George P. Gibbs Jr.
Little League
Sterling, Massachusetts
2007 Manager’s Handbook
For
Managers and Coaches
March 2007
Revision: 05
League ID Number: 221-04-02
Table Of Contents
TOC \o "1-3" \h \z 1 Introduction
2 League Structure and its Objectives
3 At What Level Does a Player Participate?
4 Responsibilities of the Manager
4.1 Manager/Coach & Role Model
4.5 Games Postponed Due to Inclement Weather
7.3.2 2nd Half of the Season Progression (changes)
7.5 Post Season Tournament Play
8.3.1 Little League District All-Stars
8.4 Post Season Tournament Play
8.5 Managing Teams in Post Season Tournaments
10 Parental Release and Authorization Form
This handbook is intended for Team Managers of the George P. Gibbs Jr. Little League, hereinafter referred to as the "Local League." It has been developed and approved by the Local League’s Board of Directors. It is meant to provide information about the League as a whole, its structure, its rules, and its objectives.
It is every Manager’s responsibility to abide by the rules as described in this document and the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules for Tee Ball, Minor League, and Little League Baseball.” The “Official Regulations and Playing Rules for Tee Ball, Minor League, and Little League Baseball” is published yearly by Little League Inc. This handbook is a supplement to the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules for Tee Ball, Minor League, and Little League Baseball.” This document may only be changed if the change is supported by a majority of the Team Managers in a particular level and with the Local League’s Board of Directors approval.
The basis of Little League Inc. is to provide a structured forum through which young baseball players can learn to play competitive baseball in a safe and fun environment. To meet those goals the Local League adheres to the guidelines set forth by Little League Inc. and is divided into different levels. The Local League has four levels:
· Tee-Ball League (separate 5 year old & 6 year old divisions);
· Minor League AA Division;
· Minor League AAA Division; and
· Little League (also referred to as the Major League).
The various levels within the overall Local League structure serve different age groups and skill levels. Each successive level builds on the experience of the previous year and is generally grouped by player age, particularly in the early levels. Each successive level stresses a greater degree of individual and team skills with an increasing emphasis on competition at the higher levels. Within this overall structure, the specific objectives of the Local League are to teach baseball in a safe and fun environment while fielding teams that are competitive both within and in the various post-season tournaments.
Games are played at all levels and commence the week following opening day (with the possible exception of the Major League, which may begin games one week before opening day).
There are two basic criteria that help determine at which level an individual player will play:
· The player’s age; and
· The player’s perceived skill level.
The Local League adheres to the rules established by Little League Inc. regarding player age. In Little League baseball there is a notion of League Age. League Age is determined by each player's age on April 30th of each season. A player's age on April 30th of each year determines the player's age for that Little League season.
League Age is an objective criterion that Little League Inc. uses to help determine where a player might participate. The second criteria, each player’s perceived skill level, are subjective. There is no avoiding the issue that judgments made by the Managers and Coaches may be wrong or may be perceived as biased. It happens every year. This cannot be totally avoided, but as Managers and Coaches we must try to make such evaluations as fairly as possible.
To assist in the evaluation process, the Local League holds an annual skill evaluation for Local League players who are not currently members of a Major League team. Generally, players League Age 9–12 take part in the skill evaluations. Following the skill evaluation the Major League conducts its player draft during which the Major League Managers select the number of players required to fill out their player rosters. They choose players whom they feel are most qualified to play at the Major League level. Following the Major League draft, the Minor League AAA Division conducts its draft, then the Minor League AA Division. The specifics of each draft are described in greater detail in the sections devoted to each League and the League Player Agent section.
Managers of teams at every level must recognize that the players are children who are at very impressionable ages. It is not enough that Managers have previous experience in the game. Managers and Coaches must possess leadership ability and the know-how to work with young children. Training players in the fundamentals of teamwork, good sportsmanship and discipline are desirable and attainable goals of the program.
There is a No Smoking Policy, which states that Managers, Coaches and Volunteers may not smoke while conducting team functions during a game or practice, on the field, in the dugout, or in foul territory.
Player safety must be a primary concern of all Team Managers and Coaches. Please review and enforce the guidelines provided in the "George P. Gibbs Jr. Little League Safety Manual for Managers and Coaches."
If any player misses 7 consecutive days during the season, he/she will need to present a note from his/her doctor before returning.
