HAMPTON WYTHE LITTLE LEAGUE

BY-LAWS

2023-2024 

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ARTICLE I- League Policy and Official League Information 3 

ARTICLE II- League Officials 3 

ARTICLE III- Registration and Team Selections 4 

Section 1: Registration 4 

Section 2: Baseball and Softball Divisions 4 

ARTICLE IV- Responsibilities of Managers, Coaches, and Umpires 7 

Section 1: Manager/Coach Selection 7 

Section 2: Manager/Coach Responsibilities 7 

Section 3: Umpires 7 

ARTICLE V- Tryouts/Drafts 8 

Section 1: Tryouts 8 

Section 2: Placement of Players and the Draft 8 

Section 3: Options 10 

Section 4: Trades 10 

ARTICLE VI- Practice and Games 10 

ARTICLE VII- Postseason 11 

ARTICLE VIII- Disciplinary Actions 12 

ARTICLE IX- Safety 13 

ARTICLE X- All-Stars 14 

Section 1: All-Star Manager Selection 14 

Section 2: All-Star Player Selection 15 

Section 3: All-Star Season 16 

ARTICLE XI- Fall Ball 17 

HWLL Ground Rules 18

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ARTICLE I - LEAGUE POLICY AND OFFICIAL LEAGUE INFORMATION

Hampton Wythe Little League abides by and conforms to all rules as governed by Little League Baseball, Incorporated. The following policy, as it relates to Hampton Wythe Little League (HWLL), is approved by Hampton Wythe Little League’s Board of Directors for the sole purpose of further defining how Hampton Wythe Little League functions and operates. This document may be changed from year to year as deemed necessary and approved by the Board of Directors. This document shall be made available to all recognized members of Hampton Wythe Little League and is available on the league’s website at www.playwythe.com. A copy will also be available by emailing the league president at [email protected]. 

ARTICLE II- LEAGUE OFFICIALS

Hampton Wythe Little League is a volunteer organization and cannot be run without volunteers. HWLL offers many ways to volunteer such as being a manager or coach, umpire, concession worker, team mom, and/or board member. There are many ways to get involved. One of the most crucial volunteers that the league offers is the board member position. HWLL offers a variety of positions including: President, Vice President, Player Agent, Treasurerr, Secretary, and Safety Officer. Other positions may be established by the Board of Directors yearly depending on the size of the elected Board of Directors. 

On a date set forth by the HWLL Constitution that is approved by Little League, a General Membership Meeting is held to approve the Constitution and elect the Board of the Directors. 

To join the Board of Directors, a notification to the current President is needed to be placed on the ballot and can be nominated at the General Membership Meeting. A returning board member is not guaranteed to be elected the following year. At the General Membership Meeting, a quorum needs to be present before any official discussions can be started. A person is elected to the Board of Directors with a majority vote of collected in-person and absentee ballots. 

Once elected to the Board of Directors, the elected official’s mission is to work with the other elected officials to improve Hampton Wythe Little League. There is an expectation that while serving on the Board of Directors that personal interests and agendas will be set aside for the best interest of the league and its participants. As an elected official of the HWLL Board of Directors, it is expected to attend at least 50% of board meetings and league functions (registrations, tryouts, etc.). Being an elected official does not guarantee automatic approval for any other position required by the league (i.e. manager or coach). Those positions will continue to be approved using the below guidance in Article IV. 

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ARTICLE III- REGISTRATION AND TEAM SELECTIONS

SECTION I- Registration 

All boys and girls interested in playing for Hampton Wythe Little League must register to play in the upcoming season. The registration process is mandatory for ALL players and must be done each year prior to the conclusion of tryouts. Junior/Senior Baseball and Softball divisions will have a later registration deadline due to High School tryouts. Any player who registers after teams have been selected or drafted will be put on a waiting list. The league cannot guarantee team placement or the availability of uniforms for late registrants. 

In order to register in the Hampton Wythe Little League program, the following steps must be completed: 

1. Provide the league with proofs you are a resident of Hampton. This is accomplished by providing an approved     document as listed in the Little League Baseball or Softball Official Regulation and Playing Rules Book, under “Residence Eligibility Requirements.” If you do not live within the boundaries of Hampton Wythe Little League, you are not able to participate in Hampton Wythe Little League unless you apply for a waiver. An alternate method is providing a certified copy of the Little League school enrollment form that is signed by the parent and a certified school official at the school the player attends. 

