House and Rep Division differences?
House League:
The largest and most important part of the SAMBA baseball program. Each division consists of 10 player teams (dependent on the number of registered players). Some house league divisions are further broken down into A teams and B teams when numbers warrant. This will look like teams with the same name that play on either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday.
House League forms the core of the minor baseball program in St. Albert. House League provides the equal opportunity for participation, recreation, and skill development. The intent is to aid an individual in their development as a person and as a ball player while enjoying the FUN of playing a great game. Sportsmanship and teamwork are stressed. House League begins play in late April (weather dependent) and finishes the end of June. The season consists of league games, a mid-season tournament, and play-offs. Priority is given to League Teams over Rep Teams should a conflict occur in scheduling of dates, diamonds, etc.
Rep League:
11U through the 18U division, each division has one or more representative or "REP" teams. These teams participate in regional play leading to Provincial, Western Canadian, or National Championships. Representative teams are designed for those players with above average ability and desire. The major objective will be player development, through fair participation by all players on the team. During Round Robin, Provincials, Nationals, and Western championships SAMBA REP teams will play to win and all players may not necessarily receive equal playing time. The Rep season begins play in late April and finishes in July, August, or September depending on the team's classification (i.e.: AAA, AA, A) and the success of the team. The season consists of league games and any tournaments the team decides to enter. Teams advancing to Provincial or post-Provincial Championships will have the longest seasons.
What is Rally Cap division?
House League Rally Cap:
Rally Cap (formerly known as T-Ball) Division baseball is for players 4 - 7 years old (see registration page as it is based on birth year) who are interested in learning the basic fundamentals and wish to get an introduction to the skills of baseball within a recreational baseball program. This is accomplished by stressing and maintaining active participation by all players during the game of baseball played in accordance with the Official Rules of Baseball, by Baseball Canada with the incorporation of the rules contained in the official SAMBA-Baseball Handbook. Being a developmental level of baseball, focus is towards knowledge, good sportsmanship, and fair play; all players are rotated and given opportunity to play various positions during the course of each game.
Games and Practices:
During May and June played twice per week (5 pm to 6 pm OR 6:15 pm to 7:15 pm) either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. Practices will be held on the first day of the week, followed by a game on the second. A Rally Cap Evaluation Day is scheduled prior to the end of May and a Year End tournament is scheduled following completion of regular season play prior to the end of June.
Summer League is 6 pm to 7 pm.
Player Evaluations:
SAMBA will do their best to provide a level of balance in the selection of House League teams without performing player evaluations at this level. At the House League level, SAMBA supports players requesting to play underage in a higher division of ball pending their level of skill/experience or specific circumstances such as playing with a sibling. A Rally Cap player wishing to play at the 9U Level must attend an evaluation to ensure an assessment is completed and the level of play is deemed appropriate. Overage players are not permitted. As part of the on-line league registration process, please identify your request in the "Special Requests" area then contact the House League Director to ensure your request is noted and further details are provided. The respective division homepages will contain all information related to assessment dates and timings, once evaluated and if accepted you will be subject to that respective division’s registration fee.
What is the 9U Division?
House League 9U:
9U Division baseball is for players 8 and 9 years of age who are interested in learning the basic fundamentals and skills development of baseball within a recreational baseball program. This is accomplished by stressing and maintaining active participation by all players during the game of baseball played in accordance with the Official Rules of Baseball by Baseball Canada, with the incorporation of the rules contained in the official SAMBA-Baseball Handbook. Being a developmental level of baseball, focus is towards knowledge, good sportsmanship and fair play, all players are rotated and given opportunity to play various positions during the course of each game.
Games and Practices:
Games are played on weeknights (6:30 pm to 8:15 pm), twice per week either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. A Mid-Season tournament is scheduled prior to the end of May and a Year End tournament is scheduled following completion of regular season play prior to the end of June.
