2024 ADVANCED BASEBALL INFORMATION:
-Individual player development is our focus
-Competitive tournament play is offered with USSSA, PG, GFB
-No monthly coaching fees
-All additional costs cover tournament fees and uniforms
-Field space is always available for games & practices
San Jose Athletic Association is excited to offer Advanced Baseball (“AB”) for players that seek to compete at a higher level than our recreational program. The AB program is to provide an environment for the athlete that wishes to develop their skill set in a more competitive setting. Participants in the AB program will have the opportunity to enhance their ability against other advanced players in the Greater Jacksonville area and throughout the state of Florida and South Georgia. The AB program will provide a healthy competitive learning environment as well as develop the fundamentals of baseball while instilling self-confidence.
San Jose Athletic Association currently offers advanced baseball opportunities for players aged 6 - 14. Each player that wishes to participate in AB is required to attend a mandatory try out that is held separate from the recreational season evaluations. There is no guarantee that each participant in the tryout will make the roster for an AB team. The number of teams each season is dependent on the number of participants and the availability of coaches for each age group. In a typical league year, SJAA will strive to offer AB opportunities during both the fall and spring season.
Unlike recreational baseball, AB coaches are not subject to minimum playing time or rotation rules for players. All decisions regarding defensive positioning, playing time and the batting order are at the discretion of each head coach and their staff. In some divisions there may also be rules that differ than from the standard rec game (ex. stoppage of play, advancing on overthrows, etc.)
Players offered the opportunity to participate in AB must commit to a full season and are responsible for the appropriate team fees, which vary by age group and team. The AB program is a rewarding and challenging experience that requires a level of commitment from both the players and their parents/guardians.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
Who can try out for Advanced Baseball?
Anyone with a desire to play at a high level is welcome to participate in try outs.
Does my child need to play recreational baseball to play AB?
Playing the standard recreational baseball season in the Spring is mandatory in order to qualify for the AB program. The Fall season will allow for AB play only.
When do practices take place?
AB baseball is meant to be a complement and extension of the recreational division. As such, practices for AB will be determined by each coach during the rec season and may be moved following its conclusion.
How long does the season last?
The length of the AB season is at the discretion of the coaches. AB begins around the same time as rec and will typically extend past the rec season based on tournament play, practice schedule and additional playing opportunities.
Are there additional costs associated with AB?
Costs for AB will be incurred over the course of the season and will vary based on uniform costs, tournament fees, umpire costs, etc. There is no additional registration fee to participate in AB. These costs may be reduced through team sponsors or fundraising events held by the team.
Is there travel involved?
Most games will be played in the Greater Jacksonville area. However, there may be travel of greater than one hour for some games and the possibility of tournament play requiring overnight travel.
If my child makes the fall AB team, is he/she guaranteed a spot on the Spring roster?
All participants in the AB program will be required to try out for each new season. AB players from the Fall season are not guaranteed a spot on the Spring roster.
Is AB required to qualify for the Spring All-Star team?
No, participation in the AB program is not required to qualify for the spring All Star team. However, participation in AB does provide greater visibility for players against advanced competition, which may increase their chances of being selected for the All-Star team. Also note that being on an AB team does not guarantee a spot on the All-Star team.
I would like to be a head coach or an assistant, how do I sign up?
When signing up your child, there is an indication of coaching interest box on the form. Interest in coaching does not guarantee a position for your child on an AB team. Final coaching decisions will be made by a 3-person panel of board members, selected by the President and approved by the board, who have no players in the respective divisions. All coaches are required to complete background screening (at a minimum, through the City of Jacksonville, but potentially but other governing bodies).
SPRING 2024 TRYOUT DETAILS:
Sunday, January 7:
Saturday, January 13, 2024:
Sunday, January 14, 2024:
