Santa Teresa Little League
Baseball/Softball Bylaws 2025/26
Santa Teresa Little League Bylaws
Updated December 2025
These Bylaws are important rules that help Santa Teresa Little League (hereto referenced as the League) run smoothly, fairly, and effectively for all players, coaches, volunteers, and families. Their main purposes are to:
Provide Structure: Clearly outline how the League is organized and how the Board of Directors manages operations throughout the year.
Ensure Fair Play: Establish standard procedures and policies for things like player registration, team formation, disciplinary action, and handling common league activities.
Support the Mission: Help us meet the core goals of Little League Baseball and Santa Teresa Little League
These Bylaws serve to implement and manage the League’s day-to-day operations. They are always subject to the authority of the League Constitution. No part of these Bylaws shall conflict with or supersede the League Constitution.
Additionally these Bylaws are inclusive, but not exclusive. As such, not every action and/or element of the league and its operations may be covered by the Bylaws. From time to time, certain rules may be established by the Board to manage specific situations. These rules/conditions are acceptable, provided they do not contradict or violate either the Bylaws or the Constitution.
Little League Baseball/Softball Mission Statement
Little League Baseball, Inc. 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 program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.
Santa Teresa Little League Baseball and Softball Mission Statement
As a charter member of Little League Baseball Inc., Santa Teresa Little League is in full agreement with the above mission statement. Furthermore, Santa Teresa Little League endeavors to provide a safe, affordable, well organized program through which boys and girls can learn and enjoy the games of baseball and softball. In addition, we aspire towards an environment of community in which children, parents and volunteers can participate freely and work towards our common goal of becoming responsible adults.
General League Governance
Board Structure
The Board shall consist of three parts
Executive Board Members comprised of the President, Vice President, Treasurer, Secretary and Player Agent.
Senior Board Members consisting of the Softball Vice President, Brand Director, Community Engagement Director, Umpire In Chief, Coaching Director, Fields Director, Team Parent Director, Uniform Director, Events Director, Sponsorship Director, Concessions Director, and Softball Player Agent.
General Board Members, consisting of all remaining duly elected Board Members.
Board Meetings and Elections
Board Elections
Term: The STLL Board Year runs from July 1 - June 30.
Nomination Process: The current year Executive Committee will gather a slate of prospective board members. The number shall be no less than seven (7) and no more than forty (40) to be presented to the current board and general membership in May or June.
Voting: Voting shall be conducted by digital means, over a five day period in May.
Prospective members receiving a majority of "Aye" votes out for the number of positions set by the Exec Committee for the year shall be elected to the Board for the next Board Year.
Following the election of the Board of Directors, the newly elected Board shall use the July Board meeting to elect the Officers of the Board (e.g., President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, etc.) from within the Board's membership.
League Coordinators are appointed by the Board and recorded in Board minutes, but do not require a vote. In some cases, if objections to a coordinator candidate exist, discussion may lead to a vote being necessary.
Monthly Meetings
Board meetings are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month. A notice of the meeting, inclusive of date, time and location of the meeting, will be posted on the League website at least seven (7) days in advance. Other methods of communication, including emails, voice messages, text messages, and social media, may be used to communicate the meeting as well.
Occasionally, a Board meeting day must be changed for a valid business reason (holiday schedule, etc.) In these cases, the new date will be posted on the calendar on the League website.
Special June Board Meeting
At the June Board meeting, newly elected Board members for the upcoming Board Year will be invited to attend. At that meeting voting rights are as follows:
New Board members may vote on anything related to the forthcoming (new) Board year. Examples include election of additional members, Board positions, board meeting date changes. Newly elevated Board members may not vote on items related to the current league year.
Current Year Board Members who are exiting the Board may not vote on anything related to the forthcoming (new) Board year.
Special Board Meetings
In the case of a special board meeting, at least two (2) days notice will be given before the meeting is called to order. All then current Executive Committee members must be in attendance before business can be transacted at a special board meeting.
Board Member Attendance and Voting
All Executive Committee and Senior Board Members are required to attend each meeting.
Attendance at monthly board meetings by General Board members is optional.
A Board Executive or Senior Board Member who misses two (2) consecutive meetings will have their membership under review. If an Executive or Senior Board Member misses three (3) consecutive meetings, their membership may be terminated.
All duly elected Board Members in good standing shall have equal voting rights on all league matters.
League coordinators, for the purpose of Board meeting attendance and voting rights, are not considered STLL Board Members.
Any board member (Executive, Senior, General) wishing to cast a vote on a matter must be in attendance either in person or by digital means.
Requests For Digital Votes
The Secretary is empowered to send requests for votes by email for topics that are not anticipated to need Board Discussion (Meeting Minutes, Budget updates, Manager votes).
Any board member may call for discussion prior to completion of a digital vote. A digital vote will be equivalent to a vote in a Board Meeting and should be recorded in the next month's meeting minutes.
Community Attendance at Board Meetings
As stated in the League Constitution, Board meetings are open to the general league membership (the Community). Any Community member wishing to attend a board meeting may do so at their discretion.
Any Community member wishing to address the board at a meeting should contact the league secretary at [email protected]. The request to speak should detail the topic about which the Community member would like to present.
Upon receipt of the request, the Executive Committee will notify the Board of the guest speaker, the topic, and amount of time to be allocated to the discussion.
In general, not more than 15 minutes shall be granted, inclusive of Q&A, so that regular Board business may proceed. If more than 15 minutes is required, a Special Meeting shall be arranged to further discussions on the topic presented.
