Question 1

What division do I choose?

Accepted Answer

Chemainus & District Baseball Leagues are decided by age in the 2025 Season. 
2027 Spring season:-If you were born in 2008 to 2001 you will be signing up for 26U Jr. Mens-If you were born in 2009 to 2011 you will be signing up for 18U Midget-If you were born in 2012 to 2013 you will be signing up for 15U Bantam-If you were born in 2014 to 2015 you will be signing up for 13U PeeWee-If you were born in 2016 to 2017 you will be signing up for 11U Mosquito-If you were born in 2018 to 2019 you will be signing up for 9U Tadpole-If you were born in 2020 to 2021 you will be signing up for 7U T-ball-If you were born in 2022 to 2023 you will be signing up for Blastball2026 Fall season:-If you were born in 2012 to 2013 you will be signing up for 15U Bantam-If you were born in 2014 to 2015 you will be signing up for 13U PeeWee-If you were born in 2016 to 2017 you will be signing up for 11U Mosquito-If you were born in 2018 to 2019 you will be signing up for 9U Tadpole-If you were born in 2020 to 2021 you will be signing up for 7U T-ball

Question 2

How much does it cost to register?

Accepted Answer

2026 Spring Season fees are as follows:DivisionEarly Bird PriceRegular Price​5U Blastball$60$70​7U T-Ball$85$95​9U Tadpole$110$12011U Mosquito$170$18013U Peewee$190$200​15U Bantam$230$250​18U Midget$230$2502025 Fall Season fees are as follows:DivisionRegular Price​​7U T-BallTBD​9U Tadpole​TBD​11U Mosquito​TBD​13U Peewee​TBD

Question 3

How do I register?

Accepted Answer

Each season, players are required to submit a registration form. To register, navigate to the Registration tab and follow the instructions. After registration, you will receive a welcome email with further information.

Question 4

When does the season start and end?

Accepted Answer

Spring season: Registration starts in early January and ends at the end of March. The season starts at the beginning of April and ends in mid-June. 
Summer season: Starts in late June and ends in mid-August. Registration for the summer season is based on try-outs for those interested in more competitive play, and travel is generally involved. 
Fall ball: Starts in early September and ends mid-October.

Our association does not always have summer and fall seasons as it depends on player numbers and coach commitment.

Question 5

Where are games and practices held?

Accepted Answer

Games are generally played in Chemainus, Ladysmith and/or Duncan fields. Practices will always be held at Chemainus Baseball Fields. Look at our fields schedule page to see which field you are practicing or playing at.

Question 6

What does my child need to play?

Accepted Answer

Players are responsible for the following:

- Baseball glove
- Batting helmet (chin straps are mandatory through 13U PeeWee)
- Bat is not mandatory, but if you have one, you can absolutely use it, provided it falls under the size regulations. 
- Jock/Jill (dependent on age)
- Cleats, baseball pant (recommended for Tadpole and up)
- Runners

BlastBall
Welcome to your first year of baseball! Come and join the fun. 
Please ensure your child has a helmet, glove, running shoes and clothes that they can get dirty! See you on the field! 
Batting helmets require a chin strap or C-flap for U13 and younger.

U7 T-Ball
Your child will need a baseball glove, helmet, and runners at practice and games. The team manager or coach may change the requirements, but this is a good start to getting you prepared for the season!
Batting helmets require a chin strap or C-flap for U13 and younger.
Bat requirements as of 2024: Max 30 inch, 2 5/8 inch max diameter, unlimited length/weight drop – bats with greater than 2 ¼ in. barrel diameter must be marked “USABB or stamped with BPF 1.15” (Bat Performance Factor)
U9 Tadpole
Your child will need a baseball glove, jock/jill, helmet, bat, baseball pants and cleats at practices and games. A baseball helmet with a chin strap is required. The team manager or coach may change the requirements, but this is a good start to getting you prepared for the season!
Batting helmets require a chin strap or C-flap for U13 and younger.
Bat requirements as of 2024: Max 30 inch, 2 5/8 inch max diameter, unlimited length/weight drop - bats with greater than 2 ¼ in. barrel diameter must be marked “USABB” or stamped with BPF 1.15” (Bat Performance Factor)
U11 Mosquito
Your child will need a baseball glove, jock/jill, helmet, bat, GREY baseball pants and cleats at practices and games. A baseball helmet with a chin strap is required. Team bats are available at practice & games. The team manager or coach may change the requirements, but this is a good start to getting you prepared for the season!
Batting helmets require a chin strap or C-flap for U13 and younger.
Bat requirements as of 2024: Max 32 inch, 2 3/4 inch max diameter, unlimited length/weight drop - Must have "USSSA 1.15 BPF (Bat Performance Factor)" stamp OR "USA" Stamp

