About the river falls youth baseball organization (rfybo)

ABOUT RIVER FALLS TRAVELING BASEBALL

The travel program is run by the RFYBO and competes in the Metro/Gopher Baseball League. The season consists of 16 regular season weeknight games, weekend tournaments, and one or more playoff games.  Weeknight away games (8) are in the East Metro and Western Wisconsin.  Registration takes place in August. The player evaluation session (tryouts) is held in September with informal practices encouraged in the fall and overwinter, with formal practices starting in the spring.  Games are played from May through mid-July. 

Travel teams are based on grade levels: 3rd grade and younger (9U), 4th (10U), 5th (11U), 6th (12U), 7th (13U), and 8th (14U).  Playing age is the player’s age on May 1. Younger players for their grade are encouraged to play with their grade (e.g., a 6th grader who is 11 on May 1 is encouraged to play 12U).  Older players for their grade must play with their age (e.g., a 6th grader who is 13 on May 1 has to play 13U).

Players are selected for travel teams using a formal evaluation process arranged by the RFYBO Board.  Teams are divided based on baseball skill level (e.g., A & B teams).  Player evaluations are designed to assess the general athleticism and baseball skill set of each athlete. The goal of the evaluations is to place each athlete at the level of competition in which they can be most productive and successful. Athletes will be selected and placed on teams based upon the results of their evaluation score and the prior year’s season-end evaluation (completed by their previous head coach). Players not placed on a travel team are encouraged to participate in the Park-and-Rec program run by the City of River Falls. 

OUR MISSION

The RFYBO exists to teach and promote the game of baseball in an environment that fosters

competition and individual development, instills the importance of being part of a team, readies

players for Legion and High School baseball, and enhances the enjoyment of youth baseball

players in the River Falls community consistent with the core values below.

River Falls Youth Baseball believes in the following core values:

• We believe that the lives of the individuals of all ages and abilities should be enriched by their

experience in baseball.

• We believe that we can contribute to the development of baseball by promoting teamwork,

sportsmanship, honesty, and loyalty.

• We believe in fairness on and off the field of play, as characterized by equality, integrity, and

trust.

• We believe in respect between players, coaches, spectators, and officials.

• We believe in the development of coaching and athletic leadership capabilities for the

advancement of the organization.

• We believe that all who participate in River Falls Youth Baseball should be responsible and

accountable for their actions and decisions.

River Falls Youth Baseball strives to achieve the following goals:

• To provide a safe learning experience in conjunction with our partnership with the City of

River Falls, Troy Township, River Falls Baseball Council and the River Falls School District.

• To enhance community interest in River Falls Youth Baseball Organization and the benefits

the organization provides for our city's youth.

• To build healthy bodies and minds of all participants.

• To develop skill and proficiency in baseball and related activities.

• To continually improve and add to existing baseball fields and facilities in River Falls.

• To keep in perspective that the focus of youth sports is on developing youngsters first and

foremost, without adult ambition for personal glory.

To provide effective, high quality training for players and coaches at all levels.

As an organization, our success is measured upon the individual experience of each child, and the

lessons and values that will remain with him for years to come.

FUNDAMENTALS OF SPORTSMANSHIP

1. Show respect for the opponent.

2. Show respect for the officials.

3. Know, understand, and appreciate the rules of the game.

4. Maintain self-control.

5. Recognize and appreciate skill in performance regardless of affiliation.

6. Be no party to the use of profanity, obscene language or improper actions.

7. Instruct participants and spectators in proper sportsmanship.

8. Set a good example for players and others to follow.

9. Refrain from arguments in front of players and spectators.

10. Abstain from throwing any objects.

https://www.rfcity.org/487/Baseball-and-T-Ball

The Park-and-Rec program is run by the City of River Falls Parks and Recreation department.  Programs are T-ball (K and under), Cub A (1st and 2nd grade), Cub B (3rd and 4th grade), Pony (5th and 6th grade), and Mini Traveling (7th and 8th grade).  All games are in River Falls, except Mini Traveling which plays away games against local towns such as Hudson, New Richmond, Ellsworth, etc.  The registration brochure for the City programs is published in March with registration deadlines in early to mid-April.

There are no tryouts. 

The season is May through July.​ 

https://rfwildcats.org/

We partner closely with the high school program to ensure we're preparing our athletes to be successful should they choose to continue the sport in 9th-12th grade. The high school has a varsity, junior varsity and junior varsity 2 team.

We highly encourage RFYBO families to check out a high school event!