History, Organization, Goals and Philosophy of Leaguerettes
What is Leaguerettes?
Leaguerettes is a girls’ recreational softball league organized by the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department (HCPRD). There are five separate Leaguerette local leagues – Temple Terrace, Brandon, Lutz, Town and Country, and North Tampa.
What is the main objective of Leaguerettes?
The objective of Leaguerettes is to implant firmly in the girls of our community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, responsibility, courage, reverence, and respect for authority, and to help them become and remain physically and mentally fit, well adjusted, stronger, and happier girls who grow to be well rounded, good, decent, healthy and trustworthy women. To help do this, we provide a supervised program of athletic competition.
Which is more important – winning, or having fun?
The education and molding of future citizens is of prime importance. The attainment of exceptional skill or the winning of games is secondary. We want all players to do their best, to perform to their potential, and to try to win. But, regardless of the outcome, we want all players to be proud of themselves, their teammates and their performance, to be satisfied with and to accept gracefully the outcome of the contest, and to respect their opponents and the decisions of game and league officials.
Who is eligible to play in Leaguerettes?
Girls who are league age 4 through 17 are eligible to play Leaguerettes softball. For more information, read the questions and answers under Age Divisions and Eligibility.
Who runs Leaguerettes softball?
Several groups work together to run the Leaguerettes softball program. Leaguerettes was founded by the Hillsborough County Parks and Recreation Department (HCPRD) in 1971. HCPRD still runs the program, with assistance of from the local office of the Amateur Softball Association (ASA), the private organization that governs the game of softball nationwide.
The Leaguerette Executive Board (the HCPRD Athletic Director, the Hillsborough County Umpires Association Umpire-in-Chief, and the president of each local league) helps establish common rules and policies for all Leaguerettes. Temple Terrace Leaguerettes also is governed by the Temple Terrace Parks and Recreation Department (TTPRD) because the league plays on fields owned by the City of Temple Terrace. The other Leaguerette leagues all play on fields owned and operated by HCPRD.
Age Divisions and Eligibility
Who is eligible to play in Leaguerettes?
Girls who are league age 4 through 17 are eligible to play Leaguerettes softball.
What age groups play in the league?
We have three age divisions: Pee Wee, Pixie, and Pigtail. Girls 6 and under play in our Pee Wee division, girls 9 and under play in our Pixie division, and girls 13 and under play in our Pigtail division. When we say age, we are referring to “league age.”
What are the differences between the Pee Wee Division and the Pixie Division?
Pixie ball is standard player-pitch full team softball. Pee Wee ball is infield only T-ball. The Pixie division plays twice each week (Monday evening and Saturday morning), typically playing approximately 24 – 30 games in a season, plus tournament games. The Pee Wee division plays each Saturday, playing only 10-12 games in a season, with no tournament games. In addition, Pixies also practice more than Pee Wees.
What does “league age” mean?
For the fall season, league age means a player’s age as of September 1 of the year in which the season begins. For the spring season, league age means a player’s age as of the most recent September 1. So, for the Fall 2002 season, a girl who is already 7 or who turns 7 on September 1, 2002 will be league age 7; a girl who turns 7 on September 2 will be league age 6; a girl who is 7 on registration day in August will be league age 8 if she turns 8 by September 1. These league ages will continue to apply in the next season, the Spring 2003 season.
My daughter is considered age 10 for her fast pitch team. Does that mean she also will be league age 10 for Leaguerettes?
No. Other sports organizations sometimes use a different date to determine a player’s league age. Hillsborough County decided to use September 1 for Leaguerettes because a player’s grade in school is usually determined based on her age on September 1. This helps keep girls who are in the same grade playing in the same age division.
What division does a 4 or 5 year old play in?
First, determine her league age. If she is league age 4, she plays in the Pee Wee division. If she is league age 5, or if she is league age 6 and a first time player, she may play in either the Pee Wee or Pixie division. If she is league age 6 and previously has played a spring season or any season of player-pitch softball or baseball, she is eligible only for the Pixie division.
What division does an 8 year old play in?
Players who are league age 8 play in the Pixie division.
