Manhattan Beach Little League

MB Little League Spring 2020 General Information

Welcome to Manhattan Beach Little League 2020 Spring Season!

After terrific Spring, Summer and Fall seasons in 2019 we are super excited to offer a great program for Spring 2020 in tradition of Manhattan Beach Little League and continuing focus on excellence in being the largest organized baseball program for boys and girls in the South Bay!

Please read this document in its entirety as it will help you immensely through the registration process as well as the upcoming season.

OUR REGULAR REGISTRATION FOR THE 2020 SEASON WILL END 12/31/19. AFTER THAT, ALL REGISTRANTS WILL BE WAIT-LISTED WITH NO GUARANTEE OF PLACEMENT AND INCUR LATE FEES IF ACCEPTED

The Registration and In-Season Digital Platform:

After last year’s migration to Blue Sombrero (Sports Connect) we will continue to utilize this platform to provide the best experience for parents and volunteers on and off the field. A few notes and tips about registration for this platform:

• If you signed up last year you will still be able to enter with the same User ID and Password. The site can assist should you have forgotten prior login info.

• We are aware that Manhattan Beach AYSO also utilizes this platform and for all first timers you will need to set up with a separate MBLL log-in.

• The platform is the official platform of Little League International. This being said, many of the questions and information requests are part of Little League International requirements. The platform integrates automatically into Little League so we do not have to do manual processes to get them our data and risk not handling your proprietary information correctly.

• Please make sure while registering to enter your information correctly (home address, cell phone, email, child birthdate, etc..) as this one time occurrence will ensure you have properly entered your player avoiding any delays while helping with proper team placement. This information will only be shared with coaches and league officials.

• Please do not alter your child's birthdate.

• The platform will be used all year round for communication, messaging, team rostering, your team home page, standings as well as GameChanger. This will provide a one-of-a-kind experience allowing the best for players, parents, coaches and other family and friends.

Eligibility and Placement

Manhattan Beach Residents or Kids That Are Enrolled in Manhattan Beach Schools Only

Only Manhattan Beach residents or children that attend school within the MB district can register their child for MB Little League. If you are a resident of any other city please go to their Little League site for registration in the proper city. This includes residents of Hermosa Beach and Redondo Beach.

Note: Hermosa Beach in 2020 will be offering 50/70, Junior and Senior divisions of play.

Player Placement

Please read the following carefully as it may affect the division your player is placed in.

Based on entry of your child’s birthdate, the site will automatically show which division(s) are available for your child based on their Little League age. On the MBLL website you can find the Divisions of Play and Baseball Age Chart per Little League International. Depending on where they fall more than one division of play may be available to choose from. All player placement is based on availability of spots in each division and the Little League age requirements. You will have initial option of selecting should two be available but the final allocation may change.

As an example and based on birthdates, certain 11 year olds will have the option of Triple A or Majors. Some players may be more comfortable playing as the elder of their division or some may be looking to “play up” to a higher level. You will have to discuss with your child what they feel will offer the best fit and experience though the higher division may not be available even if selected. Based on final registration numbers, divisions may fill up requiring younger players to be placed in the lower division offered.

But note in the Majors division, it is mandated by Little League International that all 12 year olds must be in that division. Therefore, first priority will go to 12 year olds and after that, placement of select 11 year olds will be based on evaluations and the draft. There will be NO player movements after draft unless approved by the MB Little League executive board and division commissioner. Parents need to agree that the placement of their child in their specific division is final as well as team placement. No exceptions.

All final player placement decisions will be made by the MB Little League executive board and division commissioners. We want all kids to have the best experience possible while looking out for the safety of all involved. Once again, we will do everything we can to accommodate all requests based on the skill of players and keeping our divisions safe and consistent.

CODE OF CONDUCT

New Parent / Player / Coach Code of Conduct

Also in accordance with Little League International, MB Little League will be following a strict Code of Conduct for parents, players and coaches. All are viewable on the MB Little League website along with our Disciplinary Policy. We want all adult and children MB Little League participants to exhibit exemplary behavior both on and off the field and know that having rules and policies documented will make it clear for all during the season.

Field Improvements

Beginning last year MB Little League began the undertaking of improving three MB city baseball fields to much success - Premier, Marine East and Marine Center. This year we are planning to continue these improvements at Live Oak and Big Marine. These investments to improve all fields include items such as new sod, clay, irrigation, mounds, break-away bases, etc.... Note that all fields will be shut down and locked in early December to allow our crews time to refresh the infield clay and grass. We ask at this time for everyone to stay off the baseball fields to ensure the current and new sod along with the clay infields are ready for opening day Saturday February 29th.

Key Dates

Key Dates for Spring 2020 Season

All MBLL Fields are currently closed for maintenance. Please stay off

1/18/2020 - 1/19/2020 - Spring Tune Up! (Optional)

1/25/2020 - 1/26/2020 - Player Evaluations (Mandatory for kid pitch divisions)

TBD February Managers Meeting

2/24/2020 - Fields Opened - MB Little League Practices Begin

2/26/2020 - MB Little League Parent Meetings

2/29/2020 - MB Little League Games Begin

3/7/2020 - MB Little League Opening Day Parade/ Photos

5/30/2020 - MB Little League Closing Day / Ceremonies

Other Important Information

Snack Stand Information:

Each family is required to complete two snack bar shifts spanning 90 minutes each per player. You have the "one time option" to buyout of the required shifts during registration for $175. This fee goes to paying students from Mira Costa High School and other students to cover these shifts and still provide snack stand services.

Families not electing to buy out will also need to provide their Team Parent a check for $175 that will be destroyed or returned upon fulfilling their requirement.

Intermediate 50/70 Division:

Manhattan Beach Little League will again be offering the Intermediate 50/70 division which will also include play vs teams from Redondo and Hermosa Beach. This division is IN-ADDITION to either your child playing in Majors or Juniors. There will be no additional practices - just one game each Sunday. There will be an All-Star team for the 50/70 division as well and your child will need to register for both Majors and 50/70 or Juniors and 50/70 in order to qualify for the 50/70 All-Star team. Those kids that are Little League age 11-13 are eligible to register to 50/70 as well as either Majors or Juniors.

Note that spots are limited in this division and priority will be given to older players. Should a player need to be removed due to reaching maximum team space capacity a full refund will be provided.

Volunteers for Managers/Coaches

The success of MB Little League is determined by our amazing volunteers. Like past years, we need you to volunteer to help the league thrive. We truly appreciate all who apply to Manage and Coach teams in the league. The privilege of managing and coaching your child is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and hope you will consider taking advantage of the opportunity. All Managers and Coaches MUST be approved by the MB Little League board and not guaranteed in the event more requests are made versus slots available. In-addition, all Managers will be required to attend a Managers meeting TBD January 2020 to discuss rules, safety certification, coaching codes of conduct and the goals of the up-coming season.

Note that for the Double A, Triple A and Majors divisions only team Managers will be selected prior to each draft. There will be no pairing up with coaches prior. Depending on which players are drafted by each Manager will determine a team’s coaching and practice staff.

Evaluation Weekend

All player pitch division participants (Double A, Triple A, Majors, Juniors, Seniors) will be required to attend either Saturday 1/25 or Sunday 1/26. This one-time 30 minute evaluation session is necessary to ensure the proper rankings and placement prior to team drafts. Details to follow as time gets closer. Location - American Martyrs

Note if considering the Majors division you will need to present your player's birth certificate (will not be kept). All players regardless of division will need to provide their completed medical waiver prior to taking the field.