Frequently Asked Questions
Learn all about Ripken Camps & Clinics right here. Below are many of the most common questions we get regarding the various events and camps hosted here at our Aberdeen baseball complex. For additional questions, please contact us.
General Tournament Questions
What is the age cut-off date?
Ages are based on an April 30th cut-off date.
Is proof of age required?
Yes. We need to verify the age of every player prior to the beginning of the tournament. Teams must submit birth certificates to our office prior to the tournament. No player will be allowed to participate in the tournament until proof of age is presented.
Do the birth certificates need to be originals or copies?
Either is acceptable.
When will the tournament schedule be available?
The schedule will be posted on our website when it is complete, (Usually 1-2 weeks prior to the tournament). Each schedule is subject to change, so check back often to make sure you have the most up-to-date information.
Is there a dress code for the coaches?
Not specifically. Coaches are not required to wear a uniform/polo during the games, but are expected to be dressed appropriately.
How many people are allowed in the dugout?
Each team is allowed to have no more than 15 players, 4 adults (3 coaches and 1 scorekeeper), and one "batboy." The "batboy" must be listed on the roster as such and wear a helmet when on the field.
Do we need to bring baseballs?
Game balls are provided by Ripken Baseball. Teams should bring their own practice balls.
What size bats are legal for our age group?
- 9u/10u age groups - 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches in diameter with no weight restrictions
- 11u/12u age groups - 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches in diameter with no weight restrictions
- 13u/14u age group - 2 1/4 to 2 3/4 inches in diameter with no weight restrictions
- 15u and older age groups - No 2 3/4 inches in diameter allowed; use NFHS rules with a -3 weight differential
What rules will the tournaments go by?
All 9u and 10u teams will play on 46/60 diamonds, all 11u and 12u teams will play on 50/70 diamonds, and all teams 13u and older will play on 60/90 diamonds. Both will play by standard American League Rules. Please see the rules summary sheet for more specific information.
What happens if it rains?
Our first priority is the safety of everyone at the facility. If the fields are judged unsafe, we will suspend, postpone, reschedule, or cancel games as needed. There are numerous factors in deciding when games are allowed to continue and we weigh each of those before making a decision.
In the event of rain we will do everything within our power to stay as close to the game schedule as possible. However, because of limited field availability we may have to deviate from the printed schedule. If and when we need to alter the schedule, we will use the following procedures/priorities as our guide:
- Our first priority will always be to make sure each teams playes it's minimum number of games - we will try to maintain the original schedule as much as possible.
- We will attempt to have a championship game.
- We will never name a champion of a tournament without a championship game.
- We may eliminate the quarter-final or semi-final round to ensure a championship game.
Does the time limit apply if we are the last game of the day?
Yes. We must treat each game fairly. Early games may have ended due to the time limit so that later games could be played on time. It would be unfair to allow the last game of the day to play beyond the time limit if earlier games were restricted by time.
Are you affiliated with Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Baseball?
No. Cal Ripken Baseball is part of the Babe Ruth Baseball organization. Ripken Baseball is a separate entity and not affiliated with any specific organization.
Aberdeen Tournament Questions
What is the maximum number of players we can have on a roster?
Each team may have no more than 15 players and 3 coaches on the roster.
How many umpires are there for each game?
9u and 10u pool play games will have one umpire during pool play and two during elimination rounds. 11u and 12u will have two umpires for all games, including playoff rounds. 13u and older age groups will have two umpires during pool play and elimination rounds and four during the championship game.
When will the game results be posted?
We will post standings and results on the tournament board soon after each game ends. All of the tournament information (including a line score for each game) will be posted on the tournament website the day after each tournament ends.
Does Ripken Baseball keep individual stats for tournaments?
No, Ripken Baseball will not keep individual stats for any tournament.
What happens if there is a tie?
Games can end in a tie during pool (divisional) play only. If a tie exists between two or more teams either for advancement to the elimination round of for seeding purposes, the following tiebreaker system will be used.
- Head to Head results
- Average runs allowed per games played
- Lowest single game runs allowed
- Each subsequent lowest single game runs allowed (2nd lowest for each team, 3rd lowest for each team, etc.)
- Coin flip
A game featuring teams that are the same seed from different divisions will use a coin flip to determine home team.
Please note that total runs scored has no value in our tie breaker system. This is done to discourage teams from running up the score on their opponent.
How will I know which seed my team is for the elimination round?