What division does a 9 year old play in?
Technically, a girl who is league age 9 may play in the Pixie or, if her parents determine she has sufficient skill to do so, she may play in the Pigtail division. However, that is extremely rare, and we generally recommend that a 9 year old play in the Pixie division.
What division does a 10 year old play in?
Girls league age 10 through league age 12 may only play in the Pigtail division (Pigtail/Ponytail division in the fall).
What division does a 13 year old play in?
In the fall, girls league age 13 and older may only play in the Pigtail/Ponytail division. In the spring season, girls league age 13 may play in Pigtail division, or they may play in the Ponytail division if we have Ponytail teams that season. Some of the other local leagues may have other rules regarding proper age division for a girl who is league age 13.
What division does a 14 year old play in?
In the spring, girls league age 14 and older may only play in the Ponytail division. If a local league does not have a Ponytail division then girls who are league age 14 or older are not eligible to play. In the fall season, girls league age 14 - 17 may play in the Ponytail division.
Player and Parent Obligations
What obligations do Leaguerette players have?
Leaguerette players are expected to do the following:
- Be safe
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship
- Respect others and their property
- Show up for games and practices, on time
- Do their very best
- Be of good character
What obligations do Leaguerette parents have?
Leaguerette parents are expected to do the following:
- Be good role models for their children
- Demonstrate good sportsmanship
- Help their children attend games and practices, on time
- Fulfill concession stand, snack, and fund raising duties
- Support their children
Coaches and Managers
Who are the league’s coaches and where do they come from?
We re-select our coaches every season. All our coaches are volunteers. Most are parents, some are simply adults who love the game and want to help the children of our community.
What is the difference between a coach and a manager?
The rules established by the county require each team manager to be a female. However, the county bylaws says very little about what a manager’s duties are. We at Temple Terrace Leaguerettes question the legality of the county’s requirement, but we do believe that having female role models involved with each team is a good idea. So, during our season we require that each team have an adult female actively involved in the coaching and/or management of that team, but we do not specify whether her title must be coach or manager. However, each team must designate a female manager, in order to satisfy HCPRD requirements, whenever attending a tournament.
How are coaches and managers selected?
Coaches must apply for their positions. The local league board reviews all applicants and selects from the pool of applicants those individuals that the board believes to be most qualified and best suited to be a Leaguerettes coach. Whenever possible, the board approves two or three individuals as a group to be coaches/managers/assistants for a single team. When this is not possible, the board simply approves a head coach, who then selects a manager and one or more assistants, in each case subject to board approval.
What kind of training and certification do our coaches and managers have?
All coaches must be certified by the HCPRD by shortly after the season begins. This certification requires an on-line test regarding safety, emergency procedures, sports psychology, and legal issues. The certification is good for one year, after which the certification must be renewed by taking another certification test.
What are the minimum qualifications to be a coach or manager?
In addition to becoming certified by HCPRD, each coach/manager/assistant must submit to a background check by HCPRD. There are no other specific qualifications. It is important to note that coaches have not received any particular training relating to coaching, safety, emergencies, first aid or other matters other than through the HCPRD certification program. Coaches are simply citizens like you, trying to give something back to the community.
What if I have a problem or complaint relating to our coach or manager?
First of all, try talking things over with the coach. We believe you will find our coaches to be reasonable, thinking, caring individuals who really want to do what is best for the players. Note: Don’t try to talk to the coach on game day, at practice, or while players are nearby. Choose a different time and place. If talking to the coach does not resolve your problem, please consult with a board member.
Health and Safety
Do players really have to wear mouth guards?
Yes. Mouth guards must be worn at all games and practices unless the player receives an exemption letter from the HCPRD.
When do players have to wear batting helmets?
Players must wear batting helmets at all times when batting, waiting to bat (unless in the dugout or outside the area of play), running bases, or coaching the bases. This applies during both games and practices.
Do players really have to wear chin straps?
Yes. Beginning with the Spring 2003 season, chin straps must be worn whenever a batting helmet is worn. This applies during both games and practices.
What about shin guards and knee pads?