In the event that a player sustains an injury or illness which in the opinion of the manager prevents that player from participating in any Local League activity, the player shall not be permitted to participate in any future Local League activities unless the parent or guardian of the player signs a written authorization and release on a form approved by the Local League. This form is provided at the end of this handbook. All such injuries or illnesses shall be reported by the manager to the League Safety Officer who, in his sole discretion, may require, in addition to parental authorization, written authorization from a physician before an injured or ill player may resume participation in Local League activities.
It is the Manager's responsibility to encourage and select Coaches to assist throughout the season during both practices and games. The Manager and at least one Coach should be at every practice and every game unless advance plans are made for two or more Coaches to be present when the Manager is absent. Coaches play a critical team role and as Manager the Local League encourages you to enlist 2 or more Coaches to support team operations throughout the season. Coaches help with teaching skills by leading and supporting drills during practices, and should also demonstrate positive team values. Coaches should also consider themselves to be role models and conduct themselves accordingly. The Team Manager is responsible for the conduct of his or her Coaches.
As a Manager you are primarily a Coach but there are a number of related Team and Local League responsibilities you must also assume. These include:
· Helping to maintain and improve the Playing Fields prior to the start of each season and enlisting parents from your team to assist;
· Notifying the Player Agent and League Director of any roster changes;
· Obtaining Parental Release for sick or injured players;
· Maintaining the Playing Fields during the season and in Post Season. Before every game the Visiting Team must make sure the field is playable or groomed as appropriate for each League, we don't want players getting injured. If there is a problem with the fields you should contact your League Director, League Safety Officer, or the League President. After every game pick up the area, or better yet, get the players to pickup after themselves (see Concession Stand Duty below for Home Team game responsibilities when playing at the West Sterling fields); and
· In the event of a violation of the minimum playing time rule, the protesting manager must file a written letter of protest to the League President, who with a committee of his choice will determine the action to be taken.
· Completing Little League Volunteer Form and ensuring form is completed by all Coaches and Assistants.
The Manager of the Home Team makes the decision whether or not a game should be postponed due to inclement weather but must confer with the Visiting Team Manager before making the decision. For the Major League and Minor League AAA Division, the home team manager will contact the Umpire in Chief to announce the game's postponement. The player’s safety is absolutely the most important factor. Games should be postponed under the conditions defined in the "George P. Gibbs Jr. Little League Safety Manual for Managers and Coaches."
Once the game starts, it is the umpire’s call. However, please keep in mind that our umpires are typically 14 years old, and need guidance (NOT brow beating!).
If 4 innings have been completed (3½ if Home Team is in the lead) the game is considered complete if called due to inclement weather; scores are final as of that point, no make-up required. If less than 4 innings have been played (3½ if Home Team is in the lead) the game should be completed at a later date by continuing from the exact point it was stopped, subject to substitution and pitching rules in effect the day the game is continued.
Postponed games should be made up within the same pitching week or if not, as soon as possible. The two managers should make every effort to schedule a time within the same week, including using one of the team’s practice time slots if necessary. If the game cannot be played during the same pitching week the League President will consult with all of the League Managers at the appropriate level and then make a binding decision.
For liability reasons it is important that you submit your team's roster to the Local League Player Agent prior to Opening Day. As a member of Little League Inc., we purchase all possible medical and liability insurance, but that insurance only covers those players, Coaches, and Managers whose names are submitted to Little League Inc. We live in a litigious society. If a player's, Coach's, or Manager's name does not appear on our official rosters, that person is not covered by our insurance.
The concession stand at the Major League field in West Sterling is an important source of revenue for the League. It pays for a large percentage of our annual operating expenses, which would otherwise be passed on in increased registration fees. To avoid this we require that the concession stand be open for business during each game played on the Major League field regardless of which level is having the game.
It is the responsibility of the Managers in conjunction with the Director to create a concession stand schedule for each of your home games at the Major League field.
During games the Home Team Manager is responsible for providing Concession Stand coverage. The Visiting Team Manager is responsible for all pre-game field preparation.
