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MA-LL Handbook

Menlo Atherton Little League
Handbook

Little League is the largest youth sports program in the world. There are over two and a half million youth enrolled in more than 17,800 chartered programs in over 40 countries. Founded in 1939, Little League was incorporated as Little League Baseball, Inc. in January 1950 under the laws of the State of New York, and granted a Congressional Charter of Federal Incorporation in July 1964. Little League Baseball, Inc. is a tax exempt nonprofit organization headquartered in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

The values of Little League are many, with the balanced development of the child as the ultimate goal. Through Little League Baseball, youngsters develop and appreciate the need for teamwork, sportsmanship, and unselfish cooperation - disciplines to be treasured a lifetime. Physical development is a prime concern, as is the enjoyment that comes in learning and playing a team sport under proper guidance and exemplary leadership. To help achieve these objectives, the national organization provides each league with a standardized competitive program in the form of Rules and Policies of Little League Baseball, Inc.

Menlo Atherton Little League:

                Goals of MA Little League                  Organization & Administration
                Levels of Play                                    Coaches
                Commissioners                                  Player Representative
                Playoffs                                             City Championships
                All Stars                                            Umpires
                Uniforms & Equipment                        Insurance
                Standards of Conduct                         Conflict Resolution Process
                2009 MA Little League Board of Directors

Menlo-Atherton Little League, Inc. is a legally recognized corporation within the State of California. It is a nonprofit organization and charter member of Little League Baseball, Inc. Menlo-Atherton Little League abides by operating policies and procedures set forth by Little League Baseball, Inc. through the Little League Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules and the Little League Baseball Operating Manual. This handbook provides a practical translation of Little League philosophy and policy as set forth in the Little League Baseball Operating Manual. It also reflects local goals and objectives as articulated by the Board of Directors.

Goals of Menlo Atherton Little League

Teach youngsters to develop and appreciate the need for teamwork, sportsmanship and unselfish cooperation;

Create an environment so kids experience the enjoyment that comes from playing team sports;

Develop their physical skills;

Foster their appreciation and understanding of the game of baseball.

Organization and Administration

The Menlo-Atherton Little League serves approximately 530 children between the ages of 6 and 15. The boundaries include all of Atherton, and the incorporated areas of Menlo Park east of El Camino Real and west of Highway 101. Children who reside in Menlo Park west of El Camino Real play in the Alpine League and those who reside in Menlo Park east of Highway 101 play in the Ravenswood League.

Only those families who reside within the boundaries of the Menlo-Atherton Little League are eligible to participate in the Menlo-Atherton Little League, with the following exception: Families who previously lived within the boundaries of the Menlo-Atherton Little League for two or more years and were actively involved (e.g., as a coach, board member, etc.) may petition to have their children play in the Menlo-Atherton Little League, provided that they continue to serve as a dedicated volunteer, and the league in which the family now lives waives all claim to the player(s). Additionally, for Juniors and Seniors and for all Softball teams, Menlo-Atherton has combined these leagues with the Alpine Little League (whose boundaries include the balance of Menlo Park).

The Menlo-Atherton Little League is governed by a Board of Directors who generally meet once a month. All board meetings are open to the public. An executive committee comprised of the President and Vice Presidents serve as the operating body. This arrangement provides for a distribution of responsibilities and tasks among more people, and provides for an efficient way of managing communications and utilizing volunteers within the community. The names of the Board of Directors appear below under "Board of Directors".

Costs for operating the League are approximately $80,000 per year. Field improvements cost the League an additional $5 -$10,000 each year. Annual expenses go towards uniforms, upgrading and buying new equipment, paying field rental fees and umpires, printing and mailing notices and newsletters, purchasing insurance, paying charter and tournament fees, buying trophies, team photographs, etc. Although a substantial portion of the operating budget is funded through player registration fees and from team sponsors, the remaining funds come from additional parent contributions.

The Board is committed to encouraging all interested children to participate regardless of the family's ability to pay the registration fee. Therefore, we have established a Scholarship program so that all children will have an opportunity to play Little League. Contact the league by calling the M-A LL telephone number at 650-324-8323 for additional information.

Levels of Play

Menlo-Atherton Little League offers eight divisions of baseball and three levels of softball. Participation at each level is determined by a combination of skill, interest, and age. Juniors and Seniors (ages 13-15) require an advanced level of ability and commitment that is to be judged by a committee of coaches. Baseball ages of players are determined by the age players will be on April 30 of the calendar year that includes the season. The individual Division Info pages contain information on each division's target age, skill levels and team formation.

The primary objective in the formation of teams is to provide balance within each level. At the T-Ball level, this is most easily accomplished by placing children randomly on teams. A "draft" system, as specified by Little League Baseball, is used to form teams at all other levels.

