FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: How much does is cost to register?

A: Registration prices are different depending on the division your child is in.  When you register the price will be shown.

Q: What do I do if I forgot my password or the email address I used to register on-line?

A: There is an option to reset your password on the login page. If you still have trouble, you can email RegisteratSCAA@gmail.com or you can come in during one of the walk-in registration dates. 

Q: If my child played last season are we automatically guaranteed a spot in the next season's registration?

A: NO! Registration is on a "first come, first served" basis. Do not wait to register! Once a division is at capacity, registrants then go on Wait List and there's no guarantee they will be activated off Wait List. Register as early as possible to get your spot.

Q: My player is playing for the first time, what division do I put them in and will they be good to play in that division?

A: Players are placed in their correct division automatically by the registration system when you log on to your account and register them. Divisions are set by player's birthdate and all players in each division are generally no more than two (2) years apart from the youngest player to the oldest player in the division. And don't worry about being able to play or them being "behind", every season we have first time players in almost every division from tee ball all the way up and they do just fine!

Q: My child is excelling, so can he/she play up to the next age division?

A: Possibly. If your child is in the older age group of the division, has played at least a full season in his/her division, and they are in the Shetland Division or higher, you must fill out the Play-Up Request Form below. If there is room in the higher Division, a tryout will be scheduled just before the draft (usually the week of drafts, as that gives the players who are "of-age" first chance to play).

Your player must still be registered in their current division to participate in the evaluations.

• Baseball/Tee Ball is located on this link: BASEBALL/TEE BALL PLAY-UP REQUEST FORM 
  
• Softball is located on this link:  SOFTBALL PLAY-UP REQUEST FORM

Q: My child is trying out for high school/middle school ball and we won’t know if he/she has made the team until after SCAA’s registration closes. If he/she does not make the team we want him/her to be able to play for SCAA.  Since registration will be closed, what can we do?

A: SCAA recognizes this dilemma with the older kids, and has a plan in place to compensate for it. Since trying to add players after registration has closed and teams have been drafted can create problems for both the player wanting to register and the teams drafting, we ask that the player register ahead of time, and that the Player Agent of the division be informed of the situation. If the player does not make the school team then they will already be covered with regards to playing for SCAA. If they do make the team, simply contact us to request a refund.

Q: I went to register my player and they are put in an older age group than what they are (example: My player is 4 years old, but they are put in the 5U & 6U division). Is this correct?

A:Yes. The registration system will automatically place your player in the correct division. The reason (using our example) is it is not the 4 year old or 5 year old division, it's 5U & 6U age groups. Baseball/Tee Ball age groups run with birthdays from May 1st - April 30th per age group and Softball age groups run with birthdays from September 1 - August 31 per age group. In the Fall, which SCAA considers the "instructional season", we advance all players to the age group/division they will be playing in the next Spring season to allow them the ability to acclimate to the new group/division before it becomes competitive in the Spring.
Here's the link to the Baseball/Tee Ball/Softball age breakdowns: Age Groups

Q: I feel my player isn't progressing and would like them to stay in their division that they played in last season, but it only allows me to register for their new division. Can they stay in their old division?

A: No. SCAA rules state that all players must play in their current age group/division as defined by PONY. Players may be allowed to "Play Up" a division but may not "play down" an age group. Parent's shouldn't worry about their player's abilities. Every season we have players who play baseball/softball for the first time without issues. In every division all players are within two (2) years of each other from the oldest to the youngest players.

Q: I put a wrong answer on something on our registration form (wrong jersey size, wrong player positions, etc.), how can I change my answers?

A: Log on to your account on the SCAA website. Next to your player's name, click the "Pencil" icon. That will open the registration form you filled out. Make your changes and click "Save".

Q: I just registered my child and it says they're on "Wait List", what does that mean?

A: If your child is placed on Wait List, it means the division is currently full and we're waiting on a spot to open up so they can be placed on a team. There is no guarantee that they will be activated off Wait List, once we run out of space in a division, either another player has to back out or if SCAA Field Directors are somehow able to expand the division another team. You will not be charged or be able to complete your registration until your child is activated off Wait List. Once they are activated by the Division's Player Agent, you must complete registration and pay immediately, before they can be placed on a team.

