Introduction

Dear Parents, Players & Volunteers,

Welcome to the Lebanon CT Little League 2008 season. We are excited to begin the season and with your help, making it the most successful year ever!

This Parent/Player Handbook is our way of providing you with as much information as possible early in the season. All families are encouraged to review the handbook for reference throughout the season. If you have comments or suggestions for future handbooks please don’t hesitate to let us know. We are always looking for ways to improve our program. Copies of the Handbook and other information are available on our website, www.lebanonctlittleleague.com     Questions can also be directed to any member of the Board of Directors or attend one of our monthly meetings for information. Contact information is listed toward the back of this handbook.

Our program is as strong as ever and continues to grow each year. Last season we had about 300 players participate in our local league consisting of 4 Major and 4 Minor League baseball teams, 2 Major and 2 Minor League Softball Teams, 8 Instructional Minor League Teams and 8 Tee Ball teams. In addition the league also operates a very successful Fall Ball program as well as Winter Workout programs.

Running all of these programs takes the dedicated work of many volunteers in various capacities. There are administrators, coaches, assistants, umpires, concession stand operators and field maintenance volunteers who put in many hours of hard work to keep the programs running smoothly. Our sincere gratitude goes out to all of the volunteers who have helped to make Lebanon CT Little League what it is today. Obviously this group of volunteers will always change over the years as children progress through the program. It is important that new volunteers step up each year to maintain the success that our program has. Please consider helping out in any way that you are able to this season. More helping hands will certainly lighten the load and help in making it an enjoyable season for everyone. I’m sure you will find volunteering with Little League to be a fun, rewarding experience. Read volunteer descriptions on page -----If you are interested, please contact one of the board members listed on page 14, or attend one of the monthly meetings or events to obtain more information.

Again, please take the time to read through this document completely. It covers some very essential information, outlines how we operate, the code of conduct expected to be followed by all, and important dates and events for the upcoming season. Also remember to visit our website often for the most up to date information throughout the year. www.lebanonctlittleleague.com.

Let’s all work together towards another fun, safe, rewarding season!

Sincerely,

Board of Directors

Lebanon CT Little League

The Mission/Goals Of Little League

 

Little League Baseball, Incorporated is a non-profit organization whose mission is "to promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball and Softball."

Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Little League Baseball and Softball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.

Little League is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in the atmosphere of wholesome community participation.

The movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It strives to inspire them with a goal and enrich their lives toward the day when they must take their place in the world. It establishes the value of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.

Little League places its primary goal into helping children grow up to be good and decent citizens. Children only learn this by example. As adults and role models, we have an obligation to set this example at all times, whether we are coaches, umpires, parents or spectators. All children involved in Little League should have a fun, rewarding experience. As a league we strive to do our best to provide this opportunity.  

 

LCLL Codes of Conduct

 

Player Code of Conduct:

Little League should be a fun and rewarding time for the players, coaches, umpires, and fans.

I therefore agree:

• I will always give my best effort and try my best to attend all practices and games
• I will support my teammates at all times, when they do well and especially when they do not do well. I will treat my teammates, as I would like to be treated.
• I will take good care of my uniform and our team’s equipment.
• I will help my coaches when asked.
• I will always remain on the field until my parent or guardian arrives to pick me up.
• I will practice good sportsmanship, and treat my coaches, umpires, teammates and other players with respect.  
• I will know and adhere to the Little League Pledge:  

 

I trust in God.
I love my country
and will respect its laws.

I will play fair and strive to win,
But win or lose
I will always do my best.

 

Parents Code of Conduct:

The essential elements of character-building and ethics in sports are embodied in the concept of sportsmanship and six core principles: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. The highest potential of sports is achieved when competition reflects these “six pillars of character.”

I therefore agree:

· I will not force my child to participate in sports.

· I will remember that children participate to have fun and that the game is for youth, not adults.

· I will inform the coach of any physical disability or ailment that may affect the safety of my child or the safety of others.

