What are the age groups for each division?
SLLS Divisions
Quickball (ages 4-5)
Varsity (formerly 6U) - age 6
Rookies (formerly 8U) - ages 7 and 8
Minors (formerly 10U) - ages 9 and 10
Majors (formerly 12U) - ages 11 and 12
Junior/Senior League - ages 13-16
**Softball Divisions are determined by your players age as of JANUARY 1st** There are no exceptions to "play up"
See your child's league age by their exact birthdate.
Where do we play?
All
SLLS age divisions will play at the Wyndmoor complex on Traymore Ave.
in Wyndmoor. The STSD Fields (Former Enfield
Elementary) on the corner of Paper Mill Rd. and Church Rd. in Oreland may
also be a location for play.
What equipment does my child need?
- Quickball (age 4-5) does not require any equipment (not even a glove!). Shorts and sneakers are ok for this age.
- Varsity - Junior Divisions (age 6-16) - each
player will need a glove, helmet (cage mandatory) and softball pants. Cleats (plastic spikes) are recommended but not mandatory. A fielders face guard is mandatory for ages 7-11 (Varsity, Rookie, and Minor Divisions). There are league softball bats available. However, if your daughter does purchase a bat, we recommend you review Little League bat rules before purchasing. Some players wear a heart guard or protective shirt for additional protection.
What equipment will be provided by SLLS?
Balls, bats, uniforms (shirt, socks) and a set of catcher's equipment will be provided by SLLS.
Are sneakers okay or does she need cleats?
Sneakers
tend to slide on dirt or wet grass and provide little protection to
ball impact. Plastic soled cleats (not metal) are strongly encouraged.
Do we get a uniform and what’s included with it?
SLLS will provide a team shirt and socks. Coaches distribute shirts based on team fit and not uniform number.
What size glove should I buy?
The
glove should fit comfortably, open/close easily, and not be too heavy
to quickly move to receive a catch. The biggest issue with gloves is
not breaking them in adequately enough to squeeze a catch.
Can my daughter play up?
Playing
up has been historically more unsuccessful and is not condoned by the
league. Removing a child from their peer group typically increases
anxiety which affects confidence and performance. Softball is about
building confidence over the entire season.
Can my daughter request a specific position?
As
players mature, they usually gravitate towards a position they're
comfortable with. Coaches have the responsibility to determine where
each player can play safely and effectively. During the Spring season
the coaches will do their best to give all our players the opportunity
to try and learn different positions.
When will we hear from a coach for my child's team assignment?
Usually around late March coaches begin contacting parents to advise of the team roster and practice schedules.
When do practices start?
Generally 2 to 3 weeks prior to the season opening.
What days are practices?
SLLS
tries to mimic the game schedule by having 1 weeknight practice and 1
Saturday practice up until the season starts. During the season,
practice is more limited because of field availability and makeup games
due to weather. Your coach will likely schedule a specific date for
practice depending on field and team availability.
How many games a week do they play?
Your
child will likely play 1 weeknight game (6 PM) and 1 Saturday game
(various times) when the season begins. Most fields will have a game or
practice scheduled every day.
When do games start? When do they end?
Games
begin the weekend of opening day. Weeknight games begin at 6 PM and
generally last up to 90 minutes. Saturday games can be at various times
of the day and also last 90 minutes. 6U games and practices are usually
just over an hour.
When will the season start/opening day? When is season over?
The season usually opens in mid April. The SLLS Spring season ends by mid-June.
What age groups will offer a tournament team?
Rookies, Minors, Majors, and Junior/Senior Divisions will offer a tournament team. Minors, Majors, and Junior/Senior Divisions are applicable to play in the Little League World Series tournament.
When are Little League Tournament Team tryouts? How do I sign my child up?
Early
to mid-June, an email will go out to all parents asking if your child
would like to be considered for for the tournament team. Tryouts are
held if it is determined that more than 14 kids have committed to trying
out for the team. Open tryouts will be announced if 14 or more kids
have committed. If less than 14 kids have committed, Teams are selected based on tryout and coach evaluations.
During inclement weather, when do I remove my child from the field?
Safety
for your child is our first priority. The first rumble of thunder or
the first lightning flash all players will be removed from the field. If
it is raining heavy or the field becomes unplayable the game will be
postponed.
How can I help? Who do I contact? This
is a 100% Volunteer run league. Volunteers for coaching, umpiring, snack
bar, and field maintenance are essential for the prosperity of our
league. Please click the volunteer button and fill out
our volunteer form and submit you background check if you do not already
have it. Background checks are mandatory under Little League rules to
be able to volunteer. You can also contact any board member to ask
questions or click on the 'Contact Us' link on the top right corner of our home page.