Quito LL: Spring 2011 Division Info
*** This is a new division for Quito Little League in the Spring 2011 season. Check with the division representative if you have any questions. ***
The Challenger Division offers mentally and physically challenged youth an opportunity to participate in an organized baseball program.
- Gives all boys and girls ages 5-18 years regardless of disability an opportunity to play baseball and be a part of a team.
- Provides a structured athletic program.
- Incorporates "Buddies" from the Major Division and surrounding communities.
- Presents opportunities to experience the joys of pulling together as a team, being cheered, and earning awards for their achievements.
- Welcomes any disability; wheelchairs can be accommodated.
- Enhances social development.
- Challenger Division players wear the same uniforms, shoulder patches, and safety equipment as other Little Leaguers.
- Every player on the roster is in the batting order and shall play defensively for the entire game.
- No team is scheduled to play more than one game in one day. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the
roster, or when three outs are recorded.
Developed in 1989, Little League's Challenger Division allows boys and girls facing physical and mental challenges the opportunity to enjoy the full benefits of Little League in an environment structured to their abilities. The goal of the Challenger Division is to allow any child in a community to participate in Little League regardless of any challenges that they may face. The Challenger Division is a non-competitive program where everyone leaves the field a winner.
Since its inception in 1989, Little League's Challenger Division has grown from a small handful of programs to more than 900 programs worldwide that provide nearly 30,000 youth the opportunity to participate in adaptive baseball.
For more information goto http://www.littleleaguechallenger.org
T-Ball Division
No tryouts necessary. All skill levels are put on a team.
Allowable age range: 4-6
Geared for: 4, 5 & 6yr olds that are new to baseball
Rules Restrictions: None
T-Ball is an introductory division for Boys and Girls ages 4 - 6 who are new to the game of baseball. T-Ball is not competitive but entirely for fun. No score is kept and a cushioned ball is used. Players will be exposed to the basics of baseball including catching, throwing, hitting, and base running. Players hit balls placed upon a tee (coach/manager or parent pitching is forbidden). Teams typically have a practice and play one 3 inning game a week. Participation trophies are given to all players at the end of the season.
Skill Goals:.
- Learn bat/equipment safety
- Learn basic throwing skills
- Introduction to positions (infield, outfield, bases)
- Learn which direction to run the bases
- Introduction to team sports and getting along with others
- Have Fun!
Usually 1 practice per week and 1 game on Saturday. Everyone plays!
A Division
Tryouts required to assess player ability and balance teams.
Allowable age range: 6-8
Geared for: 6yr olds with T-Ball experience,
7yr olds with no baseball experience or need more development time to master the skills of A division
8yr olds with no experience or whose skill level would be a safety concern in AA division
Rules Restrictions: None
"Single A" is a developmental Division. The A Division is non-competitive and so all coaching emphasis is upon player instruction and development. Batters will be introduced to live pitching with 3 coach pitches and then use the tee if necessary, with the option for player pitch in the second half of the season. Each child must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Division rules are in-place to mandate player rotation in a variety of positions. Ten players are assigned to field positions each inning, and all roster players bat whether assigned to a field position or not. Participation trophies are given to all players at the end of the season.
Skill Goals:
- Learn the fundamentals of how to hold, aim and throw a ball.
- Learn the fundamentals of fielding ground balls with emphasis on proper stance and glove
position.
- Learn the fundamentals of catching fly balls with emphasis on moving to the ball location and
proper glove and hand position.
- Learn the fundamentals of base running.
- Learn the fundamentals of batting
- Learn to love the game of baseball and come back next year!
AA Division
Tryouts required to assess ability.
Allowable age range: 7-10
Geared for: 7&8yr olds with baseball experience that have mastered skills of A division
9 yr olds with limited experience or requiring more development to master the skills of AA division
10yr olds with no experience or whose skill level would be a safety concern in AAA division
Rules Restrictions: 10yr olds NOT allowed to pitch
AA is a developmental Division with semi-competitive play. All players are evaluated prior to team formation in the areas of hitting, catching, throwing, and base running. CoachesÂ’ are encouraged to emphasize player instruction and development. Coach and player pitch for first 5 weeks and then player pitch, with walks being limited to 2 per inning per team. Base stealing (except home) and passed balls/wild pitches are also introduced. Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Ten players are assigned to field positions each inning, and all roster players bat whether assigned to the field or not. Game scores and standings are recorded, but not used. Upon completion of the regular season, all teams participate in a post-season playoff tournament to determine first and second place.
Skill Goals:
- Develop batting skills through proper stance and determination of pitches to swing at.
- Develop fielding skills (infield and outfield positions, making the play at the correct base,
backing up plays at the plate and in the field).
- Develop base running savvy (when to run and listening to the 1st and 3rd base coaches).
- Develop proper sliding technique.
