Frequently Asked Questions

If your question is not answered here, please search our website. If you still have questions, email info@mclittleleague.org and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

2. What ages can play Little League?

Little League baseball: ages 4-15. Softball: ages 6-16. See Divisions of Play for more information.

3. My child is eligible for more than one Division. Which level should I register for?

The registration system will only allow you to register for the divisions for which your child is age-eligible. However, your child’s age may allow you to choose from more than one division. If you are new to baseball/softball, it's probably best to start at the lower division. You can always email us at info@mclittleleague.org and we can give you a recommendation based on age and experience.

4. Can my child play up or down a level?

Players can play up if their skill level allows them. Under certain circumstances, subject to league approval, parents can request a player to play down.

5. What does "League Age" mean?

League age is the age a player will be on a cutoff date determined by Little League International. League ages are used by almost all youth sports leagues to restrict players from being above a certain age during a given season. For Spring, the Little League cutoff date is 8/31 for baseball This means if your child has a birthday in July or August, they could be 10 years old but considered league age 11 for that Spring season. If a division is for ages 10 and under, the idea is that at no time during the season will any players be 11 years old. The cutoff date for softball is 12/31. Click here for a League Age Calculator.

6. Will my child be playing with other kids his/her age?

Ages may vary within a division by 1-2 years. As players progress, they will be placed in the proper division based on skill. At the kid-pitch level, they will be playing with other kids in the same age group, within 1-2 years, as much as possible.

7. Can my child play on a team with his/her friend?

After evaluations (Spring season only), we divide the players up based on skill level. We do take requests, but we do not guarantee they will be honored. Above the Tee-Ball level, our main obligation is to ensure the teams are equal in skill level. In the Fall season, no evaluations are required and friend requests are honored when possible.

8. Do you offer machine-pitch divisions?

No. MCLL believes that coach pitch is a better approach to developing young hitters than machine pitch.

9. Can a player participate on more than one team?

At the older levels, the schedules have been designed so kids can play on both a Majors team and an Intermediates team or an Intermediates team and a Juniors team. A discount of 50%, if available, will be given on the lower-priced division when playing two levels.

10. Do you offer a higher level of baseball/softball than recreational?

Little League is designed so ALL children wishing to play have the opportunity to do so. If your child has advanced skills, they can play up to the highest level matching their capabilities and try out for the All-Star tournament teams over the summer.

11. How long is the baseball/softball season?

The Spring season runs from early April to early June, typically opening the first weekend of April and ending the weekend before the last day of school for MCPS. MCLL does not play any games on Easter or Memorial Day weekends. The Fall season runs from the last week of August through the end of October.

12. Does MCLL have insurance?

Yes, we have excess medical insurance for all participants as well as a general liability policy. Participants should have medical insurance prior to the start of participation. Here is a link to What Parents Should Know About Little League Insurance.

Section 2: Registration Questions

1. How do I register?

Simply click the “Register” button that is on our home page: http://mclittleleague.org. This will walk you through the registration process. This button is only present when registration is open.

2. What does the registration fee cover?

The registration fee helps cover the costs of field permits; team equipment (bases, balls, catcher's gear, etc.); player uniforms*; umpires (Minors and above); field maintenance; end-of-season trophies; and other expenses. Registration fees only cover part of operating costs and are supplemented by corporate team sponsorships. *Starting with the Spring 2024 season, softball players will need to purchase their own black pants.

3. How do your fees compare to other baseball/softball leagues?

As we are a non-profit community organization, we set our fees to cover the actual costs per player. We have kept our rates fairly steady over the past three years. Our fees are comparable to similar baseball/softball organizations in the area. If you compare the number of games we offer compared to other programs, MCLL is a much better value!

4. What is your refund policy?

Our full refund policy is located here: Refund Policy

5. Is there a sibling discount?

A sibling discount of $25 applies to every registration after the initial registration of subsequent players from the same family, irrespective of age level.

