April 23, 2008

TOURNAMENT BULLETIN

Dear Little League District Administrators, League Presidents and League Officials:

The Little League International Tournament Committee has made the following modifications to the 2008 Tournament Rules and Guidelines in baseball and softball. These changes, recommended by the Little League President's Advisory Committee and the Little League International Board of Directors, are in effect as of today.

Participation in Other Programs - The rule that prohibits players  from participating in non-Little League programs (dual participation), once Little League tournament play has begun, has been rescinded at all levels of play for baseball and softball. However, the local Little League retains the right to dismiss a player from a tournament team if the player repeatedly misses games and practices.

Big League - The maximum number of players that can be named on a tournament team affidavit is now 17 (increased from 15).

Senior League - The maximum number of players that can be named on a tournament team affidavit is now 16 (increased from 14).

In the case of the first item above, it remains Little League International's position that a local Little League should expect that players it selects for this honor will make playing for the Little League Tournament Team their priority.

For the other two items, the maximum number has been increased because of the nature of play in these divisions. With players in these age groups also having jobs or other responsibilities, this gives managers more flexibility to ensure that games are not delayed or forfeited because of the lack of players.

Sincerely,

Patrick W. Wilson

Vice President of Operations

Little League International

P.O. Box 3485

539 US Route 15 Hwy

Williamsport, PA  17701-0485

Phone: 570-326-1921

Fax: 570-326-1074