FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

Please review this Question and Answer list before you reach out to a volunteer. All of the frequently asked questions will be addressed here. If you don’t see your question listed here, please send an email and we'll respond as soon as possible.

Q: What is EBA?

A: EBA stands for the Ephrata Baseball Association which is a comprehensive program for players aged 5 through 19. EBA supports the Ephrata Area Little League (EALL), the Norlanco Premier Baseball Association (NPBA), and the Ephrata HS Baseball Program. EBA is working toward creating and maintaining a tradition of baseball excellence in the Ephrata area community.

Q: What is the difference between a skill-based structure and an age-based structure?

A: EBA strives to place every child where they can be successful. So where feasible we evaluate players and place them in the appropriate league. Age based programs place players in leagues based solely upon their age. We believe players will learn more and enjoy the game more when they are playing with others at a similar skill level. Skill levels are initially determined at evaluations.

Q: How are fees established?

A: There are many costs associated with administering a quality program. Some of the costs related to administering a program for over 30 teams and over 400 players: hats, shirts, pants, socks, belts, chest protectors, helmets, shin guards, bats, baseballs, insurance, Little League charter fees, storage space, equipment bags, umpires, field prep equipment and maintenance, etc. A proposed budget of the above, along with anticipated sponsorships, fundraisers and donations is developed based on prior years costs and enrollment. It is then determined and approved by the board of directors as to what the current cost level should be. The fees are in line with baseball programs throughout Lancaster County, and certainly lower than programs elsewhere in the country.

Q: I have more than one child. Is there a per family cap?

A: Yes, the cap this year is $125 per family.

Q: When will we learn which team our child was assigned?

A: Team and practice information will be distributed in March.

Q: When do practices and games begin?

A: Practices begin in early to mid-April for most teams and games begin in late April. T-bal/Rookies start a few weeks later. The regular season runs through mid-June for most teams and some playoff or tournament games may continue through mid-July. A 2008 calendar will soon be posted to the web, but practice and game schedules will not be determined until the end of March.

Q: What is the Penn Manor League?

A: The name of the Penn Manor League has changed to the Lancaster County Youth Baseball League. It is an association of various baseball programs throughout Lancaster County. It allows for programs to enter teams at various age and skill levels. We experimented with this league with varied success. At the very top level we had much success (i.e., kids enjoyed the experience and were able to be competitive). At the mid levels it was a challenge and we’re addressing these challenges. We will continue to be associated with the League as it affords opportunities for players in our program that would not otherwise be available in an in-house only program. The challenge for EBA is to determine when to enter teams into this league (and at what levels) and when to keep teams in-house.

Q: What is the hardship policy?

A: We want all children to be able to play baseball in Ephrata regardless of family income or economic challenges/hardships families may face. If you are experiencing a hardship, please send a request to EBA, PO Box 663, Ephrata PA and we will confidentially process your registration.

Q: Why are evaluations held and why are they held in the winter? When will they be held this year?

A: We conduct evaluations to determine the best league for each player. One of our strategic priorities is to place players where they can be successful and this cannot be accomplished without having a familiarity with a players' general ability. They are not the sole basis for this process, but they do provide a basis for creating general classifications. Evaluations are typically not held for players under the age of 8. While a warm summer day out on a baseball diamond is the ideal setting for evaluations, we tried having them in late January/early February and we found that an indoor environment is better than a harsh Spring day. And since we need the information early in the season we've arrived at this solution; not ideal, but it works.

Q: What are the age cut-offs for each league?

A: The Rookie League is primarily for new players aged 5-7. Our Single A league is primarily for players aged 7-10 and our AA league is primarily for players aged 9-12. We do make exceptions based on ability and size. Again, we attempt to place players where they will be successful so we do make many exceptions. We often consult with parents when determining which league is best suited for a player. The teams we enter into the Penn Manor League typically do not have players under the age of 11. Last year we entered 4 teams at the 12U level into the Penn Manor League. At the 13/14 age level we have been entering teams into Lancaster County’s Little League program for that age level, however this year we are considering placing these teams into the Penn Manor League, which uses 80 foot basepaths (opposed to 90 foot for Little League’s Junior Division). Players at the 15+ age levels will either be placed on a team that competes in the Lancaster Community League, the Lancaster Midget League or the American Legion program.

Q: Who can I call if I want to volunteer or sponsor a team?

A: All questions can be directed to Dina Peterson, (201-6651). She will direct you to the appropriate person.

Q: Do our Little League registration dollars support NPBA (including tournaments at the Ripken complex in Aberdeen, Maryland) and the HS baseball program?

A: Registration fees for EALL teams are ear-marked for uniforms, equipment, supplies (balls etc.), insurance, field maintenance, umpires etc. Tournament fees, equipment and uniforms for NPBA teams and any support provided to the HS program are generated through fundraisers (e.g., wiffle ball tournament, golf tournament), individual contributions, and specific sponsor contributions.

Q: Why are non-Ephrata players enrolled in the program? Aren’t they taking spots away from Ephrata players?

A: We have made exceptions for players that live very close to the Ephrata school district line when they either attend a school within Ephrata or are having challenges finding a suitable organization to join. And in some instances have requested and received waivers from Little League baseball. Our NPBA program is not designed for only Ephrata players so there have been players who don't attend Ephrata school district participating in this program (please note that we do all we can to provide a home for players and typically do not view players differently based upon where they live, unless there is a specific league rule that prohibits players from participating that live outside the Ephrata school district). We encourage non-Ephrata players with advanced baseball skill to participate to strengthen the competitiveness of our NPBA teams. To stretch our talented players we need to assemble teams that will have the chance of being competitive at tournaments. The idea is to enable advanced players to play with advanced players and against advanced players. Were it not for the inclusion of advanced players who do not reside in Ephrata we would not have formed NPBA teams, so Ephrata players are not losing spots to players that don't attend the Ephrata school district.

Q: Will there be clinics this year?

A: Yes, stay tuned for details! The first set of clinics will be held during the winter. As soon as we have the details we will post them to the website.

Q: How can I learn about specific dates for events?

A: The 2008 calendar will soon be posted to the website. We will include as many dates as possible on the calendar. Also if you include an email address on your registration form, email alerts are sent out often. Also information is given to managers for distribution. Also, if there are any questions, you can always send an email.

We hope you enjoy a great season in 2008!!

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