All information regarding results, standings, and seeding will be centrally located on the tournament board at the Ripken Baseball Academy. There will be extra copies there for coaches to take with them.
Does our team need its own insurance?
Yes. Each team must send us their Insurance Certificate prior to the tournament. We must have "Ripken Baseball Camps & Clinics, LLC" and "Ripken Baseball Academy" listed as an 'additional insured' in the certificate holder section of the standard certificate of liability form. This can be obtained by simply calling your insurance company and asking them to list that on the certificate. Please note: we are not requesting to be added as a 'named insured' on your policy.
Are there pitching limits for the tournament?
New for 2010, Ripken Baseball does not have specific pitching limitations at our tournaments. We do, however, provide recommendations for coaches and parents to follow not only for your time at our tournament, but for your entire season. The responsibility ultimately lies with coaches and parents to ensure that each player's health and development is maintained properly. One rule that we do employ at our tournaments is as follows: Once a pitcher leaves the mound, he cannot return to pitch in that game. For further recommendations on pitching limitations, we have compiled an information sheet to help educate those who monitor the players which is available at the Ripken Baseball Academy and in our rules.
Are all of the dugouts covered?
No. Some of the fields at the Ripken Baseball Academy do not feature covered dugouts at this point. Teams may bring portable tents to cover the dugouts if they wish.
Do we need to bring water for the dugouts?
No. Ripken Baseball will provide ice water and cups in each dugout for all of the tournaments.
Are tournament t-shirts and other Ripken Baseball merchandise available at the tournaments?
Yes. There is a merchandise stand on the concourse of Cal Sr's Yard at the Ripken Baseball Academy. The stand will be open from approximately 9am to 3pm each day of the tournament. 'The Hangar' at Ripken Stadium will be open as well during each tournament.
Will there be concessions available?
Yes. There is a concession stand at Cal Sr's Yard at the Ripken Baseball Academy. The stand will be open from approximately 9am to 4pm each day of the tournament. The concession stands in Ripken Stadium will not be open for our tournaments. Generally speaking, the satellite facilities will not have concessions.
Are players and their families allowed to bring food and coolers to the complex?
Yes. Although we do ask that everyone make sure their trash is disposed of properly.
Are there restaurants near the complex?
There are several dining options near the Ripken Baseball Complex and other satellite fields including fast food and sit-down style restaurants. Ripken Baseball has partnered with several local restaurants that will provide discounts to all tournament teams and their families. Please make sure to pick up a Ripken Baseball Community Card to receive these discounts.
Where is the best place to stay?
Ripken Baseball has partnered with several of the area hotels to assure that your stay with us is a quality stay both on and off the field. Hotel partners include:
Marriott Courtyard: 410.272.0440
Holiday Inn: 410.272.8100
Wingate Inn: 410.272.2929
Best Western: 410.679.2997
Sleep Inn & Suites: 410.679.2997
Ramada Inn: 410.679.2997
Clarion Aberdeen: 410.273.6300
What is there to do for fun in the area?
There are numerous options within easy driving distance of the hotels and our complex. First of all, we are approximately 25 miles away from Baltimore, which offers a wide variety of familiy entertainment options. Also, the White Marsh area features many dining, shopping, and entertainment options. More locally, there is a movie theatre, two different miniature golf/batting cage facilities, and a shopping mall.
What is the admission to the facility?
Admission at the Ripken Baseball Academy, Ripken Stadium, and all satellite field locations is free for all of our tournaments.
Is there a place to sit at the Ripken Academy for parents and fans?
Each field at the Ripken Baseball Academy features grass berm seating. There are some bleachers and picnic tables around the Academy, but we do recommend teams bring portable chairs or blankets to sit on.
Is there handicap accessible parking?
Yes. At our facility and all other satellite facilities, there is plenty of handicap accessible parking.
Can we bring pets to the tournament?
No. We unfortunately had a few incidents with pets at our facility which has forced us to adopt our current policy.
Myrtle Beach Tournament Questions
How many fields are there at the complex?
Phase one of the Ripken Baseball Experience includes two regulation sized fields (90 ft. diamonds) and five youth fields.
Are there lights on the fields?
Yes, each diamond is equipped with lights for night games.
Is there an admission cost to the facility?
No, admission to The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach is free. Parking is also free.
Is there handicap accessible parking?
Yes. At our facility and all other satellite facilities, there is plenty of handicap accessible parking. There will also be golf carts and other means of transportation to be sure our guests fave full access to the complex.
Can we bring pets to the tournament?