2. Provide the league with proof of age documents for the player being registered. A certified (original) (raised embossment with original ink certification) birth certificate is the only document that is acceptable. However, other documents may be acceptable for players not born in the United States. These documents are defined in the Little League Baseball or Softball Official Regulations and Playing Rules, under “Proof-of-Age Requirements”. 

3. Pay the necessary fee for the division you desire your child to play in; plus, any fundraising which may be in effect. These fees may change from year to year. Financial aid is available upon request. In the effect that your child is placed in another division, a refund or additional payment is possible. All fees must be submitted to the HWLL Treasurerr and/or HWLL Player Agent. No other board member shall collect a fee without the approval of the HWLL President or Treasurerr, and the approved board member collecting such fees must present those fees and any associated paperwork to the HWLL Treasurerr as soon as practical. 

Registration will occur on our league website and in person at pre-determined dates set by the league. During registration, the league will provide information regarding the League, tryouts, fundraising, and take the opportunity to answer questions from parents and players. 

SECTION II- Baseball and Softball Divisions 

HWLL offers the following divisions: T-Ball, Coach Pitch Baseball and Softball, Minor Baseball and Softball, Major Baseball and Softball, 50/70 Baseball (Intermediates), Junior Baseball, and Senior Baseball and Softball. After registration occurs, the HWLL Board of Directors will review the number of registrants in each division. In the event that any division does not have enough players to make a team, HWLL will accept late registrations or pull players off the waitlist in order to make teams. If a team cannot be established due to a lack of players, the league will see if neighboring leagues can accommodate additional players. 4

If players are not placed on a team, a refund will be issued.   A player’s League Age is determined by Little League International based on the month and year the child was born in. A complete age chart is available online at www.littleleague.org.

T-Ball Division: Players of League Age 4, 5, and 6 are eligible to play in the T-Ball Division. 

Coach Pitch Baseball & Softball Division: Players of League Age 5 and League Age 6 with one year of T-Ball experience and players League Age 6 and 7 are eligible to play in the Coach Pitch Division. 

Any players League Age 8 in Baseball and Softball registered for the Minors Division must be evaluated during player evaluations before being allowed to play in a lower division. 

Minor Baseball & Softball Division: Players of League Age 7, 8, 9, 10, and 11 are eligible to be drafted in the Minor Division. All eligible 12 year olds must play in the Major (or higher) Division unless there is a safety concern that is addressed to the Board of Directors. A waiver will need to be submitted to allow a 12-year old to play Minors. 

Major Baseball & Softball Division: Players of League Age 10, 11, and 12 are eligible to be drafted in the Major Division. All eligible 12 year olds must play in the Major (or higher) Division unless there is a safety concern that is addressed to the Board of Directors. A waiver will need to be submitted to allow a 12-year old to play Minors. 

50/70 Baseball Division: Players of League Age 11, 12, and 13 are eligible to be drafted in the 50/70 Divisions. 

Junior Baseball Division: Players of League Age 13 and 14 are eligible to be drafted in the Junior Division. 12 year olds are also allowed to move up at the guardians’ request. 15 year olds can also play in this division if there is not enough to field a Senior Division team. A waiver must be completed and submitted to Southern Region for a League Age 15 players to play in this division.

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Senior Baseball & Softball Division: Players of League Age 13, 14, 15, and 16 are eligible to be drafted in the Senior Division. 12 year olds are also allowed to move up at the guardians’ request. 

Dual Division Play (Baseball): A player who is able to participate in two programs will be required to pay the cost of the higher of the two divisions he/she registered for and $50 of the second division to cover the uniform cost. It is to be understand that there may be overlap between the two teams and the player may need to make a choice of which team to play for on that given night. 

League Age 11 year olds can dual roster between Majors & 50/70 divisions. 

League Age 12 year olds can dual roster between Majors, 50/70, Junior & Senior divisions. 

League Age 13 year olds can dual roster between 50/70, Junior & Senior divisions. 

League Age 14 year olds can dual roster between Junior & Senior divisions. 

Dual Division Play (Softball): A League Age 12-year-old can participate in both the Major & Senior Softball division. The player will be required to pay the cost of the higher of the two divisions he/she registered for and $50 of the second division to cover the uniform cost. It is to be understood that there may be overlap between the two teams and the player may need to make a choice of which team to play for on that given night. 

High School Players: Any player on a high school (JV or Varsity) can participate in Little League and can be eligible for All-Stars provided they meet eligibility requirements. 

*These rules may have exceptions at the President, Player Agent, and Safety Officer’s discretion with the regard to safety.

