SWFLL: Welcome

President's Note

Once again, we would like to thank everyone for participating in this year's Little League season!  Teams are all set and coaches are doing their best to get in contact with each player on their roster.  Again, if you have not received a call from your coach, please e-mail us at djrodriguez824@gmail.com so that we can verify we have your correct phone number. 

We've received a lot of feedback regarding our late-registration policy - both positive and negative feedback.  I wanted to take some time to address some of the questions/concerns we've received.  Below are some FAQs we've received in regard to our late-registration fees:

Q:  What is the late-registration fee?
A:  Anyone registering after Sunday, March 11th, the fee to play is $150.  This excludes Junior and Senior levels of play since their seasons start later.

Q:  Why don't you just start the season later?
A:  In order to be All-Star Eligible, each player MUST have played in at least 12 regular season games.  The longer we wait to get the season started, the higher the chance that not each player will get to play in all 12 of the games.  There are several holidays and other events which impact scheduling of games.  For example, there's the Easter Holiday, Graduations, Memorial Day Weekend, Mother's Day, Father's Day, plus regular Summer travel.  We also have to account for the typical attrition, such as sickness and injuries which prevent children from playing.  When we take all that into consideration, there's going to be games missed.  This year, we're only scheduling 16 games.  That's why it's important that the teams are set, uniforms are ordered, equipment is procured, and the fields are maintenanced so that teams have enough practice time and can begin play by March 24th.  When we have players registering late, it puts the entire league back jeopardizing our All-Star eligiblity.  We're on an aggressive timeline and you can bet that we'll start the season even earlier next year.

Q:  What if my child isn't old enough to be an All-Star yet?  Why do you still charge for registering late for T-Ball and Coach Pitch?
A:  It isn't fair to the other parents/legal guardians who made the effort to attend one of the several registration sessions.  However, because of those who registered their children on time, we're now on target to have reduced fees for next season.  But we'll still incorporate a late-registration fee policy.

Q:  Why are you charging so much to register late?  Aren't you aware of the economy?
A:  We are well aware of the economy and the effect it's having on our community members.  The economy is affecting everyone, including Youth Sports Organizations.  Costs are at an all-time high and we need to pinch pennies where we can.  That's why when we have to order items in small numbers, it raises our costs.  So, when we can order in bulk, we're able to save money for the league.  If we continue to order uniforms and equipment and snack bar supplies in small numbers for those that register late, it drives our costs up.

Q:  But I've been too busy to get here to register?  Something came up.  There was an emergency.
A:  During each registration day, I was fortunate enough to be able to speak with many parents/legal guardians who mentioned things like, "I'm on my way to work and figured I'll do it now," or, "I'm on my lunch break," or, "I just finished my graveyard shift and I'm extremely tired, but I wanted to be sure to register." or, "We're going out of town, but wanted to make sure I took care of this now for my kids." or, "We just got back from out of town and didn't want to miss the deadline."  I heard these statments from folks that were employed as well as folks that were unemployed (they were busy and had things to do too).  But they made the necessary arrangements to have their children registered.  Teachers, doctors, bankers, customer service reps, service industry, managers, and even active-duty military personnel found the time to ensure they registered their children prior to the much-publicized deadline.

Q:  Forget that.  I'll just go play somewhere else.
A:  That decision is entirely up to you.  However, if your child is league-age 9 or older, you will need a waiver.  Those who play elsewhere, other than their home league, on a waiver are not eligible for All-Stars at any other league.  In addition, waivers need to be initiated by me, the Southwestern President, and my policy is that there needs to be an extremely compelling reason why your child is unable to play at Southwestern Little League in order for me to approve.  But remember, just because I approve does not mean it will be approved by District 12's Charter Committee. 

Q:  But I don't have that kind of money.  What can I do?
A:  We'll work with you.  We need volunteers in the Snack Bar, we need umpires, we need field-preparation folks - WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!  Reach out to us, in a civil manner, and we can ensure that everyone is happy!

Q:  I registered on time, but I like the league so much, I want to pay more!
A:  Sorry, I just wanted to throw that one in there for those still reading.  But if you would like to donate, please feel free!

I hope these Q&A have been helpful in addressing any concerns regarding the late-registration fee.  To those who are not impacted, THANK YOU!  To those who are impacted and owned their accountability, YOU ARE TRULY APPRECIATED FOR HELPING THE BOARD WITH THIS DIFFICULT, YET NECESSARY, POLICY! 

Thank you again and we look forward to another successful Little League season!