Player Evaluations:
SAMBA will do their best to provide a level of balance in the selection of House League teams without performing player evaluations at this level. At the House League level, SAMBA supports players requesting to play underage in a higher division of ball pending their level of skill/experience or specific circumstances such as playing with a sibling. Overage players are not permitted. Each player may be evaluated prior to the season to ensure the level of play is deemed appropriate. As part of the on-line league registration process, please identify your request in the the "Special Requests" area then contact the House League Director to ensure your request is noted and further details are provided. The respective division homepages will contain information related to evaluation dates and timings, once evaluated and if accepted you will be subject to that respective division’s registration fee.
What is the 11 U Division?
House League 11U
The 11U Division baseball is for players 10 and 11 years of age who are interested in enhancing their basic knowledge and skills development of baseball within a recreational baseball program. 11U baseball provides a grounding in the fundamentals of baseball and stresses good sportsmanship and fair play, all players are rotated and given opportunity to play various positions during the course of each game.
Games and Practices:
Games are played on weeknights (6:30 pm to 8:30 pm), twice per week either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday. A Mid-Season tournament is scheduled prior to the end of May and a Year End tournament is scheduled following completion of regular season play prior to the end of June.
Player Evaluations:
SAMBA will do their best to provide a level of balance in the selection of House League teams without performing player evaluations at this level. At the House League level, SAMBA supports players requesting to play underage in a higher division of ball pending their level of skill/experience or specific circumstances such as playing with a sibling. Overage players are not permitted. Each player may be evaluated prior to the season to ensure the level of play is deemed appropriate. As part of the on-line league registration process, please identify your request in the "Special Requests" area then contact the House League Director to ensure your request is noted and further details are provided. The respective division homepages will contain information related to evaluation dates and timings, once evaluated and if accepted you will be subject to that respective division’s registration fee.
What is the 13U Division?
House League 13U:
The 13U Division baseball is for players 12 and 13 years of age who are interested in enhancing their basic knowledge and skills development of baseball within a recreational baseball program. 13U baseball provides a grounding in the fundamentals of baseball and stresses good sportsmanship and fair play, all players are rotated and given opportunity to play various positions during the course of each game.
Games and Practices:
Games are played on weeknights (6:30 pm to 8:45 pm), twice per week on Mondays and Thursdays. A Mid-Season tournament is scheduled by the first part of June and a Year End tournament is scheduled following completion of regular season play prior to the end of June.
Player Evaluations:
SAMBA will do their best to provide a level of balance in the selection of House League teams without performing player evaluations at this level. At the House League level, SAMBA supports players requesting to play underage in a higher division of ball pending their level of skill/experience or specific circumstances such as playing with a sibling. Overage players are not permitted. Each player may be evaluated prior to the season to ensure the level of play is deemed appropriate. As part of the on-line league registration process, please identify your request in the the "Special Requests" area then contact the House League Director to ensure your request is noted and further details are provided. The respective division homepages will contain information related to evaluation dates and timings, once evaluated and if accepted you will be subject to that respective divisions registration fee.
What is the 15U Division?
House League 15U:
The 15U Division baseball is for players 14 and 15 years of age (and 16 years old - Females Only) who are interested in playing baseball 15U baseball at the recreational level, stresses good sportsmanship and fair play, all players are given opportunity to play during the course of each game.
Games and Practices:
Games are played primarily on weeknights (6:30 pm to 9:00 pm), usually twice per week, practices and some weekend play will be expected as well. A Mid-Season tournament may be scheduled prior to the end of May and Year End Playoffs will be scheduled prior to the end of June.
ERRBL Website (Baseball Alberta)
Player Evaluations
Indoor evaluations are typically scheduled in April. Confirmation will be sent to all registrants prior to, it is recommended all 15U Division players participate in the evaluations in order that we may provide a level of balance in the selection of House League teams. At the House League level, SAMBA supports players requesting to play underage in a higher division of ball pending their level of skill/experience or specific circumstances such as playing with a sibling. Overage players are not permitted. Each player must attend an evaluation to ensure an assessment is completed and the level of play is deemed appropriate. As part of the on-line league registration process, please identify your request in the "Special Requests" area then contact the House League Director to ensure your request is noted and further details are provided. The respective division homepages will contain all information related to evaluation dates and timings, once evaluated and if accepted you will be subject to that respective division’s registration fee.
