Koa Maryland & Washington, DC Kids Baseball FAQs

Koa Sports is the leader in baseball programs for kids and young adults in the Washington Metropolitan Area. We have programs for travel/select players and our Spartan Developmental League, as well as skills and drills clinic opportunities for all ages and abilities. Did you know that many of our instructors have played at the collegiate and professional levels, and our Advisory Board even has a former World Series player? Check out our staff. Who better to teach young athletes than those who have played at the highest level.

Spartan League Registration Closes 2/20!!

BASEBALL FAQs

TRAVEL “SELECT” TEAMS
Koa’s Travel Teams are intended for athletes looking to play at the highest level in a “select” environment.  These teams have two practices per week, plus weekend double headers and some mid-week games.  The games have some travel requirements, but most games will be played around the beltway. Our travel teams are professionally coached during practices and games. Travel Tryout Information

SPARTAN TEAMS - REGISTER HERE!
Ages: 1st-7th (Rookie T-Ball K-1st)
Dates: Games start 4/1; practices start week of 3/26 season goes through June 3rd
Location: Fields in Bethesda/Potomac/Rockville area
Cost: ACC - $275; Ivy & Colonial - $395; T-Ball $199 (*$99 up to 2/14**)

Koa’s Spartan Teams are high-functioning developmental teams for players in 1st through 7th grades with one practice per week, and 1 or 2 games per weekend and occasional weekday games.  The Spring 2012 season starts April 1st and goes through June 3rd with practices starting the week of March 26. All games are local.  The Spartan league is a "no cut" open registration league -- all players who are serious about baseball are welcome! Registration closed email Mindi for wait list info! Click here for more info about our Spartan T-Ball Rookie League for players in Kindergarten and 1st Grade.

Q: What’s the difference between a Travel and a Spartan Team?
A: Koa’s Travel Select Teams are pure “select” teams, whereas the Spartan Teams are open registration developmental teams. Both teams are professionally coached at a very high level, and both teams are intended for players who are serious about learning the game. The Travel Select Teams require more of a commitment in terms of travel, game play, and costs. The Spartan Teams will stay generally local and practice only one day per week. Again, both programs have a high focus on player development and learning the game.

Q: What is the cost of the Koa Spartan Teams?
A: For players in the Machine Pitch ACC League (1st-3rd) the Spring 2012 total coast is $275 ($249 if registered before December 1st). (Click here for more Machine Pitch ACC League info). For the Ivy League (4th-5th) and Colonial League (6th-7th), the Spring 2012 season total cost is $395.00. However players who register before November 1st may register at the Fall 2011 price of $367.00. This amount includes: coaching fees, field maintenance and rental, insurance, equipment, umpire fees, and administrative charges. Players are also required to purchase a player pack for game jerseys and a hat and that is included in the total fee. All Koa wearables are sold at our actual cost, without any markup. See our Value Chart:

Q:  How does the Koa Spartan League compare to other area “rec” leagues?
A:  Koa’s Spartan teams are open registration high functioning developmental teams where the parents no longer want parent coaches and the players want a higher level of training. In addition to professional coaching, we offer more opportunities for practice and game experience than other local leagues.

Q:  How does the cost of the Spartan League compare to other area “rec” leagues?
A:  Our league fees are similar to or less than other area leagues and they cover fields, equipment, umpires, etc.  Other leagues do not provide any professional coaching and Koa’s coaching fees are approximately $230 (depending on age group), covering coaching for weekly practices AND games. In the spring for example, Koa offers 8-10 games (vs. competitors who typically offer only 8); Koa’s practices are coached by many former collegiate athletes or pro players (most leagues are parent coached); Koa has “cross” offers for practice so players with practice conflicts may practice with another Koa team – in other leagues you are out of luck; and Koa has an end of the season tournament, whereas most area “rec” leagues do not. There is a big difference in value based on what we offer our Spartan players.  Please see the chart below for the comparison

Q: If I play on a current Koa travel team, do I need to attend tryouts?
A: No, if you currently play on a Koa travel team, you do not need to attend the tryout sessions. Current players are evaluated throughout the season.

Q: If I currently play on a Travel team, am I guaranteed a spot on the same Travel team next season?
A: No ... we evaluate the Travel teams each season.

Q: If I'm not on a Spartan team do I need to tryout?
A: No - we do not have tryouts for the Spartan League, it is open registration. Registration closed - contact Mindi for wait list info.

Q: If I play on a current Spartan team, and I want to continue on a Spartan team, do I need to tryout?
A: No, if you currently play on a Spartan team and want to continue on a Spartan team, you don't need to tryout. Be sure to include the team name from the previous season at registration to remain on your team.

