Deadline to register is Dec. 31, 2009

A $20 late registration fee will be applied to all registrations received after 12/31/09

Northshore Little League
P. O. Box 1764
Bothell, WA   98041-1764

Signup Information

Registration for baseball and softball programs will be accepted by On-Line Registration beginning October 15, 2009. Please contact the Registrar if you need assistance.

Important Dates To Remember

• Open registration is from October 15, 2009 to December 31, 2009.

• Players may still register after the December 31, 2009 deadline, but will not be guaranteed a spot on a team. An additional fee of $20 will be added to late registrations. (More information below)

• Evaluations for player ages 8 and above will be held on Saturday, January 23, 2010.

• Practices will begin around March 1, 2010.

Proof of Age

• Little League rules require all players to provide proof of age to ensure placement in the right program. If your player is new to Northshore Little League, please mail a copy of his / her birth certificate to the NSLL P.O. Box immediately after completing on-line registration.

• ALL-STARS - Every player participating in All Stars must provide the league an original or certified copy of the player’s birth certificate during the tournament. Little League International is very strict with this requirement. If your player does not have an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and hopes to participate in All-Stars we recommend you obtain one now.

League Boundaries

• Please make sure your player lives within the boundaries of Northshore Little League. Boundaries are based on your home address, not the school your child attends. If you live within another Little League boundary, please register directly with that league. Proof of residence will be verified with copies of utility bills, voter’s registration and drivers license etc., before the start of All-Stars. If you have any questions, please check the NSLL Boundary Map, or e-mail to verify the right league for your player.

Late Registration Information -
 After December 31

Any registration completed after December 31, 2009, will be considered a late registration and assessed an extra $20 fee. Exception: Big League (17-18 yr olds) may register through April 1, 2010. Late registrants will be added to a waiting list if teams are already full. Full refunds will be provided if your player cannot be placed on a team.

The deadline is earlier than in prior years to give league volunteers additional time to form teams and managers to prepare for the season.

PLEASE SIGN UP ON TIME!

Click here for map of NSLL Boundaries

Don’t Live Within Our Boundries?

Call Your Local League:

Registration Fees

You may pay registration fees by credit card only while registering online. If you do not pay by credit card during online registration, please mail a check payable to Northshore Little League for the full sum stated on your registration receipt within 5 days of registering. NOTE: Your player is not registered and will not be placed on a team until payment is received. NSLL reserves the right to cancel any registration if payment is not delivered in a timely manner.

Other Fees and Discounts

A family discount of $10 for each addtional child is offered for families with more than one participant.

** Payment for Big League only will not be required until it is determined if enough players are available to field a team. Note that the cost for Big League includes the buyout fee. Big League players will not participate in the fund raiser.

Refunds

NSLL will refund 75% of the registration fee if the player withdrawals before the first practice and 50% of the registration fee if the player withdrawals after attending the first practice. There will be no refunds after the player’s team plays its first game, except in exceptional circumstances beyond the player’s control.

All requests for refunds must be submitted in writing and sent to:

Northshore Little League
P.O. Box 1764
Bothell, WA 98041

Registration Scholarships

Registration scholarships or modified fees are available following the same guidelines as the meal assistance program at the Northshore School District. Please make your inquiries to the Vice President, Baseball, or Director of Softball Operations for your program to determine if you qualify. Your privacy will be assured.

Player Ages

The league age of a player is not his/her actual current age.

PLEASE NOTE: There are different league ages for baseball and softball. League ages are outlined below.

A player's league age for BASEBALL DIVISIONS is their age as of April 30, 2010.

Download a printable age chart for the BASEBALL DIVISIONS here.

A player's league age for SOFTBALL DIVISIONS is their age as of December 31, 2009.

Download a printable age chart for the SOFTBALL DIVISIONS here.

Fund Raiser

Every player is required to participate in the fundraiser program or buy out.

A $50.00 buy out fee for each player will be required for those choosing not to participate in the fund-raiser program.

Note that the cost for Big League (Players league age 17-18) includes the buyout fee. Big League players will not participate in the fund raiser.