Shin guards and knee pads are not required, but they are recommended whenever a player in playing a defensive position on the field or practicing defensive skills.
Do we play games in the rain?
We play games regardless of weather conditions unless the umpire or a league official declares the conditions unsafe.
Do we play games when it is really cold?
We play games regardless of weather conditions unless the umpire or a league official declares the conditions unsafe.
Why doesn't the league cancel games in bad weather?
It is a long standing tradition of softball that a scheduled game is played regardless of weather conditions unless the umpire or a league official declares the conditions unsafe.
Are there any other important safety guidelines?
Here are some safety guidelines that all parents and players should follow:
- A player should not play if there is any existing health concern
- All players should have something to eat and drink before every game and practice
- Players must stay hydrated (drink plenty of water) during games and practices
- Use sunscreen and insect repellent as appropriate
- Dress appropriately
- Use sunglasses and a hat to protect a player’s eyes
- Make sure the coaches are aware of any medical condition that might at some point require special treatment
- Parents should attend games and practices to make sure that all players behave safely . . . it simply is not possible for the coach to watch and control the behavior of all players at all times.
- Report any safety concerns to the board
Equipment
What equipment does the league provide?
The league makes available bats, balls, batting helmets, and catcher’s gear. Mouth guards are sold at the concession stand.
What kind of equipment does a Leaguerette player need to buy?
Each player should have her own pair of cleats, a mouth guard, and a fielding glove. In addition, knee pads, shin guards, and sliders are recommended as appropriate. Although the league provides helmets, we do recommend that each player have her own batting helmet.
What kind of cleats should a player wear?
Any cleated shoe is fine as long as the cleats are rubber, not metal or hard plastic.
Does a player need her own bat?
Experienced players usually end up getting their own bats, but we do not recommend that for newer or younger players. Bats of the quality used by the league are expensive, and a new player tends to grow out of a particular bat size/weight rather quickly.
What size bat is best for a player?
Generally, lighter is better. Most of the inexpensive bats sold locally are too heavy for our younger players. We recommend that you come to a few practices and find out what other girls are using . . . just be sure to compare only to players of similar age, size and skill level.
I think my daughter’s bat is fine, so why does her coach keep saying she needs a lighter bat?
In most cases this comes up when the coach believes the player will hit better with a different size/weight bat. The coach is usually right. A parent has the right to insist that his/her daughter use the family’s own bat. But the parent should recognize that doing so may hurt the girl’s playing ability.
What about batting gloves?
Whether to use batting gloves, and what style, is a matter of personal preference. Some players particularly like them in cold weather because they help keep the player’s hands warm.
Does a player need her own fielding glove?
Each player does need her own fielding glove. We recommend that you check out Play-It-Again Sports. They sell use gloves, which are cheaper and already partially broken in.
What size/type of fielding glove is best for a player?
Generally, bigger is better, especially for newer players. Most sporting goods stores will recommend a glove that is too small, so be careful. We recommend that you come to a few practices and find out what other girls are using . . . just be sure to compare only to players of similar age, size and skill level. Try to get a glove that is all leather with leather lacing, although synthetic materials are fine as long as they are very flexible.
I think my daughter’s glove is fine, so why does her coach keep saying she needs a bigger glove?
In most cases this comes up when the coach believes the player will catch the ball better with a different size glove. The coach is usually right. A parent has the right to insist that his/her daughter use the family’s own glove. But the parent should recognize that doing so may hurt the girl’s playing ability.
Does a player need her own batting helmet?
It is recommended, but not required.
Does a catcher need her own set of catcher’s gear?
No. The league provides catcher’s gear to each team.
Is head lice a problem when girls share helmets?
We are fortunate not to have had that problem, at least not in recent years. But there is always a possibility, so we recommend against sharing helmets. Unfortunately, we are required to share catcher’s helmets, so we recommend that all players thoroughly wash their hair after any game in which they play catcher, unless they are the only girl to use the catcher’s helmet.
What about shin guards and knee pads?
They are recommended, but not required.
Uniforms
Are uniforms provided for the players?
All Leaguerette leagues provide player uniforms, although the leagues differ on exactly what is provided.
