Northwest 45 Little League: FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the structure of NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE baseball?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE Baseball is one league that offers seven levels of play: T-Ball, Machine Pitch, PeeWee, AAA, Majors, JRs and SRs.  Depending upon the level, the playing fields are slightly different in terms of length of base paths, distance from pitching mound, and distance to the outfield fences from home plate.

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE has established age cutoffs to ensure players develop appropriately in terms of skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship. NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE has established age brackets that players need to participate in, however, there are situations where some players may play down due to safety risks upon approval of the President.

Pitching distances are scaled to the ability of the players in proportion to the size of the diamonds. The scaled down diamonds in the lower divisions of Machine Pitch allow the players to make the same plays made by the upper division players on larger diamonds in the PeeWee through Majors divisions.  The pitching distance for the JRs and SRs is the largest of the distances.

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE is managed by an elected Board of Directors that administer the league in line with established bylaws. The league is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization.

When does the season begin?

Please check the Home Page on the NW45 web page for exact league dates and events. Typically, the FALL season begins on the first or second Saturday in September extending through October and the SPRING season begins the first or second Saturday in March and extends through June. An Opening Day event kicks off the first games of the SPRING season.

How long will the season last?

The NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE regular game season for FALL usually lasts from 12-13 weeks  from September to the end of October and the regular game season for SPRING usually last from 13-14 weeks from March through June, and including division playoff games. The season is extended for players that are selected to the District 28 All-Star tournament teams.  Please consider your vacation plans if you have a child that may be selected to these teams.

Where are NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE games played?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE utilizes the baseball complex at Bayer Park, 24811 W. Hardy Road, Spring, Texas 77373. 

What days and times are the games played?

All teams in NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE are scheduled for at least two games a week, Game days are typically Monday through Saturday.  Saturday games will generally start at 10:00 am, 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm, 4:00 pm, and 6:00 pm. Weekday games generally will begin at 6:00pm and 8:00pm for weekday games. Games may begin earlier prior to Day Light Savings time. It is NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE'S desire to have games be completed by 10pm on weekdays. Based on the league's population, the lack of adequate field space, and possible rainouts, games may be scheduled on Sunday afternoons. It is recommended that players arrive at the field at least 45-60 minutes prior to game time so they can properly warm up, and managers can get the line-up cards ready prior to the start of the game.

Who umpires NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE games?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE uses a combination of parent volunteers and paid umpires. All umpires are required to attend training clinics. A plate umpire and a field umpire are used in games being pitched by a player, unless a scheduling issue arises causing a shortage of available umpires.   For T-Ball through Machine Pitch, a plate umpire is used.

When will the practices begin?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE targets the end of August for FALL and the middle of February for SPRING for all teams to start practicing. The goal is for teams to be in a position to begin practices at least 3-4 weeks before Opening Day, which is the first or second week of March in the SPRING season.  FALL practices will last for two weeks before games begin.  Actual first practices will depend upon weather and formation of teams.

How often and long will my child practice?

Practice frequency and duration are up to the team manager and vary based on the division.  Each team can have no more than four events a week – two practices and two games.

Where will my child practice?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE schedules field practice times at the Little League complex at Bayer Park, however, most teams find a local park or other sports field to conduct practice. You will know where your child will practice once your child is placed on a team and your manager contacts you.

What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?

Players should arrive at their first practice with a glove, hat, baseball pants, and rubber molded cleats. A baseball bag is recommended to transport bats, batting gloves, water bottles, hats, and other items.

Most players buy their own batting helmets, but the league can provide one if needed.

Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?

A uniform consists of a pair of baseball pants, belt, a baseball jersey, a hat, and a pair of all-in-one baseball socks. NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE will provide each player a team jersey and a team hat for FALL and a team jersey, team hat, baseball pants, belt and socks for SPRING.  All uniforms are the player's to keep. The jerseys don't provide much warmth, so it is a good idea to purchase a long-sleeve baseball shirt to match the color of your child's team for SPRING ball. Your manager will provide more specifics as for the color. Rubber cleats are highly recommended, and steel spikes are not allowed except for in the JRs and SRs league.  A quality leather glove is a must and it is recommended to stay away from vinyl and simulated leather gloves that may be cheaper, but tend to cause the player a great deal of frustration. It is impossible to form a pocket in gloves made of vinyl or simulated leather. Therefore, the ball tends to pop out when the player attempts to catch it. All players should bring a windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt to every game and practice, especially early in the SPRING season.

When will I find out what team my child will play on?

All teams should be formed by late August for the FALL and January or the beginning of February for SPRING. Your child's manager will notify you of the team's first meeting. If you don't hear from a team manager by mid-February, please contact a league official.

