A player’s league is determined by the month and year of their birth. Major changes to baseball’s age cutoffs were made beginning in 2015. Visit here for more info: http://www.littleleague.org/leagueofficers/determine_league_age/league_age_calculator.htm OR click the Age and League calculator at the top of the page.

Little League rules are determined and published by the Little League Organization headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Willards Little League local rules are captured and approved by the Board of Directors in the Willards Little League Constitution and Bi-Laws. All Coaches, Managers and Board Members have copies of the current Little League Rulebook.

All boys and girls with league ages between 4 and 16. All players must live or attend a school within the league’s boundary.

League fees are used to offset the cost of uniforms, batting helmets, umpire equipment, balls, rakes, bases, grass seed, fertilizer and grass cutting. The league treasurer monitors and tracks the leagues finances. Fundraising and league sponsorship also help offset league operating costs and can help to facilitate major upgrades like new scoreboards, lawn mowers and general facility upkeep.

Willards Little League is in Maryland District 8, encompassing the lower eastern shore. District 8, http://www.eteamz.com/md08/ , includes the following leagues: Fruitland, West Salisbury, East Wicomico, Delmar, Williards, Berlin, Princess Anne, Pocomoke, Crisfield and Snow Hill. Maryland Little Leagues resides in the Mid-Atlantic Region of the United States. The Mid Atlantic region is one of 8 regions in the United States. Other regions include: West, Southwestern, Southeastern, Northwestern, Great Lakes, Mid-West and New England.

Leagues are organized by age groups following the Little League rules. In Willards, we are currently organized into 8 leagues. They are

1. Tee Ball
   Tee Ball Baseball is for boys and girls 4-5 years old who want to learn the fundamentals of hitting and fielding.The primary goals of Tee Ball are to instruct children in the fundamentals of baseball and to allow them to experience the value of teamwork.In Tee Ball, players will not only hit off a batting tee, but in addition, they will be introduced to a pitching machine. Games will usually last an hour with two full innings. Outs are not recorded and each team having all players bat during an inning. Batters are presented 3 pitches from the pitching machine and if the player fails to make contact and put a ball in play, they will then hit off a batting tee. All players will advance one base and the final team batter will clear the bases; advancing all runners.During the defensive half of an inning, players will be positioned throughout the infield. Players will learn how to field balls and throw to first base.Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this introduction level of Little League. After completing a Little League volunteer application and passing a required national background check, parents may become involved in practices, and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, local league board members and other volunteer positions within the league.
2. Instructional (Baseball and Softball)
   The Instructional League is for players that are 7 or 8 years old, and continues to build on the concepts learned in Tee Ball within a more formal game structure.

   In baseball, batters are presented pitches from a pitching machine set at 40mph. Innings are based on 3 outs or 4 runs – whichever comes first. The final inning of play (usually the 4th inning) allows for unlimited runs or one full rotation of the lineup. Score is kept during the game to determine a winning team. Most baseball rules are taught and applied during the game. Players are introduced to “Live” pitching from other players in this division. If time permits, a player may pitch 3 pitches to a hitter in selected innings. If the hitter hits the pitch it is a live ball. If the hitter does not hit 1 of the 3 pitches thrown the machine is then utilized.

   In softball, batters are presented pitches by their coach.

3. Minor League (Baseball and Softball)
   The Minor League is intended for 9 and 10 year old players. This league provides a transition to more competitive baseball. The game play on the field closely resembles everyday baseball/softball with 9 defensive players and player pitching. Walks (base on balls) and stealing are allowed to occur. Each player must play in the field for at least 2 innings and have at least 1 at bat. Like the instructional league, innings are based on 3 outs or 4 runs, whichever comes first. Game play lasts 6 innings, 2 hours or may be limited due to darkness. Players are introduced to official Umpires in this division.
4. Major League (Baseball and Softball)
   The Major League is intended for 11 and 12 year old players. This league is a more competitive baseball/softball that works to enhance skills learned. The game play on the field closely resembles everyday baseball/softball with 9 defensive players and player pitching. Walks (base on balls) and stealing are allowed to occur. Each player must play in the field for at least 2 innings and have at least 1 at bat. There are no limits on runs and innings are complete after 3 outs. Games are 6 innings, 2 hours, or may limited due to darkness.
5. Intermediate League (Baseball)
   The Intermediate League is the transition league to “real” baseball rules. It is intended for players ages 12-13. Rules closely resemble the professional baseball rules but offer an exception with the base and pitching distance: 70ft bases, pitching from 50ft, runners leading off, etc. The field is of professional proportions with 90ft bases and 300ft plus fences. Each player must play in the field for at least 2 innings and have at least 1 at bat. There are no limits on runs and innings are complete after 3 outs. Games are 7 innings, 2 1/2hrs, or may be limited due to darkness.
6. Junior League (Softball)
   The Junior League is the transition league to “real” softball rules. It is intended for players ages 13-14.
7. Senior League (Baseball)
   The Senior League is intended for players 14-16. Rules closely resemble the professional baseball rules and the field is of professional proportions with 90ft bases and 300ft plus fences.

