Policy
The H.H.Y.A offers organized team sports for many different age levels, and these various levels emphasize different stages of development.
The programs for the younger children, ages 10 & under, focus on gaining an understanding of the sport, acquiring basic skills, gaining confidence, and quite simply, enjoying the game. All Participants are given equal opportunities to play, and winning is secondary to learning and having fun. The programs designed for the older youth, ages 11 to 18, shift in focus to understanding the intricacies of the sport, sharpening skills, building confidence, and enjoying the challenge of competition. The All-Star and "Travel" teams embody these same principles, but at an even higher level. Therefore, due to the competitive nature of these leagues, playing time is not necessarily distributed equally. These teams compete against other communities and are comprised of a limited number of players who have exhibited above average skills and a commitment to excellence. These players must play 60% of regular season games. Any player who does not play 60% of regular season games will not be eligible for all-star play. For a game to count, a player must be present and ready to play before the first pitch is thrown, and stay until the last out of the game. An excusable absence is at the discretion of the board. The success of the H.H.Y.A programs greatly depends on the participants honoring their commitments; This inclues the adult volunteers, the players, and the players' parents.