The Tee-Ball League is generally intended for players League Ages 5 and 6 years old. League Age 7 may play Tee-Ball on request of a child’s parent(s). Its purpose is to introduce each player to baseball and build on the previous year's experience. This league introduces the concept 1st half to 2nd half progression. This is designed to keep the season interesting for the kids and build on existing skills. Tee-Ball is based on participation not competition. There is a League Director who represents their League on the Local League’s Board of Directors and is the administrator of all League policy within this level. The League Director is responsible for the scheduling of practices and games. There will be a maximum of two games and/or practices per week and a Soft-Tee ball is used during all practices and games (catching and throwing drills may also involve other soft, lightweight balls such as a tennis ball). The League Director with the approval of the League President selects managers for each Tee-Ball team. Managers should encourage parent participation and seek assistance from those with coaching and/or baseball experience. It is the role of the Manager and Coaches to encourage each player to participate. The players are very young children and generally need some encouragement. Every play made during a game or practice is a great play. A first-aid kit and baseball equipment is stored (and locked) in the equipment box at the field.
Players who participate in Tee-Ball do not take part in a skill assessment and are not subject to a player draft. The League Director assigns teams with input from the Managers. Parents of players League Age 6 may request that their children 'play-up' by participating at the next higher League level, but must have had a full year of Tee-Ball already. This is subject to League Director approval based on subjective skill assessment by the League Managers. Parents of players League Age 7 may request that their children 'play-down' by participating at the Tee-Ball level.
Each team is totally restocked each year and is composed of up to 9 players depending on registrations. Team size of approximately 7-8 is generally good at this level because of the relatively short attention span of these young players. Teams should be of consistent size within the League but perceived skill level balancing is not required.
1. Proper hitting technique with the Tee (first half of the season); coach pitch (second half of the season).
2. Throwing technique
3. Catching technique (with and without a glove)
4. Good sportsmanship
5. Basic fielding technique—grounders and fly balls
6. Base running—when to stay, when to go
7. Play at first for the first half of the season; play at correct base for the second half of the season
8. Backup responsibilities
9. Safety—Please review and enforce the guidelines outlined in the "George P. Gibbs Jr. Little League Safety Manual for Managers and Coaches."
15. After four or five pitches from the coach, the child should be moved to the Tee if they have not had success hitting the ball to keep the game moving
16. During the second half of the season, defensive plays to the proper base can be introduced (instead of always at first base) if the team is regularly making plays at first base.
The Minor League AA Division is generally intended for 3rd and 4th year players League Age 7 and 8 years old. Its purpose is to introduce each player to baseball, build on the previous year's experience and introduce defensive tactics. The AA Division is based on participation not competition. There is a League Director who represents their League on the Local League Board of Directors and is the administrator of all League policy within this level. The League Director is responsible for the formation of teams, scheduling of practices and games. There will be one or two scheduled game(s) and/or practice(s) per week. A Soft RIF ball is used during all practices and games.
The League Director with the approval of the League President selects managers for each AA Division team. Managers should encourage parent participation and seek assistance from those with coaching and/or baseball experience. It is the role of the Manager and Coaches to encourage each player to participate. The players are very young children and generally need some encouragement. Every play made during a game or practice is a great play.
A first-aid kit and baseball equipment is stored (and locked) in the equipment box at the field.
Teams are created jointly by the AA League Director and the AA Team Managers. Players who are League age 7 do not participate in the League skill assessment. Players who are League age 8 may take part in the League skill assessment organized by the League Player Agent and are possibly drafted by the AAA Division. Each age group is involved in a player draft.
The League Director assigns teams with input from the Managers. Each team is totally restocked each year and is composed of up to 8 players depending on registrations. Team size of approximately 8-9 is generally good at this level because of the relatively short attention span of these young players.
The AA League Director will try to ensure that the teams are evenly balanced. The eligible children of each AA League Manager are automatically assigned to their parent's team.
1. The proper hitting technique;
2. The proper throwing technique;
3. The proper catching technique;
4. The proper pitching technique;
5. Good sportsmanship;
6. The proper fielding technique—grounders and fly balls;
7. Base running—when to stay, when to go, how many bases to advance;
8. Play at correct base—concept of force out, primary and secondary plays;
9. Backup responsibilities;
10. Throw from outfield using the relay;
11. Safety—Please review and enforce the guidelines outlined in the "George P. Gibbs Jr. Little League Safety Manual for Managers and Coaches."
