South Valley Little League: Are you REALLY in Little League ?
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There are 'zillions' of children playing various youth sports all over the world. There are community rec programs, youth baseball and youth softball programs that are new or well-based in a community - and folks may believe or say their child is playing Little League. Some areas have illegally used "Little League" in association with basketball, football, and other youth sports. Unless the program your child is in is actually chartered with Little League (based in Williamsport, Pennsylvania), it is not an affiliate of Little League!
Little League is a Federally-chartered non-profit entity - and only leagues chartered with Little League Baseball can legally use the trademark names "Little League," "Little Leaguer," "Challenger Division," and several other specific combinations. In fact the terms are protected by the Federal Government. For further information specific to the use of trademark names and legal matters, please click here or on the "are your children..." leaderline of this article.
So, if you're curious ...
Are your kids wearing the Little League Patch on their uniform?
Are games played by the published Little League Baseball or Softball Rules and Regulations?
Does the program emphasize that it is a 'child development program' that is open to all children "League Age" 5 through 18 and note:
Little League does not limit participation in its activities on the basis of disability, race, creed, color, national origin, gender, sexual preference or religious preference, and will not turn any child away for lack of funds.
Are the 9-18 year olds eligible for selection to post-season teams that play in Little League tournaments at the District, State, Regional or International level?
Are your kids covered by Little League's Insurance?
Is your "league" involved in the Little League "A Safety Awareness Plan"?
Is there an emphasis on training managers and coaches in safety & the fundamentals of the game?
Has your local area emphasized the Coach Education Program OR the FREE Coaches Resource Center with excellent training for Little League Volunteers:
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| Little League International Unveils Free On-Line Resource Center Website for Coaches and Managers. |
Are you part of the largest CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM that just happens to use sports toward that goal?
If not, check out the International Site ... including "Why affiliate with Little League" - and let us welcome you on board!
A brief update on what's going on in Lane, Douglas & Coos Counties ...
In Lane County, the existing leagues serve: Eugene, Springfield, Bethel, Coburg, Cottage grove, Creswell, Harrisburg, Junction City, Pleasant Hill, Dexter, Lowell, Oakridge, Marcola, Elmira, Drain, Elkton, Yoncalla, and several other small communities immediately adjacent to those cities.
Coos Bay, North Bend, Reedsport, Winchester Bay - No Little League has been chartered in this area as of the 2008 season, BUT, Little League's Development Unit has been contacted a few times (including in 2005 and 2006) with folks showing an interest. The primary factors at this time is the distance for interleaguing on a regular basis ... but there is an interest. The District Adminsitrator is staying in touch with 'known interest' to help guide them should they decide to join Little League! In 2009, we were contacted by yet another family from Reedsport - and, though the distance is 'far-fetched,' we have extended the boundaries of South Valley Little League to include Reedsport School District. The purpose: If folks contact us and are interested in starting a league, or even participating in the Challenger Division, we have an open door to greet them and a means of partnering them with another league as they start up.
Roseburg Metro-area - As of 2004, there is no Little League chartered in the Roseburg area. This includes communities previously served by the chartered league(s) of "Roseburg Orange" and "Roseburg Black." There IS a group in Oakland that is partnered with Grants Pass Little League, but the other communities have not jumped 'back' on the Little League bandwagon yet ...
Any interest in Little League for the community or outlying areas should be directed to the International Little League Website ... www.littleleague.org - fill out the form and send it on! Someone from Little League's Development Team will contact you shortly!
LITTLE LEAGUE is, first and foremost, a CHILD DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM ...
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we just happen to use sports as a means to help develop children into the best citizens possible for their future."
We're state- and federally-registered as a 100% volunteer, non-profit 501(3)(c) organization - each of the leagues in our District as well as The District .
Little League is the only Federally-chartered youth program of its kind!
YEP, Your Donations To A Little League and/orDistrict May Be Tax Deductible! -
and ...
Little League® is an "EVERY-KID-PLAYS-THAT-HAS-THE-DESIRE" Youth Program - accommodating as best we can the needs and abilities of each child,
seeking SPONSORS to cover the cost of every team's uniforms - and more - and DONATIONS to help keep any absolutely necessary costs down that may be extended to families - never turning a child away for lack of funds,
and always recruiting toward the best volunteer pool ever!
Unlike many programs, Regular Season - in our area, that is generally March through June 15th - is for Every Kid ... then Little League moves into the Tournament Season where more 'select' and more competitive teams play off for 'championships.' The 9-10 and 10-11 year old teams end their tournaments at the State level. The older divisions have the opportunity, with continued wins, of advancing to Regionals and World Series - where Little League is truly represented by teams from Around The World!
(Oh My! Could it Be? Maybe YOU're one of those folks who needs to step up and help your League Help The Kids!)
