FAQ - General Information

General Information

What programs does the Kanata Baseball Association (KBA) offer?

KBA offers a wide variety of programs to suit the varied needs of our membership. As a charter member of National Capital Ontario Baseball Association (NCOBA) and Little League Canada, we are able to offer competitive and recreational programs for players from age 5 to 22.

Competitive Programs:

Rep
Dedicated Select
All-Star
19U GOBL

Recreational Programs:

Rally Cap
House and Interlock
Girls Baseball

Training Programs:

Winter Skills and Prospects Program
Player Development Clinics
Fall Ball

How do I know which program to register my player in?

The first step in choosing a program is deciding whether or not a competitive or recreational program best fits your family.

Competitive programs tend to require higher levels of commitment, come with higher costs, and more travel. Competitive teams are formed by tryout.
Recreational programs are open to everyone that meets the age requirement and offer a low cost, fun way to participate in organized baseball. Recreational teams are formed by sortout.

Once you've decided between competitive and recreational baseball, the types of programs offered depend on your age, whether or not you prefer coed or girls-only programs, and what months of the year you are interested in playing baseball.

You can use this free Kanata Baseball app to explore the program options for your child.

What is the difference between competitive and recreational programs?

Typically, competitive programs require a higher level of commitment. This may mean more field times per week, a longer season, or less flexibility for personal schedules. Competitive programs are often costlier including additional fees for things like uniforms, tournament entry, and training. Teams in our competitive programs also tend to travel more and further, playing across a larger region and attending a number of out-of-town tournaments.

One of the easy ways to understand whether or not a program is competitive is the process in which players are selected for the team. Competitive teams are formed by tryout, recreational teams are formed by sortout.

What are the different competitive program options offered by KBA?

KBA offers competitive programs under both Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) and Little League League Canada. More information for each program can be found in later in this FAQ, but in summary, our programs are:

Rep (OBA) - The top tier competitive play in a full-year program as part of the National Capital Ontario Baseball Association (NCOBA) affiliate for ages 8 to 22.
Dedicated Select (OBA) - Introduced in 2023, this is our second tier of competitive play under the OBA charter with all of the same characteristics of Rep; teams are formed with players from age 10 to 18.
All-Star (Little League) - The top tier competitive play in Ottawa for Minor and Major aged players (9 to 12 years old). Our All-Star teams represent KBA in the Little League Championships with the opportunity to advance to National or International finals. Our All-Star teams operate from May to August.
19U GOBL (Little League) - A competitive league that offers opportunities for players who have graduated from traditional Little League programs, available to players aged 17 to 19. Our 19U GOBL teams operate from May to August.

What are the different recreational program options offered by KBA?

Like our competitive programs, KBA offers recreational programs under both Ontario Baseball Association (OBA) and Little League League Canada. More information for each program can be found in later in this FAQ, but in summary, our programs are:

Rally Cap (OBA) - The first introduction to baseball for our youngest players, Rally Cap focus on long-term athletic development and introduction to the fundamentals of baseball; Rally Cap programs are offered to players aged 5 to 9. The Rally Cap program runs in the spring, during May and June.
House and Interlock (Little League) - This is the cornerstone of baseball in the Ottawa region and the foundations of KBA itself. KBA offers baseball at all of the traditional age categories: Rookie (7 to 8), Minor (9 to 10), Major (11 to 12), Junior (13 to 14), and Senior (15 to 16). These programs focus on player development in a fun and inclusive environment. House and Interlock programs are offered in two seasons: spring (May and June) and the summer (July and August).
Girls Baseball (Little League) - An exciting program that allows our female members to participate in the game in a fun, inclusive, and comfortable environment. Our Girls Baseball teams participate in league play with other all-girls teams in the Ottawa region. KBA currently offers Girls Baseball for ages 7 to 15 with hopes of expanding that in the future. Girls Baseball teams play May to July.

What are the differences between Recreational, House, and Interlock Programs?

Many sports organizations, including KBA often use the terms Recreational and House interchangeably to describe non-competitive programs. The term House also frequently means that all games are played between teams in the same organization. Interlock is an Ottawa baseball term for gameplay between teams from different associations in the region.

The most correct use of these terms is as follows, KBA offers both Competitive and Recreational Programs. KBA offers Recreational Programs in both House and Interlock formats, depending on the age category and season. All Competitive.Programs are Interlock format only.

What are the different training programs offered by KBA?

KBA training programs focus on player development outside of the traditional playing season. We offer programs for all levels of skill and experience. A lot more information on each program can be found in later in this FAQ, but in summary, our programs are:

Winter Skills - Our quintessential training program focusing on development of fundamental baseball skills for ages 7 to 13. This program typically runs from January through to early April. KBA offers an advanced version of this program called the Prospects Program.
Player Development Clinics - Specialized clinics that focus on one or more specific skills to help players move to the next level. We host clinics based on demand and can range from a single 2 hours session to a full 10 week program. Clinics are typically run indoors from January to April, but these can pop-up any time of the year.
Fall Ball - Our “extended season”. For those that didn’t get enough baseball during the spring and summer sessions, Fall Ball presents an opportunity for players to continue to hone their skills. KBA uses this time to introduce players to the type of baseball players will be playing next season. Fall ball is offered to players aged 7 to 15.