What is the 18U Division?
House League 18U:
The 18U Division baseball is for players 16 to 18 years of age (and 16 to 21 years old - Females Only) who are interested in playing baseball within the Edmonton and Rural Recreational Baseball League (ERRBL). 18U baseball at the recreational level, stresses good sportsmanship and fair play, all players are given opportunity to play during the course of each game.
Games and Practices:
Games are played primarily on weeknights (6:30pm to 9:00pm), usually twice per week, practices and some weekend play will be expected as well. A Mid-Season tournament may be scheduled prior to the end of May and Year End Playoffs will be scheduled prior to the end of June.
ERRBL Website (Baseball Alberta)
Player Evaluations
Indoor evaluations are typically scheduled in April. Confirmation will be sent to all registrants prior to, it is recommended all 18U Division players participate in the evaluations in order that we may provide a level of balance in the selection of House League teams. At the House League level, SAMBA supports players requesting to play underage in a higher division of ball pending their level of skill/experience or specific circumstances such as playing with a sibling. Overage players are not permitted. Each player must attend an evaluation to ensure an assessment is completed and the level of play is deemed appropriate. As part of the on-line league registration process, please identify your request in the the "Special Requests" area then contact the House League Director to ensure your request is noted and further details are provided. The respective division homepages will contain all information related to evaluation dates and timings, once evaluated and if accepted you will be subject to that respective divisions registration fee.
What is the 11U Rep Division?
1U Representative (Rep) teams are designed for those players 10 and 11 years of age with above average ability, commitment and desire to play at higher levels of competition. These levels are identified as Competitive (AA) White and/or Blue typically 4 to 5 day/week min. program and Competitive (AA) Red typically 5 to 6 day/week min. program. The major objective will be player development through fair participation by all players on the team up to Provincial round robins.
Commitment
Participation on a rep team implies additional commitments on behalf of the players and the parents. The major commitments are time, travel, and financial which also includes fund raising initiatives either of the association (bingo's, casino's, etc.) and/or the team. Rep teams typically utilize weekdays for practices (2 to 3 per week), exhibition games, etc. and weekends for games and tournaments based on schedule and travel requirements as determined by Baseball Alberta. Some games are scheduled during the week, depending on the distance teams must travel. Rep teams also play during July, the length of time depends on the success of the team as it advances through to Provincial Championships. Dedication to a rep team will prove beneficial to the player as a valuable learning experience, failure to fulfill the commitments by the player or parent is denying another player a position on the team and will result in a review of the player's rep privileges.
Financial
Although SAMBA player registration fees cover basic expenses related to Baseball Alberta registration, insurance, basic equipment/jerseys, umpires, etc., additional rep fees are collected by the association through the team budgets once the team rosters are completed to offset various operating expenses related to the facilities and/or team. Rep teams are required to prepare their own team budgets to cover expenses related to additional association fess, travel, tournaments, additional apparel/equipment. The amount of fundraising activities varies per team and will have a direct impact on the final per player cost to the families. Generally teams budget:
- Competitive (AA) Blue and/or White - $500 per player (estimate for 2024)
- Competitive (AA) Red - $500 per player (estimate for 2024)
Evaluations
Each spring (typically in February/March or April), players registered with SAMBA who meet the above mentioned criteria are encouraged to attend the evaluation sessions to try out for positions on the rep teams in their division. The evaluations or "tryouts" are conducted under the direction of the respective SAMBA Director's and in conjunction with the Rep Coaches. These evaluations are based upon the player's age category, direct observation of demonstrated skill, development potential, perceived dedication to the program/coaches and various other factors, this way they are placed at the skill level that is most appropriate for them.
