Baseball Registration – 2024

If you live in Edmonton, East of St. Albert Trail and North of the river to the city limits, then you are in the right place for a great baseball season! Welcome to the NEZ Baseball for 2024! We are excited to hit the field and have a great season of play. If you want to join us on the diamond this year, follow the steps below.

Choose your level of play – House League or Rep

When it comes time to register for baseball, players have two exciting options to choose from, each offering its own unique experience and set of benefits.    

1. House League baseball – For those looking for a fun, community-focused experience, our House League baseball is the perfect choice. Playing during the spring, it emphasizes skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship in a more relaxed, local setting. It’s ideal for players who love the game and want to enjoy it in a friendly, less competitive atmosphere.

Age Category for 2024	Registration Fee	Birth Year
5U (Blast Ball)	$90	2019, 2020
7U (Rally Cap)	$170	2017, 2018
9U	$190	2015, 2016
11U	$280	2013, 2014
13U	$315	2011, 2012
15U	$345	2009, 2010
18U	$375	2006, 2007, 2008

2. Rep baseball – For those who are seeking a more intensive baseball experience, our Rep baseball program extends through the spring and summer. Padres AA and AAA programs are tailored for players who are eager to compete at a higher level, offering advanced training, a chance to travel and play against diverse teams, and the opportunity to further hone their skills in a more competitive environment. Players who successfully tryout and are assigned to a team, there is an additional top-up fee (see below.) Go to edmontonpadres.ca for more information.

Rep Teams	Top-up Fee	TOTAL Registration Fee (initial registration + top up)
Padres 11U  AA	$ 745	$ 1,025
Padres 13U  AA	$ 825	$ 1,140
Padres 15U  AA	$ 945	$ 1,290
Padres 18U  AA	$ 1,275	$ 1,650
Padres 13U  AAA	$ 1,045	$ 1,360
Padres 15U  AAA	$ 1,170	$ 1,515
Padres 18U  AAA	$ 1,425	$ 1,800
Padres Senior  AAA	n/a	$500 (total)

How to Register

Registering for our baseball season is an easy and straightforward process, designed to be welcoming for both new and returning players. To ensure a smooth experience, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through:

1. Start by creating your Spordle account: Create a family account at Spordle My Account in the parent’s name.
2. Add players/participants/coaches to the parents under the “Link a Member” section by searching by name and date of birth.
3. Once your account is created and members added you can register the player online using the link on the Spordle Dashboard for Northeast Zone Baseball and select the appropriate registration. 
4. Payments can be completed online in the Spordle registration portal. However, if you choose to pay by Interac e-transfer, you must ensure your payment is sent to the NEZ account at nezsportstreasurer@gmail.com.  Please include player name and their program in the e-transfer message. (e.g.  John Brown, 11U baseball ) 
5. Electronically sign and submit the mandatory waivers . Registration is not complete until all required documents and forms are submitted, and payment is received.
6. Option for Rep Baseball: If your child is interested in joining a Padres AA or AAA team, the next step is to register for tryouts. This can also be done through Spordle, under the specific age category for the Rep team tryouts. 

PLEASE NOTE: If you encounter difficulties and the system advises that there is no registration option for your player, please email our Registrar  melissawinegarden@gmail.com with your player’s name and date of birth.

1. Finalize your Registration in-person: Attend one of the four available in-person registration times; this is where you’ll sign up for a required volunteer commitment, and a $300 deposit by cheque or credit card will be required.

1. • House League: Sign up for 1 volunteer commitment
   • Rep (Padres): Sign up for 2 volunteer commitments (1 must be a bingo), and the second one is signed up for at your team’s first parent meeting.

All registrants must come to one of the NEZ Central Registration dates at the NEZ Office, located at 12855 – 52 Street, Edmonton (in Kennedale Plaza):

1. • Saturday, February 24, 2024 – Noon to 2:00 pm
   • Saturday, March 9, 2024 – Noon to 2:00 pm
   • Saturday, March 16, 2024 – Noon to 2:00 pm
   • Wednesday, March 27, 2024 – 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm

You will be required to bring a current community league membership from your home community league. Memberships may be purchased at your Community League or online at efcl.org/memberships.  First time players require proof of age – birth certificate or Alberta Health Care Card is acceptable.

Remember, we are here to help you through every step of the registration process. If you have any questions or need assistance, don’t hesitate to reach out.

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Click HERE to register

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[ https://page.spordle.com/north-east-zone-baseball ]

Affordability

We are committed to making baseball accessible to all aspiring players. For tryout fees and House League registrations, full payments are required to secure your spot. However, we understand that financial barriers should not prevent talented players from joining our programs.

To support families in need, we highly encourage exploring financial assistance through these great organizations:

• KidSport Funding: KidSport offers grants to help cover registration fees, ensuring all kids can play sports. You can apply for assistance by visiting their website at KidSport Edmonton. Follow the guidelines to submit your application and get the support your child needs to hit the field with us.
• JumpStart Funding: Canadian Tire’s JumpStart program is another excellent resource that provides financial aid for sports participation. To apply for an Individual Child Grant, head over to JumpStart and fill out the application form. This grant can help cover a portion of or all the registration costs, making baseball more accessible.
• Register your child, complete these application forms as required, and bring copies to your in-person registration. You cannot apply for more that the registration fee, but you can apply for both funding programs.

Transfers

NEZ Baseball and the Edmonton Padres support all policies and guidelines set out by Baseball Alberta for any player transfers or player movement. Please visit the Baseball Alberta website for any clarity on transfer rules.

Refund Policy

For players in the Community League program, refunds, less a $50.00 administration fee, will be considered for those withdrawing from the program prior to teams being formed.  This generally happens on the first Monday in April.  