· I will learn the rules of the game and the policies of the league.

· I (and my guests) will be a positive role model for my child and encourage sportsmanship by showing respect and courtesy, and by demonstrating positive support for all players, coaches, officials and spectators at every game, practice or other sporting event.

· I (and my guests) will not engage in any kind of unsportsmanlike conduct with any official, coach, player, or parent such as booing and taunting; refusing to shake hands; or using profane language or gestures.

· I will not encourage any behaviors or practices that would endanger the health and well being of the athletes.

· I will teach my child to play by the rules and to resolve conflicts without resorting to hostility or violence.

· I will demand that my child treat other players, coaches, officials and spectators with respect regardless of race, creed, color, sex or ability.

· I will teach my child that doing one’s best is more important than winning, so that my child will never feel defeated by the outcome of a game or his/her performance.

· I will praise my child for competing fairly and trying hard, and make my child feel like a winner every time.

· I will never ridicule or yell at my child or other participant for making a mistake or losing a competition.

· I will emphasize skill development and practices and how they benefit my child over winning.

· I will promote the emotional and physical well-being of the athletes ahead of any personal desire I may have for my child to win.

· I will respect the officials and their authority during games and will never question, discuss, or confront coaches at the game field, and will take time to speak with coaches at an agreed upon time and place if necessary.

· I will demand a sports environment for my child that is free from drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and I will refrain from their use at all sports events.

· I will refrain from coaching my child or other players during games and practices, unless I am one of the official coaches of the team.

“He Is Just a Little Boy”

---Chaplain Bob Fox

He stands at the plate with heart pounding fast.

The bases are loaded, the die has been cast.

Mom and Dad cannot help him, he stands all alone.

A hit at this moment would send the team home.

The ball meets the plate, he swings and he misses.

There’s a groan from the crowd, with some boos and some hisses.

A thoughtless voice cries, “Strike out the bum.”

Tears fill his eyes, the game’s no longer fun.

So open your heart and give him a break,

For it’s moments like this, a man you can make.

Please keep this in mind, when you hear someone forget,

He is just a little boy, and not a man yet.

 

Little League Divisions

Please see Page 7and 8 for Little League age chart.

Tee Ball:

For boys and girls league ages 5-6. This program provides basic instruction for the child including fielding and batting in a non-competitive environment. As the name implies, batters hit from a Tee at this level.

• All tee ball teams play at Aspinall Field, Middle School Fields, or High School Fields every Saturday from 9:00am-11:00am.
• The 2008 season starts on April 26 and ends on June 7.
• The focus for this division is instruction. Most of the sessions are practice sessions with no formal games played. This allows the children to get more individual instruction and repetition. Basic fundamentals are the focus after having fun.
• Teams are kept as small as possible, ideally 8-10 children per team, to provide for more individual instruction and practice.
• Parents are strongly encouraged to help. Please complete mandatory volunteer form to help with team.

Instructional:

Recommended for boys and girls league age 7 and 8. There are separate divisions for baseball and softball starting at this level.

• The Instructional baseball teams currently play and practice at Aspinall Fields, but will get together with other teams from other towns for a friendly instructional game.
• Teams typically have one practice and one “game” per week.
• The 2008 season starts on April 26 and ends on June 7.
• The focus for this division continues to be instruction. These sessions however introduce coach pitching and the playing and rules of games.
• Games are non competitive and no score is kept.
• Players need to attend evaluation in March so equitable teams are created.

Minor Leagues:

Recommended for boys and girls league ages 9-10. The minor league teams are more advanced and there is a higher level of play and competition at this division.