All coaches at the rep level are required to meet SAMBA requirements and possess current Baseball Alberta Certification requirements. Refer to our Coaches Certification page for more details. Additional information pertaining to our rep program can be found by contacting the indicated Division Director.
What is the 13U Rep Division?
13U Representative (Rep) teams are designed for those players 12 and 13 years of age with above average ability, commitment and desire to play at higher levels of competition. These levels are identified as Competitive (AA) typically 5 day/week min. program and Performance (AAA) typically 6 day/week min. program. The major objective will be player development through fair participation by all players on the team up to Provincial round robins.
Commitment
Participation on a rep team implies additional commitments on behalf of the player's and the parent's. The major commitments are time, travel, and financial which also includes fund raising initiatives either of the association (bingo's, casino's, etc.) and/or the team. Rep teams typically utilize weekdays for practices (2 to 3 per week), exhibition games, etc. and weekends for games and tournaments based on schedule and travel requirements as determined by Baseball Alberta. Some games are scheduled during the week, depending on the distance teams must travel. Rep teams also play during July and August, the length of time depends on the success of the team as it advances through to Provincial Championships and/or post Provincial Championships such as the Westerns and Nationals. Dedication to a rep team will prove beneficial to the player as a valuable learning experience, failure to fulfill the commitments by the player or parent is denying another player a position on the team and will result in a review of the player's rep privileges.
Financial
Although SAMBA player registration fees cover basic expenses related to Baseball Alberta registration, insurance, basic equipment/jerseys, umpires, etc., additional rep fees are collected by the association through the team budgets once the team rosters are completed to offset various operating expenses related to the facilities and/or team. Rep teams are required to
prepare their own team budgets to cover expenses related to additional association fess, travel, tournaments, additional apparel/equipment, coach honorariums (where applicable), etc. The amount of fundraising activities varies per team and will have a direct impact on the final per player cost to the families. Generally teams that do not advance beyond Provincials
typically budget:
- Competitive (AA) - $600 to $700 per player (2024 estimate)
- Performance (AAA) - $900 to $1,000 per player (2024 estimate)
Evaluations
Each spring (typically in February/March or April), players registered with SAMBA who meet the above mentioned criteria are encouraged to attend the evaluation sessions to tryout for positions on the rep teams in their division. The evaluations or "tryouts" are conducted under the direction of the respective SAMBA Director's and in conjunction with the Rep Coaches. These evaluations are based upon the player's age category, direct observation of demonstrated skill, development potential, perceived dedication to the program/coaches and various other factors, this way they are placed at the skill level that is most appropriate for them.
All coaches at the rep level are required to meet SAMBA requirements and possess current Baseball Alberta Certification requirements. Refer to our Coaches Certification page for more details. Additional information pertaining to our rep program can be found by contacting the indicated Division Director.
What is the 15U Rep Division?
15U Rep
15U Representative (Rep) teams are designed for those player's 14 and 15 years of age (16 years of age - Females only) with above average ability, commitment and desire to play at higher levels of competition. These levels are identified as Competitive (AA) typically 5 day/week min. program and Performance (AAA) typically 6 day/week min. program. The major objective will be player development through fair participation by all players on the team up to Provincial round robins.
Commitment
Participation on a rep team implies additional commitments on behalf of the player's and the parent's. The major commitments are time, travel and financial which also includes fund raising initiatives either of the association (bingo's, casino's, etc.) and/or the team. Rep teams typically utilize weekdays for practices (2 to 3 per week), exhibition games, etc. and weekends for games and tournaments based on schedule and travel requirements as determined by Baseball Alberta. Some games are scheduled during the week, depending on the distance teams must travel. Rep teams also play during July and August, the length of time depends on the success of the team as it advances through to Provincial Championships and/or post Provincial Championships such as the Westerns and Nationals. Dedication to a rep team will prove beneficial to the player as a valuable learning experience, failure to fulfill the commitments by the player or parent is denying another player a position on the team and will result in a review of the player's rep privileges.
