What is the structure of Georgetown Little League (GLL)?
GLL is comprised of two leagues, National and American. Both leagues offer several levels of play: T-Ball, Minors (Machine Pitch, 9/10 Baseball, Senior Minors), Majors, Juniors, Seniors, and Big League. Depending upon the level, the playing fields are slightly different in terms of length of base paths, distance from pitching mound, and distance to the outfield fences from home plate.
GLL has established age cutoffs to ensure players develop appropriately in terms of skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship. GLL has established age brackets that players need to participate in; however, there are situations where some players may play down due to safety risks upon approval of the Board of Directors.
Pitching distances are scaled to the ability of the players in proportion to the size of the diamonds. The scaled down diamonds in the lower divisions allow the players to make the same plays made by the upper division players on larger diamonds.
GLL is managed by an elected Board of Directors that administer the league in line with established bylaws. The league is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. top
When is player registration?
Registration starts in January and has varying deadlines for the divisions. The typical deadlines for Majors and below will be mid-late February, with Juniors in mid-March and Seniors & Big Leagues in mid-May. Some deadlines for Majors may vary due to tryout dates. top
How do I find out about player registration?
GLL utilizes several methods of getting the word out to parents about registration. The main source of information is by our e-mailed GLL newsletter. Please make sure we have your current e-mail address in our database so you get the information in a timely manner. Our website will also have the announcement with a link to the on-line registration and directions for mail-in registrations. Those parents that utilize RSS feeds can also subscribe to GLL’s News.
GLL also place notices in all the area school newsletters and we supply printed notices for schools to send home in the Friday folders. Those schools that do not permit the info in the Friday folders will have the notices available in the office. We will also attempt to advertise the in-person registration on the Sandy Hill School sign and other business signs in the area that will allow it. Signs will be placed at the fields along 28th Ave. and Baldwin Street announcing that sign-ups are in process. Several advertisements are placed in the Advance newspaper as well. We also appreciate the word of mouth advertisement from parent to parent and player to player. Please let your friends know that registration is coming up in case they didn't see it.
Something new GLL will be implementing is the mailing of a postcard to all families that played the previous year. This postcard will serve as a reminder to register and will include information on how to register on-line and through the mail. top
How do I register my child?
There are several ways of registering for GLL. 1) In-person registrations are held two Saturdays in January from 9am to 1pm at the Jenison Junior High Cafeteria. 2) On-line registration through Eteamz is available from a link on our website starting in January through the registration deadlines in each division. Eteamz does charge an additional fee for this transaction. 3) Mail-in registrations are accepted from January through the registration deadlines in each division. Please note that mail-in registrations are based on the postmark date of the envelope. GLL reserves the right to not accept the late postmarked registrations based on team sizes for that division and a late handling fee will apply. top
I missed registration. Can I sign up late?
Late registrations will be accepted on a case by case basis, based on the number of players per team in that division at the end of registration. The maximum number of players desired for a team is 12. So, for example, if Minor Machine Pitch A Softball has 140 players signed up, we would have twelve teams with a maximum of 12 players. We could accept up to 4 additional players in that division. Any requests after the 4 positions are filled would be put on a waiting list in the order of request in case any players drop out. Please note that if your late registration is accepted, there is a $20 late registration fee. This rule has not always been applied in past years and has caused tremendous headaches for all directors involved with getting the league ready for the season. Note that this rule will be applied in coming seasons. top
How do I know you received my registration online or by mail?
With online registration, you will receive an email from Eteamz with a receipt and confirmation of your registration. If you do not get an email, something went wrong with the registration and you are not registered. If you register by mail, you will not receive an email confirmation but you will be able to confirm your registration as noted below.