Coaches

See Coaches Web Page

Commissioners

Each division is assigned a Commissioner. The role of the Commissioner is to provide a communication link between the Board, officers, coaches, and parents and to ensure that Menlo-Atherton Little League policies and procedures are carried out and adhered to. Commissioners play an important role in managing the process for forming teams, distributing and collecting equipment and uniforms, clarifying rules and procedures, addressing and resolving conflict, etc. Commissioners should be the first level of contact regarding procedural issues, rules and regulations, and questions regarding the Menlo-Atherton Little League.

Player Representative

A player representative is assigned by the Board of Directors to ensure that player concerns are dealt with equitably and impartially. Any parent issues that cannot be resolved by the Commissioner should be directed to the Player Representative.

Playoffs

Playoffs may be held at all levels other than T-Ball. Playoffs add a competitive element that most young players enjoy and facilitates a normal climax to regular season play. Playoffs are particularly meaningful in the Majors, with the winner representing the League in the City Championship game against the Alpine League.

The playoff schedule and specific procedures may differ at each level, depending on the length of the season, the number of teams involved, etc. While playoff specifics may be determined by the Commissioner and coaches, the following guidelines will prevail at all levels:

Specifics must be agreed to, published, and distributed to all the teams involved before the end of the regular playing season.
At the Majors level the winner of a double elimination tournament goes on to play in the City Championship against the winner of the Alpine League.
Team standings at the end of the regular season will determine the makeup of the playoff schedule (for example, 1 vs. 8, 2 vs. 7, etc). Ties will be resolved by comparing the number of games the teams played against each other during the regular season and ruling in favor of the team that won the most games. If the tie still exists, a coin flip will be used to determine which team moves ahead of the other in terms of standings.
Each team in the playoffs must carry a minimum of 10 players (12 for Majors). Players from the next lower level (except from Majors to Juniors and Seniors) may be brought up to fill out a roster, provided that the replacement players have completed their own playoff games at the lower level. Juniors and Seniors may not bring players up from Majors because of the difference in field sizes.
Playoff rosters must be submitted to the respective Commissioner one week before the first playoff game.
All playoff games will go the full number of innings allotted. There will not be a time limit for any playoff game.
Home team assignments will go to the team with the best regular season record, or by a flip of the coin if their records are tied.

City Championship

The winner of the Menlo-Atherton League Major playoff tournament plays the winner of the Alpine League at Burgess Park. The Commissioner for Majors and the coaches from the team representing the Menlo-Atherton Little League should plan to meet with the Alpine League representatives and coaches one week prior to the game to exchange rosters, confirm responsibilities and to go over basic rules and regulations.

Menlo Atherton will be the home team on odd years (2001, 2003, etc.), Alpine on even years (2000, 2002, etc.).
Menlo Atherton will provide the plate umpire on even years, Alpine on odd years.
Each League will provide two umpires for a total of four for the game.
Teams will not borrow players from another team in Majors. Players may be brought up from AAA to maintain agreed upon roster size.
Little League Rules and Regulations apply in their entirety.

All Stars

All Star teams are selected for post season play at the 9-10 All Stars, Majors, Juniors, and Seniors levels. Only players of league age, 9 and 10 playing AAA or Majors are eligible for the 9-10 All Star team and only 11 and 12 year olds are eligible for the Majors All Star team. In addition, only players of league age 13 are eligible for the Juniors All Star team, and only players of league age 14 and 15 are eligible for the Seniors All Star team. Player ages must be verified by a birth certificate and their place of residence confirmed before the team roster is submitted to Little League headquarters. Tournament play commences at the District level in July, with winners advancing through section, state, division, and regional play to qualify for the World Series in mid to late August.

Each All Star team is limited to one manager and two coaches during tournament play. All Star managers and coaches will be selected by the President of the Board of Directors at each level based on the following criteria: leadership skills and presence, the knowledge of baseball, a demonstrated ability to interact and motivate players in a positive manner, general attitude and behavior throughout the season, and season record. The Board reserves the right to replace any manager or coach that they deem unacceptable as a representative of the League in All Star play.
Twelve players and possibly two alternates are selected for each All Star team two weeks before tournament play begins (LL Rules prohibit selection announcements before mid-June). Each All Star team is selected from among the teams within each level on the basis of playing ability, knowledge of the game, sportsmanship, and availability. Not every regular season team needs to be represented on the All Star Team(s). Rules and procedures for selecting the All Star Teams are as follows:

Each manager may nominate as many players as he/she wishes from his /her team to help develop an initial list. No other names may be added to the list once the list has been constituted. Each manager then recommends 10 players from the list, excluding players who they originally nominated from their own teams.
The League may solicit the input from players within the Majors division by vote. This player vote is only advisory.
The Commissioner, the Player's Representative and the President of the Board of Directors will consider all of the above recommendations when making the final selection for each of the All Star teams.
The final two players of each All Star team are recommended by the All Star Manager from the remaining top players.
All Star player selections may be subject to a tryout before final selections are confirmed.

