F.A.Q.
Who can participate?
The Glocester Little League is open to boys (ages 5-16) and girls
(ages 5-16) who live in the town of Glocester, RI. Our softball program
is also open to Foster girls ages 7-16 since such a program does not
exist in their town. There are currently over 525 children officially
registered on 45 teams in our program.
When are registrations?
Registrations occur annually each January. In 2008, the GLL hopes
to offer online registration for returning players for the first time.
Keep an eye on the Bargain Buyer, The Observer and Northwest Neighbors
newspapers, as well as this website, for announcements.
When does the season begin?
Teams are selected in mid-March and can practice as soon as the weather
and field conditions cooperate. Games begin traditionally in mid-April,
and conclude in late-June. Players selected to represent Glocester
on all-star teams will play into the summer. The GLL also offers a
growing Fall Ball program that begins early September and plays into
October each year.
What is "league age"?
League age is determined by the April 30 (baseball) and December 31
(softball) cutoff dates established by Little League that decides
a player's age for that season. Details are available on the official
Little League website, www.littleleague.org.
What equipment does my son/daughter need?
The GLL provides bats, helmets, balls, catcher's gear, hats, and uniform
shirts. Each player must provide their own glove, and must provide
white pants (baseball) or gray pants (softball) in the AAA division
and up. Shorts are not allowed. All boys are required to wear
athletic supporters, and boys who are catching must wear a protective
cup, neither of which are provided by the league. Plastic cleats are
also highly recommended.
How are team managers selected?
A subcommittee of the Board of Directors is established each year
to consider requests from volunteers to manage teams. Their recommendations
are approved by the Board as a whole. Decisions are based on experience,
reliability, baseball knowledge and service to the league. The GLL
is ALWAYS looking for new managers and coaches. Please contact the
GLL Manager's Rep if you are available to help.
How much does it cost?
Depending on which division you join, annual registration fees range
from $50 to $70 per player. There is also a cap of $125 for large
families.
Who is in charge?
The League is operated by an all-volunteer Board of Directors voted
annually each Fall by parents and town residents. Glocester Little
League officials are bound by the rules of the national organization.
Further information can be found at http://www.littleleague.org.
Why do I need to provide proof of residency and /or a birth certificate?
Little League Baseball has established detailed rules that determine
where a child can play for both safety and competitive reasons. Players
who cannot provide birth certificates or proof of residency documents
to the GLL may be prohibited from playing. Contact the GLL Players
Reps if you have any questions or concerns.
What is T-Ball?
T-ball is for 5-year-old boys and girls and provides their first organized
introduction to the sport of baseball. Players hit from a "tee"
and are provided basic instruction such as how to run the bases and
how to grip and throw a ball. All games are played on the small, backfield
at Acotes.
What is A-Ball?
A-Ball, also known as "coach pitch" is for 6-year-old boys
and girls. A coach acts as the pitcher, and if a player is unable
to hit the ball, then a tee is utilized. Instruction continues on
the basic fundamentals of running, fielding and hitting. Games are
played on the small, backfield at Acotes.
What is AA Ball?
AA baseball is for 7 and 8 year-old players that utilizes a pitching
machine. The bases are spaced slightly farther apart than in T-ball
and A-ball, and new concepts are introduced such as being called "out."
The division is non-competitive, as no scores are kept, and it is
instructional in nature. All games are played on the smaller front
field at Acotes near the Dorr Rebellion Museum.
What is AAA Ball?
AAA baseball is our "minor league" for our Majors baseball
division. All boys and girls ages 9 through 12 who did not make our
Majors division at tryouts are eligible to participate. The AAA division
has some modified rules to keep things competitive, however most traditional
baseball rules are followed, and provides a transition between the
non-competitive leagues like AA and highly competitive leagues like
the Majors. This division also introduces live pitching by players,
to players. Scores are kept and an annual champion is crowned at the
end of the season. In 2006, games will be played on the new baseball
diamond at Acotes Field.
What is Majors Baseball?
Majors baseball is what most people think of when they think of Little
League Baseball. Majors is for the 9 to 12 year-old boys and girls
(though mostly are 11 or 12) who are selected at our annual tryouts
in March. Games are competitive and feature terrific talent. All games
are played on the front field at Acotes.
What is Juniors Baseball?
Juniors is for 13 to 15 year-old players, many of whom have graduated
from our Majors division, who are introduced for the first time, and
must make the adjustment to, a full-size baseball playing field. Other
concepts are introduced, too, such as base stealing, leads and pick-off
plays. Games are played at Leja Field at Glocester Memorial Park,
and occasionally at other towns in the local area.
What is Minors Softball?
Minors softball is the GLL's newest division for girls 7, 8 and 9
years-old. Many of the rules are similar to AA baseball, such as using
a pitching machine, and is designed to be instructional and non-competitive
in nature. The division provides an introduction to the principles
of fast pitch softball.
What is Majors Softball?
Majors softball is a fast pitch softball league for girls ages 9 through
12 who are selected at our annual draft in March. Teams play a competitive
schedule and a league champion is crowned each year. Games are played
on the softball diamond at Glocester Memorial Park.
What is Junior/Senior Softball?
Junior/Senior softball is a fast pitch softball league for girls ages
13 to 16. Games are typically played with other towns such as Smithfield
and Burrillville.
What is the Challenger Division?
Players with physical and mental disabilities can still participate
in organized baseball through the GLL Challenger Division. Game rules
are modifiied to accomodate the players skills. In 2005, the GLL Challengers
Division was honored with a private tour of Fenway Park, courtesy
of CVS.
What is Fall Ball?
Since the New England spring season is so short, the GLL operates
an instructional Fall Ball league each September and October for players
ages 9 and over. The number of teams, specific divisions and ages
are subject to the number of players who sign-up each year. Look for
sign-up details on http://www.GlocesterLL.com
sometime in late spring.
Can my son/daughter skip ahead to the next division?
No. The Glocester Little League strongly discourages playing outside
of your assigned age group for several reasons including insurance
and competetive balance. If you feel you son or daughter is in the
wrong division, you can discuss the specific issue with the Player
Representative.
How often do the kids play and practice?
Although each division is a little different, most teams play two
games per week and practice once per week. However, the frequency
of practices is entirely up to the team's manager who can decide to
practice more or less frequently as they see fit.
• GLocester,
Rhode Island ~ USA •
