New to OHYSA?

Oak Hill Youth Sports Association (OHYSA) is one of the largest youth baseball and softball organization in Austin, and has been serving the youth of southwest Austin and surrounding areas since 1967.  We are a recreational league and all registered players “make” a team.  In any given year, this means that 1,200+ boys and girls will be playing on roughly 100 teams!

League Division by Age

Players are assigned to leagues based on their age. For Spring play, the cutoff is player age as of 12/31 of the preceding year for softball and 4/30 of the current year for baseball. For Fall play, the cutoff is player age as of 12/31 of the current year for softball and 4/30 of the upcoming year for baseball.

Division Playing Age Level Availability
WeeBall 3 & 4 year olds intro to team sports co-ed (spring & fall); 6 games only – no EOS
6U 5 & 6 year olds intee-ball baseball & softball (spring, summer & fall)
8U 7 & 8 year olds coach pitch baseball & softball (spring, summer & fall)
10U 9 & 10 year olds kid pitch baseball & softball (spring, summer & fall)
12U 11 & 12 year olds kid pitch baseball & softball (spring, summer & fall)
14U 13 & 14 year olds kid pitch baseball & softball (spring, summer & fall)
18U 15 to 18 year olds high school baseball (summer & fall)

Team Placement, Practice & Game Scheduling

All registered players are drafted onto a team, with the following exceptions: 

  • WeeBall & 6U players do not try-out and there is no draft. The Commissioners assign players to teams based on several factors that ensure a balance across teams. While buddy to buddy player requests are considered, we do not guarantee that they will be met.
  • The children of Head Coach and Priority Assistant are placed on the team their parent coaches (usually two per team).
  • Siblings in the same division are drafted onto the same team unless otherwise requested by the parent.
  • 2nd year returners are automatically placed on the same team (Spring only).
  • Players registering after draft are assigned to teams based on random draw pending availability.  All registration is closed by season mid-point.
  • 18U teams generally apply with a full roster for summer and fall play, however teams can be formed if enough players are interested. Email [email protected] for more information.

Practices begin immediately after each league’s draft. If you have not been contacted by your Head Coach within 1 week of try outs, contact your league Commissioner.

There are strict limits on practices as outlined in our Blue Book – the book of policies, procedures and rules for Oak Hill baseball and softball. Copies of the Blue Book are generally available online, and every coach is familiar with their specific league’s rules.

In the spring, games begin the first weekend in March and play through the end of May.  Games play on weeknights after 5:30PM, Saturdays after 8AM, and occasionally on Sundays after 12PM. WeeBall games play on Saturday mornings. No games will play over Spring Break or Easter Weekend. Practices may be off-site and at locations determined by your coach.  Teams are limited to three team meetings per week (with certain exceptions related to make-up games or double-headers as outlined in the Blue Book). Some teams, including both 14U & 12U baseball and all softball, interlock with other leagues – playing other area teams at locations away from OHYSA fields. There is a Baseball Opening Day and a Softball Opening Day – both in March.  The season ends with end-of-season tournaments in all leagues, and a family themed End of Season Carnival with silent auction, home run derby, bbq cook-off, music and a parents’ softball tournament.

In the fall, games begin the weekend after Labor Day with the regular season running for 8 weeks. Regular season games are typically scheduled on Sundays with games times beginning after 12PM. There are some exceptions. WeeBall plays on Saturday mornings beginning at 8AM. Divisions that interlock (12U & 14U Baseball and all levels of Softball) may have games scheduled on Saturdays depending on the constraints of other leagues that participate in our scheduling. Some 6U or 8U games may be scheduled in the late afternoon on Saturdays, dependent on total number of teams in those divisions. Teams that interlock in this way will see away games. An end of season tournament, which may consist of pool play, single or double elimination, or some combination of those formats, is scheduled for each division at the conclusion of the regular season games. Teams are limited to two practices a week; one is always scheduled at the complex on a pre-determined weeknight. Access to cage or field for the second practice is at the discretion of the commissioners based on field availability and scheduling. 

Coach Selection Process

Coaches in the league must go through an application process each season and pass an annual background check. Coaching candidates are approved on a seasonal basis. A coach is allowed to be the Head Coach for only one team per season, but can be an assistant coach on another team if approved. Coaching Clinics are provided to our coaches at no charge.

Game Rules and League Procedures

At OHYSA we follow Major League Baseball and Pony Softball rules, with exceptions as noted in our Oak Hill Blue Book– the book of policies, procedures and rules for Oak Hill baseball and softball.  Some rule exceptions are for safety of the players or to keep games to a reasonable schedule. 

OHYSA adheres to a strict Zero Tolerance policy for players, coaches, parents and spectators. For more information about this, and our conflict resolution policy, please visit the Ballpark Safety page of our website.

OHYSA is private property and prohibits weapons of any kind. For detailed information, including legal notices in accordance with state law, please visit the Ballpark Safety page of our website.

OHYSA observes severe weather procedures, stopping all play or practice and vacating fields when thunderstorms or lightning are present or when tornado warnings have been issued. For detailed information about this policy, please visit the Ballpark Safety page of our website.

