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PBSF FAQsFrequently Asked QuestionsWhat is the difference between PBF and Little League (NOLL-SOLL)? What are the differences between Little League and Pony rules? Which Division is right for my child? Is PBF open to boys and girls? How much will my child get to play? What is the time commitment to participate in PBF? Is it OK for our child to play multiple sports during baseball season? What is the difference between Fall Ball and Spring Baseball? What kind of equipment do I need to buy? Where do practices and games take place? Why are some practices and games outside of Piedmont? What is required to be a coach? What is the League’s Operating Schedule? How can I make suggestions or get more involved in the league? I forgot to send in the medical release form. Can I get another one?
What is the "PBSF?"Piedmont Baseball Softball Foundation (PBSF) is a locally run, nonprofit baseball and softball league for kids, ages 5 thru 14 serving Piedmont, California. PBSF is run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors and depends on the volunteer efforts of the families. PBSF is associated with PONY Baseball of America. Information about PONY can be found at www.pony.org. What is the difference between PBF and Little League (NOLL-SOLL)?The main difference is that Little League (NOLL-SOLL) plays by Little League rules, while PBF follows Pony rules, which are closer to major league baseball rules. (See following questions for full details.) NOLL-SOLL is comprised of kids from the Berkeley/Oakland area, while PBF is mostly made up of kids from Piedmont. What are the differences between Little League and Pony rules?Primary features that distinguish PONY baseball from Little League baseball are: Scaled Diamonds - Up until and including age 12, Little League players play on a 60-foot diamond. From 13 on, the players use 90-foot diamonds. PONY baseball, on the other hand, scales the size of the diamond to match the physical capabilities of the players. The dimensions for PONY baseball are: 50-foot bases for Shetland (5-6 year olds) Rules More Like Major League Baseball - The scaled diamonds allow for baseball more similar to the Major Leagues. For example, at the Bronco level and above, base runners can lead off and steal. (As a result, pitchers learn how to pitch from the stretch, hold runners on base, and are accountable for balks.) There are no lead offs in Little League rules until age 13. Umpiring - In PBF, games are officiated by professional umpires for Mustang and above. Little League rules require volunteer parent umpires. Age Groups - Pony teams are typically grouped in two year age increments, from ages 5 through 12. Our local Little League (NOLL-SOLL) divides players by skill level into groups with three-year differences between players. Is PBF a competitive league?It depends what you mean by competitive. If “competitive” to you means a “primary focus on winning,” then PBF is not a competitive league. However, PBF is not a casual recreation league with informal attendance policies. PBF strives to play high quality baseball by asking our players of all abilities to try hard in a supportive and fun environment. Refer to the PBF Mission Statement and PBF Guidelines for more details on our league philosophy. Does PBF cut kids?PBF strives to find a place for every interested player. There are two situations where finding an appropriate team for a player may be unachievable:
Which Division is right for my child?Typically, your child’s age level determines the right division:
Division age levels are adhered to in most cases; however, PBF intends to place every interested player on a team where some level of personal success is within reach. When appropriate, the League will advocate for a player’s better placement. If you have any questions about your child, please talk to the Division Commissioner. For more information about each division and the type of baseball played, see Division Descriptions. Is PBF open to boys and girls?Boys and girls are welcome. How much will my child get to play?Minimum playing time requirements vary by division. Please refer to Division Descriptions for more information. Please note that decreased playing time can be a direct consequence of your child missing practices, arriving late to games or displaying unsportsmanlike behavior during past practices and/or games. If you believe your child has not been given his or her fair amount of playing time, check with the team coach. What is the time commitment to participate in PBF?The time commitment for a player varies depending on the player’s division. Refer to the Division Descriptions for more information. Since PBF is a volunteer league, all parents are expected to contribute in some way toward the running of the league. With every family helping out, the parent volunteer time shouldn’t amount to more than a few hours during the season. Refer to Parent Guidelines for more information. Is it OK for our child to play multiple sports during baseball season?We ask that your child give top priority to baseball in the spring. Playing other sports is fine as long as baseball practices and games aren’t missed because of it. Remember that life is filled with choices; your child might not be able to realistically participate in every sport that holds an interest. Making choices and sacrifices is part of fostering responsibility and teamwork. We believe it sends the wrong message to kids when we suggest that it’s okay to participate only when it’s convenient. What is the difference between Fall Ball and Spring Baseball?Fall Ball is a casual league designed to keep the players’ baseball skills honed in the off season. The coaches understand that many players make soccer their priority during fall and expect players to play baseball only when their schedules permit. Fall Ball is open to anyone -- new and returning players alike; there are no tryouts. It’s a great way for new players to give baseball a try and it’s highly recommended for continuing players to prepare for the next season. In contrast, Spring Baseball requires a strong commitment to attend all practices and games. It is not a casual league; baseball is expected to be the players’ top priority sport. What kind of equipment do I need to buy?A detailed list can be found at Equipment Guidelines. Players need to purchase a leather baseball glove, cleats (either baseball or soccer type), a batting helmet, and a protective cup (from Pinto level on up). The league supplies bats and catcher's gear. Many players do bring their own bat. Make sure that all of your equipment is properly labeled. Each player receives a uniform including cap, baseball undershirt (Mustang and older), pants, socks, and jersey. Players get to keep their cap, pants, undershirt, and socks. Shetland and Pinto players keep their jerseys; jerseys for Mustang and above must be returned at the end of the season. Where do practices and games take place?Your child’s Division determines the location of games and practices.
Carpools are strongly encouraged and commonly used for out of town games and practices so that a family might only need to drive once every other week. Driving through the tunnel takes about the same amount of time as driving to many of the Oakland and Alameda fields where NOLL-SOLL practices. A bonus for many families regarding the Orinda fields is that they are well maintained, often with play structures for siblings to play on. Why are some practices and games outside of Piedmont?The success of PBF is dependent upon partnerships with other communities. We do not have the number of kids or field resources to operate autonomously. We are fortunate to have strong relationships with these other quality community organizations. What is required to be a coach?The main requirement is a strong desire to coach. No advanced experience is required to coach in PBF, especially in the younger divisions. A good way to get your feet wet is to start off assistant coaching. We require every coach, regardless of experience level, to attend a coaching clinic each year. Additionally, each coach pledges to adhere to the PBF Coach Guidelines. If you are interested in coaching or assistant coaching, plan on one to two practices per week (depending on the division) and one to two games on the weekend. What is the League’s Operating Schedule?For the spring, registration opens in the fall and closes at the end of November. Tryouts are typically at the beginning of January (weather permitting) and practices are targeted to begin during February. Games begin during March and all games (including playoffs) are usually completed in June before school lets out. Fall Ball registration takes place in August and the games usually run from mid September to late October. PBF also sponsors player clinics throughout the summer and scattered times during the rest of the year as well. How can I sign up?
How can I make suggestions or get more involved in the league?You can contact your Division Commissioner or any board member about additional questions, concerns or suggestions. Additionally, you may want to attend a PBF Board of Director's monthly meeting. At this meeting, you can meet volunteers who are committed to the success of the PBF program, offer suggestions, or even (we hope) volunteer your own time or services. I forgot to send in the medical release form. Can I get another one?The medical release form is available as a PDF download for you to print, complete, and return. | ||
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