Frequently asked questions
The questions we hear most often from parents, players and clubs. If yours is not here, just call or e-mail us.
Taking part
Can my child take part?
Yes, if your child has league age 10 through 16 and lives or goes to school in one of the regions. Baseball is for boys and girls, softball for girls only. Find your child's league and find your region to be sure.
Do I have to be a club member to take part?
Yes. The championship is a tournament between regional selections. Those are made up of players from affiliated clubs. If you do not play anywhere yet, the regional coordinator will help you find a club nearby.
Which league will I be in?
That follows from the league age: the age on a fixed reference date this season, not on the birthday. If you are in an overlap year, your club decides together with the regional coordinator. All age limits are on Leagues; enter a date of birth under Find your child's league and you will see it straight away.
Which region will I play for?
By default the region of your home address. If your school is in another region, you may play there too. Find your region by postcode; you will see the region and who coordinates it straight away.
What happens after registration?
You receive a confirmation by e-mail straight away. The tournament office checks the registration and forwards it to your region. Then the regional coordinator gets in touch about the tryouts: the selection training sessions where the coaches see who fits which league and team.
What happens if my child is selected?
Then your child is in the regional selection, the team your region sends to the championship. They train in the weeks before and play at the championship over Whitsun. After the selection a second contribution follows; you are told the amount before you commit (see costs). Teams that qualify then go on to the Europe/Africa regional tournament.
Can I still take part if I have never played baseball or softball?
Not in the championship itself; it is a selection tournament. But almost every club takes beginners all year round; you can still join later through next season's tryouts.
What if I miss the tryouts?
Tell your regional coordinator beforehand. In case of illness, injury or a school trip a catch-up session is often arranged.
Do boys and girls play in the same team?
In baseball, yes: those teams are mixed. Softball is for girls only.
Fees and equipment
What does it cost to take part?
You pay at two points. When you register, a contribution for the tryouts and the training sessions, on average from € 60 per player; in some regions it is higher. After selection, a second contribution for the tournament: follow-up training, the team fee and the clothing. Both differ per region; your regional coordinator tells you the amounts. It is all on Fees.
I was not selected. Do I still have to pay?
No. The first contribution covers the tryouts and training sessions you have had. The cost of the tournament falls only on the players who go.
Why do the costs differ per region?
Each region hires its own fields and halls, has different travel distances, a different number of players and its own choices in clothing. The starting point is the same everywhere: costs as low as possible, training as good as possible.
Do we have to buy new team clothing?
Team clothing has minimum requirements; within those the team chooses for itself. A t-shirt can be enough, a hoodie or a complete new uniform is allowed too. Coaches and parents decide together; finding a sponsor for this part is always allowed. What exactly is required and allowed is on Clothing.
What colour is my team's shirt?
Each region plays in a fixed colour, set by Little League. Your region's colour is in the table on Clothing; within the team everyone wears the same shirt.
May our sponsor's name go on the shirt?
Yes, within a few limits: no alcohol, tobacco, vaping, weapons, gambling or adult content. No Little League logo or name with the sponsor either. Arrange it before the championship and do not change the shirt afterwards. It is all on Clothing.
Do I need to bring my own bat?
No, every team has team bats. If you bring your own, it has to pass inspection; the certification marks that apply are on Equipment.
I have no glove or shoes. What now?
Clubs almost always have gear to lend. If that does not work out, tell the regional coordinator and we will arrange equipment.
The tournament weekend
When and where is the championship?
Over the Whitsun weekend. This season's venues: Amsterdam Pirates and BSC Almere; one more venue to follow. Which league plays where is on The Championship.
Do spectators pay admission?
No, all venues are free to enter all weekend.
What happens in bad weather?
Rain usually means a delay, not a cancellation. In a thunderstorm the field is cleared and play resumes no earlier than thirty minutes after the last thunderclap. Changes appear in the schedule.
Can we stay overnight at the venue?
That differs per venue. Ask the tournament office through your team's staff; the office knows what is possible on site.
How much does my child play per day?
Every player on the line-up card gets at least six defensive outs and one at bat. [The number of games per day is still to be confirmed.]
Safety
How is pitcher overuse prevented?
With pitch counts. Each age has a maximum number of pitches per day and a mandatory rest period afterwards. The scorer keeps track and the coach signs off. The table is on the rules page.
Is there medical help at the field?
Every venue has a staffed first-aid post during all games, recognisable by the red flag.
Do all staff have a VOG?
Yes, without exception. Everyone who works with children during the championship holds a valid certificate of conduct (VOG), no older than 3 years. Without a VOG nobody takes the field. We apply for it and pay for it.
Who can my child turn to if something happens?
The confidential contact person. They are at the tournament desk all weekend and work independently of the coaches and the organisation.
For parents
Do I have to help out as a parent?
You do not have to, but we could really use the help: the championship runs on volunteers. A single half-day is enough. See Sign up.
May I take photos and videos?
Of your own child, always. For images in which other children are clearly visible, ask their parents before you share anything.
What is expected of me on the sideline?
Cheer loudly and often. Coaching is for the coach; the umpire's decisions stay with the umpire. It is all in the code of conduct.
Question not answered?
E-mail or call us. We usually reply within two working days; during the tournament weekend straight away.
