San Jose American Little League

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2009 SJALL

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FAQ

Here you should find the commonly asked questions about San Jose Little League. If you have additional questions, please email us at information@sanjoselittleleague.com

What is the structure of AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE baseball? .

What age can my child start playing T-Ball?

When does the season begin?

How long will the season last?

Where are AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE games played?

What days and times are the games played?

Who umpires AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE games?

When will the practices begin? How often and long will my child practice? Where will my child practice?

What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?

Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?

Are there any rules around minimum playing time?

Are there Time Limits on games?

How many managers/coaches can be on a team?

What are the responsibilities of a Manager, Coach, Team Parent and Team Scorekeeper?

Are there RULES OF CONDUCT that apply during games?

Who is responsible for staffing the Snack Bar at the AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE complex?

Who do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved by the League?

What is available on the website?

What is the structure of AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE baseball? AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE offers six levels of play: T-Ball, ages 5-6 (or 7 if no experience, always hit off Tee stand, safety ball); “A” Farm (Coach pitch, safety ball) ages 7-8; “AA” Farm (Player-Pitch, alternate coach pitch, hard ball) ages 7-12 depending on experience and skill; “AAA” Minor’s Division (Player-Pitch, hard ball) ages 8‑12 depending on experience and skill; Major’s Division, (Player-Pitch, hard ball) ages 9-12 depending on experience and skill; and Juniors Division, ages 13 & 14, (player-pitch, on High School fields, hard ball). Depending upon the division 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. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE has established age cutoffs to ensure players develop appropriately in terms of skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE 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 Player-Agent. 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. Pitching distance for “AA” up to Majors is 46 feet. Juniors division is 60 feet. The distance between bases for T-Ball and “A” Farm is between 40 to 50 feet depending on fields. For “AA” to Majors the base distance is 60 feet. For Juniors it is 90 feet. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE is managed by a Board of Directors, elected by its members each year on Closing Day. The Board administers the league in line with its established Constitution and bylaws. The league is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization.

What age can my child start playing T-Ball? Based on your childs date of birth they can begin as early as age 4. Please look at the AgeChart 2009 to determine if your child is able to start T-Ball this year!

When does the season begin? Please check the AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE calendar on our web page for exact league dates and events. Typically, the season begins on the first or second Saturday in March. An Opening Day event kicks off the first games of the season. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE 2009 OPENING DAY IS MARCH 7TH IT IS ALSO TEAM PICTURE DAY SO ALL PLAYERS NEED TO BE IN FULL UNIFORM.

How long will the season last? The AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE regular game season usually lasts from 13-14 weeks from March through mid June, and including division playoff games. The season is extended for players that are selected to participate in tournament teams. Please consider your vacation plans if you have a child that may be selected to these teams.

Where are AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE games played? AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE’S main fields are at Cory school, the Major’s field is called Woodland field, and we also have a Farm/T-ball field to the rear of it. It is near the corner of Woodland and Monroe in San Jose. However, we may also utilizes other baseball complexes for our games. A shortage of available field space that meets Little League requirements also requires AMERICAN to use these other fields for games. We may also be having interlock games with other nearby leagues, which may require us to go to their fields. T-Ball will play all their games on Cory’s Farm field.

What days and times are the games played? All teams in AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE are scheduled for at least one game a week, and in some divisions teams are scheduled for games twice a week, and occasionally three times a week. Game days are typically Monday through Saturday. However, this year because of a shortage of available fields from the San Jose School District and the City of San Jose due to scheduled renovations we will be playing Sunday games as well. Saturday and Sunday games for the lower divisions will generally start in the morning before the upper division games. Weekday games generally will begin between 4:00 and 5:00 depending on daylight available. Games may begin earlier prior to Day Light Savings time. Rainouts may occur and we will attempt to reschedule It is recommended that players arrive at the field 45-60 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. T-Ball plays all their games on Saturdays and only have one game a week.

Who umpires AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE games? AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE uses a combination of parent volunteers and some paid umpires. In the lower divisions (Farm and AA), the volunteers may be parents of players in those divisions. Please be considerate and conduct yourself properly when addressing umpires. Set a good example for your child, and do not question or comment on an umpire’s call. 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. T-Ball and A Farm will not have umpires and do not keep score.

