1)What is the structure of HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE baseball?

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE Baseball is comprised of four levels of play: T-Ball, Minor B, Minor A, and Majors. 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.

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE has established age cutoffs (SEE AGE CHART) to ensure players develop appropriately in terms of skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship. HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE has established age brackets that players need to participate in, however, there are situations where some players may play up due to safety risks or other situations that have to do with age/school year.  Approval of the HHLL Board of Directors is needed.
 Pitching distances are scaled to the ability of the players in proportion to the size of the diamonds. The scaled down diamonds in the lower divisions allow the players to make the same plays made by the upper division players on larger diamonds.

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE is managed by an elected Board of Directors that administer the league in line with established bylaws. The league is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization.

2)When does the season begin?

Please check the HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE calendar on the HHLL web page for exact league dates and events. Typically, the season begins on the first or second Saturday in April. An Opening Day event kicks off the first games of the season.

3)How long will the season last?

The HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE regular game season usually lasts from 11-12 weeks from April through June, and includes (Major division only) division playoff games. The season is extended for players that are selected to the District 5 All-Star tournament teams. Please consider your vacation plans if you have a child that may be selected to these teams.

4)Where are HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE games played?

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE utilizes the baseball complex at the corners of Ravine and Field Ave, All levels of Little League games are played here. 

5)What days and times are the games played?

All teams in HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE are scheduled for at least one game a week, and in some divisions, teams are scheduled for games twice a week.  Weekday games generally will begin at 5:30pm and 7:30pm. Saturday games will generally start at 9:00am,11:30 am, 2:00 pm, 4:30 pm, and 7:00pm. T-ball games are only scheduled for 5:30pm weekdays and Sundays after 12 noon.  It is HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE'S desire to have games be completed by 9:30pm on weekdays. Based on possible rainouts, games may be scheduled on Sunday afternoons. It is recommended that players arrive at the field 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.

6)Who umpires HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE games?

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE uses paid umpires. In the lower divisions (Tee Ball and Minor B), the umpires are managers and coaches of those divisions. In the T-Ball division, coaches manage the flow of the game. In the upper divisions (Minor A and Majors), the league uses certified umpires. . All umpires are required to attend training clinics. A plate umpire and a field umpire are used in all Major League games, unless a scheduling issue arises causing a shortage of available umpires. One plate umpire is used in Minor A games. 

7)When will the practices begin?

 In HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE  the goal is for teams to be in a position to begin practices at least 3-4 weeks before Opening Day, which is the first or second week of March. Actual first practices will depend upon weather. 

8)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 Minor B teams practice no more than one time per week for no more than one hour. Minor A and Major League teams practice an average of two times a week for anywhere from 60-90 minutes. 

9)Where will my child practice?

 HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE schedules field practice times at the Little League complex, however, a lot of teams find other sports facilities to conduct practice. You will know where your child will practice once your child is placed on a team and your manager contacts you.

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

Players should arrive at their first practice with 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.

11)Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?

A uniform consists of a pair of baseball pants, a baseball jersey, a hat, and a pair of all-in-one baseball socks. HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE will provide baseball pants, a baseball jersey, a hat, and a pair of all-in-one baseball socks.  The socks and hat are the player's to keep, pants and jersey must be returned at end of season except T-Ball players who also keep their shirts. The jerseys don't provide much warmth, so it is a good idea to purchase a long-sleeve baseball shirt to match the color of your child's team. Your manager will provide more specifics as for the color. Rubber cleats are highly recommended, and steel spikes are not allowed. A quality leather glove is a must,  it is recommended to stay away from vinyl and simulated leather gloves that may be cheaper, but tend to cause the player a great deal of frustration. It is impossible to form a pocket in gloves made of vinyl or simulated leather. Therefore, the ball tends to pop out when the player attempts to catch it. All players should bring a windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt to every game and practice, especially early in the season.

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

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

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

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE allows friends to request to be placed on the same team together only in the T-ball division. In the Minor B division, a request may be made, but there is no guarantee that it will be approved. Players are distributed based on ratings in a balanced process to form teams. In Minor A and Major divisions, there are absolutely no requests due to the player selection process of the draft. The upper division teams are created using a balanced draft process that helps to promote even and competitive leagues.

14)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 HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE League player agent for consideration by the HHLL Board of Directors. Approval requires extenuating circumstances, so any request is highly unlikely to be approved, and in most cases we will ask the player remains with their team. 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.