12. Hustle and good attitude—give your best effort.
1. Emphasize fun and sportsmanship;
2. Game (and practice) times are limited to 90 minutes. This should allow time for each team to come up to bat three to four times in a game;
3. No score keeping, no stealing;
4. Each team will dress and play a catcher;
5. Count number of outs, but bat entire roster,
6. Offensive Coach pitches overhand. If the player does not get a hit after 5 good pitches, the Tee should be brought in, no strike outs;
7. Every defensive player takes a position in the field each inning. Positions should approximate regular baseball fielding positions;
8. Batters and base runners must wear helmets;
9. Runners advance one base on infield hits, two bases (maximum) on hits to the outfield;
10. Make play at correct base after each hit; the runner is retired if he or she is out.
11. No advancement on over-throws;
12. Get the ball to the player/pitcher after each play—Coach gets overthrows;
13. The offense should place adults as 1st and 3rd base Coaches to direct the runners;
14. The defensive Coaches should be on the field coaching the defense;
15. The last batter advances normally—one base on infield hit, two bases (maximum) on hits to the outfield;
16. Throw from outfield using the relay.
If both teams agree prior to a start of a game a pitcher from each team will pitch the first inning only. Note: In the AA Division we want to introduce batters to player pitching, but if a AA League Manager does not have players (s)he feels can or should pitch, the two opposing Managers can decide before the game that players pitch for only one inning or that only Coaches pitch for that game. The safety of the players is the most important aspect of any game.
The Minor League AAA Division is generally intended for players League Age 9–12 years old. The AAA Division is more competitive than AA Division but its focus is still on instruction and participation. It is intended to teach more refined team play with a greater emphasis on developing individual skills. Each team is composed of 12 to 14 players. Scores are kept. Each team plays 16 games, two games a week. Games are 6 innings long. An official Little League Baseball is used for all practices and games.
The AAA League Director represents the AAA League on the Local League Board of Directors and is the administrator of all League policy within this level. The AAA League Director with the approval of the League President selects Managers for the AAA League.
Managing in the AAA Division is not easy because of the range of age and talent in the players. Players as young as 8 are eligible to play in the AAA Division, while players as old as 12 may still be playing in the AAA League. With such a mix you have the potential of physically bigger players playing against significantly smaller players. This is compounded by the fact that some of the 8 and 9 year olds may be considered the most talented players in their age group while some of the 12 year olds are likely to have been passed over in the Major League draft one or more times. Because of this, it is important that the AAA Division Manager be aware of possible bruised egos and hurt feelings on the part of some players and/or their parents. The AAA Division is a more competitive League than the AA Division and the Manager should not be expected to give preferential treatment to any player but the Manager should be aware that such feelings might exist and therefore should emphasize and recognize positive play and attitude.
The Local League operates an Umpire Training program geared towards children ages 14–16. Managers and Coaches are expected to treat these umpires with respect and to recognize that these are children doing their best. The following should be used as a guideline for what constitutes appropriate manager / umpire interaction:
| Only the Manager (not coaches) may discuss issues with an umpire. |
| Ball/Strike and Safe/Out judgment calls shall not be argued. |
| The Manager must ask for time out and permission to talk with an umpire. |
| Discussion with umpires shall be over the interpretation / application of specific rules. |
| Discussion shall be in a conversational tone of voice. |
| Managers and Umpires are expected to know the rules of Little League Baseball, which differ in some respects from other levels of baseball. |
| Umpires are responsible for safety during the game and their instructions are to be followed. |
| Intimidation of umpires may result in severe disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the league. |
| Managers should inform the Umpire in Chief of performance issues of any of the umpires. |
A first-aid kit and baseball equipment is stored (and locked) in the equipment box at the field.
Each AAA Division team is totally restocked each year. Players are not carried on the same roster from one year to the next. AAA League teams are selected in a player draft and all eligible players are required to participate in a skill evaluation organized by the Player Agent. The AAA League Director and the League Player Agent supervise the AAA League draft. It is recommended that the draft be run in accordance with the Method in First Year of Operation—Plan A, which is documented, in the “Little League Operating Manual.” In order to fulfill the age and skill requirements, the AAA Division must conduct its draft in the following manner:
·
The eligible children of the AAA
Managers are automatically assigned to their parent's team. This provision is
considered the written option required by Little League. A manager may request
to waive this option in writing before the draft starts. Note an AAA League
Manager does not have an automatic option on a child of a potential Coach.
