Players/Parents
REGISTRATION
How are player divisions determined?
As a Little League affiliated, East Longmeadow Little League uses the age chart provided by Little League each year. Players much register for the division according to their birth year. More information about Little League Age Determination and the age chart can be found here.
Is Tee Ball co-ed?
The East Longmeadow Little League Tee Ball Softball program is for girls only per Little League guidelines. At this time, East Longmeadow Little League is only a softball program and for girls only.
Why am I being asked for my child's brith certificate?
As a Little League affiliated, East Longmeadow Little League is required to show proof of age to ensure players are registered for appropriate age divisions per Little League International. These documents are uploaded securely to Little League and are only used for age verification of players.
Why am I being asked to verify my address?
Little League has a strict rule that players must play within their local league's boundaries. These boundaries are set by Little League. If a player chooses to play outside of their boundaries they need a special waiver of permission. To determine if a player is eligible to play without a boundary, address or school verification is necessary. Parents can verify their child's eligibility by using their address or by filling out a school form and having it signed by their child's school administration.
Why am I being asked to verify my child's school information?
Little League has a strict rule that players must play within their local league's boundaries. These boundaries are set by Little League. If a player chooses to play outside of their boundaries they need a special waiver of permission. To determine if a player is eligible to play without a boundary, address or school verification is necessary. Parents can verify their child's eligibility by using their address or by filling out a school form and having it signed by their child's school administration.
We don't live in East Longmeadow. Can my child play for East Longmeadow Little League?
There are a few questions that would need to be answered to determine the answer to this questions.
1. Does your town have a Little League program, either softball or baseball?
If the answer is yes then a waiver would have to be obtained from the president of your local league's board and submitted to Little League International. Upon approval, your player would then be able to play with East Longmeadow Little League. If your town does not have a Little League program then your player does not require a waiver and can play for East Longmeadow Little League.
2. Does your child go to school in East Longmeadow?
If the answer is yes then you would need to use your child's school verification for registration, not address verification. Download this form, fill it out, and take it to your child's school to be signed.
Will I have to upload documents every season?
Once you have uploaded documents to your child's profile they will be saved. Your child's birth certificate does not need to be uploaded every year. However, proof of residency documents, either address or school, does need to be updated, once a year for the spring season, unless:
1. Your child played for the previous year's District Tournament (All-Stars) AND
2. We have a copy of the Tournament Player Verification form signed by the Parent/Legal Guardian, Local League President, and District Administrator.
If your child did not play in the previous years District Tournament and/or we do not have a copy of the Tournament Player Verification form on file then you will need to update your address verification documents. Contact us at [email protected] if you have any questions about forms or requirements.
SPRING SEASON
When does the Spring Season begin?
Registration for the Spring Season opens the beginning of December and closes the end of February. Winter Training typically begins the middle of February with optional indoor training and mandatory indoor training the beginning of March. We try to start outdoor practices in early April with games starting the end of April.
When will my child's practice be?
Practice schedules are at the discretion of individual coaches. Tee Ball and 8U typically practice one day a week while 10U, 12U, and 14U may practice up to two times a week depending on game schedules. During registration, please note any known conflicts for games and/or practices so that can be taken into account when building teams. There is no guarantee that accommodations can be made but we will do our best to ensure all players get the most out of their time throughout the season.
When will my child's games be?
We won't have the full game schedule for all divisions until the beginning or middle of April. 8U and 12U games are Mondays and/or Wednesdays. 10U and 14U games are Tuesdays and/or Thursdays.
FALL SEASON
What equipment will my child need?
All athletes are required to have the following for outdoor games and practice.
-Cleats (no metal spikes)
-Softball Glove
-Fielder's Mask
Coaches will have a few batting helmets and bats available but to ensure proper fit and bat length having your own is recommended, but not required.
No, jewelry is not permitted during practice or games. This includes but is not limited to
-Necklaces
-Bracelets
-Earrings
-Rings
-Any kind of body jewelry
The only exception is a medical alert bracelet or necklace. However, both must be taped down and can not obstruct the players ability to play the game.
Coaches
REGISTRATION
How do I become a coach for East Longmeadow Little League?
Volunteer coaches can register here. All coaches must complete a series of online courses and a background check per Little League International and local and state laws.
Do you provide coach training?
Little League International has put together programs for our youngest groups of players, Tee Ball and 8U. These divisions are the building blocks for our organization and we want all of our coaches to succeed. The Board is committed to helping coaches through support throughout the season. Once a coach has been selected for a division and assigned a team our Player/Development Committee will give you access to the Coaches Corner. This folder is filled with documents and links to videos that will help you throughout the season.