Q: I registered, now how do I find out what team my player is on and when practices are?

A: Registration is just the first step. Your team and their practice schedule may not be known for weeks depending on how quickly you registered after it was opened up.  Once regular registration ends (and late registration starts) players are placed into the draft for their division (for Pony, Colt, & Palomino Baseball will also be scheduled for Player Evaluations if needed) and then will be drafted/placed on to teams. This is normally happens the week before practices start. You may not know your team and practice dates and times until the day before they start.  Please keep a close eye on your email associated with your SCAA website account.
Here's the link to our Player Evaluation & Draft Schedules:  Player Evaluations & Drafts

Q: It's getting close to the scheduled dates and haven't heard when Player Evaluations are, when do we find out?

A: SCAA is currently only doing Player Evaluations for Pony Division & up. Player Agents are unpaid volunteers and generally have to work right up to the days before the Player Evaluations to make sure all players that need to go to the evaluations are scheduled. This schedule may not go out until a day or two before the event takes place. Please be patient. If you have questions, reach out directly to your Division's Player Agent on the Board of Directors page.

Q: I registered my player and I have a "Late Fee" extra charge when I go to pay, what is that?

A: Late Registration starts on the cutoff date for players to be placed in the drafts (the Wednesday before the start of drafts at 11:59pm). To encourage players to sign up before the drafts, so they can be properly picked by Team Managers at the drafts, we add a Late Fee to those who sign up late.  Late Registration creates a ton of extra work for Player Agents and the Registration Staff compared to those who sign up before it takes effect. Make sure to sign up early and avoid the fee!

Q: I registered my player and now they don't want to or can't play for whatever reason, what do I do?

A: Submit a request to the Registration Manager via email at RegisteratSCAA@gmail.com. Please include player's name, their division, your information, and information on why they're withdrawing from the season. The sooner you can inform us the better, so we can possibly get another player registered or activate another player off Wait List.

Q: I requested to withdraw my player for the season, can I get a refund?

A: All requests for refunds should be emailed to RegisteratSCAA@gmail.com. Please give Account Holder's Name, Player's Name, Player's Division they registered for, and any other information you have.
For Regular Registrations (Rec Seasons, etc.): Requests received prior to 11:59PM on the day before the start of drafts, members will receive a refund of the full registration fee minus a $25 processing fee. Requests received after the deadline, no refunds will be given.
For Camps & Clinics: Requests received up to 24 hours prior to the start of the camp/clinic members will receive a full refund minus a $25 processing fee. After this deadline, no refunds will be given.
Certain extenuating circumstances may qualify for a refund (injury, making school teams, military deployment, etc.) after the cutoff date and will be reviewed on a case by case basis. However there will be a $25 processing fee deducted from the registration amount paid in these cases. Please contact the Registration Manager.
If your registration is not eligible for a refund, your registration fee may be able to be claimed as a charitable donation on your tax return. Please consult your tax preparer or accountant.

Q: Where do we practice/play games?

A: SCAA has 18 fields in our one big complex. For Baseball, most games will be played at this complex, unless we get into a situation where we have a lot of make-up games or have issues with availability of fields, at which point we may use some of the City of Chesapeake's public fields that are located in close proximity to our complex. We also have use of those city fields for practices, so teams may practice at them as well, but we fill all times slots on our complex fields before using city fields. On occasion we also interlock with another PONY Affiliated Leagues (located in Chesapeake or Virginia Beach), and when we do our teams may occasionally visit them to play, though this is the exception. For softball, those teams do interlock with other Hampton Roads leagues, so they may travel at times to those locations.



Q: Where is the SCAA complex located?

A: The SCAA complex located at 2849 Eason Road, Chesapeake, VA, which is about a mile from the intersection of Benefit Rd. and Battlefield Blvd. 



Q: It's almost to the date the schedule says practices start... when do we find out when our team's practices are?

A: Once drafts are completed and teams are rostered the Division's Field Director will upload the practice schedule. This may be right up to the day before practices start depending on a bunch of factors (Do all teams have Managers? Do we have permits for city fields we will be using,?, etc.).  Once the practice schedule is uploaded you will get an email from the SCAA website letting you know your schedule is available. You can check out the "Events Schedule" page on our website under the "Events" drop down to find out the dates for schedules to be posted. 

