PLAY LITTLE LEAGUE (U12)

Games are run by the Gold Coast Baseball Association (GCBA). Games are played in a Home and Away format. Team Sizes are 9 on the field plus bench players up to 10 or 11 players in total. This is the first level of baseball where children are separated into two groups based on their skill level, Little League Majors & Little League Minors.

This is also the first level where a semi-competitive environment is introduced with scores recorded and finals played however the emphasis is still on skill development and equal participation. Although players are rotated though a variety of positions throughout the season this age group sees children starting to focus on more specific roles within the team.

Whilst players still pitch to the opposition in Little Minors the rules are modified to assist game play continuity and player enjoyment, this is achieved with no “base on balls”.

AGE

Baseball uses an Age Matrix to determine which age group applies. Players who have a baseball age of 10, 11 or 12 will play Little League (the matrix makes this easy to determine).

TRAINING

Depends on each club but usually from 4.30-6pm. Training usually will commence in the first week of Term 4.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

Junior Gameday shirt, club cap, baseball glove, protective cup, sneakers or moulded cleat shoes.

Contact your club for more information about uniforms.

For any more gear you can contact the Gold Coast's only baseball store at www.base2base.com.au for all your equipment needs.

GAMES

Saturday mornings. Games are 1.30hrs (Minors) or 1.45hrs (Majors)

In Little League, all pitching is by opposition players with most normal baseball rules applicable – except runners are not allowed to take a lead.

In Little League normal baseballs are used for the first time.

SEASON

The season usually consists of 9 to 10 Saturdays in School Term 4 with another 6 to 7 Saturdays in Term 1 after school returns from the Christmas break.

There are no games or training during school holidays depending on the club.

TOURNAMENTS

Little League is also the first opportunity for exposure at a representative level. The GCBA enters teams in the State Championships each year and then on to the Australian National Little League Championships. The GCBA and its club's continue to provide some of the best baseball training and education in the state.

During the Christmas break Little League players can be selected into teams to play in the local GCBA Summer Classic. Teams from around Australia and the New Zealand participate in this tournament and forms the start of the representative season.

VOLUNTEERS

Every club needs coaches, assistant coaches, scorers, team managers, umpires and field setup. Talk to your club about how you can help support your children's team.