What is our Purpose of MTBSA and Neffsville 9 (N9)?
Our purpose as a program is to develop the entire person through achievement in leading baseball and softball programs. Through our N9 Club program, we are working to build and maintain a program that prepares players and teams for success at the high school level.

If my player has committed to a Club team, is he or she eligible to play for Manheim Township (MTBSA) in the Spring?
All residents of Manheim Township are eligible to play baseball within / tryout for MTBSA programs. Our intent in launching N9 is not to preclude players that have committed to Club teams from playing for our MTBSA Spring teams. Rather, we are trying to encourage families to keep their players in MTBSA through the development of a comprehensive suite of options for all levels of play by expanding to include the N9 Club program.

All of that said, the MTBSA Code of Conduct and League Descriptions state that players must prioritize MTBSA programs. During the MTBSA Spring tryout process, families will be asked if players will be playing other sports or plan to play for baseball Club teams, and whether or not the other commitment could cause the player to miss MTBSA activities. The answers will be taken into consideration as teams are formed. Where players assigned to teams prioritize Club teams or other sports over MTBSA or N9 teams in the Spring or Fall (miss team activities, do not participate fully by asking not to pitch certain games, etc.), coaches have the discretion to take appropriate actions that are in the best interest of the team and are able to consult with MTBSA Directors, when needed. Actions could include reduced playing time.

What evidence does MTBSA have that the N9 program can be effective in advancing its programs and the high school program?
MTBSA started working with the N9 concept in 2021. To follow are some notable outcomes.

• MTHS Class of 2027
  • Coached by MTHS Head Coach Matt Kirchoff
  • Nine out of the Twelve players on the N9 team are playing at the high school level
• MTHS Class of 2028
  • Runner up in LCYBL 12U Championship
  • Won LCYBL 14U Championship
  • Seven out of the Eleven players on the N9 team are playing at the high school level
• Recent Success of N9 Teams
  • 12U / 13U Team – Reached championship games in more than half of competitive tournaments

How will the MTBSA and N9 tryout processes work?
Spring Season - MTBSA will continue the same tryout process in the Spring with player evaluations in early February and team formation shortly thereafter. Our Spring teams will compete in tournaments as N9 teams during and / or after the Spring season. Section One teams will play at the most competitive levels. Since the Spring league has wide age levels 10U, 12U and 14U, it is possible we’ll have a second N9 team at any of the age levels. The second teams could potentially play at 9U, 11U and 13U.

Fall Season - N9 teams will be formed through an objective process in the late Summer for the Fall season. Teams will practice a minimum of twice per week and play a minimum of four tournaments. Teams will play at only the most competitive levels similar to Section One teams.

How does MTBSA select coaches that are prepared to coach at competitive levels?
Coaches could include parents of players, members of the MTHS baseball staff, former MT baseball players who played at the next level, or other individuals selected by the program. In all cases, coaches will be vetted to ensure both competence and objectivity.

Could some of the coaches be parents of players?
As stated above, yes. In all cases, coaches will be vetted to ensure competence and objectivity. Any parent coach or assistant will be held to high standards of objectivity.

What development programs does / will MTBSA offer to support the growth of players?
Developmental Programs - MTBSA currently offers developmental sessions for players 8-10 years old during the Winter. The program will be expanded to include all travel program age levels.

Workout Programs - Our program will have affiliations with strength and athletic development programs that will be available to our players.

What costs will families incur for MTBSA and N9 teams?
In the Spring, players will pay MTBSA registration fees as they have in the past. N9 players will have an additional expense of an N9 hat and jersey. MTBSA subsidizes the cost of one tournament per team during the Spring season. Other tournament costs will be shared by families. Some tournaments might require regional travel.

In the Fall, the cost of N9 teams will be shared between families. This will include uniforms and tournaments. Some tournaments might require regional travel.