Frequently Asked Questions
To assist you in planning for the upcoming Richmond Little League Season, here are some answers to frequently asked questions.
How do I know what baseball level my child will play in?
In general, the league divisions are as follows:
Little League Age
Tee Ball: ages 5 and 6
Machine Pitch: ages 7 and 8
Minors: ages 9 and 10
Majors (Intermediate 50/70): ages 11, 12 & 13 year olds)
Juniors: ages 13 and 14
Your child's Little League Age can be determined on this official Little League Age Chart.
Some players may be placed in higher or lower levels based on past baseball experience and the Skills Assessment. You may indicate a preference for level of play, however, RLL makes the final decision in accordance with Little League International rules, to ensure the safety of each player and to balance the teams at each level.
"Play-up" requests are evaluated based primarily on roster space at the requested level and the skill level of the player. In evaluating the skill level of the player RLL considers not only whether the player is sufficiently skilled to compete at the requested level, but also whether his or her skill level is such that participating in the level with his or her contemporaries would be unchallenging or present safety issues for other players. Some of the other factors that RLL considers are the player's school grade and the proximity of his or her birthday to the April 30th age cutoff. The fact that a player may have the skills necessary to play in the higher level is not sufficient reason alone to merit a "play-up" exception. RLL typically permits only a small number of "play-up" requests each season.
How is my child selected for a team?
All baseball players of League ages 7 through 12 are required to attend a SKILLS ASSESSMENT. (Tee-Ball and Juniors players do not attend Skills Assessment.) This event is used by RLL to place players at the appropriate level and to try to achieve parity among teams in a particular division. Every child is placed on a team through a draft process conducted by the Team Managers and Assistant Coaches. Please note that, except for tee-ball level, the League is unable to honor requests that particular children play together as this complicates the draft and conflicts with its purpose.
Players of draft age are notified of their team selection at the RLL Parent/Player Meeting (Team Announcements). Tee-Ball and Juniors players/parents do not attend the Parent/Player Meeting.
When are practices and games held?
Machine Pitch, Minors and Majors 50/70 teams generally have 2-3 games or practices each week. The schedule is set by RLL prior to Opening Day, and specific weekly practice or game days and times will vary for each team over the course of the season. During the pre-season (between the Team Announcement and Opening Day) each Machine Pitch, Minors and Majors 50/70 teams will have two weekly practice slots. Beginning Opening Day, Machine Pitch, Minors and Majors 50/70 teams will be scheduled to play 1-3 games per week, including weeknight and weekend games. Weekend games may be scheduled at any time on Saturday and Sunday afternoon. During the regular season, Managers may also schedule periodic practices based on field availability. Contact your Manager directly for this schedule. During the Spring season last year, start times for weeknight games were usually 5:30 p.m. for Machine Pitch, 6:00 p.m. for Minors, and 6:30 for Majors 50/70. The start times for the current season could vary somewhat.
Tee Ball teams usually have a practice and/or scrimmage one night during the work week and a game on Saturday. The day for the practice/scrimmage will vary from week to week but the start time will likely be at 5:15 p.m. or 6:15 The start time for Saturday Tee Ball games will vary from week to week.
If you have particular concerns about scheduling, please speak to your Team Manager.
What do we do if the weather is bad on a game or practice day?
Always show up for practices and games UNLESS your Team Manager contacts you about a cancelation or delay. You may also call the RLL hotline at 420-8019, or log onto the web site at www.richmondll.com. The league will make every effort to place timely information on the hotline and web site, but in the absence of any cancelation information from these sources, please proceed to your practice or game.
What does the registration fee cover?
League registration fees partially offset the cost of uniforms, equipment, field maintenance, insurance and umpires. RLL has a policy that no child be denied the opportunity to participate in its programs due to financial inability. Fee reductions are available upon written request by qualified applicants, upon Board approval. A written fee reduction request is available under the "Documents" link.
What equipment does my child need?
RLL provides team jerseys, baseball hats, and socks to all players. RLL also provides baseball pants to Tee Ball players. Players in all other divisions will need to provide for their own baseball pants. Each player will need athletic shoes (baseball cleats are preferred but soccer cleats are acceptable), and a leather baseball glove. If your child does not have a glove, RLL has a limited number of gloves that may be borrowed during the season. RLL also provides and helmets but players are welcome to purchase their own.
Who do I call if I have questions about the league during the season?
You are encouraged to first contact your Team Manager whenever you have questions about the league or your child's participation. You are also welcome to contact the league information officer, Liz Kastelberg ( [email protected]), or any other member of the Board. Many of your questions will be answered at the Parent/Player Meeting.