Evaluation Dates

Evaluations will be on Saturday, January 23, 2010. You will receive a postcard with your evaluation date, time, and location in mid-January.

We encourage all players 8 to 16 years to be evaluated, but this is not required to participate and be placed on a team. However, evaluations are mandatory for your child to play at certain division levels. Typically no exceptions are granted for this evaluation requirement. See player level descriptions for more information on evaluation requirements.

We need more volunteers to help with evaluations! Call or e-mail us to get more details.

Team Placement

NO TEAM PLACEMENTS ARE GUARANTEED AT ANY LEVEL

Majors / Minors: All Minors and first year Majors players will be placed on teams through an evaluation and draft process.

T-Ball through AAA: All players from T-Ball through AAA will be placed on teams by volunteer league coordinators using criteria designed to promote safety, a competitive balance in the league, and the best possible experience for all players. When registering, players are invited to note preferences of coaches and friends. These preferences will be considered but SPECIFIC TEAM PLACEMENT IS NOT GUARANTEED.

Player Level Descriptions

The following are general guidelines for appropriate levels of play for specific age groups. Please take the time to read and understand what level is appropriate for your child.

• League Age 5 - All children Age 5 will play T-Ball. There are no exceptions to this league age policy.
• League Age 6 - All children League Age 6 should play T-Ball. It is the rare, exceptionally talented 6-year-old who can play comfortably and develop proper confidence and skill playing at the next level (at most 1-2 per season).
• League Age 7 - Most children League Age 7 should play AA. A player is ready to advance to AA when the player is starting to catch the ball with the glove "up" (at face level) as opposed to basket catches with the glove "down". The player will be successful putting the ball in play in some machine-pitch at bats. A ball thrown or hit at a AA player's head will usually result in the player making the effort to get out of the way.
• League Age 8 - Most children League Age 8 will play AAA. Some still should play AA. No 8-year-olds will play Minors. A player is ready to advance to AAA when the player is comfortable fielding infield grounders and making a reasonable 60-foot throw. At bat, the AAA player is learning to discern balls from strikes and can reasonably move out of the way of a pitch too far inside. A ball thrown or hit at a AAA player's head will usually result in the player making the effort to catch the ball with periodic success.
• League Age 9 - Almost all children League Age 9 will play AAA. 9-year-old players should participate in Player Evaluations, although it will be the exceptional 9-year-old that is selected to play in Minors. Participation in Evaluations will allow them to have experience in preparation for the more meaningful Evaluations as 10-year-olds. The few 9-year-olds chosen to play Minors are players who are focused more than most, who know the game better than most, and who have talent in fielding, hitting and pitching ahead of most other 9-year-olds.
• League Age 10 - Most children League Age 10 will play Minors. A few still will play AAA, and fewer still will play Majors. (It is extremely rare for 10 year olds to play in Majors). A ball thrown or hit at a Minors player's head will usually result in the player making a catch. The player is required to participate in Player Evaluations at this age for selection to a Minors team.
• League Age 11 - Roughly half of children League Age 11 will play Minors, half will play Majors. The physical skill differences between 12-year-olds and 11-year-olds begin to be very different – more so than previous one-year age differences. So it is the 11-year-old player who loves baseball, knows the game, can safely avoid an errant, fast-moving inside pitch, and who can hit and field better than average who is ready for Majors. Players League Age 11 must participate in Player Evaluations and will be drafted either to a Minors or Majors team.
• League Age 12 - Players League 12 must play at the Majors level. The player is required to participate in Player Evaluations at this age for selection to a Majors team.

Please see below for additional information regarding player level descriptions.

T Ball

Any child who will attain the age of 5, 6 or 7 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play Tee Ball.

This division is primarily for 5 and 6 year olds who are just starting to play organized baseball. This division is also for 7 year olds who are not ready to move to the AA level.

All players bat and play in the field.

Tee Ball is generally the first introduction to organized baseball for most players. The primary objective by the end of the season is to ensure that each player has a "positive experience" with baseball, desires to play again the following year, and has successfully demonstrated the skills listed below.