What uniform items are provided by the League?
Temple Terrace Leaguerettes provides a jersey, shorts and a hat in the spring season, and a jersey and hat in the fall season. All other items are the responsibility of the player.
What about socks, sliding shorts, etc.?
These items are the responsibility of the player. They are not provided by the league.
Are there rules about all players on a team wearing the same uniform?
The official rules require all players to wear the same uniform, but this rule is not strongly enforced except at some tournaments.
Are there rules about what jersey numbers are permitted?
The official rules have several requirements regarding jersey numbers, but these requirements are not strongly enforced except at some tournaments. If there is a problem at a tournament, we use tape on the back of the jersey to create numbers that are ok under the rules.
Can two players have the same jersey numbers?
No, but they can have very similar numbers. For example, 3, 03, and 003 are allowed (some tournaments may require a number change, because under the rules these are technically considered the same number).
What should players wear when it is cold or raining?
Players should always dress comfortably and appropriately for the weather conditions at game time.
Our coach said that players are not allowed to wear sweats or jackets during the game, but it is cold!
This is a health and safety issue. Unless a rule says otherwise, what to wear in this situation is up to the player’s parents.
Game Rules
What game rules apply to Leaguerette softball?
The ASA’s rules apply to all our games, except that the county has adopted some slightly different county rules. In addition, our local league has adopted some local rules that apply only to games on our fields.
What rules in Leaguerette softball are different from other softball and baseball organizations?
Leaguerettes requires all players to be in the batting order, and all players to play defense at least two innings (technically, six defensive outs). No more than 10 batters from a team may bat in one inning. For more details, read the county rules.
Can a local league have special rules?
A local league can have whatever special rules it wants for its own local games, as long as those rules don’t violate a direct requirement of the county relating to safety or certain other matters. However, these local rules will not apply to tournament games.
What do I do if I believe the players/coaches/umpires did not follow the rules in a game?
Only the coach can complain about a rule not being followed. If the coach does not make a proper protest, nothing can be done. If you believe a rule was not followed, you may want to discuss the matter with the coach (but not on game day). If you believe there is a particular problem, consult with a local league board member.
What if I believe a rule should be changed?
Bring the matter to the attention of the board and we will consider it. If appropriate, we will present the proposed rule change to the Leaguerette Executive Board for consideration. If the rule change is approved, it usually will go into effect the following year.
How can I find out more about Leaguerette game rules?
The best way to learn more about the rules of the game is to study. Buy a current copy of the ASA rules and read them, several times, along with the “Points of Emphasis” in the back of the rules. Buy and watch the instructional tapes for umpires, and the Umpires Case Book, available from the ASA.
Umpires
Where do the umpires come from for Leaguerettes softball games?
We provide HCPRD our game schedules, and they arrange for umpires through the local umpire association and local office of the ASA.
Why doesn't the league hire umpires directly, rather than go through the county?
We have tried to do that, but we are a small organization and have not had much success getting the umpire associations to deal directly with us.
Are the umpires paid, or are they volunteers?
Our umpires are paid, but not very much. Most of them serve as umpires because they love the game.
Why don’t we have umpires for all the games?
We schedule umpires for all of our spring season games. Sometimes the umpires do not show up. In the fall season, sometimes no umpires are available for our games, in which case we do our best to get coaches or parents to officiate the games.
How should we act toward the umpires?
Be good sports. Do not heckle the umpires. As the saying goes, if you don’t have something nice to say, then you don’t need to say anything at all.
Why don’t we have better umpires?
We have the best umpires available. Our umpires are the same umpires who officiate at adult league games. No umpire is perfect, but we believe that generally our umpires are pretty good.
What if I don’t like a call by an umpire during a game?
Be a good sport. The coach will complain if the coach believes a complaint is warranted. Do not heckle the umpire.
What if I don’t like the way an umpire acts?
Do not complain to the umpire or the county. Please take the matter up with our local league board.
Fall and Spring Playing Seasons
How many playing seasons are there each year?
There are two playing seasons each year – spring season and fall season.
What are the starting and ending dates of the playing seasons?