When will the practices begin? How often and long will my child practice? Where will my child practice? AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE targets the middle of February for all 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. Most coaches have a plan to have at least one to two practices a week until Opening Day, depending on the division. Your coach will advise you of his/her practice schedule. Please be flexible. Practices generally start between 4:30 and 5:00 during the week, and are normally at least an hour long. Saturdays are usually reserved for games and depending on weather a makeup practice, (or game) may take place on Sunday. You may drop your child off at practice if you ensure that the Manager knows they have arrived, but please be there five (5) minutes before the end of regular practice. The managers and coaches are all volunteer and are not your sitter. Practice schedules may change after opening day, depending on games scheduled for your team.

What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game? Players should arrive at their first practice and every practice with a fielders glove, hat, baseball pants, and rubber molded cleats. Boys are also required to have a protective safety cup. A baseball bag is recommended to transport bats, batting gloves, water bottles, hats, and other items. Please make sure your child always has water to drink at every practice. Even during cold weather. All of the above is the same for games, but with a full uniform. An umpire can choose to disqualify a child from playing if they are not in uniform at game time. Please ensure that your child has all their equipment and uniform prior to game. The League provides all players with bats, balls, helmets and full catcher equipment, including a catcher’s glove.

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. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE will provide each player a team jersey and a team hat. Due to individual fittings, players need to provide the baseball pants, belt, and socks. 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 as agreed to by the entire team. White long sleeves are not allowed for pitchers. 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. The biggest mistake parents make in buying a glove for their child is purchasing either a too small or too large a glove. Also, all players should bring a windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt to every game and practice, especially early in the season.

Are there any rules around minimum playing time? Yes there are. Please contact your manager to find out what it is for your division level. However, the manager also has the ability to remove a player from the team roster if that player fails to participate in practice and/or otherwise interferes with other players practice, or is disqualified by an umpire or league official for violation of a rule.

Are there Time Limits on games? Generally we limit our lower division games to 2-hours. However, most games usually do not go past 1 ½ hours. Majors are not to have a time limit in accordance with LL rules.

How many managers/coaches can be on a team? Every team has one manager approved by the Board of Directors. Each team's manager can have as many assistants as they can find for practices as long as they have been cleared by the Board and have filled out a LL approved Volunteer application and a background check has been completed. However, only two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. Any manager or coach that comes into contact with players MUST fill out a National Little League Volunteer application to the American Little League and they must clear a background check before they can perform their duties.

What are the responsibilities of a Manager, Coach, Team Parent and Team Scorekeeper? 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-February to start of June. Time commitment is usually around 10-15 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. They are also your main point of contact to communicate any of your concerns to the Board. Managers are assisted by a volunteer Team Parent that helps with things like concession stand scheduling, fundraising events, uniform distribution, and picture day. They are also assisted by a volunteer Team Scorekeeper, who keeps track of not only the score, but all team statistics and posts them to our Official League Scorekeeper. Please contact your team’s manager if you want to be either a Team Parent or Team Scorekeeper. We also have training for Team Scorekeepers. Two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. Little League rules require that at least one adult manager or coach must be in the dugout at all times during games. 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 will need to attend a pre-season clinic provided by the league.

Are there RULES OF CONDUCT that apply during games? Absolutely. AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE 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 and banned from the complex for additional games. Also, no parent is allowed in the dugout or on the field during a game at anytime unless they are an authorized Manager, Coach, Umpire or Board member or authorized volunteer carrying out necessary duties for the League.

Who is responsible for staffing the Snack Bar at the AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE complex? Upon registering a player for participation in AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE, the player's parent(s) agreed to serve at least two games in the snack bar. Each parent or guardian must staff their shift as scheduled by the Snack Shack manager. The AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE's Concessions Committee is responsible for stocking, opening, and setting up the concessions stand prior to the first game each day. Please do your part in support of operating the concessions stand. Parents and Guardians are also responsible for meeting their additional volunteer hours requirement as agreed.

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 call the Board at any time. However, please first discuss any concerns with your team’s manager. Board contact information is on the AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE web site at: www.sanjoselittleleague.com and on our bulletin board at Cory. If you are unable to resolve your issue over the phone or by email, you are also welcome to attend a Board meeting and express your concerns directly to the Board with prior approval from the President, so that the Board can put you on the meeting agenda. The AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE Board post its meeting schedule on the league web site.

What is available on the website? The league's web site is at www.sanjoselittleleague.com. The site offers all the information you need to stay informed about events, schedules, rules, board member contacts, sponsorship information, baseball clinics, umpire training, etc. If you have a question that is still unanswered, please contact the league at information@sanjoselittleleague.com

Thank you so much for taking the time to review the above questions and if you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly.

SSL 03/2010

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