The Little League Coach

BREAKING NEWS!
April 24, 2008

Little League Baseball sent out an emergency rules change bulletin today that will have a major impact on the tournament teams.

From the Bulletin :

Participation in Other Programs

The rule that prohibits players from participating in non-Little League programs (dual participation), once Little League tournament play has begun, has been rescinded at all levels of play for baseball and softball. However, the local Little League retains the right to dismiss a player from a tournament team if the player repeatedly misses games and practices.

Big League

The maximum number of players that can be named on a tournament team affidavit is now 17 (increased from 15).

Senior League

The maximum number of players that can be named on a tournament team affidavit is now 16 (increased from 14).

Wilson, W.P. (2008, April 23). Tournament Bulletin. Little League International.

I have mixed emotions on this. I understand the reasoning, we are losing to many good players to travel ball. But, are we simply giving in to the competition? In the long run I think there is nothing more exciting than the Little League tournament, so the better product should win out. This will give more kids the opportunity to compete in the tournament and make the teams better. So I guess this is a good thing. I just wish they had done it last year!

The Big League and Senior League roster expansion is a good thing.

What do you think? Should players be allowed to compete in other programs and Little League’s tournament? It wasn’t long ago a coach couldn’t even coach in a different program and coach an All-Star team. The times they are a changin’! I just wonder is it for the best? What say you?

Update from Little League 4/25/08

To clarify an e-mail distributed earlier this week regarding modifications to the 2008 Tournament Rules and Guidelines, the increases to the maximum number of players that can be named on a tournament team affidavit apply to Big League and Senior League baseball only .

Big League Baseball - The maximum number of players that can be named on a tournament team affidavit is now 17 (increased from 15).

Senior League Baseball - The maximum number of players that can be named on a tournament team affidavit is now 16 (increased from 14).

Little League International apologizes for the confusion.

Clarification to Rules and Guidelines for 2008 Little League International Tournament . (2008, April 25). Little League International .

Now this one I don’t understand at all. WHY?????? This makes absolutely no sense! According to the original memo the reason for the roster expansion was because they had jobs and other commitments. So according to Little League, girls do not have jobs or other commitments? This is very sexist and discriminatory on their part!

In our league we have an understanding that whatever rules we make for baseball, we also make them for softball. Why would Little League International do any different?

Little League, It’s the year 2008! Get w/ the times! You made a great ruling and then botched it’s application. Fix it!

What do you think? Should rules be different for girls and boys?