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Palos Baseball Organization

Frequently Asked Questions

General

When does the season start?
The season typically starts in April and runs through the end of June.


When will I know what team my child is on?
Team drafts typically take place once the majority of registrations are completed in February. Once your player is drafted, your head coach will reach out directly with team details. 


What gear do I need to purchase for my child?
Teams will have helmets available, but we recommend each player have their own:

  • Helmet

  • Bat

  • Glove

  • Equipment bag


Divisions

What is the minimum age for Pinto?
The Pinto division is designed for players in 1st and 2nd grade.

On occasion, we allow Kindergarten players to participate in Pinto if they are advanced for their age and have prior baseball experience. However, we generally encourage younger players to begin in our Shetland (coach pitch) division to build fundamentals and confidence.

If you feel your child is ready for Pinto, please contact us at [email protected].


What is the Shetland division?
Shetland is designed for Pre-K and Kindergarten players (typically ages 5–6) and focuses on introducing the fundamentals of baseball in a fun and supportive environment.

Minimum age is 5 years old by 9/1/26.
Exceptions may be considered and approved by the Board.


Registration

Can I get a refund?
Refunds are not available after January 1st of the season year, as uniforms and equipment are purchased in advance.

Exception:
If a registered player is a freshman who makes their high school baseball team (typically finalized in March), PBO will issue a full refund upon notification.


Schedule

What does the schedule look like?

  • Practices begin in mid-March

  • Games begin in mid-April and run through late June

Teams typically have 1–2 games per week and one practice per week, depending on the coach.


Team Formation & Draft

How are teams formed?
Teams are formed through a coach draft process in the Pinto, Mustang, Bronco, and Pony divisions. Coaches are provided player information (grade, school, etc.) and draft teams with the goal of creating balanced and competitive teams.


Can my child request to play with a friend?
Because teams are selected through a draft, friend requests cannot be guaranteed.

In the Shetland division, where there is no draft, the league tries to accommodate requests.


My child is younger or older than others in the division. Is that allowed?
PBO primarily places players based on grade level to keep classmates together.

  • Players may be allowed to play up a division if appropriate

  • Players are not permitted to play down a division

Exceptions are rare and must be approved by the Board of Trustees. If you have an extenuating circumstance, please contact us at [email protected].


Coaching & Volunteers

How do I volunteer to coach?
When registering your player, you may indicate your interest in volunteering as a head coach or assistant coach. All volunteers must complete a background check prior to the season.


How are coaches selected?
The Board of Trustees reviews and approves volunteer registrations and assigns coaches based on division needs and number of teams.


Game & Schedule Questions

How will we know the game schedule?
Schedules will be available once teams are finalized. Families can view schedules through:

  • The PBO website

  • The GameChanger app


What is GameChanger?

GameChanger is the app used by PBO teams for:

  • Game schedules

  • Scorekeeping

  • Team communication

  • Player availability

Your coach will send an invitation once your team is created. We encourage all families to download the app and use the same email as registration.


What happens if my child misses a game?
Please notify your coach as soon as possible. Most teams use the GameChanger availability feature to track attendance.


What time should we arrive for games?
Players should arrive approximately 30 minutes before game time.


Practices & Fields

Can teams practice on PBO fields anytime?
No. PBO does not allow teams to practice on PBO fields unless specifically approved by the Board of Trustees.

Approved practices at the complex are rare and limited to:

  • Preserve field conditions

  • Allow proper maintenance

  • Ensure safe playing surfaces

Teams are encouraged to use:

  • Local parks

  • School fields

  • Other approved locations


How often will teams practice?
Most teams practice once per week, though schedules may vary by team.


Game Day

What should players wear for games?

  • Team jersey

  • Team hat

  • Baseball pants

  • Cleats (no metal cleats)

  • Belt and socks (recommended)


Do teams use batting cages before games?
Yes. Batting cages are available for warmups and are assigned based on field usage.


Safety & Weather

What happens if a game is rained out?
Games may be rescheduled if possible. Updates will be shared via the website and league communications.


What happens if a game is stopped due to weather?
If the game is not official, it will resume from the exact point it was stopped.


Facilities

Who cleans the dugout after games?
Teams are responsible for cleaning their dugout and surrounding areas after each game.


Is alcohol allowed at the fields?
No. Alcohol is not permitted anywhere at the PBO complex.


Is smoking allowed?
Smoking and vaping are not allowed anywhere on or near the fields.


Concessions

Can families help in the concession stand?
Yes! Families may volunteer for concession shifts.

  • Workers are paid $50 per shift

  • Sign-ups are shared prior to the season


Final

Who runs PBO?
PBO is operated by a volunteer Board of Trustees, made up of parents and community members dedicated to providing a positive baseball experience.


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