U13 PeeWee
Your child will need a baseball glove, jock/jill, helmet, bat, GREY baseball pants and cleats at practices and games. A baseball helmet with a chin strap is required. Team bats are available at practice & games. The team manager or coach may change the requirements, but this is a good start to getting you prepared for the season!
Batting helmets require a chin strap or C-flap for U13 and younger.
Bat requirements are more specific in this division than in previous divisions (2024)! Max 32 inch, 2 3/4 inch max diameter, -10 max length/weight drop, marked BPF 1.15” or “USABB”

U15 Bantam
Your child will need a baseball glove, jock/jill, helmet, bat, WHITE baseball pants and cleats at practices and games. Team bats are available at practice & games. The team manager or coach may change the requirements, but this is a good start to getting you prepared for the season!
Bat requirements (2024): Max 2 3/4 inch max diameter, max -10 weight to length ratio, composite, aluminum or wood combination

U18 Midget
The player will need a baseball glove, jock/jill, helmet, bat, WHITE baseball pants and cleats at practices and games. Team bats are available at practice & games. The team manager or coach may change the requirements, but this is a good start to getting you prepared for the season!
Bat requirements as of 2024: -3 max length/weight drop, and marked “BBCOR

Question 7

Does the league supply equipment?

Accepted Answer

The baseball association supplies the bats, balls and jerseys. Players are welcome to bring and use their own bats.

Question 8

I am interested in coaching; How do I proceed?

Accepted Answer

Our baseball association relies on volunteers for coaching and anyone who is interested is welcome to participate! If you are new to coaching, we highly recommend starting courses through Baseball BC. Please visit https://www.baseball.bc.ca/coaching for more information on the NCCP certification training path. Chemainus Baseball will reimburse any associated training costs with prior approval.

Question 9

Myself or my child is interested in umping; How do we proceed?

Accepted Answer

Umpires play a very important role in the game!!! We welcome new umpires and are happy to train up and provide umping shifts. Players can generally start umping at age 11/12 years old. Training and certification is provided through the BC Umpires Association in coordination with our CDBA Umpire In Chief (UIC). Please visit https://bcbua.ca/home for more information on training, certification and membership. Contact our UIC if you have any questions at uic@chemainusbaseball.ca .

The CDBA has an umpire room with two umpire change areas. We have chest protectors, chin pads, helmets, umpire shirts, cheat sheets and indicators. You will be required to bring charcoal grey pants, black shoes/socks, jock/jill (for plate position). It is highly recommended that you purchase your own baseball pouch, brush, and indicator as soon as possible. As soon as you are more comfortable umpiring, it is recommended that you start buying your own official umpire shirt & safety equipment to ensure you are properly prepared at every game at any field.

Good tips for umpires:
How to conduct a PREGAME MEETING 
Five MISTAKES beginner umpires make

Question 10

What is the volunteer requirement each season?

Accepted Answer

Our association is completely dependent on volunteers like you. Starting in 2023, the association is reintroducing the volunteer cheque system. Registered players will be required to provide one $150 jersey cheque, and a $300 volunteer cheque or equivalent cash deposit. The cheques will be cashed if the jersey is not given back, or volunteer shifts not completed by the playoffs. Volunteer commitment is 4 shifts per seasons (2 concession shifts, 1 field shift and 1 fundraiser shift). With exception, U11 (Mosquito), U13 (Peewee) and U18 (Midget) are also required to complete 4 volunteer shifts (Including concession) during their respective tournaments. U11 and U18 during the Hop Wo/U18 invitational tournament, U13 during the Chris Fenton invitation tournament.