• The minor league teams hold practices and compete in actual games with other teams in the division and district.
• Teams typically have a practice and 2 games per week, with more practices at the beginning of the season.
• Practices typically start beginning April with games beginning at the end of April and run to mid-June. Detailed schedules are released as soon as they come available before Opening Day.
• There are games scheduled with other towns in our district.
• In this division we introduce pitching and hitting from player pitchers. The focus on instruction continues with emphasis on learning and playing different positions, proper base running, and further instruction on the rules.
• Umpires call the games.
• Little League Rules are followed for baseball; softball develops modified ground rules with other teams in District 11 prior to onset of season.
• Players need to attend evaluation in March so equitable teams are created in Draft which is run by Player Agent.
• All-star players are selected at season end to compete in District Tournament.

Major Leagues:

Recommended for boys and girls league ages 11-12, baseball and softball.

The major league teams are more advanced and there is a higher level of play and competition at this division.

• Teams typically have 1-2 practices and 2 games per week.

• Practices typically start beginning April with games beginning at the end of April and run to mid-June. Detailed schedules are released as soon as they come available before Opening Day.
• There are games scheduled with other towns in our district.

• There are games scheduled with other Lebanon teams and other towns in our district.
• In this division coaches further teach players the art of hitting, fielding and base running, along with rules and sportsmanship.
• More advanced skills and strategy are taught at this level.  
• Little League Rules apply to this division.  

• Players must attend evaluation in March so equitable teams are created in Draft which is run by Player Agent.
• All-star players are selected at season end to compete in District Tournament.

Little League Pitch Count Information

 

Little League changed pitching rules in 2007 to make the actual number of pitches delivered the deciding factor in determining pitching eligibility in the baseball division. The new regulations will not apply to softball.

Pitchers in all divisions of Little League, from age 7 to 18, will have specific limits for each game, based on their age. The number of pitches delivered in a game will determine the amount of rest the player must have before pitching again.

For all of Little League Baseball’s history, and for the history of amateur youth baseball in general, pitching regulations have used innings pitched to determine pitcher eligibility. Recently, researchers and medical professionals in the field of sports medicine have been working to determine if the actual number of pitches thrown (i.e., pitch count) is a safer way to regulate pitching in youth baseball.

Most notable among those calling for pitch counts has been Dr. James R. Andrews, M.D., medical director at the American Sports Medicine Institute (ASMI) in Birmingham, Ala. Dr. Andrews is the world’s foremost authority on pitching injuries and ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, or, as it is better known, “Tommy John surgery.” “This is one of the most important injury prevention steps ever initiated in youth baseball by the leader in youth baseball,” Dr. Andrews said. “It is certain to serve as the youth sports injury prevention cornerstone and the inspiration for other youth organizations to take the initiative to get serious about injury prevention in youth sports.”

Previously, Little League pitching regulations limited pitchers (league age 12 and under) to six innings per week (Sunday through Saturday), and six innings per game. The number of innings allowed was increased for older age groups.

The number of pitches allowable under the new regulation is based on the pitcher’s age. Specific rest periods are in place when a pitcher reaches a higher threshold of pitches delivered in a day.

The table below gives an overview of the number of pitches that will be allowed per day for each age group during the regular season in 2008. Note: A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

League Age	Pitches allowed per day
17-18	105
13-16	95
11-12	85
9-10	75
7-8	50

The rest periods required during the 2008 regular season are listed below.

Pitchers league ages 7 through 16 must adhere to the following rest requirements:
• If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest and a game must be observed.
• If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest and a game must be observed.
• If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is required before pitching again.

Volunteer Information

 

Lebanon CT Little League (LCLL) is an all volunteer organization. We have no paid employees, we receive no money from any federal, state, or local agencies including the town itself. All of our funding comes from registrations and sponsorships, and all of it goes back into our league in the forms of equipment, uniforms, field upgrades, etc.

Here are some statistics on the LCLL:

· 285 Children participated in 2006 ranging in ages from 5 to 16.

· 28 teams were formed and competed across 9 distinct divisions.

