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Frequently Asked Questions
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This page contains a list of Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). For your convenience they are grouped by Category. To go to the start of a Category, simply click the Category. With each Category heading, there is also "Back to Top" link which when clicked brings you to the top of the page. You can also search the page for a specific word/phrase. To perform a search you can select Ctrl+F on your keyboard (supported by most browsers). If you didn't find the answer to your question, please email us at beckerblast@gmail.com.
Frequently Asked Questions
Registration |Evaluations | Volunteering | Uniforms and Equipment | General Information
Registration FAQs (Back to Top):
What is the amount of the registration fee?
The registration for the 8U level is $45 per player. The registration fee for all other levels is $110 per player.
When can I register?
The standard registration window is from February 20th through March 20th. Registrations can be completed online through March 20th. Late registrations will be assessed a late fee per the following schedule:
- After March 13th for 10U-14U ($25 late fee)
- After March 15th for 16U ($25 late fee)
- After March 20th for 8U ($10 late fee)
Can I register after March 20th?
Registrations are accepted after March 20th. To submit an application after March 20th you must submit a request via email with your contact information (phone number) to the Becker Blast at be beckerblast@gmail.com. Upon receipt of your request you will be contacted.
What are the late fees assessed for late registrations?
$25 for per player in levels 10U-16U. $10 per player in 8U.
What payment options are accepted online?
Visa, Mastercard, Discover, or PayPal.
How do I know what age level my daughter should register for?
The appropriate age level will default during online registration based on your daughter’s birth date. The age qualifications can also be found on our web-site (Click Here for More Details…).
If my daughter wishes to be evaluated at a higher age level what age level should I select on her application?
You should select the age level that defaults on the application. Then select “Yes” to the question “Do wish to be evaluated for higher age level?”
What can I do if I am unable to register online?
Every effort should be made to register online. If for whatever reason you are unable to register online you may contact the Becker Blast (beckerblast@gmail.com) or Stacey Angell at the Community Ed office (763-261-4506 ext. 3168) or email sangell@becker.k12.mn.us.
Evaluation FAQs: (Back to Top):
How are teams selected?
Players are divided into teams based on their evaluation scores. Based on the amount of teams at each age level, there will be A, B, and C level teams.
If my daughter wishes to be evaluated at a higher age level which evaluation is she required to attend?
If your daughter is eligible for the 8U program and wishes to be evaluated for the 10U program she should attend the 10U evaluations. If your daughter is eligible for the 10U program and wishes to be evaluated for a higher age level she is required to attend both 10U and 12U+ evaluations.
What criterion is used to determine if a player can move up a level?
Per the BBSA Bylaws, an 8U player can move up a level if they score in the top 50% at the 10U level. A 10U to 16U player can move up if the following conditions are met: 1) The player completes evaluations for both levels 2) The player is scored high enough to be on the A team at the higher level; or if there is NOT a A team at the higher level then the player must score in the top 33% of the higher level 3) You must have selected “wish to be evaluated at a higher level” on the application 4) Must display emotional maturity for the older age classification.
My daughter is 16U eligible, does she need to attend evaluations?The process for evaluations at the 16U level will be determined based on the number of registrants. Further instructions will be provided as the evaluation date approaches. Please register as soon as possible to help facilitate this process.
My daughter is 14U eligible and wishes to be evaluated for the 16U program does she need to attend evaluations?
Yes, she should attend evaluations.
What should I do if my daughter wishes to be evaluated at a higher age level and I forgot to indicate this on her application?
Email a request to beckerblast@gmail.com including your daughter's name and level she wishes to be evaluated for. Requests must be received 48 hours prior to evaluations.
Volunteer FAQs: (Back to Top):
How many volunteer hours are we required to fulfill?
10 hours per family with one or more participants in the 10U-16U programs. 4 hours per family if the only participant(s) within the family are in the 8U program.
Why are we required to volunteer?
It is necessary for every parent to play an active role so the season is possible for the kids.
I have multiple daughters participating in the Blast, how many volunteer hours are we required to fulfill?
The volunteer commitment is per family not per child. The maximum is 10 hours per family with one or more girl in age 10U-16U programs and 4 hours per family if the only participant(s) within the family are in the 8U program.
Am I able to “opt-out” of my volunteer hours?
Yes. You may elect to “opt-out” of your volunteer hours within your online application. If you chose to “opt-out”, the "opt-out" fee will be automatically assessed as part of your online registration.