No. For liability purposes we do not allow any pets inside the complex. Boarding kennels are conveniently located nearby.
Will teams have practice time during the week?
Teams will be allocated practice and warm-up times in the training island designed by Cal & Bill Ripken. There are training infields, batting cages, and other unique traning amenities.
Where can my team warm-up before the game?
Teams may warm-up on the training island before their games.
What is the playing surface?
All fields will use a synthetic turf as the infield and outfield called "Field Turf". This is a replicated grass which will be used to ensure the consistency and professional playability of the fields.
Are the fields designed after any specific fields?
Yes, each field is designed symmetrically after a legendary professional ballpark.
Is smoking allowed at the facility?
No, The Ripken Experience is a tobacco free facility.
Is there a place to sit at The Ripken Experience for parents and fans?
Yes. Each field at The Ripken Experience features grass berm seating as well as bleacher seating for your convenience.
Does every field have dugouts?
Yes - there are two types of dugouts in Myrtle Beach; There are professional dugouts and chain-link dugouts. Both are built in such a way to maximize air flow and cut down on the heat.
Is there transportation from the entrance to the fields?
Yes, carts will be provided to assist teams with equipment and those who need assistance.
Is water provided to teams or do we have to bring our own coolers?
Water and cups will be provided for each team in their dugout.
What can we do at the training island?
The training island will have 3 practice infields, bullpen mounds, batting cages, and bunting stations which will be used for pre-game practices.
Will each field have a scoreboard?
Yes, each field will be equipped with a scoreboard and line scores/standings of all games will be kept.
Are players and their families allowed to bring food and coolers to the complex?
No. Picnic areas are available adjacent to the parking lots at the main entrance.
Are tournament t-shirts and other Ripken Experience and Ripken Baseball merchandise available at the tournaments?
Yes. We will have merchandise kiosks set up throughout the facility and at the retail area inside the main Welcome Center.
Will there be concessions available?
Yes. Comfort stations are conveniently located throughout the facility.
Is there first aid or medical staff at the facility?
Yes, a full service first aid facility will be on-site to handle any emergency situations or routine medical needs.
Are there restaurants near the complex?
There are several dining options near The Ripken Experience including fast food and sit-down style restaurants at the Broadway at the Beach shopping, dining and entertainment complex.
How many umpires will there be per game?
11u and older age groups will have two umpires during pool play and elimination rounds and three during the championship game.
What age groups do you have?
The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach has tournaments for teams ages 10u, 11u, 12u, 13u and 14u. Please see the schedule for more details.
Do teams bring their own uniforms?
Yes, teams should bring their own uniforms. Many teams have professional style uniforms that represent their hometown and/or their specific team. We encourage teams to bring these and proudly wear them at The Ripken Experience tournaments.
How many coaches are allowed?
Teams must have two coaches who will also serve as chaperones in each of the teams villas.
How many players can I have on my roster?
Teams must have a minimum of 11 players.
How many teams will there be in each age group?
Most older age group tournaments (13u, 14u) can accommodate 20 teams per week, while the younger age group can accommodate up to 36 teams per week.
How many games do we play?
For all summer tournaments each team will play a minimum of 6 games (weather permitting). Teams who advance to the championship will play 9 games. Teams will play a minimum of 3 games during standard weekend tournaments and 4 games during holiday weekend tournaments.
How many games will we play per day?
Teams will play at least one game a day, some days playing two.
Is there a skills competition?
Yes. The Skils Competition is part of the Opening Ceremonies on Sunday night.
Is there pin trading?
Yes, teams are encouraged to bring pins and exchange with one another. Part of the experience of tournament play is to interact with other players and coaches.
What is the level of competition?
Teams range from local recreation all-star teams to highly competitive travel teams.
Does our team need its own insurance?
Yes. Each team must send us their Insurance Certificate prior to the tournament. We must have "Extra Bases, LLC", "Burroughs and Chapin Company, Inc.", and "Ripken Myrtle Beach Academy, LLC" listed as an 'additional insured' in the certificate holder section of the standard certificate of liability form. This can be obtained by simply calling your insurance company and asking them to list that on the certificate. Please note: we are not requesting to be added as an 'named insured' on your policy.
Does The Ripken Experience keep individual stats for the tournaments?
No. We do not keep individual statistics of any kind as we believe in championing a team concept and environment.
How will I know which seed my team is for the elimination round?
All information regarding results, standings, and seeding will be disseminated at a central location. There will be extra copies there for coaches to take with them.
