NTNLL Families and Players

I know it's hard to believe, but the season is almost over. The Squirts Divison still has a few games left but other than that we have completed our 2020 season  We hope that everyone stayed safe and healthy and had a lot of fun this season.

As we still have games going on at the Squirts level, we need to remind everyone that we are being allowed to play baseball with the caveat that we follow the COVID19 rule/guidelines published by New York State, the Niagara County Health department as well as Little League Baseball.

Within the NYS Reopening guidelines for Youth Sports is the following paragraph:

For spectators, the following additional safety measures apply:

• For sports events (e.g. games), Responsible Parties must limit spectators to two spectators per player.

• Responsible Parties must ensure spectators maintain six feet of physical distance between individuals and/or family/household units at all times and , so long as they are over the age of two and medically able to tolerate such covering.

• Responsible Parties may facilitate appropriate distancing through the use of markings on the ground or seating areas, and other signage.

• Responsible Parties must ensure that, among all spectators, no individual group exceeds the gathering limit that is currently in place for the region.

  • Responsible Parties may facilitate appropriate gathering size through the use of signage and/or staff to ensure groups are aware of and adhere to guidelines.

What have we done to help remind everyone of the above rules?

We have posted signs on all Backstops that address:

• The 2 spectator per player

• The Social Distancing rules of 6 feet

• No Spitting, No Gum, No Sunflower seeds.

To help with Social Distancing:

• The use of the dugout has been suspended and replaced an extended player paddock area, which is designated by yellow rope along the sideline fence.

• Players will be assigned a seat with in the paddock designated by an orange bucket. Parents are not permitted to enter this area and players must remain at their assigned buckets.

• We are staggering game start times to minimize the flow of people from and to the parking lot before and after games.

• The path to the concession stand has been designated by yellow rope, including markings at 6 feet on the walk way leading to the concession stand.

• The bleachers have been removed, so bring your lawn chair.

• The dugout wind screens have not been hung, with the exception of Field #4,  to provide greater viewing area so that spectators can spread out (social distancing). There are no spectators permitted from dugout to dugout on Field #4.

Face Masks/Covering:

• Face Masks are required while moving about the common areas within the complex, which includes moving to and from your seat.

• You must wear a face mask at the concession. (No Mask, No service).

• Team coaches are to wear a face mask during games and practices. It must be worn properly.

• It’s simple, wear a face covering while you walk around, remove it while your seated.

Inspections by the Health Department:

It is very important to understand that personnel from the Niagara County Health department will be inspecting our complex during events to ensure that everyone is following the published rules.  The inspections will be unannounced.  Inspectors will be dressed in plain clothes to blend in.  If the Covid19 rules/guidelines are not being followed, the inspectors have the authority to close us down! 

We hope that you help us by following the Covid19 rules/guidelines outlined above. 

Please remember that we are here for the kids to have fun playing Baseball and Softball. 

We do not want to or need to debate the Covid19 preventative rules established by New York State or the Niagara County Health Department.

Also as a reminder, any questioning of judgement calls by umpires will be dealt with swiftly. Our umpires are in positions they normally are not in due to COVID19 and they are doing the best that they can. Any abuse from coaches, parents or players will NOT be tolerated and you will be asked to leave the park. 

Thank you

NTNLL Board of Directors

Please read below for some guidelines as you prepare for the season. We are focused on safety and ask that you follow the guidelines below when visiting NTNLL. These are in addition to the COVID specific rules listed above.

1. Parking for parents and coaches is limited to 2 areas at NTNLL. You are required to park in the lot by the DMV, or the lot next to Field 3 near the old Youth Center. You cannot park along Sikora Drive, or on the grass. The 6 spots outside the clubhouse are for Concessions and Handicapped only. Please observe the parking rules at NTNLL and help make the park safer and more enjoyable for all. AGAIN, THERE IS NO PARKING ON THE GRASS, ESPECIALLY BETWEEN THE CLUBHOUSE AND WHEATFIELD ST. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD FOR OUR PATRONS, PARK IN THE LOT AND WALK TO THE DIAMONDS.

2. There is no smoking or consumption of alcohol while on the grounds. This includes the use of electronic cigarettes and Vapor devices, as well as the consumption of non-alcoholic beers!

3. Any abuse of an umpire, whether by a player, coach or fan will be dealt with swiftly and that person will be ejected from the park. Decisons of the umpires in regards to calling games due to weather, lack of daylight, or for any other reason are at the discretion of the umpire.

4. Our fields are enclosed. That means coaches must be inside the dugout during play and are not permitted inside the gates. Only base coaches are allowed and must be in the coaches box. No on deck batters except for Field #4.This includes all house, travel {Boys of Summer, Clarence, etc...} and tournament games being played at NTNLL. The gates must be closed before play can begin. For Squirt and Peewee house games, we do allow coaches on the field.

5. Do not climb the fences, or trees. Not only is this a safety issue, we are trying to keep the park looking nice.

6. Please discuss with your teams the importance of cleaning the dugout during and after games. We are not here to pick up after you, and coaches will be notified if they choose to ignore this.

7. When driving on Sikora Drive, please keep it under 10 MPH. People have been speeding through and we have kids crossing that street all day long. Please be respectful of others as you arrive.

8. Please try to avoid bringing in outside food and beverage, especially when the concession stand is open. We are a volunteer organization and depend on concessions to help raise money for important projects at NTNLL. We do accept credit and debit cards at the stand.

9. Most importantly, win or lose, please have fun and spend your time encouraging your players, and don't worry about what the other team is doing, or what call the umpire made. If you would like to assist with coaching or umpiring, we are always looking for the help!

Thank you for helping keep our park safe for all!