Can my child be placed on a team with one of their friends?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE allows friends to request to be placed on the same team together during the FALL season and only in the T-ball division during the SPRING season. In the SPRING, Machine Pitch through Majors divisions, there are absolutely no requests due to the player selection process of the draft. The upper division teams are created using a balanced draft process that helps to promote even and competitive leagues.

If my child is unhappy with the team they are placed on, can they switch teams?

Only in extreme cases does the league allow children to switch teams after the teams have been formed. Such requests must be made in writing to NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE's divisional commissioners for consideration by the President. Approval requires extenuating circumstances, so any request is highly unlikely to be approved, and in most cases we will ask the player to remain with their team. Team balance is established early on, and changes of this type are difficult if not impossible to implement without upsetting the balance that has been established.

If my child decides to quit, is it possible to get a refund?

A refund is available upon request prior to the close of registration. A refund of 50% is available if a request is received prior to Opening Day. After Opening Day, NO REFUNDS are allowed.

Can I keep my child down in a lower division or bring him/her up a division a year early?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE strongly supports age appropriate competition and development. NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE does not allow players to move up a division early or to play down a division to develop additional skills without approval from the President. The only time an adjustment may be made is when there is a safety risk to a player playing in their age appropriate division. At that time, a parent request needs to be made to the President. A decision will be made to allow the player to play down.

Are there any rules around minimum playing time?

Rules will vary per division regarding playing time. In the T-ball division, all players play in the field and all player bat in a continuous batting order. Continuous batting orders are used for the other divisions, however, fielders are limited to 9 players. There are minimums for innings played in all divisions. Refer to the local rules posted on the NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE web site.

Are there Time Limits on games?

T-ball 5 games are limited to 1 hour
T-ball 6 games are limited to 1 hour 10 minutes
Machine Pitch games are limited to 1 hour 30 minutes 
PeeWee games are limited to 1 hour 30 minutes
AAA and Majors games are limited to 1 hour 50 minutes
JRs & SRs division games are limited to 1 hour 50 minutes or finish the inning

How many managers/coaches can be on a team?

Every team has a manager approved by the Board of Directors. Each team's manager can have as many assistants as they can find for practices, but only two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. Any manager or coach that comes into contact with players MUST submit a National Little League Volunteer application to the league.

What are the responsibilities of a manager and a coach?

The team manager oversees the management of the team throughout the season. They are responsible for setting a practice schedule, developing a practice format, creating a lineup card for every game, and ensuring kids get their minimum playing time in each game. Managers are the focal point of the team and must be committed to following through with managing the team from late August to late October for the FALL season and mid-February to start of June for the SPRING season. Time commitment is usually around 8-10 hours a week depending upon division. Managers need to be able to commit to be at all practices and games. Managers also must attend a pre-season coaching clinic provided by the league, and a manager's meeting with the division commissioner. As well, they must schedule and conduct a parent meeting prior to the first practice of the season. Managers are assisted by a volunteer team parent that helps with things like fundraising events, uniform distribution, and picture day.

Two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. However, a manager may elect to use more than two coaches during practice. Coaches provide support during practice to ensure kids get enough attention while developing their skills. Coaches are under the guidance and direction of the manager. Typically, a manager will design a practice format and have assistants take care of coaching small groups of players, assisting with batting practice, hitting fungos, or other assistant duties. Assistant coaches should commit to be at all practices and games, generally about 6-8 hours a week depending upon division. Coaches need to attend a pre-season clinic provided by the league. All actions of an assistant coach during games are the ultimate responsibility of the manager.

Are there conduct rules that apply during games?

Absolutely. NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE does not tolerate foul language or taunting at any level by the players, parents, managers, or coaches. Any spectator, player, manager or coach that is warned is subject to being ejected from the premises and banned from the complex for additional games.

What is the playoff structure?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE teams play an entire regular season with the final standings establishing the seeding for a post-season single-elimination tournament. 

Do I have to participate in any fundraising?

NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE relies on fundraising to help support the operations of the league. Player registration fees only account for 55% of the needed operating capital required for equipment, facilities maintenance and repairs, uniforms, etc. NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE supplements player registration fees with league sponsors and fundraising. Each team is expected to participate in the league's annual fundraising activity.

Who do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved by the league?

If at any time you have a problem or just want information, you can e-mail the league at any time. However, please first discuss any concerns with your child's manager, then with the division's commissioner (who is a Board Member assigned to oversee that Division). Contact information is on the NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE web site under the "Board of Directors" link. You are also welcome to attend a Board meeting and express your concerns directly to the Board with prior approval from the President. The NORTHWEST 45 LITTLE LEAGUE Board meets the first Tuesday of each month throughout the year, with meeting locations varying.

What is available on the website?

The league's web site is at www.eteamz.com/nw45baseball. The site offers all the information you need to stay informed about events, schedules, rules, board member contacts, sponsorship information, baseball clinics, umpire training, etc. If you have a question that is still unanswered, please contact the league at northwest45littleleague@gmail.com.