South Kingstown Little League: FAQ
What programs does South Kingstown Little League (SKLL) offer?
What kind of softball does SKLL play?
Does the child/parents have to live in South Kingstown in order to play for SKLL?
What can be used for proof of age and residency?
What is the difference between the American and National leagues?
Does my child have to "try out" to play baseball or softball?
When should my child expect to hear about team placement?
What equipment does my child need to play?
What does my registration fee go to?
How do I get a registration refund if my child doesn't play?
What if I can't afford to pay the registration fee?
What programs does South Kingstown Little League (SKLL) offer?
SKLL offers developmental baseball and softball programs from ages 4 years old and up.
- Our baseball programs are for both boys & girls.
- T-ball is available for 4 to 6 year olds.
- Instructional (coach pitch; ages 6-7). A 6-year-old must have 1 year of T-ball before playing Instructional.
- AA (coach/child pitch; ages 7-9). A 7-year-old must have 1 year of Instructional before playing AA.
- AAA (ages 8-11). An 8-year-old must have 1 year of AA before playing AAA.
- Major league (ages 9-12). A 9-year-old must have 1 year of AAA before playing Majors.
- Our softball programs are for girls only; it is fast-pitch softball, which means that there is no arc on the ball from the pitcher. This is the game that is played in most Middle Schools, High Schools and Colleges.
- Instructional (coach pitch; ages 6-8)
- Minors (child/coach pitch; ages 7-10),
- Majors (ages 9-12)
- Seniors (ages 13-16).
- Some divisions of baseball and softball have specific requirements, while others may be flexible. Some ages listed for divisions are approximate.
- Competitive All Star and Tournament play follows the regular season. A Training and Development (TAD) program is available in the summer and a travel Fall Ball program is offered in the late summer through the fall. There are additional fees for Tournament, TAD, and Fall Ball.
What kind of softball does SKLL play?
Little League softball plays what is called "fast pitch" softball. This is the game that is played by the SK Middle Schools and SK High School, all colleges and the Olympics. The pitch is not really fast because players of the same age are pitching the ball underhanded, which is slower than an overhand throw. The biggest difference between "slow" pitch and "fast" pitch softball is that in fast pitch, there isn't a high arc, so the ball stays relatively flat; and there are only nine defensive players in the field.
Does the child/parents have to live in South Kingstown in order to play for SKLL?
Yes, either the child or one parent must reside in SK (by February 1st). Proof of residency is required. Exceptions or waivers may be granted if the child played in SK, but moved out of the district.
What can be used for proof of age and residency?
A certified birth certificate is usually used for proof of age. Note that hospital birth certificates are not acceptable. While there are a number of things that can be used for proof of residency, usually a parent driver license, auto registration, utility bill, or insurance bill is adequate. SKLL requires only 1 form of proof of residency, however 3 forms will be needed if a child is selected for All Star play.
What is the difference between the American and National leagues.
SKLL has two separate leagues because the town exceeded the 20,000 person population limit set by Little League Baseball. Both leagues are currently run under one Board of Directors. All players in the baseball program are placed into a league based upon their birth date. Those born in odd numbered months are put into the American league, and those born in even numbered months are put into the National league. The softball program is chartered under the American League only.
Are there any exceptions?
There are only two exceptions- The Major league of baseball is determined by the common pool draft method. All non-major players from both American and National are put into a common draft and can be drafted by any team of either league. (This method is Little League approved.) The other exception is for younger siblings- they will be placed into the same league as their older sibling who plays baseball (if their ages are within a couple of years).
Does my child have to “try out” to play baseball or softball?
No, but all baseball players ages 10, 11, & 12 (and are currently not on a Major level team) must attend evaluations. 9 year old players who are new to SKLL must also attend the evaluations.
All softball players ages 10 - 16 (and are currently not on a Major or Senior team) must attend evaluations. All younger players are placed on teams in the appropriate league.
What is meant by “draft”?
A draft is a player selection process allowed by Little League. After evaluations, the League managers gather and on a rotating basis, select players to fill the vacancies on their rosters. Players return to the same team each year thereafter. Not all players are selected to move to the next level during the draft process, however, they will still be able to play at their current level and are encouraged to try again the following year. Some players may be moved up during the season as a replacement.
When should my child expect to hear about team placement?
Your child’s team manager should contact you by the end of March. Usually managers will give out team practice and game schedules during the first week of practice.
What equipment does my child need to play?
Little League International provides a checklist of required and optional equipment. At minimum, your child will need a baseball glove and boys also will need to wear an athletic supporter with a hard cup. The league will supply a team shirt, socks and hat. Most children will also require uniform pants, belt, and (non-metal) cleats, which the league does not provide. The league provides each team with several bats, batting helmets, and catcher gear. Players can bring their own helmets and catchers equipment if they choose, but are not required to furnish these items themselves.
Who runs SKLL?
SKLL is run by many dedicated volunteers. The membership of the league elects a Board of Directors at its annual meeting in October or November. The Board then handles the day to day operations and votes on issues relevant to the League’s operations. In addition to the Board, there are many volunteers handling specific duties, such as coaching, fundraising, concession stand, and sponsorship. Any parent, coach, manager, or volunteer of SKLL may attend a Board meeting. The Board meets monthly (usually the second Tuesday of each month at the Guild). Anyone wishing to place an item on the agenda should contact the League President.
What does my registration fee go to?
The registration fee is used by SKLL to buy the team uniforms, and equipment such as baseballs, bats, helmets, catcher gear, and first aid products. It also pays for the league's charter fees, insurance, and umpire fees.
How do I get a registration refund if my child doesn't play?
To obtain a refund please send an email to SKLL or call the SKLL phone number and leave a message. Please include your name, address, phone number, the players name, and reason you are requesting the refund. A refund will be issued to you based on the following criteria: Before March 1st a $10 processing fee will be assessed for all refunds. After March 1st a 50% refund will be issued. After the draft of players (or March 15th which ever comes first for that division) no refund will be issued, because it affects player placements. All late fees are non-refundable.
What if I can't afford to pay the registration fee?
SKLL provides financial aid to those who need it. You must request the aid by sending an email to SKLL and be prepared to document that you need it, then the President will make the determination. If financial aid is given, SKLL will ask you to volunteer your time to the league.
