Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Parents, managers and coaches often have questions about the Tassajara National and Tassajara American Leagues. This document explains many of the processes that take place both before and during each season to make sure the kids have an enjoyable season. The policies laid out here are our guidelines as we navigate our way through the season. The Board of Directors for each League may amend the policies from time to time and update this handbook as needed. We hope this answers many of the questions you have and perhaps some you never thought of!

League Boundaries

Official Little League Rules govern the eligibility of players in the League. Generally, no player who resides outside the boundaries is eligible to play in the League. League boundaries will be respected at all levels of play including Tee Ball and Farm. Managers and Players will not be able to play or coach with families that no longer reside within the League boundaries. Managers will not be allowed to cross League boundaries. If a shortage of Managers exists in one League, it can not be addressed by allowing Managers from one League to move to another. These are Official Little League rules that the Leagues must follow. There is no gray area on this matter.

Player Eligibility

Only players that meet the age and residency requirements spelled out in the Official Little League Rules are eligible to play in the League. The following additional requirements must also be met:

The player must complete a registration form and pay the applicable fees set by the League
All players must participate in the League Tryouts. Failure to attend the Tryout will result in the player being placed in the same division they played in last year. If the player’s age violates the age requirements for the division (determined by the BOD) the player will be placed in the next division up that does contain the Players’ age group. This includes players whose mother or father are Managers.
Players who are not able to try out must send the Players Agent a written explanation of why the player can’t try out. Request to not try out should be received prior to the beginning of Tryouts. Generally, illness or injuries are acceptable reasons provided they last through the duration of Tryouts. The excuse from Tryouts must be approved by the Player’s Agent. A player granted an excuse may be eligible to be drafted above the division they played in previously.

Selection of Managers and Coaches

Any adult interested in coaching or managing must fill out and submit the Manager and Coach application located on the TVLL American and TVLL National Web site. The volunteer background check also needs to be submitted. All applications should be received by December 20th . The Division Coordinator reviews the applications and conducts interviews as needed and submits his recommendations to Board of Drectors in December. The Division Coordinators take into account previous years of coaching experience and reviews from previous year’s parents before selecting the candidates. The Board of Directors of each League vote to approve each candidate.

Managers and coaches will be selected and approved by the Board of Directors prior to the beginning of Tryouts. Managers and Coaches who have not been approved are not allowed on the field for Tryouts. Managers and coaches are approved at the December Board of Directors meeting for the following season.

Player Registration

Tryouts are held in December (JR Gold) and mid-January for the remaining teams. The number of teams in each division is based upon the number of players who register. To enable the Player Agent to determine the number of teams needed and to allow for the proper selection and approval of coaches – Registration begins on or about November 17th . Regular Registration will close on December 31st. A late Registration period with additional fees as approved by the Board may take place between December 31st and ending on the day of the first draft. Additional registration may take place after the draft for Tee Ball players and those over age 15.

Divisions of Play

Tee Ball
The Tee Ball Division is required for all league age five year old players and six year old players participating in a Little League Program for the first time. Teams are organized by league age, neighborhood and school attendance when possible.

Tee Ball is an introductory division focused on instruction where players hit off a tee rather than a pitched ball. Soft, Reduced Injury Factor (RIF) balls are used for safety. No scores are kept, every offensive player bats each inning regardless of outs and no player sits on defense. Players are taught the basic fundamentals of baseball including throwing, catching, batting, defensive ready position and base running.

Rookie
The Rookie division is designed to transition players from tee ball to coach pitch play. It consists primarily of league age seven year old players although League age six players can participate provided they played one full year of tee ball in an approved Little League program. Teams are organized by league age neighborhood, and school attendance when possible.

This is an instructional division where players hit "live" Reduced Injury Factor (RIF) balls pitched by their own coach from a short distance with a tee being used to assist players who struggle to hit a live pitch. No scores are kept and every offensive player bats each inning regardless of outs. On defense each team will have ten (10) defensive positions. In addition to the change in batting format the fundamentals of baseball are reinforced and players are introduced to additional aspects of the game.

