Getting Started with Registration: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When is registration open?
Registration for the Spring Season typically opens in January, while registration for Fall Ball opens around August or September.
Specific registration dates are posted on our website, so be sure to check for updates!
Keep in mind that spots for each division may fill up quickly, so we encourage early registration to secure your child's place.
Q: What levels do you offer, and what ages are included? Is the league flexible about players moving up or down based on skill level? We proudly offer programs for boys and girls ages 4–14. Our divisions cater to different skill levels and developmental stages:
T-Ball (ages 4–6): Welcome to the beginning of the baseball journey! The Tee Ball division focuses on fun, fitness, and fundamentals. Young players are introduced to the basics of baseball, including throwing, hitting off a tee, and learning to run the bases in a supportive, non-competitive environment. Games are lighthearted and emphasize teamwork, helping kids build confidence while having a blast. Parent volunteers collaborate to coach practices and games, fostering a sense of community. Ready to join the fun? We’d love to have you volunteer during registration!
Machine Pitch (ages 7–8) This division takes things up a notch as players begin hitting from a pitching machine, improving their hand-eye coordination and refining proper throwing, hitting, and fielding techniques. With an emphasis on skill development, children build their foundational mechanics while gaining a deeper understanding of the game’s rules. Short, fast-paced games keep young athletes engaged and motivated. Parents are strongly encouraged to step onto the field as assistant coaches or team organizers—your enthusiasm makes a big difference!
Minors (ages 9–10/Newer 11s): In the Minors division, the game becomes more competitive, challenging players to fine-tune their positional fundamentals. Pitchers are introduced to variations of three basic pitches, enhancing arm strength and control. Bat speed and hitting strategy become focal points as players grow in confidence and capability. The Minors is also an exciting gateway to tournaments; players are eligible to join teams that could eventually compete for a spot in the Little League World Series. It’s the perfect stage for young athletes to shine while fostering their love for the game.
Intermediate (ages 11–13): Here, players step into a more advanced level as they prepare for high school baseball. Emphasis is placed on mastering the "five tools" of the game: hitting for average, hitting for power, fielding, throwing, and speed. Players also learn situational baseball, developing their game strategy and decision-making skills. The Intermediate division offers tournament opportunities, allowing athletes to put their growing skills to the test in competitive settings while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Juniors (ages 13–14): As the pinnacle of our program, the Juniors division prepares players to compete at a high level in anticipation of high school baseball. Athletes refine the advanced skills they’ve developed, honing their ability to perform under pressure. At this stage, players also take on leadership roles within their teams, helping them grow not just as athletes, but as individuals. With a focus on teamwork, sportsmanship, and competitive excellence, the Juniors division ensures players are tournament team eligible and ready for the challenges ahead. Players can be "Travel Team" eligible.
Ages are based on what the child’s age will be on August 31, 2024. Flexibility: Players may move up or down a division depending on their skill level, but this decision is made at the discretion of the player agent and managers during evaluations. Regardless of skill, all players are welcomed, and every child will be placed on a team.
Q: How much does it cost to register?
Discounts: Greenbelt residents and families registering more than one child are eligible for discounts. Visit our website for details.
Q: Where can I find the medical release form, and do I need to fill it out every year?
The medical release form can be found here: https://www.littleleague.org/downloads/medical-release-form/
Little League requires that this form be completed every year to ensure we have the most up-to-date information.
Q: What does the league require to prove eligibility? Because GYBLL is part of Little League®, all players must prove that they either reside or attend school within the league boundaries.
Residency Documentation: Detailed information about required documents is available here: https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/residency-requirements/ .
School Enrollment Option: If your child attends school within the boundary, you can simply have the principal complete the school enrollment form. This is often the easiest way to prove eligibility, eliminating the need for residency documents. The form may be found here: https://www.littleleague.org/downloads/school-enrollment-form/
When using the school enrollment form, you’ll need our League ID: 314806.
Starting the Baseball Season: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why do teams reset each season? GYBLL Little League, like all local Little League programs, resets teams every season through a draft process. This method is not only required for the Majors division and above, but it also ensures fairness and parity among teams—providing a balanced and enriching experience for all players.
The draft system offers numerous benefits:
Safety and Balanced Play: Players are grouped based on skill level and experience, promoting competitive fairness and reducing the risk of mismatched games.
Community Building: The draft encourages players to connect with a diverse range of teammates across divisions and teams, fostering friendships that last throughout their Little League journey.
