All-Star selection process AWS
Clayton Little League All Star Information and Selection Process Selection Policy and Basic Overview As a league, Clayton Little League strives to make sure that the regular season offers as much opportunity to play and experience baseball and softball as possible. The League implements numerous local rules to make for a more enjoyable playing experience for ALL players. Our League has many different playing levels, each geared to accommodate players based on their age and ability of play. The All-Star Season is a completely separate season from the regular season. It is an opportunity for a significantly higher level of play within the regional Little League system. Players will have a significantly higher level of commitment and will receive a higher level instruction and to compete against other All-Star teams. When it comes to All-Star teams, it is the intent of Clayton Little League Board to field a team that will best represent our league in competition and character. Clayton Little League believes that it is important to include the players themselves in the selection process and that the process be transparent and fair to all kids. All of the baseball players need to have an opportunity to make the team regardless of popularity, school affiliation, parental influence, or manager prejudice. For those that are not selected for the team the details regarding their candidacy shall be held in the strictest of confidence and remain private. All selection decisions regarding All-Star teams need to be made with these Board and District approved ideals in mind. Several characteristics permeate our selection process for players and managers for the All Stars team: - Skill-level and ability to compete - Attitude, hustle, team spirit, team leadership, and - Overall character, integrity, and sportsmanship. Winning is fun, but it is very important that we remember that Little League is a Child Development Program and that we are about teaching life lessons, building and demonstrating the positive ideals and characteristics that we hope for all our children. It is also important to note, that come Tournament time, some rules change or differ from the regular season rules. CLL will do its best to ensure that all parents of rostered tournament team players are aware of these rule changes (ie: minimum playing time). General Selection Process and Procedure Timing
The All-Star team selection process will begin May of each year. The All-Star team CANNOT be announced until June 1st of each year, as prescribed by Little League Rules. The All-Star practices typically begin June 1st, and could run 2 to 3 hours per day and can be up to 7 days a week. The All-Star tournaments typically begin Mid June (Depending on Age). If a team were to win the District All-Star Tournament, the team would then move on to the State Tournament (typically late June). The older teams also have a regional tournament (Warner Robins, GA) and the Little League World Series (Williamsport, PA) that take place in early August to late August.
Player and Parent Commitments Each interested player submits their name for consideration by completing the All-Star Commitment Form in early May. This document explains the commitment necessary to be a part of the All-Star program. C L L is striving to field the most competitive All-Star team possible and assure that it is comprised of players and managers/coaches that represent the attitude and character we desire. With this in mind, CLL wishes to involve only parents and players who are committed to the hard work and practice time that are required to participate at this level of competition. Clayton Little League will work to identify players who play outside of our boundaries early in the season, and work with the parents for waivers to participate in the league and on the tournament team. However, it is up to the parent to ensure that this takes place and that any paperwork and approvals needed are completed early in the season. CLL will do its best to ensure all is in place, but requests the parents input and attention also. Failure to have the proper paperwork in place come All Star time, will result in your player not being eligible IF they do not live OR go to school within our boarders. The player and parent commitment to All-Stars must be a solid commitment. Tournament Players must bear in mind that their first commitment is to the CLL team before any other Non-Little League team or to any other sports camps or sports teams during the All-Star Season. In the past, Little League rules have expressly prohibited a player or manager/coach from being involved in any other youth baseball program during the All Star season. While Little League has officially rescinded this Little League rule regarding “dual participation” in 2008, the CLL board has exercised its option and decided to allow that the All Star team Manager continue to enforce this requirement and shall have the authority to suspend or eliminate a Player for repeatedly missing games or practices. All such changes shall be coordinated only with prior approval from the League President on behalf of the CLL Board. Number of Players: Each All-Star team representing the CLL will consist of 11 to 13 players. In CLL the All-Star Manager has the discretion of choosing a 13th player which is eligible for the team. Additionally, the CLL President shall appoint a new player should the team need to replace a player due to injury, lack of commitment, ineligibility, or other unforeseen circumstance. Per Little League rules, some players may be eligible for multiple teams however; an individual may only be selected or be allowed to practice with one All Star team. Mandatory Play Rule (Tournament Play ONLY): For all levels of play except for Senior League Baseball and Senior League Softball, if a tournament team has 13 or more eligible players in uniform at a game, every player on the roster must participate in each game for a minimum of one at-bat. If a tournament team has 12 or fewer eligible players in uniform at a game, then every player on the roster must participate in each game for a minimum of six consecutive defensive outs and bat at least one time. There is no exception to this rule unless the game is shortened for any reason. A game is not considered shortened if the home team does not complete the offensive half of the sixth or seventh inning (or any extra inning) due to winning the game.