In the fall season, teams usually are selected in mid-August, and play from around the beginning of September until around the end of October. In the spring season, teams usually are selected around the first of November, begin playing around the first of the year, and play through April or early May.
Why is the spring season so much longer than the fall season?
Originally the only season played under the HCPRD program was the spring season. Several years ago Temple Terrace Leaguerettes added a fall “instructional” season to satisfy the demands of its players. Now the fall season is a regular season under the HCPRD program. It is shorter only because it came second, and because there wasn't enough calendar time to make it longer without playing over the summer.
What are the main differences between the fall season and the spring season?
The fall season is a short, instructional, less competitive season. Games are scored, but no standings are recorded. The spring season is longer and more competitive. There are three tournaments: the Earlybird preseason tournament and the Spring Break tournament, both of which are open to all teams, and the season-end county championship tournament, which is open only to the 1st and 2nd place teams from each local league. Teams compete to take 1st or 2nd place for the season in order to participate in the county championship tournament. An All-Star team is selected from each division in each league, and those teams participate in their own All-Star tournament.
Which season is the better season to play?
Both seasons are great, and we recommend that all players play both seasons. But if a player is going to play only one season, the choice depends on many factors. If a player wants the best opportunity to improve her skills, then spring season is the way to go. If a player wants a short season requiring only a limited commitment, then fall season might be a better choice.
Practices
How often do the teams practice?
Most teams practice two or three times per week before games begin, and then one or two times per week. However, each coach decides when, how often and how long the team will practice. A team may not require more than three team meetings (games and practices combined) in any week, although a team may hold additional optional practices.
What days/nights/times do the teams practice?
Each coach decides when, how often and how long the team will practice. Before games begin, most teams practice one or two week nights plus one weekend day. After games begin, most teams eliminate one or two practices, or change them to optional practices.
How long does each practice last?
Most teams practice about one and one-half hours each practice, though some practice for longer or shorter periods of time.
What does a team do at practice?
Most teams practice a variety of skills at each practice. We encourage our coaches to use a variety of drills in order to make practices more fun and more effective.
Why does our team practice so much?
Each coach decides when, how often and how long the team will practice. Please discuss the subject with the coach, and consult the board if there is a problem.
Why doesn't our team practice more?
Each coach decides when, how often and how long the team will practice. Please discuss the subject with the coach, and consult the board if there is a problem.
Games
How many games will our team play in a season?
The game schedule varies each season, but there are some general rules. The fall season is an 8 – 10 game season. In the spring season, each team usually plays approximately 24 – 30 games. The specific number depends principally on the number of teams playing in that division.
What days/nights/times do the teams play?
The game schedule varies each season, but there are some general rules. In the fall season, all games are on Saturday morning/early afternoon. In the spring season, each team generally has a game on Monday or Tuesday evening and another game on Saturday morning/early afternoon. For night games, we try to finish pixie games by 8:00 pm. All games must be finished (the lights must be turned off) by 9:30 pm.
When do we need to arrive at the field?
Most coaches expect their players to arrive at the fields, ready to play, approximately one hour before game time. Of course, each coach may have different expectations, depending on the particular age division, whether we are early or late in the season, the importance of a particular game, and other factors. We understand that players may have other obligations and that it may not always be possible to arrive when the coach desires, but we believe it is important to make a serious effort to do so.
How long does each game last?
Pee Wee games last three innings, but no more than 45 minutes, and may end in a tie.
Pixie games last five innings, except that no new inning may begin after one hour of play unless the game is tied. The game continues until the tie is broken.
Pigtail games last six innings, except that no new inning may begin after one hour and five minutes of play unless the game is tied. The game continues until the tie is broken.
Ponytail games last seven innings, except that no new inning may begin after one hour and fifteen minutes of play unless the game is tied. The game continues until the tie is broken.
We sometimes impose a shorter time limit for night games.
How long will we be at the field for a game?
Expect to be at the field for pre-game practice, plus the length of the game, plus a short post-game meeting. On average, total time at the field will be a little over two hours. But keep in mind that sometimes the earlier game will run long, meaning that your game will start later than the scheduled time, and then your own game may run into extra innings. Rarely you might find it necessary to stay at the field for several hours just to play a single game. And, of course, there occasionally will be double headers. Finally, tournaments sometimes may keep players at the field most of the day.
