When does registration open/close?
It is sometimes surprising how early families must register for baseball, but time is needed to form teams, train volunteers, order uniforms and equipment, and schedule field time!
Fall Registration
Early Bird Discount: July 15 - July 31
Open Registration: August 1 - 20
Late Registration Fee applies beginning August 21 and waitlist likely
Spring Registration
Early Bird Discount: Late November (Black Friday) - December 15
Open Registration: December 16 - January 15
Late Registration Fee applies beginning January 16 and waitlist likely
Why am I on the waitlist, and how likely am I to get cleared? What is the capacity?
Our capacity and ability to form teams is based on several factors.
Volunteers
This is our biggest challenge every season. We set our initial caps for the number of teams for which we can reasonably anticipate finding both a Manager and Coach. We usually have many Coaches but very few Managers. If more volunteers sign up on the website and complete the requirements, we can usually open up another full team at once from the waitlist, depending on the other factors listed here. If you are unsure about your ability to manage a team, please rest assured that no baseball experience is required, and we can offer guidance and help with practice plans upon request. We promise, it's not as intimidating as it seems!
Team Size Caps
Little League’s mandatory play rule ensures every player gets their fair share of time on the field. The larger the team, the more players must sit out in order to fulfill this requirement. We set our caps to accommodate as many players per team as possible without detracting from the playing experience. We also have to factor in the handful of players wanting to "play up" into the next division based on skill. We understand your child is “just one more”, but there is always one more behind them, so we must draw the line somewhere.
Field Availability
Tierrasanta Little League does not own any fields of our own, so we must apply for permits each season to use DePortola Fields and the Rec Center. Murphy Canyon allows us to use Damato Field on a season-by-season basis. The new SDUSD intramural program will limit our field use even more. We are actively working on solutions like doubled-up practices, but the availability will ultimately impact how many teams we can form. All TLL families encouraged to contact Raul Campillo to protest current allocation of use and/or encourage further development at DPMS (specifically the gravel areas).
Uniforms
Between the Padres uniform order deadline (Minors and below) and current shipping times, we must order uniforms before registration is complete. We try to reasonably anticipate the number of kids per team, number of teams, and average sizes; however, it is not always possible to order another jersey just before the season begins.
In what division should I register my child?
Divisions are based on a child’s “League Age” according to the Little League Age Chart. This is primarily for the safety of all players, especially when they are in the field facing an older batter. All ability levels are welcome at every division, even if they’ve never played before, and all players will have the opportunity to learn new skills from their coach. The registration system reflects this, so you should sign up for the division made available to you. After you register, you can email [email protected] with any questions regarding their placement.
If you feel your child should play in a higher division, you may request they be assessed by emailing the Player Agent at [email protected]. Mandatory assessments are held for Farm and above, and are usually the 3rd weekend in January. Your child may enter the draft based on their Assessment score, and must be drafted by the 5th round in order to play in the higher division (rule changed from 9th round on Jan. 12, 2023). Players can also only play up when there is space in the division, as the division-age players have priority for a spot separate from the draft. They cannot be moved up or down in order to make room for a child playing up.
Divisions are based on League Age:
Tee Ball: 4 year olds and new 5 year olds
Coach Pitch: 5 year olds with Tee Ball experience AND 6 year olds (regardless of experience)
Farm: 7-8
Minors: 9-10
Majors: 11-12
Juniors: 13-14
Can we request certain Managers or teammates due to friendship, carpools, etc.?
Though we cannot guarantee placement, for Tee Ball and Coach Pitch, we try to accommodate these requests to give our players the best possible experience and help parents juggle their schedules. You must email [email protected] to request these.
However, the other divisions (Farm, Minors, Majors, and Juniors) are all assessed and formally drafted to ensure fair, safe, and skill-balanced teams. This is important for positive experience when playing within TLL, as well as when they play other District 33 teams. If you need help carpooling, please reach out to your child's Manager, who can connect you with the other team parents to arrange rides.
We’re new to baseball. What does my child need to participate?
Your registration fee includes a jersey and hat. Your child will need coordinating pants, belt, and socks - your Team Manager will let you know what color. The local baseball shop Charlie Rose usually offers a coupon for TLL families for free belt/socks with pants purchase.
They’ll also need a glove, bat, batting helmet, cleats, water bottle, and cup (boys). Optional equipment can include equipment backpack, batting gloves, practice pants, elbow guards, and a mouth guard.
We understand the high startup cost for baseball, so TLL has started an Equipment Exchange! Families can donate their outgrown or unused gear to the League, and we resell it for just a few dollars per item as a small fundraiser. This table will usually be set up at Field Day, Assessments, and Opening Day. Other second-hand options include Offer Up, Facebook Marketplace, Next Door, and Play It Again Sports.
When will I hear from my child’s Team Manager?
You will usually hear from your Team Manager about one week prior to the first practices. In the Fall, by the last weekend in August. In the Spring, Farm and above will be contacted early-mid February after the draft is complete; Tee Ball and Coach Pitch late February.
When are practices and games?
These are dependent on the Team Manager’s availability and our field availability. You will hear from your Team Manager about one week before practices begin. Fall Season is only on Sundays (with an additional practice for upper divisions during the week). Spring Season games are always on Saturdays with additional practices/games throughout the week - no Sundays.
What is Opening Day?
Opening Day is the day we kickoff the Spring Season with activities, games, food vendors, a Team Parade, and Home Run Derby. This is an all day event, though some teams will have a game scheduled that morning/evening. We are always in need of volunteers to help plan and execute this awesome event, so please contact [email protected] if you can help!
What do I have to do as a Manager, Coach, Scorekeeper, etc.?
Team Manager: Run the team, plan practices, create lineups, communicate with parents, keep track of paperwork, etc.
Assistant Coach: Helps the Team Manager in running practices, coaching games, and running the team.
Scorekeeper: Keeps score, gameplay, and pitch counts for each game using the GameChanger app. In tournaments, must sit in the scorekeeping booth. Training provided!
What are the volunteer requirements? Why are there so many?
Volunteer requirements come from Little League or the state of California and are intended to protect our young players. Below requirements must be completed BEFORE you can begin duties as a volunteer.
For ALL volunteers:
Annual background check. This is initiated through our website, so you must be registered first. You will receive an email with further instructions, and an email when approved.
**Beginning 2024** Annual completion of Child Abuse Awareness training. Please download the completed certificate and email to [email protected].
For Managers and Coaches only:
Annual completion of Safety & Skills clinics. Clinic schedule can be found on the District 33 website.
Annual completion of a Live Scan Fingerprinting.
One-time certifications of Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Concussion Protocol, and Diamond Leader trainings. Completion certificates must be downloaded and emailed to [email protected]. More information can be found on the District 33 website.
If you have a question that wasn’t answered here, please email [email protected] and one of our volunteers will get back to you as soon as we can.