As Papillion continues to be one of the fastest growing cities and school districts in Nebraska, the Storm Chasers Board has recognized the need to form additional teams.  Currently, teams have only been approved where there has been the correct coaching availability, an unmet need for the appropriate talent level, and the available field space.  As a board, we want to grow in a healthy way that provides more opportunities for a growing population, while not handcuffing the current Storm Chasers teams.

Adding two teams at 8U, one more team the following year at 9U, and one more team the following year for 10U allows youth baseball players in Papillion to have multiple opportunities to try out for a newly formed team.  Players and families wanting to try out for a Storm Chasers Team at 11U, 12U, 13U, and 14U will have an opportunity, but need to recognize teams are already fully formed, and it is often difficult to find an available roster spot.  Preference for all of these tryouts will be given to players living in Papillion - as long as they are competitive, and are clearly better than those that tryout from outside of Papillion. We follow the 60/40 rule - 60% of our teams need to be  made up of Papillion players.

Currently, the Storm Chasers Board is working with the City of Papillion on a long term plan for the correct field sizes, lighting, and additional field availability.  Since this will take time, even years, the Storm Chasers are limiting any immediate new growth within the organization to:

• Two teams at 8U
• Three teams at 9U
• Four teams at 10U
• Four Teams at 11U
• Four Teams at 12U
• No additional teams at 13U or 14U

We feel limiting the immediate growth at certain age groups is the correct decision for future seasons, until we have a confirmed plan with field availability.