Which dugout will we be in?
In Leaguerettes, the home team is in the third base (left side) dugout. Exception: If one of the teams in a particular game has a double header (and the other team doesn't), the team with the double header can choose to be in either dugout. If both teams have double headers, a team playing its second game has priority over a team playing its first game.
Who sets up the field (bases, baselines, etc.) for the games?
The home team in the first game of the day/evening is responsible for lining the field, setting up the bases, and taking care of all other field preparation work. If base distances need to be changed or if any re-lining is required for a later game, the home team in that game is responsible to take care of the matter.
What if there is a major problem with the field, fences, bleachers, etc?
TTPRD is responsible for the fields, spectator areas, etc. Please advise any board member of the problem, and they will contact TTPRD.
Tournaments
What are Leaguerette tournaments?
Each spring season, there are four Leaguerette tournaments. In these tournaments, teams from all five Hillsborough County Leaguerette organizations compete against each other.
When are the tournaments, and which teams are eligible to play in each tournament?
Tournament |
Usual Time |
Who Participates |
|---|---|---|
Early Bird |
Early January |
Open to all teams |
Spring Break |
During spring break |
Open to all teams |
County Championship |
After completion of regular season games |
Open only to the 1st and 2nd place teams of each age division |
All-Star |
After County Championship Tournament |
Open only to the All-Star teams from each division |
Where are the tournaments played?
Most tournaments are played at one of the counties' leaguerette fields. Some tournaments are played at Ed Radice Park in northwest Hillsborough County.
How is the tournament game schedule determined - bracket, ladder, round robin, or some other system?
Each tournament is structured as a double elimination tournament. This means that each team stays in the tournament unless and until the team loses two games. The tournament champion is the team remaining after every other team has lost two games. Second, third and fourth place finishers are determined based on which teams advance farthest in their game schedule.
How does a double elimination bracket work?
A double elimination tournament bracket looks like two traditional tournament brackets right next to each other. One bracket is called the winners' bracket, the other is called the losers' bracket. All teams start in the winners' bracket, which is prepared in the usual fashion . . . teams are divided into pairs, and each pair plays a first round game (depending on the number of teams in the tournament, some team(s) may get a "bye"). If a team wins the game, it advances to the next round. If a team loses, it drops out of the winners' bracket, but then is assigned a spot in the losers' bracket. In the losers' bracket, every game is a contest between two teams that already have lost one game each. If a team wins a game in the losers' bracket, it advances to the next round in that bracket. If a team loses a losers' bracket game, the team is out of the tournament. Eventually, there remains only one team in the winners' bracket, and only one team in the losers' bracket. These two teams meet in the championship game . . . one undefeated team against a team with only one loss. If the undefeated team wins, meaning the other team loses its second game, then the undefeated team is the tournament champion and the other team is the second place team. If the undefeated team loses, so that now each team has one loss, the teams immediately play one more game to decide the championship.
What days and nights of the week are tournament games played?
Games are played all day and into the night on Saturday, and every weekday evening. Games generally are not played on Sunday.
What times of day are tournament games played?
On Saturdays, games begin as early as 8:00 am. The first game on a weekday evening usually begins around 5:00. The last game of the day on Saturday or a weekday may be scheduled to begin as late as 9:00, but afternoon and evening games frequently start late because earlier games run long.
How many games will a team play in one day?
On a Saturday, each team usually will play at least two games (assuming the team is still in the tournament). If the last day of the tournament is a Saturday, a team that comes from the loser's side of the bracket may play four, five or even six games if the team keeps winning.
How many days does each tournament last?
Because the Early Bird and Spring Break Tournaments are open to all teams, they usually take five to eight days to complete.
Do tournaments start or finish on particular days of the week?
There is no set rule on this. Some tournaments start on a Saturday, others start on a weekday evening. Some end on Saturday, some end during the week.
Are tournament game rules the same as regular season rules?