• Warm up techniques
• Names of defensive positions
• How to execute a throw (proper grip)
• Proper fielding position (down and ready)
• How to hold a bat properly
• What to do after the ball is hit (as a batter and a runner)
• Knows how, why and when to run to the next base

All Players must have played one year of Tee Ball in Little League before advancing to the AA level.

"AA"

A child who will attain the age of 7 or 8 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play AA.*

At the AA level, all games will be machine-pitch for all innings. All players bat and 10 play in the field.

This division is primarily for 7and 8 year olds who have successfully demonstrated all of the Tee Ball skills. As with Tee Ball the primary objective at this level is to ensure that each player has a "positive experience" with baseball, desires to play again the following year, and has learned the skills listed below.

• TEAM concept
• Warm up techniques
• Number of outs per inning
• Fielding techniques (proper down and ready position)
• Uses both hands to catch the ball vs. one handed or trapped catches
• Understands where to make the defensive play
• Proper Batting position
• Proper base running (on the ground vs. in the air)
• Good Sportsmanship (End each game with a High Five)

All 8 year olds must have played one year of AA in Little League before advancing to the AAA level.

* In certain cases, with the approval of the AA coordinator, Player Agent and the NSLL Executive Board, 6 year olds (after one year of Little League T-ball) may be allowed to play at the AA level on a space available basis.

"AAA"

A child who will attain the age of 8, 9 or 10 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play AAA. A player (particularly an 8 year old) must have played one year at the AA level to be eligible for AAA, and should have successfully demonstrated the skills required at the AA level.

This division is primarily for 8 and 9 year olds who have successfully demonstrated all of the AA skills. This division is also for 9 and 10 year olds who are not ready for the Minors.

Players age 9 and older are required to participate in player evaluations.

At the AAA level, all games will be player-pitch for the entire game. A regulation Little League baseball will be used. All players bat and 9 play in the field.

The AAA level is where the players should begin to understand "WHY" they are making certain plays. As with the previous levels, the primary objective is to ensure that each player has a "positive experience" with baseball, desires to play again the following year, and has learned the skills listed below with the emphasis on "WHY".

• Warm up techniques
• Where to make the play
• Communication (calling for a fly ball)
• Proper fielding of GROUNDBALLS and FLY BALLS
• Backing up plays
• Pitcher position
• Difference between a Force Play and a Must Tag
• Good Sportsmanship

All 9 and 10 year old players are required to participate in Player Evaluations regardless of final level placement.

Boys Minors and Majors General Information

Players at the following levels must be evaluated and drafted onto a team.

At the Minors and Majors levels of Little League involvement levels and time commitments increase. The amount of time that a player is expected to participate varies from team to team but Little League has strict rules on minimum participation levels so as not to deprive another player from a roster spot.

Typically at the Minors level players may expect 1 to 2 games a week and up to 2 practices as game schedules allow.

Typically at the Majors level players may expect 2 to 3 games a week and 2 to 3 practices a week as game schedules allow.

Games at both the Minors and Majors levels will be played on different days each week as the field schedule dictates.

Boys Minors

A child who will attain the age of 9, 10, 11, or 12 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play Minors. A player must be selected by a manager through the player evaluation and draft process in order to play at the Minors level.

The primary objective at the Minors level is the same as the previous levels with emphasis on preparing players for advancement to the Majors level. The Minors level is both competitive and instructional with more emphasis on instructional than competitive during the regular season.

It is critical that the managers and coaches of this division provide sound training and good balance of playing time and position rotations for all players. Besides building upon the skills taught to them at the preceding levels, players should successfully demonstrate an understanding the following skills and situations:

• Advanced warm up techniques
• The ball is always "LIVE"
• Ground ball fielding techniques
• Where to make the play
• Relaying the ball from the outfield to the infield
• Batting stance (closed, open)
• Pitching mechanics
• Bunting
• Coming on time to practices and games prepared to play baseball
• Proper base running techniques including:
  • Stealing after the ball crosses the plate
  • When to tag up
  • How and when to slide
• Sacrifice situations
• How to rundown a base runner (pickle)
• Covering bases and backing up positions after a hit
• Always show good Sportsmanship on and off the field.

