How long is the Quickball season?
Around three months.
Note: there may be some additional (optional & group) pre-season practices starting in March.
Why does the Quickball season start later than some of the higher divisions?
The higher divisions (AAA & above) have mandatory game requirements that need to be fulfilled prior to the start of Little League playoffs. Since we do not have playoffs in Quickball, we have the luxury of starting our season later. Typically, our March weather in Washington is not very favorable to baseball and softball activities, so starting our season a little later (hopefully) reduces the likelihood of rain-outs.
What is the schedule like?
We try to build a family friendly schedule, and teams typically meet for one hour about twice a week at local elementary school fields, Big Finn Hill Park, 132nd Square, or the Juanita Beach fields. Shorter, more active play time is one of the major benefits of Quickball for players at this age.
Please note: this schedule may require some slight adjustments depending on the following factors: field scheduling and availability, number of registrants and teams formed for Quickball.
How are teams formed?
In the lower divisions, KNLL tries to form teams by elementary school (during registration, pre-school aged children may specify the elementary they will attend in the coming years).
We need to distribute players to balance the team sizes, so there are no guarantees that your child will be placed on a team roster with kids entirely from their school. When forming teams, we also take into consideration the grade levels and try to create balanced teams to avoid age (size) disparities between opposing teams.
Players enrolling in Quickball after the registration deadline will be placed on a team with the least amount of players to keep team sizes balanced; we cannot guarantee friend requests or placement with other players from their school after the initial team formation process has occurred.
Is Quick Ball Co-ed?
Yes! Quickball teams will comprise boys and girls playing together to learn the fundamentals.
Can I request that my child be placed on a specific team with a friend?
Yes, friend requests can be made in our lower divisions and KNLL will do our best to accommodate them. You can make this request during the registration process. If you have already registered and want to submit a request, notify the Registrar prior to the Quickball registration closing date in March - [email protected].
How many players are on each team?
In Quickball, we are targeting team sizes of 10-12 players. Small teams help keep the kids engaged because there are more opportunities to be engaged.
Can I volunteer as a Manager, Coach, or Volunteer?
KNLL is 100% run by volunteers – this includes Board Members, Umpires, Managers, Coaches, Scorekeepers, and more. We cannot successfully run the league without the help of our parents and other grown-ups – that’s you!
While we do not utilize Umpires or Scorekeepers in Quickball, we still encourage all parents to volunteer in some capacity at every level of play. Extra parent volunteers in Quickball can help keep kids engaged and allow practices to be broken into smaller groups for more 1-on-1 training. Typically, there is one Team Manager and 2-3 other coaches who will likely be out of the field with the players.
Ultimately, the Team Manager will be the one to decide on the number and capacity of the extra volunteers that will be utilized during each Quickball event, but having extra help available is always appreciated to coral these young players: keep them in the right batting order, help with equipment (bats, helmets, etc.).
No experience is necessary to volunteer, but you will not be allowed to help in any capacity unless you are registered and approved as a volunteer. Please see the Volunteer section for more information and to register yourself as a Manager, Coach, or general KNLL Volunteer.
What is the difference between a Manager and Coach?
The Manager “takes ownership” of the team. They check-out and maintain the team's equipment and lead the practices (plans). Managers are also responsible for conducting correspondence with the league and disseminating information to the parents. They are also the main point of contact for the league and are responsible for the flow-down of information to their team's parents.
Coaches support the managers by assisting with planning, drills in practice, and on-the-field during games.
In Quickball there are many additional opportunities to help the team by registering as a “Volunteer”. As stated above, all volunteers need to be approved prior to participating in activities with the players. Once approved, you may help during practices (when help is needed and/or requested by the Team Manager).