Volunteers:

• Over 100 coaches, scorekeepers, pitch counters, and umpires provided invaluable service.
• Concession stand volunteers sold food and drink during many games.
• Volunteers cleaned, prepped, raked, lined fields throughout the season, and made recommendations to Town of Lebanon for necessary repairs and improvements.
• Volunteers oversaw all fundraising activities, sponsorships, and events
• They managed all equipment and uniforms (maintenance/coordinating/ordering)
• Board members managed registrations, business issues and regional tournaments.

As you can see there is a lot that goes into running this program and we rely solely on volunteers to do so. Changes occur each year as we strive to become more organized and consistent. We have a very dedicated group of people who put much time and energy into the league. This group changes each year as their children progress through the program so it is critical that new volunteers step up each year to keep things running smoothly. Volunteering can be a fun, rewarding experience especially when children are the beneficiaries. When there are not enough volunteers, however, that the small group of dedicated people ends up trying to do too much. More helping hands certainly lighten the load and help in making it an enjoyable experience for everyone. If you have had a connection to Little League in your past, volunteering is a great way to keep that connection alive. A lot has changed, but the important things about our Little League have stayed the same...

We understand how difficult it is as many of you have several children, dual careers and other priorities. You may only be available once a week for a couple of hours, but that is just what we need. Some roles like fundraising and field maintenance are not time specific-they can be worked into your schedule. Others, like concessions, can be signed up for well in advance for as many or as few dates as you wish.

LCLL provides training and instruction to all new coaches; so don’t worry about a lack of experience!

Our Tyler Field Project especially needs volunteers from our program to help bring this project forward. We have already put thousands of hours into planning and fundraising, but we still have a ways to go. Our youngest players have an incredible opportunity before them, so we are really looking for volunteers who may just be getting involved in our Little League program. Our town thrives on service, always has. Lending a hand with this project will promise to bring the ultimate reward…giving opportunities to others that will continue for a lifetime. Just ask those volunteers who came before you to build Aspinall Field. Check our website for New Field Committee meetings or contact any board member for information on how you can help.

Please look into your hearts and see what time you can give. There are volunteer forms that can be completed on our website.  Feel free to contact any of the board members (listed on page 14) if you have any questions or would like more information on volunteering.

 

Safety

 

The Lebanon CT Little League program is committed to providing our children a safe environment to learn and play. As a chartered member of Little League, we are part of the Little League ASAP program. ASAP stands for “A Safety Awareness Program”. We submit our safety plan to Little League annually for approval. Our plan includes first aid information, emergency phone numbers, emergency procedures, and accident forms, among many other things. Each coach and team is given a copy of this document. A copy of the Safety Plan is also kept in the concession stand and is posted on our web site.

All local Little Leagues are now required to conduct background checks on Managers, Coaches, Board of Directors, members and any other persons, volunteers or hired workers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players or teams. The Lebanon CT Little League has conducted full background checks even before they were mandated and continue to do so on an annual basis.

Also, as a league we maintain our playing fields with the help of the Town of Lebanon Recreation Commission which oversees field maintenance. LCLL also recognizes the importance of using appropriate equipment and gear in order to provide our players the safest environment. We should all work together in this effort. If you notice any conditions or equipment that you feel is unsafe, please notify your child’s coach immediately or contact the league’s Safety Officer listed on page 14 of this handbook. We do our best, but are always relieved when someone points out something our volunteers may have missed.

Financial Information

 

Extensive time and effort has gone into a former and recent analysis of the operational costs of running our program. While there is a slight increase in reflected in Tball per player cost, no increase in the Instructional League, and a notable difference in Minor and Major League costs, any changes were necessary in order to continue to run a reputable program without operating at a deficit each year. We also added some necessary components to our program that allow better communication to our players and families as well as initiatives that allow our volunteers to run a more efficient and enjoyable season for everyone.

Fundraising and Sponsorships

 

 

As with most Little League Organizations, registration fees only cover part of the costs of running a program, maintaining investments and making overall improvements to the league. Thus, we rely on fundraising, sponsorships, and events to help meet our goals.