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

A refund is available upon request prior to the close of registration. A refund of 50% is available if a request is received prior to Opening Day. After Opening Day, NO REFUNDS are allowed.

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

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE strongly supports age appropriate competition and development. HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE does not allow players to move up a division early or to play down a division to develop additional skills without approval from the HHLL Board of Directors. The only time an adjustment may be made is when there is a safety risk to a player playing in their age appropriate division. At that time, a parent request needs to be made to the HHLL Board of Directors. A decision will be made to allow the player to play down.

17)Are there any rules around minimum playing time?

Rules will vary per division regarding playing time. In the T-ball division, all players play in the field and all player bat in a continuous batting order. In all other divisions, three innings of play is mandatory. Fielders are limited to 9 players.  

18)Are there Time Limits on games?

T-ball games are limited to11/2 hours. Minor B through Major division games are limited to 2-hours.

19)How many managers/coaches can be on a team?

Every team has a manager approved by the Board of Directors. Each team's manager can have as many assistants as they can find for practices, but only three assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. Any manager or coach that comes into contact with players MUST submit a volunteer Little League application (back ground check) to the league prior to the beginning of the new season. All managers and coaches MUST be certified by NYSCA

20)What are the responsibilities of a manager and a coach?

The team manager oversees the management of the team throughout the season. They are responsible for setting a practice schedule, developing a practice format, creating a lineup card for every game, and ensuring kids get their minimum playing time in each game. Managers are the focal point of the team and must be committed to following through with managing the team from mid-February to start of June. Time commitment is usually around 8-10 hours a week depending upon division. Managers need to be able to commit to be at all practices and games. Managers also must attend a manager's meeting with the division representative. As well, they must schedule and conduct a parent meeting prior to the first practice of the season. Managers are assisted by a volunteer team parent that helps with things like concession stand scheduling, fundraising events, uniform distribution, candy sale and picture day. 

Two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. However, a manager may elect to use more than two coaches during practice. Coaches provide support during practice to ensure kids get enough attention while developing their skills. Coaches are under the guidance and direction of the manager. Typically, a manager will design a practice format and have assistants take care of coaching small groups of players, assisting with batting practice, hitting fungos, or other assistant duties. Assistant coaches should commit to be at all practices and games, generally about 6-8 hours a week depending upon division. Coaches need to be certified prior to the beginning of the season. All actions of an assistant coach during games are the ultimate responsibility of the manager.

21)Are there conduct rules that apply during games?

Absolutely. HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE 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.

22)What is the playoff structure?

HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE Major league teams play an entire regular season with the final standings establishing the seeding for a post-season  tournament. All other divisions do not have playoffs. This approach allows all of the teams to work on developing the skills of each and every player on the team. Managers do not have to win every game, and as a result, they can play kids in positions where they can learn without the overriding pressure to "not lose". The end product is a playoff tournament where every game is a good contest, and the lower seeded teams often rise up. This is by far the best approach to overall player development.

23)Who is responsible for staffing the Snack Bar at the HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE complex?

Upon registering a player for participation in  HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE, the player's parent(s) agree to serve a four hour shift in the snack bar when asked by the Team Parent. Each team must staff their shift as scheduled by the Concessions manager. Each team typically has 2-3 shifts to fulfill at some point during the season. The HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE League's Concessions Committee is responsible for stocking, opening, and setting up the concessions stand prior to the first game each day. Please do your part to support the operation of  the concessions stand.

25)Do I have to participate in any fundraising?

 HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE relies on fundraising to help support the operations of the league. Player registration fees only account for 33% of the needed operating capital required for equipment, facilities maintenance and repairs, uniforms, etc. HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE supplements player registration fees with league sponsors and fundraising. Each team is expected to participate in the league's annual fundraising activities.

26)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 e-mail the league at any time. However, please first discuss any concerns with your child's manager, then with the player agent representative (who is a Board Member assigned to oversee all players). Contact information is on the HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE web site under the "HHLL Board" link. You are also welcome to attend a general meeting and express your concerns directly to the Board. The HASBROUCK HEIGHTS LITTLE LEAGUE Board meets the last Tuesday of each month (7:30 PM) throughout the year, in the basement of the municipal building.

27)What is available on the website?

The league's web site is at www.hhlittleleague.com. The site offers all the information you need to stay informed about events, schedules, rules, board member contacts, sponsorship information, etc. If you have a question that is still unanswered, please contact the league at mailto:hhlittleleague02.com