Boys Majors

A child who will attain the age of 10, 11 or 12 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play Majors. A player must be selected by a manager through the player evaluation and draft process in order to play at the Majors level.

The Majors level is both competitive and instructional with admittedly more emphasis on the competitive aspects of the game than at the Minors level. Managers focus on fielding a competitive team while also providing the players with a fun learning experience.

Players should focus on refining their baseball skills with a strong emphasis on consistency. Often the difference between an average player and a good player is the ability to consistently execute the required skills.

Players in the Majors level should:

• Come on time to practice and prepared for practice or games (including safety equipment)
• Show proper batting stance, bat position, and swing execution
• Know the difference between bunting for a base hit and a sacrifice bunt
• Demonstrate proper base running techniques including:
  • Exploding off the base after the ball crosses the plate
  • When to tag up vs. going half way
  • Proper sliding techniques
• Execute proper pitching motion
• Use proper Catching skills
• Cover bases correctly when receiving a throw or fielding a ball
• Understand how to go back on a fly ball
• Execute a run down - both as a runner and a fielder
• Know what can happen after a ball is caught in foul territory
• Use the relay man from out field or throw home if needed
• Cover all bases and backs up other players after a hit
• Always show good Sportsmanship on and off the field.

Seniors and Juniors Baseball (Ages 13 - 16)

Any child who will attain the age of 13, 14, 15, or 16 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play Junior or Senior baseball.

Games are played on full size baseball fields (same as the pros) and include leading off, unrestricted stealing, etc., just like in the high school and professional programs.

The level of competition varies by league, depending on the strength of the other competing programs in that area. Skill levels vary from recreational to highly competitive (select) levels of play.

Softball

Tee Ball (Coed Baseball) (Ages 5 - 6)

Any child who will attain the age of 5 and 6 years old on or before April 30th of the current season shall be eligible to play Tee Ball.

This division is primarily for 5 and 6 year olds who are just starting to play organized baseball.

Tee Ball is generally the first introduction to organized baseball for most players. The primary objective by the end of the season is to ensure that each player has a "positive experience" with baseball, desires to play again the following year, and has successfully demonstrated the skills listed below.

• Warm up techniques
• Names of defensive positions
• How to execute a throw (proper grip)
• Proper fielding position (down and ready)
• How to hold a bat properly
• What to do after the ball is hit (as a batter and a runner)
• Knows how, why and when to run to the next base

Farm (Ages 6 - 8)

Any child who will attain the age of 6 to 8 years old on or before December 31st (see Age Chart above) of the current season shall be eligible to play Farm.

At the Farm level, all games at the beginning of the season will be coach-pitch for all innings and will progress to a combination of coach pitch and player pitch.

This division is primarily for 6 to 8 year olds to learn the basics of softball. As with Tee Ball the primary objective at this level is to ensure that each player has a "positive experience" with softball, desires to play again the following year, and has learned the skills listed below.

• TEAM concept
• Warm up techniques
• Number of outs per inning
• Fielding techniques (proper down and ready position)
• Uses both hands to catch the ball vs. one handed or trapped catches
• Understands where to make the defensive play
• Proper Batting position
• Proper base running (on the ground vs. in the air)
• Good Sportsmanship (End each game with a High Five)

Minors Softball (Ages 9 - 11)

Any child who will attain the age of 9 - 12 years old on or before December 31st of the current season shall be eligible to play Minors. A player must be selected by a manager through the player evaluation and draft process in order to play at the Minors level.

The primary objective at the Minors level is the same as the previous levels with emphasis on preparing players for advancement to the Majors level. The Minors level is both competitive and instructional with more emphasis on instructional than competitive during the regular season.

It is critical that the managers and coaches of this division provide sound training and good balance of playing time and position rotations for all players. Besides building upon the skills taught to them at the preceding levels, players should successfully demonstrate the following skills:

• Coming to practices and games prepared to play softball
• Proper base running techniques including:
  • Stealing after the ball crosses the plate
  • When to tag up
  • How and when to slide
• Correct pitching mechanics
• Proper footwork to field and throw quickly
• How to go back on a fly ball
• Sacrifice situations
• How to rundown a base runner (pickle)
• Covering bases and backing up positions after a hit
• Always show good Sportsmanship on and off the field.

