FAQ(S) Regarding New Regulation II Rules for 4-7 year olds, older siblings and “League Choice”
In order to have clarity for both the leagues and parents regarding the new Regulation II rule for 4-7 year old players and their older siblings, please review the new rule below and some of the questions (and answers) that arise from this change.
Q: For the new 4-7 year olds, is the birth certificate, proving age, the ONLY requirement to sign up?
A: That is correct. As all players ages 4-7 will be entered into the system as eligible through League Choice
Q: For the older siblings that follows the 4-7 year old to a league outside their designated boundary, is there any documentation needed besides the player’s birth certificate?
A: Correct. The elder sibling will be attached to the League Choice player and therefore have eligibility as long as the younger sibling actively participates in the league
Q: What about residency documentation for players you sign up within their designated boundaries? Do they still have to prove residency or have a waiver?
A: They have to provide proof of eligibility or have an approved waiver (before placement on to a team).
Q: How will residency eligibility be proven should a player make it to AllStars?
A: All eligible players will be flagged in the system. When the league completes the Tournament affidavit, the League Choice players will be able to be selected from a list and a note will reflect that they need no residency documentation included.
Q: Are the tournament AllStar books changing this year and/or data center mapping to reflect this change in the registration process?
A: The Tournament affidavit is being updated. The Tournament affidavit will reflect if documentation is required. If so, it will need to be carried in the binder.
Q: In following years, if AllStar paperwork is still allowed to roll from one year to the next for the tournament book, and the younger (4-7 year old) decides they are no longer interested in baseball, how will that work?
A: The elder sibling will no longer be eligible through League Choice
Q: In regards to retention- if an 8-16 year old plays under the premise of the 4-7 year old registration this year but the 4-7 year old player decides in 2026 they don't want to play anymore or with the league anymore, what is the consequence to the 8-16 year old player since they no longer have the younger to follow and there is no waiver in place at the current league?
A: The elder sibling will no longer be eligible and would need to submit an OOB (Out of Boundary) waiver request in order to continue with the league. Please note that OOB waiver comes with a 1 year red-shirt requirement.
Q: I am not familiar with League Choice, can you explain what that means?
A: "League Choice" is how the 4-7 year olds are being categorized in the Central Registration system. They are choosing which league they want to participate in. That is why they are not required to provide residency documentation - they are eligible through their "League Choice"
Q: Is League Choice attached to Sports Connect? What if my League doesn’t have Sports Connect?
A: Leagues are required to utilize Sports Connect and LL has been sending notifications since 10/2023. They must use it, at minimum, for registration.