When does the season start and end?
The regular season starts the week of April 24 and goes until around June 16, with a one-week playoff tournament for Minors and Majors divisions the final week.
When will I find out what team my child is on?
Teams are formed during the week before Spring Break, and coaches should contact the main account holder by the end of the Spring Break week. If you have not heard from a coach by that time, please double check that your phone number and email address are correct in our system and that you are the main account holder under which the player was registered, then contact [email protected] to let us know that you haven't heard from your coach.
When do practices start, and what is the practice schedule?
Practices start the week after Spring Break (March 27). Managers determine the practice schedule during the player draft, and will let you know the practice schedule once teams are formed.
How many practices and/or games per week will there typically be?
There are two practices per week in the pre-season, and then about two games per week during the season, with occasional practices determined by coaches.
What days and times are games played?
Games are played every week night, with each team playing about twice per week. We typically have an early game starting around 5:30pm and a late game starting around 7:30pm, though younger ages may start games earlier and play shorter games. There is not a set night for certain ages to play; it will rotate each week based on field availability.
What if I want my son/daughter to play up in the next age group?
Little League rules require that a player wishing to move up must either (a) have already played in the division he/she would be in based upon current age for one year; and/or (b) pose a safety risk to other players in that division.
We strongly encourage players to play with their age group, but we normally leave that decision up to the parent.
Are there tryouts?
Little League gives all players an opportunity to play, regardless of skill or experience. We hold evaluations for our players every year to help us balance the teams as much as possible and provide a competitive playing atmosphere for everyone.
I’d like to manage my son/daughter’s team. What do I need to do?
During the sign up process you should identify that you're interested in being a Manager (Head Coach). You will then be asked to fill out a volunteer form indicating what qualifications you have. All submissions will be reviewed by the League President and Board of Directors to determine who will manage a team. There is also a required coach training provided through our partnership with the Positive Coaching Alliance.
I’d like to help coach my son/daughter’s team. What do I need to do?
When you sign your child up to play, you should indicate that you’re interested in being an Assistan Coach. The team manager will ultimately be the one to decide his/her coaches. Little League rules only allow for one manager and two coaches per team, although you may have many more people that help out at practices and games performing functions like keeping score and pitch counts.
I want my son/daughter to play with my neighbor to help with car pooling and scheduling. Am I able to make sure they play on the same team?
During the registration process, special requests can be made. However, the Player Agent and Board of Directors will review all requests. Please understand that not all requests can be honored. Teams must be formed to allow fair competition.
Can siblings be guaranteed to play on the same team if I request it?
Yes, if the siblings play in the same division, we would place them on the same team.
Are scholarships or financial aid available?
Yes, scholarships are available. No child will be turned away for financial reasons. You should not let a lack of funds stop you from registering your child on time. The League will waive all or part of the registration fee if you need financial assistance.
We encourage families to pay at least a portion of the fee for each child since our fees are kept deliberately low (lower than that of other leagues) in an attempt to make it possible for everyone to play. If you need financial assistance, please let us know your player's name and birthdate along with what amount, if any, you can contribute by emailing [email protected] to request financial aid. All information will be kept confidential.
Can I get a refund if we decide not to play?
Full refunds can be made until teams are drafted. After teams are formed, $20 will be withheld from each refund to cover administrative fees that are charged to the league. No refunds will be granted after April 15.
Can I still sign up if I live outside the boundaries?
You may also play in Joplin Little League if the school you attend is within the boundaries for our league, otherwise, a waiver request must be submitted to Joplin Little League. This waiver will then be submitted for review and approval by Little League International.
What equipment does a player need?
That's a common question asked by many parents and players entering Little League for the first time.
Players will need to provide their own:
-
Baseball pants, belt, and socks (color of each is decided by coach and parents to match the jerseys)
- Rubber molded cleats
- Baseball Glove
- Protective cups for all male players above the Tee Ball division
- Approved Batting Helmet (optional, but recommended)
- Bat (optional). Must be a USA Baseball approved bat.
In general, JLL will provide:
- Team Hat and Jersey
- Catching gear (and team bag for gear)
- Batting helmets, though many players prefer to have their own, and we recommend that as well for sanitary reasons.
- Game Balls
- Practice Balls
- Batting Tee for Tee-Ball
Will my child get a chance to play in each game?
Yes. Every player who shows up on time and attends weekly practices must play at least two consecutive innings in the field and bat at least once. If your child does not get to play, he or she starts in the next game.
Please remember, regular attendance at practices as well as games is important. It helps the players to learn to play as a team. Frequent absences from practices are not in the best interest of the player or the team.
What happens if my child misses a game or is late to a game?
Players who intend to be absent must call their manager or coach. Parents, if you know in advance your child will miss three or more games during the season, PLEASE DO NOT REGISTER HIM/HER. Absences affect not only your team, but opposing teams also.
Official games can only be played if at least eight players are present from each team. Players missing two games will be warned about possible removal from the team. If a player misses three or more games or practices, he or she may be removed from the team at the manager’s request, with approval from the League.
If your child is late to a game, he or she may not get to play. Coaches are not obligated to play any child who arrives 15 minutes after a game has started, so please be sure your child is on time. If a player arrives within the 15 minute window, they can be inserted at the end of the lineup.