The manager must draft their children based on league age unless waived by the
following round:
· League ages 11 & 12 must be drafted by the completion of round 2;
· League age 10 must be drafted by the completion of round 3; and
· League ages 8 and 9 must be drafted by the completion of round 4.
·
Each team, on the
recommendations of the AAA League Director and the Player Agent should have an
equal number of players assigned to their roster who are considered viable
pitchers (the Manager's child could fulfill part of this requirement). Note
that 12 year olds cannot pitch in the AAA Division.
· Each team, on the recommendations of the AAA League Director and the Player Agent should then draft on a round-by-round basis the 9, 10, 11 and 12-year-old players who were not previously selected in the Major League draft. Note, all 10–12 year old players not selected in the Major League draft must be drafted into the AAA League at this time and every effort will be made to place all 9 year olds depending on registrations and skill considerations.
· Finally, if any roster spots are still available after the 9–12 year old players have been selected, each team, on the recommendations of the Minor League AA Division Director, the Minor League AAA Division Director, and the League Player Agent can draft 8 year old players who are considered skilled enough, and who have requested to play at the AAA Division level.
The AAA Division is intended principally for players 9–12 who were not selected for a Major League team. Only the most skilled 8-year-olds should be selected for the AAA League as roster sizes permit.
The Managers choose lots to determine the order in which teams draft. It is the responsibility of the AAA League Director and the Player Agent to supervise the AAA League draft in an attempt to distribute the players into evenly balanced teams.
Note that the Local League requires that if a Major League player misses more than three consecutive games due to illness or injury, that player's team must fill that roster spot with the best available 12-year-old, or if there is no 12-year-old available, the best 11-year-old, from the Minor League AAA Division. This generally occurs at least once a year. This allows the possibility of a 12 or 11 year old who may have been overlooked in the draft to be called up to the Major League during the season. See player agent section for more details.
In AAA Division the Manager and Coaches teach baseball fundamentals with an emphasis on more refined team play and individual skills.
The team skills and practices that we want to teach are:
1. How a defensive team functions as a whole. The role each defensive player has in basics defensive plays; an infield grounder to the right side of the infield, to the left side of the infield, pop flies to left, to center, to right etc.; and
2. Safety—Please review and enforce the guidelines outlined in the "George P. Gibbs Jr. Little League Safety Manual for Managers and Coaches."
The individual skills and practices that we want to teach are:
1. The batter should not turn their head when facing a pitch;
2. Proper throwing technique, use a crow hop to set the feet, throw across the body etc.;
3. How to run the bases, make a wide turn on a walk, cut the base on an extra base hit, stealing a base;
4. How to field a grounder; use two hands, come up in proper throwing position;
5. How to track and catch a fly ball; catch the ball with two hands over the head, use crossover steps to run back;
6. How a catcher should block a bad pitch, throwing out base runner on a steal;
7. Pitching, throw strikes not speed; and
8. Good sportsmanship.
1. Scorebooks are kept by each team but statistics should be kept to a minimum with no posting of individual results;
2. 9 players take defensive positions in the field for each inning but all players are included in each team's batting order for the entire game;
3. Each player must play in a minimum of 3 defensive innings or no less than ½ of the game; free substitution is allowed;
4. Each team bats until the defensive team gets three outs or 6 runs are scored. No more than 4 runs are scored in an inning. Example: 3 runs are already in, and the bases are loaded. The batter hits a home run. Only the 4th run is counted. The other three runs do not count;
5. Batters get 3 strikes or walk on 4 balls;
6. Bunting is allowed during the entire season;
7. No leading is allowed.
8. Stealing is allowed except for home plate.
9. The play is complete and all runners must stop when the player throws the ball to the base in front of the lead runner. If the runner is in progress to the base they must decide quickly whether to continue or go back. Runners may not taunt or otherwise bait throws. Failure of the runners to quickly make a decision and/or the appearance of trying to bait a throw will result in the following:
a. First Occurrence: Warning to the Manager and bench of offensive team.
b. Subsequent Occurrences: The lead runner will be called out, and must return to the bench.