6. What equipment will I need for my player?

Your player’s uniform is provided by the league and the cost is included in your registration fee. At a minimum, your player will need a batting helmet and fielding glove for his/her catching hand. A bat, sized to your player, and baseball/softball cleats are highly recommended. Batting gloves are optional. See the Equipment page for more detailed information.

7. How do we get the uniform?

Your coach will distribute uniforms during practice before the season starts.

8. Will there be any fundraising activities?

The league relies on corporate sponsorships to supplement registration fees.

Section 3: Team Questions

1. How are the players placed on a team?

MCLL is committed to being fair and objective in the assignment of players to teams. We make every reasonable effort to place players on the team of their choice, as requested in the comments of the registration record. We also aim to assign teams based on player geography (residence and school). However, we are committed to balanced team play -- and for that reason -- at the minors level and above we conduct evaluations (Spring only) to help ensure proper level placement and competitive team formation. Our tee-ball and coach pitch divisions are formed purely on geography and requests.

2. Who will coach my player’s team?

During the registration process, coach applications will be accepted by MCLL. Each applicant for a coach’s position must pass a background check and then be accepted by the Board of Directors. The majority of coaches are parents of players; all coaches are volunteers.

3. When are teams formed?

Once coaches are selected, and after the registration deadline passes, the rosters will be assembled. The coaches will have the rosters before the first practice and will notify families when practices will begin.

4. How much are coaches paid?

All our baseball and softball coaches are volunteers.

5. How do I become a coach?

We are always looking for volunteer coaches. Coaching youth is a rewarding experience and makes a meaningful and positive impact in their lives. No previous experience is required. If you’re interested in learning more about coaching, please contact us at info@mclittleleague.org.

6. How many players are on a team?

We strive to have teams of 12 players but it may vary slightly depending on coach availability.

Section 4: Tee-Ball Questions

When is the first practice of the season?

Your coach will contact you via email (on file with your registration) once they schedule the first practice, usually one week prior to the first game.

When is the first game of the season?

The game schedule is set prior to Opening Day. Typically, the first game is the first weekend of April, unless Spring Break is in session for Montgomery County Public Schools.

What time and how long are games?

Tee-ball games are usually scheduled in the morning on Saturdays, occasionally games may be played on other days or times to make up for rainouts. Games usually take 1 hour and have a 1 1/2-hour limit.

When and where are practices?

Each coach will set practice times for the team. Practices are generally held once a week and last for 45 minutes to an hour. Practice locations depend on available field permits and are usually located near the players' homes and/or schools. Practice locations will not be published until just before the season starts -- late March for Spring and late August for Fall.

What equipment do I need?

We ask that each child have a glove, bat, and helmet. It is okay if you want to wait until after the first practice to purchase equipment.

There are several places to buy tee-ball equipment - eBay, Dick's, Modell's, Walmart, Amazon. You may choose to buy used equipment in good condition given that the kids grow out of things quickly at this age.

Glove - gloves for tee-ball players should generally be 9-10 inches
Bats - bats should be 24 to 26 inches- many will say "tee-ball approved" on the side
Helmets - helmets can come with/without a faceguard.

Does my kid need cleats?

No, cleats are not a requirement for tee-ball. If cleats are used they must be plastic or rubber -- they cannot be metal cleats for safety purposes.

Do I need my own bat?

Most children have their own bat.

Do I need to buy a uniform?

Uniforms are provided to each child and are covered as part of the registration costs.

I would like to coach my child’s team, how do I sign up to coach?

Please register using the registration system

What is the benefit of combined Saturday practices and games?

We offer the option of having a practice directly followed by a game -- once weekly. The argument for practice+game Saturdays is that the practice introduces concepts and ideas, which are better remembered with a context-based situation (game) that same day. The idea is to provide the immediate small-scale drill format during practice, and then reinforce that skill in context-based play that a game provides. This format results in better retention of new skills.

Section 5: What is the Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid division?

What is the Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid division?

Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid is designed to bridge the gap between MCLL’s Coach Pitch and Player Pitch divisions. It incorporates an introductory player pitching experience to go along with many aspects from the Coach Pitch divisions. The Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid features include:

40-foot pitching distances (vs. 43-feet at AA).
A maximum of six (6) pitches per batter, with the first three (3) pitches by the player pitcher and, if necessary, 3 additional pitches by coach.
No walks, and batters will not be called out for a third swinging strike against a player pitcher.
One-inning maximum per player pitcher (not to exceed 30 pitches).
Coaches act as umpires for plays in the field like they do in Coach Pitch, and will only call balls and strikes from behind the pitcher for instructional purposes.
5 runs or 3 outs per inning, whichever occurs first.
Fall season for all divisions is developmental and non-competitive - final scores for all games are 0-0.

Did MCLL offer Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid in prior seasons?

No. This is a new offering for Fall 2024. Previously, there was no interim level between Coach Pitch (ages 6-8 and Minors AA- Player Pitch (ages 8-10).

3.Why is MCLL offering Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid this Fall?

Feedback from coaches and parents demonstrated that there was a need to help many of our players develop the skills and confidence to play at the Minors AA level, which is 100% player pitch, get hitters used to seeing player pitch at the plate, and increase balls that are put in play to allow fielders to continue to develop . Because MCLL’s Fall season is instruction-focused, MCLL believes that this is the appropriate time to provide our players with this new opportunity to practice their pitching and batting skills in preparation for the spring season, while maintaining familiar aspects of the Coach Pitch levels.

4.My age 7-9 player played Coach Pitch previously and is ready for a new challenge, should I register them for Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid or Minors AA (Player Pitch)?

Many players will be age-eligible for both Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid (ages 7-9) and Minors AA (ages 8-10), and MCLL recognizes that the introduction of the new division will generate understandable questions about which division is appropriate for an individual player.

MCLL strongly urges players aged 7 who are ready to transition out of Coach Pitch, especially if they plan to play Minors AA in the next spring season, to register for Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid. We also recommend Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid for players ages 8-9 who are new to baseball, but due to their age will be required to play Minors AA in the spring season.

For those that have played Coach Pitch and are 8 years old, the placement (either Minors A- Player Pitch Hybrid or Minors AA) depends on the player’s current skill level. MCLL encourages you to speak with your player’s prior coaches for their input. In evaluating whether the AA level is appropriate for your player, please consider MCLL’s proficiency goals for AA players, which include advanced fielding, throwing, baserunning, and batting skills required for competitive gameplay. Please see MCLL’s Minors AA Baseball Player Proficiency Goals page for more details (full link: https://www.mclittleleague.org/coaches/player-proficiency-goals/minors-aa-proficiency).

The goal of Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid is to prepare your player for success at the Minors AA level. Players who played Minors AA in the spring season should continue to do so this Fall, or if based on skill/age should consider moving up to Minors AA.

5. What should I do if I sign up for Minors A-Player Pitch Hybrid or AA (Player Pitch), but realize my player is better suited for the other division?

MCLL recognizes the potential for this to happen and will attempt to accommodate reasonable requests to promote players to Minors AA during the season. We also plan to work closely with coaches and families that register for this new division to adjust rules as appropriate. As a result, rules could change as the season progresses and based on overall player development. For example, the final game of the season may be all player pitch or have expanded player pitching with an even more limited coach rescue.

6.Will Minors A - Player Pitch Hybrid be a permanent MCLL offering, available in both Fall and Spring season?

Based on your feedback, MCLL will determine if we should offer the Minors -Player Pitch Hybrid for Spring 2025. We anticipate that, at minimum, this will be a permanent fall offering as the focus on the fall season is development and preparation for our more competitive spring season.

7.How do I determine my players age for fall registration purposes?

For purposes of fall registration, a player’s age is based on how old they will be on August 31, 2025. This means if your child has a birthday in July 2025, they could now be 8 years old but considered league age 9. For the fall season only, players are permitted to play in a Division they were eligible to register for in the prior spring season, even if they would not be eligible to play in that Division in the spring. For example, a player who was league age 8 in spring 2024 and played Coach Pitch, could play again in Coach Pitch in the fall. However, in spring 2025 they will be required to play in a player pitch division as in spring they will be league age 9. Click here for a League Age Calculator .