Hopefully, you are aware of our long-term initiative to build additional fields for our community. We have been trying to run a program for 28 teams with just two fields for quite some time now and we look forward to having additional playing and practicing opportunities. Most of our fundraising endeavors have gone to the Tyler Field project and League picnic. We have made incredible gains, but continue to need involvement from all of our players. CT Defenders, Dominoes cards, United Way Campaign are just a few of our initiatives that have helped to fund this much-needed project. This year we will be sponsoring a couple of other events that will really put us over the mark to break ground with your help.

Concession stand profits are funding new equipment as we expand our facilities at both Aspinall and Tyler Field. We look forward to offering a full service concession stand at both facilities.

Sponsorships help pay for scholarships, additional uniform costs, unanticipated expenses of the league/team. We cannot thank our sponsors enough for the opportunities they present the league. Please patronize them often!

Our Sponsors

 

MVP Sponsors

The following businesses sponsor a team as well as proudly display their banner on along our fences.

All Star Sponsors

The following businesses sponsor one of our little league teams.

 

Gold Glove Sponsors

The following sponsors display a banner along our fence lines.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

· Why is registration so early when the season doesn’t start until April?

o Even though the season doesn’t officially begin until April, there is a TON of preparation that needs to be done well before then:

§ We must have accurate registration numbers so we can plan how many teams we will have in each division.

§ Coaches and assistants must be chosen for each team. (Last year we had 28 teams to find at least 2 coaches per team)

§ There are evaluations for some divisions for equitable placement on teams.

§ We conduct coaching clinics to provide our volunteers the tools they need to succeed.

§ Field and game schedules need to be completed for every team in every division.

§ Late registrations are costly to league.

· When and how will I be notified about what team my child will be on?

o Your child’s coach will notify you as soon as the teams are firmed up. This is typically mid-March for the Major/Minor League teams and early-mid April for Tee-Ball/Instructional teams. Late registrations can have a substantial impact on the number and make up of teams so please be sure to register on time.

· How do we know if a game/practice is rained out?

o The league’s policy on rainouts/cancellations:

§ When league officials cancel all games/practices scheduled for that day:

· Recreation Commission will have a recorded message. 642-4085.

· Notice will be posted on the home page of our website.

· An email announcement will be sent to the league's distribution list

· Coaches of teams that are scheduled to play will be notified so they can call their teams

· Any or all of these steps will be completed as soon as possible.

§ When weather is questionable and league officials do not cancel games:

· Players and volunteers for all teams scheduled are expected to go to their respective fields at their normal times

· Umpires and coaches will inspect the field conditions and determine if the playing conditions are safe

· If conditions for that field are not deemed safe the umpire will cancel the game at that time.

· How can I help and get more involved in the league?

o We would welcome your help and involvement in the league. This handbook contains information on the need for volunteers and what you should do to register as one (page 10). We also have monthly meetings, which are currently held the second Monday of each month at the Town Hall, which are open to all league members.

· Who should I talk to regarding any problems or questions that come up during the season?

o The coach of your child’s team can address most problems or questions. Also, each division has a representative on the board. In addition, player agents represent concerns of the player. Their names and phone numbers are provided in this handbook (page 14). If it is necessary to go beyond that, all other board members are also listed here. Protocol is typically the following:

§ Head Coach/Manager

§ Division Coordinator

§ Player Agent

§ President

§ Executive Committee of the LCLL Board of Directors

§ LCLL Board of Directors

§ District 11 President

§ Eastern Regional Headquarters of Little League International

· What’s the best way to stay informed throughout the year?

o For the most up to date information on league events, schedules etc. visit our website regularly. The address is: www.lebanonctlittleleague.com

o If you provide your email address at registration you will be included on any updates and information that is sent out.

o Notices for evaluation clinics will be sent home and/or available at the Elementary and Middle schools.

o We also issue press releases to the local papers, such as Lebanon Life, for notification of evaluations, registration, etc...

 

LCLL Board of Directors and Chairpersons

 

Officers :

Representatives: