Sylvan Lake Minor Ball Association
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What league does SLMBA play in?

Baseball Alberta is the governing body for organized baseball across the province, overseeing leagues from grassroots community play to elite provincial competition. The Sylvan Lake Minor Ball Association (SLMBA) participates within this structure, giving local players access to standardized rules, development pathways, and provincial championships.

What is Rally Cap?

Entry-Level Program: Introduces children to baseball through T-Ball and Blastball formats • Age Range: 5-7 year olds • FUNdamentals: Focuses on five core skills — throwing, receiving, hitting, base running, and movement skills • Progressive Levels: Players advance through skill-testing opportunities, earning different colored items to mark achievement

What is the difference between 9U and 9U Advanced?

[9U Baseball] • Focus: Developmental, recreational play • Game Format: Modified rules to keep play simple and fun (coach pitch or machine pitch often used) • Skill Level: Designed for players still learning fundamentals — throwing, catching, hitting, base running • Competition: Local play, no travel. Emphasis is on participation and development • Environment: A gentle transition from Rally Cap to structured baseball, with shorter games and flexible rules —————————————————————————————- [9U Advanced Baseball] • Focus: Competitive development for players ready for more challenge • Game Format: Closer to regulation baseball — live pitching, stricter rules, and more structured gameplay • Skill Level: For athletes who have mastered basic skills and want to progress faster • Competition: Greater emphasis on out of town play, travel and tournament play • Environment: Prepares players for the jump to 11UA or 11UAA - introducing strategy, defensive positioning, and game awareness

‘A’ Baseball Division - What is it?

A Baseball (Community / Developmental) • Focus: Participation, skill development, and fun. • Competition Level: Local league play with minimal travel. • Game Format: Modified rules may be used to keep play accessible and enjoyable. • Player Pathway: Designed for athletes still building fundamentals — throwing, catching, hitting, base running. • Environment: Emphasis on inclusivity, ensuring all players get meaningful playing time. • SLMBA Mariners: ‘A’ division is perfect for families seeking a balance of baseball and other commitments, with games primarily in Sylvan Lake and nearby communities

‘A’ Baseball Division - Provincial Teams

We are aiming to have a provincial team in each age group in 2026!

‘AA’ Baseball Division - What is it?

AA Baseball (Competitive / Provincial) • Focus: Competitive development for players ready for more challenge • Competition Level: Structured league play under Baseball Alberta, including travel across the province • Game Format: Following Baseball Alberta rules and regulations for all age divisions • Environment: Greater emphasis on strategy, defensive positioning, and game awareness • AA teams represent Sylvan Lake in Baseball Alberta’s Provincial League, traveling to compete against other associations. Mariners AA players are expected to commit to practices, travel, and provincial championships

‘AA’ Baseball Division- Attendance and Travel Commitment

Attendance and Travel Commitment Players selected for an AA team are expected to commit to attending all practices and games to the best of their ability. Season Overview: The AA baseball season typically runs from March through the first weekend of August. • Travel Expectations: Teams may travel locally (Rocky, Innisfail, Lacombe, Red Deer) or to larger centers such as Lethbridge, Calgary, or Edmonton. • Team Impact: Consistent attendance is vital — missing players can directly affect team performance and opportunities for playing time. Preparation: Players should arrive prepared to compete, train, and represent SLMBA with a high level of commitment and sportsmanship

‘AA’ Baseball Division - Family Volunteers and Financial Responsibilities

Our program relies on the support and involvement of families. • Volunteering: Each family is expected to contribute to some capacity — this may include off-field management, scorekeeping, fundraising, or other support roles. • Team Fees: In addition to registration, each team will collect seed fees to cover expenses such as additional practice time, tournament entry fees, umpires and baseballs. The seed fee will vary based on the team’s budget and goals for the season. • Additional Costs: Please anticipate additional expenses related to travel, hotels, and meals during tournament weekends

‘AA’ Baseball Division - Evaluations and Team Selections

All SLMBA evaluations are fair and consistent • Tryouts will be conducted over a minimum of two sessions before any roster decisions are made • All players must be in attendance for a minimum of two sessions each. Less than two sessions attended will impact ranking but do not automatically disqualify a player • Players are encouraged to attend all sessions to ensure an accurate evaluation

Girls Baseball

SLMBA is excited to announce our intent to join the 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐀𝐥𝐛𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚 𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐋𝐞𝐚𝐠𝐮𝐞 (𝐁𝐀𝐆𝐋) for the 2026 season! If we can fill the roster, Sylvan Lake will field its very own all-girls team in this exciting provincial league. 👤𝐆𝐢𝐫𝐥𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐬𝐞𝐛𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐃𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝𝐞𝐝 To support this exciting new program, we are looking for a Girls Baseball Director to join the SLMBA board. If you're ready to help grow the game, we want to hear from you. 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐜𝐭: Nikole Munro - president@sylvanlakeminorball.ca

What is your refund policy?

Refunds will be calculated as follows: - $25 NON-REFUNDABLE administration fee for cancellation prior to evaluations. -• Tryout fees ($100/$125) are refundable only if requested before evaluations are completed • Once a player has participated in any evaluation session, the fee is non-refundable