. The contact name and phone number should be given the Sponsorship Director.
Please be sure you are checking your email, including your spam folders. Communication is sent to the emails used to register your child. We also update our Facebook page with the same information so please "Like" our page to make sure you never miss important information. www.facebook.com/tncbb
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