What is the North Miami Beach Little League?
Who can play in the NMBLL?
How do I register?
When do you play?
What divisions are there?
How do you decide in which division my child will play?
Does every child make a team?
Does every child play?
Where are NMBLL games played?
Are there time limits on games?
How are Managers Selected?
How are Teams selected?
Can I request that my child be on a specific team?
When do you practice?
What equipment do I need to buy for my child?
What should I do if I disagree with the way my child's manager is handling my child or his team?
Who umpires NMBLL games?
What happens if someone behaves improperly during a game?
What are the rules for fans at a game?
What are the NMBLL Rules for the Rookie Division?
What are the NMBLL Rules for Minors Junior?
What are the rules for the Minor division?
What are the rules for the Majors division?
What are the rules for Juniors and Seniors?
What are the rules for the Softball division?
Are there playoffs?
How are All-Stars and the tournament teams selected?
How can I become more involved?
Can I vote for the Board of Directors?
If my child wants to quit, is it possible to get a refund?
Whom do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved by the league?

What is the North Miami Beach Little League?

THE NORTH MIAMI BEACH LITTLE LEAGUE is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization. The League is run managed by a Board of Directors, elected by the League membership annually, who administer the league in line with established bylaws and the Little League Charter. We offer six levels of play: T-Ball ("Rookies"), Coach-Pitch ("Minors Junior"), Minors, Majors, Juniors, Seniors, and Softball. We have established age cutoffs for each division to ensure that players develop appropriately in terms of skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship.
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Who can play in the NMBLL?

All children who live within our boundaries, and who are between the ages of 5 and 16. Our boundaries include the cities of North Miami Beach, Sunny Isles Beach, Golden Beach, Bal Harbour, and Surfside, as well as certain contiguous unincorporated areas. Go here for a map of our district.
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How do I register?

We accept in person registrations only at our annual registration weekend, which usually takes place in the late fall.
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When do you play?

Our season begins in January and ends in May. Games are usually scheduled on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturday games are reserved for make-ups so long as the players on each team does not have a religious conflict.
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What divisions are there?

We have several divisions of play. They are generally age-based, but we also take into account ability and experience:
Rookie (Tee-Ball) - Ages 5-6
Minors Jr. (Coach-Pitch) - Ages 7-8
Minors - Ages 9-10
Majors - Ages 11-12
Juniors - Ages 13-14
Seniors - Ages 15-16
Girls' Softball - Ages 7-14
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Does every child make a team?

Absolutely!

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Does every child play?

Absolutely! At the Majors, Juniors, and Seniors levels, all children play at least 1 at bat per game and 6 consecutive defensive outs. At the younger levels, they play even more!
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Where are NMBLL games played?

We have four fields: Mishcon Park, Uleta Park, Allen Park and Highland Oaks Park.
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Are there time limits on games?

Yes, each division has a specified time limit. The older the division, the longer the games may be played. For specifics, see the FAQs on the specific division your child is in.
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How are Managers selected?

The Managers (as well as Coaches and Umpires) are appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors. Managers almost always have prior experience as a Coach in NMBLL, with the exception of Rookie Managers, who are usually "first-timers." Extensive criminal background checks are performed on every Manager and Coach.
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How are teams selected?

Teams are selected in accordance with Little League rules, with the main aim being to have parity in each division.
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Can I request that my child be on a specific team?

In the Rookie division, we can try to place your child on a specific Manager's team. In the older divisions, Minors Jr. and up, players are chosen in a draft based on their ability, and in such a manner as to balance the talent as much as possible. Accordingly, we cannot promise that your child will be placed on a specific team. You can specify a specific player that you would like your child to be placed with. We will do our best to try to accommodate your request, but we cannot guarantee it will be granted. If you have more than one child who plays in the same division, we will place them on the same team if you wish.
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When do you practice?

Practices are scheduled by the Manager and the Scheduling Director depending on field availability. Each Manager will consult with his team to try to determine the most convenient practice time for everyone.
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What equipment do I need to buy for my child?

Your registration fee includes a complete uniform, including cap, jersey, pants, socks, and belt, if applicable. Your child will need his own glove and cleats. While some parents like to buy their child a helmet and/or a bat, the League provides these items for every team.
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What should I do if I disagree with the way my child's manager is handling my child or his team?