Q: If I currently play on a Spartan team, but I want to be considered for a Travel team, do I need to tryout?
A: Yes, you will need to register to tryout.

Q: What happens if I do not make a travel team?
A: So long as there is sufficient turnout, your athlete will be invited to play with a Spartan Team. The Koa Spartan League runs from 1st grade through 7th grade and you will be placed on a team based on availability.

Q:  What happens if a player shows a lot of potential but is not quite ready for a Koa Select/Travel team?
A:  For some age groups, we will put together developmental travel teams.  These teams will have the same rigorous game and practice schedule as our select/travel teams but with a more instructional environment.  Developmental travel teams are intended for athletes with a strong desire to play travel and the willingness to make the time commitment associated with a select travel team.

Q: Can I only register for the Spartan Team? Will my friends be on the team?
A: Yep, if you’re only interested in the Spartan Team, then we need to place you on the proper team. In the Spartan Team environment we are usually able to keep friends together. In fact, pre-formed teams may enter the Koa Spartan League. Be sure to include friends' names at the player preference prompt during registration if you wish to be placed together.

Q: What are the age break outs for the Spartan League teams?
A: We have several age group divisions in the Spartan League and we use current grade in school for our placements. Here's the breakdown:

Q: What if any difference is there between the Ivy League and the Colonial League?
A: The Ivy League is for players in roughly 4th and 5th grades. Games will be kid pitch with no leading. The Colonial League is intended for players in the 6th-7th grades and games are kid pitch with leading allowed.The ACC League is machine pitch.

Q: How do I figure out which travel team my player is eligible for in the Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 seasons?
A: Please see our Travel Age/Team Placement Chart below:

Q: I’m a parent coach – but I’d like to bring my entire team in the Spartan program.  Is that possible?
A: Absolutely, and you can still be a PAC (Parent Asst. Coach)! Contact Mindi for more info!

Q: What are the qualifications of the Koa coaches?
A: All of Koa's coaches are required to go through extensive background screening. Furthermore, they are trained to follow the plans of our Advisory Board, made up of collegiate athletes and professional players (one of whom was a starting shortstop in the World Series!). All teams have interaction with our collegiate players. Full bios of some of our coaches can be found on our staff page.

Q: How many coaches will be at the Spartan practices?
A: We will have one to two coaches at practices There will not be 2 coaches at every practice.

Q: How many coaches will be at the Travel practices?
A: We will have one or two coaches at practices. Our goal is to have an average 1.5 coaches per practice, meaning 2 coaches about every other practice. There will not be 2 coaches at every practice. While we would love to have 3 or 4 coaches at a practice, this simply can’t work under our pricing model.  We strive for 1.5! We have been using some high school players effectively to act as assistants (NOT head coaches), and we will continue to explore this model.  We also plan to make some coaching changes so that teams will have increased exposure to different coaches over the course of several seasons

Q: Do teams have practice plans?
A: All Koa teams (Spartan and Travel) follow the practice plans designed and implemented by the Koa collegiate and professional baseball players (one of whom is a former World Series player). Here are this season's Spartan League practice plans.

Q: Do Koa players have a player code?
A: Yes! We will be requiring all players to sign the Koa Player Code. The purpose is to help instill more discipline with the players. For the travel players approaching high school, there will be increased demands to help the preparation process.

Q: How many coaches will be at the Spartan games?
A: For all Spartan games in the Spartan League, there will be one Koa coach.

Q: How many coaches will be at the Travel games?
A: We have one to two coaches at travel games (not 2 every time).

Q: How much parent involvement is required? Do parents coach?
A: We believe the players are better off having the coaches be the coaches, and the parents be the parents. These are very separate roles. Please read the Koa White Paper describing our coaching philosophy. Parents may be asked to assist on a periodic basis and each team will have a PM (Parent Manager) to assist with communication, but the Koa Coach is in charge. Note: The Koa Travel Select Teams have a professional coach during games and practices. At the younger ages, the PMs may have a few more responsibilities. The Spartan Teams have a paid professional coach during practices and during the Spartan League games; however, a parent assistant coach (PAC) will be requested to assist the Koa coach during games with stats and substitutions. Here are the 2012 Spartan League Rules

Q: What does a “professional” coach mean?
A: In simplest terms, it means that the coach is required to (a) follow the practice plans designed and implemented by the Koa collegiate and professional baseball players (one of whom was a shortstop in the Word Series!), (b) have extensive background screening performed, and (c) strive to adhere to our code of “PEP” (always POSITIVE, with ENERGY, and PROFESSIONAL). 