For players in our T-ball and Instructional leagues, players will be placed on teams by representatives of the board which will always include the Player Agent. Things like transportation, siblings and even who the manager is will all be considered (meaning we will place a Manager’s son/daughter on their team).

In the Minor, Major, Junior, Intermediate and Senior leagues, players are assessed and drafted by the managers.

Teams typically have between 12 and 13 players, but it all depends on how many kids register. When possible, we would rather have a smaller team that offers more playing time for our players.

All Managers are volunteers within the league and are selected by the President and must be approved by the Board of Directors. This is done once the number of teams is determined after player registration and after background checks have been completed.

All umpires are volunteers from the league and are coordinated by the League Umpire in Chief. Typically Major and Minor League games are umpired by managers and coaches from the throughout League. We are always looking for umpires. If interested, please send an email to info@willardslittleleague.com

At the end of the regular season All Star Tournament teams are selected by the managers in each league. There may be additional player fees for All-Star players for uniform and umpire fees. The following teams participate in post season games and tournaments:

1. 7-8 Baseball All Star Team – This team represents Willards in multiple weekend tournaments held by leagues throughout our district. These tournaments typically follows a double elimination tournament.
2. 9-10 Baseball/Softball All Star Team – This team represents Willards in the District 8 championship tournament. The tournament typically contains pool play with each team playing 4 games, followed by the top 2 teams in each group playing a single elimination tournament to determine the District 8 champion. The champion represents District 8 in the Maryland State tournament.
3. 10-11 Year Old Baseball All Stars – This team represents Willards in the District 8 championship tournament. This tournament typically follows a double elimination tournament. The champion represents District 8 in the 11 year old state championship tournament.
4. Major League Baseball/Softball All-Stars – This team represents Willards in the District 8 championship tournament. The tournament typically contains pool play with each team playing 4 games, followed by the top 2 teams in each group playing a single elimination tournament to determine the District 8 champion. The champion represents District 8 in the Maryland State tournament. The Maryland State champion participates in the Mid-Atlantic championship. The Mid-Atlantic champion participates in the Little League World Series.
5. Junior League Softball All-Stars – This team represents Willards in the District 8 championship tournament. The tournament typically contains pool play with each team playing 4 games, followed by the top 2 teams in each group playing a single elimination tournament to determine the District 8 champion. The champion represents District 8 in the Maryland State tournament. The Maryland State champion participates in the Mid-Atlantic championship.
6. Intermediate League Baseball All-Stars – This team represents Willards in the District 8 championship tournament. The tournament typically contains pool play with each team playing 4 games, followed by the top 2 teams in each group playing a single elimination tournament to determine the District 8 champion. The champion represents District 8 in the Maryland State tournament. The Maryland State champion participates in the Mid-Atlantic championship.
7. Senior League Baseball All-Stars – This team represents Willards in the District 8 championship tournament. The tournament typically contains pool play with each team playing 4 games, followed by the top 2 teams in each group playing a single elimination tournament to determine the District 8 champion. The champion represents District 8 in the Maryland State tournament. The Maryland State champion participates in the Mid-Atlantic championship.

The Concession manger is in charge of the concession stand and is provided help from Board Members and volunteers from each team within the league. Each team has a requirement to fulfill a certain number of shifts during the season.

Volunteers coordinate and maintain fields. Coaches and Managers are responsible to make sure someone rakes their fields after each practice or games. Volunteers also coordinate maintenance days to help minimize the cost of contractors.

The regular season typically runs from the middle of April to the middle of June. Little League requires a minimum of 12 games played for each team to be able to have All-Star selection.

Willards Little League abides by Little League recommendations to not put names on jerseys for safety concerns. We also want to keep our registration and overall costs low by reusing uniforms (if possible).

Our Little League is run by the Board of Directors. These positions are: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary, Players Agent, Umpire in Chief, Equipment Manager, Information Officer, Concessions Manager and Safety Officer.

All positions on the Board of Directors are voted on each year during the December meeting.

Willards Little League Members present for the December meeting vote for the Board of Directors.

Our Information Officer currently runs and maintains the website.

Videotaping games is permissible for personal use. Videos of players shall not be published without consent of all parents of players involved.