Because some topics discussed at Board meetings are confidential, Community members will only be allowed to attend the meetings for the time during which non-confidential league matters are discussed.
Examples of confidential league matters include, but are not limited to, manager voting, legal matters, and disciplinary actions.
Confidentiality
Discretion is a requirement when conducting League business. Any Board member found to have violated confidentiality requirements surrounding topics discussed at Board meetings or in other confidential settings, including but not limited to disciplinary hearings or the confidential draft room, will be subject to disciplinary review, including termination from the Board and any and all manager/coaching obligations.
Brand Logo, Artwork & Name Use
The Santa Teresa Little League Logo, Name and associated artwork are intended for the sole use of Santa Teresa Little League.
Written permission of the League President, Vice President, or Secretary is required prior to the Logo being used for any Team or parent produced clothing or other items, other than a team banner.
If permission is granted, a proof must be reviewed by a designated Board Member BEFORE production. The League reserves the right to deny artwork of any kind that modified our registered logo.
In no circumstances, may any individual profit from the use of the Santa Teresa Little League Logo, Artwork or Name.
The STLL Logo is officially recorded and cannot legally be used by another producer or company. Furthermore, the League reserves the right to approve/deny logo usage on materials that are not produced by the current Board and its members. While the League is not a litigious non-profit, we do have the right to seek legal action as necessary should artwork ever be modified.
Branding ideas for unique opportunities for the League are always welcome and can be submitted for review to the President, Brand Director, or League Secretary.
Player and Team Personnel Dress Codes
Players
All players shall wear a league approved uniform for all games, unless an exception is granted by the Division Director
One (1) jersey and one (1) hat or visor will be issued to all players. Pants, belts and socks are to be furnished by the player’s parents/guardians. Managers will provide parents instructions on which color pants, belts and socks to purchase. The League will provide each team in AAA and up with three (3) coaches hats and three (3) coaches shirts per season. Teams in the Pre-T thru AA Divisions will receive four (4) coaches hats and four (4) coaches shirts per season.
No Santa Teresa Little League uniform can be altered in any capacity by teams, with the exception of the embroidering of names and/or uniform numbers on uniform hats if agreed to by the entire team. This expense IS NOT covered by the League.
Managers and Coaches
Managers and coaches are required to wear an official league provided shirt and hat or visor during games. Non-STLL shirts and hats, especially Major League Baseball licensed versions of their team’s uniforms, are NOT permitted by any coach.
League Equipment and Keys
League equipment and keys are the property of Santa Teresa Little League and a privilege to possess. Managers, coaches and board members who are granted access to equipment and keys are expected to keep these items in their possession at all times. At no time shall any Board member loan out or provide access to equipment or keys to persons not authorized to possess them. The League reserves the right to revoke access to equipment and keys if this policy is violated.
League issued equipment and keys will be signed out by the manager at the beginning of the season and must be returned by a time as designated by the Equipment Director following the completion of the last game of the season.
Exception: managers who are responsible for Summer Season tournament teams such as All Stars, Jamboree and Super 8/9 teams shall schedule a return date with the Equipment Director.
Equipment bags shall carry a value of the greater of the actual cost of rekeying locks or $500 . Managers who fail to turn in equipment or keys in their entirety shall be charged these fees accordingly, and may be banned from future participation as a League manager or coach.
League Safety and Security Requirements
Mandatory Parent/Guardian Attendance
The Pre-T, T-ball, Farm, A, and AA Divisions for baseball and softball are considered non-drop off divisions.
Requirement: For all players registered in a non-drop off division, a parent or court-appointed legal guardian must be physically present at the assigned Little League facility (field, batting cage, designated warm-up area, etc.) for the entire duration of all scheduled team events, including but not limited to games, practices, team meetings, picture days or any other sanctioned team activity.
In the event a child in a non-drop off division is left unattended, the manager shall immediately notify the Safety Officer and League President, and reach out to the parent to return to the field. If the parent does not return, and a period of 60 minutes elapses, the manager shall enact the Unattended Child Policy (6d below) and contact the local Police Department or Sheriff's Office that has jurisdiction over the area.
Continuous Supervision: The parent or legal guardian is responsible for the player's direct supervision when the player is not actively participating in a coach-led drill or play (e.g., while waiting in the dugout, using the restroom, or before/after the designated event time).
No Exceptions: The Manager and Coaches are explicitly prohibited from accepting responsibility for a player whose Parent or Legal Guardian is not present. Team personnel or parents of other players are not permitted to assume a supervisory role beyond the normal scope of coaching and managing the team activity.
Manager / Coach Requirements - Drop Off Divisions
AAA, PCL, Majors, Intermediate, Juniors and Seniors are drop off divisions.
No player shall be left unattended at a field or facility until two adults, inclusive of a team manager or coach, are on site.
Following the conclusion of a practice, game or other organized baseball event, no child shall be left unattended without the presence of a manager or coach, and at least one additional adult.
Sixty (60) minutes after the completion of any organized team event, if a child’s parent or legal guardian has not arrived, the manager or coach shall implement the Mandatory Reporting for an Unattended Child Policy (6d).
Softball Team Supervision
At all times there shall be a female volunteer (parent, manager, coach, team parent, Board member) who is background checked by the league present at all softball events.
A female volunteer must be present, at the field, before any softball players can be dropped off by parents, unless the parents stay at the field.