How are volunteer deposits being handled with online registration?
Volunteer checks will be collected at the Parent Meeting on April 15th. Every effort should be made to attend the Parent Meeting. If you are unable to attend, it would be preferred that you make arrangements with another parent to bring your check to the meeting. If this is not possible, please email us at beckerblast@gmail.com.
What is done with my volunteer check?
Volunteer checks are held for the duration of the season. If your volunteer hours are fulfilled your checked is returned at the end of the season. If your hours are not fulfilled, your check will be cashed.
What is the amount of my volunteer deposit?
$120 if one or more participants within a family are in the 10U-16U program. $40 if all participants in the family are in the 8U program.
To whom should my volunteer deposit be made out to?
Becker Blast
Uniform and Equipment FAQs: (Back to Top):
Can my daughter use the same uniform from last year?
Yes. If she was in 10U-16U.
If my daughter needs a new/replacement uniform how is this handled?
Orders for new uniforms will be handled at the Parent Meeting on April 15th. If you are unable to attend, you may email the Blast at beckerblast@gmail.com.
If my daughter is advancing to a new age level is she required to get a new uniform?
Typically, no. Every effort has been made to ensure that there are not conflicting jersey numbers. Jersey numbers are being collected as part of the registration process to identify potential conflicts.
How do I know what size uniform to order for my daughter?
Sample uniforms for various sizes will be available at the Parent meeting.
Are we able to keep our uniforms?
Yes. You purchase your uniform and are able to keep it.
Are there any restrictions on which softball bats are approved for use and which are not?
Bats must have an ASA 2004 or 2000 stamp on them and not be on
the banned bat list. To access the banned bat list go to http://www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.asp, select Bats, and click the Go button.
the banned bat list. To access the banned bat list go to http://www.asasoftball.com/about/certified_equipment.asp, select Bats, and click the Go button.
How do I know what size bat to get my daughter?
Check out this link from Dick's Sporting Goods. It provides good recommendations on bat selection. http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/info/index.jsp?categoryId=222939
General FAQs: (Back to Top):
When do I find out what team my daughter will be on?
Team assignments are communicated at the Parent Meeting on April 15th.
Is the parent meting mandatory?
Every effort should be made to attend the parent meeting. The Parent Meeting is vital to getting the season off to a good start for players, parents, coaches, and team managers.
Should I bring my daughter to the Parent Meeting?
You are encouraged to do so.
When do practices start?
The schedule for practices is highly dependent upon weather and field conditions. After the parent meeting, you will be introduced to the coach for your child’s team. The coach will be scheduling the practices and communicate practices schedule to you.
How many tournaments does each team participate in?
Each Blast team is required to participate in the Annual Becker Blast tournament. Participation in additional tournaments are at the coaches discretion.
When is the 2012 Becker Blast Tournament?
June 15th through June 17th.
Are there additional fees required for Becker Blast teams to participate in the Becker Blast Tournament?
No, there is no additional cost for Becker Blast teams to participate in the Becker Blast tournament.
If our team elects to participate in other tournaments other than the Becker Blast tournament are there additional costs for those tournaments?
Parents are responsible for fees and other costs associated with participation in additional tournaments.
What equipment are we required to provide for our daughter?
You are required to provide shoes, a glove, a batting helmet, and batting gloves (if desired). In addition, you are required to purchase a uniform for your daughter. The Blast provides bats, catchers gear, and other equipment required for practice.
What is the reasoning for the new helmet policy?
The Blast will no longer be providing batting helmets. There are a couple of reasons behind the policy change. It will be more sanitary if everyone has their own helmet. The players will be safer if they all have a helmet that fits them properly. The Blast will be selling all of the helmets that are in inventory at the parents meeting and the cost will be $15.
When does league play begin?
The start of leagure play varies by year, age level, and league. Actual dates will be communicated at the Parent meeting. Based on past years general/approximate start dates are: 8U (May 23rd), 10U (May 9th), 12U (May 16th), 14U (May 23rd), and 16U (June 1st).
What nights are league games played on?
League games are typically played M-TH and vary by league and age level. Usually games are played 2 nights a week (i.e., M/W, or T/TH). This information will be made available at the Parent meeting.
What leagues do Blast teams participate in?
The majority of Blast teams participate in the Central Minnesota Fastpitch League. Some teams participate in the Suburban League.