Major Softball (Ages 10 - 12)

Any child who will attain the age of 10 - 12 years old on or before December 31st of the current season shall be eligible to play Majors. A player must be selected by a manager through the player review and draft process in order to play at the Majors level.

The Majors level is both competitive and instructional with admittedly more emphasis on the competitive aspects of the game than at the Minors level. Managers focus on fielding a competitive team while also providing the players with a fun learning experience.

Players should focus on refining their softball skills with a strong emphasis on consistency. Often the difference between an average player and a good player is the ability to consistently execute the required skills.

Players in the Majors level should:

• Come prepared for practice or games (including safety equipment)
• Show proper batting stance, bat position, and swing execution
• Know the difference between bunting for a base hit and a sacrifice bunt
• Demonstrate proper base running techniques including:
  • Exploding off the base after the ball crosses the plate
  • When to tag up vs. going half way
  • Proper sliding techniques
• Execute proper pitching motion (can throw 50 - 70 pitches without experiencing noticeable arm discomfort)
• Use Catching skills (blocking plate, blocking wild pitches, throwing out runners)
• Cover bases correctly when receiving a throw or fielding a ball
• Understand how to go back on a fly ball
• Properly execute a double play
• Execute a run down - both as a runner and a fielder
• Know what can happen after a ball is caught in foul territory
• Use the relay man from out field or throw home if needed
• Cover all bases and backs up other players after a hit
• Always show good Sportsmanship on and off the field.

Seniors and Juniors Softball (Ages 13 - 16)

Any child who will attain the age of 13, 14, 15, or 16 years old on or before December 31st (see Age Chart above) of the current season shall be eligible to play Junior or Senior softball.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact the NSLL board of directors for clarifications. Click here to access our current board list.

Volunteers

The 2010 Northshore Little League Season does not just happen. It requires many hours by very hard working, dedicated volunteers to make it happen. This is where you come in and your help is very much needed. It is a great way to get involved with your children and community, meet new friends and have fun all at the same time.

Don’t be afraid to get involved as any help is appreciated and welcomed. We ask that each person volunteer his or her time to make the season successful. Here is a sampling of the help needed.

Board of Directors

Your League needs a volunteer for Player Agent Associate, Softball Associate and Safety Associate.

Make a difference this season by volunteering for these much needed positions.

There are many other activities which the Board can use your help for. This is a great way to have an impact on the League’s direction and vision. Let us know if you are interested.

Umpires

There is a desperate need for umpires at all levels both in Boy’s Hardball and Girl’s Softball. All umpires are volunteer. If your child played last year without a uniformed or trained umpire it was because there were none available. This is where the league needs you to volunteer the most. We will provide certified training to anyone interested (But you don’t have to be certified to Umpire).

Managers

We need Managers for both Boy’s Hardball and Girl’s Softball especially in the "A" (Tee Ball), "AA" and "AAA" levels. We offer Little League approved training to help you get started. Sign-up early so we can be ready for the start of the season.

Coaches

The more coaches each team has the more the kids can learn. A great way to learn the ropes to become a Manager.

Girl’s Softball

This program is trying hard to grow and provide quality competition for the girls in our community. To improve this program for your children we need a lot of help in many areas including player agents, level coordinators, managers, coaches and umpires. Now is the time to step up and volunteer to make this a program to be proud of.

Team Parents / Volunteers

Managers and Coaches provide hundreds of hours teaching baseball to your children. Without help at the team level your child’s manager and coaches will be overwhelmed trying to make everything happen. Team help needed includes Umpires, field preparation, candy, uniforms, pictures, trophies, team party, treat list, score keeper and Mariners Day.

Questions???

• Send us an email through our interactive form.

IMPORTANT - PLEASE NOTE

Volunteers MUST fill out new forms every year even if they have in the past.

Download the application here.

We Need Your Help!!! Please Volunteer !!!