Financial
Although SAMBA player registration fees cover basic expenses related to Baseball Alberta registration, insurance, basic equipment/jerseys, umpires, etc., additional rep fees are collected by the association through the team budgets once the team rosters are completed to offset various operating expenses related to the facilities and/or team. Rep teams are required to prepare their own team budgets to cover expenses related to additional association fees, travel, tournaments, additional apparel/equipment, coach honorariums (where applicable), etc. The amount of fundraising activities varies per team and will have a direct impact on the final per player cost to the families. Generally teams that do not advance beyond Provincials typically budget:
- Competitive (AA) - $1,000 to $1,100 per player (2024 estimate)
- Performance (AAA) - $1,200 per player (2024 estimate)
Evaluations
Each spring (typically in March/April), players registered with SAMBA who meet the above mentioned criteria are encouraged to attend the evaluation sessions to try out for positions on the rep teams in their division. The evaluations or "tryouts" are conducted under the direction of the respective SAMBA Director's and in conjunction with the Rep Coaches. These evaluations are based upon the player's age category, direct observation of demonstrated skill, development potential, perceived dedication to the program/coaches and various other factors, this way they are placed at the skill level that is most appropriate for them.
All coaches at the rep level are required to meet SAMBA requirements and possess current Baseball Alberta Certification requirements. Refer to our Coaches Certification page for more details. Additional information pertaining to our rep program can be found by contacting the indicated Division Director.
What is the 18U Rep Division?
18U Representative (Rep) teams are designed for those player's 16 to 18 years of age (21 years of age - Females only) with above average ability, commitment and desire to play at higher levels of competition. These levels are identified as Competitive (AA) typically 5 day/week min. program and Performance (AAA) typically 6 day/week min. program. The major objective will be player development through fair participation by all players on the team up to Provincial round robins.
Commitment
Participation on a rep team implies additional commitments on behalf of the player's and the parent's. The major commitments are time, travel, and financial which also includes fund raising initiatives either of the association (bingo's, casino's, etc.) and/or the team. Rep teams typically utilize weekdays for practices (2 to 3 per week), exhibition games, etc. and weekends for games and tournaments based on schedule and travel requirements as determined by Baseball Alberta. Some games are scheduled during the week, depending on the distance teams must travel. Rep teams also play during July and August, the length of time depends on the success of the team as it advances through to Provincial Championships and/or post Provincial Championships such as Westerns and Nationals. Dedication to a rep team will prove beneficial to the player as a valuable learning experience, failure to fulfill the commitments by the player or parent is denying another player a position on the team and will result in a review of the player's rep privileges.
Financial
Although SAMBA player registration fees cover basic expenses related to Baseball Alberta registration, insurance, basic equipment/jerseys, umpires, etc., additional rep fees are collected by the association through the team budgets once the team rosters are completed to offset various operating expenses related to the facilities and/or team. Rep teams are required to prepare their own team budgets to cover expenses related to additional association fees, travel, tournaments, additional apparel/equipment, coach honorariums (where applicable), etc. The amount of fundraising activities varies per team and will have a direct impact on the final per player cost to the families. Generally teams that do not advance beyond Provincials typically budget:
- Competitive (AA) - $1,500 to $1,600 per player (2024 estimate)
- Performance (AAA) - $3,500 per player (2024 estimate)
Evaluations
Each spring (typically in February), players registered with SAMBA who meet the above mentioned criteria are encouraged to attend the evaluation sessions to tryout for positions on the rep teams in their division. The evaluations or "tryouts" are conducted under the direction of the respective SAMBA Director's and in conjunction with the Rep Coaches. These evaluations are based upon the player's age category, direct observation of demonstrated skill, development potential, perceived dedication to the program/coaches and various other factors, this way they are placed at the skill level that is most appropriate for them.