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ARTICLE IV- RESPONSIBILITIES OF MANAGERS, COACHES, AND UMPIRES 

SECTION I- Manager/Coach Selection 

Any person who is interested in becoming a Manager or a Coach MUST submit a Volunteer Application, Manager Application, consent to a background check and complete any trainings required by the League. Manager applications will be presented to the Board of Directors for selection and approval. Any manager or coach who is interested in managing or coaching All-Stars must be approved by the League’s Board of Directors and present on the rosters that are sent to Little League. Appointees are responsible to the President for the conduct of league affairs, both on and off the field. Importantly, the President is the Officer with whom Little League Headquarters maintains conduct and who represents the league in the council of the District Organization. 

SECTION II- Manager and/or Coach Responsibilities 

All Managers and Coaches, upon completing and signing the Volunteer Application, Manager Application, and submitting a Background Check, agree to follow a set of rules which include, but may not be limited to, the following: 

A. Attend all mandatory Managers meetings (if you cannot attend the meeting, a coach or representative may be sent in your place). 

B. Attend Concussion Training and complete training exam required by Little League. 

C. Conduct regularly scheduled practice sessions and attend games as set forth by the League, based on the assigned practice schedule prior to the game season and at least once a week after the season starts, weather permitting. 

D. Attend coaching, safety, and umpiring clinics provided by HWLL and District 7. 

E. Read thoroughly and abide by the Little League Playing Rules, Hampton Wythe Little League Constitution, and Hampton Wythe Little League By-Laws and Playing Rules. 

F. Report all final game scores and pitch counts to the specified individual (usually the Scheduler or Commissioner), in the designated manner, within 24 hours of the end of each game. 

G. Respect all Umpires, Coaches, Spectators, Volunteers, and Players in a considerate manner. 

H. Ensure that the league provided equipment is returned at the conclusion of the season. 

I. Work with all team members to ensure there is umpire coverage when team is assigned. 

J. All Assistant Coaches/Managers as selected by HWLL can serve (within limitations governed by the HWLL Board) in the same roles as the primary Manager/Coach and therefore are held to the same standards as the primary Manager/Coach as referenced in A-I above.

Failure to abide by these rules will cause the Manger to face disciplinary action by the League. Compliance with these rules can be used in future decisions when selecting managers, etc. 

SECTION III- Umpires 

The recommended minimum age to umpire in Hampton Wythe Little League is sixteen (16) years old unless approved by the Board of Directors and Umpire-in-Chief. HWLL uses volunteer umpires. Umpires are not to be paid for their volunteer service to the league.

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ARTICLE V- TRYOUTS AND DRAFT

Section I- Tryouts 

ALL PLAYERS MUST ATTEND EVALUATION/TRYOUTS FOR ACCURATE DIVISION PLACEMENT. All players (with the exception of T-Ball and Coach Pitch) must be evaluated during player evaluations before being allowed to play in a lower or higher division. A player who is trying out for the Major Baseball Division MUST attend tryouts to be eligible to be drafted to the Major Baseball Division. 

Conducting Tryouts: All players are generally observed but not limited to five categories: batting/bunting, fielding ground balls, fielding fly balls, throwing, pitching and running. 

Player Responsibility: 

It shall be the responsibility of the player to attend at least one of the tryouts and he/she must actively participate in all phases of the tryout process. A player not meeting these requirements shall not be eligible for the draft unless (s)he presents an excuse (such as illness or injury) that is acceptable to the Board of Directors. As roster spots become available after the draft has taken place, players on the waiting list can be called to fill the vacant roster spots. The waiting list shall be established on a first-come, first-serve basis. The Board of Directors determines each year when to close registration and the wait list for the season. 

Manager Responsibility: 

It shall be the responsibility of the Manager to attend all the tryout sessions for their age groups. The Manager shall evaluate the skill level of player candidates during each phase of the tryout process. 

Managers may ask a player trying out to perform tasks such as running, throwing, catching, or pitching, to better evaluate their ability. 

Conclusion of Tryouts: The Player Agent determines how many players need to be drafted to the Major Baseball Division. Each evaluator will submit a list of safety prospects to the Player Agent. Only players placed on the Draft-Eligible List can be drafted to a Major Baseball team. The remaining players must tryout again to be drafted in the Minor Baseball division. In the event that a player needs to be replaced in the Majors division, the eligible candidate will come from the Draft Eligible list. 

