Frequently Asked Questions

Registration

Is my son/daughter allowed to play for the same team or coach that they had last year?

Yes, on your registration form there is a place to write; yes, I want to play for the same team/coach from last year. This, however, doesn't guarantee that the player will be on the at same team.

Once we have registered and we have changed our minds and decide that we no longer want to play for the same team or coach as indicated on our registration, what can we do?

There is a change of status form that you need to fill out and change your team request, in writing, then mail the signed form to our Registrar at NOHSL, P.O. Box 156, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070. This must be done no later than (2) weeks after registration.

How do we select which league to sign up for?

We have provided a birth chart on our web site at www.nohsl.com and we'll have the birth chart available at the registration desk. Our classifications are based solely on birthdates as indicated on this chart. Our chart is governed by the Ohio Hot Stove Baseball League.

What if my son/daughter wants to play with friends in a higher division?

A player can always play up a division but never play down a level. If a player wishes to play up in a higher division, they must attend the ratings session and their performance must meet our standards for moving up to the next league classification.

How can we have our son/daughter play on the same team as their best friend?

On the registration form there is an area that you can write in special requests such as pairing preference with a friend, car pool necessities, parental limitations or restrictions. This will then be submitted to the coaches during the draft process and an attempt to honor all requests will be made. However, there is no guarantee that all requests can be met. Please keep this in mind when registering.

My son/daughter would like me to coach or manage their team, is that possible?

Yes, at registration there is a table that has manager signup forms along with sponsorship forms. Please fill this out in full and fill out the personal information waiver. If you want to manage, indicate that on the form. If you'd like to be an assistant coach, you can indicate that on the form as well.

All managers and coaches require background checks. Please note that filling out a manager registration from doesn't guarantee you a team.

How do I know what size uniform my child would wear?

North Olmsted Hot Stove provides a sample of every size of uniform available for a player to try on. The player will have the ability to try on the uniform to ensure that they fit properly. At registration, you will be required to put your initials next to the uniform size(s) you are ordering to indicate that you accept and understand NOHSL's policy with regard to uniforms.

If the size is incorrect or the uniform needs to be replaced for any reason, there will be a $25.00 processing charge, and your child/player may not have it in time for opening day. We are at the mercy of our suppliers in this regard.

Ratings

What are ratings?

Ratings are a process that players go through to help us assign a numeric value to them. We use the ratings to balance out the teams on the younger divisions. There is a flyer available at the front of the registration table to see when the ratings session is.

If my child played last year, does he/she still need to be rated?

Our long standing policy is and has always been that if you child is in the Rookie, Farm, or H1 classification you absolutely need to be rated. In addition to that, any child that is new to the program or any child that wants to play up a division must also be rated.

Please note, since we no longer have a dual Rookie league, some of the younger players that were in Rookie last year will have to remain in Rookie league this year.

What if my child can't make ratings?

Every child must be rated or they are not allowed to be protected or frozen by their current manager. If a child will not be available or if they become ill on the day of ratings, you must contact the League Chairman either before or on that day.

A makeup session or private rating may be conducted by a board member at a later date. If you don't call the League Chairman or if you don't show up for the makeup sessions, you will not be permitted to move up a classification, be frozen by your current manager and will have an arbitrary rating assigned to the child in the draft.

How can we compare our son/daughter's rating with other kids?

The simple answer is that you can't. The ratings process is intentionally kept confidential.

The child will enter the gym with the other players and a board member. All parents, grandparents or spectators are instructed to wait in the hall. The players are put into a group and then they will perform a series of (4) stations. They will turn their card in prior to leaving and all results will be tallied up after the session is over. Failure to return the card will result in a "no rating" and all the ramifications that have already been explained. We do not allow photographs or videotaping during ratings sessions.

What do we need for ratings?

The only thing that you need is your ball glove, tennis shoes (this is mandatory- no cleats in the gym) and if they want to use their own bat they can bring that as well. North Olmsted Hot Stove is not responsible for any items lost or stolen.

