06/25/20 NTIS Program Update (updated 2:30pm CST)
NTIS Registered Players,
Today is a tough day for us here at USA Baseball. As the national governing body for amateur baseball in the United States, we have many priorities to consider including the well-being, development and safety of players. At times, tough decisions have to be made outside of the baseball field that directly impact our ability to participate on them. Simply put, we are in an unprecedented year. Therefore, due to the continued impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in our country, USA Baseball announced today that it has cancelled all 2020 National Team Identification Series (NTIS) events. All regional tryouts, as well as the NTIS Champions Cup scheduled to take place at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in August, will not be rescheduled (please see official press release from USA Baseball here).
We understand everyone's disappointment at this news as we share the same feelings and emotions. This has been a difficult past few months for all of our local, regional, and national staff. Each year, we prepare and look forward to seeing so many talented players eager to represent our country on the international stage. Our process of identifying, selecting, and coaching players is a unique experience. To see a local player work through the regional level, then compete at a national level, and ultimately represent our country internationally is one of the most rewarding experiences for our entire staff.
We will all work through this unfortunate situation and will do everything in our power to turn the page on 2020 and head into the 2021 NTIS season with optimism and enthusiasm. As we prepare for 2021, here are a few questions and answers you may be thinking about:
What happens next?
As soon as USA Baseball feels it is safe to return to play, we will update the website with projected 2021 NTIS programming. By September 1st, we plan on having a clearer idea of possibly hosting NTIS events as early as Fall 2020.
What about my registration and fees?
Per our official policy, all registration fees will be converted to a future credit. Over the next week, each player who registered for a 2020 NTIS event, whether they attended a tryout or not, will receive their original registration fee credited back to their League Apps account.
How can I use my future credit?
Once NTIS events are approved to resume, players can visit their regional website and find an event they would like to attend. Simply begin the registration process and once you arrive at the payment page, you will be able to apply the credit in your account.
The future credit can be used towards any event listed on the website, whether it is a USA Baseball Development Camp or Identification Tryout and it is valid through the end of 2021.
Will my age classification change?
Yes. For the 2021 NTIS season, all players will move up one age category to the following:
11U / Players born in 2010
12U / Players born in 2009
13U / Players born in 2008
14U / Players born in 2007
15U / Players born in 2006
16U / Players born in 2005
What happens if I was born in 2004?
Players who were born in 2004 were considered 16U eligible for the 2020 NTIS season. Since 2021 will not include this birth year, we will be providing a specific event in the Fall/Winter of 2020 for 2004 born players. This event will be a USA Baseball Development/Showcase style event. Depending on the current NCAA recruiting guidelines at the time of this event, we may or may not have colleges in attendance.
Is there anything I need to do now?
There is nothing you need to do now. Our staff will add future credit to your League Apps account and will communicate with you as soon as NTIS events are scheduled again on the regional website.
We thank all of you for your patience and understanding throughout this process and we look forward to seeing everyone back on the baseball field! If you have further questions, please email me at andy@usabaseballntis.com
Respectfully,
Andy Rojo
NTIS Regional Director