SECTION II- The Placement of Players and the Draft 

The purpose of the player draft in competitive divisions is for managers to pick players they deem appropriate to play in the division in which they are managing. The selection of players will take place at a date and time approved by the Board of Directors, and take place after the conclusion of tryouts.  Those persons allowed to attend the player draft in all divisions shall be limited to the President, Vice President, and Player Agent, of the respective division, and the Managers of the respective division. Additional persons may be appointed as appropriate by the President and/or Player Agent. The Player Agent controls the draft unless otherwise directed by the President. All questions, concerns, or requests must be directed to the Player Agent or designated person conducting the draft. 

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Major Baseball Division Draft: 

The Major Baseball Division Draft will be in accordance with the “Method in First Year of Operation, Plan A” of the LLB Operating Manual. Teams will draw as to the order they pick. This draft will use the “Snake Method”. 

All players drafted to a Major Baseball team in the previous year are considered “returning players” and must be drafted into the division by the conclusion of the draft. 

In the Major Baseball Division Draft, there is a Draft-Eligible List. Managers can only select from the Draft-Eligible List.  Managers will select only from the Draft-Eligible List until all teams have reached the maximum of 12 players on each team. The remaining players on the Draft-Eligible List that were not selected will be eligible for the Minor Division. In case of a release of a Major Baseball player, a player who was not drafted to a Major Baseball team and was on the Draft-Eligible List shall be a replacement candidate on the Major Baseball team. 

Minor Baseball Draft: 

The Minor Baseball Division Draft will be in accordance with the “Method in First Year of Operation, Plan A” of the LLB Operating Manual. 

This Draft will be held immediately following the Minor Tryout. Teams will draw as to the order they pick. This draft will use the “Snake Draft Method” in order to fill the teams.  Managers should keep in mind that players who were named to the Draft-Eligible List and not selected to the Majors Division can be eligible to be called up as a replacement at any point during the season. 

No players are considered “returning players” In the Minor Baseball Division and they are eligible to be placed on any Minor Baseball team.  Players may not drop down a division in minors from the previous year’s play. 

Coach Pitch: All Coach Pitch eligible players will be placed on a team at random by the player agent.  Request for one “friend” will be honored only if both players request each other on the same team.  Coach Pitch does not participate in tryout/evaluations except as required by the Board of Directors. 

T-Ball: All T-Ball players will be assigned to a team by the Player Agent at random.  Request for one “friend” will be honored only if both players request each other on the same team.  T-Ball does not participate in tryout/evaluations except as required by the Board of Directors. 

Junior Baseball Draft: This draft will usually be held immediately following the tryout. The managers will select in accordance with the “Method in First Year of Operation, Plan A” in the LLB Operating Manual. 

Softball Drafts: All softball divisions except coach pitch, will use the “Method in First Year of Operation, Plan A” in the LLB Operating Manual. Following the tryout, the Player Agent and the respective Managers will select which players will be eligible for the Major Softball Division and which players will be eligible for the Minor Softball Division. 

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SECTION III- Options 

Sibling Options: 

This option takes place when there are brothers, sisters, or siblings in the draft. Parents will not be allowed to request this option. However, the League will strongly urge the option to be exercised by the Managers. If a team during the draft should select a player candidate who has a brother or sister also in the draft, that team may invoke the brother/sister option. This option must be taken at that time and will be charged as a team’s next round draft selection. Failure to take the option at that time releases the remaining brother/sister/sibling to be drafted by any other team. 

Manager Option: 

This option takes place when the Manager has a son or daughter in the draft. They will be protected in the draft prior to the close of a specific draft round depending on the league age. If (s)he is not selected by his/her guardian by that specific round, (s)he is free to be drafted by any other teams. 

SECTION IV- Trades 

Following the draft, managers may, if they desire, trade players immediately. All trades must be finalized before leaving the drafting room. All trades shall be made through and with the approval of the Player Agent and President. All trades must be player for player only. The Player Agent must monitor any attempts by managers to manipulate the system and thus create an imbalance in the league. 

At no time should a manager contact another team or the parents of a player of another team about a trade. If it comes to the Player Agent’s attention that this rule has been broken, the trade will not be considered and disciplinary action against the Manager may result. 

In the event that a player is not placed in the division they are originally registered for, notification will be made to the parent/guardian prior to the rosters being finalized. If there is a price structure difference, the league will issue the refund for the difference in price.

ARTICLE VI – PRACTICE AND GAMES

All practice and games will set by Hampton Wythe Little League. Scrimmages can only be conducted before the season begins, and it can only be between teams in the same division. Any additional practices must be scheduled through the Scheduler. 

NOTE: The Scheduler has the right to revise the schedule at any point during the season with approval from of the President. 