There are differences. Some of these are:
- In regular season games, the "run ahead" rule applies only if it is mathematically impossible for one team to tie the other, even if it scores the ten run maximum each inning remaining in the game. In tournaments, the usual "run ahead" rule provides that a team is declared the winner if it is ten runs ahead at the end of any inning, beginning with the third inning.
- In some tournaments, there is an absolute time limit. When time expires, the team ahead when the last inning was completed may be declared the winner.
- In some tournaments, a foul ball may count as a third strike.
- In some tournaments, strict pickup rules apply.
Are trophies awarded for participating in the tournaments?
The County usually awards trophies the top two, three or four teams in each age division. The number of trophies awarded in a tournament depends on the number of teams in that age division participating in the tournament, and is determined solely at the discretion of the County.
Is there a fee for participating in a tournament?
Our league pays an entry fee for each team participating in each tournament. We do not charge individual players or teams for participating in the tournaments.
Do teams from outside of Hillsborough County participate in the tournaments?
No. The tournaments are strictly for Hillsborough County Leaguerette teams from the five local leagues - Temple Terrace, Brandon, Lutz, North Tampa, and Town 'n Country.
Do non-Leaguerette teams participate in the tournaments?
No. The tournaments are strictly for Hillsborough County Leaguerette teams.
Are there any tournaments in the fall season?
No. The only tournaments are during the spring season.
All-Stars
Who or What are the "All-Stars?"
The Pixie, Pigtail and Ponytail divisions each have "All-Star" teams. These teams are made up of the division's top players, selected from all players/teams in the division. Each of the five Leaguerette leagues in the county sends its All-Star teams to a tournament held at the end of each spring season.
Is there a Pee Wee All-Star team?
No. Only the Pixie, Pigtail and Ponytail divisions have All-Star teams.
How many players are on the All-Star team?
Each All-Star team has 13 rostered players. In addition, we name two alternates. However, the alternates are not placed on the official All-Star roster unless one or more of the original 13 is unable to play in the All-Star tournament.
Are alternates treated differently from the 13 rostered players?
The alternates practice with the team and receive uniforms. The county does not provide the alternates with trophies, so our league buys trophies for the alternates.
Is the All-Star team required to have a certain number of players from each team in that age division?
No. There is no minimum or maximum number of All-Star players to come from a particular team. A team may not have any All-Star players, or it could have a great many All-Star players.
Does each age division have its own All-Star team?
The Pixie, Pigtail and Ponytail divisions have All-Star teams. The Pee Wee division does not have an All-Star team.
Who coaches the All-Star team?
The head coach of the first place team in the division is the head coach of the All-Star team. All coaches of the first and second place teams in that division are entitled to be assistant coaches and to receive an All-Star coach's shirt. The head coach may invite additional coaches from other teams to also be assistants, and the Board may approve coach's shirts for them as well. The All-Star head coach determines the role of each assistant coach. If the All-Star team is selected before the first place team is known, the head coach from the first place team in the first half of the season will serve as interim head coach. When first place for the season is determined, that coach assumes the All-Star head coach position.
How are All-Stars selected?
The members of an All-Star team are selected by vote of the teams in that age division.
How does the voting work?
Each team's coaches cast a total of 26 votes, but no more than two votes for any one player. Votes are cast by secret ballot, and a team must cast all the votes it is entitled to cast. The 13 players with the most votes make the team.
Who tallies the votes?
Generally, at least two board members count every ballot, cross-checking each other on vote totals. When possible, board members whose daughters are nominees are not involved in counting the ballots. If most or all directors have daughters who are nominees, we may involve a non-board member in the vote count.
Are the vote counts announced?
No. The vote totals are completely confidential. The persons counting the votes announce the names of the girls receiving enough votes to make the team, but nothing else. The ballots are destroyed and no record is kept of the votes cast.
What if there is a tie?
If there is a tie, any player who received more votes than the tied players are in, up to 13 rostered players. If adding all tied players would put the number of rostered players over 13, then a new vote is taken for the remaining number of open slots, up to 13. Each team gets two votes per available slot, but again no more than two votes per player. All nominees are eligible to receive votes in the runoff, not just the girls who were tied. There is no runoff vote between the tied players. This procedure continues until all 13 players are selected.
