At the age of 7 & 8 years old, boys and girls participating in our Junior level of baseball, for the first time, will experience a competitive situation as score keeping is introduced. Also, substitutions are a new experience and fairness and equity in playing time must be insured by the coaches. Most players will now begin to develop a desire to play a specific position. However, all players should continue to play a variety of positions throughout the year. The emphasis is placed on teaching baseball skills as winning and losing should be de-emphasized. When short term successes conflict with the longer term player development gains, it is our desire to always opt for the course that will likely result in the player's benefit future years. Coaches and managers for the first time need also to manage the behavior of not only the bench players, but also the spectators. We recognize that players master skills in varying time frames and that less talented players at this level are very sensitive and insecure about their performances. While baserunning restrictions that existed in earlier levels are now lifted, it is not the intention to allow wild base running that would never be attempted if (and when) the players abilities is great. It is the role of the managers and administrators of NCYBA to prepare players from all skill levels for the next level, and at no time should the desire to "win," supersede this philosophy.

Key Initiatives:

	Pitching fundamentals
	Catching position requirements
	Base Running
	Bunting
	Mental Aspects of Hitting