Hello,
We are aware that there have been several rumors circulating, and we would like to take this opportunity to provide clarity.
There are indeed changes coming. Now that all of the pieces are in place, we feel it is the right time to share them with you. While we would love to explain every discussion and decision in detail, doing so would turn this letter into several pages. Please know that these changes were not made hastily. They are the result of nearly a year of planning, conversations with successful leagues and organizations, and ongoing discussions with our in-house coaches.
We sought guidance from leagues that are thriving and carefully considered feedback from coaches within our own organization. If you were not part of those discussions, we sincerely apologize. At times, too many voices can make progress difficult.
The Changes….. and Why
In-House Play When Possible (Instead of NACYL)
This has been an idea in development for several years and is now becoming a reality. Charlie and Matt at NACYL do an excellent job. Coordinating multiple towns over many years is no small task. However, changes such as grade-level divisions or coach pitch structure require approval from every participating town. Because we envision doing some things differently, it would not be fair to continually request changes while keeping many of our teams in-house. An in-house league allows for:
Preferred scheduling
Greater flexibility with field usage
Fewer Friday and weekend games
Siblings playing at nearby fields instead of traveling 30 minutes
Will My Team Play In-House or in NACYL?
This depends entirely on registration numbers. If we have enough players to support a division in-house, we will do so. If not, that division will participate in NACYL. Should your child’s division fall under NACYL, age divisions will follow their rules. You do not need to make any changes to your child’s registration. Our system will automatically place them in the correct division.
Grade Levels Instead of “U” Divisions
While this is new for baseball and softball, it is already the norm for most recreational leagues in Ashland. This concept was widely supported. Children will now play according to grade level. There will no longer be confusion about “playing up” or “staying down.” Kids will be placed where they naturally belong, with their classmates. They already play together at school and during recess without issue.
Baseball and softball have traditionally allowed parents to choose divisions. While this flexibility was intended to help, it has often created confusion.
Some families were unaware that most classmates were registering differently.
Some children advanced before they were developmentally ready.
Younger siblings sometimes played up simply for scheduling convenience.
With an in-house league and improved scheduling, these concerns are significantly reduced.
The most debated topic has been coach-pitch and modified kid-pitch. In past seasons, coach-pitch sometimes included players as young as four, as well as second graders who unintentionally registered in the wrong division. Modified kid-pitch was often viewed as an “advanced” division, but collected data from scorebooks suggests otherwise. Statistics were frequently skewed when coaches assisted heavily at the plate. By normalizing development by grade:
Coach-pitch will no longer resemble an extended T-ball division.
Players will experience more balls in play.
Young defenders will gain meaningful defensive experience.
Umpires will be present in this division.
Coach-pitch is not a “throwaway” division. It is extremely important to us and will be treated accordingly.
My Child Has to Play Coach-Pitch?
Yes, and we believe it will be exciting and enjoyable to watch. Even travel teams at these ages often use coach-pitch. It allows young players to build confidence at the plate. When confidence increases, more balls are put in play. When more balls are in play, players develop defensively. Pitching development will come as players grow stronger and older. Backyard practice is still encouraged and important.
Not Done Before the 4th of July?
We live in north central Ohio. Weather realities matter. The season will run later than in the past, but we will take time off around the 4th of July to allow families to enjoy local festivities. A later start also allows younger athletes finishing soccer to transition into baseball or softball. If you have a vacation planned, please enjoy it.
After considerable discussion, we believe players at that age have many recreational and competitive opportunities available:
For those seeking competition, these avenues provide strong developmental pathways.
My Child Already Signed Up to Play Up. What Do I Need to Do?
Nothing. Our system will automatically place your child in the appropriate division. Their classmates will be there as well. You are not missing an opportunity.
Why Can’t I Request a Team or Coach?
Baseball and softball are not the only Ashland recreational leagues moving toward this structure. We will be implementing a draft system to create more balanced and competitive teams. Families no longer need to form groups in advance. And if you were unable to find a group in previous years, your child will not be left behind. Ashland has many outstanding youth coaches. We are committed to ensuring every child has a positive experience.
How Will Teams Be Selected?
Each team will have a designated number of guaranteed coaches, which may vary depending on the number of volunteers and teams. Coaches’ children will be assigned to their respective teams. After that, we draft. We are working to create a fun and memorable draft experience and are currently coordinating with a local business. More details will be shared soon.
In Closing,
We understand that change can be difficult. Our ultimate goal is simple: to create a league that is fun, competitive, developmentally appropriate, and sustainable for years to come.
We appreciate your support, your patience, and your trust as we take this next step forward together.