How are the alternates selected?
After the 13 original rostered players are selected, we do not simply declare the alternates to be the next two highest vote recipients. Instead, we select two alternates using the same voting procedure that was used to select the original 13 rostered players. When voting for alternates, coaches may vote for any nominee, including nominees who did not receive any votes when voting on the 13 rostered players.
Who decides how the team's votes are cast?
Usually the coaches, managers and assistants get together to talk about how the team will vote. Sometimes the head coach casts 13 votes and the lead assistant coach or the manager casts 13 votes. Sometimes one person from the team casts the votes. Ultimately, the head coach will have the final say on what procedure a team uses to cast its votes.
Who can attend the vote meeting?
Only the official coaches, managers and assistants may attend, with a limit of no more than three individuals from any one team. Board members attend to oversee the meeting and to tally the votes.
What criteria are considered by the coaches in casting their votes?
Many people have strong opinions regarding what factors should be considered in selecting All-Stars. Some believe that players should be selected based on overall talent, or overall value to their regular season teams. Some believe that the proper approach is to pick the players who will make the strongest All-Star team, based on strength at needed positions rather than overall strength as a player. Some believe that sportsmanship, attitude, effort, age, years with the league, and other traits are important. Because this issue is so controversial, TTL has not established any particular criteria for All-Star selection. The coaches are free to consider whatever criteria they desire, even if you or I might consider a factor completely irrelevant.
When are All-Stars selected?
All-Stars usually are nominated shortly before the Spring Break tournament, and selected a week or two after the tournament.
How are players nominated for the All-Star team?
Several weeks prior to the All-Star vote, the coaches submit nominations to the league's board of directors. After the nominations are submitted, the preliminary list of nominees is distributed to all coaches, who then are given an opportunity to submit additional nominees.
How many girls can a team nominate?
Each team may nominate any number of players. However, the coaches should nominate a player only if they believe that she deserves to be on the All-Star team.
Can coaches nominate girls from other teams?
Coaches usually nominate key players from their own teams, but they are permitted to nominate players from other teams also.
How do players find out if they have been nominated or selected for the All-Star team?
Names of nominees are supposed to be kept secret. Unfortunately, some coaches reveal the names of their nominees. The voting process also is supposed to be kept secret, except for the final results.
What commitment is expected of an All-Star player?
All-Star players are expected to make a serious commitment to the team. Practices are frequent and intense. Playing in the tournament is a rigorous experience. A player who can not make the required commitment is expected to decline to participate.
When do the All-Stars practice?
Practices usually begin right after the team is selected. Players should expect a great many practices, perhaps every day during some weeks.
When is the All-Star tournament?
The All-Star tournament is the last event of the Leaguerette playing season. The tournament usually is held over a weekend about two weeks after the county championship tournament, or about three or four weeks after the last regular season game.
Where is the All-Star tournament?
Most years, the All-Star tournament is at one of the Hillsborough Leaguerette fields.
What do All-Stars receive in the way of uniforms, etc.?
All-Stars receive a special uniform to wear in the All-Star tournament, and usually receive a jacket or other item in recognition of their participation. The player is entitled to keep these items after the season is over.
Do all All-Stars receive the uniform and recognition item?
Not necessarily. A player is recognized as an All-Star only if she participates in the practices and the tournament (alternates may not play, but are expected to attend). If she drops out or is unable to participate, she is not entitled to be honored or recognized as an All-Star. The Leaguerettes board may make exceptions to this policy in the case of serious illness, injury, etc., though exceptions are rare.
Who pays for the All-Star uniforms and other items?
The league pays most of the costs of uniforms, recognition items, and other costs associated with our All-Star teams. However, parents/players are expected to pay a portion of the uniform cost. Most years, we will expect the All-Star players to conduct some sort of fund raiser to help defray the costs of our All-Star program.
Financial Assistance
Is financial assistance available for players who cannot afford to pay all the costs of registration and player equipment?
Yes. Please consult with any board member. All requests for financial assistance will be held in confidence.