Draft

How are the teams put together?

We have a specific draft process that is followed. Basically, the Rookie, Farm, and H1 teams are governed by the ratings system. No team shall be too far ahead of another in terms of talent. H2, G, and F teams have a set number of players that they can protect/freeze from the previous year and then everyone else is put into a draft pool. The coaches will then choose players in a specific order.

We registered our child in January but haven't heard anything yet?

Don't worry, you probably haven't heard anything because the entire process hasn't been completed yet. We have registration in January, ratings the 2nd or 3rd week of February and then we have any makeup sessions before we can draft. The draft is usually held in the 2nd or 3rd week of March. Once the draft has been concluded it usually will be another 3-5 days before the manager is given the official roster with phone numbers of all their players.

Why are we not on the same team as last year, we had put "yes" on our registration form?

Although it is important to mark "yes" on the registration form, that by itself does not guarantee placement on the team of your choice. Each manager is limited on the amount of protected players allowed and then everyone else is entered in the draft pool. It is possible that your son/daughter was picked before the existing manager was able to draft the player back.

Why does our team have 14 players and the other team only have 13?

Our draft works on a round by round basis. Each manager picks in a numeric order and then in reverse order. Since the draft pool may not be even, we will have some teams with more players than others. However, the Registrar and League Chairman make a note as to who is next in line to fill the rosters. As late signups come into the league, we will then assign them to even out the teams.

Our Season

How many games are in the regular season?

North Olmsted Hot Stove Baseball plays a (16) game schedule. However, you are only guaranteed (13) games, as we are at the mercy of Mother Nature. Our opening day is always the weekend before Memorial Day and we try to have our last game no later than July 31st.

Do the games on opening day count?

No, our opening day is the Saturday before Memorial Day and it includes having a parade down Lorain Rd. to the North Olmsted Park, team and individual pictures, and then a short exhibition game. These games don't "count" toward the regular season's standings or scores. The following week starts the "real" season.

When Do Practices Start?

Traditionally, our practices start around the 2nd or 3rd week of April. There are usually (10) practices per team. Practices are usually 1-1/2 hours during the week and 2 hours on Saturday or Sunday. Your team manager is responsible for contacting you with regard to the practice schedule. However, once the schedule is made, it will be posted and updated on our website as a reference.

When can I expect a game schedule?

North Olmsted Hot Stove is one of (5) major leagues that uses the North Olmsted parks and schools. Therefore, we are continuously in meetings with all the groups to finalize a game schedule that will accommodate everyone involved. We try to have schedules posted on our website no later than 3 weeks prior to the start of our regular season. If circumstances allow, we will have them available sooner, but the average time over the past 10 years has been around 2-3 weeks prior to the opening of our regular season.

Why is the schedule on the web different from the one my coach gave to us?

The schedule that the coach gave to you is the original, official schedule that all teams must follow. As makeup games are scheduled, games get postponed or cancelled, or other circumstances have changed games, times, fields, etc. our website is the most accurate calendar for those items. We will not reprint a hard copy schedule but will inform the managers to let players and parents know when make ups are scheduled.

When are we the home team?

The home team is the second team listed on the schedule. All home teams sit on the first base side. Each team will have (8) home games and (8) away games throughout a season.

What happens if we have a conflict with another activity or sport?

Our season is always the same, we open the weekend before the Memorial Day and end the last weekend in July. We publish our schedules in late April or early May. If the player has made a commitment to the team, then they should honor that commitment. If, however, they can't avoid the conflict and opt to miss a regular season game, they should inform the manager as soon as possible.

If you have written the conflicting agency or sport on the registration, we have ensured that your team will have an extra player. If not, the team may have to forfeit without the proper number of players. NOHSL will ensure that the teams that have players with outside conflicts will have an extra player to accommodate a missing player for such things as Boy Scouts or other group activities, soccer or long vacations in the middle of the season. This can only be accomplished if you fill out this section on your registration.