Q: Are there bleachers or other seating at any of the fields at SCAA?

A: SCAA does not have bleachers or seating at fields at the SCAA Complex. Parents & spectators are encouraged to bring their own chairs.

Q: When does the season start?

A: SCAA has both Spring and Fall seasons.  The Spring season games start either the last week of March/ the first week of April, and runs through no later than the first week of June. Practices for the spring season normally begin one month or more before the games start. 
The Fall season games start no earlier than the day after Labor Day and run no later than the first Saturday in November (DST time change). Practices for the Fall season normally start three (3) to four (4) weeks before the games do. 

Q: How many practices/games will we play?

A: Our schedule agenda is at least ten (10) games and additional season-ending tournament games may apply. In the Foal and Shetland divisions we schedule eight (8) games with additional practices to give more time for instruction since these are the beginning leagues. If weather impacts too many games we may get in less than ten (10), but a minimum of ten (10) is the objective. We try to assign teams two (2) practices per week, and once games begin we normally schedule two (2) games per week and schedule in a practice per week where possible. Sometimes, due to having an odd number of teams, one team per week may have to have a bye. Teams are allowed a maximum of three (3) events per week, which shall include any combination of practices and games. During the season we try to allow teams a practice date during the week, if fields are available (to include city fields). 

Q: What days and times will practices and/or games be held on?

A: We typically hold practices and games on Monday-Thursday, and on Saturday. Fridays and Sundays are reserved for our Select & Travel teams, but if we have excessive make-up games we may use these dates. We also may use these dates if the schedule permits and the fields are not being used by Select/Travel teams. Any Sunday games would not normally start until noon, if necessary. Weekday games will either start at 5:30 or 6:00 (for the early game) and the late game will start 1.5 hours to 2.25 hours after the (early) game start time depending on the age division you are in. Practices normally start at 5:30 or 6:00 and will run for 1 to 1.5 hours, though there can be exceptions depending on the number of teams in your age division.

Q: My player has other commitments and can't play/practice on certain days. Can I request to be placed on a team that practices on certain days or times?

A: Unfortunately practice schedules depend on what team your player gets drafted on to. Generally, there's no way to request a certain practice day. If there is a problem, just let your Team Manager know. It happens all the time, and coaches can give you drills or things to work on at home. There are also batting cages in the area that you can go to if you think your playing is getting behind or just want an additional workout. For games, they will normally rotate thru weekdays and times on Saturdays so requesting a certain day wouldn't work at that point anyway.

Q: Is there a championship at the end of the season?

A: In Spring season (which is our "Competitive" season) in Pinto and above divisions, a division champion will be crowned and will be recognized at our Closing Ceremonies.  There may be a End of Season Tournament or the team with the best record may be crowned champion depending on the division.  The Fall season is our "Instructional" season and no champion is crowned.

Q: Fall is the "Instructional" season, what does that mean?

A: Fall is our "Instructional" season and it means just that.  Players always move up to their new division in the Fall and we use that season for players to learn the new rules and how to play in their new division.   Coaches are instructed to make the season about teaching and instruction with no competition involved.   Games do not have winners or losers, and therefore no scores or standings are kept in the Fall.   Some divisions also have special playing rules for the Fall season to help ease the transition for players and coaches alike.

Q: Are there games or practices on holidays or spring break?

A: Games are not scheduled for holiday weekends or spring break, to include the weekends that begin and end sprint break. We do not have games on Memorial Day or Labor Day weekends (to include the holiday Monday themselves), nor on July 4th or Halloween. Voluntary practices may be scheduled for holidays/holiday weekends, but are not mandatory.

Q: What is SCAA’s lightning policy?

A: SCAA uses a term well known in the sports field as “cloud-to-ground” lightning, which means exactly what it says. For this type of lightning, it is mandatory to stop play and clear the field for thirty (30) minutes. A Board Member or Team Manager will sound the air horn for one (1) long blast. All players and coaches must clear the fields and dugouts as well, and everyone at the complex seek substantial shelter or go to their vehicles. Each time another “cloud-to-ground” lightning bolt is observed, the thirty (30) minute delay resets. In many cases these games are postponed (unless having already reached the innings required to be considered a complete game) due to the amount of delay. We ask members to realize that sometimes the Umpire or Team Manager's attention is not in the direction of the lightning and to inform umpires of such when this is the case.  For more information on SCAA's Safety Policies visit the "Safety at SCAA" page under the "SCAA Complex" tab. 