With over 1,400 players to enter into our database, data entry errors will happen. To minimize the errors before teams are created and uniforms are ordered, every Monday morning during registration GLL will publish a list of the registered players by division with their shirt size listed. All parents should verify that their child is in the correct division with the correct shirt size. Please note that it may take at least a week for this info to be entered into our database due to the volume of players that need to be entered. If you notice that there is incorrect or missing information, please email the Registration Director. As registration ends, parents will also be able to verify what team their child is on and the contact information for the manager. top
Why do you need my email address?
GLL is a non-profit organization. In order to save money, much of our communication is electronic through either our website or emails. We typically send out 6-7 newsletters as well as numerous updates about the league throughout the year. Probably the most important of these emails is in regards to registration dates and locations. At registration time, please verify that we have your correct email listed so we can update it in our database. Also, you can click the registration button at the bottom of the page which will add you to our e-mail list. Please know that GLL values your privacy and will never sell your address to anyone. top
Why is my child considered a year younger than he/she will be when the season starts?
The Little League International Board of Directors, governing body for the world’s largest organized youth sports program, accepted a recommendation from USA Baseball to change the league age determination date for its players starting in the 2006 season.
The league age determination date is the age a player has attained as of a specific date, for the purpose of placing the player in a particular division. The old date in the baseball and softball divisions of Little League was July 31.
Starting with the 2006 season, the date in all divisions of Little League Baseball will be April 30 of the current year/season. The date in all divisions of Little League Softball will be Dec. 31 of the previous year.
For example: Under the old regulation, a baseball player who turns 13 years old in May, June or July of 2006 would have been considered league-age 13 for the entire 2006 season. That would have been the case, despite the fact that such a player likely would have played most or all of the regular season (which generally ends in June) without having actually reached his or her 13th birthday. Under the new regulation, such a player will have a league age of 12 throughout the 2006 season.
Under the old softball regulation, a player who turns 13 from January through July of 2006 would have been considered league-age 13 for the entire 2006 season. Under the new regulation, such a player will have a league age of 12 throughout the 2006 season. top
What are GLL's boundaries?
All sanctioned little leagues have boundaries that are established and approved by the Little League International organization, and these boundaries never overlap. The boundaries are set when the local Little League is established and do not follow school boundaries. If you live within GLL’s boundaries, you are expected to play at GLL by the National Little League Organization.
The Little League operation manual states that each league has:
…actual boundaries of the area from WITHIN which it shall select players. Only those participants whose residence is within the boundaries of the league shall be eligible to participate.
A player will be deemed to reside within the league boundaries if: A) His/her parents are living together and are residing within such league boundaries, OR B) Either of the parents (or court appointed guardians) resides within such boundaries.
It is recommended that the league require some proof of residence within the league’s boundaries at the time the player registers. Players and their parents/guardians are advised that a false statement of residency may lead to ineligibility to play Little League Baseball or Softball. Under NO circumstances does ANY person have the authority to grant a waiver that allows a child to play in a local Little League program IN ANY DIVISION, when that child does not qualify under these residency requirements.
Please look closely at our boundary map and, if you lie withing these boundaries, your approved Little League is GLL. top
When does the season begin?
Please check the GLL calendar on the GLL web page for exact league dates and events. Typically, the season begins on the Monday one week after Spring Break (mid-April) for T-Ball, Minors, and Majors. Juniors, Seniors and Big Leagues will start at different times throughout May. top
When will I find out what team my child will play on?
All teams for Majors and below should be formed by mid to late March. Your child's manager will notify you of the team's first meeting/practice. If you don't hear from a team manager by the beginning of April, please contact a board member. top
Can my child be placed on a team with one of their friends?
GLL allows friends to request to be placed on the same team together only the non-tryout divisions of T-ball and Minor Machine Pitch. Remember that a request may be made, but there is no guarantee that it will be approved. In Minor Machine Pitch, players are distributed based on age and number of years played in a balanced process to form teams. In the Majors and higher divisions, there are absolutely no requests due to the player selection process of the draft. The upper division teams are created using a balanced draft process that helps to promote even and competitive leagues. Teams are not carried over year-to-year and are totally redrafted every year. top
If my child is unhappy with the team they are placed on, can they switch teams?