Q: How does Koa prepare players for high school baseball?
A: Through our coaching philosophy, Koa does an awesome job preparing kids for high school ball and the tryout process. In the spring of 2011, 95% of the Koa travel baseball players who tried out for their JV baseball teams all made it! Many of our Spartan players also made their school teams. We now have players at B-CC, Churchill, Whitman, and Wootton high schools, just to name a few. One of the reasons for such success is our coaching philosophy. Read our Koa White Paper if you haven't already -- it's imperative that every Dad and Mom in our program read and understand our philosophy.

Q: What league do the Travel Teams play in?
A: Travel Teams from 10U-12U play in the Old Dominion Baseball League (ODBL) or the MCBA (Montgomery County Baseball Assoc.), with games in Maryland and Virginia. Travel Teams 13U and up play in the Northern Virginia Travel Ball League, with games in both Maryland and Virginia. Teams may also play in our in-house Spartan League.

Q: Will the Travel Teams have games in addition to the league games?
A: Yes, we are scheduling additional games with our Spartan League teams for the Fall 2011 season. New Travel Teams will play up in the Spartan League and other arranged games may be scheduled to ensure competitiveness.

Q: What league do the Spartan Teams play in?
A: The Spartan Teams will play in the Koa Spartan League. There will be roughly 8 Spartan games plus an end of the season playoff tournament, The Koa Classic. Just like last year, teams will also play other organizations such as the Northwest Little League. There may be double headers on some weekends and some mid-week games. Here are the 2012 Spartan League Rules.

Q: What is the age range for players competing in the Spartan League?
A: The Spartan League age range for competing players generally goes from +/- 1 or 2 years/grades. Other local leagues can go +/- 2 to 3 years, which is normal for many "open registration" sports.

Q: What should my athlete expect to learn in the Spartan season?
A: At the beginning of the Spartan season, the heavier focus will be on player development with everything culminating in a competitive playoff tournament, the Koa Classic.

Q: Are there any special accomodations for 1st through 3rd grade machine pitch teams in the ACC League?
A: Yes! Please click here.

Q: Will there be playoffs for Spartan and Travel ball teams?
A: Yes! All teams will be invited into the Koa Classic which will be held at the end of the season. In Spring 2011 we held our first Koa Classic tournament and it was huge success!

Q: What is the Koa Classic?
A: The Koa Classic is Koa's end of the season baseball tournament and a fantastic competition opportunity for Koa's Spartan teams. All Spartan teams will participate. For Spring 2012, the Koa Classic will be held over the weekend of May 19-20 (Rain date June 2-3) so Spartan teams get in some playoff experience.  Teams will play roughly 2-3 games during the tournament with a winner in each division. Tournament winners will receive the official Koa Classic Champion shirt! 

Q: What's this business about the parents versus kids game?
A: If there are no rainouts, sometimes we will play a parents versus kids game the last week. For some age groups, parents will be required to bat and throw opposite handed; for other age groups, the kids may be required to bat and throw opposite handed!

Q: What is the commitment required for a Koa Travel Select Team?
A: Two practices per week, a double header during the weekend, and a few local games throughout the season. Koa expects that travel baseball will be the primary athletic commitment for the season. We totally understand about family trips and school work, but we are not lenient about missing travel baseball for another sport.

Q: How long is the commitment?
A: Koa Travel players have a 1 season commitment (ie. fall or spring). Spartan players have the same 1 season commitment (ie. fall or spring).

Q: Are there mandatory winter workouts for Travel teams?
A: Yes!! Registration for team winter workouts is now open.

Q: Where will the practices and games be held?
A: Practices will typically be at schools and parks in the Bethesda, Rockville, and NW DC area. Games will typically be at either Montgomery County Regional Parks, or in Virginia.

Q: What if my athlete is not able to make a practice?  I heard that Spartan players are allowed to attend another practice … is that true?
A: Yes!  If a player has a conflict with a practice, that player is permitted to attend another Spartan practice that same week on an age appropriate team.  We understand that kids are busy and conflicts arise. If your player will be attending another practice you must notify Koa in advance.

Q: Do the teams ever go inside and practice if you get rained out?
A: Yes! If a team gets rained out 3 times, on the third time we will schedule an indoor practice (subject to availability). There will not be a charge for this.

Q: Do practice times ever change during a season?
A: Yes, as daylight conditions change during the season we will need to adjust practice times. In the fall this means earlier start times later in the season and for the spring it means later start times after daylight savings time begins. We want all teams to get in as much time on the field as they can during the season so we take advantage of the longer days whenever possible.

Q: How is playing time determined on the Koa Travel Select Teams?
A: On the Koa Travel Select Teams, double headers will typically occur on the weekends. One of the two games will be played 100% to win, and there will not be any focus on equitable rotation, either offensively or defensively. The second game of the double header will be focused more on player development (everyone will bat), and there will be an equitable rotation in that game. Of course, during practices there will be equal time spent on all players, irrespective of whether that player is a “starter.”