For players in the AA or AAA Padres programs, refunds, less a $50.00 administration fee, will be considered prior to team formation.  Once teams are formed, refunds will only be considered for season ending injuries.  A doctors note will be required.

Frequently asked questions:

Q. Is “Spordle” online registration new? 

A. Yes, it is new here at NEZ for 2024.  Baseball Alberta started using this platform last year and now NEZ is using it too for our regular season baseball registration process.

Q. What are the age requirements for each category?

A. In baseball, age categories work on the calendar year, so use the player’s birth year in the table above. 

Q. Are there any age exceptions?

A. Female players have the option of playing 1-year overage at each division of play. For example, a female athlete born in 2012 can choose to register at 11U or 13U. If you have any questions about this, please email our Women & Girls Director, Raiven Hansen-Downs at raivenhansendowns@gmail.com.

Q. When do House League teams play?

A. 

5U (Blast Ball)	Thursday
7U (Rally Cap)	Tuesday & Thursday
9U	Monday & Wednesday
11U	Tuesday & Thursday
13U	Monday & Wednesday
15U & 18U	TBA

Q. Why are there demographic questions in the Spordle registration process?

A. The collection of self-identification data is central to equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. Baseball Alberta and NEZ are collecting this data to increase our ability to enhance programs, while recognizing and removing barriers. The demographic data being collected through the platform is consistent with how the Government of Canada solicits this information including the options you see of race/ethnicity, language, and Indigenous Peoples (all of which provide “Prefer not to say” as an option). There are many factors as to why and how this data is collected: please refer to this Government of Canada website for more information.

Q. Registration fees seem a bit higher than 2023; did they increase?

A. Yes, house league registration increased by approximately 5%, the largest being $15 for 18U.  Youth sports are not immune to inflation, and our volunteers work hard to keep these programs as affordable as possible. 

Q. How does the tryout process work for the Padres?

A. Players who would like to tryout will attend a series of scheduled workouts and be evaluated on their skills and performance by NCCP-certified Padres’ coaches. There are limited roster spots available on each team. Players who make a AA or AAA team begin practicing with their teams shortly after tryouts are complete. 

Q. What are the key differences between House League and Rep baseball?

A. The key differences are time, travel, and cost. House League is a shorter season (May and June) and play is generally confined to Edmonton and the surrounding region. The level of practice and play is higher in AA & AAA programs too, and the Padres play to the end of July (sometimes into early August.) 

Q. What do volunteer opportunities entail and are there alternative ways to fulfill this requirement? 

A. Volunteer roles include event support shifts and bingo shifts, crucial for our program’s success. Each commitment is secured with a $300 deposit via check or credit card.

Q. What is the refund policy if a player decided to withdraw?

A. NEZ has a refund policy, but generally refunds are only granted for season-ending injuries or requests made before the refund deadline.

Q. Are there any additional costs beyond the registration fee?

A. Yes, players need to provide their own gear such as cleats, gloves, and helmets, which are not covered by the registration fee. NEZ does offer some equipment like catcher’s gear for those who need it. Teams receive specific team gear for the season. For Padres teams, there are extra costs which are collectively managed through cash calls or fundraising efforts.

Q. What is the schedule like for practices and games? 

A. House league teams typically have field time a couple of times a week. For Padres teams, the commitment increases to 4 – 6 days per week for practices and games, varying by age division.

Q. How does NEZ approach players safety and well-being? 

A. NEZ is committed to the safety and well-being of all players. We adhere to Baseball Canada and Baseball Alberta’s safety guidelines, ensuring best practices in player protection. Our coaches and staff are trained to always prioritize player safety, both on and off the field.

Q. Can players switch between House League and Rep baseball mid-season?

A. Generally, switching between House League and Rep baseball mid-season is not permitted. In exceptional cases, such as significant player loss on a AA team due to injuries, NEZ may consider elevating a House League player to fill the gap, pending approval from Baseball Alberta. However, these instances are rare, and players cannot opt for a mid-season switch on their own initiative.

Q. Is there a sibling discount for families with multiple children registering?

A. No, unfortunately we don’t have a discount. However, volunteer commitments max out after the first two children registered. Three or more children in the program does require more commitments. 

Q. What are the communication channels for updates and announcements?

A. Before the season begins, information is available on nezsports.com and edmontonpadres.ca. We will also communicate directly via email with players who are registered. Once the season begins, the Padres teams use TeamSnap to share information and house league teams have the option of using it upon request. 

Q. Are there any opportunities for community involvement or sponsorship?

A. Yes, we are very open to interest from local business or community members who want to support our teams. Please direct any such inquiries to nezbaseballdirector@gmail.com.

Q. What happens in the case of inclement weather or unforeseen cancellations? 

A. In response to inclement weather or unexpected cancellations, we strictly adhere to Baseball Alberta’s guidelines, which include specific rules for lightning, air quality, and rain. Player safety is our top priority, and decisions are made with this foremost in mind. While some games may be canceled under these conditions, we make every effort to reschedule whenever feasible.

OTHER IMPORTANT DATES:

Rally Cap / Skills Clinic	All 7U, 9U & 11U players/teams	Saturday, May 11@ Rundle Park Saturday, June 15@ Rundle Park
MLB Pitch, Hit & Run Day	Ages 7 to 14 as of Nov. 15/24	Sunday, May 12@ Rundle Park
Rookie League Tournament	All 5U, 7U & 9U teams	Saturday, May 25@ Rundle Park
11U & 13U Tournament	All 11U & 13U teams	June 1, 2 & 3@ Rundle Park