AA REDSOX

Red Sox AA Competitive Baseball

The Fort Saskatchewan Red Sox AA Competitive (Rep) Baseball program is committed to providing players with the opportunity to compete at a higher level of baseball while continuing to develop their skills in a positive and supportive environment.

Red Sox AA teams participate in the Baseball Alberta AA Competitive League, competing against teams from across the province. In alignment with Baseball Alberta’s objectives, the AA program is designed to provide a competitive yet developmental pathway for players in the 11U, 13U, 15U, and 18U age categories.

 

League Structure

Provincial AA leagues follow a three-round seeding format:

• May: Regional play

• June: North/South divisional play

• July: Provincial tiering play
   

Teams are placed into tiers to ensure competitive balance and allow players to compete against teams of similar skill levels. Provincial Championships are hosted at each tier and take place from the last weekend of July through the first week of August. Host locations may be anywhere within the province.

 

Program Philosophy

As an association, Fort Saskatchewan Minor Baseball Association (FSMBA) is dedicated to fostering dedication, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong passion for baseball in our youth.

Through the AA Rep program, players will:

• Develop advanced baseball skills

• Learn resilience and how to overcome adversity

• Build focus and goal-setting skills in a competitive environment

Players, coaches, and parents representing the Red Sox organization are expected to demonstrate respect, teamwork, sportsmanship, and a positive attitude always.

 

Commitment Expectations

Playing AA Rep baseball requires a significant commitment, including:

• Financial responsibility

• Volunteer time, including bottle drives and hosting opportunities

• Travel throughout the province
   

Teams typically consist of 12–14 players, and each player is expected to attend all practices, games, and team activities to the best of their ability. Families anticipating extended vacations or significant commitments to other sports or activities must discuss these in advance with the Head Coach prior to evaluations. Failure to meet team or program commitments may result in a review of a player’s eligibility to remain in the AA program.

 

Player Evaluation Process

Player evaluations are held in March for those registered in the Rep Baseball program. Players must be registered prior to tryouts to participate in evaluations.

Evaluations are based on:

• Baseball skills

• Development potential

• Dedication and work ethic

• Sportsmanship and coachability
   

This process helps ensure players are placed at a level appropriate for their skill and development.

 

Coaching

Coaches are selected through an application process. Approved by the technical director, in accordance with the Coach Selection Policy. Parent involvement in coaching is strongly encouraged and vital to the success of the program.

All coaches must meet Baseball Alberta certification requirements. Coaching certification courses are typically offered in March, April, and May prior to the season. More information can be found on the Baseball Alberta website under NCCP Requirements.

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What Playing Rep Baseball Looks Like

• 2–3 weekday practices per week

• Weekend games

• Typically, two weekends per month, often involving travel
   

Game schedules and locations are determined by Baseball Alberta, not the association, and are usually confirmed about one week in advance. Efforts are made to minimize travel when possible and to provide teams with opportunities to host.

Travel distances generally increase as the season progresses and teams move into tiered play. Provincial Championship travel will vary depending on host location.

 

Fundraising

Each team is required to participate in a bottle drive fundraiser. The date will be set by the association prior to the start of the season.

 

Associated Costs

The initial Red Sox registration fee covers basic organizational expenses, including:

• Insurance

• Basic equipment and maintenance

• Practice facilities and field usage
   

Once selected to a Rep team, an additional team fee will be collected to cover:

• Umpire fees

• Baseball Alberta AA team and player fees

• Team apparel

• Other team-specific costs
   

Each team is also responsible for creating its own budget to cover additional expenses. These costs are typically managed through a cash call organized by the team treasurer and may vary from team to team.

Failure to meet team financial obligations may result in a player being ineligible to participate in the Baseball Alberta Provincials at the discretion of the FSMBA Board.

 

Team Uniform and Equipment

Once teams are selected teams are provided with:

• Catcher’s equipment

• Bats

• Helmets

Players may use team equipment or provide their own.

Players are responsible for supplying the following required items:

• Team hat

• Red belt and socks

• Grey baseball pants

• Standard personal equipment (glove, cleats, and personal protective gear)