Norwell Little League Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the age eligibility for Norwell Little League (“NLL”)?
A: Children ages 5-12 years old are eligible for placement in the different Little League divisions. NLL age is based on the child’s age as of August 31st of that baseball year. (e.g., if your child turns 5 on July 31st, they would be placed as a 5 year old at the start of the season in April and eligible for Instructional that year.)
Q: When does registration open and close for the upcoming season?
A: Registration for the upcoming season opens on December 1st. Registration will close on February 28th. Starting March 1st a late fee of $20 will be applied to each registration to account for the additional hat and uniform costs.
Q: What if I cannot afford the fees to register for NLL?
A: There are need-based scholarships available. We want as many children participating in NLL as possible. If you are interested in a scholarship, please contact [email protected].
Q: What are the age divisions for NLL?
A: Ages 5-6: Instructional or T-Ball
Ages 7-8: Farm or Modified Kid Pitch
Ages 9-10: College / Kid Pitch
Ages 11-12: Majors / Kid Pitch
Q: When does the Spring season start?
A: The Spring season starts on the Monday after April break. Practices for College and Majors will begin prior to April break, based on coach and field availability.
Q: When does the Spring season end?
A: The Spring season will end by the last full week of school. (Note: Both College and Majors will have playoffs at the end of their regular season.)
Q: What is the time commitment for Instructional?
A: Instructional is one day per week at the Vinal School, (or Cole depending on registration numbers), on Wednesday or Thursday, (day assignment may vary week-to-week). The session will be one hour from 530-630p. It consists of 20 minutes of skills and 40 minutes of game play.
Q: What is the time commitment for Farm?
A: Farm is two days per week. One weekday practice at Vinal for one hour, based on coach and field availability. One game on Saturday at the Vinal fields, scheduled after town soccer games.
Q: What is the time commitment for College and Majors?
A: Minors and Majors will play two games per week. Practices will be scheduled based on coach and field availability.
Q: What equipment does a player need?
A: A player needs a glove. Cleats, (note: soccer cleats can double as baseball cleats at the younger levels), and baseball pants are recommended. NLL will provide each player with a hat and team shirt. Each team will be provided with an equipment bag that will include helmets, bat(s), and baseballs.
Q. Is there a Summer program for baseball?
A: Yes. These programs are open to children 8 years old (as of 8/31) and up. The program runs from mid/late-June to early-August. The ability to field a team will be based on interest.
Q: What is the team selection process for the summer program?
A: The head coaches have 100% control in determining the roster. While the spring program is for everyone, these travel teams are focused on above average talent participating in heightened competition. Some age groups struggle to field teams while others require cuts. To be eligible for consideration the player must have played in that age group’s exact division at NLL during our spring season.
Q. As a parent, what can I do to help aside from coaching?
A: Support your coaches, as they are volunteering a great deal of time to ensure that your child enjoys the best possible season.
Help out whenever you can by:
1. Cleaning out dugouts after practices & games
2. Picking up litter at fields
3. Volunteering to help run investment or fund-raising projects
4. Practice as often as possible with your child at home
5. Be supportive of your children as they learn this game
6. Cheer for both sides during the games & be kind to our umpires.
7. Have the kids on the field & ready to go on time for all practices & games.
8. Stay off the field of play during games
9. If a potential issue arises with a coach please discuss it in person or on the phone.
10. Though NLL will attempt to throw an end of year celebration, we encourage the parents to hold an end of year get together for their individual teams to celebrate the children & thank the coaches for their hard work & dedication. Talk to the other guardians about doing something special for the players & coaches as the season winds down.
Q: Why are there player evaluations?
A: Evaluations allow managers to evaluate each child for purposes of drafting their fair and balanced teams. Players will get the chance to hit, run, and field. If your child is unable to attend one of the scheduled evaluations, please contact one of the Board Members prior to the scheduled evaluation session.
Q. How do I find out if a game is canceled due to weather conditions?
A: Head Coaches will communicate with families.
Q: Can players/friends be paired on the same team?
A: No. At College and Majors it is not allowed as we aim for fair and balanced teams. There is some latitude in Farm and Instructional as we look for volunteers.