Teams and Age Groups: Baseball: The Major’s All-Star Team (10 thru 12) will be made up of players who are league age 10, 11 or 12 years of age and who played in the CLL Coastal OR Atlantic division during the regular season. The Minor’s All-Star Team (9 and 10) will be made up of players who are 9 and 10 years of age who played in the CLL Coastal or Atlantic division during the regular season. The Machine Pitch All-Star Team (6 thru 8) will be made up of players who are 6, 7 and 8 years of age who played in the CLL Machine Pitch division during the regular season. *Player eligibility is strictly adhered to by Little League International for tournament play. Play in CLL division could vary during regular play, and kids will be slotted accordingly for tournament play. Player Selection (All Divisions): • • •
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LOI sent out May 1st, to be returned by May 7th to narrow the pool down and get commitment from parents/players (paper or electronic format). Players interested in playing All Stars as reported through the LOI process, will be presented to the managers and coaches on or around May 8th. On or around May 15th o CLL will distribute paper ballots to players for player voting comprised of the committed players in the LOI. Players can vote for up to 5 players on THEIR team only. o CLL will distribute one (1) ballot per team comprised of the committed players in the LOI for managers and coaches to vote for the top 5 players on their team. ▪ NO alternate date will be given for player/manager/coach voting ▪ IF 7 or less than 7 are on the team ballot due to LOI, then no ballot will be sent and those 7 will be automatically nominated ▪ Voting will be weighted equally for players, managers and coaches The top 7 vote getters from each team will be put into a pool of players as finalists for the all-star team Prior to June 1, Managers from each division will meet separately by division with the executive board to choose the final 11 to 13 (All Star Managers Choice) players for the All-Star Roster. IF the manager is not available, an assistant can take their place. ONLY one representative per team can attend. On June 1, All Star Teams will be announced via electronic media or via managers/player agent Practice for All Star Team will begin on or after June 1st In the event that a player who has been selected for the team becomes injured or otherwise cannot play on the team, the replacement player will be chosen by using the original order of players ranked/picked and must be approved by the Player Agent and President. Final approval of All Star Rosters and Adherence to process will be given by President and Player Agent ALL preliminary voting results will remain completely confidential and will not be shared NOTE: Players who elected to play “up” in a division during the regular season will be eligible for the all-star team at their age appropriate level and will have their name placed automatically in the finalist pool.
Manager and Coach Selection: • • • •
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LOI sent out May 1 to narrow the pool down and get commitment from potential managers. CLL will distribute ballots to ALL managers and coaches in ALL divisions (MP, AT and CO) for voting for All Star managers. Managers/Coaches can choose up to 2 names in their division only for potential manager ▪ Ballots will be in person OR electronic, TBD The executive board along with the manager committee will meet prior to May 15th and choose a manager for each division based on the voting and candidates for team manager and preference criteria. o Announcement will be made via electronic media on or around 5/15. Preference will be given to managers who (in no particular order) o Have coached at the all-star level before (in any capacity, at any level) o Coached or managed in the division during the regular season they are choosing for all stars o Was a member of a championship team during the regular season A manager will assemble their coaching staff after all-star teams have been announced. It is recommended that team managers in their division get preference to be All Star Coaches. o A coach does not need to have a child on the team to be an all-star coach. o A coach does need to have managed or coached in the regular season in the division of the all-star team In the event that a manager/coaches cannot fulfill their duties to the team, a replacement manager/coach can be chosen and will need to be approved by the President and Coaching Coordinator. Final approval of All Star Managers and Coaches as well as the process will be given by President and Coaching Coordinator ALL preliminary voting results will remain completely confidential and will not be shared
The All-Star team selection process will begin May of each year. The All-Star team CANNOT be announced until June 1st of each year, as prescribed by Little League Rules. The All-Star practices typically begin June 1st, and could run 2 to 3 hours per day and can be up to 7 days a week. The All-Star tournaments typically begin Mid June (Depending on Age). If a team were to win the District All-Star Tournament, the team would then move on to the State Tournament (typically late June). The older teams also have a regional tournament (Warner Robins, GA) and the Little League World Series (Williamsport, PA) that take place in early August to late August.