Only in extreme cases does the league allow children to switch teams after the teams have been formed. Such requests must be made in writing to GLL's Baseball/Softball Player Agent for consideration by the President. Approval requires extenuating circumstances, so any request is highly unlikely to be approved, and in most cases we will ask the player remains with their team. Team balance is established early on, and changes of this type are difficult if not impossible to implement without upsetting the balance that has been established. top
If my child decides to quit, is it possible to get a refund?
A refund is available upon request prior to the close of registration for the player’s division. A refund due to medical reasons is available upon request prior to the start of the division’s season. After Opening Day, NO REFUNDS are allowed. top
Can I keep my child down in a lower division or bring him/her up a division a year early?
GLL strongly supports age appropriate competition and development. GLL does not allow players to move up a division early, with the exception that a 6 year old player with one year of experience in GLL’s T-ball program may move up to the Minors, per Little League’s rules. The only other time an adjustment may be made is when there is a safety risk to a player playing in their age appropriate division. At that time, a parent request needs to be made to the Board of Directors. A decision will be made to allow the player to play down. top
How are managers’ children handled during the draft?
Each manager agrees to take his/her own child during the first round of the draft. This allows each manager to select his own child without fear that another manager will take one of the top players with his/her first selection. top
How long will the season last?
The GLL regular game season usually lasts for 8-10 weeks from April through July, plus division playoff games for Majors and higher divisions. GLL tries to end T-Ball and Minors by mid-June or before. The season is extended for players in Majors and higher divisions with District 9 team tournaments and a player may also be selected to the District 9 All-Star tournament team. Please consider your vacation plans if you have a child that may be selected to these teams. top
Where are GLL games played?
GLL utilizes the baseball/softball complex at the corner of corner 28th Ave. and Baldwin Street in Jenison. Juniors and higher may travel to play some inter-league games with teams in the area. A shortage of available parking is somewhat alleviated by utilizing Friendship Chapel’s two parking lots just East of the Concession Stand entrance. If families bring two cars to the field and are parking in an area that has “deep” parking spaces, please consider parking two deep by having the first car pull as far forward as possible and the second car pulling in behind. Please refrain from parking alongside the shoulder of 28th Ave. as this becomes very dangerous for cars pulling in and out of the parking lots. top
What days and times are the games played?
All teams in GLL are scheduled for at least one game a week, and in some divisions teams are scheduled for games twice a week. Makeup games will be fit in where openings allow and may change the number of games per day/week that a player competes in. Game days are Monday through Saturday and will typically not be the same night every week. Game times vary by division, but Saturday games will generally start around 9:00 am and 11:15 am and weekday games generally will begin around 5:30 pm and 7:30 pm. It is GLL'S desire to have games be completed by 9 pm on weekdays, many times sooner in the early season due to lack of daylight. It is recommended that players arrive at the field 30 minutes prior to game time so they can properly warm up, and managers can get the line-up cards ready prior to the start of the game, but please verify the exact time your manager wants the players at the field. top
Who umpires GLL games?
GLL uses a combination of coaches, parent volunteers, and paid umpires. In the lower divisions (T-Ball and Minors), the volunteers are either coaches or parents of GLL players in those divisions. In the upper divisions (Majors and higher), the umpires are certified umpires, and trained students. All umpires are required to attend training clinics. A plate umpire and a field umpire are used in all games; unless a scheduling issue arises causing a shortage of available umpires. If you are interested in becoming an umpire, please contact the Umpire in Chief. top
When will the practices begin?
GLL targets the middle of March for T-ball, Minor, and Major teams to start practicing. The goal is for teams to be in a position to begin practices at least 3-4 weeks before Opening Day, which is the second or third week of April. For Majors and higher, practices typically being the week after draft night. Actual first practices will depend upon weather and formation of teams. top
How often and long will my child practice?