What happens if there is a tie?
Games can end in a tie during pool (divisional) play only. If a tie exists between two or more teams either for advancement to the elimination round or for seeding purposes, the following tie-breaker system will be used:
- Head to Head results
- Record
- Average runs allowed per games played
- Lowest single game runs allowed
- Coin flip
A game featuring teams that are the same seed from different divisions will us a coin flip to determine home team.
Please note that total runs scored has no value in our tie breaker system. This is done to discourage teams from running up the score on their opponent.
When will the game results be posted?
We will post standings and results on the tournament board and online soon after each game ends. All of the tournament information (including a line score for each game) will be posted on our tournament website throughout the tournament.
What is there to do for fun in the area?
There are numerous options within easy driving distance of the hotels and our complex. First of all, we are approximately two minutes from the Broadway at the Beach and the NASCAR SpeedPark. Myrtle Waves Water Park, located across the street, is open at 10am daily. Broadway at the Beach features many dining, shopping, and entertainment options including a movie theater, Dragons Lair mini-golf, IMAX theater, Ripley's Aquarium and MagiQuest.
How far is the housing from The Ripken Experience Baseball Facility?
The Myrtlewood Villas are about a 7 minute drive - a couple of miles off the same roadway - Business 17.
How far is the housing from the beach?
Housing sits within a golf course resort and is less than 1 mile from the beach.
Is there a discount for families to stay at the housing or any other accommodations?
Family members and friends who wish to come to Myrtle Beach will be able to get certain discounts at the Myrtlewood Villas or any other partner accommodations at Myrtle Beach.
Is there a pool at the housing facility for the players and coaches?
Yes, each group of villas has and outdoor pool in its courtyard.
Are there laundry facilities at the team housing facility
Yes, each villa is equipped with a washer and dryer for convenience.
How many bedrooms does each condominum have?
Each team will stay in 1, 2 or 3 bedroom villas. The living room also has a sleeper sofa and is fully furnished.
Can I bring an RV or team bus?
Buses, RV's or pull behind trailers are NOT permitted at the Myrtlewood Villas facility.
How many players are permitted per condominium?
Each team must have a minimum of 11 players. Each team must also have 2 coaches. Each condominium is meant to house 1 coach and 4-5 players. Please note that while the 2-3 villas included in the package are intended to house the team, you may choose to distribute them among the players and traveling families however you choose.
What do I need to do to secure a spot in a tournament?
You need to call the toll free number at 1-800-486-0850 and speak to a sales representative or log onto www.ripkentournaments.com and identify the week you and your team wish to attend, then place a deposit and complete the registration information.
What is the deposit required to secure a spot in a tournament?
All teams who wish to attend a weeklong summer tournament are required to submit a non-refundable / non-transferable deposit of $1,500 upon registration. A 2nd installment of $3,500 is due February 1st, and full payment is due May 1st. All monies are non-refundable after February 1st.
All teams who wish to attend a weekend or holiday weekend tournament are required to submit a $250 non-refundable / non-transferable deposit upon registration. Final payments for these tournaments are due 30 days prior to the start date of the event.
What are the payment options? When are payments due?
The Ripken Experience - Myrtle Beach accepts all major credit cards and checks or money orders.
For summer tournaments a $1500 non-refundable deposit is due at the time of registration. A 2nd installment of $3500 is due on February 1st, and final payment is due May 1st. All monies paid after February 1st are non-refundable. Final payments for weekend tournaments are due 30 days prior to the start date of that event.
Is the cost per player or per team?
All weeklong summer tournaments are a per player and coach fee.
All weekend tournaments are a per team cost.
Do coaches have to pay?
Yes, each team must have a minimum of 2 coaches who pay the per person amount. They recieve all of the benefits of the package and will enjoy a wonderful vacation.
What does the cost include?
All weeklong summer tournament per player and coach costs include:
- 5 nights lodging at the Myrtlewood Villas
- All access pass to Myrtle Beach's finest attractions - Myrtle Waves Water Park, NASCAR Speed Park, many spectacular themed Miniature Golf and Par 3 Golf Courses
- Tournament fees and 6 games minimum at this world class complex
- Special gifts for players and coaches
Weekend tournament costs include tournament fees, gate & parking fees, baseballs and umpires.
What is the cancellation and refund policy?
All deposits are non-refundable / non-transferable. Additionally, all money paid after February 1st is non-refundable. Any roster changes made after May 1st are non-refundable.
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