About the river falls youth baseball organization (rfybo)

AGE REQUIREMENTS & EVALUATIONS

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 region.  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 evaluation day (in September). Players are encouraged to play with their grade level whenever possible.

Players must be 8 years old (or older) by Aug. 31 to participate in the program. This is an age limitation set by the board based largely on grade level.

Player petitions: Players who do not meet the age requirements — 8 years old by Aug. 31 — can request an exception to tryout ( wildcat.baseball@riverfallsyouthbaseball.org ), but it should be noted that:

1. Underage players will ONLY be placed on a team in the event the 9-year-old team(s) do not have enough players.
2. Tryout fees for underage players will not be refunded as tryouts are conducted by a third party and the fees cover the assessment costs per player.

Please read the RFYBO handbook for more information.

Players are selected for travel teams using a formal evaluation process arranged by the RFYBO Board. This year, we are excited to partner with FlexxBall for evaluations! 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. 

FEES

A $50 non-refundable deposit is required upon registration.

This fee pays for the evaluation of your player in September for the upcoming season.

Season fees are set at $400, but can be broken up into two auto-installments during registration (e.g. $200 due in September 30th, the remaining $200 due in January 31st). We require fees to be paid by the end of December so we can pay league fees, tournament fees, order uniforms, etc.

We have a limited number of scholarships available for families in need. Reach out to wildcat.baseball@riverfallsyouthbaseball.org and let us know your circumstances.

UNIFORMS & EQUIPMENT

Your season fees cover the cost of the jersey and hat for your player.

Families are responsible for the remaining items to make up the uniform (pants/capris, belt and socks). RFYBO will provide the website to easily order uniforms. Uniforms must by ordered by mid-February to arrive in time for the season.

Your season fees cover the use of RFYBO equipment including baseballs, nets, tees, catchers gear, etc.

Families are responsible for individual player equipment such as gloves, cleats, bats, bat bag/backpack, etc.

The River Falls Youth Baseball Organization participates in the Metro Baseball League (MBL) and the Gopher State Baseball League (GSBL). We have included the bat rules from both leagues via the below links.

MBL Bat Rules         GSBL Bat Rules

RFYBO does not make any recommendations on bat brand or certification.

However, all bats must be either USA, USSSA, or BBCOR stamped bats.

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.