At the conclusion of any practice or game, the female volunteer must stay at the field, with at least one other Manager/Coach, until the last softball player is picked up by the parents (or approved guardian / other team parent).
The girls cannot participate in any practices or games without an approved female present (Chaperone, other fingerprinted team female).
Unattended Child Policy (Mandatory Reporting)
Waiting Period: If a child is still at the field 60 minutes (one hour) after a game or practice has ended, and their parent or guardian is not present to pick them up, the two remaining STLL coaches will take action.
Contact Efforts: The coaches will immediately make every reasonable attempt to contact the parent/guardian or the emergency contacts listed in the registration paperwork.
Mandatory Notification: If, after exhausting all reasonable contact attempts, the coaches still cannot reach anyone, they must immediately call the local Police Department or Sheriff's Office that has jurisdiction over the area.
Transfer of Care: The child will then be turned over to the custody of the law enforcement agency, as required by California law and STLL safety protocols.
A list of the law enforcement agency possessing jurisdiction shall be provided to managers in their Team Binder, and posted visibly in the Snack Shack.
Live Streaming/Photography of Games
Parents/fans are allowed to live stream games with their own equipment. Only one parent per team may place a camera on the backstop for the purposes of streaming.
Streamers should be conscious of how conversations may be interpreted by others. Streamers have the option to turn off their audio, should they choose to do so.
Volunteering Program Requirements
Mandatory Volunteering Program Participation
All registered families shall participate in the mandatory Volunteer Points Program or pay the established seasonal Volunteer Buyout Fee, with the following exemptions:
Challenger Families - any family with a player in the Challenger Division
Seniors Division - any family that only has a player in the Senior Division (no other children in other divisions).
Any family who qualifies for scholarship (financial aid)
Volunteering program exemption does not apply to gameday duties such as score keeping, pitch counting, snack shack and field set up, if those duties are a requirement of a given division
Any family failing to meet this obligation will be assessed a non-volunteering fee per outstanding point, and the family’s player(s) may be ineligible for selection to any post-season tournament teams (including All-Stars) until the fee is paid in full.
Details about the STLL mandatory volunteering program are available on the STLL website here.
Volunteer Application
All families registering for the League shall complete a Volunteer application as part of the registration process which provides consent for the League official to run a background check on the potential volunteer and to gain all the information that is necessary to run a background check and receive a certificate of completion for the Little League Abuse Awareness Training.
Mandatory Background Checks (Annual)
As part of Little League’s Child Protection Program, the League must conduct annual background checks on all volunteers who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with, players or teams.
All managers, coaches, Board of Directors members, umpires, concession stand workers, Team Parents, scorekeepers, and other volunteers who have regular service to the league or repetitive access to children must complete the background check process. If a volunteer is spending time in the dugout or helping out at practices, that individual must submit a volunteer application and go through the background check process.
Any background check that reveals a conviction for, guilty plea, no contest plea, or admission to any crime involving or against a minor will result in immediate termination from the league.
If a potential volunteer appears on the National Sex Offender Registry the League must contact Little League International prior to appointing the volunteer to participate in any capacity.
Volunteer appointments are for one year only and reset every October 1.
If a volunteer completes a background check for Fall Ball only, then plays in Spring, a second background check is required. Background checks completed in Spring will carry through Fall Ball.
Background checks and fingerprinting conducted through other organizations (schools, churches, sports leagues) DO NOT meet this requirement.
All annual background checks are completed through SportsConnect only.
Mandatory Abuse Awareness Training (Annual)
Any Little League volunteer is required to complete the Little League Abuse Awareness Course in addition to all other requirements of being a volunteer (e.g. submitting a background check through JDP).
This course must be completed on an annual basis along with the annual background check before that individual may begin their volunteer service.
Volunteer Fingerprinting (One Time Requirement)
Fingerprinting is required for volunteers in California if they are 18 or older and have 16 or more hours a month (32 or more hours a year) of direct contact with or supervision of children, under the state's AB 506 law. This applies to organizations that did not previously require background checks, such as schools, churches, and nonprofits, and the background check is a one-time requirement per organization.
The League therefore requires all Board members, Managers, Coaches, Team Parents, and Umpires to complete fingerprinting.
The League shall provide access to fingerprinting services at events. Volunteers may also go in person to the league’s then current designated vendor.
The League shall cover the cost of fingerprinting services for volunteers if the volunteer uses the League’s approved fingerprinting volunteer.
Snack Shack Volunteering
As STLL snack shacks are a primary source of revenue for the League, teams are required to cover Snack Shack duties. The following rules apply to the coverage of snack shack shifts
Pre-T and T-Ball Teams are not assigned snack shack duties during their games.
Managers and rostered coaches and their families in all divisions are exempt from snack shack duties.
Practice Coaches and their families ARE NOT EXEMPT from Snack Shack duties.
Team parents and their families in Single A Division and lower are exempt from snack shack duties.
Team parents and their families in Double AA division and higher ARE NOT EXEMPT from Snack Shack duties.
Families on scholarship / financial aid ARE NOT EXEMPT from Snack Shack duties.
Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Policies
League Policies
STLL has established clear codes of conduct for players, volunteers, and spectators, along with disciplinary procedures for violation of the league codes of conduct. These codes of conduct are published on the STLL website here.
Abuse of League Representatives (Umpires, Team Staff, Board Members)
All positions within the League are volunteer positions. At no time shall any abuse of any League Representative be tolerated.