What are the boundaries of the KBA territory?

KBA operates baseball programs for the communities of Kanata, Stittsville, Richmond, Munster, and Carp. Visit http://kanatabaseball.com/content/about-us for a map of the KBA territory.

When should I register for baseball?

Because KBA offers such a wide variety of programming, there isn’t a simple answer to this question; each program has its own registration period. For most programs, our player capacity is limited and registration is taken on a first-come-first-served basis. Many programs fill very quickly. Typically, registration will open:

Competitive Programs:

Rep and Dedicated Select Tryouts - Late August to Mid-September
All-Star Tryouts - Late April or early May
19U GOBL Tryouts - Early February to Mid-March

Recreational Programs:

Rally Cap - Early February to Mid-March
Spring House and Interlock Programs - Early February to Mid-March
Summer House and Interlock Programs - Late May
Girls Baseball - Early February to Mid-March

Training Programs

Winter Skills - Early December
Prospects Program - Please register for Winter Skills
Player Development Clinics - Typically one month before they are offered
Fall Ball - Late July

What days and times will my child play?

The dates and times vary for each type of program, for the most accurate information, check the detailed description for your program on kanatabaseball.com or contact your program convener.

Where will my child’s practices and games be held?

KBA territory includes Kanata, Stittsville, Richmond, Munster, Ashton, Carp, and the surrounding area. While KBA contracts diamonds throughout the territory, most programs will have practices and home games assigned in Kanata.

Programs which play games against other associations, including Interlock and Competitive Programs will have away games scheduled outside our territory. Most regular season games will be held in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec.

For the most accurate information, check the detailed description for your program on kanatabaseball.com or contact your program convener.

What type of uniform and equipment does my child need?

The uniform and equipment requirements vary from program to program. Prior to the start date, a convener will send an email outlining the necessary equipment for your program.

For all programs, KBA provides approved bats and catcher’s gear. Players may bring personal bats but should ensure they comply with the bat standard set for the program; questions about personal equipment can be directed to the program convener.

For all Indoor Programs, players should:

Bring their own baseball glove, batting helmet, and water bottle,
Wear comfortable athletic clothing,
Wear a jock, jill, or athletic supporter,
Wear appropriate indoor athletic shoes (some indoor facilities do not allow the use of plastic or rubber cleats; metal cleats are forbidden in all indoor facilities).

For Rally Cap, House and Interlock, Girls Baseball, All-Star, and 19U GOBL, players should:

Bring their own baseball glove, batting helmet, and water bottle,
Wear their team jersey or t-shirt and ballcap (included in registration fees),
Wear a jock, jill, or athletic supporter,
Wear appropriate athletic footwear (cleats are recommended),
Wear athletic shorts or long pants (baseball pants are recommended at all ages).

For Rep and Dedicated Select, players should:

Bring their own baseball glove, batting helmet (must be matte royal blue), and water bottle,
Wear league approved uniforms (purchased by the player during winter training),
Wear white baseball pants with royal blue piping, a royal blue belt, and royal blue socks if wearing knicker style pants,
Wear a jock, jill, or athletic supporter,
Wear age appropriate cleats (metal is allowed only at age 14U and above).

Why does KBA often describe programs in terms of birth dates instead of age when we register?

The subject of “age” is very confusing in baseball because the many organizations operating in our region define “age” differently. When we describe a program using an age, we are referring to the age as defined by the charter under which we operate. Since this is so confusing, we often try to outline the range of birth dates eligible for a program.

We basically use 2 different definitions:

Age as of Dec 31 of the current season - This is probably the easiest to understand as it is the standard used by all Ottawa school boards and by organized hockey in Canada. Programs chartered under the Baseball Ontario Association (OBA) use this definition which includes Rep, Dedicated Select, and Rally Cap. KBA also typically uses this definition for our Winter Training Programs and Clinics. As an example, a player born anytime in 2009 would be considered 14 for a program that runs in the calendar year 2023.
Age as of Aug 31 of the current season - This is the definition used by Little League Canada, often referred to as your Little League Age. KBA uses this definition for any program chartered under Little League Canada including All-Star, 19U GOBL, House and Interlock, Girls Baseball, and Fall Ball. As an example, players born February 21, 2009 and November 6, 2009 would be considered 14 and 13, respectively, for the 2023 season

KBA never refers to the age a player is right now nor do we use the age as of April 30 or May 31 of the current season, which is common in other baseball organizations operating in our region.

How can I volunteer to help?

KBA is a non-profit organization run entirely by volunteers. Each year we have over 1000 registrations across more than 20 different programs. Our ability to provide these services to the community depends entirely on our volunteer base. We have volunteer opportunities for all levels of commitment and baseball experience. From program administrator to team manager to field maintenance to head coach, we have a spot for you. If you are unsure how you can help, feel free to email any one of our council members and they will be happy to assist you.

Our greatest need for volunteers is always in coaching positions. KBA offers training for all coaches to help deliver the best baseball experience for our members, all you need is a great attitude and willingness to learn.

Should I (as a parent) volunteer?

Kanata Baseball Association's ability to deliver programs depends on having enough volunteer coaches. If we do not have sufficient volunteers at any age group, registrations will be canceled from newest to oldest.