Refund requests for recreational play are mandated by date of withdrawal, and subject to a 100%/50%/0% rule. Withdrawls after registration, but prior to draft are refunded @ 100%, minus any add-on purchases, 3rd party credit card processing fees or discounts. Withdrawals following first draft are refunded at 50%, minus any add-on purchases, 3rd party credit card processing fees or discounts. Withdrawals after the first active day of play for any games are not eligible for refund, with the exception of season ending injury, or with the prior written approval of the Board President. Refund requests for Elite or Platinum play are only approved due to injury and will require supporting documentation from a licensed physician and are only approved for the direct player fee paid to the league by the parent. Any additional costs associated with team fees or charges are not the responsibility of OHYSA. Player withdrawal and refund requests should be made by contacting the team coach and division commissioner via email.

Players are assigned a numbered jersey and logo’d baseball cap for each season of play. Each player will need to provide their own pants, belt, socks, and cleats to complete their uniform. Your coach will tell you what colors to get these items in. Each player will need a glove, helmet and bat. Equipment can be expensive. If you need assistance, the program Beyond the Bases provides gently used equipment. Speak with your coach or the commissioner about your needs. Before making new purchases, make sure you are buying what your player needs for their level of play AND what they can use according to equipment restriction. This can and does change year to year, so if in doubt, contact your commissioner.

Rainouts and Makeup Policy

Game cancelations due to weather are made as soon as it is determined if a field is unplayable. Our fields are amazing at draining and being playable after it rains  We very rarely cancel games before 3:00 – 4:00 p.m. (for weeknight games) simply because they recover so well, and because we can’t predict the weather perfectly. For Saturday games we evaluate each field very early in the morning.  Cancellation decisions are made on a field by field basis.  We attempt to post rainout info on the Oak Hill website and send out info via email.

League commissioners attempt to plan for makeup slots when creating the game schedule and makeup games are scheduled as soon as possible following a rainout.  This may mean that your team plays a double header on a Saturday or Sunday when only one game was originally scheduled. Makeup games are not typically scheduled in the Fall.

Post-season and Summer All-Star Play

During end of season tournaments your child’s team may play games 2 – 3 consecutive days towards the latter part of the tournament.  Trophies are awarded for the 1st and 2nd place teams in each tournament. WeeBall does not have a tournament. WeeBall, 6U and 8U divisions distribute trophies to all participants.

OHYSA typically fields very competitive All-Star teams when the Spring season ends. Please do not commit your child to All-Star play if your plans prevent them from playing in All-Star tournaments. The season can be very busy for All-Star families, but it can also be very rewarding and enjoyable to share your child’s successes. More information will be supplied by your head coach about the All-Star process during the spring season.

Volunteerism

OHYSA is a non-profit organization that relies solely on volunteers to keep the kids on the fields and playing ball.  Parents are encouraged to dedicate as much time and energy as they can, and are rewarded with smiles and thanks from our youth players, volunteer coaches, league commissioners and Board of Directors. During the season, teams are required to help with different tasks and coaches will assign parents or expect volunteers to step up. 

Policies

Rules and policies are strictly enforced

The Board would like to stress to our community that we do have a policy regarding lightning and other storm conditions.  This policy is used. A Board member or Commissioner (“green shirts”) is always on site at the complex for scheduled games. If you ever have any questions about safety procedures at our complex, you can always contact a Board Member for further information.

  • All activities will be halted and the Oak Hill Youth Sports Association Complex will be closed for at least 30 minutes when there is (1) a thunderstorm with claps of thunder, (2) lightning is observed, or (3) if there is a tornado warning in the vicinity of the facility.
  • Players, coaches and spectators will be advised to seek shelter in a safe, fully enclosed building or a vehicle.  At no time should players remain in the dugouts during this 30 minute period.
  • The game will not be resumed until a full 30 minutes after (1) the last clap of thunder is heard, (2) the last bolt of lightning is seen, or (3) the tornado warning has been lifted. Participants will be signaled if/when it is determined to be safe to re-enter the Complex.
  • If field conditions allow, activities may resume at that time.  The umpire on each field will have sole discretion in determining the 30-minute period for each game, and he may not be overruled by the managers of the teams playing the game.
  • A Board Member and/or Commissioner on site may be consulted and shall have authority to suspend or resume all games on all fields. 
  • If the game cannot be resumed, it will be suspended until a later time.

All OHYSA players, coaches, team officials, league administrators and parents are expected to be respectful and sportsmanlike at all times when representing OHYSA. Penalties and disciplinary action by the league can be assessed for the following violations:

Players, Coaches, Parents and Spectators cannot

  • Openly dispute or argue decisions from an official
  • Use ANY obscene or vulgar language and/or gestures
  • Visually demonstrates dissatisfaction with an official’s decision
  • Display unsportsmanlike behavior toward any player, coach or official
  • Taunt players, coaches, officials or spectators by baiting, ridiculing, threatening violence or engaging in physical violence
  • Throw objects in the stands or dugout in any manner intended to create a safety hazard.