What happens if my son/daughter gets hurt and can't finish the season?

Refunds are only issued in the event of injury or cancellation of a league. In the case of injury, we need an explanation of the injury in writing along with a doctor's note supporting that your child can't play ball for the remainder of the season. After submission of the doctor's note, we will be glad to refund the registration fee less the uniform cost. Your request for reimbursement must be received by June 12, 2011. If your request is received after this date, your refund will be based on prorated response.

Games

Where are the rules for your leagues?

First, we are governed by the Ohio Hot Stove Baseball League and every year they put out a rule book that each manager is given. For the circumstances not covered by this rule book, we default to the American League Rules of Major League Baseball for competition rulings and our local rules for administrative issues.

Are there any time limits on games?

Our Rookie league has a 1-1/2 hour time limit and our Farm league also has a 1-1/2 hour time limit. These leagues will complete any inning started prior to the 1-1/2 hour time limit is reached. In our H1 and H2 leagues we have a 2 hour time limit for regular season games only. G and F League games do not have a time limit. The H1 and H2 tournament games have no time limit as well as all the G and F league games. For more information and additional rules regarding time limits and game specifics, visit our Rules Page for the league you'd like to know more about.

How is a winner determined in a game that is tied when we reach the time limit?

We only have a time limit in H1 or H2 regular season games and the last half of Farm League. If you reach your 2-hour time limit and the home team has not completed its final at bats, you will revert back to the previous completed inning and use that as the final score. The team that was winning after that last complete inning will be named the winner of the game. If the score was tied throughout, then the home team will contact the League Chairman and a makeup tie breaker will be scheduled. This will be played with both teams getting an at bat until a winner or (7) innings has been completed.

What happens when a game is called on account of darkness?

A game is complete when we play 4 innings and the home team is winning or if we complete (5) full innings. If the game is called on account of darkness prior to reaching the 4-1/2 or 5 inning mark or if it is tied after (5) innings, we will then pick up the game 1 hour prior to the next game that is schedule with the same team. We will then play out the 7 innings and have a (15) minute intermission prior to the start of the regularly scheduled game.

Can anyone help coach if a team is short of coaches for a game?

If a manager knows that he/she will be short of coaches then they should have a parent or volunteer contact the League Chairman to have a background check conducted. No one is allowed on the field or in the dug out without having a background check performed.

If I keep score, can I sit in the dugout?

Only if you have a background check on file with North Olmsted Hot Stove. If a board member or any spectator questions your appearance in the dugout, the game will be stopped and the League Chairman will be contacted to verify your eligibility. If you are illegally in the dugout, it could cost the team a forfeit. It only takes a few minutes to sign the release that will allow your background to be checked and for you to be in the dugout or on the field legally. There is a fee of $30 to cover the costs of a background check. Please make your check or money order payable to NOHSL. For details with regard to background checks, contact our League Chairman, Ron Tallon.

Who is allowed in the dugout?

The only people that should be in the dugout are the players that are registered to that team, the manager, assistant coaches (up to 3) and the score keeper if they are background checked and the manager would like them there.

Can anyone help out at practice?

Even though it is practice, we still ask everyone that is going to be in contact with or around the players to be background checked. If you need to help out in a drill or it is a single practice then you are able to help without the check, however, we would ask the managers to maintain the background checking integrity.

Can anyone fill in if the team is short a player or two for any given game?

No, we cannot allow anyone who is not a registered North Olmsted Hot Stove Player to play in any sanctioned game. Further, a player must be registered on a team, have a birth certificate on file and the manager must contact the League Chairman in advance of any game in which they are trying to use a substitute.

What is the 10-run rule?