Umpires

See Umpires Web Page

Uniforms and Equipment

Equipment will be issued to team managers right after teams are formed. Uniforms will be issued prior to the first game. Managers will be held responsible for equipment and uniforms throughout the season and for their return after the season is concluded. They will be required to sign the equipment out and sign it in when returned. All uniforms are to be laundered and packed for storage. Managers will be held responsible for equipment and/or uniforms that are not returned.

All new purchases of equipment and uniforms will flow through the League President or Equipment Manager and/or Uniform Manager. Purchases made by coaches or other volunteers with the intention of being reimbursed without prior authorization may not be honored.

Insurance

Menlo-Atherton Little League carries player accident insurance, through Little League Baseball. The policy also contains an excess coverage provision which prevents unwarranted double payment of medical bills. Specifically, the accident insurance carried by the League takes over only where personal medical insurance leaves off, and provides full coverage in those few instances where there is no personal medical insurance.

The League also carries general liability insurance ($1,000,000) as well as Directors and Officers Liability Insurance. The latter provides protection for all volunteers officially associated with the League.

Accident insurance carried by the League does not cover participation in other baseball or softball activities, including authorized high school programs. All of the insurance carried by the League through Little League Baseball are limited to designated managers and head coaches. None of the insurance provides coverage to assistant coaches or other volunteers.

Standards of Conduct

The Menlo-Atherton Little League Board of Directors has adopted standards of conduct for all participants in the Menlo-Atherton Little League. Those standards are spelled out below for players, parents, manager and coaches (including other adult volunteers) and the Little League Board. It is in the interest of all participants to understand and comply with these standards. Any question about these standards should be raised with members of the Board.

Players Rights:

To participate in playing baseball or softball regardless of skill level and at a level that is commensurate with the player's developmental level.
To play as a child and not as an adult and to have fun when playing baseball or softball.
To have qualified adult leadership who clearly communicate what is expected of players.
To have adult leadership who are positive role models, who place the emotional and physical well-being of players ahead of any personal desire to win, and who demonstrate fair play and sportsmanship.
To receive proper preparation for playing the game and to learn the skills of playing baseball or softball.
To receive an equal opportunity to strive for success. To learn that winning is not the only measure of success.
To learn to be a member of a team.
To be treated with dignity by all involved.
To participate in a safe and healthy environment.

Players Responsibilities:

To attend practices and games on time.
To try their very best at all times, win or lose.
To obey adult authorities (manager, coaches, umpires) and to be respectful at all times.
To learn to be a team player, choosing the team's goals over personal goals.
To be a good sport and to abide by the rules.

Parents Rights:

To participate in assisting in a meaningful way with the team.
To have an open path of communication to managers, coaches, and Board members and to know what is expected of their child.
To have a responsive and effective process for expressing concerns about the Menlo-Atherton Little League program, about team leadership, or about umpiring.
To understand the rules of the game, of each division, and of the league.
To expect support from the Board consistent with the policies and procedures of the league and with local rules.

Parents Responsibilities:

To participate in some concrete way in the management/support of the team. To communicate effectively with managers and coaches about their children's experiences with baseball.
To support the managers and coaches by ensuring regular and prompt attendance of players at games and practices.
To support the managers, coaches, and other adult volunteers by ensuring that their children are obedient and cooperative at all times.
To treat all volunteers (managers, coaches, umpires, Board members) and players with dignity. To model good sportsmanship. To urge children to try their best.

Managers/Coaches Rights:

To expect players to behave in a manner which will not interfere with the enjoyment of the game of baseball or softball by others.
To expect players to cooperate, to follow their instruction, and to abide by the rules set forth by the manager.
To expect parental support for the team and for their leadership. To expect parents to support them in enforcing the rules of the team.
To expect responsive and timely support from the Board consistent with the policies and procedures of the league and with local rules.
To expect players to put forth their best effort when playing and practicing.
To be treated with dignity by players, parents, and other volunteers.
To choose what skills to teach and develop, and what drills to run in practice to bring about that development, and to decide how those skills are best utilized during games.

Managers/Coaches Responsibilities:

To communicate effectively with players, parents, and other volunteers. To clearly communicate the rules of the team and their philosophy about the way the game should be played by players on the team.
To treat all players equally and fairly and to know, understand, and ensure the rights of players.
To have a clear standard for player conduct and a clear system of discipline, enforced equitably and without anger.
To treat players, parents, and other volunteers with dignity and to pursue positive rather than negative approaches to dealing with all.
To refrain from unsportsmanlike or immature behavior.
To understand that they are role models for the players and to act accordingly.
To understand that they are a coach of youth and that the game is for children and not adults.
To understand that winning is not the ultimate goal of baseball/softball and to act accordingly.
To report to the Board any issues/problems which are not within their authority or ability to resolve.