Q: How will we know if practices or games are canceled due to weather or field conditions?

A: When weather or wet field conditions are an issue, SCAA will notify members at least an hour and a half before practice/game time when at all possible. This will be done by League Email and a posting on our Facebook page. We ask that you pay attention to the specifics of these communications because there are times when some fields or divisions are canceled and others not, or early games may be canceled and later ones not. We also ask that you realize that there have been numerous times when it has poured in areas near our fields without a drop falling at our complex, so please make no assumptions and plan to show up until you are notified otherwise. Lastly, please know that SCAA normally does not cancel games due to a forecast or threat of bad weather until it actually occurs. We try to get games in if at all safely possible. SCAA does not normally cancel practices unless the fields are in bad shape; otherwise this is the coach’s call. 
IF YOU DON'T SEE AN EMAIL OR FACEBOOK POST FROM SCAA, PLAN ON SHOWING UP!

Q: What equipment does my child need to start the season?

A: It varies by age division and position, but all players will need at least a glove, bat, batting helmet, and for softball, a facemask.  All baseball bats must be USA Baseball approved (see below in FAQ). Boys of appropriate ages should all use athletic supporters and all male catchers are required to wear a cup. Cleats are optional, but most players do use them.  SCAA normally will have a discount weekend at a local sports retailer prior to the start of practices to allow purchasing of the team specific items, be sure to check back to the SCAA website and look for the emails from the league.

Q: What equipment does my child need after being assigned to a team?

A: Once players are assigned to teams, Team Managers will let parents know what color pants, belts, and socks they will go with for the season. SCAA normally will have another discount weekend at a local sports retailer after the start of practices to allow purchasing of the team specific items, be sure to check back to the SCAA website and look for the emails from the league.

Q: What equipment does SCAA provide for teams?

A: It varies by division but here's what SCAA provides to teams:

• In Foal and Shetland (tee ball) SCAA provides batting tees and pitcher's heart guards for the players. 
• In Pinto baseball we provide catcher’s gear and heart guard for the pitcher. 
• In Mustang and Bronco baseball SCAA provides catcher’s gear. 
• In Pony baseball we provide catcher’s gear if needed, but by then most catchers have their own equipment. 
• SCAA DOES NOT provide batting helmets, facemasks, bats or gloves (except for catcher’s mitts where catcher’s gear is provided). 
• SCAA provides all softball teams with catcher’s gear. 
• SCAA provides all baseball and softball teams with one dozen practice balls and one dozen game balls, as well as scorebooks.

Q: Does SCAA provide uniforms?

A: SCAA provides jerseys (with player's name and number printed on back) and hats to all baseball players, and hats to three (3) coaches per team (four (4) for Pinto). Parents can purchase belts, socks and pants for their players according to what their team colors are, however they are optional, but but almost all parents purchase them. Cleats are not required, but recommend in age-appropriate play. Check the rules before purchasing steel cleats. 
In softball, SCAA provides jerseys (with player's name and number printed on back) and socks. 
SCAA partners with our uniform provider and provides a Team Shop on our website in which teams or individuals may go on-line and order the uniform accessory items at a cost-efficient price and have them delivered to them by SCAA right at our complex.

Q: Are uniforms custom ordered for each player?

A: When you register for the season, you are asked to enter your child’s shirt size.  Please make sure to enter the correct size! We also, as part of your registration fee, add player's names and numbers to the jersey. Team Staff (Team Manager/Team Parent) will coordinate the adding of names/numbers to the jerseys once you are assigned to a team for the season.

Q: What if my child’s uniform doesn’t fit?

A: If your uniform doesn't fit or there is a problem with printing, please tell your Team Manager and Team Parent immediately, who will inform the SCAA Uniform Manager. If it's an issue with the uniform supplier, we will get a correct uniform at no charge. If it's a parent issue (requested wrong size, etc.) there may be a charge to the parent for the reprint.

Q: What equipment is required and what is illegal?