If a team is up by 10 runs or more after the completion of the fifth inning, the umpire will call the game and the team that is up by (10) will be the winner. If the home team is up by (10) going into the bottom of the 5th inning the game will be called then. Otherwise the game will be called once the home team gets to bat in that same inning.

If my son/daughters team is short a player can I let my other sibling play?

No, as mentioned above, only sanctioned players that are on file with the Registrar prior to the start of that game will be allowed to play.

How do I know if the game is rained out?

For updates on rained out games, you may call our rainout line at 440-801-5050 ext. 2102. Our website is also updated with rainout information as well. Both the site and rainout line are updated by 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday with the latest information. On the weekends, it has always been the practice of North Olmsted Hot Stove Baseball to mandate you show up to the field. If all games are on, or if only some games are on based on weather and field conditions, we will have it posted on the website. If, however, the weather hits after 5:00 pm and you are not sure of the status of your game, report to the field. The final determination will be made by the umpire, on consultation with the managers. A NOHSL board member may call a game based on review of the field conditions. If it rains, the game may still be on.

We have won our game but the standings/game scores are not updated why?

All scores are updated on a daily basis without exception. At the same time, we will also update and modify the standings. However, we are totally reliant on the home team manager for calling in or e-mailing the scores. If the manager doesnt send in the score, we dont update the games or the standings. If you find that you have scores missing, first contact your manager and then as a last resort contact Traci Lynes or Ron Tallon, and they will investigate why we are missing the scores.

Tournaments

Are the rules the same for the tournaments as they are in the regular season?

For the most part, they will be exact. Rookie, Farm, G, and F tournaments will be exactly as the regular season. The H1 and H2 tournaments will not have a time limit but otherwise follow the rules that they had all year.

Will our son/daughter be receiving a trophy this year?

All players in the Rookie and Farm leagues will be presented a medallion of competition for participating in our program. All tournament winners and runners up for the upper divisions (H1, H2, G, and F) will receive a trophy. However, unlike in years past, the season standings are only for the seeding necessary for the pairings in the tournament. There will be no trophies awarded for a season winner.

Our son/daughter plays in the Rookie and Farm league, do they have a tournament?

Yes, in a way. The Rookie and Farm leagues don't have an actual tournament but they do have a final game that will be played the weekend following the last games of the season. At this time the Rookie and Farm players will play the game, then both teams line up along the baseline and every child is called out to the pitcher's mound and handed a medallion. Photo opportunities are present throughout the process.

Our son/daughter plays in one of your older leagues. Do they have a tournament?

In the H1, H2, G, and F leagues we will have an end of the season tournament. This tournament will consist of the top (4) teams in the division playing each other with the winners of the first game moving on to the championship game. The tournament champions and runners up will be presented with a trophy.

Do the time limits apply to the H1, H2, tournament games?

No, these games are played like regular season games with no time limits. If a tournament game is called on account of darkness, it is picked up where it ended with the exact stats, runners, hitters, and pitchers. The rosters must stay the same until the completion of this game.

I have heard that there is a state tournament as well as the in-house tournament, is that correct?

Yes, Ohio Hot Stove Baseball provides a tournament open to all H1 to F league teams. This tournament is highly competitive and will be played all over Lorain County. If your team advances out of Lorain County, they will have games in Akron, Canton, or Mansfield. North Olmsted Hot Stove Baseball will cover the cost of the tournament but there are certain restrictions that your manager will cover with you.

Administrative Issues

Policy Changes throughout the Season:

As we have strived to make our FAQ booklet a very comprehensive tool for all paerents, players and spectators, certain events take place during the season which mandates board action. At any time during each year, the board of dicrectors reserves the right to change, modify or amend any of these items without prior notice. We will post all changes and amendments to our website.

Why do I need a background check to be in the dugout, on the field, or at practices?

It is the policy of NOHSL to take the safety of our players very seriously and not put them at risk for any reason. The performing of a background check ensures that all persons having direct contact with our children have been cleared. It is also a requirement of our insurance agency.