Learning from Multiple Coaches: By changing teams, players have the chance to work with different coaches, gaining varied insights, techniques, and inspiration to develop both their skills and love for the game.
Ultimately, team resets contribute to a stronger and more united GYBLL community, enhancing the Little League experience for everyone. Rest assured, all registered players will be placed on a team—no child is left out, regardless of skill level.
Q: What is a Player Agent and what do they do? GYBLL assigns a dedicated Player Agent to oversee the league. That person is John Tucker, he has been part of the community for a few years now as a coach. This important role ensures that divisions operate smoothly and that decisions are made with the players’ best interests in mind.
The Player Agent acts as the liaison between parents and the board of directors. Parents are encouraged to reach out to their Player Agent if they feel that concerns are not being adequately addressed by their child’s coach. The Player Agent is there to support players and families throughout the season, ensuring everyone has a positive experience.
You can email him directly at [email protected] with any questions, comments or concerns.
Q: Can my player be on the same team as friends, siblings, or classmates? While we do our best to accommodate requests for players to be grouped with friends, siblings, or carpool neighbors, team assignments are made following evaluations and the draft process.
How it works:
Requests can be submitted by emailing [email protected] during registration.
Coaches strive to fulfill requests for T-Ball and Machine Pitch divisions, particularly to place players on teams that practice closer to their homes.
The deadline for requests is the Thursday before the Divisions Evaluation Day, after that day it may be difficult to make changes with the team plans.
However, creating balanced teams is our top priority. Teams are structured to include players from various ages, skill levels, and experiences, ensuring fairness and diversity. As players progress through their GYBLL journey, they’ll have opportunities to team up with kids from all across the community.
Important note: Once rosters are finalized, changes may not be possible. Families are encouraged to work with their assigned coach to ensure their player attends practices and games.
Q: How can I support the league? GYBLL relies entirely on the dedication and commitment of volunteers to keep our league running smoothly. This season, all families are asked to help support the league by volunteering their time or services.
Ways to Get Involved:
Coaching: Help lead practices, games, and player development.
Umpiring: Ensure games are conducted fairly and with great sportsmanship.
Season Preparation: Assist with field setup, equipment organization, and logistical tasks.
Fundraisers: Participate in events like Labor Day Bingo or seasonal fundraising efforts.
Team Support: Be an assistant coach, keep score, or provide general help during practices and games.
Volunteer opportunities will be announced throughout the season, and we encourage everyone to get involved. To express interest, please email [email protected]—your contributions make a huge impact!
Playing the Season
Q: When will I know what team my child is on, and what days will they practice? Once teams have been formed, managers will reach out to players on their rosters with information about practice and game schedules. Here's a breakdown of the timeline:
Minors, Intermediate, and Juniors Divisions: Evaluations take place in mid-March, and team assignments are finalized that weekend. Practices typically begin shortly after evaluations.
Machine Pitch Division: Evaluations are held in late March, with team assignments and practices following soon after.
- T-Ball Division: Practices and games begin in early April.
Q: How long is the season? Who do we play? Does every level play interleague games?
Q: How many times per week will the kids practice? Practice schedules depend on your child’s age and the coach’s plans:
Kid Pitch Teams (Minors, Intermediate, and Juniors): Up to 3 practices per week before games begin, then 1–2 practices per week depending on the game schedule.
Younger Divisions (T-Ball and Machine Pitch): Typically practice or play games twice per week throughout the season.
Practice days and times may vary based on field availability and the coach’s schedule. Be sure to communicate any scheduling conflicts with your coach early in the season.
Q: When are the games? Game schedules will be finalized once team drafts are complete. All divisions have a minimum of one game per week:
T-Ball: Usually one game per week.
Other Divisions: Typically, two games per week. Occasionally, there may be three games in a week, but we try to avoid this when possible.
Schedules are subject to change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Games are generally not scheduled on Sundays.
Q: What uniforms and equipment do I need to provide, and what does the league provide?
Q: Will every player participate in the tournaments at the end of the season? Our league participates in Little League tournaments for multiple age divisions. These district tournaments are held after the regular season and involve teams from across Maryland.
Eligibility: Not all players from the regular season will be placed on a tournament team due to limited spots. Tournament participation is determined by the league’s selection process.
Residency Requirements: Players must prove eligibility to participate. Visit the Little League website for detailed information: https://www.littleleague.org/university/articles/residency-requirements/