What is Little League? 1 st League 1938, Carl Stolz in Williamsport Pennsylvania Largest not-for-profit sporting organisation in the world Over 2, 500, 000 participants worldwide Played in over 80 countries

Structure in Australia National Administrator (ABF) District Administrator (State Body) League President (Assoc. or Region) Club President

Benefits of Little League Internationally recognised name Increased sponsorship opportunities at National, State, League and Club levels Increased playing opportunities with Tournament teams and visiting International teams

Registration gift pack for every player during the first year of the program All new leagues will have their charter fees waived in full in their second year of competition Each team will receive two free rule books Each league will receive 50 rule books free of charge

League CharterChallengerBoundaries Minor Major Draft District Administrator Player Agent Tournament Big League Try Outs ASAP Waivers Blind Draft Division Double Elimination Divisional Playoffs National Playoffs International Playoffs TERMS

Terms National Administrator – is the person who is responsible for all aspects of Little League in Australia and who works under the guidance of the ABF and Little League International. District Administrator – is the person who is responsible for all aspects of Little League in their respective state and works under the guidance of their state body and the National Administrator. District – is the physical boundary that separates the different Little League areas within Australia. These are more commonly known as State boundaries, e.g. District of Queensland, District of Victoria etc. League – is the physical boundaries that separates the different Little League areas within each District (State). These are more commonly known as Regions or Associations; however each League is limited to a maximum of 10 Major League teams and a maximum of 250 players.

League Boundary – is a clearly defined area that is marked on a map which shows the recruitment catchment area for each League. These boundaries will be determined by each League in conjunction with that Leagues District Administrator. Charter – is a registration form that is completed by each League 1 month prior to any competition starting. It will show how many Little League teams are to be registered for each League. Major League – is a level of competition in which each League will draw from to select their respective Tournament teams. All 12 y/o players must play within a Major League competition (applications for exemption to this rule must be made to the District Administrator) Minor League – is a development level of competition in which it is recommended that all 10 y/o players compete in. Tournament Team – is a representative team selected from the top players in each League, which will represent their League in the District Championships for that year. All District Champions will then compete at the National Championships for the right to represent their District and Australia at the Asia Pacific Championships in Hong Kong. If successful at this level that team would then compete at the Little League World Series in Williamsport. It is important to note that this League team remains unchanged from District Championships all the way through to World Series competition.

Changes Field Dimensions- All Little league base paths will be 60’, a reduction from the traditional 70’. The pitching distance will also reduce down to 46’. From a developmental stand point this change will allow these children to achieve an increased success rate in throwing to bases and their ability to throw strikes. This will actually speed up the games at grass root club level and also allow them to more readily learn game play. Bat Size- Little League requires that all bats used in Little League games must not exceed 2 ¼ “ in diameter. This requirement is a recommendation for this year only and will become a requirement at the start of the 2008/2009 season. However this rule will be used at the 2008 National Championships.

Age Cutoff

Injury Concerns

Leagues Each League will be set inside a clearly defined boundary Each League will be limited to a maximum of 250 Little League players If a League exceeds that limit then it will need to split into Divisions The League will still maintain control over both Divisions Each League or Division will be limited to a maximum of 10 Major League teams There is no limit on Minor League teams except for the League player limit

Rules Each State will be responsible for creating and maintaining their own rules No rule may directly contradict the official Little League rules without express permission from Australian Little League and Little League International ABF will be responsible for creating and maintaining the rules for the National Championships

Rules Overall most existing rules will remain in place All pitchers will only be allowed to throw fastballs and change ups Not all rules within the Little League rulebook will be used in Australia Little League rulebook designed specifically for the US and as such common sense should prevail.

Tournaments Each League will be responsible for selecting a Tournament team All Tournament teams are limited to a maximum of 14 players Each team can only consist of 11 & 12 year old players These teams will represent their Leagues at a State Championship

The winning team/s at each State Championship will then compete at National Championships National Champion will travel to Hong Kong to compete at Asia/Pacific qualifying Tournament All expenses paid for National Champion If successful at Asia/Pacific they will then move on to the Little League World Series in Williamsport PA, all expenses paid

I WILL PLAY FAIR AND STRIVE TO WIN BUT WIN OR LOSE I WILL ALWAYS DO MY BEST Australian Little League Pledge