Introduction   [top]

The Northside Falcons was formed for the purpose of providing a Christian environment where home-schooled boys can participate in competitive select baseball at the High School and Junior High levels. Until recently, home-schooled boys in the North Houston / Montgomery County area have typically missed out on the opportunity to play High School level baseball. The Northside Falcons program answers this need by providing select High School and Junior High level teams that are specifically for homeschoolers. Tryouts are required.

In the Spring, our high school team plays a season schedule consisting of competitive games against area private and public schools as well as other homeschool teams. We also compete in a number of tournaments, including the new Texas State Homeschool Tournament in March. In April, we typically compete in an HWSA Regional Tournament (usually held in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area) with the goal of advancing to the Homeschool World Series in May, which is held in Pensacola, Florida.

The season schedule is similar at the Junior High level, where local (Houston-area) games and tournaments prevail. For 2008, we will also be participating as a member of the North Houston Athletic League, which includes JH level teams from seven area private schools. The "league season" will be rather abbreviated, with only seven disctrict games, followed by a district tournament. Other games and tournaments will be added to fill out a more complete season.

The priority for the High School division is to field a single, competitive Varsity squad. However, we also tend to schedule some games that are more appropriate for competition with a Junior Varsity squad. If and when that happens, we will typically field a team comprised of both Non-Senior varsity starters and other Non-Senior players from the full squad. Ultimately, we may develop separate programs for Varsity and Junior Varsity teams for competition against the varying levels of play within the scholastic team structure. In the meantime, we will maintain our competitive edge by putting the best players on the field against the strongest teams, while looking for opportunities to get all players into the game when practical (i.e., scrimmages, competition against weaker teams, and blow-out situations).

The Junior High program is currently focused on the development of a single competitive squad consisting of players within the younger eligibility guidelines (see "Eligibility", below). With enough quality players and prospects, we will look to develop a second Junior High level team that will compete in an abbreviated schedule. However, that is not our top priority at this time. Parents and players need to understand that even at the Junior High level, we are talking about select baseball. There is no guaranteed playing time for any player and the coach's job is to try and win games That said, we still encourage our JH coach to get players into games when possible and to find opportunities for the development of all players. That can often be difficult during the course of a game and all players and parents need to understand going in that some players will indeed get significantly more playing time than others.

In addition to our team competition, the Falcons is committed to the development of all players, ages 11-18, regardless of that player's existing level of experience, ability or baseball knowledge. To this end, we offer a rigorous training program in the off-season that leads up to our Fall Baseball Camp and initial tryouts. In connection, we have recently launched a separate baseball entity called the Northside Baseball Academy. The Academy sponsors all of the camps and training activities for which the Falcons are encouraged to participate, with the exception of specific team activities like tryouts, practices, games and fundraising events. For activities that are not team specific, Falcons receive discounts on Academy rates. Ultimately, we look for the Academy to include batting and pitching cages, private and group lessons, and even an introductory class in baseball fundamentals (rules, strategies, etc.) for both children and adults. This lofty goal is in fact already on pace with private instruction in pitching and hitting. For further information about the Northside Baseball Academy, please visit the Academy's official website here.

In summary, all age-eligible players are encouraged to take advantage of these excellent baseball opportunities and we look forward to years of providing quality baseball activity for people of all ages.

Statement of Faith   [top]

The Northside Falcons is a Christian organization. Its director, coaches and other leaders believe that:

• There is only one true and living God. He is an intelligent, spiritual, and personal Being, the Creator, Redeemer, Preserver, and Ruler of the universe; He is all-powerful and all-knowing and reveals Himself to us as Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, with distinct personal attributes, but without division of nature, essence, or being.

• God the Father reigns supreme over the universe, His creatures, and the flow of history according to the purposes of His Will.

• Jesus Christ is the Son of God the Father, that He is the incarnate Word of God; that he was with God the Father at the creation of the universe; that He was conceived of the Holy Spirit and became flesh and was born into this world of the virgin Mary; that He died for our sins; that He rose again in a glorified body; that He ascended into Heaven and sits at the right hand of God the Father, fully God and fully man, where he makes intercession on our behalf.

• The Holy Spirit is the Spirit of God, fully divine. He inspired holy men of old to write the Scriptures. He exalts Christ and enables men to understand truth. He convicts men of sin, of righteousness, and of judgment. He cultivates Christian character, comforts believers, and bestows spiritual gifts by which men serve God through His church. He enlightens and empowers the believer and the church in worship, evangelism, and service.

• Man is inherently sinful and can only be reconciled back to God through faith in Jesus Christ.

• Salvation -- and, by extension, eternal life -- is the free gift of God through faith in Jesus Christ as Savior, the evidence of which is confession of sin, repentance from sin, and a life that is lived in accordance with His will.

• The Holy Bible is Sacred Scripture, inspired by God, recorded by men, completely true and trustworthy, and able, through the Holy Spirit, to instruct for salvation through faith in Jesus Christ; it is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

We hold to other related beliefs as well, but for the sake of clarity, continuity and economy of space we have limited these statements to express those common beliefs which we feel define our essence as Christian believers.

Eligibility   [top]

The Northside Falcons is currently for High School and Junior High level players only (ages 11-18 on September 1st of the academic year). Note that due to the unique nature of homeschooling, we focus more on age than grade . . . at least for determining whether a player is eligibile to participate. However, please note that once a player has declared a grade level in connection with participation at an event sponsored by the Homeschool World Series Association (Qualifying Tournaments / Homeschool World Series), that player may not change that declaration and his years of eligibility are dictated by that declaration. For example, a player who participates in an HWSA-sponsored activity as a Sophomore in one year may only participate for two more years (his Junior and Senior year) in HWSA-sponsored activities. Beginning in 2008, this policy applies for the Texas State Tournament as well. Thus it is very important to make grade-declaration decisions wisely once a player reaches the high school level.

(Note that subject to our own approval and guidelines, 8th graders are allowed to play on High school teams at HWSA events and the Texas State Tournament. Thus, a player may indeed be eligible for five years of high school level ball, provided that first year is as a declared 8th grader. All of this, of course, is subject to the age-specific guidelines below as well).

Age-specific Guidelines:

In general, and subject to the grade-specific guidelines below, all home-schooled boys between the ages of 11 and 18 on September 1st of the academic year are eligible and invited to try out for our team that plays in the spring of the same academic year. In other words, a player who turns 19 on September 2 or later is eligible to play on the High School team the following spring. A player who turns 19 on September 1, or before, is not. On the other end, a player who turns 11 on September 1 is eligible to play on the Junior High team the following spring, whereas one who turns 11 on September 2nd or later is not.

In addition:

A player who is 17 or older on September 1st of the academic year is ineligible to play on a sub-varsity team in the spring of that academic year. Thus, a player who turns 17 on September 2nd (or later) can still play on JV, but a player who turns 17 on September 1st (or earlier) cannot.

A player who is 15 or older on September 1st of the academic year is ineligible to play on the Junior High team in the spring of that academic year. Thus, a player who turns 15 on September 2nd (or later) can still play on the Junior high team in the following spring, but a player who turns 15 on September 1st (or earlier) cannot. In connection, a player who turns 15 after September 1st may be required to play on the Junior High team, regardless of grade declaration. However, such players are often qualified as dual-eligible, meaning that they can participate in both Junior High and High School games, subject to the decisions of the coaches and director.

A player who is no older than 14 on September 1st of the academic year and who is not selected for a High School team may try out and, if selected, play for a Junior High team in the spring of the same academic year.

A player who is at least 13 years old on September 1st of the academic year may try out for and, if selected, play for a High School level team. However, please note that only those 13 and 14 year olds who are expected to get significant playing time will be accepted on a High School level team, and may still be required to play games at the Junior High level as well. Such players must also be declared as 8th grade or above.

Grade-specific Guidelines

In general, and subject to the age-specific guidelines above, you can use the following as guidelines for which "grades" are covered by which groups:

HS Varsity: Grades 8 - 12

HS Junior Varsity: Grades 7 - 11

Junior High: Grades 6 - 9

At the High School, the following specific rules apply:

Seventh graders may only play in Junior Varsity games.

Eighth graders are permitted to play in Varsity level games, but will most often play at the Junior Varsity level.

No player who has a declared grade of Senior may play on a sub-varsity team.

No player who has participated as a graduate in a high school graduation ceremony, whether that be a public, private or home school ceremony, is eligible to try out for or play on a Falcons team.

Other Eligibility Notes

We have attempted with the above to cover all possible situations regarding eligibility. If you still have questions, please feel free to contact us by email or call 936-756-2292.

A player does not have to be a resident of North Houston or Montgomery County to try out for or play for the Falcons (but see section on "Attendance").

These eligibility rules may be modified from time to time without notice.

Participation Requirements   [top]

To participate in any Falcons team activity (including games, practices, banquets, fund raisers, etc.), a player must meet the following requirements:

• Provide a copy of the player’s birth certificate
• Submit a signed Participation Agreement, which includes Medical Release and Waiver of Liability
• Comply with Dress Code
• Comply with Code of Conduct
• Cooperate with other players, coaches, umpires and others in authority
• Participate in all applicable fund-raisers (or pay the corresponding opt-out fees)
• Be current on all fees (season fee, opt-out fees, etc.)

Code of Dress / Appearance   [top]

All players must abide by the following at all Falcons functions:

• No jewelry
• No visible tattoos
• No died hair or eccentric hair styles (subject to coach’s decision as to what is "eccentric")
• Hats must be worn correctly, with the bill in front (with the obvious exception for catchers . . . while catching)
• No advertising on any clothing that depicts alcohol, drugs, tobacco, violence, sexual innuendo, profanity, mysticism, the occult, gangs, etc.
• No droopy drawers

In addition, players should recognize the need to wear appropriate protective gear and appropriate clothing for practice, including cleats, baseball hat, and pants that the player can run and slide in (preferably baseball pants).

Code of Conduct   [top]

All players, coaches, parents and fans must abide by the following code of conduct when attending or participating in any Falcons function:

• No profanity
• No illegal drugs or alcoholic beverages
• No drunken or disorderly behavior
• No booing of players, teams, coaches, umpires, parents or others
• No abusive or belittling language at or about players, teams, coaches, umpires, parents, etc.
• No suggestive or offensive language, innuendoes, gestures or jokes.
• No complaining about teams, players, coaches, parents, etc. out loud or to others.

These rules apply both on the field and in the surrounding areas (bleachers, parking lot, rest rooms, etc). In addition, each team’s coach has the authority to set additional rules of conduct that must be adhered to. If you have a problem with any attitude or action (including those of your own son), please address your comments and/or suggestions to the coach (after the game!), or to the Director, according to the Redress procedures detailed further in this policy. Our goal is to represent ourselves in a Christ-like manner at all times, and it is in everyone’s interest to abide by these guidelines. The provisions in this policy can be modified and/or added to at any time at the sole discretion of the Director, and all parties are required to adhere to any revised policy.

Special note regarding tobacco products:  Use of tobacco products on the field or in the dugouts is strictly prohibited (no exceptions). Use of tobacco products by a player is prohibited before, during and after any Falcons function; this includes travel time to and from functions as well as free time when the team is on the road. Adults who feel they must smoke are directed to separate themselves from any area (the bleachers, for example) where their habits are likely to be a nuisance to non-smokers.

Special note regarding modesty and behavior:  In addition to the above rules, all players, coaches, parents and fans are strongly encouraged to dress modestly and behave in a manner that befits participation in a Christian activity. Falcons home games are played at a public facility. As such, it would be impossible to enforce a dress code for non-players. However, that doesn’t mean we won’t say something about inappropriate dress or behavior. This could prove embarrassing for the recipient of such a rebuke and we would much prefer to avoid any confrontation. Please understand that we expect modest dress and self-control from all who attend.

About "Select Ball"   [top]

Parents and players are reminded that this is "select" baseball. Unlike Little League, Pony League, etc., coaches at the High School and Junior High levels are neither required nor encouraged to get every player into the game. On the contrary, players and parents alike need to understand that the coach’s job is to try and win baseball games using the players that he thinks will get the job done given the circumstances of the game.

This is one of the reasons why we limit the number of players on a team. There is no shame in sitting the bench on a team where you had to earn the right to sit there. Every player who makes the team is an important part of the team and we rely on consistent attendance and diligence from all players. Finally, coaches are encouraged (though still not required) to play all players in scrimmages, and in actual games when there is a blowout situation (either team having a significant/"insurmountable" lead). So there will definitely be play-time opportunities for all players at various points during the season. And since all players receive essentially the same practice time, drilling, instruction, etc., each player has the opportunity of progressing to the point that he may indeed be considered for greater playing time.

Tryouts   [top]

All information regarding tryouts (including dates, times and other important information) is posted here. All former players, along with those who have attended one of our camps or training sessions will be contacted in advance of the tryout date(s). Nevertheless, all interested players/parents are encouraged to stay tuned to this website in order to stay informed of the latest developments.

The Season   [top]

At the High School level, our season typically runs from mid-February through early May, plus (hopefully) the Homeschool World Series at the end of May. The season typically consists of games against other homeschool teams -- Dallas Angels (HSAA), Houston Eagles (HCYA), etc. -- as well as private schools (and some public schools) in the greater Houston / Southeast Texas area. We will usually schedule around 30 games (including tournaments), with the hope of getting 20-25 games in (some will inevitably rained out).

The Junior High season will typically begin in late-February and run through the end of April, with possible play into early May. The opponents are similar to those of the high school team, although games against public schools are more rare. Furthermore, at this time, there is no Homeschool World Series or Texas Tournament for Junior High. However, for 2008, we will also be participating in a league (NHAL) as part of the overall season. This league will feature a short season, followed by a district tournament. Also for 2008, the possibility exists for a second Junior High "JV" team that will play only through March, at which point, the players will be released to play in their local competitive city leagues during their normal April-through-May seasons.

Practices   [top]

Team practices are restricted to no more than three times per week, unless preparing for tournament or otherwise approved by the Director. Individual practice periods usually last around 2-1/2 to 3 hours.

Attendance   [top]

All players are encouraged to attend all practices and coaches are encouraged (but not required) to consider faithful attendance as a factor when weighing the merits of a particular player’s playing time. Coaches depend on reliable attendance in order to prepare organized and effective practices. Players/parents should notify the coach at the earliest possibility if the player will be unable to make a practice . . . or if he will be late.

Weather Policy   [top]

For any event where there is the threat of inclement weather (rain, high winds, temperature below 40 degrees), you should call ahead of time to make sure the event is still on. For training sessions, camps and tryouts, you may contact the Director, Fred Watt, at 936-756-2292 (home) or 936-443-1969 (cell). For team-related activities (games, practices, etc.), you should contact the team mom or one of the coaches. Contact information for team moms and coaches will be provided to players upon being selected for a Falcons team.

Game Rules   [top]

Unless otherwise noted, all games will be governed by High School rules according to the National Federation of High School Associations (NFHS). Information on rules (and obtaining rule books) can be found online at http://www.nfhs.org/. Two notable exceptions at the Junior High level are: a) the field dimensions are smaller (80' basepaths / 54' rubber) and, b) a player may use any bat he chooses, including a big barrel Senior League bat.

Fees and Fundraising   [top]

The Falcons program has consistently succeeded in keeping its season fees low, particularly in comparison to other, similar programs. One of the ways we accomplish this is by adding certain fundraising requirements. Players/parents may elect to opt out of fundraising by simply paying additional fees, but we prefer that all players participate in these activities. Specifics for each season are announced in advance of that season's annual parents meeting in January.

Redress (Suggestions / Exceptions / Complaints)   [top]

If you have a suggestion, seek an exception to a particular policy, or have a problem with the attitudes or actions of a coach, player or other person involved or associated with the Falcons, please address your comments in writing to:

Fred Watt

Director, Northside Falcons

PO Box 3672

Conroe, Texas 77305

If the problem or suggestion is specifically play-related, you may address your comments verbally to the coach, but only after the game or practice. Our goal is to represent ourselves in a Christ-like manner at all times, and it is in everyone’s interest to abide by these guidelines. The provisions in this policy may be modified and/or added to at any time at the sole discretion of the Director, and all parties are required to adhere to any revised policy.

High School Coaches   [top]

High School

Head Coach:  Shelby Thomas

Email:  Please use contact form

Asst. Coach:  Jesse Watt

Phone:  936-756-2292

Email:  Please use contact form

Junior High

Head Coach:  Tim Kemrite

Asst. Coach:  Fred Watt

Phone:  936-756-2292

Cell:  936-443-1969

Email:  Please use contact form

Contact Information   [top]

Our mailing address is:

Northside Falcons

PO Box 3672

Conroe, Texas 77305

Our web address is:

http://northsidefalcons.com/

For email contact, please use our contact form.

Other Provisions   [top]

Other provisions will be added as needed