Sierra Valley Little League

Team, Division, Coaching & Volunteer FAQ

Team & Division Placement

Who decides what division my child plays in?

Division placement is determined by the Sierra Valley Little League Board of Directors, following Little League International age rules, player evaluations, safety considerations, and overall league needs.

How is my child’s “league age” determined?

League age is set by Little League International using an official age chart based on birthdate, not school grade.

You can view the official age chart here:

Baseball

https://www.littleleague.org/downloads/2026-baseball-age-chart/

Softball

https://www.littleleague.org/downloads/2026-softball-age-chart/

Can my child play up or play down a division?

Possibly, but not guaranteed. The Board may consider movement based on:

Skill level
Safety
Team numbers
League balance

All placement decisions are final.

If my child has already played up in a division, can they be moved back down?

No. Once a player has moved up to a higher division, they may not return to a lower division during regular season play.

However, All-Star eligibility is based on league age. If a player participates in a higher division during the season, they are still eligible to play All-Stars in their league-age division.

Can I request a specific coach, team, or friends?

No. We do not accept coach, team, or friend requests.

We believe making new friends and learning teamwork outside familiar circles is a key part of the Little League experience.

 Will you try to keep siblings together?

Yes, when league age and division rules allow. While not guaranteed, we make a good-faith effort to place siblings together when possible.

How are Tee Ball teams formed?

Tee Ball teams are assigned at random each season by the:

• League President
• Vice President
• Coaching Coordinator

All Tee Ball players return to the placement pool each year.

How are Farm, Minors, Majors, and Juniors teams formed?

Teams are formed using a snake draft with:

Head coaches

• League President
• Vice President
• Player Agent

Coaches may not trade players.

The Board may consider limited adjustments under special circumstances.

Are players evaluated before placement?

Yes. The Board may evaluate players to ensure:

• Safety
• Appropriate competition level
• Balanced teams

Who decides which players are eligible for each division?

An Evaluation Committee made up of:

• League President
• Both Player Agents
• Vice President
• One randomly selected Board member

What happens if I don’t agree with my child’s placement?

Placements are made using established policies, evaluations, and league needs.

All placements are final once rosters are completed.

What happens if I refuse the assigned team?

Refusing to play on an assigned team may result in removal from the league for that season per league policy.

Coaching

How are head coaches selected?

Head coaches are selected by the Sierra Valley Little League Board of Directors based on:

• Experience
• Player safety
• Sportsmanship
• League needs
• Background check clearance

Are coaches allowed to draft their own child?

Yes. Coaches’ children are typically placed on the coach’s team per Little League rules, unless special circumstances apply.

 Can coaches trade players after the draft?

No. Trades are not allowed.

The Board may consider limited adjustments only for safety or roster balance.

What training do coaches receive?

All coaches must:

• Pass a background check
• Complete required Little League safety training
• Follow league and Little League International rules
• Abide by the Sierra Valley Little League Code of Conduct

Volunteering

Do parents have to volunteer?

Yes. Sierra Valley Little League is a 100% volunteer-run organization.

All families are expected to help in some capacity each season.

 What kind of volunteer jobs are available?

Volunteer roles include (but are not limited to):

• Team parent
• Scorekeeper
• Concessions
• Field prep / cleanup
• Equipment help
• Umpiring
• Special events
• Board positions

What if I can’t volunteer much due to work or family obligations?

We understand life is busy. Even small contributions help.

Please contact the league if you need a limited or flexible volunteer role