Nov 19, 2019 | Jesse Edmunds | 420 views
General Information - 2020 7U Bengals Junior Rookie Allstars
Per the email sent 11/18/2019, please ensure you are aware of the below general information regarding the 2020 7U Bengals Junior Rookie Allstar Team...(more)
Fees:
- In 2019, fees for the 7U Allstar team were $300 per player (on top of league registration), based on a 12 player team. In discussion with the coaches, we are going to try and maintain this number, but it may be that we have to bump that number up to $320. Team fees cover items such as jersey, undershirt, hat, hoodie, socks, belt, tournament entry fees, gym fees, etc...
- One of the reasons for the potential modest increase is that the league is looking to change uniform vendors this year. In the past uniforms have been primarily sourced off-shore, and while it can be a great way to keep costs low, there has been questions about overall quality, and it creates a very heavy need for volunteers to manage the overall process (basically lower cost because of at least 50-60 hours of 'free' volunteer time) . Like other sports organizations have already done, OHMBA is looking to establish a relationship with one of the local vendors this year who can perform a 'Sizing Day' exercise and streamline the service provided to the players/members. This approach would also offer the ability for players/parents/coaches to buy additional 'swag' from the selected vendor, something that many have voiced a desire for.
- Team fees can be paid in installments if necessary. Please plan to make the first installment of $100 at the December workout, with the balance due before the end of March (if the cost needs to be increased, we will confirm before final installments are due).
- Also remember that you will need to complete OHMBA registration once it opens up in 2020.
- Any left over team funds (if any) would go towards some sort of year-end team event/party.
Sponsorship:
- We are looking for sponsors for the upcoming season, and this could potentially be a way to ensure that team fees remain the same as in 2019.
- Last year the 7U Bengals were able to bring in $500 from a single sponsor. We have reached out to a couple of vendors that we deal with in our professional lives, and if anyone else knows someone willing to sponsor, please have them reach out to Jesse at the earlier convenience. It would be nice to double the sponsorship funding to $1000 this year.
- When trying to sell the sponsorship to someone, let them know that the team travels around southern Ontario for games/tournaments, and that we put up a banner behind our bench with thanks to our sponsors (essentially promoting sponsor businesses).
Fundraising:
- Another great way to help keep team fee contributions low. I have seen other teams complete bottle drives and Boston Pizza Server nights. If anyone has any ideas about fundraising and/or would be willing to organize a fundraising event, please let me know how we can work together to make it happen.
Tournaments:
- In 2019, the 7U Bengals participated in 3 tournaments. Stoney Creek on Canada Day Weekend, Ancaster ('World' TBall Championships) on the August Civic Weekend, and the Mississauga/Erindale tournament in mid-July.
- It is our intention to register for each of these tournaments again this year, so please try to start planning now to be available. We will be sure to update everyone once we have confirmed dates/entries.
- Last year a fair amount of families decided to stay in a hotel for the Ancaster tournament, while choosing to commute to Mississauga and Stoney Creek. Jesse will be looking at hotel options/deals through his corporate account with IHG (Holiday Inn). - If anyone else has any travel deals, through work or personal that can save everyone money, please be sure to let us know.
Winter Workouts:
- As Eric has previously mentioned, the next winter workout is scheduled for Sunday December 8th, 1-3pm @ ODSS. This will be the last workout for the 2019 calendar year.
- When the calendar flips to 2020, weekly workouts will start on Sunday January 12th (timing/location TBC).
Coaching (House League):
- Parents of the 7U Allstar players are encouraged to consider coaching at the House League level for the upcoming 2020 season, if able and willing.
- Players from the 7U Allstar team will be spread out across the HL teams to try and create parity, and there is an opportunity for parents to take the drills learned at the Allstar level to try and teach more of our HL players.
Finally, it is our intention to use the OHMBA Website for communication matters (in combination with emails/texts). Using an app such as TeamSnap or similar was discussed between the coaches, but feedback from the 2019 coaching staff was that the app was not used very much (it also comes at a cost to the team that would have to be incorporated into the fees). You can sign-up for text or email alerts/updates about the teams you wish to follow via the league website. Be sure to look for the box in the left banner to sign up for email and/or text alerts. You can also link the calendar to your computer or smartphone via the MyCal functionality (see link at the bottom of the homepage).