MA Little League Board Rights:

To expect the support of players, managers, parents, and other volunteers and to expect compliance with its policies.
To expect all volunteers to put forth their best effort during games, practices, drafts, and other activities.
To expect managers and coaches to abide by its policies, standards, and local rules.
To be treated with dignity by players, parents, and other volunteers.

MA Little League Board Responsibilities:

To effectively communicate and enforce a set of clearly defined policies, standards, and local rules.
To be visible, accessible, supportive, impartial, and objective administrators of the game.
To provide as safe and orderly game environment as possible.
To assist in resolving problems involving players, parents, managers, coaches, umpires, or other volunteers.
To hold players, managers, coaches, volunteers, and parents accountable for their conduct in games and practices.
To strive for the best training of managers, coaches, and umpires possible.

Conflict Resolution Process

The Menlo-Atherton Little League Board hopes that everyone connected with the Little League Program has a fun and positive year. Little League can be one of the most enjoyable experiences in a child and parent's life. There is nothing that quite matches the excitement of a Little League game!

Occasionally, conflicts do arise among participants in Little League. The Board cares very much that conflicts be resolved quickly, objectively, and equitably with the very first consideration being given to the welfare of the children. Therefore, the Board has provided the following Conflict Resolution Process. It is designed for, and should be followed by, all adult participants in the league if a conflict arises.

Anyone who disapproves of the actions or attitudes of a parent or coach should bring it to their attention quickly in a courteous and positive manner. When approached promptly and with sensitivity to another's feelings and frame of reference, many problems quickly become non-issues and a higher level of cooperation and understanding is achieved. The adult volunteer should always be approached discreetly and privately, and the dialogue kept on a person to person level.
Disagreements that cannot be resolved in the above manner should be brought to the attention of the respective Commissioner. Commissioners are agents of the Board and are therefore bound to listen to all sides objectively and impartially, to respect each persons privacy in the matter, and to take action that s/he feels most appropriate.
Conflicts that cannot be resolved by the Commissioners (or conflicts with the Commissioner) should be brought to the attention of the Player Agent (a member of the Menlo Atherton Little League Board of Directors). The Player Agent will try to quickly resolve the conflict or at his/her discretion, submit the matter to the full Board of Directors.
Only matters of great concern will be brought to the Board and only after all means above have been exercised in good faith. The Board can, at its discretion, appoint a committee of Board Members who can remain objective to arbitrate the matter. If a Board member is involved in the conflict, s/he shall not be included as an arbiter in the Conflict Resolution Process. When a matter is brought to the Board, all decisions of the Board or its appointed committee will be binding and the matter will be considered resolved.
Any action connected with Little League deemed illegal, immoral, or unethical should be reported to the Board of Directors at once. The Board will be called to order on an emergency basis to deal with the problem.

2009 MA Little League Board of Directors

President	Arron Retterer
Vice President	Jon Duane
Treasurer	Chris Weseloh
Majors Commissioner	Ray Farnham
AAA Commissioner	Todd Brinton Dale Sakai
AA Commissioner	Gary Dillabough
A Commissioner	John Crevelt
TBall Commissioner	Paul Gray
Challenger Commissioner	Bob Crowe
Juniors/Seniors Commissioner	Lindsay Bowen
Fall Ball Commissioners	Jon Duane (Majors) Brian Rodrigues (AAA)
Softball Commissioner	Lisa Hennefarth
Umpires	Jon Duane
Player Agent	Bob Crowe
PCA (Positive Coaching Alliance)	Scott Barnum Carla Posthauer
Fields	Amy Boggs Rich Ferrick Rory Fuerst
Player/Coach Development	Scott Barnum Stan Drake Mike Gardner Brian Rodrigues Dale Sakai
Registration	Mike Kardos
Tryouts/Evaluations	Andy Kessler Stan Drake
Safety Officer	Todd Brinton
Equipment	Reynolds Morgan
Web Site	Doug Kaufman
Photo Day	Ian Bryan
Awards	John Crevelt
Insurance	David Wright
Opening Day	Mark Daschbach
Tournaments	Stan Drake
Legal/Contracts	Tim Cronin David Wright
Community Outreach	Carla Posthauer
Financial/Fund Raising	Mike Fekete Kevin Scheetz
Softball Advisor	Bill Shaw
Advisory Board	Steve Bouret Bob Hellman Vince Sakowski