What Days of the week do we play?

We play Monday – Thursday starting at 6pm
T-Ball – Tuesdays and every other Wednesday
Coach Pitch – Monday and Thursday
Minors – Monday and Wednesday
Majors – Tuesday and Thursday
Junior – Monday and Wednesday

When does the season start and how long is it?

The season starts the first Monday of May and goes until the middle of August (finishing either the 2^nd or 3^rd Friday).

Do I have to play house league to play for the Cornwall River Rats?

In order to be eligible to play in Little League, you must play in the House League program

Can my child play in an older division?

Sometimes it may be desirable to move your child to an older division to be with a friend or sibling.  This is done on a case-by-case basis.  We try to accommodate as much as possible.  Sometimes we can’t move players from one division to another because of numbers and how it affects that division.  We do allow underage players to join t-ball but with the caveat that the parents must be prepared to help on the field all season long to keep their child focussed and for safety reasons. 

What Equipment do I require to play?
 

• Glove
• Helmet
• Water Bottle
• Jogging pants or baseball pants (t-ball can wear shorts)
• Running shoes (perfectly fine for t-ball and coach pitch) or cleats (recommended for Minors and older)

We provide the Jersey and a ball cap and all of the other major equipment to play like catcher’s equipment, balls, bases, bats.

Where do we play?

Out of the beautiful Legion Park located in the South end along the river, off of Marlbourough avenue at 2 Bergeron Drive Cornwall, Ontario.

How do game cancellations work and when are they announced?

Decision to cancel the games will be made by NLT 4pm.  They will be announced through our social media and by e-mail.  It is possible that a game may be cancelled later if the weather shifts unexpectedly.  If there is no announcement by 4pm, that means the games are on.

Heat Warnings – If there is an Environment Canada heat warning at 4pm, that will result in T-ball and Coach Pitch being automatically cancelled.  Minors and above will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.  It is possible to have a heat warning at 4pm but have a temperature drop by game time.  The older kids are hardier and we encourage bringing lots of water, using sunscreen and sitting in the shade.

Lightning Guidelines

On seeing lightning, all games are suspended and may start only after 15 minutes have passed from the last sighting of lightning.
All players and spectators should move to safety and away from steel fences and trees. Wait in your cars until the game restarts or is cancelled.
For more information, please read: http://www.littleleague.org/learn/programs/asap/lightning.htm

Rain – A little bit of rain in the forecast does not mean automatic cancellation.  T-ball and Coach Pitch are less affected by rain because the players are not pitching.  Look for announcement about cancellation.  All day rain is a likely cancellation due to the fields being soaked.  A light sprinkle in the evening may cause a small game delay but we will strive to get the game in.
 
Make Up Games

T-ball – There will be no make up games as they are built into the schedule, unless there is an excessive amount of cancellations.

Everyone else – The first week of August is reserved for make up games so it will be a busy week.  All games will be made up.  If there is an excessive amount of make up games, the make up games may start sooner.  They will be booked by your division convenor.

 
When are the tryouts for the Cornwall River Rats?

Tryout dates will typically be announced at the end of April, early May by the coach, with tryouts being in the month of May.  The team will be selected by early June.  Little League does not permit naming the team before a certain date which is typically the beginning of June.

How much does it cost to play travelling team?

All of our travelling teams are $500 with the exception of the Coach Pitch travelling team which is $400.  The discrepancy is there are typically no umpires used in Coach Pitch.  What does the $500 go towards;
A complete Cornwall River Rats uniform which consists of Hat, Helmet, socks, pants and personalized Jersey.
Field Rentals for practices and games
Tournament fees (4-6 tournaments a season)
Umpire fees
Equipment
Some miscaellaneous expenses
Strict accounting measures are taken and full financials are  provided at the end of the season to the parents with a refund of any unused funds.

How does the Little League qualifiers and season look?

Teams will begin their season playing home/away travel ball games against competing Little League teams in the geographic area like Kingston, Ottawa, Brockville, Smith Falls etc…  We then enter into the District 7 playdowns.  District 7 consists of teams from Cornwall, Kingston, Kemptville and Brockville.  The winner will advance to the Provincials in July.  The winner in Major and older divisions will advance to the Canadians and the winner of the Canadians will advance to the World Series hosted in the USA.
The Cornwall River Rats will also play in a number of tournaments and exhibitions throughout the season with the season typically wrapping up mid to late August.

Buying a Bat

While it is not necessary to buy a bat, you may wish to do so.  Please review the bat regulations before you make that purchase.
Please Note That As Of January 1, 2018, The New USA Baseball Bat Standard Was Implemented By Little League. USABat Standard Bats Must Be Used In The Major And Below Divisions. Either USABat Or BBCOR Bats Must Be Used In Intermediate And Junior Divisions. At The Senior Division, All Bats Must Meet The BBCOR Standard. So While The Information On Some Of These Website May Be Helpful For Determine The Size Of Bat You Should Purchase, You Must Make Sure That Bat You Purchase Is A "Legal" Bat, Otherwise Your Player Will Not Be Allowed To Use It For Games.

Choosing The Right Baseball Bat (beabetterhitter.com)

Find Out More About Equipment  and Little League Bat Rules.  Composite Bats of Any Kind Are "Banned" Unless Specifically Listed On The "Approved" List On The Little League International Website. These Are Updated Regularly and Bats May Be Place On The “Not Approved” List At Any Time So Please Check This List Before You Buy.