FAQ's
1. My child has never played baseball or softball before. Is that okay?
Absolutely! The goal of Hastings Little League (HLL) is to teach all kids the
games of baseball & softball as well as the value of teamwork.
2. What are the grade breakdowns per division?
T-Ball: Kindergarten
Rookie Softball: 1st Grade
Softball 8U: 2nd & 3rd Grades
Softball 10U: 4th & 5th Grades
Softball 12U: 6th & 7th Grades (7th Grade if born after August 31st)
Rookie Baseball: 1st & 2
nd Grades
Baseball Minors: 3
rd & 4
th Grades
Baseball Majors: 5th
, 6th & 7th Grades (7th Grade if born after August 31st)
3. Are birth certificates necessary for registration?
Yes. Any new player joining HLL is required to submit a birth certificate.
4. Can my daughter play baseball instead of softball & can my son
play softball instead of baseball?
Yes, of course!
5. Are there safety protocols in place related to COVID-19? April is simply too far away for our Board to lock in all of the safety protocols for the 2021 Spring season. However, we can assure you that just like our Fall 2020 season, Hastings Little League will follow all guidelines set forth by The Village, Little League International, District 20, The NY State Dept of Health, and the CDC.
6. Can my child skip a level or “play up” based on their skill level?
No. All players must participate in the division determined by their grade.
HLL does not allow "playing up” (Playing up is the practice of allowing
children to play with older children in older divisions based on ability).
There is one exception to this policy… if your child is a year older than
their classmates & born before August 31st. In this instance we want to
make sure they get two years of 12U softball or Majors baseball.
7. When is Opening Day? Our plan is for Spring 2021 practices to begin in early April, and for games to begin in mid April.
8. When will my child have games?
T-Ball: Saturday mornings
Rookie Baseball & Softball: Saturdays at varying times
All other baseball & softball programs: Games will be scheduled during
the week & over the weekend. The game schedules are typically available
by late March.
9. What time will my child practice?
Practices are scheduled based on discretion of the head coach & field
availability. Typically, teams practice once a week on weekday evenings.
T-Ball is the only division that does not practice during the week.
10. Will my child get to play in every game?
In regard to the Spring season, yes. Every child is guaranteed at least 4
innings of play in every game regardless of ability or number of practices
attended. However, this minimum can be negatively impacted on a given
day by weather, darkness or length of game restrictions.
In regard to the summer & fall seasons, there is no minimum playing time
requirement.
11. My children play more than one sport & have after school
activities. Is it possible to play Little League & do other things?
Many kids play more than one sport & have multiple after school
commitments. Practice & game scheduling will not be adjusted based on
your child’s availability. It is up to the guardian to decide with your child
what the proper balance is for their family.
12. Can my child be placed on a team with a friend by request?
Parents may request special placement for T-ball, Baseball Rookies &
Softball Rookies only. However, requesting a special placement does not
ensure that it will happen, but the board will do its best to accommodate
you.
All other baseball & softball teams are formed through a draft, which
considers player ability without any consideration for carpooling, friends,
etc. The draft ensures fairly balanced teams in these more competitive
divisions.
13. What equipment & apparel do I need to purchase?
The only required equipment are cleats & a fielding glove.
You will also be required to provide your child with white pants for
baseball & black pants for softball.
While they are not mandatory, HLL recommends that every child wear a
heart guard undershirt, have their own batting helmet, that softball players
wear a face guard in the infield & that boys wear a protective cup
(required for catchers). All other equipment such as bats & catching
equipment are optional however it is recommended that each player
purchase their own batting helmet. COVID-19 safety protocols may require all players to have their own helmets and bats.
14. In regard to uniforms, what is provided?
Softball players will receive a visor, jersey, belt & socks.
T-Ball & Baseball players will receive a hat, jersey, belt & socks.
15. When does the online store open? When will the purchases
items arrive?
The HLL online store is open year round. Purchases are generally
received within two weeks.
16. How do I volunteer to be a coach or assistant coach?
If you would like to volunteer to be a head or assistant coach, simply
check the appropriate box & fill out the application while registering your
child to play.
17. How are head & assistant coaches selected?
The HLL Board decides who will head coach. The head coach will then
be responsible for determining the role of the assistant coaches.
18. As a parent, what can I do to help aside from coaching?
Support your coaches, as they are volunteering a great deal of time to
ensure that your child enjoys the best possible season. Help out
whenever you can by:
-Cleaning out dugouts after practices & games
- Picking up litter at fields
- Volunteering to work a shift at the snack shack
- Practice as often as possible with your child at home
- Be supportive of your children as they learn this game
- Cheer for
both sides during the games & be kind to our umpires.
- Have the kids on the field & ready to go on time for all practices &
games.
- Stay off the field of play during games
- If a potential issue arises with a coach please discuss in person or
on the phone.
- Though HLL will attempt to throw an end of year celebration, we encourage the
parents to hold an end of year get together for their individual teams
to celebrate the children & thank the coaches for their hard work &
dedication. Talk to the other guardians about doing something
special for the players & coaches as the season winds down.
19. How do I find out if game is cancelled due to weather conditions?
Field status will be updated daily on the homepage of this site.
20. When does the Spring season end?
The final day of the spring season is typically the 3rd Sunday in June.
21. Is there a Summer program for baseball & softball?
Yes. These programs are open to children entering 2nd Grade & up & run
from mid-June to mid-August. The ability to field a team or hold a clinic
will be based on interest.
21B. What is the team selection process for the summer program?
Unlike the spring program, the head coaches have 100% control in
determining the roster. While the spring program is for everyone, these
travel teams are focused on above average talent participating in
heightened competition. Some age groups struggle to field teams while
others require cuts.
To be eligible for consideration the player must have played in that age
group’s exact division at HLL during our spring season.
22. Is there a Fall program for baseball & softball?
Yes. These programs are open to children entering 3rd Grade & up & runs
from Mid-September to Early November. The ability to field a team will be
based on interest.
22B. What is the team selection process for the fall program?
Unlike the spring program, the head coaches have 100% control in
determining the roster for the fall. While the spring program is for
everyone, these travel teams are focused on above-average talent
participating in heightened competition. Some age groups struggle to
field teams while others require cuts.
To be eligible for consideration the player must have played in that age
group’s exact division at HLL during our spring season.
23. Is there a winter offering for baseball & softball?
No. While there may be softball pitching clinics at some point prior to the Spring season & the HHS Varsity Baseball & Softball Programs will offer
their own fundraising clinics, The HLL Board recommends refraining from
playing any one sport year round at this age
.