⚾ Ashland Little League FAQ

📝 Registration & Eligibility

📍 Eligibility (Residency/School)

• Q: How is my child's eligibility determined?

  • A: A player is eligible if they meet one (or more) of the following criteria:

    • Residency: The player's parent or legal guardian resides within the official Ashland Little League boundaries.

    • School Enrollment: The player attends North Schuylkill Elementary. (Any child attending NSE is eligible to play.)

  • Note: Players League Age 4-7 can play in any league of their family’s choice.

• Q: How do I register my child?

  • A: Registration is completed online through our website at https://www.ashlandpall.org. Look for the "Register” link. New families will need to create an account.

• Q: What is my child's "League Age," and why is it important?

  • A: A player's League Age determines the division they are eligible to play in. Little League International sets the Age Determination Date:

    • Baseball: A player's age as of August 31st of the current year. League Age Determination

    • You can use the Little League Age Chart on the website: https://www.littleleague.org/downloads/2026-baseball-age-chart/

• Q: When is the registration period?

  • A: Online registration typically opens in December and closes in early-March. Late registration may be subject to a fee and is not guaranteed.

• Q: What documents are required for registration?

  • A: Documents are required to verify your child's age and eligibility (residency or school enrollment). Submission of required documents can occur at a later date if they are not ready during online registration.

    • Proof of Age: A copy of the child's birth certificate (New players only).

    • Proof of Eligibility: The simplest way is to submit a completed School Enrollment Form. The alternative is providing three (3) documents from different categories to prove residency.

    • Medical Release Form: Mandatory. Forms can be handed in to your coach or emailed to [email protected] once practice starts.

• Q: What is the cost to play?

  • A: Fees cover uniforms, equipment, field maintenance, and insurance.

    • First child: $40.00

    • Second child: $20.00

    • Each child thereafter: $5.00

• Q: Who should I contact with general questions?

  • A: The League President. For general questions, please reach out to the League President or use the general contact information below.

🛡️ Divisions, Tryouts, & Team Assignment

• Q: What baseball divisions do you offer?

  • A: We typically offer the following divisions (ages are approximate League Age):

    • Tee Ball (Ages 4-6)

    • Minors (Player/Coach Pitch) (Ages 7-8)

    • Majors (Ages 9-12)

  • Note: If you believe your player's skill level requires them to play in the Minors division (regardless of age), you may request this during registration.

• Q: Are there tryouts?

  • A: New and unrostered players in the Majors division are required to attend a Skills Assessment Day ("Often called Tryouts or Evaluations"). Tee Ball and Minors divisions do not have tryouts.

  • This assessment is used for the draft to create balanced teams. Players who do not attend may be assigned by "Hat Pick."

• Q: Is the Minors division entirely coach pitch?

  • A: The Minors division typically starts with Coach Pitch and transitions to Player Pitch.

• Q: When does the season start?

  • A: Practices typically begin in early March, games begin the first week of April, and run through early June. Tournament season commences mid-June.

• Q: Can I request a specific coach or to be placed on a team with a friend?

  • A:  In divisions that use a draft (Majors), team movement requests are not allowed once rosters are established. The goal is to create balanced teams. In Tee-Ball and Minors, the league tries to accommodate requests, and most are granted, but it is not guaranteed.

• Q: Where are games and practices held?

  • A: Regular season games are held at the Ashland Little League Facilities adjacent to Eureka Park in Ashland. (Directions). Practices are held at various local fields.

• Q: How are teams communicated?

  • A: Managers will contact families shortly after team assignment, typically by mid-March.

💰 Fundraising & Sponsorship

• Q: What is my family's fundraising obligation?

  • A: All families are expected to participate in the league's primary fundraising efforts throughout the season. Specific details will be announced at the start of the season.

• Q: Are parents required to volunteer time for the concession stand?

  • A: Yes. The concession stand is a critical ongoing fundraiser. All families are expected to contribute their time by working designated shifts.

• Q: How can local businesses or individuals become sponsors?

  • A: Contact the Treasurer (or a league representative) for current sponsorship levels and details regarding team sponsorship, signs, or general donations.

👕 Equipment & Uniforms

• Q: What does the league provide for the uniform?

  • A: The league provides a team jersey and a team hat (Baseball).

• Q: What equipment must the parent provide? (If equipment is needed, please contact the league for assistance.)

  • A: Parents are responsible for providing:

    • Glove (Flexible glove recommended for Tee Ball and Minors)

    • Batting Helmet (Facemasks or a C-Flap are encouraged for Tee-Ball through Minors Kid Pitch)

    • Baseball Pants (Typically grey)

    • Socks and Belt (Colors specified by the coach)

    • Non-metal cleats (Recommended, although not required)

• Q: Is protective gear mandatory?

  • A: Yes. For all male catchers in Minors and Majors, an athletic supporter with a protective cup is REQUIRED.

• Q: What are the bat rules?

  • A: All bats for Majors and below must be USA Baseball (USABat) approved and bear the USABat stamp.

⚕️ Safety & Injury Protocol

• Q: What is the procedure if a player is suspected of having a concussion or other serious injury?

  • A: Ashland Little League strictly adheres to the standard concussion protocol:

    1. Removal from Play: Any player exhibiting signs of a concussion MUST be immediately removed.

    2. No Same-Day Return: The player may NOT return to play on the same day.

    3. Written Medical Clearance: The player is not permitted to return until they have received written clearance from a licensed healthcare professional trained in concussion management.

🤝 Volunteering & Conduct

• Q: How can I volunteer for the league?

  • A: We need Managers, Coaches, Team Parents, and Umpires. You will also be required to work shifts in the concession stand.

  • Required Clearance: All volunteers with regular access to children must complete a national background check and the Little League Abuse Awareness Training (available online). Please allow ample time for this process.

  • Mandatory Coach Training: All Managers and Coaches are REQUIRED to complete the CDC HEADS UP to Youth Sports: Online Concussion Training, at HeadsUp.gov/coaches.

📧 Background Verification Process

• Q: What happens after I apply for a volunteer position?

  • A: After submitting your application, your background verification process begins via email. You must check your email (including spam/junk) for the verification link and instructions. Your background check is not complete and your application cannot proceed until you follow the instructions in that email.

• Q: What is the "Mandatory Play Rule"?

  • A: In Tee Ball and Minors, all children will play (continuous batting and defensive rotation). For Majors in regular season play, every rostered player present must participate for a minimum of six defensive outs (two innings) and bat at least one time.

• Q: What is the expected behavior for parents and fans?

  • A: Uphold the spirit of "Honoring the Game" by showing respect for Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates, and Self (ROOTS). Please cheer positively and refrain from unsportsmanlike conduct.

📞 Key Contacts

📱 Phone: 570-789-0959
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Messenger: Facebook