Any member of the League’s Board of Directors is authorized to take reasonable action, up to and including requesting removal of a person or persons from a League event, if said person or persons are found to be in violation of the League codes of conduct
Any person having been found to have directed verbal abuse towards a Junior Umpire shall have their status in the league be brought up for immediate review, with potential penalties including suspension from league participation for no less than one year or permanent termination from the league for repeated offenses.
Zero Tolerance Alcohol and Drugs Policy
The League operates on Oak Grove School District facilities, which are designated alcohol and drug free campuses. Additionally, presence of alcohol and drugs at League events is a strict violation of Little League International policy.
Any person or persons found to be in possession of alcohol or drugs at league facilities shall be asked to leave the premises for the duration of the event. Subsequent violations of this policy may result in suspension or permanent termination from the League.
Player Attendance and Discipline Rules
Attendance: If a player misses three (3) team events in a row (practices or games) without a good reason, the Manager can ask to bench that player for the entirety of a future entire game.
The Manager must get approval from the Player Agent before the game to use this rule.
If benched, the Manager must list the player on the roster but tell the umpires and the other team's manager before the game starts that the player will not play.
Handling Behavior Problems: If a player is causing trouble for reasons other than just missing practice, the Manager must follow these steps:
First, the Manager should use standard team discipline such as talking to the player or using a short time-out.
If the problem continues, the Manager must contact the Player Agent, who will give the player a formal first warning. Parents will be notified of this official warning.
If the problem still continues, the Manager must report it again. The Player Agent will then arrange a required meeting with the player and their family.
Trouble During a Game: If a player is not following the league’s codes of conduct during a game, the Manager can immediately remove the player for the rest of that game
The Manager must tell the umpires and the opposing manager right away.
The Manager must call the Player Agent right after the game to report what happened.
The player's position shall be skipped in the batting order for the remainder of the game, however, the team shall not be penalized an out for the skipped batter.
Record Keeping: The Player Agent will keep a written record of all serious disciplinary issues and tell the League's Board of Directors about them.
Unforeseen Issues: a situation comes up that these rules don't cover, the Manager should follow the standard Little League Rule Book for guidance.
Baseball Operations
Baseball Event Requirements
A baseball event is defined as either an officially scheduled game, a make-up game, or a team practice. This excludes “optional” or “volunteer” practices that may be called. Players not attending “optional” or “volunteer” practices may not be penalized for non-attendance.
Teams are not allowed to conduct more than one practice on the same calendar day, nor are teams allowed to schedule a practice on game day (except in the Tee Ball division/PreT).
Teams in AA, AAA, PCL, Majors, Intermediate, Junior and Seniors divisions of play are expected to have a minimum of 3 scheduled baseball events and a maximum of 4 scheduled baseball events per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday, weather permitting).
Teams in T-Ball, Farm, and A divisions are expected to have a minimum of 2 scheduled baseball events and a maximum of 3 scheduled baseball events per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday, weather permitting).
Teams in the Pre-T division will have one Practice/Game per week for a total of one hour on Saturdays only. The first 30 minutes of the event will be practice and the second 30 minutes will be a scrimmage/game with the other team.
As these rules are in place to protect the health and wealthfare of the League’s players, violators of this rule will be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.
Divisional Structure
The STLL divisions have been structured to help balance teams’ skill level and make games more fair and fun in all divisions.
Each division has Default age assignments, however, player movement both up and down is supported through the evaluation and draft process, as well as through direct engagement with the Player Agents and Division Directors.
STLL shall consist of the following divisions:
Baseball: Pre-T, T-ball, Farm, A, AA, AAA, PCL, Majors, Intermediate, Juniors, and Seniors
Softball - Farm, Minor Coach Pitch, Minor Player Pitch, Majors
Challenger and Senior Challenger
Details of the current division structure can be found here on the STLL website.
The Board may elect to consolidate a division with another if registration numbers do not allow for enough teams to be created in a given division.
Practice Time Limitations
To protect the safety of the players and prevent overuse injuries, the following practice time limitations are to be enforced at all times
Majors, Intermediate, Junior, Seniors: restricted to a maximum baseball practice time limit of 2.5 hours.
PCL/AAA/AA; 2 hours
Farm/A: 1.5 hrs
Tee Ball: 1 hour
PreT: 30 minutes
Playing Time
Mandatory Minimum Playing Time Requirements
Majors, Intermediate, Juniors & Seniors: Each player must play nine (9) defensive outs (including 6 consecutive outs) and a continuous batting order must be used
Minor/Instructional Divisions (AAA, PCL, AA, A, & Farm): Players must play a minimum of Three (3) innings in a five (5) inning game or Four (4) innings in a six (6) inning game. Players shall not sit out for consecutive innings. A continuous batting order must be used.
Games ended by darkness or run rule shall not result in a violation of the minimum playing time rule.
Addressing Minimum Playing Time Violations
A player who is not allotted their minimum playing time for any reason shall start the next game, no matter what.
Managers who fail to properly implement MPT requirements are subject to:
First offense-Written warning
Second offense-Suspension for next scheduled game
Third offense-Suspension for remainder of season
Make Up Games
For the minor divisions (PCL and down), no make-up games will be rescheduled as a result of darkness, rain, or other special circumstances.
For the Majors Division and up, games must be rescheduled and played on the next available date.
Rescheduling of games should be coordinated through the Division Director and Scheduling Director.
Ties or unplayed games will result in a loss for both teams so both teams are encouraged to schedule and make up or complete these games on the next available day in which both teams do not have games scheduled.