These questions can be answered by reviewing our Baseball & Softball Rules on our website. There is also a link for “USA Baseball Approved Bats List”. In our Rules you will find answers to questions about bats, cleats, cups, face masks, etc. If you are unclear on a specific rule, please email your division's Field Director or Player Agent who is listed under the Board of Directors page under the “About Us” tab on our website. As rules are constantly evolving, we do not want to list them here.

Q: Why are parents required to do concessions?

A: Our league is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization run strictly by volunteers. This includes all of our board members, coaches and parents. With our concession stands open at least five (5) days per week and needing several people to run them, we have to incorporate parents into this plan. When registering your player(s) to play at SCAA, you must agree to participate in Concession Duty in order to register. Concessions is one of the top two forms of funding for our league and without it running to full capacity all season, we would potentially have to raise registrations fees in order to offset expenses. Everyone loves having our concessions available while watching games, and we have worked hard to make it an enjoyable experience, but it takes a complete group effort to run it. 
TEAMS NOT DOING CONCESSION OBLIGATION WILL BE SUBJECT TO DISIPLINARY ACTION (TEAM TO FORFEIT NEXT GAME, BE INELIGIBLE FOR END OF SEASON TOURNAMENTS, ETC.).

Q: Are we allowed free drinks and food while working concessions?

A: No. Everything must be paid for. 

Q: Can our team split up into two different shifts to work concessions?

A: Not unless you are assigned to the Small Stand or the Shetland Stand. If your team is assigned to the main stand you will need at least eight (8) people to run it efficiently, therefore we have had to restrict teams from splitting shifts. Team Staff (Managers & Team Parents) will coordinate your Concession Duty staffing needs.

Q: What happens if I cannot show up for my concession duty?

A: For starters, the league asks all Teams to display concession duty on the team schedule just as they would a game or practice. A complete concession schedule is also posted on our website. So, teams should have plenty of notice. We know that emergencies come up, but that should be the exception; not the norm. Most families have two (2) parents/guardians, and we simply ask that one adult from each family be present. All of our teams have no less than ten (10) players, so concessions should still be covered if someone has an emergency. If a team does not show or does not have enough participation to efficiently cover their concession duty, the coach or team risks being penalized, as it has an adverse affect on the league, and its members and guests.

Q: How and why does SCAA do Fundraisers?

A: Without fundraising SCAA does not make nearly enough money through other forms of income to pay for all expenses. We utilize multiple means of fundraising, to include soliciting sponsorships and running an annual spring raffle, to raise enough money to run the league without having to drastically raise registration fees. Once per year (in the spring season) we ask our members for help with a raffle. In doing so, we solicit prizes from sponsors and local vendors for raffle winners, as well as for appreciation prizes to those teams and players that sell the most. Without the income of this raffle alone SCAA would not be able to afford some of the required maintenance and desired improvements that we accomplish to help make SCAA a satisfactory experience for our members.

Q: What do I do if I want to sponsor SCAA or know someone that will?

A: You will find a sponsorship package link on our website here. There you will find information on our sponsorship packages and subsequent sponsorship levels. We also have implemented a reward system for members who go out and secure sponsorships on their own, including free registration. If you have questions, after reviewing our sponsorship packages and data, please contact our Fundraising Coordinator.

Q: Where does all of the money SCAA earns go?

A: SCAA’s expenses have reached over $550,000 per year which includes, but is not limited to, many large expenses such as insurance, umpires, uniforms, field maintenance equipment and supplies, concessions items, utilities and services such as lawn and waste management, complex maintenance and repairs, etc. SCAA’s registration costs alone do not cover all our costs, which is why we work hard to fundraise and secure sponsorships to avoid raising registration any more than absolutely necessary. If you have specific questions regarding our finances please feel free to contact the SCAA Treasurer.

Q: How

A: When

Q: I want to coach, but have no experience coaching, does this matter?

A: No. While experience is very valuable, it is not required and many of our coaches gain their first experiences by volunteering with SCAA. It is best if you at least have a knowledge of the game, or have played it, but some of our coaches have done so without such, and have become excellent coaches. The key is to have a passion and willingness to learn, and there are several coaches and board members within our organization that are willing to pass on their knowledge. We have added the Coach's Corner to our website, full of videos and links for coaches. Additionally, SCAA often teams up with instructors that offer clinics at our facilities.