All teams will be scheduled a minimum of 12 games. For All-Star eligible divisions, each team must play a minimum of 12 games to have their respective players eligible for All-Stars. All players must play at least 60% of their teams’ played games to be eligible. In the event of cancellations and reschedules, HWLL will attempt to make up as much T-Ball and Coach Pitch games as possible since they do not have a specific game requirement like All-Star divisions. 

If games are cancelled and need to be rescheduled, the Scheduler will provide a makeup location for the teams depending on availability. The managers are responsible for coordinating a date that works for both teams and send the request to the scheduler.

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All home games will take place at HWLL fields, School Fields, or other Hampton Parks and Recreation owned fields. Specific field assignments will be provided on the schedule. 

If there is less than four teams in a particular division, the league can opt to participate in Interleague Play with surrounding leagues within District 7 Little League. In Interleague Play, teams will be required to play games outside of Hampton. 

ARTICLE VII- POSTSEASON

Hampton Wythe Little League wants players to have a full experience of baseball and softball. Some divisions play Interleague (playing other leagues within in the districts) and thus, an End-of-the-Year Tournament is usually unavailable. Hampton Wythe Little League reserves the right to offer an End-of-the-Year Tournament for the Minors and Majors Baseball Division and/or Future Stars Tournament at the end of the regular season if time allows or if it is in the best interest of the League. All Special Games requests must be approved by Little League International. 

End-of-the-Year Tournament: The EOY Tournament is a special games tournament that follows the HWLL regular season. There are two EOY Tournaments, one for Major Baseball and one for Minor Baseball. The format will be determined by the HWLL Board of Directors prior to the start of the tournaments. 

Future Stars Tournament: Future Stars is a special games tournament for the younger ones to experience an All-Star like atmosphere. It is typically a week-long tournament with practices, games, and fun activities to help prepare the child for a higher level of competition. Participants will engage in practices, games, and special events to facilitate a fun and learning experience. Teams are made by the Player Agent, respective Commissioners, and any Board of Director volunteer available to assist. In the event that the program is offered, there is an additional fee for Future Stars player to cover uniform and tournament costs.

NOTE: In case of weather or any other reason that the regular season needs to be pushed back, an End-of-the-Year or Future Stars Tournament does not have to be played. It is only to further the instruction of baseball and softball and is not required. Playing out the regular season takes precedence. 

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ARTICLE VIII – DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

In the event of a potential complaint, the following steps should occur: 

STEP ONE: Discuss the issue with the person responsible for the complaint and attempt to reach a mutually agreeable resolution to the concern. 

STEP TWO: Explore any other possibilities that might reasonably be expected to resolve a situation in a satisfactory manner. 

STEP THREE: File a written complaint. 

If a member of Hampton Wythe Little League feels that they have no alternative but to raise a formal complaint with the league, the following procedure should be used: 

1. To be considered, a formal complaint MUST be in writing. 

2. The formal complaint should be addressed to the President of Hampton Wythe Little League. 

3. When the President receives a properly made formal complaint, it shall be investigated. The investigation should include, but is not limited to discussing the issue with all involved parties and others who may have knowledge of the situation. 

4. If the complaining party wishes or if the President deems it necessary, the formal  complaint will be brought to the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors. 

5. In presenting the complaint to the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors, the President will present the situation, as he/she understands it. 

6. The complainant and the subject(s) of the complaint (if any) will be notified when the complaint will be presented to the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors. The above parties will be invited to hear the presentation of the complaint and will be given the opportunity to comment if they wish; however, the complainant and any such subjects will be asked to leave prior to the discussion of the issue by the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors. 

7. After appropriate discussion, the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors will take whatever action it deems appropriate. The complainant will be notified of the decision of the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors in a timely manner. If unsatisfied with the outcome, the complainant has forty-eight (48) hours from the time of the notification to file a formal appeal to the President. 

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ARTICLE IX- SAFETY

Hampton Wythe Little League participates in the Little League ASAP Program. The ASAP paperwork should be completed by the League Safety Officer and submitted to the District 7 Staff by the assigned date of each year. Proof of Insurance from our charter shall be provided to all entities that Hampton Wythe Little League does business with. 

The Safety Officer shall coordinate First Aid Training with the League Vice President and President. A Safety Class and a Concussion Training Exam must be offered and completed to all managers and coaches before any team can practice. The purpose of the class is to train Managers and Coaches in proper First Aid Training. Players and parents will be involved in the League safety training and prevention program also. With proper training, the league hopes to prevent injuries from occurring. With all of us working together, our players will be safer. 