Note: The cheque, and hours are per family, not per child. So each family is only responsible for one of volunteer cheque. Cheques or cash deposit are required at jersey pickup. We cannot provide jersey without a cheque or cash deposit.

Opportunities to volunteer include:
- Concession
- Concession clean up
- Field preparation pre and post game
- Pitch count
- Score keeping
- Fundraising
- Tournament duties (concession, concession cleanup, raffle bat, 50/50, field raking, pitch count, score keep)
- Any other service that is for the benefit of the association. Please get in touch with our President and VP at info@chemainusbaseball.ca if you have a skill or service that you feel would benefit the association and would like to offer that as your volunteering requirements.

Other Opportunities that are of need outside of general volunteering:
- Coaching
- Team manager
- Pre-season fundraisers

Question 11

How do I volunteer?

Accepted Answer

Contact us a info@chemainusbaseball.ca if you would like to volunteer.

Opportunities to volunteer include:
- Concession
- Field preparation pre and post-game
- Pitch count
- Score keeping
- Tournament duties (concession, concession cleaning, raffle bat, 50/50, field raking, field prep, pitch count, score keep)
- Any other service that is for the benefit of the association. Please get in touch with our President and VP at info@chemainusbaseball.ca if you have a skill or service that you feel would benefit the association and would like to offer that as your volunteering requirements.

Other Opportunities that are of need outside of general volunteering:
- Coaching
- Board Member
- Team manager
- Pre-season fundraisers

Question 12

Why do I need to Volunteer?

Accepted Answer

The Chemainus Baseball & District Association, being a non-profit entity, relies heavily on the dedication and support of volunteers to ensure the smooth running of all its activities. These volunteers form the backbone of the organization, contributing their time and effort to coach teams, maintain facilities, coordinate events, and perform various administrative tasks.

However, attracting a consistent stream of volunteers can be a challenge. It's not uncommon for the burden of volunteering to fall on a limited number of individuals who tirelessly offer their services. To encourage broader participation, some sports associations have implemented innovative approaches.

One such method involves a volunteer check system. This system requires registrants to provide a volunteer check along with their registration fees. The check is then refunded upon completion of a specified number of volunteer hours. This approach incentivizes involvement in the association's activities and ensures that the workload is shared among a larger pool of supporters.

Question 13

Why do we fundraise, do raffles, and where does the money go to?

Accepted Answer

The baseball association is a non-profit organization that is solely supported by fundraising, sponsorships, donations, and raffle tickets. Many other sports associations, including the CDBA ask families to sell raffle tickets as a means of fundraising. If we do not fundraise, we cannot cover the basic costs to run the organization or any additional maintenance and upkeep to keep the sport alive.

All of our fundraising goes to purchase the basic items we need to run the association, including but not limited to: 
Umpire fees
Baseballs
T-Shirts & Jerseys 
Line chalk & Line spray for the fields
Team equipment, including catchers gear, bats, balls, helmets
Practice Tee's
Replacing old bases/plates 
Lawnmower maintenance and gas 
Uniforms
Player insurance fees for BC Minor 
Building maintenance for the clubhouse, concession, both gear sheds and batting cage
Line up and scorekeeping books 
Electricity, phone and internet for the clubhouse and concession

Question 14

I need financial assistance with registration fees; What support is available?

Accepted Answer

If you are experiencing financial hardship and require assistance with registration fees or any other costs, please make sure to reach out to info@chemainusbaseball.ca or your team manager. Our association is able to confidentially support local families so that no child is excluded. Additionally, there are external sources of financial support, such as KidSport BC, RISE Grants and Athletics4kids .

Question 15

Why should I sign up within my catchment area?

Accepted Answer

There are several reasons why it is good for any baseball organization to have children registered within its catchment area.

One reason is that it helps associations to have a more consistent and stable pool of players to draw from. When children are registered within their catchment area, the organization knows that they are eligible to participate in the team and can plan accordingly. This can make it easier to field teams and ensure that there are enough players to compete.