10. If the ball is at the same base as the lead runner, the lead runner must stop;
11. Runners may not advance on overthrows back to the pitcher (this rule holds for the entire season);
12. Runners may advance one base on overthrows that go out of play;
13. If the ball is at a base which is behind the lead runner (i.e. lead runner is at second, and the ball is at first), the runner can continue;
14. If there are two base runners (say 1st and 3rd), and the ball is at the base in front of the lead runner (i.e. home) the following runner can continue to second base at his/her risk;
15. A pitcher should normally be removed from the mound after hitting 2 batters in an inning, or 3 batters in a game. The two Managers’ and the Umpire may agree to override this requirement if they believe that the pitcher does not pose a health/safety risk to the players;
16. The manager is allowed to use coaches or players as base coaches; and
17. Players may not play the same defensive position for more than 3 innings a game and should play the same number of innings in the infield as in the outfield.
18. A new inning cannot be started after 120 minutes from the start of the game.
19. Application of Mercy rule of a 12 run difference after 4 innings is up to the discretion of the coaches.
1. 4 run rule lifted in the last inning.
2. Stealing home is allowed.
At the conclusion of the season, two all-star teams compete in a single intra-League all-star game. The players on the tournament team are not eligible for the All-Star team. Players pitch for the entire game during the all-star game, but each player can only pitch for up to two innings. All star players may be selected by player ballot and/or the Team Managers. They decide collectively who are the most skilled players in the League as follows:
· Each Team Manager and players should nominate the player(s) from their team that they feel rank among the top skilled in the League.
· The nominations are then subject to discussion and agreement between all AAA Managers. The League Director and League President settle disputes.
· Two teams, each with a recommended minimum of 12 players should be created. As much as possible, players selected as All Stars who were on the same team during the regular season should be on the same all-star team.
· The Manager of the 1st and 2nd place teams during the regular season each manages one of the all-star teams. If they do not wish to do so, the option is made available to the 3rd place Team Manager, then 4th, etc. The Team Managers select their coaches.
At the conclusion of the season, the AAA League Managers will select a Post season Tournament Team. The League Director and League President will settle any disputes. This tournament team will compete in regional AAA League all-star tournaments (typically Worcester or Holden). Specifics on these tournaments will be discussed as the season progresses. The AAA League Director in conjunction with League President and the AAA League Managers determines the Managers and Coaches for each of these teams. The Managers and Coaches must be the Managers and/or Coaches from the AAA League.
NOTE: Participation in these tournaments has gone a long way to improving the level of competition and Managerial ability within the League, while improving Sterling's competitive showing in the various post-season tournament in which we take part. These tournaments are great for players, Managers, and Coaches alike.
The Major League is generally intended for players League Age 10–12. It is the highest, most competitive level in the Local League. It is intended to teach more refined individual and team skills with continued emphasis on good sportsmanship. The ultimate objective of the Major League is to field teams that are highly skilled and competitive within the Local League and in post season tournaments.
Unless otherwise noted in this handbook, the Major League adheres to all the rules and regulations set forth in the "Official Regulations and Playing Rules for Little League Baseball.”
· The 10 run mercy rule will be applied.
· All “rain outs” will be made up at the first available opportunity as determined by the scheduling coordinator.
· All players shall start at least one half of all regular season games.
· All players shall play a minimum of three defensive innings per regular season game.
In the Major League, the Manager and Coaches teach and reinforce the same baseball fundamentals that are emphasized in the Minor League AAA Division. The only difference is the more refined nature of team play when to cut-off a throw, how to throw-out a runner who is stealing, how to backup a pick-off player, etc. Good sportsmanship is expected by the players, coaches, and fans. The Local League operates an Umpire Training program geared towards children ages 14–16. Managers and Coaches are expected to treat these umpires with respect and to recognize that these are children doing their best. The following should be used as a guideline for what constitutes appropriate manager / umpire interaction:
| Only the Manager (not coaches) may discuss issues with an umpire. |
| Ball/Strike and Safe/Out judgment calls shall not be argued. |
| The Manager must ask for time out and permission to talk with an umpire. |
| Discussion with umpires shall be over the interpretation / application of specific rules. |
| Discussion shall be in a conversational tone of voice. |
| Managers and Umpires are expected to know the rules of Little League Baseball, which differ in some respects from other levels of baseball. |
| Umpires are responsible for safety during the game and their instructions are to be followed. |
| Intimidation of umpires may result in severe disciplinary action, including suspension or expulsion from the league. |
| Managers should inform the Umpire in Chief of performance issues of any of the umpires. |
Note that a problem that sometimes appears in the Major League is a condition that is called "Daddy Ball." Players in the Major League are generally the most highly skilled players in the entire League and Managers are generally the parents of these players. Sometimes the parent/Manager will act in one of two diametrically opposite manners. They will attempt to push their son or daughter harder than everyone because they are the manager’s child and should be expected to perform better than everyone else or else give their son or daughter preferential treatment. As a manager you must be aware of this, everyone is looking at you for leadership and fairness, including your child.
