Event information

Disclaimer:  Do not register for this team if you are unwilling and or not able to fully commit to the terms of participation.  Study the concept and schedule of the proposed upcoming Spring 2014 season and make sure you would be able to meet the terms to participate.  Player's must have above average baseball skills as these teams will play the best competition and must be able to compete.

1.  Player's must complete registration

2. Immediately upon completion of registration , player must create a profile on LockerDome at www.lockerdome.com.  Parents must create an account for themselves and then add the child to their account. Profile must contain pictures, videos and a complete bio of player's experience.  Three references must be provided from coaches, instructors or third parties that can attest to the character of the player as well as the skill level of the player.

4.  Once LockerDome account is set up, player needs to join the Stars and Stripes Baseball Network and the Stars and Stripes Gold Team network.  Once joining the networks is completed on LockerDome, send a friend request to Kelly Ahrens so we can follow one another.

5. It may be necessary for the player to attend a local academy as chosen by Stars and Stripes in order to be able to evaluate player's ability and character. A decision will be provided to the player typically within one week of the "Complete" registration.

Stars and Stripes Gold teams are made up of major level players who show extreme dedication to becoming one of the top players in their class.  Gold teams have a fall and a spring season.  The fall season is utilized to learn personnel and gain experience going into the spring season.  After roster adjustments and finding the right nucleus of players, the teams then participate in up to 8 total tournaments based upon tournament availability.  

There is no team or organization in the country that provides a format such as what Stars and Stripes Gold is providing.  This format provides players from any part of the country to experience a chance to compete at the highest level under unique circumstances.

Gold teams are “Regional” based teams who are made up of quality players who meet the Stars and Stripes criteria.  Stars and Stripes do not recruit the “Studs” from other teams to participate because of their exceptional baseball skills.  Stars and Stripes recruit team players who are dedicated to the sport and are a good representative to the Stars and Stripes organization.  Good players come from good families!  Players and parents are screened to ensure the nucleus of the team is a unit and the values of the organization are upheld.

Stars and Stripes require the players and families to have high character and are supportive of a “Team” approach.  Gold Team players are “Academy Kids”, kids who are motivated to be the best they can be and are found in their garage hitting soft toss in the net and throwing balls into a screen.  Many of the participants practice daily and receive professional instruction from someone in their area. Stars and Stripes is looking for the player with high character, great social skills and someone who is willing to outwork his opponents.

Gold teams have to have the right group of kids to accomplish the goals set.  The formula is to recruit 10 players who will put the team and organization first who show the desire to put in the work in becoming the best player they can be.  Each of the players will have to pitch.  It is not possible to compete at the level of play the Gold Teams will enter without having the depth in pitching needed to succeed.  Well rounded players who are athletic and can play multiple positions make the roster unique. 

Gold teams play with 10 and bat 10 in every situation unless an injury takes place.  Gold teams will require each and every player on the roster to be productive for the betterment of the team.  Gold teams do not practice due to the geographic limitations set.  Players will come from up to a 5 hour radius.  There will be four teams in each age group ages 9U to 13U.  The four teams will represent 4 geographic locations across the country, all with the same agenda. 

Gold team members will come to the events early and practice once or twice before playing.  All players are required to attend regular “Video Conferences” where team building skills are taught, review of strategies, signals, etc. are managed.  Fall teams will play in a variety of tournaments preparing for the Spring Competition typically only competing in one Super NIT as they are not offered until the spring season. 

Players may have to miss a few half days of school as many of the Super NIT’s begin on a Friday and there will typically be a 3 to 8 hour drive to get to the events that are scheduled.   Participants are required to stay in the hotel selected by Stars and Stripes and to book flights through ATC Travel.

Gold teams are selected by the National Director and the National Director assigns a Head Coach for each team.  Parents are not allowed to coach their son as professional coaches are hired to coach and manage the team.  Coaches will be managed by National Director who provides guidance on how the teams are to be managed.  Participants will register and submit references, upload pictures, upload video and other considerations to be considered for a roster spot.  Participants may be required to attend an evaluation by a Stars and Stripes professional instructor to validate skill and character necessary to participate.

There is significant cost in order to participate on the Gold Team.  Player fee is $2000 to participate in either the Spring or Fall season.  There will be an additional $100 per player cost for any tournament’s played over 6.  Example is teams may qualify for National Championships berths.  The players are committing to making the events as described in this correspondence.   Families are responsible for all travel and lodging expenses.  Full uniforms will be provided for each of the players.  Participants are required to pay a $25 review fee to be considered for a spot on a Gold Team roster. 

Gold Team players cannot play in the same age group with an affiliated team.  Player’s can however, play on a team at an age group higher than what they are participating with on the Gold Team Roster.  Stars and Stripes encourage players to remain engaged on their local circuit and playing on the off weekends when not participating with the Gold Team.

It is important for families to completely understand Stars and Stripes as an organization and make sure this is a fit for their family.  Stars and Stripes is a trusted brand that has produced numerous events.  Stars and Stripes have been working to produce the Gold Team concept for over two years.  The 2013 11U Stars and Stripes Gold team has paved the way for the 2014 Stars and Stripes Gold Teams.  The concept is proven and we are excited to expand on this great concept.

Stars and Stripes is well suited to manage the Gold Teams.  Stars and Stripes have an abundance of resources which make it possible to manage this opportunity.  Stars and Stripes have secured a sponsorship with Baseball Digest Magazine providing a great outlet for exposure for Stars and Stripes and its participants.  In addition to the relationship with Baseball Digest Magazine, Stars and Stripes is owned by the holding company that controls and manages the My Son Plays Baseball Facebook page which has over 185,000 fans giving us a great national reach and ability to recruit and expose this program.

The USABSA (www.usabsa.com), another member of the same holding company,  provides access to 1400 baseball academies across the country.  In addition to these academies, Stars and Stripes leverage its relationships to recruit professional instructors who own and work at these academies.   Stars and Stripes has established the ability to communicate with it’s participants, coaches and sponsors using high tech partners in the service cloud. The ability to manage the data and relationships in this manner separates Stars and Stripes from any would be competitors.