Player and Parent Commitments Each interested player submits their name for consideration by completing the All-Star Commitment Form in early May. This document explains the commitment necessary to be a part of the All-Star program. C L L is striving to field the most competitive All-Star team possible and assure that it is comprised of players and managers/coaches that represent the attitude and character we desire. With this in mind, CLL wishes to involve only parents and players who are committed to the hard work and practice time that are required to participate at this level of competition. Clayton Little League will work to identify players who play outside of our boundaries early in the season, and work with the parents for waivers to participate in the league and on the tournament team. However, it is up to the parent to ensure that this takes place and that any paperwork and approvals needed are completed early in the season. CLL will do its best to ensure all is in place, but requests the parents input and attention also. Failure to have the proper paperwork in place come All Star time, will result in your player not being eligible IF they do not live OR go to school within our boarders. The player and parent commitment to All-Stars must be a solid commitment. Tournament Players must bear in mind that their first commitment is to the CLL team before any other Non-Little League team or to any other sports camps or sports teams during the All-Star Season. In the past, Little League rules have expressly prohibited a player or manager/coach from being involved in any other youth baseball program during the All Star season. While Little League has officially rescinded this Little League rule regarding “dual participation” in 2008, the CLL board has exercised its option and decided to allow that the All Star team Manager continue to enforce this requirement and shall have the authority to suspend or eliminate a Player for repeatedly missing games or practices. All such changes shall be coordinated only with prior approval from the League President on behalf of the CLL Board. Number of Players: Each All-Star team representing the CLL will consist of 11 to 13 players. In CLL the All-Star Manager has the discretion of choosing a 13th player which is eligible for the team. Additionally, the CLL President shall appoint a new player should the team need to replace a player due to injury, lack of commitment, ineligibility, or other unforeseen circumstance. Per Little League rules, some players may be eligible for multiple teams however; an individual may only be selected or be allowed to practice with one All Star team. Mandatory Play Rule (Tournament Play ONLY): For all levels of play except for Senior League Baseball and Senior League Softball, if a tournament team has 13 or more eligible players in uniform at a game, every player on the roster must participate in each game for a minimum of one at-bat. If a tournament team has 12 or fewer eligible players in uniform at a game, then every player on the roster must participate in each game for a minimum of six consecutive defensive outs and bat at least one time. There is no exception to this rule unless the game is shortened for any reason. A game is not considered shortened if the home team does not complete the offensive half of the sixth or seventh inning (or any extra inning) due to winning the game.
Teams and Age Groups: Baseball: The Major’s All-Star Team (10 thru 12) will be made up of players who are league age 10, 11 or 12 years of age and who played in the CLL Coastal OR Atlantic division during the regular season. The Minor’s All-Star Team (9 and 10) will be made up of players who are 9 and 10 years of age who played in the CLL Coastal or Atlantic division during the regular season. The Machine Pitch All-Star Team (6 thru 8) will be made up of players who are 6, 7 and 8 years of age who played in the CLL Machine Pitch division during the regular season. *Player eligibility is strictly adhered to by Little League International for tournament play. Play in CLL division could vary during regular play, and kids will be slotted accordingly for tournament play. Player Selection (All Divisions): • • •
• • • • • • • •
LOI sent out May 1st, to be returned by May 7th to narrow the pool down and get commitment from parents/players (paper or electronic format). Players interested in playing All Stars as reported through the LOI process, will be presented to the managers and coaches on or around May 8th. On or around May 15th o CLL will distribute paper ballots to players for player voting comprised of the committed players in the LOI. Players can vote for up to 5 players on THEIR team only. o CLL will distribute one (1) ballot per team comprised of the committed players in the LOI for managers and coaches to vote for the top 5 players on their team. ▪ NO alternate date will be given for player/manager/coach voting ▪ IF 7 or less than 7 are on the team ballot due to LOI, then no ballot will be sent and those 7 will be automatically nominated ▪ Voting will be weighted equally for players, managers and coaches The top 7 vote getters from each team will be put into a pool of players as finalists for the all-star team Prior to June 1, Managers from each division will meet separately by division with the executive board to choose the final 11 to 13 (All Star Managers Choice) players for the All-Star Roster. IF the manager is not available, an assistant can take their place. ONLY one representative per team can attend. On June 1, All Star Teams will be announced via electronic media or via managers/player agent Practice for All Star Team will begin on or after June 1st In the event that a player who has been selected for the team becomes injured or otherwise cannot play on the team, the replacement player will be chosen by using the original order of players ranked/picked and must be approved by the Player Agent and President. Final approval of All Star Rosters and Adherence to process will be given by President and Player Agent ALL preliminary voting results will remain completely confidential and will not be shared NOTE: Players who elected to play “up” in a division during the regular season will be eligible for the all-star team at their age appropriate level and will have their name placed automatically in the finalist pool.
Manager and Coach Selection: • • • •
•
• • •
LOI sent out May 1 to narrow the pool down and get commitment from potential managers. CLL will distribute ballots to ALL managers and coaches in ALL divisions (MP, AT and CO) for voting for All Star managers. Managers/Coaches can choose up to 2 names in their division only for potential manager ▪ Ballots will be in person OR electronic, TBD The executive board along with the manager committee will meet prior to May 15th and choose a manager for each division based on the voting and candidates for team manager and preference criteria. o Announcement will be made via electronic media on or around 5/15. Preference will be given to managers who (in no particular order) o Have coached at the all-star level before (in any capacity, at any level) o Coached or managed in the division during the regular season they are choosing for all stars o Was a member of a championship team during the regular season A manager will assemble their coaching staff after all-star teams have been announced. It is recommended that team managers in their division get preference to be All Star Coaches. o A coach does not need to have a child on the team to be an all-star coach. o A coach does need to have managed or coached in the regular season in the division of the all-star team In the event that a manager/coaches cannot fulfill their duties to the team, a replacement manager/coach can be chosen and will need to be approved by the President and Coaching Coordinator. Final approval of All Star Managers and Coaches as well as the process will be given by President and Coaching Coordinator ALL preliminary voting results will remain completely confidential and will not be shared