Each Major League team is issued its own equipment and uniforms. The Team Manager is responsible for maintaining the equipment and uniforms in good condition during the season and is also responsible for collecting both at the end of each season.
A first-aid kit and field equipment is stored (and locked) in the concession stand or equipment shed at the field.
At the discretion of the Board of Directors, the Major League teams may or may not be totally restocked each year. Players may be carried on the same roster from one year to the next. The balance of Major League teams are selected in a player draft and all eligible players are required to participate in a skill evaluation organized by the League. The League Player Agent supervises Major League draft. See the Player Agent section for more details about team drafts.
The League President selects the Major League team managers yearly with inputs from various Local league members. The Local League board of directors set the size of the teams.
The Major League Champion will be determined by a playoff tournament after the completion of regular season play. The Championship tournament will involve all major league teams with playoff match-ups determined by regular season record.
At the conclusion of the season, the Major League Managers select 2-3 all-star teams that compete in separate post-season tournaments. The Team Managers must decide collectively who are the most skilled players in the League as follows:
These players earn the right to travel the road to the Little League World Series. This team is comprised of the very best 11 and 12-year-old players in the Major League (10 year olds are not eligible). The tournament starts around July 4, preceded by about two weeks of practice time.
· All Team Managers and/or players should nominate the player(s) from their team that they feel rank among the top 12 skilled in the League with 2 alternates.
· The nominations are subject to discussion and agreement between all the Major League Managers. The League President and Player Agent settle disputes.
· The Manager of the 1st place team during the regular season has first option to manage the District All-star team. If they do not wish to do so, the option is made available to the 2nd place Team Manager, then 3rd, etc. The Team Manager selects coaches. All appointments of Managers and Coaches shall be subject to League President and Board of Directors’ approval.
· The District Team selection shall take place no sooner then June 1st.
· The District Team practice shall take place no sooner then June 15th.
This team is comprised of the next best 11 and 12-year-old players in the Major League after the District Team has been formed (10 year olds are not eligible). This tournament also starts around July 4, preceded by about two weeks of practice time.
· Each Team Manager should nominate the player(s) from their team that they feel rank top among the remaining 12-13 skilled in the League.
· The nominations are then subject to discussion and agreement between all the Major League Managers. The League President settles disputes.
· The Manager of the 1st place team during the regular season has first option to manage the District All-star team. If they do not wish to do so, the option is made available to the 2nd place Team Manager, then 3rd, etc. The Team Manager selects coaches. All appointments of Managers and Coaches shall be subject to League President and Board of Directors’ approval.
· The District Team selection shall take place no sooner then June 1st.
· The District Team practice shall take place no sooner then June 15th.
This team (or teams) is comprised of the 10-year-old players in the Major League and any qualified 9 and 10 year old Minor League players who might be needed to fill out the rosters. This tournament generally starts around July 4 and is preceded by about two weeks of practice time. The Major League Managers and/or Coaches have first option to manage these teams. If they do not wish to do so, the option is made available to the AAA Team Managers through the AAA League Director. All appointments of Managers and Coaches shall be subject to League President and Board of Directors’ approval.
Rules governing post season practices and play are documented in a special Tournament addition of the " Official Regulations and Playing Rules for Little League Baseball.” These rules must be strictly interpreted and adhered to otherwise we risk disqualification.
NOTE: Participation in these tournaments has gone a long way to improving the level of competition and Managerial ability within the League, while improving Sterling's competitive showing in the various post-season tournament in which we take part. These tournaments are great for players, Managers, and Coaches alike.
Over the past number of years Little League Baseball in Sterling has grown in both the number of players who participate and the quality of play on the field. That growth is due in large part to the efforts of the parents and Coaches who directly participate in Little League Baseball. A big part of that effort is the League's desire and ability to field a number of post season tournament teams. Though the exact combination changes from year to year, the League attempts to take part in the following tournaments.
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