What is the structure of the JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE?

JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE is comprised of baseball for both boys and girls. The divisions are T-Ball, Caps, Minors and Majors.  Depending upon the level, the playing fields are slightly different in terms of length of base paths, distance from pitching mound, and distance to the outfield fences from home plate.

JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE has established age cutoffs to ensure players develop appropriately in terms of skills, knowledge, and sportsmanship. JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE has established age brackets that players need to participate in, however, there are situations where some players may play down due to safety risks upon approval of the Director of Baseball.

Pitching distances are scaled to the ability of the players in proportion to the size of the diamonds. The scaled down diamonds in the lower divisions allow the players to make the same plays made by the upper division players on larger diamonds.

JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE is managed by an elected Board of Directors that administer the league in line with established bylaws. The league is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization.

When does the season begin?

Please check the JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE calendar on the JLL web page for exact league dates and events. Typically, the season begins on the first or second Saturday in March and extends. An Opening Day event kicks off the first games of the season.

How long will the season last?

The JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE regular game season usually lasts from 13-14 weeks from March through June, and including division playoff games. The season is extended for players that are selected to the All-Star tournament teams. Please consider your vacation plans if you have a child that may be selected to these teams.

What about late sign-ups?

For Juniors a final cut-off date for sign-ups will be posted.  Placement for any players registering after tryouts but before this deadline are dependant upon equity of players for each team and will not exceed 14.

For Players 12 years of age and younger:  Registration will remain open throughout the season, but any players who are league age appropriate for the Major division will qualify for the minor division only due to the absence of attendance at league tryouts.  Placement for all players registering late for the major division and below are dependant upon equity of players for each team in their respective divisions.

Where are JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE games played?

For Juniors a final cut-off date for sign-ups will be posted.  Placement for any players registering after tryouts but before this deadline are dependant upon equity of players for each team and will not exceed 14.

For Players 12 years of age and younger:  Registration will remain open throughout the season, but any players who are league age appropriate for the Major division will qualify for the minor division only due to the absence of attendance at league tryouts.  Placement for all players registering late for the major division and below are dependant upon equity of players for each team in their respective divisions.

Where are JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE games played?

For Juniors a final cut-off date for sign-ups will be posted.  Placement for any players registering after tryouts but before this deadline are dependant upon equity of players for each team and will not exceed 14.

For Players 12 years of age and younger:  Registration will remain open throughout the season, but any players who are league age appropriate for the Major division will qualify for the minor division only due to the absence of attendance at league tryouts.  Placement for all players registering late for the major division and below are dependant upon equity of players for each team in their respective divisions.

Where are JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE games played?

JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE utilizes the baseball complex at the Jamul Primary and Intermediate Schools. The schools are located at the intersection of Skyline Truck Trail and Lyons Valley Road, Jamul CA 91935.
 

Who umpires JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE games?

JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE uses a combination of parent volunteers and paid umpires. In the upper divisions (Minors and Majors), the volunteers are both parents, certified umpires, and trained students. All umpires are required to attend training clinics. A plate umpire and a field umpire are used in all games, unless a scheduling issue arises causing a shortage of available umpires. In the T-Ball and Caps division, coaches manage the flow of the game.

When will the practices begin?

JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE targets the middle of February for all teams to start practicing. The goal is for teams to be in a position to begin practices at least 3-4 weeks before Opening Day, which is the first or second week of March.

Where will my child practice?

JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE schedules field practice times at the Little League complex. You will know where your child will practice once your child is placed on a team and your manager contacts you.

What equipment will my child need before the first practice or game?

Players should arrive at their first practice with a glove, hat, baseball pants, and rubber molded cleats. A baseball bag is recommended to transport bats, batting gloves, water bottles, hats, and other items.

Are there any uniform supplies my child needs?

A uniform consists of a pair of baseball pants, belt, a baseball jersey, a hat, and a pair of all-in-one baseball socks. JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE will provide each player a team jersey and a team hat. Due to individual fittings, players need to provide the baseball pants, belt, and socks. The jersey and hat are the player's to keep. The jerseys don't provide much warmth, so it is a good idea to purchase a long-sleeve baseball shirt to match the color of your child's team. Your manager will provide more specifics as for the color. Rubber cleats are highly recommended, and steel spikes are not allowed. A quality leather glove is a must and it is recommended to stay away from vinyl and simulated leather gloves that may be cheaper, but tend to cause the player a great deal of frustration. It is impossible to form a pocket in gloves made of vinyl or simulated leather. Therefore, the ball tends to pop out when the player attempts to catch it. All players should bring a windbreaker, jacket, or sweatshirt to every game and practice, especially early in the season.

When will I find out what team my child will play on?

All teams should be formed by late January or the beginning of February. Your child's manager will notify you of the team's first meeting. If you don't hear from a team manager by mid-February, please contact a league official.

If my child is unhappy with the team they are placed on, can they switch teams?

Only in extreme cases does the league allow children to switch teams after the teams have been formed. Such requests must be made in writing to JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE's divisional player represenatives for consideration by the Players Agent. Approval requires extenuating circumstances, so any request is highly unlikely to be approved, and in most cases we will ask the player remains with their team. Team balance is established early on, and changes of this type are difficult if not impossible to implement without upsetting the balance that has been established.

Can I keep my child down in a lower division or bring him/her up a division a year early? 
JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE strongly supports age appropriate competition and development. JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE does not allow players to move up a division early or to play down a division to develop additional skills without approval from the Players Agent. The only time an adjustment may be made is when there is a safety risk to a player playing in their age appropriate division. At that time, a parent request needs to be made to the Players Agent. A decision will be made to allow the player to play down.

How many managers/coaches can be on a team?

Every team has a manager approved by the Board of Directors. Each team's manager can have as many assistants as they can find for practices, but only two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games.

What are the responsibilities of a manager and a coach?

The team manager oversees the management of the team throughout the season. They are responsible for setting a practice schedule, developing a practice format, creating a lineup card for every game, and ensuring kids get their minimum playing time in each game. Managers are the focal point of the team and must be committed to following through with managing the team from mid-February to start of June. Time commitment is usually around 8-10 hours a week depending upon division. Managers need to be able to commit to be at all practices and games. Managers also must attend a pre-season coaching clinic provided by the league, and a manager's meeting with the division representative. As well, they must schedule and conduct a parent meeting prior to the first practice of the season. Managers are assisted by a volunteer team parent that helps with things like concession stand scheduling, fundraising events, uniform distribution, and picture day.

Two assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during games. However, a manager may elect to use more than two coaches during practice. Coaches provide support during practice to ensure kids get enough attention while developing their skills. Coaches are under the guidance and direction of the manager. Typically, a manager will design a practice format and have assistants take care of coaching small groups of players, assisting with batting practice, hitting drills, or other assistant duties. Assistant coaches should commit to be at all practices and games, generally about 6-8 hours a week depending upon division. Coaches need to attend a pre-season clinic provided by the league. All actions of an assistant coach during games are the ultimate responsibility of the manager.

Are there conduct rules that apply during games?

Absolutely. JAMUL LITTLE LEAGUE does not tolerate foul language or taunting at any level by the players, parents, managers, or coaches. Any spectator, player, manager or coach that is warned is subject to being ejected from the premises and banned from the complex for additional games.