WHAT ARE EVALUATIONS?

Skill evaluations are used use to determine which level of play best serves your little slugger in improving their baseball skills during the upcoming season. 

Your child's skill level is displayed in stations such as Hitting, Fielding, Pitching, Catching and Running. These same skill stations are tested equally for each age group and the score standards do not change based on age. Your child's score is reflected appropriately next to their peers to give us the best opportunity to place your child at the appropriate level.

It is important to know that no one is cut during evaluations.  Evaluations are solely a skill assessment to help coaches and league coordinators properly place kids within divisions and create even teams.

In order to make the process run smooth, it is asked that parents remain in the seating area outside of the turf field during the evaluations and refrain from interacting with their child. Your child’s safety and well being is paramount to me and all the volunteers involved. We will treat your child / children just as we would treat our own and will put their best interest first.

WHY ARE EVALUATIONS IMPORTANT?

• Evaluations are important because they are our only opportunity to observe a player's current skill level before we form teams for the upcoming season.
• The current skill assessment (evaluation), prior year coaching feedback (when available), and age (we must conform to league regulations) are the combining factors we will use to create teams.
• The combined data gives us the best opportunity to create evenly skilled teams in each division.
• The combined data also gives us the best opportunity to place players on teams at the appropriate skill level to further their development (e.g., AA, AAA, Majors).

EVALUATION CRITERIA

1. HITTING - Players receive pitches from a coach in a batting cage. A composite score will be assigned based on the player's form, ball contact and power.
2. INFIELD - A volunteer will hit ground balls to players. Players will field the ball and throw the ball to 1B (usually from a distance simulating SS). A composite score will be assigned based on the player's form / footwork, arm strength, accuracy and hustle.
3. PITCHING - Players will be given a few warm up throws. After warm ups, the player will pitch "live" balls to a live catching coach. Speed will be assessed with a device. A composite score will be assigned based on the player's velocity, accuracy and mechanics.
4. OUTFIELD - A volunteer will be used to hit/send fly balls out to the player. Players will field the ball and throw the ball to a cutoff man. A composite score will be assigned based on the player's form / footwork, arm strength, accuracy and hustle.
5. RUNNING - Players will be given a few warm-up runs. Players will then be timed in a sprint (home plate to 1B) to evaluate their running speed.

WHO EVALUATES MY CHILD?

Evaluators are Boxford Little League Board Members and coaches. The same evaluators stay at the same station throughout the day to ensure the most accurate and consistent scoring.

The evaluator's main goal is simple:

1. Give your child the best experience for their skill level.
2. Make sure your child is placed in the appropriate division based on skill level.
3. To help our Coaches and Coordinators create fair and even teams.
   

WHAT IF WE CANNOT MAKE EVALUATIONS?

It is very important you try your best to make evaluations. If you absolutely must miss evaluations, we will do our best and make our decision based on the previous season’s coach’s evaluation to place your child. We’re trying to avoid mistakes made in the past and having teams that aren’t evenly skilled. The only way to do that is if we are able to evaluate each player for proper placement.

WHAT TO BRING

• Glove
• Helmet
• Turf shoes or sneakers are best for the turf fields and cages. Cleats are optional.
• Bat - Little League rules dictate the bat be stamped with the USA logo. Only USA bats will be allowed at evaluations and during the season.