Officials are required to conduct themselves in a businesslike, sportsmanlike, and impartial manner at all times. “Baiting” or inciting players or coaches is strictly prohibited. 

Parents/Spectators – The game will be stopped by league officials when parents/spectators display inappropriate or disruptive behavior. Violators will be identified to the coaches for the purpose of removal before play is resumed. Lost time will not be replaced and violators may be subject to further disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.

Oak Hill Youth Sports Association is private property. Accordingly, we prohibit ALL weapons of any kind from the premises, except those carried by Law Enforcement Officers in performance of their duties. The following legal notices are in accordance with Texas State law.

Pursuant to Section 30.06. Penal Code (trespass by license holder with a concealed handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a concealed handgun.

Conforme a la seccion 30.06 del Codigo Penal (Traspaso por poseedor con licencia para portar arma de de fuego oculta), Personas Con licencia bajo del sub-capitulo H, Capitulo 411, Codigo de Gobierno (Ley de licencias de armas de fuego), No pueden entrar a esta propiedad con una pistola oculta.

Pursuant to Section 30.07, Penal Code (trespass by license holder with an openly carried handgun), a person licensed under Subchapter H, Chapter 411, Government Code (handgun licensing law), may not enter this property with a handgun that is carried openly.

Conforme a la seccion 30.07 del Codigo Penal (Traspaso por poseedor con licencia para portar arma de de fuego oculta), Personas Con licencia bajo del sub-capitulo H, Capitulo 411, Codigo de Gobierno (Ley de licencias de armas de fuego), No pueden entrar a esta propiedad portando abiertamente una pistola.

Parents:

  • Do not force your child to participate in sports, but support their desire to play their chosen sport. Children are involved in organized sports for their enjoyment. Make it fun.
  • Encourage your child to play by the rules. Children learn best by example.
  • Do not embarrass your child by yelling at players, coaches or officials. 
  • Emphasize skill development and how practices benefit athletes. 
  • Know the rules and support the officials on and off the field. 
  • Know enough to know that you won’t always know the rules.
  • Recognize the importance of those volunteering to coach your child.
  • If you enjoy the game, learn all you can and dedicate time as a volunteer!

Spectators:

  • Display good sportsmanship & respect players, coaches and officials.
  • Act appropriately; do not taunt or disturb other fans. 
  • Cheer good plays of all participants, avoid booing opponents.
  • Cheer in a positive manner; avoid objectionable cheers.
  • Support the umpires and coaches – don’t undermine their efforts.
  • Be responsible for your own safety and alert to help prevent accidents.
  • Respect dugouts as private areas for players, coaches and officials.

In the event that a situation arises which requires COMPLETE EVACUATION OF OHYSA the following procedure will be used:

All cars parked north of an imaginary line running between the concession stand and the flagpole complex will exit in an orderly fashion onto the eastbound HWY 290 access road from the 290 gate (and church gate if opened). All cars parked south of an imaginary line running between the concession stand and flagpole complex will exit in an orderly fashion onto Joe Tanner Ln through the creekside gate. 

OHYSA Board members and on-site personnel will assist in directing traffic.

When conflicts arise between Coaches, Parents, Players and Umpires, the expectation is that we should be able to discuss and resolve the issue appropriately. These discussions should ALWAYS be in the best interest of the children. These are the steps for conflict resolution at OHYSA.

STEP ONE: Discuss the problem with the person or persons involved. In the event the person is a child and there is no response then have the parent notified of the situation so they may intervene if necessary. This should happen immediately or within 24 hours of the situation.

STEP TWO: If there is no resolution after the first step then contact the appropriate Commissioner. The Commissioner will assess the situation and make recommendations on how to proceed. This should happen within 36 hours of the situation.

STEP THREE: if there is no resolution after the second step then the Softball or Baseball Commissioner should be contacted. The Softball/Baseball Commissioner will then assess the situation and make recommendations on how to proceed. This should happen within 48 hours of the situation.

STEP FOUR: if there is no resolution after the third step then the Infractions Committee, chaired by the President of the Oak Hill Youth Sports Association and comprised of the President, Vice-president (Vice-chair), Baseball/Softball Commissioner, and three (3) members appointed by the Board of Directors, will convene to review any complaints of an official nature which might be received concerning the conduct of individual managers, assistants, players, parents, umpires, or other program participants.

  • Complaints to the Infractions Committee must be in writing via email and submitted to the OHYSA President within three (3) days of the incident complained of in the complaint
  • Upon receipt of a complaint the committee will hear evidence and announce a decision in writing within ten (10) days after receipt of the complaint
  • Any person dissatisfied with the committee’s decision may appeal that decision to the Board of Directors. An appeal must be submitted in writing to the President within three (3) days of the committee’s decision.
  • An Infractions Committee member involved in the circumstances leading to the complaint or who has a child playing in the league or division in question is not eligible to participate in the hearing or decision of the complaint. In the event that one or more Infractions Committee members is ineligible to participate, the Board of Directors shall appoint a replacement member or members.