Q: How is playing time determined on the Koa Spartan Teams?
A: Each player should expect to sit no more than 2 innings per game. There will be an equitable rotation in all games (everyone will bat). See Spartan League Rules
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Q: Can a player move from one team to another during the season?
A: Yes. A player who is excelling can move from the Koa Spartan Team to the Koa Travel Select Team, and vice-versa. However, this rarely occurs mid-season.

Q:  Historically when a player is moved from an “A” team to a “B” team, can the athlete make it back to the “A” level?
A:  Yes – Koa players who have moved down for a season or two, have moved back up to an “A” level team (and even gone on to make high school teams!)  Our coaches believe in placing athletes in an environment where they will best develop.  In many cases, the move inspires the player to work harder. 

Q: What if I have to withdraw from the Spartan League or a travel team?
A: There will be no team/league refunds given to any individual player who withdraws after the published registration deadline. If an additional replacement player can be found to take the spot of a withdrawing player, we will be able to refund league fees minus a 20% administrative fee. The administrative fee covers among other things, time spent (1) contacting new payers, (2) adjusting rosters, (3) notifying host league, and (4) hosting a new tryout. If we are unable to find a replacement player you will receive credit (minus the administrative fee) toward a future Koa program.

Q:  How do you determine a travel player’s field position?
A:  For our travel/select teams, our coaches evaluate player skills and place each athlete in a position that will most benefit the team.  Depending on the individual player’s skills and the needs of the team, kids may play more than one position in a season.  Players may let coaches know of their interest in a particular field position, but we cannot guarantee game play in that position. 

Q:  Can parents question playing time and field position assignments for travel/select players?
A:  No - not ever, never!  In the travel/select environment, coaches are making decisions based on team needs.  Playing time may not be evenly distributed.  The first game of a double header is played 100% to win;  the 2nd game is for player development.  Player position assignments are assigned by the Koa coaches to achieve the best results for the team.   All players will receive equitable training and attention in practices.  Read our Koa White Paper on The Importance of Non-Parent Coaches

Q: What is the cost of the Koa Travel Select Teams?
A: The cost of the Spring 2012 team is approximately $920 per player for the 9U-14U ages. This includes: league fees, umpire fees, game uniforms, coaching fees, field maintenance and rental fees, insurance, equipment, game forfeit fee deposit (refundable) and administrative charges. Players also purchase a player pack for practice jerseys and a fleece or team jacket. The cost of the player pack is approximately $50.00. All Koa wearables are sold at our actual cost, without any markup.

Q: What is the Spartan League uniform?
A: All players will receive 2 Koa jerseys. Each player will need to provide baseball pants (gray preferred) and socks (no color preference). Rubber cleats are required.

Q: Is there a practice uniform for Spartan players?
A: Spartan players must wear Koa hats, a Koa jersey and their gray baseball pants to every practice.

Q: What are Koa's pitching guidelines?
A: Safety is the uppermost criteria guiding our pitching decisions. The
wellbeing of our athletes is the number one concern at Koa. 

1. If at any point a pitcher is feeling pain, irrespective of the pitch
count, he will be removed from the mound.  This also applies even if the
pitcher is in the middle of a batter.

2. We look to different respected organizations for guidance on pitch
counts and rest limitations.  These include, but are not limited to, Little
League and ASMI.  It should be noted that these two organizations differ on
pitch count limitations.  We do not follow the specific mandates of any
organization;  instead, we place great emphasis on the individual player. 
For example, in 2011 Little League allows a 13 year old pitcher to throw 95
pitches per day.  For some 13 year old pitchers, this may be appropriate; 
for others, only 50 pitches may be appropriate. 

3. Koa takes into account many factors, including the type of pitches
being thrown (i.e., fast balls versus breaking balls, etc.), the visible
fatigue of the pitcher, other positions the pitcher has played (i.e., a
"throwing" position such as catcher versus a receiving position such as
first base), the biomechanics of the pitcher's motion,  and the pitcher's
past performance and speed of recovery. 

4. Parents should understand what pain/discomfort means to a
pitcher.   Some pain/discomfort, for example, is simply an indicator of the
muscles growing and developing.  Other pain/discomfort, however, is
indicative of an injury.  Location, duration, and severity all play a role.
 
5. Pitchers at all ages are expected to take appropriate post-pitching steps to minimize injury (i.e., ice their arms, run to flush lactic acid, etc.).

PLEASE DON'T HESITATE TO EMAIL US WITH QUESTIONS!

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