Tryouts (Player Evaluations)
General Tryout Rules
Tryouts will be coordinated and managed by the Player Agent(s).
All children ages 7-16 who wish to participate in the AA through Senior divisions are required to attend the league scheduled tryout. This includes children of potential managers who have applied to take a team.
All children league age 10 are eligible for the Majors draft. All children league age 9 are eligible for the PCL draft. All children league age 8 are eligible for the AAA draft. Any parent that does not want their child drafted outside of their Default division (drafted up) must inform the Player Agent in writing 24 hours before the start of the tryouts.
Tryout Process and Rules - Player Candidates
All candidates must be both registered and verified prior to attending tryouts. This will include all outstanding paperwork and payments.
The Player Agent(s) will assign tryout times for the eligible candidates.
Tryouts will be conducted over a one or two-day period.
A make-up date will be determined by the Player Agent(s) in conjunction with the Division Directors due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.
Candidates will try out in groups, the size of which will be determined by the Player Agent(s). These groups, regardless of size, will be organized by age.
The Player Agent(s) has the authority to re-class a child from his/her league age group to a different group based upon safety or other reasons.
All candidates, including managers and potential coaches’ children, must attend 50% of tryouts in order to be eligible for the draft.
If a candidate has not attended tryouts, that candidate is not eligible for the draft and will be assigned to a team via a “hat pick” process on draft night.
Tryout Process and Rules - Managers
Attendance: All Managers are required to attend each age group tryout that may affect their team roster, as specified by the Player Agent before the evaluation.
Example: AAA Manager must attend an 8 year old age group try out to view any potential players that may be deemed fit.
Proxies: Managers who cannot attend a tryout must inform the Player Agent(s) prior to that date to assign a proxy or determine if manager will receive ratings from the independent evaluators for the purpose of drafting his/her team
A coach who is officially paired with a manager may serve as a proxy for the tryout.
Managers are NOT allowed to name their own proxy other than a paired assistant coach.
Draft manipulation
If there is any indication that a rostered manager/coach or potential manager/coach interfered in the tryout process, (i.e. telling a candidate not to come to tryout or to “throw” the tryout) disciplinary action will be taken against that manager or coach (potential or otherwise).
Disciplinary action will be determined by the Board of Directors of the local league and may include being removed as manager. (In regular and postseason)
Manager/Coach + Parent Interactions
After the conclusion of tryouts, any parent who approaches a Manager or Coach about registering a player for the current season must be immediately referred to the Player Agent.
Failure to do so may result in the player in question being deemed ineligible to join that Manager's team.
Team Formation
Principles of Team Formation
Santa Teresa Little League understands that the entire premise of the selection of players is to balance player talent so that every team and every player has an equal opportunity to experience a winning season.
It is also Santa Teresa Little League’s intention to promote an enhanced spirit of cooperation and camaraderie among its managers and coaches.
The Player Agent(s) is responsible for coordinating and conducting the league’s player selection process for each division pursuant to the terms contained herein.
Santa Teresa Little League has selected to redraft its players every season, in the Senior through AAA Divisions as outlined in Alternate method for Plan B of the Little League Operating Manual.
General Rules of Team Formation
Confidentiality: All draft-related information, including player allocation and draft order, is confidential. It should not be discussed after the draft is complete.
Draft Attendance: Only specific, authorized league officials, as determined by the Executive Committee before the draft, shall be permitted to attend the draft. Once the draft begins, no manager may leave the room.
Player Contact: Managers and coaches are forbidden from contacting players until the Player Agent releases the official team rosters, or unless express permission to inform drafted players is given by the Player Agent.
Roster Size: The Player Agent(s), in collaboration with the President and Vice President, will determine the appropriate roster size for each division based on the number of teams and available players. The draft will continue until all teams reach this size.
Manager / Coach Draft Rules
Pre-Draft Pairing Process Rules: Managers may pair with up to one assistant coach prior to the start of tryouts.
For PCL and Majors: Managers may only select an assistant coach that has a player who is cleared by the Player Agent, Coaching Director and Division Director to play in that division.
Manager & Coach Son/Daughter Draft Position: The Player Agent(s), Division Director, and Division managers will determine the draft position of players of managers and their paired coaches no less than 24 hours before the start of the division draft.
The draft positions of manager and coach players shall be determined via vote handled virtually and managed by the Player Agent.
These draft positions will be recorded by the Player Agent(s), and added to the draft board prior to the start of the draft on draft night.
Player Movement and Replacement
Trades: Any trade after the draft must be approved by the Draft Committee. The board will review each situation on its own merit.
Sibling Options: Parents can request that siblings be drafted or placed on the same team, provided they are eligible for the same division. The manager who drafts the first sibling can choose to exercise this option. If they do, the Player Agent will automatically draft the other sibling on the manager's next turn.
Permanent Replacement Players: If a player permanently leaves a team due to illness, injury, or other justifiable reasons, the manager must notify the Player Agent(s) to discuss a replacement. No team shall continue playing with less than the total number of players allotted per team unless no permanent replacement player is available via the wait list or permanent call up from a lower division, or approved by the Player Agent.
Permanent replacement players must be evaluated by the Coaching and Division Directors before being placed. No player shall be placed in a division if it is determined said player would have otherwise NOT been drafted into that division. Example: an 11 year old player from the wait list automatically placed on a Majors team but would not have been drafted.
