Frequently Asked Questions

How can I become a coach?

If you are interested in coaching, just complete a GJLS Coach Application. The application can be found HERE.

How can I volunteer my services to GJLS?

Just speak to a Board member or coach at registration or attend a GJLS meeting. You may also reach out at gjlscommunications@gmail.com.

When are GJLS meetings held?

Board meetings are generally held on the first Monday of the first full week of each month. Board meetings are held throughout the year. Reach out at gjlscommunications@gmail.com for more information on the next meeting.

When does the season start?

Practices for the 2026 Spring season will start the week of March 23rd, and the regular season begins on April 25. There will be no mandatory practices during Gahanna Jefferson School District Spring Break, which is March 30 - April 4.

How long does the season last?

The season will commence by the end of June. Starting near the middle of June, all teams compete in a post-season tournament. Generally speaking, you should plan on playing two or more tournament games.

What days and location do you practice and play games?

Baseball information can be found HERE.

Softball information can be found HERE.

How often do you practice or play games?

Plan on practicing and/or playing games at least three times each week, with tee ball practicing or playing only twice a week.

How old do you need to be to play tee ball?

Tee ball is generally played by five and six year olds. The child’s attention-span is a key factor in determining if they are ready to play. Very few six year-olds play up at the next level, A Minor, which is sometimes referred to as “Coach-Pitch”.

Can my daughter play baseball if she doesn’t want to play softball?

Yes, girls are eligible to play in the baseball leagues.

Do I need to buy a uniform?

GJLS provides each player with a GJLS jersey and hat/visor. The players must supply their own pants, (black shorts for softball), socks, shoes, and fielder's gloves. Most teams wear white pants; however, some teams may decide on their own to wear gray or some other color or pattern. Leagues are limited to cleats with plastic spikes.

How much are registration fees?

Baseball information can be found HERE.

Softball information can be found HERE.

Please note the city of Gahanna assesses a non-resident fee to those families that do not reside within the city limits.

What is a “Non-Resident Fee”?

The City of Gahanna imposes and collects a $20.00 fee for non-residents of Gahanna. The fee is NOT based on your ZIP Code. It is based on the actual location of your residence. IF you live in a neighborhood that is in Columbus or some other community, you must pay the fee EVEN THOUGH your ZIP code says Gahanna. On the contrary, some neighborhoods that are actually IN Gahanna are not assessed the fee even though they have a New Albany ZIP.

What is an evaluation and what does it consist of?

An evaluation is held for each league except for tee ball. They are solely to assess each player's ability. The coaches for that league will complete the evaluation and decide which players will be on their team in a draft held after the tryout. Attendance at the evaluation is extremely important. The more that players participate in evaluations, the more opportunity coaches have to evenly distribute talent across the teams in your child’s league. 

Each player will field a few ground balls and fly balls. After fielding each ball, the player will throw it back to the player/adult assistant. After fielding and throwing, the players will be asked to run a sprint. Finally, the players will take three swings with a bat. Coaches for the league will evaluate your child’s skills as they field, throw, run and swing the bat.

How does my child get placed on a team?

After the evaluation, GJLS will conduct a player draft for the league. Coaches, using their evaluation notes, will take turns selecting players from the pool of eligible registrants. Coaches continue selecting players until all eligible players have been selected. Tee ball coaches also conduct a draft but will not have any skills assessment notes to work from. Players who do not attend the evaluation become “hat-picks” which means they are placed on teams randomly.

How do I know what team my child is on?

A few days after the draft, your coach will contact you by email.

Will my child be on the same team every year?

Ordinarily not since coaches redraft their entire team, save for the children of the head and assistant coach, each year.

How are the age groups divided and what are some of the basic rules for those groups?

Click on the “Leagues” link HERE to see the various age groups and a brief synopsis for each league in GJLS.

What is Picture Day?

It is held in late April or early May. Professional photographers come to Gahanna and take individual and team pictures. A variety of pictures and packages may be purchased. Your child will receive a flyer from their coach around the middle of April. The program is very similar to what you find in schools. Players should bring their glove and/or bat for use in their individual picture. All players should attend so that they are included in the team picture.

Does GJLS honor ride share requests?

No, since the coaches draft their teams, ride share requests are not guaranteed. Coaches are provided any special requests at evaluations for consideration when drafting their teams, but there are no guarantees.

What is Fall Ball?

GJLS runs a fall baseball program that starts in early-August and runs into October. Sign-ups begin in June.

Where can I find out about weather cancellations?

GJLS will use GameChanger for all communications once tryouts are complete. Coaches will notify their teams through GameChanger of any weather cancellations or other game/practice updates.

When there are weather concerns, coaches and commissioners will inspect the fields and decide if fields are playable on any given day. After a decision is made, the coaches will contact their players and families through GameChanger for cancellations or delays. Unless notified otherwise, players should presume that their game or practice will take place as scheduled.

Who pays for the “travel teams” sanctioned by GJLS?

Travels teams pay registration fees to GJLS like all other players. In exchange for the player fees paid, teams receive only diamond space, including bases, diamond dry, chalk, chalkers, grooming equipment including the drags, rakes, and tractors. Costs covered by the team includes uniforms, balls, umpires, insurance, league fees, tournament entry fees and all travel expenses. Because teams pay for their own uniforms, balls and umpires, the registration fee paid to GJLS is reduced by a little over 50%. Many teams participate in various fundraisers throughout the year to help offset the expenses incurred by the teams.