Expert: Martin Hoover - 4/21/2010

Question
This year we have signed both sons up for baseball. 1 on A (7-8)-no try-outs the other is AA (9-10)this division had try-outs. My husbands job has taken him out of town and my job is now requiring 6 days a week. I am struggling to get my 8yr. old to any games and practices. I tried to get the Players Rep. to do a sibling transfer to the 9-10yr old team. She is saying that he didn't try-out 50% of the try-out that he is not eligible. She has quoted this as Little League Baseball Rules.The coach for 9-10yr old has seen our 8yr old play at his practices for 9-10 yrs old team (as I can get him to the later practices.)He wants him on the team. Any advise on what I can do? This league is Mt Ridge Little League in Las Vegas, NV.

Answer
Heather,

The Player Agent is correct in their interpretation.  A player must participate in 50% of the scheduled tryout session in order to be place in a drafted division (such as the AA division you used).  As for moving him up, the Player Agent is the one who makes that request to the Board of Directors, and she cannot make the move due to Little League Regulations.

As a League President I have recommended to parents in the past to set up carpools with other parents and/or coaches to help elevate the stress that you have in getting two children to two different locations.  If it is an issue getting him to practice, but taking him home is fine, work with a coach or parent to arrange a pick up/take home system that works for both families.

I would recommend that you write your Local League President.  There might be other local options that can assist you.

I hope this has helped.

-Martin Hoover