Reporting Absences: If a player misses three consecutive practices or games, the manager must contact the player's family and the Player Agent within 24 hours of the third missed event.
Filling Temporary Roster Spots: The Player Agent can add a temporary replacement player from a lower division to fill a roster spot due to sickness, injury, or absence. If the Player Agent is unavailable to make a timely decision, the Division Director or a member of the Executive Committee may serve as back up for assigning a temporary player.
At the commencement of the season, each player shall provide the Player Agent the name of one player who is eligible for call up to the next division. This shall be deemed the call up “pool”. The Player Agent will verify with parents their willingness to have the child placed in a pool for potential call ups during the season.
When a manager makes a request for temporary replacement players, the Player Agent will reach out to parents of players in the pool to determine interest and availability to play. When possible, the Player Agent will provide the manager with three optional players from which to select.
Player Agent will rotate outreach to pool players in an effort to be fair, however, availability may result in some pool players being selected more frequently than others.
The call up pool shall be evaluated at the midway point of the season to determine if any additional players should be added.
Division-Specific Guidelines
Seniors Division
Age Group: League ages 13-16. Juniors Division players are also eligible.
Draft Order: Draft order is determined by a random draw from a hat. It follows a serpentine pattern (1-2-3, 3-2-1) throughout the draft.
Juniors Division
Age Group: League ages 13-14.
Draft Order: Similar to Seniors, the draft order is a random, serpentine format. All 14-year-olds must be drafted. The Player Agent, President, and Vice President will determine the number of players per team.
Intermediate Division
Age Group: League ages 11-13.
Draft Order: Similar to Juniors and Seniors, the draft order is a random, serpentine format. This division will draft 13-year-olds in conjunction with the Juniors Division. Once all Juniors teams are filled, the Intermediate draft will continue.
All 13 year olds not drafted to Juniors must be drafted to an Intermediate team.
Major Division
Age Group: League ages 10-12. All returning players from the prior year and eligible 12-year-olds must be drafted into this division.
Number of Teams: The Draft Committee, which includes key league officials, will determine the number of teams prior to tryouts.
Roster Limits: No fewer than 12 and no more than 13 players per team. No more than eight 12-year-olds and no more than two 10-year-olds are allowed per team. The Draft Committee shall determine which 10 year olds are eligible to be drafted.
Declining Placement: A player who declines a position in the Major Division is ineligible for a Major team for the remainder of the season. Additionally, 10 and 11-year-olds who decline to participate in the Majors Draft shall be ineligible for postseason play, STLL league playoffs, D59 Slugfest and Majors All Stars.
NOTE - since children of PCL and AAA managers and coaches by definition do not try out for majors, they are excluded from this rule and remain fully eligible for call up to play in postseason play, STLL league playoffs, D59 Slugfest and Majors All Stars.
Minor Division (PCL)
Age Group: All 11 year olds not drafted into Majors, plus all remaining eligible 10 year olds and up to two 9-year-olds per team. The Draft Committee shall determine which 9 year olds are eligible to be drafted.
Draft Process: The draft takes place after the Major draft. All 11-year-olds must be selected unless a safety risk exists. Any remaining players, including undrafted 9-year-olds, are released to the AAA Division
Minor Division (AAA)
Age Group: All 9 year olds and 10 year olds not drafted into PCL. Up to two 8-year-olds per team.
Draft Process: The draft takes place after the PCL draft. All eligible 9 year-olds must be selected unless a safety risk exists.
Minor Division (AA)
Age Group: Default division for 8 year olds.
Team Formation: Teams are created based on player evaluations to ensure balance. All 8-year-olds not drafted into AAA shall be placed in this division. 7 year olds shall be considered by the Player Agent to fill out teams, based on evaluation results
Single A, Farm, Tee Ball and Pre-Tee Ball
Team Formation: The Player Agent(s) are solely responsible for forming teams in these divisions.
Team Placement Requests
Player Agent(s) will consider up to one friend request but may not be able to honor all requests.
Requests to play for a specific manager, other than from immediate family members, are not allowed.
The Player Agent's decisions are final.
Fall Ball Team Formation
To support annual fluctuations in registration and account for coaching recruitment challenges in the Fall, the process by which teams will be formed for Fall Ball shall be established by the Executive Committee plus the Coaching Director at least fourteen (14) days before the close of Fall registration.
Final decisions regarding the Fall Ball team formation process are at the discretion of the Player Agent.
League Post Season
Declaring a Majors Champion
The Major division shall have an end of season double elimination championship tournament.
The tournament schedule/format will be decided by the President, Vice President, Coaching Director and Division Director, based on the number of teams.
Tie-breaking procedure: In the event teams are tied in W-L for the season, the following tiebreaker will be used. 1) Head-to-head against STLL teams; 2) Fewest runs allowed in all games; 3) Run differential in all games in question; 4) Runs scored.
Majors Slugfest / D59 Championship
This tournament now replaces the District Tournament of Champions (TOCs) and takes place on Memorial Weekend.
The number of teams per league is set by District 59. Once informed of the total number of teams requested, STLL will select the participating teams as follows:
The Majors team with the best overall regular season (winning percentage) shall be the first representative.
The team with the second best record shall be the second selection. The team with the third best record shall be the third selection. Etc.
If that team does not wish to participate, the team with the next best record will have the opportunity, followed by the team with the next best record.
If the District allows substitute players, teams may select players from the non-participating Majors teams to fill out rosters. The first place team shall have the first pick from eligible players to complete their roster. The second place team will choose their substitute players after the first place team is complete.