Q: I would like to volunteer as a Coach or Team Parent how do I go about it?

A: Log on to your account on the SCAA website and on your account home page and select the on the role you'd like to volunteer for (Head Coach/Manager, Coach Eligible, Assistant Coach, or Team Parent. If you need information on these positions go to "About Us" drop down and select "Volunteer Roles").

Q: Do Board Members or Coaches get paid?

A: No. SCAA is a non-profit organization run and coached strictly by unpaid volunteers. Board Members do it because we want to make a difference, and because the league couldn’t function without all of our volunteers.

Q: How can I volunteer as a Board Member or Coach?

A: SCAA is almost always looking for team staff volunteers. If you would like to be a Head Coach/Team Manager, Coach Eligible, Assistant Coach, or Team Parent simply register to do so during our open registration (registration has an option for both players and coaches). For more information on Team Staff positions, go to the "About Us" dropdown and select "Volunteer Opportunities".
We also have League Volunteer positions open. We're always looking for volunteers to help out, so if you can assist with concessions, field maintenance, special events, you're a photographer, or just want to volunteer as a "general volunteer", click here for more info.
If you would like to volunteer to be on our Board of Directors, you can find a list of positions, to include open ones or those being filled on an interim basis, on our website under the “About Us” tab. We will be glad to fill you in on what each position entails. 
Also, we hold elections for our Executive Board every other May, and the term for those positions is two (2) years. You must hold a non-Executive position on the Board of Directors before you are able to run for the Executive Board. 

Q: If I have questions or concerns regarding my player(s), his/her team, the rules, or the league in general, who do I contact?

A: The first contact for any of your questions or concerns (if it’s something beyond your Team Manager’s control) should be directed to your division’s Player Agent and/or Field Director. The Player Agent’s primary responsibility deals with player assignments, drafts, etc. The Field Director oversees the schedules, field maintenance, conduct issues, etc., though the Player Agent and Field Director work hand-in-hand. If they cannot help you, they will direct you to another league official that can.

Q: If I coach or am a Board Member, can I claim it as volunteer time?

A: Yes. Some organizations, to include the military, have programs that assign credit to those that volunteer for non-profit organizations. Additionally, you may be able to write off your mileage within the applicable tax allowances.

Q: How are All-Stars selected?

A: SCAA will hold All-Star Tryouts for each division in which players will be given a chance to display their skills. All eligible players may apply to attend (they do not have to be nominated) yet are required to inform their Team Manager of their desire to attend. Team Managers will attend the showcase and be asked to grade each player. However, all coaches are also asked to observe players throughout the season in order to help with their judgment of them. After the tryout has been achieved the division's Team Managers will attend a draft to select the All-Star team(s). One or more teams may be selected depending on the number of players available with the collective level of skill required to adequately compete, at the discretion of the voting panel of Managers and governing Board Members. 

Q: When are All-Star try-outs held?

A: Try-outs are held in early May, and the week may vary depending on schedules. Usually they will be held on a Friday or Saturday evening and/or Sunday afternoon. Check out our "Events Schedule" page for this year's dates.

Q: Are all SCAA players eligible for All-Stars?

A: No. SCAA has boundaries established by our governing PONY organization that players must reside within to be eligible for baseball All-Stars (this does NOT apply to softball). A baseball player living anywhere in the city of Chesapeake, VA, as well as in the state of NC are eligible for All-Stars. Players residing in Hampton Roads cities outside of Chesapeake are NOT eligible for All-Stars. If you are unclear as to whether you reside within our boundaries, please email the respective VP of Baseball/Softball or the Rules Chairman, who are listed under the Board Members under the “Contact Us” tab on our website.

Q: What kind of monetary requirements are there for All-Stars?

A: SCAA charges All-Star teams or players a fee to cover the cost of uniforms and the registration fee that we have to pay PONY for our All-Star teams, as well as for baseballs, umpires and other expenses associated with the tournaments we host. SCAA will pay for our All-Stars to play in the PONY-sanctioned tournaments. However, most All-Star teams choose to play in at least two (2) warm-up tournaments and the teams are responsible for those tournament's fees. Some of those tournaments may also charge a parking pass and/or admission fees. Additionally, many All-Star teams choose to design and purchase team t-shirts that players and families can wear, etc., but is not mandatory. Lastly, SCAA pays for All-Star team jerseys and hats, but as in regular season play, players will be responsible for buying their own pants, socks and belts, as applicable.