Per Little League Rules, all volunteers who have repeated contact with the players MUST submit a Volunteer Form, consent to a Background Check and complete any required trainings deemed necessary by the Board of Directors.

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ARTICLE X- ALL STARS

Hampton Wythe Little League will abide by the following selection process for selecting All-Star players and coaches that will represent HWLL at All-Star tournaments played at the district level, as well as state, regionals, and possibly World Series levels. 

The All-Star Executive Committee (ASEC) will oversee all processes involving All-Stars, including selections of managers, coaches, and players. The HWLL ASEC will be composed of four voting members and a record keeper. The voting members consist of the following: The President, Vice President of Baseball/Softball, and the Player Agent.  Another board member can be selected by the President if positions are shared or if there is potential bias. 

In cases in which there is a conflict of interest, the member shall recuse themselves, and the President shall select a replacement committee member. 

All registered players of Hampton Wythe Little League, who have met age and eligibility requirements per the Little League rulebook, will be eligible for All-Stars. The parent/guardian of any player wishing to be considered for the All-Star teams must declare by the date set forth by the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors. The parent/guardian(s) declaration is no guarantee that said child will be chosen for their respective division All-Star team. Hampton Wythe Little League will provide notification to parent/guardian(s) of all deadlines. 

Prior to the All-Star season, HWLL will determine what teams will be represented at the district level based on available managers, player commitment forms, and what is in the best interest of the league. 

If enough interest is available and at the discretion of the HWLL Board of Directors, the tournament baseball and softball teams will be composed of eligible players selected by the voting method described below. Players who meet the minimum requirements and have submitted a commitment form are eligible for selection. A spot on an All-Star team is not guaranteed. The teams will be selected in this order: 10-12, 8-10 and 9-11, Intermediate, Juniors, Seniors. 

SECTION I: All-Star Manager Selection

The All-Star Executive Committee will have the deciding vote on the final list of managers and coaches. 

Any approved regular season manager/coach interested in managing an All-Star team in their respective age group, must declare their intention to the All-Star Director by deadline set forth by the Board of Directors as well as signing a letter of intent form to confirm his or her intentions of managing a team. 

Selection Process: 

- All managers for each Hampton Wythe Little League All-Star team will be selected using the same process. 

- The All-Star Executive Committee will interview manager candidates following the deadline. 

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- Any manager or coach from the Little League season will be able to nominate themselves for a manager position. The manager or coach must: 

a) Be approved by the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors. 

b) Have turned in a Volunteer Form and passed a background check. 

c) Must have the ability to represent themselves and the league well. 

The manager candidates will be evaluated based on the following criteria (other criteria not listed here may be used): 

- Hampton Wythe Little League history, including feedback received 

- Knowledge of the game 

- Knowledge of players 

- Input from non-All-Star coaches, managers, and board members 

- Personal commitment 

The ASEC will select managers by majority vote of the HWLL BOD. The approved manager of each tournament will be allowed to select their coaches with the approval of the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors.  Only one assistant coach may be chosen from the managers regular season team. 

League Presidents may be eligible to be selected by local league Board of Directors as tournament team manager or coach with written approval from their respective District Administrator. 

SECTION II: All-Star Player Selection

The ASEC will have the final vote on the final list of approved players, managers, and coaches. Depending of the number of players desired on the roster by the selected All-Star manager, the top votes in numerical order shall be selected with the only exceptions allowed: 

- Said player will miss tournament action due to previous engagements listed on the commitment form 

- Said player suffered an injury since the ballots were submitted 

- Said player faced disciplinary action enforced by the league 

Voting for the All-Star teams is extremely confidential. Only those members designated to the count of the votes should see the results in the balloting. 

Manager Vote: Each regular season manager will be presented with a ballot with the names of every eligible player listed alphabetically by team. Each manager voting will be required to put their name on the ballot in the event of any question from the ASEC. Each manager shall vote up to 12 players. Managers can select players that play on his or her regular season team. Each player selected by a manager receives ten vote towards the All-Star selection. 

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Assistant Coach Vote: Each regular season team will receive two ballots per team for assistant coaches.  Two assistant coaches shall vote up to 12 players.  Assistant coaches can select players on his or her regular season team.  Each player selected by an assistant coach receives 3 votes toward the All-Star selection.

Player Vote: Each player will receive a ballot consisting of players in their respective division. Each player shall vote up to 12 players. Only the HWLL ASEC or proxy determined by the President shall be present for the voting.  Managers and coaches shall not be present with the players to prevent any pressure situations. The Player must be present at the time of voting, and each of those players shall receive one vote towards the All-Star Selection. 

