Frequently Asked Questions:
When does registration open/close?
Registration opens a few months prior to the first practice. This allows the parents and Board of Directors to complete the required forms, train volunteers, order uniforms and equipment, and schedule field time.
Fall Registration:
Early Bird: June 15th through 25th.
Open Registration: June 26th through July 25th.
Late Registration: July 26th through August 5th.
Spring Registration:
Early Bird: October 15th through October 31st.
Open Registration: November 1st through December 31st.
Late Registration: January 1st through January 15th.
***Registration fees are NON-REFUNDABLE.***
Why am I on the waitlist, and how likely am I to get cleared? What is the capacity?
Our capacity and ability to form teams is based on several factors:
1. Volunteers: This is our biggest challenge every season. We set our initial caps for the number of teams for which we can reasonably anticipate finding both a Manager and Coach. We usually have many Coaches, but very few Managers. If more volunteers sign up on the website and complete the requirements, we can usually open another full team at once from the waitlist, depending on the other factors listed here. If you are unsure about your ability to manage a team, please rest assured that no baseball experience is required, and we can offer guidance and help with practice plans upon request. We promise, it is not as intimidating as it seems!
2. Team Size Cap: Little League’s mandatory play rule ensures every player gets their fair share of time on the field. The larger the team, the more players must sit out in order to fulfill this requirement. We set our caps to accommodate as many players per team as possible without detracting from the playing experience. We also have to factor in the handful of players wanting to “play up” into the next division based on skill. We understand your child is “just one more”, but there is always one more behind them, so we must draw the line somewhere.
3. Field Availability: Murphy Canyon Little League has four field in which we manage along with Liberty Military Housing. The number of teams, the average team’s age, combined with adequate practice time dictates the field availability.
4. Uniforms: Between the Padres uniform order deadline (Minors and below) and current shipping times, we must order uniforms before registration is complete. We try to reasonably anticipate the num er of kids per team, number of teams, and average sizes; however, it is not always possible to order another jersey just before the season begins.
What division should I register my child?
Divisions are based on a child’s “League Age” according to the Little League Age Chart. This is primarily for the safety of all players, especially when they are In the field facing an older batter. All ability levels are welcome at every division, even if they’ve never played before, and all players will have the opportunity to learn new skills from their coach. The registration system reflects this, so you should sign up for the division made available to you. After you register, you can email [email protected] with any questions regarding their placement.
If you feel your child should play in a higher division, you may request they be assessed by emailing the Player Agent at [email protected]. Mandatory assessments are held for CAPS and above and are usually the 3rd weekend in January. Your child may enter the draft based on their Assessment Score and must be drafted by the 5th round in order to play in the higher division (rule changed from 9th round on Jan. 12, 2023). Players can also only play up when there is space in the division, as the division-age players have priority for a spot separate from the draft. They cannot be moved up or down in order to make room for a child playing up.
Divisions are based on League Age:
Tee Ball: 4 year olds and new 5 year olds.
Rookies: 5 years old with Tee Ball experience AND 6 years olds (regardless of experience).
CAPS: 7-8 year olds.
Minors: 9-10 year olds.
Majors: 11-12 year olds.
Juniors: 13-14 year olds.
Can we request certain Managers or teammates due to friendship, carpools, etc?
Though we cannot guarantee placement, for Tee Ball and Coach Pitch, we try to accommodate these requests to give your players the best possible experience and help parents juggle their schedules. You must annotate your preference during registration process.
However, the other divisions (CAPS, Minors, and Majors) are all assessed and formally drafted to ensure fair, safe, and skill-balanced teams. This is important for positive experience when playing within MCLL, as well as when they play District 33 teams. If you need help carpooling, please reach our to your child’s Manager, who can connect you with the other team parents to arrange rides.
We’re new to base all. What does my child need to participate?
Your registration fee includes a jersey, hat, socks, and belt. Your child will need coordinating pants – your Team Manager will let you know what color. The local baseball shop Charlie Rose usually offers a coupon for MCLL families for free belt/socks with pants purchase.
The player will also need a glove, a pair of rubber/plastic (no metal) cleats, water bottle, and cup (boys). Optional equipment can include equipment backpack, batting gloves, practice pants, elbow guards, bat, batting helmet, and a mouthpiece.
We understand the high startup cost for baseball, so MCLL will provide a team with a couple of helmets and bats for team use only.
When will I hear from my child’s Team Manager?
You will usually hear from your Team Manager about one week prior to the first practices. In the Fall, by the second week of August. In the Spring for CAPS and above should be early-mid February and mid-February for Rookies and below.
When are practices and games?
These are dependent on the Team Manager’s availability and our field availability. You will hear from your Team Manager about on week before practices begin. Fall Season has games only on Sundays (with an additional practice(s) during the week). Spring Season games are not on Sundays and are dependent on teams within District 33.
What is Opening Day?
Opening Day is the day we kickoff the Spring Season with activities, games, food vendors, a Team Parade, and Home Run Derby. This is an all-day event, though some teams will have a game scheduled that morning/evening. We are always in need of volunteers to help plan and execute this awesome event, so please contact [email protected] if you can help!
What do I have to do as a Manager, Coach, Scorekeeper, etc.?
Please visit the volunteer page for greater details and requirements.
- Team Manager: Run the team, plan practices, create lineups, communicate with parents, keep track of paperwork, etc.
- Assistant Coach: Helps the Team Manager in running practices, coaching games, and running the team.
- Scorekeeper: Keeps score, gameplay, and pitch counts for each game using the paper scorebook and possibly through the GameChanger app. In tournaments, must sit in the scorekeeping booth. Training provided!
What are the volunteer requirements? Why are there so many?
All these requirements come from Little League or the state of California and are intended to protect our young players.
For ALL volunteers:
1. Annual background check (required by Little League for all volunteers, paid for by MCLL). This is done through our website, so you must be registered there. You will receive an email from our Safety Officer with further instructions.
2. **Beginning 2024** One-time LiveScan (required by the state of California, paid for by MCLL). We are currently exploring options to get a mobile unit to our fields prior to the season to make it easier on our volunteers.
For Managers and Coaches only:
1. Annual completion of in-person Safety & Skills clinics (required by Little League). More information can be found under “Safety” on the District 33 website.
2. One-time certifications in Sudden Cardiac Arrest, Child Abuse Awareness, and Concussion Protocol(required by Little League). These certificates should be downloaded and emailed to [email protected]. More information can be found on the District 33 website.