Farm
The Farm Division consists of league age seven, eight and nine year old players. While the division is comprised primarily of eight year old players, seven year olds are permitted to play if they have completed a season of coach pitch. Nine years participating in their first season or looking to improve their fundamentals are placed in the division to prepare them for kid pitch. Teams are organized by league age, neighborhood and school attendance when possible.
This is an instructional division where players hit "live" Reduced Injury Factor (RIF) balls pitched by their own coach from a short distance during the first half of the season and players during the second half. No scores are kept but at this level outs are recorded with three ending each half inning. On defense each team will have ten (10) defensive positions. In addition to the exposure in the second half of the season to pitching and hitting kid pitching the fundamentals of baseball are reinforced and players are introduced to additional aspects of the game.
Minors B
The Minors B Division is the first “draft” level division consisting primarily of league age nine and ten year old players. League age eight players are allowed to tryout given they participated in the Farm division in the prior season with the League or a similar division in another Little League. All players are required to tryout and teams are formed through a manager draft process supervised by the Division Coordinator, Player Agent and League President.

Players pitch and all players in the line-up bat. The standard nine defensive positions are used and scores and standings are kept. Trained volunteer umpires enforce the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball. Players are taught advanced fundamentals of baseball such that they are exposed to pitching techniques, playing positions, defensive pre-pitch preparedness, live batting and aggressive base running.

A post-season tournament will determine the champion for the division. The top 2 teams will receive trophies.

Minors A
The Minors A Division is a "draft" level division consisting primarily of league age nine, ten and eleven year old players. All players are required to tryout and teams are formed through a manager draft process supervised by the Division Coordinator, Player Agent and League President.

Players pitch and all players in the line-up bat. The standard nine baseball defensive positions are used and scores and standings are kept. Trained volunteer umpires enforce the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball. Players are taught advanced fundamentals of baseball such that they are exposed to pitching techniques, playing positions, defensive pre-pitch preparedness, live batting and aggressive base running.

A post-season tournament will determine the champion for the division. The top 2 teams will receive trophies. The winning team represents the League in the District 57 Tournament of Champions (TOC).

Majors
The Majors Division is "draft" level and represents true competitive play. It is generally oriented for experienced player’s league age eleven and twelve years old however league age ten players are eligible to be drafted to a team. All players are required to tryout and teams are formed through a manager draft process supervised by the Division Coordinator, Player Agent and League President.

Players pitch and all players in the line-up bat. The standard nine baseball defensive positions are used and scores and standings are kept. This level focuses on more advanced skill development. Players are exposed to faster pitching speeds, harder hit balls and the overall pace of the game is much faster. Trained volunteer umpires enforce the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball.

A post-season tournament will determine the champion for the division. The top 2 teams will receive trophies. The winning team represents the League in the District 57 Tournament of Champions (TOC).

Junior 80's - "GOLD"
The 80’s Gold Division is a highly competitive division created by District 57 for the top 13 yr olds in our League. Games are played on an 80’s diamond. Season consists of 40-50 games played between Mid February and the end of June, with a season tournament in July. Games are usually one game during the week and two games on the weekend. Travel is expected to be within a 2 hr radius. Players in the Gold division will be eligible for Junior All Star play in early July. 13 yr olds not selected for the Gold division will be eligible for draft by Junior 90/80’s divisions. There will be additional fees for players in the Gold division, to be determined once the season starts. For this season we expect to field one combined team in 80’s Gold with players from both American and national Leagues.

Junior 90's - "GOLD"
This is a continuation of the Junior 13 Gold and is for 14 yr olds. It will be close to the same as 13 Gold, but will be played on a 90' diamond. There will also be opportunity for extra travel to tournaments. If not drafted for this level the player can be considered for Junior 90's for Junior 80's.

Junior 90's
Open to 13 & 14 yr olds. All players must Tryout in order to be selected at draft. Similar division to Junior 80's indicated above, however, games are played on 90' bases. This division is more competitive than Junior 80's. Any player not selected by the Junior 90 or "Gold" divisions, will be entered into the Junior 80's draft and be selected to a team.

