Little League International Issues Update Regarding Composite Bats: Moratorium Imposed Immediately

Little League International has placed a moratorium on the use of composite bats in the Little League (Majors) Division and all other baseball divisions of Little League, effective immediately.
 
 “Today’s decision of the Little League International Board of Directors Executive Committee is based on scientific research data from the University of Massachusetts (Lowell), which was contracted by Little League Baseball,” Stephen D. Keener, President and Chief Executive Officer of Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “The maximum performance standard for non-wood bats in the divisions for 12-year-olds and below is a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15. The research found that composite bats, while they may meet the standard when new, can exceed that standard after a break-in process.” More...

BETTER COACHES, BETTER GAMES, BETTER LEAGUES

Managers and coaches are among the most important volunteers in the Little League® program. They have to know the game and they have to love working with kids. Leagues with knowledgeable, caring and concerned coaches have an advantage when it comes to making the games fun and retaining players.
That’s why Little League® International created The Coaches Registry. The registry gives coaches exclusive tools and resources to prepare them for the job of putting the Little League program into action. To register in the program, and download useful tools and information to find out how this program can help you become a better manager or coach, click here!

The Western Region once again leads the Nation in ASAP participation

Just released Little League figures show that the Western Region continues to set the pace for safety protection in their local leagues.  The local leagues and districts in the Western Region have consistently been the leaders in ASAP participation and the 2010 season has followed that example with an overall participation of 95%.  This represents an increase of 2% said Regional Director Jim Gerstenslager and we thank each and everyone of you for doing everything possible to protect the children under our charge.  Jim goes on to point out that 16 districts increased their participation percentage during the 2010 fiscal year but unexpectedly, 14 districts had a decrease in results and submitted plans.  We need to constantly be vigal in safety awareness said Jim and already the District Administrators have vowed to stay on top of this important aspect of the Little League program during the 2011 season.
      “The current ASAP program (since being adopted) has proven to be the most effective approach to player protection. The leagues that have developed and instituted safety plans have drastically reduced insurance claims and injuries resulting in a safer environment for the children”.
The goal for the Western Region for 2011 has not changed, and is to have every league in the region at 100% by the time the ASAP plans deadline is reached on April 1st.
Little League Baseball Incorporated has many resources available, including a CD that has all the information needed to develop a plan for your league or district. You can also call your District Administrator or the Regional Office at 909-887-6444 for advice and support.
Let’s all participate.  Let’s strive to keep the Western Region as the #1 safety region in the United States for 2011! To read and download the latest results of the ASAP News Letter, click here.

Thank you for your participation!

Jim Gerstenslager

By joining the Umpire Registry, umpires immediately become part of a unique information network charged with enhancing umpire services for Little League players everywhere.

To find out more about the Umpire Registry and sign-up to become a member, click here.

Western/Northwest District Administrators:

Now that the 2010 season is over, plans are already underway for the 2011 seasons and beyond. As part of that planning, we have been selected to be the two new Western Region members of the Little League International Advisory Board.

Our first meeting of the Board is October 28-31, 2010 and we would like some input from you and your Leagues for possible topics of discussion. Topics can include Rules, Regulations or Little League Policy. In the past, the 50/70 Program, double bases, and composite bats have been some of the topics.