If there is enough interest, a developmental team for 8 year olds will be put together to start teaching advanced fundamentals of the game. If available in a given year, this team will begin winter training together, and continue into the spring during the regular town spring season to get the kids ready for competitive play.

Norfolk Cannons will field teams for baseball age 9, 10, 11, & 12 that focus on developing the skills, discipline, and strong character necessary for our players to reach the highest level of personal growth and achievement while emphasizing a strong commitment to teamwork, work habits and mental preparations. These principles are the foundation for the intensive off-season training program, which is led by dedicated coaching staff. The ideal Cannons players is hungry to learn how to play the game through active engagement and repetition, has respect for others and themselves, and puts team over individual accomplishments.

If selected to a team, our players can expect the following:

A 16 to 20 game schedule, consisting of league and non-league games, plus potential playoffs/tournaments.

Games are played on either Saturdays and/or Sundays as double headers.

Offseason training two nights a week from January through March.

The season begins in April and ends in June prior to the start of our summer programs.

In-season practices are conducted at the discretion of each team’s coaching staff but should not be prioritized over participation in their spring town league games.

Norfolk Cannons teams primarily consist of players who live in one of the King Philip towns (Norfolk, Plainville, or Wrentham). Players must also be registered for their respective town's Spring Cal Ripken Leagues.

Players are required to play for teams based on their baseball age. Cannons uses the Perfect Game New England rules to determine a player's baseball age. In cases where an age-appropriate team is not available in the current year, a player may play up (not down) until one is available in the future.

Any exceptions to these rules must be requested and approved prior to tryouts. Exceptions must be approved by the Cannons coaches, along with the Commissioner and President of Norfolk Baseball, and apply to only the current year. It is the responsibility of the player to make additional exception requests for subsequent years.

Players selected for the Cannons are expected to treat their other spring teams with equal respect and Cannons coaches will work with the other spring town league coaches to ensure a safe season for all.

Each year, teams hold a formal tryout process. Applicants must attend a designated tryout for their approved age group. Roster spots are not guaranteed and must be earned year to year.

Once rosters are finalized, the head coach will reach out to inform the parents that their child has been offered a position on the team. Acceptance of the roster spot along with a non-refundable registration deposit is required to secure a spot on the team.

Teams may also select alternates for their rosters. An alternate player is one who will be eligible to participate in all off-season training but is not considered part of the regular playing roster. Alternate players may be eligible to join the playing roster for as many games as necessary, at the coach's discretion, if other plays on the regular roster are unavailable.

The registration fee per team reflects all costs to run that team which includes training costs, uniforms and other apparel, umpires, and applicable field usage fees, unless specifically excluded. Alternate players will be asked to pay a reduced registration fee to cover the cost of training and a uniform.

Potential managers must send an indication to the Norfolk Baseball Board by the end of the spring season expressing their interest in managing a Cannons team for the next season. To qualify for manager consideration, a candidate must satisfy the following:

• Be a member of the baseball community from one of the KP towns, which include Norfolk, Plainville, or Wrentham

• Be in good standing with their town’s baseball organizations

• Supply the necessary CORI documentation

• Demonstrate strong baseball knowledge and communication skills

The Norfolk Baseball Board will make the final decision on managers each season.

Once managers are selected, they will have the ability to nominate individuals for their respective coaching staffs for approval by the Norfolk Board. Assistant Coaches also need to satisfy the aforementioned requirements.

Cannons managers are discouraged from managing summer teams of the same age level.

• Be on time to practices and games
• Be willing to work hard during practices without complaining or disruption
• Be respectful of coaching staffs
• Follow all team guidelines and rules
• Understand that playing time is earned through hard work in practice and execution on field
• Be a positive influence for teammates by providing encouragement and leadership
• Display good sportsmanship
• Put your team first
• Give 100%, 100% of the time

• Be prepared for practices and games
• Treat each player fairly
• Communicate expectations to the players and parents
• Always be willing to communicate honestly with parents and players
• Treat the players like young men and never let them give up
• Make sure the players are prepared physically and mentally for each game
• Display good sportsmanship
• Teach leadership through the right example

• Make sure the player is willing to make the commitment necessary before accepting the invitation to join the team
• Ensure the player is on time practices and games and communicate with the coach if an issue comes up that will cause a delay.
• Understand that the coach must make decisions that are best for the team
• Refrain from instructing the player from the stands. Cheering should be limited to encouragement and congratulations
• Family members are not allowed in the dugout during a game (unless invited)
• Never approach a coach about playing time during a game or immediately after
• Treat opposing parents, fans, players, and coach with respect and good sportsmanship

For any inquiries, please contact your Cannons manager or the Norfolk Baseball Board.