Practice frequency and duration are up to the team manager. Generally, it is recommended that T-ball teams practice no more than one time per week for no more than one hour. Minor teams practice an average of one to two times a week for anywhere from 60-90 minutes prior to the season and a few throughout the season. Majors and higher teams may practice 3-4 times a week prior to the season and 2-3 times per week after the season starts. Majors teams generally practice for two hours a session. top
Where will my child practice?
GLL division directors schedule field practice times at the Little League complex, however, most teams find a local park or other sports field to conduct practice. You will know where your child will practice once your child is placed on a team and your manager contacts you. top
What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?
Players should arrive at their first practice with a glove, hat, baseball pants, and rubber molded cleats. A baseball bag is recommended to transport bats, batting gloves, water bottles, hats, and other items. top
Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?
A uniform consists of a pair of baseball pants, belt, a baseball jersey, a hat, and a pair of all-in-one baseball socks. GLL will provide each player a team jersey and a team hat. Please verify that the player’s jersey size is listed on your registration form. Due to individual fittings, players need to provide the baseball pants, belt, and socks. The jersey and hat are the player's to keep. The jerseys don't provide much warmth, so it is a good idea to purchase a long-sleeve baseball shirt to match the color of your child's team. Your manager will provide more specifics as for the color. Rubber cleats are highly recommended, and steel spikes are not allowed. A quality leather glove is a must! It is recommended to stay away from vinyl and simulated leather gloves that may be cheaper, but tend to cause the player a great deal of frustration. It is impossible to form a pocket in gloves made of vinyl or simulated leather. Therefore, the ball tends to pop out when the player attempts to catch it. All players should bring a windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt to every game and practice, especially early in the season. top
Are there any rules around minimum playing time?
Rules will vary per division regarding playing time. In the T-ball division, all players play in the field and all player bat in a continuous batting order. Continuous batting orders are used for the divisions through Senior Minors; however, fielders are limited to 10 players in Minor Machine Pitch and 9 players in Senior Minors and higher. There are minimums for innings played in all divisions. Refer to the local rules posted on the GLL’s web site. top
Are there time limits on games?
T-ball games are limited to 1-hour. Minor Machine Pitch games are limited to 1 hour 15 minutes. There is no time limit on Senior Minor Softball/9-10 Baseball and higher except in regards to adequate lighting. The field director on duty that night will make the determination if there is adequate light to continue play or if the game is ended. top
What are GLL’s guidelines regarding weather cancellations?
The field director is responsible to monitor the weather and to decide whether games will be played that day. Before games are canceled, the field director will contact the president of the league and a final decision will be made. If games are canceled, the red flag will be raised on the flag pole and we will make every attempt to place a note on the web page.
We always want to get the games in, even if it means having a delay of 1/2 – 1 hour. Here are a few reasons why games will be canceled or delayed:
Ø Weather Watches/Warning
· If there is a tornado warning or watch within one hour of game time, all games will be canceled.
· If there is a thunderstorm warning within one hour of game time, all games will be canceled.
· If a thunderstorm watch is in effect, games will proceed as scheduled.
Ø Rain
· If it is raining and the fields are unplayable, the games will be canceled.
· If a light rain is falling, games will probably be played unless field conditions are affected.
· If a heavier rain is falling and fields are in a condition to play, a delay may be called by the field director for up to 1 hour. Players can wait out the delay in concrete dugouts, vehicles, or in the rear of the concession stand.
Ø Field Conditions
· If there has been rain during the day and the afternoon/evening is sunny and nice, the games may be canceled due to field conditions. Even if there are no puddles on the field, the playing area may be saturated such that playing on the surface may cause damage to the field.
· If the rain stops but there is no time to prep the fields before game time, games may be canceled.
· If games are canceled for this reason, there will be no games or practices on any field unless special permission from the grounds keeper is given to the president to play on that field.