Junior 80's
Open to all 13 & 14 yr olds. Players are required to Tryout and be selected by draft. Games are played throughout the district on 80' diamonds. Playing season is similar to the Majors and minor divisions, and teams are eligible for playoffs at the end of the season. This will be most players’ first experience with leading off, steals, and balks. There is free substitution, and continuous batting order. Teams will play a season championship tournament with the winner representing TVLL in the District level Tournament of Champions (TOC) in June. If available, players are eligible for nomination to AllStar and Tournament teams for post season games through July 31.

Senior / Big League
Senior division is open to all 15 & 16 yr. olds. Big League is open to all 17 & 18 yr. olds. Season does not begin until completion of high school baseball season. Players registering in this age group will be contacted at a later date once process is determined.

Player Tryouts

When
Player Tryouts are scheduled for two weekends in mid January with a makeup day scheduled if there are too many rain cancellations to make up. Players should show up ½ hr before the session to register and warm up. Tryout sessions usually last 2 hours, but may be shorter or longer based upon the number in attendance.

Where
The Tryouts take place on the turf fields across from Sycamore School. All players must try out to be eligible for the next level of division play.

Is it cold in January?
Tryouts often take place in inclement weather – rain – cold. Players should dress appropriately to stay warm and dry. If it rains too hard that Tryout session may be cancelled.

What if it rains?
All players and parents should show up at their scheduled Tryout time. Do not assume your Tryout session has been cancelled. If it is rescheduled you will likely be given an alternate Tryout time later in the day. You must come to the Tryout to reschedule. You may not phone in to reschedule.

What happens at the Tryouts?
Every player has the opportunity to hit 7 pitches from the pitching machine. Each player also displays their defensive skills by fielding ground balls and catching fly balls. There is also the opportunity to pitch and catch for those interested. Players should bring any gear they wish to use with them. Parents may volunteer to help at the Tryouts by indicating their interest during the registration process. Additional parent volunteers may also be solicited during the Tryout session.

What are the Managers and Coaches doing?
The Managers and Coaches are watching your player at the Tryouts and scoring the players on both the performance demonstrated at the Tryouts as well as fundamental skills demonstrated. The managers are also watching a player's hustle and attitude during the Tryouts. They will utilize the list of players and scores when drafting players onto their teams.

Player Draft

After all Tryouts have been completed, the Managers meet to draft the players. This usually takes place in late January but can creep into February if the weather is bad. For players less than 12 years old, the draft begins with the Majors teams selecting players needed to fill their rosters. After the Majors draft is completed, the Minors A teams begin their selections, followed by Minors B. Any remaining 9 year old players after the draft is complete are placed on a Farm team. 9 year olds placed on Farm will be moved up to single A teams as vacancies occur during the first part of the season. Kids drafted above them may be injured for the season or opt out of the League. When these vacancies occur a series of promotions takes place. Example – a player in Minors A decides not to participate. A player from Minors B is promoted to fill the vacancy in Minors A. A player in Farm is promoted to fill the vacancy in Minors B. The Player Agent and Managers utilize their observations from the Tryouts to decide who to offer a promotion to.

The Junior 80 draft also takes place during this time. The Managers utilize the score sheets from the Tryouts to select their teams.

League officials do not influence the Managers in the selection process other than specifying the mix of age groups in each division. If your son or daughter was not selected to a division as high as you hoped it is because the Managers in that division did not select them – no other reason.

What Team am I on?

Players 9-12 should hear what team they are on by Feb 15th. If you have not heard by then please contact the League to find out about your team. Occasionally mistakes happen and when they do we will try and correct them as soon as possible. Please be patient – every player who registers will be placed on a team.

Players 5-8 – Tee Ball, Rookie and Farm teams are formed after the draft is completed. You should hear what team you are on by March 8th. If you have not heard by then please contact the League. Occasionally mistakes happen and when they do we will try and correct them as soon as possible. Please be patient – every player who registers will be placed on a team. In the event that Tryouts are delayed more than one week because of rain these notification dates could also be delayed.