Once all of the votes are tallied, the top 9 players with the most votes will be provided to the All-Star manager, with the final 3 roster positions being determined by the manager. 

SECTION III: All-Stars Season 

After being selected to the All-Star team, practices can start on the date that is determined by Little League International. Practices will be scheduled by the Manager of the team through the Scheduler. It is up to the Manager’s discretion of how many times he/she wants to practice throughout the season. 

In the first couple of practices, each parent/guardian(s) will get a list of requirements that must be fulfilled in order to have their son/daughter eligible to play. An affidavit will also be filled out by the Player Agent with the information. Without the affidavit, that team cannot play in a tournament. Players/Parents must provide the following: 

- Pay a fee to Hampton Wythe Little League to cover All-Star costs such as uniforms, equipment, and banners. The fee will vary each year and is set by the Board of Directors. 

- Provide the original birth certificate. The Player Agent will keep the birth certificate until it is approved by the District 7 Staff, it will then be returned to the parents. 

- Provide three proofs of residence showing that the player is a resident of Hampton. These proofs must be from February 1 of the previous year to February 1 of the current year. 

If a player has participated in All-Stars in previous seasons, filled out a Player Verification Form and has not moved from their address on the form, they do not need to provide any further information other than a new medical release. 

After the affidavit has been checked by the District 7 Staff, the team is eligible to play in their respective tournament. If the team wins Districts and advances, the team might have to travel to other districts in Virginia. Travel, hotels, and reimbursements will be $[decided by HWLL BoD] per team per level advancement.  Teams are encouraged to conduct fundraisers, raffles, car wash, etc. to raise additional team funs.  All money raised is the property of HWLL and should be provided to the Treasurerr or President for distribution back to the corresponding All-Star team.

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ARTICLE XI – FALL BALL

Fall Ball registration opens in August of each year. Practices begin in early September and games run through the end of October/early November. The purpose of Fall Ball is to focus on player development to prepare for the spring Little League season. 

A) For Fall Ball – all League Ages will be determined by the following year’s age chart (i.e. Fall of 2023 will be based on the 2024 Little League Age Chart) as a guide. 

B) There is no formal evaluation/tryout process for the Fall. The Player Agent, along with various board members, will assign fair and balanced teams. In the event a player is placed in a different division than he/she originally registered, a board member will notify the parent/guardian. 

C) Fall Ball may require interleague play based on the number of teams in a division. The Scheduler will notify managers once a decision has been made. 

D) Once registration has closed, late registrations may be allowed based on division openings. Timely uniforms cannot be guaranteed for late registrants. 

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HAMPTON WYTHE LITTLE LEAGUE

GROUND RULES

All rules described in the current season’s Little League Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules apply unless noted otherwise herein.

GENERAL FIELD USE POLICIES: 

1. Alcoholic beverages, marijuana, tobacco products and smoking devices are strictly forbidden from all fields that a HWLL function is occurring. 

2. Pets are not allowed at the HWLL Complex. Service animals are not considered pets. 

3. All games will be immediately suspended when there is lightning and thunder in the vicinity and everyone shall be directed to their vehicles for at least thirty (30) minutes. Hampton Wythe Little League strongly urges every adult to remember that the safety of our children is far more important than a ballgame. If players and adults do not go to their vehicles, the right to declare the game over exists. 

4.  In the case of an injury or incident, the manager is required to contact the Hampton Wythe Little League (HWLL) League President, League Vice President of Baseball, and Safety Officer at [email protected] immediately and fill out all appropriate forms. These forms are essential for financial assistance from the league’s insurance carrier!

5. Each manager is responsible for having the parents of each player completely fill out the medical release form prior to participation in any practice and game.

ALL DIVISIONS: 

1. 1. Unsportsmanlike conduct by players, managers, coaches and spectators will not be tolerated.  Umpires shall follow the appropriate Little League rules to disqualify or eject any player, manager, coach or spectator for objecting to umpire decisions in an unsportsmanlike manner.

2. The home team shall: 

1. Be assigned the 1st base dugout. 

2. Will prepare the field before the game, including placing and securing all equipment before and after each game. 

3. Picking up all trash in their dugout and on the 1B side of the field after the game.

4. Shall supply one new and one playable ball.  ONLY baseballs, as supplied by the league, will be used during all games.    

5. Please keep storage units closed and locked before, during and after games.

6. Please do not leave any league equipment on the field after your game. Please    leave the field in better condition than you found it.

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3. The visiting team shall: 

1. Be assigned the 3rd base dugout. 

2. Will be responsible for raking the field after the game and returning all league equipment to the equipment box or complex storage rooms. 