The first thing you should do is talk to your child's manager. There may be good reasons for the way the manager is doing things. If you are still not happy, you should contact your Player Agent right away. The Player Agents for each division are listed in the main article in this newsletter, and can also be found on in the "Board" section of our league website.
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Who umpires NMBLL games?

Like our Managers, Coaches and Board Members, our Umpires are also volunteers. Many of them are parents, but some Umpires are former players and other members of the community. Likewise, extensive criminal background checks are performed on all umpires.
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What happens if someone behaves improperly during a game?

Once the game starts, the umpire is in charge of the game. He/she has full authority and power to control the conduct of players, coaches, and fans (including parents). If, in his judgment, any person is not exhibiting good sportsmanship, he has the authority and power to suspend the game so as to allow the Board to determine whether to declare a forfeit or take such other action as it deems appropriate. All managers, coaches, players, and parents must adhere at all times to Little League rules, these local rules, and rules of good sportsmanship.
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What are the rules for fans at a game?

Fans must sit in the bleachers or stands provided at the fields. Only coaches and players are allowed in the dugout. No fan shall watch the game from a position next to or behind the backstop. Managers and coaches shall instruct their fans accordingly, and shall be responsible for any fan misconduct in this regard. It is the coaches' responsibility to ensure that the parents of his/her team conduct
themselves appropriately.
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What are the NMBLL Rules for the Rookie Division?

In the rookie division, we are totally about having fun. No score is kept. All players take the field defensively. There are no strike outs. An inning ends when all players have batted. All games have a one-hour time limit. We play with a softer (RIF-1 or equivalent) ball to avoid injury. In the first half of the season, all players hit off the tee. In the remainder of the season, coaches may toss up to 3 balls to players to hit, as they deem able.

All players are allowed to play all positions. Specifically, any player who plays infield one inning MUST play outfield the following inning. This requirement carries over from game to game. Any violation of this rule should be immediately brought to the attention of the player agent. The Player Agent for the Rookie Division is Adam Silverman. He can be reached at APARookies@nmbll.org or 786.202.0743.
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What are the NMBLL Rules for the Minors Junior?

Minors Jr. plays with RIF-5 or equivalent balls. No player may sit on the bench defensively two innings in a row. The batting order is continuous, that is, it includes all players on the team roster present for the game batting in order.

Coaches may agree to play up to 12 in the field. There is no stealing or bunting. A complete game consists of four (4) innings. However, no inning starts after 1 hour and 15 minutes from game start. Each inning is limited to five runs or three outs, whichever comes first. A batter shall initially receive five pitches at which to swing. Swinging strikes shall be called, but neither balls nor non-swinging strikes shall be called. In the event the batter has not reached base nor made out within those initial five pitches, he shall be entitled to receive up to three additional pitches, provided that the strike count from the first five shall remain, and that any pitch not swung at shall automatically be a strike.

As in the Rookie Division, all players must be allowed to play all positions. No manager should always, or even often, play his "best" players at "key" positions. Specifically, any player who plays infield one inning MUST play outfield the following inning. This requirement carries over from game to game. Any violation of this rule should be immediately brought to the attention of the player agent.

The Player Agent for the Minors Jr. Division is Adam Silverman. He can be reached at APAMinorsjr@nmbll.org or 786.202.0743.
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What are the rules for the Minor division?

No player may sit on the bench two innings in a row. The batting order shall be continuous, that is, it shall include all players on the team roster present for the game batting in order. In minors, we attempt to play a full, 6-inning Little League game, but no new inning starts after 1 1/2 hours from game start. Up to a maximum of five runs may be scored per inning per team. If a game ends in a tie at the end of the scheduled time, it will remain in a tie. Managers may agree to play up to ten (10) players in the field.
The Player Agent for the Minors Division is Michael Chavies. He can be reached at APAMinors@nmbll.org or 786.367.6116.
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What are the rules for the Majors division?

In Majors, we start playing with a 9-player batting order. However, any player starting a game on the bench shall be placed in the starting lineup in the following game. We play a full 6-inning Little League game, but no new inning starts after one hour and forty-five minutes (1:45).

The Player Agent for Majors is Paul Dimartino. He can be reached at APAMajors@nmbll.org or 954.547.4444.
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What are the rules for Juniors and Seniors?

At the Juniors level, 13 and 14 year olds begin playing on a full size diamond. Baserunners can lead off and steal bases. Pitchers must learn to pitch from the wind-up, the stretch, and prevent base stealing.