What do I do if I have a complaint?

First, download the comment form. Fill this out and either mail it to: NOHSL, P.O. Box 156, North Olmsted, OH 44070 or scan it and e-mail it to Ron Tallon, League Chairman. Once your form is received, the issue will be reviewed and broadcast to the other board members that need to be involved. A follow up phone call will then be made by the League Chairman to update you on the resolution and what steps or timeframe the comment will require.

What if I have a complaint about my manager?

The same procedure is to take place as indicated above. All responses are handled with privacy and anonymity and proper investigation of all complaints will be conducted discreetly.

While at the game, I noticed a board member in attendance, can I approach them with a problem?

Absolutely. However, if you wish something to be done about the problem you must first put it into writing and submit it to our mailing address, NOHSL, P.O. Box 156, North Olmsted, Ohio 44070, or e-mail it to any member of the board using the email address links provided on our website. We understand people are passionate about the game, their children, or even the umpires, however if we need to act on a situation we can't do so without some form of written material to back up the complaint.

I am leery about giving you my email address, do you safeguard them?

Absolutely. It is the policy of NOHSL to use your e-mail address as a way of communicating with you regarding game schedules, fundraising efforts, newsletters, or other official Hot Stove business. Your contact information is supplied to your team's manager as a means for them to communicate with you regarding your team. Manager's coaches and parents are reminded to regard others' email addresses as private information, keeping in mind the original intent of supplying email addresses at the time of registration. When there are emails sent to multiple addresses from NOHSL, they are "blind copied" so as not to disclose emails to everyone in the league.

What if I change my email address and it's different from the one I put on my registration form?

Send your revised email address to Traci Lynes at nohsl@lynesdesigns.com and the mailing list will be updated with your current information.

I see there are photos on the web site, how do I submit my photos?

You can e-mail photos to Traci Lynes. The preferred format is JPG or JPEG file. Due to space considerations, photos will only be used on the web site not in the newsletter.

What if I don't want my child's photo used on the website?

You must submit your request in writing and provide your child's name, the team they play for, what uniform number they are, and the team manager's name so we may delete them from the web site without compromising any of the other pictures.

How Do I become an Umpire?

Anyone interested in becoming an umpire can go to our website and download and fill out the umpire registration form completely. Once completed, you can mail the Umpire Form to Karl Kubb, NOHSL, P.O. Box 156, North Olmsted, OH 44070. You may also scan and then e-mail it Karl. You must be at least 14 years of age and all training will be provided.

Fundraising

The success of our league depends heavily on fundraising. This season, NOHSL will have programs and events in place to help raise the funds necessary to keep our league successful and beneficial for our NOHSL families.

Cans for catchers

Thanks to the many people that participated, NOHSL's "Cans for Catchers" program was a success last season and will be put in place again for the 2009 season. Beginning in April, look for specially marked collecting containers at all of our playing fields including North Olmsted Community Park. When you come to a game, just drop off your cans as well. No special trips or added costs. It's that easy. North Olmsted Hot Stove will recycle the cans each week. Proceeds will be used for field improvements and equipment purchases. PLEASE NO PLASTIC CONTAINERS. Support your league and protect the environment at the same time. All it takes is a little effort on your part and all of our children/players will benefit. So please do your part and support Hot Stove with "Cans for Catchers".

History of North Olmsted Hot Stove

North Olmsted Hot Stove is looking for any information which we can use to compile a history of our league. If we can gather enough information we would like to put together a book which can be sold as a fundraiser for the league. We can use pictures, artifacts/memorabilia, or any basic general history info. Anyone who has any information or knows anyone who can help is asked to please contact Kevin Federer.

NOHSL Logo Magnets

Show your support for our league and our players by displaying an official NOHSL logo magnet on your car or refrigerator. Magnets are only $5.00 each and will be available on Opening Day. Or, you can contact our Fundraising Chairman, Kevin Federer.