- Develop tracking skills for catching fly balls.
- Pitchers learning proper throwing mechanics.
- Develop good sportsmanship and respect for umpires.
This division is Co-ED
AA starts in Mid February and runs through June 1st. Usually 1 practice per week and 2 games, one of which is always on Saturday.
AAA Division
Tryouts required to assess ability.
Allowable age range: 8-12
Geared for: 9 & 10 yr olds who have mastered the skills of AA
8 yr olds with exceptional ability that have mastered the skills of AA
11 yr olds with limited experience or requiring more development time before entry to Majors
12yr olds that parent/guardian request by waiver
Rules Restrictions: 12yr olds NOT allowed to pitch. 8 yr olds must be extremely skilled.
AAA is the highest level of competition in the Minors Division. All players are evaluated prior to team formation in the areas of hitting, catching, throwing, and base running. Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Coaches focus on developing individual and team skills to prepare them for the Majors Division. Game scores and standings are recorded. Upon completion of the regular season, a post-season playoff tournament is held. The First Place team from the tournament advances to the District Level Tournament of Champions
Skill Goals:
- Continued focus on good sportsmanship and team play!
- Arm strengthening through practice (long toss)
- Batting skills development including bunting and pitch selection
- Increased development of catchers as importance of position increases at this level.
- Pitching emphasis on good mechanics, injury prevention
- Develop base running skills for situational play
- Fielding emphasis on getting behind the ball and setting up the throw, getting ball to the correct
position for the out or to keep the runners from advancing.
This division is Co-Ed.
AAA Div. starts in Mid February and runs through June 1st. Usually 1 practice per week and 2 games, one of which is always on Saturday.
Majors Division
Tryouts required to assess ability.
Allowable age range: 10-12
Geared for: 11 & 12 yr olds who have mastered the skills of AAA
10 yr olds with exceptional ability that have mastered the skills of AAA
Rules Restrictions: By LL Rule, All 12 yr olds regardless of skill MUST play in this division unless the Parent/Guardian signs a waiver stating otherwise.
The Majors Division is for those individuals typically ages 11-12 who have mastered the skills and strategy of Little League Baseball.
Majors is considered a highly competitive Division. Managers draft players based upon tryout ratings and their individual team needs. Each player must play a minimum of three innings in a six-inning game. Coaches focus on developing individual and overall team skills to field the most competitive team. Nine players are assigned to field positions and all 12 players bat with the exception of inter-league games where local rules may vary. Game scores and standings are recorded. The First Place team advances to the District Level Tournament of Champions (TOCÂ’s)
Skill Goals:
- Develop batting mechanics and pitch selection
- Develop accurate throws from outfielders to proper cutoff person.
- After fielding the ball knowing where to make the throw and getting it there. Develop fielding
strategies based on skills
- Reading signals from Coach/Manager and implementing directives.
- Arm strengthening and accuracy thru practices (long toss)
- Working as a team to get outs
- Pitching emphasis is to develop good mechanics and injury prevention/arm care.
- Catcher skills include developing pitch calling skills, accurate throws, minimize pass balls, etc.
- Good Sportsmanship!
Majors starts in Mid February and runs through June 1st. Usually 1 practice per week and 2 games, one of which is always on Saturday. Majors also interlocks with Saratoga LL and will have at least 10 games at their field.
Juniors Division
*** This is a new division for Quito Little League in the Spring 2011 season. Check with the division representative if you have any questions. ***
Tryouts required to assess ability.
Allowable age range: 13-14
Geared for: 13 & 14 yr olds who have mastered the skills of Majors.
Rules Restrictions: Games are played on a a MLB diamond, 90ft between bases and 60 ft 6 inches from the pitcher's mound to home plate. The outfield fences are also further, distances will vary by field.
The Juniors Division is for those individuals typically ages 13-14 who have mastered the skills and strategy of Little League Baseball.
Juniors is considered a highly competitive Division. Managers draft players based upon tryout ratings and their individual team needs. Coaches focus on developing individual and overall team skills to field the most competitive team. Game scores and standings are recorded.
Skill Goals:
- Good Sportsmanship!
- Develop batting mechanics and pitch selection
- Develop accurate throws from outfielders to proper cutoff person.
- After fielding the ball knowing where to make the throw and getting it there. Develop fielding
strategies based on skills
- Reading signals from Coach/Manager and implementing directives.
- Arm strengthening and accuracy thru practices (long toss)
- Working as a team to get outs
- Pitching emphasis is to develop good mechanics and injury prevention/arm care.
- Catcher skills include developing pitch calling skills, accurate throws, minimize pass balls, etc.
Juniors also interlocks with other nearby Little Leagues. Quito Little Leaguge fields cannot support the larger field size, we expect to play our games at a nearby high school baseball diamond.
