Team Selection Process

SMYSA is committed to forming teams in a fair, balanced, and development-focused manner. Each season, teams are created using a consistent process designed to support player growth, team continuity, and the overall health of the league.

How Teams Are Formed

1. Coach and Volunteer Placement
   Head coaches are approved by the SMYSA Board. Once selected, the head coach’s child(ren) are placed on their assigned team.

2. Assistant Coach Placement
   Assistant coaches’ child(ren) are placed on the same team as the assistant coach.

3. Family and Transportation Requests
   Requests involving siblings, family members, or shared transportation are considered when possible. While we do our best to accommodate these requests, they cannot be guaranteed if they impact overall team balance.

4. Returning Player Continuity
   Players who have been with the same coach for multiple seasons (generally three or more) may be placed together when feasible to promote continuity, development, and positive team dynamics.

5. Age and Experience Review
   Players are reviewed and grouped based on age and number of seasons played to ensure appropriate development and fair competition.

6. Pitcher and Catcher Distribution
   Pitchers and catchers are distributed as evenly as possible across teams to maintain competitive balance within each division.

7. Final Team Balancing
   Remaining players are placed with the goal of:

   • Keeping players in their age-appropriate division whenever possible

   • Allowing groups of players to progress through divisions together over time

   • Creating balanced teams across age, experience, and skill level

   Our Commitment
   
   SMYSA’s team formation process prioritizes fairness, player development, safety, and long-term league growth. While individual requests are considered, team placement decisions are ultimately made with the best interest of the entire league in mind.