3. Picking up all trash in their dugout and on the 3B side of the field after the game.

4. The Home Team will be responsible for cutting the lights off at lit fields prior to leaving the field.

5. Please keep storage units closed and locked before, during, and after games.

6. Please do not leave any league equipment on the field after your game. Please leave the field in better condition than you found it.
   
   

4. Game Postponements and Curfews

1.  Game postponements due to inclement weather or darkness shall be the decision of both Managers prior to the game and the responsibility of the Home Plate Umpire during the game.  If the Managers disagree prior to game time, the Home Plate Umpire shall have the final decision.

2. Whenever possible, a rain date will be established by the managers and commissioner BEFORE the next scheduled game to aid in maintaining schedule integrity. When a game is postponed without a pre-established rain date, the HOME Manager will notify the League Commissioner of the game postponement and then coordinate with the AWAY Manager, League Scheduler, and/or the League Commissioner to reschedule the game at the earliest time available.

3. Take extreme precaution before potential lightning storms to avoid being caught on the field during the storm. Seek the protection of a substantial building (NOT dugouts or picnic shelters) until the storm passes. Activities cannot be resumed for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder and/or lightning occurrence.

4. For Saturday games, there is no time limit.  Tie games will go into extra innings up and until 8:30. No inning will begin after 8:30 p.m., after which the game will be suspended and completed at a later date.  Major BB games CANNOT end in a tie.

5. On weekday evenings (Monday – Friday), there is no time limit.  Tie games will go into extra innings up and until 8:30. No inning will begin after 8:30, after which the game will be suspended and completed at a later date.  Major BB games CANNOT end in a tie.

6. If the first game of the day cannot begin within thirty (30) minutes of the scheduled start time due to field conditions, it should be postponed, and the Home Manager shall notify the League Commissioner so that the Home Manager for the following game (if scheduled) can be notified.

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7. During any game: 

a. No food shall be allowed in the dugout, except as provided for the team under the manager’s discretion. 

b. No player from a playing team shall be allowed to leave the dugout or designated team area, except in an emergency, without the umpire’s permission. Any player leaving the dugout without the umpire’s permission may, at the umpire’s discretion, not be allowed to return. 

c. Shirt tails for all players shall be tucked in at all times. 

d. Managers and coaches shall remain in their dugout at all times. Exceptions: Base coaches and conferences with players or umpires. They must have the umpire’s permission to leave the dugout for a conference. 

8. If play is suspended due to weather or light failure, the umpire may waive the 30-minute waiting period to resume play if, in his/her judgment, conditions will not permit resuming play within that time. 

9. Teams may not use any field for games or practices if the field has been determined unfit for play and off-limits. Plan to play unless otherwise notified. 

10. League standings will be kept by the League Commissioner. All game scores, results, innings played, pitchers, and pitch counts shall be reported on the Group text created by the Commissioner, ASAP.

11. Substitutions

1. All players present will appear in the batting order.  Field substitutions will not affect the batting order.  This means that players may be substituted freely during a game, but must still meet minimum play requirements.

2. Minimum Play Requirements:  Since HWLL players are “batting the bench”, all players are considered starters and will be in the batting line-up. 

3. All players must play a minimum of two (2) complete defensive innings per game. A player may not be substituted for defensively in the middle of an inning and have it count towards his two full defensive innings. 

4. Substitution policy for all is that all players must play in the field at least half of every game (example - 2 of 4 innings or 3 of 6 innings) and players DO NOT sit for more than two consecutive innings.

12.  Specific Ground rules for each division are provided to managers at the beginning of each season.

In the event a division participates in Interleague, teams will be required to adhere to the following: 

A. All rules will be followed by the Little League Rulebook and District 7’s Interleague Ground Rules. 

B. All scores and pitch counts need to be reported to the District 7 representative. 

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Managers & Coaches 

T-Ball, Coach Pitch Baseball & Softball, Minors Baseball & Softball – A team may have one manager and three approved coaches on the field of play. All managers and coaches must be approved by the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors. Only approved coaches may be on the field during games. There is not a limit of how many practice coaches a team can have but all practice coaches must submit a volunteer form. 

Majors Baseball & Softball, Juniors Baseball & Softball, Seniors Baseball & Softball – A team must have one manager and two approved coaches on the field of play. All managers and coaches must be approved by the Hampton Wythe Little League Board of Directors. Only approved coaches may be on the field during games. There is not a limit of how many practice coaches a team can have but all practice coaches must submit a volunteer form.

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