The Player Agent for Juniors and Seniors is Paul DiMartino. He can be reached at PlayerAgent@nmbll.org or 954.547.4444.
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What are the rules for the Softball division?

In Softball, girls 7 - 14 play fastpitch using a softball which is larger than a regular baseball.

The Player Agent for Softball is Gene Baer. He can be reached at APASoftball@nmbll.org or 305.792.9053.
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Are there playoffs?

Yes, in all divisions except Rookie. Weather permitting, each division plays a double elimination or pool play playoff. Below Majors, teams will be randomly seeded, and time limits continue to apply.
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How are All-Stars and the tournament teams selected?

At the conclusion of the regular season and our league playoffs, the NMBLL, like thousands of Little Leagues all over the world, selects teams to play in the Little League Tournament.

However, many excellent players are unable to play on the tournament team due to vacation or summer camp plans. In addition, more players than are able to be on the tournament team are deserving of recognition, not only for excellent play on the
field, but also for demonstrating superior examples of sportsmanship, dedication, and other qualities we are seeking to instill.

Therefore, before selecting its tournament teams, the NMBLL selects League All-Stars, an honor bestowed regardless of availability for tournament play on those players demonstrating superior levels of skill, sportsmanship, dedication, and teamwork.

League All Star Selection. League All-Stars are elected by the players and coaches of each team in the Minors, Majors, and Juniors divisions. The All-Star selection process takes place prior to the public school spring break. Each player, manager, and rostered coaches (maximum two) votes for six (6) All-Stars. Players may not vote for themselves. Managers and coaches votes shall count for two (2) votes each. The six players in each division receiving the most votes on each team will be given an NMBLL All-Star award, subject to Board approval. If a tie for the final spot exists, the manager and coaches' votes will be a tie-breaker.

Tournament Manager and Coach Selection. The Board of Directors shall appoint the Tournament Manager and Coaches. The Board's appointment shall be based on the manager's and coaches' training and managing ability, their dedication and availability, knowledge of Little League rules, and sportsmanship.

Tournament Team Selection. Only twelve (12) to fourteen (14) players may be selected to each tournament team. This is a great honor, but carries with it responsibility. A player must be willing to dedicate him or her to a large amount of practice, and to sacrificing his or her own goals for that of the team.

All League All-Stars who have expressed an availability, desire, and willingness to participate on a tournament team shall form the initial pool of players from which the tournament team will be selected. All division managers and coaches will then vote to create the tournament team. The top eight vote-getters will automatically be on the team. Ties will be broken by the managers' votes. The final 4 to 6 players will be chosen by the tournament manager from the available All-Stars. In case an alternate player is needed due to injury or a player having to leave the team for some reason, the alternate must also be selected from the list of All-Stars. The Board of Directors shall confirm or reject the tournament teams' selection by majority vote. The Board shall consider players' performance, dedication, and sportsmanship.
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How can I become more involved?

VOLUNTEER! We are always in need of assistance. There are any number of things that you can volunteer to do, such as working the concession, umpiring, scorekeeping, and being the team parent. We also encourage you to run for a position on the Board of Directors. The more parents that are willing to volunteer their time, the better we will be able to serve your children and the children of this community. Volunteering is the best way to show your children that you care about them and the future of Little League Baseball.
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Can I vote for the Board of Directors?

If you are an active volunteer and qualify under the standards of the membership committee, you can. Our Annual General Meeting is held in the month of July, and all qualified volunteers are eligible and invited to attend and vote for the Board for the upcoming year.
Of course, anyone can run for a position on the Board. The Board meets once a month, and being on the Board is one of the best ways for you to make sure your voice is heard.
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If my child wants to quit, is it possible to get a refund?

No refunds will be made once the uniforms are ordered, which is approximately 3-5 days after the draft.
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Whom do I contact if I have a problem that needs to be resolved by the league?

If you have a general problem or just want information, you can e-mail the league at any time at playball@nmbll.org. However, if your question or problem relates to your child's team, please first discuss the matter with your child's manager. If he or she is unable to resolve the situation to your satisfaction, then contact the division's Player Agent(who is a Board Member assigned to oversee that Division). Contact information is the FAQ pertaining to each division, as well in the Board section of this website.
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THE UMPIRE'S CORNER

Welcome to the North Miami Beach Little League Volunteer Umpire program!