All coaches at the rep level are required to meet SAMBA requirements and possess current Baseball Alberta Certification requirements. Refer to our Coaches Certification page for more details. Additional information pertaining to our rep program can be found by contacting the indicated Division Director.
What is the cut-off date for the various division age categories?
Rally Cap Up to 7 Years Old (7th birthday falls on or after January 1 of playing year)
9U - 8-9 Years Old (9th birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
11U - 10-11 Years Old (11th birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
13U - 12-13 Years Old (13th birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
(11U and 13U Girls have the option to play one year overage.)
15U - 14-15 Years Old (15th birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
15U - Girls 14-16 Years Old (16th birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
18U - 16-18 Years Old (18th birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
18U - Girls 17-21 Years Old (21st birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
Junior 19-21 Years Old (21st birthday falls on or after January 1st of playing year)
Senior AA 19+ Years Old
Can girls play baseball? Does SAMBA support all girl teams?
Yes, SAMBA is actively promoting Girls in Baseball as part of our House League and Rep Level Programs. In addition, pending player registration numbers the SAMBA Angels all girl teams play in the House League at the Rally Cap to 13U level. SAMBA also encourages all girl teams at the 11U and 13U level to play post season in the Alberta Baseball Community Provincials during the month of July.
When does league play begin? End?
Depending on field conditions, play usually begins during the last week of April / first week of May and ends during the last week of June for House League teams. Rep teams play May, June, July, and August, with the length of the Rep season past the beginning of August depending on the success of the team as it advances through to Provincial Championships and/or post Provincial Championships such as the Westerns and Nationals (where applicable)
What days of the week does the House League play and where do they play?
The House League teams in Rally Cap (formerly known as T-Ball) to 13U Division play on weeknights, either Monday/Wednesday or Tuesday/Thursday (player's choice during registration). 15U and 18U Divisions play in the Edmonton and Rural Recreational League (ERRBL), their schedule involves both weeknight (no specific night) and weekend play and usually consists of two games per week. The Rally Cap Division plays in St. Albert, the 9U to 13U Divisions play in the St. Albert, Morinville, and Legal area. The 15U to 18U Divisions play in the Greater Edmonton area as well as surrounding towns/cities.
Refer to our respective Division pages and/or Diamond Locations page for a complete listing of locations.
What if my child wishes to play beyond the end of June?
SAMBA actively promotes House League All-Star teams at the 11U, 13U and 15U level to play post season in the Alberta Baseball Community Provincials during the month of July. Typically at the beginning of June notifications are sent out to all players in these respective divisions, tryouts, team selections and practices are then held throughout the month in preparation for play in July. Games are usually played during the weekends and are hosted in numerous communities across Alberta.
For more information, please contact our House League Directors
Can my child play on the same team as his/her friend?
In 2016, SAMBA implemented House League player pairing requests. To help facilitate the timeliness of these requests, the following guidelines will be adhered to:
1. Each player is only allowed one request.
2. The pairing request must be mutual - both players must request the other player.
3. The pairing request must be made during the time of registration
4. Players are not able to request a specific coach
To request to have a friend to be paired with your child, you must place this in the "Special Request" box during the registration process.
If you have any questions please contact the Registrar.
What if my child wants to play at a higher/lower division or competitive level?
At the House League level, SAMBA supports players requesting to play underage in a higher division of ball pending their level of skill/experience or specific circumstances such as playing with a sibling. Each player must attend an evaluation to ensure an assessment is completed and the level of play is deemed appropriate. As part of the on-line league registration process, please identify your request in the Special Requests area then contact the appropriate House League Director to ensure your request is noted and further details are provided.
Overage players are not permitted.
SAMBA also offers a Rep Program comprised of Competitive (AA) and Performance (AAA) level teams for those players who wish to play at a higher level of competition.
Refer to the respective Rep Division pages for more information or contact the respective Rep Director.