CENTRAL SPRINGFIELD LITTLE LEAGUE: About CSLL

CSLL is managed by an elected Board of Directors that administers the league in line with established bylaws, local rules and policies. The league is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. CSLL Baseball is comprised of:

T-Ball (age 5-6);
A-Ball/Pitching Machine (age 7-8);
Three levels of kid-pitch - AA, and AAA, Majors - (age 9-12); and
Juniors (13-14)/Seniors (age 15-16)

plus a Challengers program. Depending upon the level, the playing fields are slightly different in terms of length of base paths, distance from pitching mound, and distance to the outfield fences from home plate.

What if I don’t live in the boundaries of CSLL?

Most likely you will have to participate in another Little League program, unless you lived within the boundaries while registered with CSLL and then moved outside the boundaries. In that case, you may be able to receive a waiver and continue to participate in CSLL.

How much does it cost to participate in CSLL?

For the 2007 spring season, it is $110 for the first player and $65 for each additional player signed up. There is also a $50 refundable Field Maintenance user fee per family and a $5.50 Country user fee per child. The Field Maintenance fee can be reimbursed if you perform 4 hours of approved volunteer work.

When does the season begin and end?

Please check the calendar on the CSLL web page for exact league dates and events. Typically, the spring season begins in late March or early April. An Opening Day event kicks off the first games of the season. The regular game season usually lasts through mid-June, including divisional playoff games. The season is extended for players that are selected to the District 9 All-Star tournament teams. Additionally, there are Fun Tournament games in mid June for those who wish to participate. CSLL also has a fall league that runs from September through the end of October.

Where are CSLL games played?

CSLL games are primarily played at Trailside Park and Franconia Park (Juniors/Seniors).

What days and times are the games played?

All teams in CSLL are scheduled for one weekday and one Saturday game. Games may be played on Sunday afternoons due to rescheduling. Weekday games generally begin at 5:45pm and Saturday games are played between 9:00 am and 6:00 pm. It is CSLL's desire to have games be completed before 9:00 pm on weekdays. Depending on the division and whether the team is home or visitor, players should arrive from 45-60 minutes prior to game time so they can properly warm up, and managers can get the line-up cards ready prior to the start of the game.

Who umpires CSLL games?

CSLL uses a combination of parent volunteers and paid junior umpires. All umpires are required to attend training clinics. A plate umpire and a field umpire are used in all games; unless a scheduling issue arises causing a shortage of available umpires. In the T-Ball division, coaches manage the flow of the game.

When will I find out what team my child will play on?

All teams should be formed by early March. Your child's manager will notify you of the team's first meeting. If you don't hear from a team manager by mid-March, please contact a league official.

When will the practices begin?

The goal is for teams to be in a position to begin practices at least couple of weeks before Opening Day, which is mid March. For AAA and Majors, practices typically begin the week after draft night. Actual practice schedules will depend upon weather and formation of teams.

How often and long will my child practice?

Practice frequency and duration are up to the team manager. Generally, it is recommended that T-ball and A-Ball teams practice one time per week for about an hour. AA through Juniors/Seniors average two times a week for anywhere from 60-90 minutes. Practice frequency is usually more often prior to the start of the season.

Where will my child practice?

CSLL schedules field practice times at various elementary school fields throughout CSLL’s boundaries. You will know where your child will practice once your child is placed on a team and your manager contacts you.

What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?

Players should have a glove, hat, baseball pants, and rubber molded cleats. A baseball bag is recommended to transport bats, batting gloves, water bottles, hats, and other items. Information concerning bat and glove selection can be found on the CSLL web site. Please label your child’s belongings with his/her name.

Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?

CSLL provides each player with pants, socks, a team jersey and a team hat. The jersey, socks and hat are the player's to keep. Rubber cleats are highly recommended, and steel spikes are not allowed. You are responsible for providing a glove for your child. The purchase of a bat is optional; however most players bring their own bats to practices and games. Be sure your child dresses appropriately, and brings a jacket or sweatshirt, especially early in the season.

Can my child be placed on a team with one of their friends?

CSLL attempts to place children by neighborhood in T-Ball and A-Ball. In AA – Juniors/Seniors, children are subject to the Draft, so there are no guarantees they will be placed with their friends.

If my child is unhappy with the team they are placed on, can they switch teams?

Only in extreme cases does the league allow children to switch teams after the teams have been formed. Such requests must be made in writing to appropriate player-agent for consideration by the CSLL Board of Directors. Team balance is established early on, and changes of this type are difficult if not impossible to implement without upsetting the balance that has been established.

If my child decides to quit, is it possible to get a refund?

Registration fees are refundable up until the time that a player is assigned to a team. Once a player is assigned to a team, and before the regular season begins, refunds will be granted only in special circumstances. No refunds will be granted after the season begins.

Can I keep my child down in a lower division or bring him/her up a division a year early?

CSLL strongly supports age appropriate competition and development. CSLL allows parents of 9-12 year olds to restrict their children to a specific division when in AA and AAA. Otherwise, children 5-8 are placed in T-Ball and A-Ball based on their age. Information on restricting your child can be found under the “Registration” link of this website.

Are there any rules about minimum playing time?

In T-Ball through Jr/Sr, No child can sit two consecutive innings and no child can sit twice until every child has sat once. In T-Ball through Jr/Sr, a continuous batting order is used.

Are there Time Limits on games?

For T-ball – AAA, no inning can begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes. There is no time limits for Majors, and for Juniors or Seniors, no inning can begin after 2 hours.

Are there conduct rules that apply during games?

CSLL has a ZERO tolerance policy and does not tolerate foul language or taunting at any level by the players, parents, managers, or coaches. Any spectator, player, manager or coach that is warned is subject to being ejected from the premises and banned from the complex for additional games.

What is the playoff structure?

CSLL teams play an entire regular season with the final standings establishing the seeding for a post-season single-elimination tournament. Playoffs are held for AA – Juniors/Seniors. This approach allows all of the teams to work on developing the skills of each and every player on the team without the pressure of having to win every game.

Who is responsible for staffing the Concession Stand at CSLL?

Upon registering a player for participation in CSLL, the player's parent(s) agree to serve a shift in the concession stand when asked by the Team Parent. Each team must staff the concession stand for two shifts throughout the course of the season. A schedule for this is developed by the Concession Stand Manager. Please do your part in support of operating the concessions stand.

Do I have to participate in any fundraising?

CSLL relies on fundraising to help support the operations of the league. Player registration fees only account for a portion of the needed operating capital required for equipment, facilities maintenance and repairs, uniforms, etc. CSLL supplements player registration fees with league sponsors and fundraising. Each team is expected to participate in the league's annual fundraising activity.

Who do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved by the league?

If at any time you have a problem or just want information, you can contact the league at any time. However, please first discuss any concerns with your child's manager, and then with the division's player-agent (who is a Board Member assigned to oversee that Division). Contact information is on the CSLL web site under the "Board" link.

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