**The RoadRunners are taking applications for 2009 host families**

The Importance of Host Families
A host family is one of the most important and influential aspects of a baseball player's summer league experience. Many of the players on the St George RoadRunners are in a brand new environment, away from both school and home. The goal of the program is to help players adjust to moving to a new area, assist them as they get acquainted with the St. George community, and provide a safe and stable living environment. It also provides an opportunity for the community to assist in the development of these players on and off the field. The RoadRunners organization strongly believes the relationships that are forged between players and their host families will be memorable and will last a lifetime.

Host Family Responsibilities
Host families are asked to provide housing for their assigned player(s) for the duration of their stay in Southern Utah. Many players are expected to arrive in mid-May, though some may join the team later because of college playoffs and Major League roster changes. The RoadRunners season, including playoffs, should conclude no later than the first week in September. During that span, host families should provide:

1. Optional day-time meals; since games are at night, most players will sleep later in the day and not eat breakfast. You will not be responsible for dinner, since they will eat with the team at the ballpark.
2. A bed and bathroom for each player you are housing.
3. Access to your house, usually by key or garage door opener.

Host families are not required to provide a vehicle to players. Many of the players will have their own car, so a place to park will be necessary. If the player does not have a car, you may choose to lend him a vehicle, but that is entirely at your discretion and risk. Also, host families are not required to provide insurance for players.

Beyond that, we ask that you provide a welcoming environment for the players. For the summer months players are in Southern Utah, host families are providing more than just housing, but a home. We simply request that you make them feel at home.

Host Family Benefits
When you become a host family, you'll be adding a new member to your family, not just taking on a tenant. RoadRunners players are appreciative of the effort you will be making as a host family and can serve as positive role models for your children. Yes, these are post college-age kids, but they are respectful of their environment.

Host families will also receive 10% discount on season tickets and a 10% on discount on team shop merchandise. Families are sure to love the excitement and entertainment of RoadRunners baseball, and the players enjoy seeing their adopted families in the stands. You will also be invited to any host family events the RoadRunners schedule. But the longest lasting benefit of becoming a host family is the bond that will be forged between your family and a Roadrunner player, the sort of relationship that lasts for years. Players and their host families have been known to keep in contact long after playing careers ended, remaining friends and sharing family milestones.

Becoming a Host Family
To become a host family, the first step is to determine if you are able to fulfill these host family responsibilities. If there are any questions or doubts, please speak to your family about it and feel free to contact the RoadRunner office to discuss the matter. Prospective host families are asked to complete a questionnaire, which will provide the RoadRunners with a summary and profile of the family and the living environment. After the questionnaire has been submitted, the RoadRunners will arrange a meeting to discuss the host family process, gauge if it is a proper fit for the RoadRunners and your family, and answer any questions.