Youth Division FAQs
- Ages 6-13
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Q: What age level should my son tryout for?
A: The Bo Jackson Elite organization allows players to play with either their age level or their grade level prior to 15u. From 15u-18u, Bo Jackson Elite prefers players either play with their grade level or play up a class due to the recruiting process. The cutoff for players choosing to play with their age level is May 1st (i.e. a player wanting to play 9U cannot turn 10 prior to May 1st).
Entering 1st grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 7u
Entering 2nd grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 8u
Entering 3rd grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 9u
Entering 4th grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 10u
Entering 5th grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 11u
Entering 6th grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 12u
Entering 7th grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 13u
Entering 8th grade in Fall of ’25- then tryout for 14u
Q: Does the price include uniforms?
A: Each player will receive (1) practice shirt that is included in player fees. Game uniforms (jersey/pants) are not included in the initial player fee. A uniform team store will be provided to order game uniforms. A basic uniform package of (2) pants, (2) jerseys, (1) pair of socks, (1) game hat, and (1) belt is under $250.
Q: What is the tryout process like?
A: Check-in will begin 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time. Players will check-in with our baseball staff upon arrival. Our baseball staff will give each player a registration number, which will be written on the player’s hand before they head out onto the field. Players will be addressed as a group prior to the start of tryouts. Players will then rotate through a variety of stations. Stations will include: hitting evaluation, defensive evaluation(s), throwing/pitching evaluations, running/agility test, and an interview station to better get to know each player. For age groups 9U-18U, pitching evaluations will be completed near the end of the tryout window. Catchers will be asked to stay and catch during pitching evaluations. Tryouts are conducted in a way where all participants are required to earn their spot on a team and each player will have ample opportunity to put their best foot forward. Players will be dismissed upon the completion of their tryout.
Q: How quickly will we be notified of our status/if we make the team and how do we lock in our roster spot?
A: Players will be notified of their status within 1-3 days of the tryout. (Please make sure to check your spam folder in case our emails get sent there by accident.) Players invited to the program will have 24 hours to accept their invitation. For players that receive an offer to play for Bo Jackson Elite, a 24 hour deadline will be given for families to both accept and submit a deposit. This deposit secures your roster spot, and is non-refundable.
Q: How does payment work?
A: Player fees work with payment plans that look as follows:
8u: TBA
9u: TBA
10-14u: TBA
Q: What should I wear, and do I need to do and/or provide anything prior to tryouts?
A: Players should wear baseball attire (hats and baseball pants). Players can wear tennis shoes and/or molded cleats. Metal spikes are not permitted in the facility. Players should bring all of their baseball equipment (glove, bat, batting helmet, etc.). This includes catching equipment for players wanting to workout as a catcher.
All players must pre-register (online) for tryouts. A questionnaire will be sent out via email about 2-3 weeks prior to your tryout date. We ask that all tryout registrants complete the questionnaire prior to their respective tryout date.
Q: Do parents need to stay for the tryout?
A: During check-in, players/families will receive an experience sheet, which lays out everything players receive as a member/travel team player with Bo Jackson Elite. Parents will also have an informational meet and greet with one of our Baseball Directors at the start of each tryout.
Q: How are rosters constructed, and what is considered when building rosters? How many players are expected to make each roster?
A: Since 2017, our organization has grown with players and families looking for development. With growth has come multiple teams at the same age group. To avoid confusion and easily identify teams in tournaments/events, we attach the head coach’s last name to the end of the team’s name. Unlike most travel teams, this designation does not signify level in our organization at most age groups.
Rosters are built to give players optimal opportunities and playing time. Factors such as positional needs and development opportunities also aid in roster construction. Game/tournament budgets are based off the following roster sizes:
7u: 11-12 players per team
8u-12u: 12 players per team
13u: 12-13 players per team
14u: 14 players per team
We have also had success in sharing players from rosters to help with conflicts or to provide an extra opportunity for a player to expand on their development if/when necessary.
Q: How does Bo Jackson Elite select and develop coaches?
A: Bo Jackson Elite coaches are chosen via a thorough selection process, which consists of understanding both the motivations and resume of prospective coaches.
In an effort to provide players the best possible environment for development, Bo Jackson Elite offers coach development opportunities to all coaches (head & assistant) throughout the organization. These opportunities include both a USA Baseball Coaches clinic and an in-house coaches clinic, as well as multiple small-group/roundtable discussions. Coaches collaborate with our Youth Coordinator, Monte Hoover, and Director of Baseball Operations, Brandon Szink.