Ø Lightning
· If a lightning strike is sighted, heard, or picked up with our strike indicator within 3 miles, all games will be delayed 15 minutes and players are asked to wait out the delay in concrete dugouts, vehicles, or in the rear of the concession stand. top
How many managers/coaches can be on a team?
Every team has a manager approved by the Board of Directors. Each team's manager can have as many assistants as they can find for practices, but only two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. Any manager or coach that comes into contact with players MUST submit a Little League Volunteer Application to the league. top
What are the responsibilities of a manager and a coach?
The team manager oversees the management of the team throughout the season. They are responsible for setting a practice schedule, developing a practice format, creating a lineup card for every game, and ensuring kids get their minimum playing time in each game. Managers are the focal point of the team and must be committed to following through with managing the team from mid-March through the regular season. Time commitment is usually around 8-10 hours a week depending upon division. Managers need to be able to commit to be at all practices and games. Managers also must attend a pre-season coaching clinic provided by the league, and a manager's meeting with the division representative. As well, they must schedule and conduct a parent meeting prior to the first practice of the season.
Two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. However, a manager may elect to use more than two coaches during practice. Coaches provide support during practice to ensure kids get enough attention while developing their skills. Coaches are under the guidance and direction of the manager. Typically, a manager will design a practice format and have assistants take care of coaching small groups of players, assisting with batting practice, hitting fungos, or other assistant duties. Assistant coaches should commit to be at all practices and games, generally about 6-8 hours a week depending upon division. Coaches need to attend a pre-season clinic provided by the league. All actions of an assistant coach during games are the ultimate responsibility of the manager. top
Are there conduct rules that apply during games?
Absolutely. GLL does not tolerate foul language or taunting at any level by the players, parents, managers, or coaches. Any spectator, player, manager or coach that is warned is subject to being ejected from the premises by an umpire or board member and banned from the complex for additional games. If anyone observes any conduct that is inappropriate, please notify the concession stand and a field director will be notified. top
Who is responsible for staffing the Snack Bar at the GLL complex?
GLL uses several parent volunteer managers and paid student workers to run the concession stand. There are so many guidelines and rules that are required for the managers, and scheduling problems for workers, that GLL has found that it is much more convenient to train a handful of volunteer managers and hire students that we can schedule week to week. If you are interested in volunteering as a manager, please contact a league official. top
Do I have to participate in any fundraising?
GLL believes that your families are already barraged with too many requests for your children to sell items. Therefore, we try to rely on league sponsors and personal donations to supplement our registration fees to cover the operating capital required for equipment, facilities maintenance and repairs, uniforms, etc. Please consider asking your employer about sponsoring a team or purchasing an outfield banner. Please note that GLL is a registered 501c3 non-profit organization and any donations/sponsorships will be tax deductible up to the extent allowed. top
Who do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved by the league?
If at any time you have a problem or just want information, you can e-mail the league at any time. However, please first discuss any concerns with your child's manager, then with the division's director (who is a Board Member assigned to oversee that Division). Contact information is on the GLL web site under the "GLL Board" link. You are also welcome to attend a Board meeting and express your concerns directly to the Board with prior approval from the President. The GLL Board meets every first Monday of each month throughout the year, with meeting locations and times varying. top
I am interested in volunteering. How do I get involved?
GLL is made up of people like you who want the best for our kids. We are always looking for volunteers for managers, coaches, board members, team parents, etc. The first step is to let someone know you are interested. This can be done by letting a board member know, signing up at in-person registration, or noting it on your online registration. You will be contacted by a board member to discuss your interest further. Please note that all volunteers will have a criminal background check performed. top
What information is available on the website?
The league's web site is www.GeorgetownLL.com. The site offers all the information you need to stay informed about events, schedules, rules, board member contacts, sponsorship information, clinics, umpire training, etc. If you have a question that is still unanswered, please contact the league. top