Another reason is that it can help the organization to build a sense of community and foster a positive team culture within the catchment. When children are part of a catchment area team, they are more likely to feel a sense of belonging and become invested in the team's success. This can help create a positive and supportive environment for all players.

Finally, having children registered within their catchment area can also help the organization to secure funding and resources. Many baseball organizations rely on funding from local governments, schools, and other sources to support their programs. When there is a strong turnout and high level of participation from children within a catchment area, it can make it easier to secure this funding and ensure that the organization has the resources it needs to thrive.

Thank you for supporting your local Baseball Association.

Question 16

What is the Chemainus & District catchment area?

Accepted Answer

The Chemainus & District catchment area includes, but is not restricted to: South Ladysmith (South of Davis Rd./HWY Intersection), Saltair, Chemainus, Penelakut, Crofton, and most residences on osbourne bay rd. For a map of the catchment divisions, refer to the BC Minor Baseball website.

Question 17

What if I want my child to play in a different catchment/association?

Accepted Answer

While registration in baseball associations is designated by physical address, there are times when children may wish/need to play out of their catchment area, for various reasons. Parents/guardians are required to fill out a Player Movement Request Form and submit to their designated association for approval.  For the CDBA, send the completed form to info@chemainusbaseball.ca. If approved, the association will sign the form and return it to the parents/guardians who are then required to present this to the preferred association prior to registration.

Question 18

If my child or myself decide this isn't for us, can I be refunded?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if you decide not to play at the start of the season, a refund cheque will be available. Please contact info@chemainusbaseball.ca to find out the deadline for your season. A good rule of thumb is to do so within the first two weeks of your season.

Question 19

When is the concession open?

Accepted Answer

Opening the concession is completely dependent on volunteer commitment. Our goal is to have our concession open during all games and tournaments. The concession is not typically open during practices. Volunteering to work in the concession is one way to get your volunteer hours in so that your volunteer cheque does not get cashed at the end of the season.

Question 20

Can I rent the fields or the concession?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it is possible to rent the fields and/or the concession! Rentals are considered and approved on a case-by-case basis. Field rentals are approved in collaboration with the Municipality of North Cowichan. If you would like to apply for a rental, please email your request to info@chemainusbaseball.ca.

Question 21

How do I sign up to use the batting cage?

Accepted Answer

The batting cage are for association teams only. Teams manager can schedule time by contacting info@chemainusbaseball.ca.

Question 22

What are the size regulations for bats?

Accepted Answer

Players are welcome to use their own bat(s), provided they meet BC Minor regulations. Per rule 19.04:

7U: 30 inch, 2 5/8 inch max diameter, unlimited length/weight drop – bats with greater than 2 ¼ in. barrel diameter must be marked “USABB or stamped with BPF 1.15” (Bat Performance Factor)

9U: 30 inch, 2 5/8 inch max diameter, unlimited length/weight drop - bats with greater than 2 ¼ in. barrel diameter must be marked “USABB” or stamped with BPF 1.15” (Bat Performance Factor)

10U & 11U: 32 inch, 2 5/8 inch max diameter, unlimited length/weight drop - bats with greater than 2 1/4 inch. barrel diameter must be marked “USABB” or stamped with BPF 1.15” (Bat Performance Factor)

13U: 32 inch, 2 3/4 inch max diameter, -10 max length/weight drop, marked BPF 1.15” or “USABB”

15U A/AA: 2 3/4 inch max diameter, max -10 weight to length ratio, composite, aluminum or wood combination

15U AAA: -10 max length/weight drop, Wood, Bamboo or Wood Composite

18U AA: -3 max length/weight drop, and marked “BBCOR

18U AAA/College Prep: Wood, Bamboo or Wood Composite

Wood, bamboo and wood composite bats are permitted in all divisions. Wood composite bats include wood bats with fiberglass sheathing and wood barreled bats with composite handles.

Question 23

Who do I contact if there has been damage to a field?

Accepted Answer

In case of an emergency that requires authorities, call 911.

If damage has occurred to a field or any of the surrounding buildings (washrooms, batting cage, concession, equipment rooms) during a practice or game, please notify info@chemainusbaseball.ca and parksrec@northcowichan.ca.

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