Minor PCL, AAA and AA Divisions Championships
The Minor PCL, AAA, AA divisions will have a tournament at the end of the season.
The tournament schedule/format will be decided by the President, Vice President, Coaching Director and Division Director, based on the number of teams.
Umpire Duties
All teams in the Farm division and higher will have umpire assignments throughout the season. The number of assignments will be determined by the Umpire in Chief and Umpiring Committee as part of the umpiring plan."
Volunteer umpires from the teams are supplemented with Junior Umpires, and a small pool of paid senior umpires.
Annually, the Umpire In Chief, in collaboration with the Umpiring Committee, shall create and present to the Executive Committee the umpiring plan for the coming season.
Upon approval by the Executive Committee, this plan shall be communicated to the Board of Directors, and reviewed with all coaches and managers at the pre-season divisional meetings.
Failure by teams to adhere to the approved Umpiring Plan of Record by any team is grounds for disciplinary action, including the potential removal of a manager from their position.
Little League All Star and STLL Tournament Teams
Purpose
The purpose of the Little League All-Star Tournament play is to offer a competitive environment for a select group of eligible players who have demonstrated exceptional skill, sportsmanship, and dedication throughout the regular season.
Additionally, Santa Teresa Little League supports D59 Jamboree, Super 8’s and Super 9’s teams which are age specific and created to give advanced players the ability to experience tournament competition where no Little League All Star teams exist.
Participation on All Star teams and STLL Tournament teams is a privilege and a significant commitment of time and effort by the player, the coaching staff, and the family.
The Board will determine annually if the League will participate in Postseason play at each division.
Eligibility
All players selected for an All-Star team must meet the residency, age, and minimum participation requirements as established by Little League International (LLI) rules and regulations for the current season.
To be eligible for tournament play, a player must participate in at least 60% of the regular season games by the start of the tournament.
To be eligible for an All Star or Tournament Team, all league fees must be paid in full prior to the start of practices, or a payment plan must be established with the league Treasurer
The President and Board of Directors shall be responsible for verifying and ensuring all selected players meet Little League International requirements prior to the submission of official tournament affidavits.
Player and Family Commitment
Acceptance of an All-Star roster spot constitutes a commitment to attend all practices, scrimmages, tournament games and volunteering requirements scheduled by the team manager or the League
Due to the competitive and time-sensitive nature of tournament play, All-Star commitments must take priority over other summer activities during the tournament period. Excessive absences may result in removal from the roster, as permitted by LLI rules and the discretion of the League President.
STLL shall establish and communicate any incremental costs (e.g., uniform upgrades, tournament fees) associated with All-Star participation prior to the announcement of the teams.
General Team Formation and Selection Process
Santa Teresa Little League shall, in most instances, endeavor to field the following All Star and Tournament Teams
One (1) team each for the 9-10-11 year old, Majors, Intermediate, Juniors and Seniors All Star Divisions.
No more than (2) teams for the 8-9-10 year old All Star Division
No more than three (3) teams for the D59 Jamboree All Stars
No more than (2) Super 8’s teams
No more than (1) Super 9 team
Selection is open to all eligible players in the applicable division.
Teams shall consist of twelve (12) to fourteen (14) players
Players will be selected based on demonstrated skill, baseball knowledge, game attendance, dedication, sportsmanship, and attitude throughout the regular season.
A pool of alternate players is selected in the All-Star Meeting. The Manager has the discretion to pull up any player from that pool. The Player Agent validates the desire to participate in the pool and facilitates the replacement on the roster if required.
The All-Star manager has the discretion to handle vacation absences and may choose not to accept a player due to a lengthy absence.
No manager or coach may contact a player about the All-Star team until the league makes an official announcement.
The final roster decisions are ultimately approved by the League President.
All-Star Manager and Coach Selection
Manager Selection: The President shall nominate All-Star managers, who are then approved by the Executive Committee, Coaching Director and Division Director.
Coach Selection: The selected All-Star manager chooses their coaches, who must be rostered managers or coaches from the same division during the spring season. This is subject to approval by the Executive Committee.
Division-Specific All-Star Selection
Seniors, Juniors, Intermediate, Majors, and 9-10-11 Year Old All Star Teams
Selection Committee: The committee is composed of the relevant division managers, the President, Vice President, Division Director, and Player Agent(s). PCL managers shall be part of the Committee for the 9-10-11 year old all stars.
Player Selection: For Seniors, Juniors, Intermediate, and Majors, In the last two weeks of the regular season, players vote for up to five players as All Star Candidates, with no more than two from any single team. There is no player vote for the 9-10-11 Year Old All Star Team.
The three (3) players with the most votes are automatically selected.
The All-Star Committee selects the remaining players for the team.
Team Representation: It is NOT a requirement that every team in the division have at least one player named to the All-Star team.
Games: The All Star schedule is set by District 59 and takes place in June.
8-9-10 Year Old All Star Teams
Selection Committee: Composed of PCL and AAA division managers, the Player Agent(s), President, Vice President, Coaching Director and Division Director. Major managers with 10 year-olds on their teams should attend to make recommendations.
Player Selection: When allowed by District 59, there shall be two teams created - a blue and a gold team - selected by the All Star Committee from eligible 10, 9, and 8-year-olds. There is no player vote for the 8-9-10 Year Old All Star Teams
Team Representation: It is NOT a requirement that every team in the division have at least one player named to the All-Star team.