Q: What are the time commitments for All-Stars?

A: All-Stars can usually expect to practice/play up to five (5) times per week. SCAA allows for five (5) events per week for All-Star teams, as coaches need time to set positions and practice with their new team. The All-Star season usually begins around late May/early June and can run into August, depending on the success of the team, but unless advancing far into the PONY tournaments, many teams are done playing by mid-July.

Q: What is expected of parents on All-Star teams?

A: Parents may be required to help work concessions and field prep for PONY tournaments held at the SCAA complex. When these tournaments are held, these commitments are mandatory, and are referenced in a Commitment Letter that each player’s parent/guardian must sign. SCAA's rules of conduct apply to all SCAA teams and representatives, whether playing at SCAA or not.

Q: What if we decide to drop out of All-Stars?

A: We ask that all players and their families make a firm decision before committing to carry out the All-Star season. Once All-Stars teams have been formed and started, a player that does not honor their commitment may be suspended from All-Star eligibility for two (2) years. However, SCAA does consider the nature of the withdrawal before automatically assessing this penalty.

Q: What should we expect from playing All-Stars?

A: We highly recommend that you go to our Rules & Resources and click “SCAA Baseball & Softball Rules”. Once there, go to “Tournament Teams” (Section 22) and study it. This will get you familiar with the SCAA rules, and will save a lot of questions during the All-Star season. Parents are asked to realize that All-Stars is a higher level of competition than the regular season, and play time is not guaranteed. There are play time rules for warm-up tournaments, but once playing in a PONY tournament, there are restrictions on player rotations. You are forced to have “starters” and “substitute” players during these tournaments, and the PONY rules are very specific as to how this must be handled. There are no free or at-will substitutions in the line-up in PONY tournaments. We ask that, once on a team, please become familiar with the PONY rules for Tournament Team play. Additionally, All-Stars is a wonderful opportunity to get more experience and more extensive coaching, and players normally benefit greatly from what they learn during this time. 

Q: What is the Sunday Select Program?

A: Sunday Select is an optional program provided by SCAA (for baseball and softball) for those players wanting to compete at a higher level of play or obtain additional instruction which is often times at a higher level, as well. Each SCAA division is allowed two (2) teams per division, one per age group (example: Mustang is allowed a 9U & 10U team). Teams generally roster twelve (12) players, but may roster up to fifteen (15) players. Younger players may play up into the higher age group, but players may not play "down" into a younger age group. Players all must play in the Spring Rec season to qualify for Sunday Select. Baseball has two different programs, "Integrated Select" or "External Select", depending on the player's age group.

Q: When do Sunday Select Teams practice and play?

A: SCAA leaves Fridays and Sundays open for Sunday Select teams. Occasionally we may have to have make-up games for Rec teams on Fridays, but this is not the norm. Additionally, SCAA has an agreement with other organizations and periodically rent our fields out to them on Sundays, but will make fields available to our Sunday Select teams as needed. Sunday Select teams are also automatically allowed to participate in PONY tournaments as an SCAA All-Star team, though to do so players will have to be within SCAA's Official PONY-established boundaries.

Q: How do I find out if SCAA has a Sunday Select team in my child’s age group?

A: Look on our team's websites. If you do not find a team listed, contact our Sunday Select/Travel Directors on the Board of Directors page.
For our Thunder Sunday Select Baseball Teams: www.SouthernChesapeakeThunder.com
For our Riot Sunday Select Softball Teams: www.SouthernChesapeakeRiot.com

Q: How do I start a Sunday Select team?

A: Contact our Sunday Select Coordinator and put in a request. The Board of Directors will discuss the request and vote on approval. Coaches are required to apply and have an approved background check.  Coaches must have coached in the previous Spring Rec Season to qualify.

Q: What is the difference between Baseball "Integrated Select" and "External Select" Teams?