1. Philosophy

We operate under the auspices of Little League Baseball® (Headquarters in Williamsport, PA). We believe this is the best organized, best run youth baseball program available for our children. Our league is part of Florida District 8. Our overriding philosophy is that this is a game for kids. All volunteers MUST encourage fun and learning. The Little League ball field is not the place for “hot dogs”, "hot heads" or undesirable attitudes.

Our goal is to provide the players with the best umpiring we can provide. The quality of play is directly influenced by the quality of umpiring, so we try to ensure that every umpire is ready when he/she walks on the field. Umpiring is not learned overnight. It usually takes a few years of experience before a ump feels comfortable. Be patient and keep learning.

2. Training

Incorporated into Little League is the Umpire Training Program held in Williamsport and around the country (and the world). North Miami Beach Little League utilizes the recommended rules, mechanics and interpretations taught by Little League. All umpires are supplied with a Little League rule book and other training aids available thru Little League. Also, we use videos and other tools to provide examples and interpretations.

Just as important as rules are the mechanics of umpiring. The umpire must know how to move on the field, where to go, how to make calls, how to work the plate. We give instruction in these areas hand-in-hand with the rules.

3. Scheduling

We schedule junior umpires (ages 13 thru 17) at the level of play for which they feel comfortable and usually with an adult umpire. Sometimes this doesn’t work out, but that is our goal. New adults are also placed where they feel comfortable. We want everyone to enjoy the umpiring experience, and return year after year, even after their children are finished playing in the NMBLL. We schedule umpires for Minors (9-10), Majors (11-12), Juniors (13-14) and Softball (9-14). Juniors play occurs on a field with 90 feet bases. The other divisions play on a 60-foot field.

E-mail is the primary means of distributing game schedules to solicit umpires for participation. Email replies are the primary means umpires sign up for games that fit into their personal schedule. Occasionally, there are last minute cancellations or openings that must be filled, necessitating phone calls. We ask all umpires to sign up for as many games as they can, and, if they must cancel, to try to find their own replacement. If a game is rained out, we ask the umpires to keep their game. All umps will have the e-mail/phone distribution list. If someone cannot find a replacement, advise the Chief Umpire Jim Allen.

4. Uniform

The standard uniform for NMBLL umpires is a navy blue polo shirt and heather gray slacks. The league supplies the polo shirt, a LL umpire hat, red tee shirt and a patch. It also supplies plate equipment for plate umpires (ball bag, indicator, and plate brush). All umpires should wear black umpire or athletic shoes (no spikes or cleats).

5. Rules

Everyone, including coaches, looks to the umpire for the proper application of a rule. Many times, you are the only person who has ever looked at the rulebook with any more than a passing interest. It is essential that every umpire read and understand the rules of Little League and the application of those rules. Keep your rule book handy for review and study all year long. If you need any clarification, or if you have question about a play that happened in a game, contact Jim Allen. If he doesn’t know the answer, he will find it for you.

6. Tournament Umpires

The Little League Tournament are held at the end of the regular spring season. These games require umpires who are more experienced to handle the excitement/pressure of tournament play. If you want to work tournament games, tell the Chief Umpire, and he will observe your work and advise you if you are ready and/or what you need to work on. The Chief Umpire, Vice President, and President will determine which umpires will qualify for tournament games.

7.Contact Info

Jim Allen is the NMBLL Umpire in Chief. The best way to reach him is by email, at umpire@nmbll.org. You can also call him: Cell 305.776.3889; Work 305.375.5961; or Home 305.931.6912.

Here are the items reported missing during the 2008 Season....

1. A black bag has been reported lost on 2/5/08 at Mishcon Field. If anyone picked it up, please let us know: webmaster@nmbll.org  
2. A Blue Nike Baseball Bag was reported lost on Opening Day, January 27, 2008. Last seen around 12pm at the Picture Taking area. If anyone has found this Blue Nike Bag, please contact me at webmaster@nmbll.org
3. My son left his blue Easton equipment bag.  Inside was a black lefty glove and TPX Louisville Slugger bat.  If anyone has picked it up, or know who may have picked it up, please contact me and I will arrange to get it.
    
   Thanks,
   
   305.773.2096
   305.935.9695
     
   My son is offering his allowance as a cash reward to anyone who finds it... Hey, it may get you a latte at Starbucks!