Games: The All Star schedule is set by District 59 and takes place in June.
Jamboree Tournament Team
Selection Committee: Composed of AAA PCL division managers, the Player Agent(s), Coaching Director and Division Director.
Player Selection: Selected from eligible 8 and 9-year-olds in AAA division and up. Players having been selected for an All Star Team are not eligible.
Team Representation: Every AAA team shall have at least one (1) representative on a Jamboree team.
Games: The Jamboree is hosted by District 59 and takes place in June over the course of one week (1). Each team generally plays three (3) games. The Jamboree Tournament Team season is concluded at the end of the tournament and no more games shall be supported by the league for the Jamboree Teams at the conclusion of the Tournament
Super 9’s Team
Selection Committee: Composed of Jamboree Team Managers, the Player Agent(s), Coaching Director and AAA Division Director.
Player Selection: The team shall consist of the thirteen (13) best players selected from the Jamboree Tournament Teams.
Players having been selected for the 8-9-10 year old All Star Teams are not eligible.
Team Representation: It is NOT a requirement that every team in the division have at least one player named to the Super 9’s team.
Games: The League shall endeavor to schedule participation in at least one (1) 9U tournament, pending availability of such an event on the summer schedule.
Super 8’s Teams
Selection Committee: Composed of AA and AAA Managers, the Player Agent(s), Coaching Director and the AA and AAA Division Directors.
Player Selection: The teams shall consist of up to fourteen (14) of the best eligible 7 and 8-year-olds in the AA and AAA divisions.
Team Representation: The League shall endeavor to have a minimum of one player per AA team represented on a Super 8’s team, provided that at least two teams are created.
Games: The league shall endeavor to schedule participation in at least two (2) tournaments inclusive of an STLL Hosted Super 8’s Tournament.
All Star Financial Aid and Travel Reimbursement
Financial Assistance
Any Player/Family that has been approved for financial assistance (scholarship) for the regular season shall be afforded the same benefit upon selection to an All Star or Tournament team.
The extent of this financial assistance is at the discretion of the League President and Treasurer, and may include but is not limited to registration costs and reasonable travel expenses (gas, lodging).
All Star Team Travel Reimbursement
Little League International offers families travel reimbursement / support programs for tournaments beginning at the Regional Level (Western Region for STLL).
For Sectional and State Level tournaments, STLL may offer limited reimbursement such that travel expenses would not limit players’ ability to participate
Sectional Tournament - STLL may provide each family one (1) fuel card for tournaments that are played between 50-100 miles from San Jose, or one (1) fuel card for tournaments more than 100 miles away.
State Tournament - upon determination of the State Tournament locations, the Executive Committee shall meet to determine which tournaments qualify for reasonable reimbursement, potential expenses to be covered, and the means by which these expenses will be covered. These means may include unused League Scholarship funds and/or fundraising for the explicit purpose of supporting teams that qualify for a State Tournament.
STLL Hosted Tournaments
Memorial Weekend Tournament (MDT)
General Information
The Tournament Committee consists of the Events Director, Selected MDT Managers, the Player Agent(s) and the President.
The tournament is open to 8, 9 and 10 year olds from the AAA and PCL division only. The tournament committee may allow 8 year olds from AA to fill out teams. Any AA player registering for the tournament will be considered a waitlist / stand by option and not guaranteed a spot.
Registration shall be solicited through SportsConnect, and may include a registration fee.
Any family signing up for MDT must be in good financial standing with no outstanding registration or non-volunteering fees
The Tournament shall be governed by a specific set of game day rules established and distributed to managers and participants no less than 72 hours before the start of the tournament.
Team Formation
Teams shall be formed one week in advance of the Tournament through a collaborative process run by the Tournament Committee.
Players shall be divided up equally such that every team has a reasonable chance to succeed. The committee will take into account pitching ability, catching ability and All-Star status of the pool of players when forming the teams
Volunteering Requirement
The MDT is an all volunteer event.
Families of Tournament participants are expected to help with gameday duties including field set up and tear down, GameChanger, Scoreboard and Pitch Counting
STLL will solicit volunteers from the STLL community to operate the Snack Shack, which may or may not include participants in the Tournament
Super 8’s and Super 9’s Tournament
The League may choose to host either a Super 8’s and/or Super 9’s tournament.
The Executive Committee, in consultation with the Events Director, shall determine in April if these tournaments will be hosted at STLL facilities.
This decision shall be based on varying factors, including
Impact on availability of fields resulting from the hosting of District, Sectional or State All Star Tournaments
Ability to properly staff and run an effective tournament
If a Super 8’s and/or Super 9’s Tournament is to be hosted, Executive Committee, in consultation with the Events Director, will seek to identify a Tournament Director responsible for the management of the entire tournament which will include but is not limited to:
Onsite management of tournament activities for the entirety of the Tournament Weekend
Identification and recruitment of assistant Tournament Directors (2-3)
Recruitment of, and communications with, participating teams from different leagues
Creation of tournament schedule
Coordination with Umpire in Chief to secure umpires for tournament games
Coordination with Events Director to secure awards for recipients
Creation of tournament volunteering schedule
Santa Teresa Little League
Receipt of Bylaw Information
I_________________________________, have read and received a copy of the Santa Teresa Little League Bylaw information.
I have read any and all sections that pertain to the League and the Division where I manage or coach and understand all of the rules, protocol and disciplinary action that STLL subscribes to.
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Signature of Manager/Coach Division Date
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Signature of Division Director Date
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