A: Baseball Players in 9U to 12U age groups (Mustang, & Bronco Divisions) play in our "Integrated Select" program, in which they do not play SCAA's rec teams but instead play other local PONY organization's Full Select Teams, as well as the other SCAA Full Select Team in their division to complete their 12 game minimum season required by PONY. However all players must still register for the SCAA Spring Rec season and are placed on the Full Select team rather than a Rec team. They still have practices/games during the week as part of the Rec schedule in addition to Fridays and Sundays reserved for the Select Teams. Players in the 6U and 13U & up age groups play in our traditional "External Select" program, where they also play on an SCAA Rec team.

Q: What are the requirements of Sunday Select players and parents?

A: SCAA charges teams a registration fee for Sunday Select teams. This helps cover the cost of field supplies, electricity, etc. Also, Sunday Select teams may be asked to occasionally (no more than two (2 )shifts per season) assist with concessions when they are not playing. Players are required to participate in SCAA’s spring season for rec. teams to be eligible to participate on a Sunday Select team. Softball Select Players are now also required to play Rec Fall Season.  Players on Sunday Select teams may not participate in total more than five (5) events per week including their rec team commitments.

Q: What is the difference in Sunday Select teams and Travel teams?

A: Many Sunday Select teams compete in somewhat the same manner and at the same level as Travel teams. Sunday Select teams can generally play anyone anywhere, to include any Travel team. However, Sunday Select teams are limited to playing when their players are not playing Rec ball, yet SCAA sets aside Fridays and Sundays for Sunday Select teams, unless make-up games are needed on Fridays. Baseball Travel teams are not allowed to play in PONY All-Star Tournaments, but as stated above Sunday Select teams are.

Q: What are the benefits of playing Sunday Select instead of Travel?

A: Sunday Select teams have a lot less costs to play, and do not have to rent fields or batting cages to practice/play like travel teams do, as they can use the fields at SCAA, saving the teams a lot of money compared to travel teams.  Sunday Select teams are also PONY All-Star Tournament eligible.

Q: What is the Travel Program?

A: Travel is an optional program (for softball), similar to Sunday Select, but the difference is that Travel team players do not have to participate in SCAA’s recreational league at all, though they are allowed to if they so choose.  SCAA Travel Softball Teams are known as "Lightning". 
As of November 2023, SCAA Baseball no longer has a travel program.

Q: Do you have a Lost and Found at the SCAA Complex?

A: Yes. Our Lost and Found is at the Main Concession Stand. There is a plastic bin located outside the stand on the side facing Field C7. Please ask someone that is working the stand to assist you in checking for more expensive items that are normally put inside the stand for safety.  If you checked the lost & found and didn't find your item, you should try a post on our SCAA Facebook & Instagram pages and the "SCAA Families" Facebook group.

Q: What is the SCAA policy on pets at the complex?

A: No Animals are allowed at the SCAA Complex with the exception of registered, licensed, and trained service dogs. The work or task an animal has been trained to provide must be directly related to the person’s disability. Animals whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under the ADA or under Virginia law and are not allowed at SCAA. Although not required, we ask that Service animals please display their identifying leash, vest, or harness so they are easily identifiable for volunteers. SCAA reserves the right to ask any animal to leave the grounds if it poses a direct threat to the health and safety of our visitors.

Q: What is the policy on smoking/vaping/e-cigarettes at the complex?

A: Smoking/vaping/use of e-cigarettes is allowed ONLY in the parking areas. Smokers are asked to completely extinguish their cigarettes/cigars and properly dispose of them.  Use or possession of alcohol or illegal drugs of any type is banned from the SCAA Complex.

Q:  What is the policy on weapons at the SCAA Complex and team events?

A: Weapons (including firearms, stun weapons, or knives with blade larger than 3 inches) are not allowed at SCAA or at any SCAA sanctioned event. With the exception of law enforcement, military personnel actively performing their duties, and hired security personnel.

Q:  What is the policy on children roaming/playing around the complex?

A:  All Children Under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult over age 18 at all times at the SCAA Complex. The amount of damage we get at the complex, as well as injuries that have happened, from unattended children is a very real problem. Parents must keep their children from climbing trees, playing in drainage ditches, digging in field, roadways/paths, and other common areas, and should monitor children at all times. Parents will be held responsible for any damage to any SCAA facility or equipment.