What are player evaluations?
Evaluations are mandatory for all players in AA, AAA and Majors divisions. Players in our Tee Ball and A divisions do not need to participate in the evaluation process.
Evaluations provide an opportunity for coaches to meet players and evaluate their skills on the baseball field prior to the team draft. During evaluations, your child will practice batting, fielding fly balls and ground balls, throwing and base running.
Evaluations help ensure that players are in an appropriate division for their skill level and that teams will be evenly balanced. Even though some people call this event "tryouts," every child is guaranteed a spot on a team.
Managers' and coaches' children are not exempt. Your children should attend evaluations regardless if you will be managing or coaching their team.
When are evaluations?
SVLL holds evaluations during a weekend in mid-January. Check out the news feed and event listings on the SVLL home page for more specific details.
How long does it take?
Evaluations are conducted by age group, as recommended by Little League International. You will be given a time slot and should expect to spend about one hour. Players should arrive 15 minutes before their assigned time to register and warm up.
What happens at evaluations?
Players will check in at the registration table (even if you've registered online), and will be assigned a number. Players will be sorted into small groups and asked to field grounders and pop-ups, make throws, and bat against a pitching machine or coach pitch. Players are also timed running the bases. Managers and coaches watch each group.
What should we bring?
A glove, baseball shoes or sneakers, and a hat are recommended. If possible, bring a batting helmet and bat and have your player wear baseball pants.