Section 6: Game and Practice Questions

1. When are practices?

All practices are determined by the individual team coaches. Practices are typically held on weekday evenings but can be on Sunday as well. Exact practice times will not be available until just before the season starts.

2. Where are practices?

We secure permits for fields throughout Montgomery County. We make every effort to get fields that are convenient for parents. However, field permits are subject to availability and we can't guarantee location. Practice locations will not be published until just before the season starts -- late March for Spring and late August for Fall.

3. How long are practices?

Practices are typically 60 to 90 minutes in duration, depending on the coach's preference.

4. When are games?

Tee-ball baseball teams will play on Saturday. Coach Pitch, Minors, Majors, and Juniors will play on weekday evenings and on Saturdays. Intermediates will play Wednesday and Sunday. Softball games will be on Sundays, with the occasional Saturday game. Players are expected to make the majority of the games and are expected to notify the coach if a player cannot make a game or will be late.

5. Where are games played?

We have two regions within MCLL, an Upper County and a Lower County region. Upper County games are played in the Germantown/Gaithersburg area. Lower County games are played in the Bethesda area.

6. How long are games?

Coach Pitch, Minors, and Majors play 6-inning games or 2 hours, 15 minutes maximum. Intermediates and Juniors play 7-inning games or 2 hours, 30 minutes maximum.

7. What is the practice schedule?

Practice schedules - Day, time, and location are set by the individual coaches following team formation and based on permit availability, which the league obtains from Montgomery County.

8. When will the game schedule be published?

We have to wait for Montgomery County and Park and Planning to issue permits for the fields that we will be using. Once our fields are confirmed, a schedule will be posted. This usually does not happen until late March for Spring and late August for Fall ball.

9. What is TeamLinkt?

TeamLinkt is the registration and communication system used by our league. Coaches use the system to communicate with players and parents during the season. Here you will find practice and game schedules, along with your team's player/parent contact information. If a practice or game is canceled or rescheduled, the coach will send out an email and/or text notification using TeamLinkt.

10. Are there playoffs?

Tee-ball will not have playoffs. Coach-Pitch levels and above will have playoffs after the regular season has ended. (Spring only)

11. What are the Little League tournament team opportunities?

MCLL sponsors tournament baseball teams at the 8-10, 9-11, 10-12, Intermediate and Juniors levels and softball teams at the 8-10, 10-12, Juniors & Seniors levels. Play starts at the District level and proceeds to State, Regional, and International play. The teams are selected by coaches toward the end of the Spring season. The tournament runs from late June through August, culminating in the Little League World Series in Williamsport.

12. What is the benefit of combined Saturday practices and games?

Our Rookie Ball and Tee-ball divisions offer the option of having a practice directly followed by a game -- once weekly. The argument for practice+game Saturdays is that the practice introduces concepts and ideas, which are better remembered with a context-based situation (game) that same day. The idea is to provide the immediate small-scale drill format during practice, and then reinforce that skill in context-based play that a game provides. This format results in better retention of the new skills.

Section 7: Rainouts

1. Will rained-out practices be rescheduled?

The league does not reschedule practices, but coaches are free to add additional practices if they desire.

2. How will I know if a game is rained out?

When there is a rainout, the TeamSnap system will notify parents of the cancellation by email and/or text.

3. Will rained-out games be rescheduled?

Every attempt will be made to reschedule a game based on field availability. The coaches will notify the teams when a rescheduled game will be played. We do our best to reschedule and play the full set of games.

4. I was told there would only be one weeknight game but now there are two. Why?

If games have to be rescheduled because of inclement weather, we must schedule them when we have field availability, which is usually during the week. The county, not MCLL, decides when to close fields due to rain.

5. Why was my game canceled when the weather has been dry?

The county, not MCLL, decides when to close fields due to field conditions. Fields with poor drainage could take days to become playable again.