Quick links to the answers parents ask for most: gear guidance, where to play, how club/select fits with Little
League, and where to grab NCLL swag. We'll keep adding resources as the season approaches.
Parent Resources
Start Here
Welcome to NCLL - we're glad you're here.
We've put together resources for the questions parents ask most and invite you to click through at your own pace
- from picking the right gear to finding the field on game day.
Here's what you'll find on this page - tap into any card to dig deeper.
Gloves & Bats:
what to buy and to skip
Fields:
maps, parking, and which diamond you're on
Club Teams:
how select/travel fits alongside Little League
Swag, Forms & More:
spirit wear, waivers, and medical releases
The
#1 thing
your player's future coach will thank you for? A glove that actually fits. You don't have to spend a lot - just
a few minutes making sure it's the right one.
The wall of options can feel intimidating - we'll walk you through sizing, types, and break-in tips, plus some
coaches' favorites at the end.
Glove Types
Here are the most common glove styles.
First Base:
Larger mitts for scooping.
Catcher:
Padded with deep pockets.
Infield:
Smaller gloves for quick transfers.
Outfield:
Larger gloves w/ deep pockets.
If you aren't sure if you need a catcher's or first baseman's mitt, that means you don't - you'll know when that
time comes. This narrows things to an
infield (IF)
or
outfield (OF)
glove.
Understanding Parts of a BB/SB Glove
Click the image to enlarge
Webbing:
Infield open webbing for quick transfers; outfield closed to hide the ball.
Pockets:
Infield shallow for fast release; outfield deeper for fly balls.
Backs:
Infield open back for flexibility; outfield closed back for support.
Wrists:
Adjustable for a snug, secure fit.
First things first - righty or lefty?
Click the image to enlarge
LHT =
Left hand throw
RHT =
Right hand throw
Always verify and then verify again!
Glove Sizing
Click the image to enlarge
Glove length is measured from heel to tip.
Skip the brand hype. The right glove fits your child's hand and how they play.
Look for a snug fit with room for a batting glove underneath.
Glove Sizing (cont.)
Choose quality materials - genuine leather lasts longer and breaks in better.
A good fit feels snug but lets the fingers fully extend.
Open and close the glove to ensure it flexes easily.
Break-In Period:
New gloves can feel stiff at first, so encourage your player to wear them and practice catching regularly to
break them in.
Nothing beats the sound of a good crack off the barrel - let's find the bat that makes it happen.
Click the image to enlarge
From certifications to drop weights, we'll cut through the noise so your player steps up to the plate ready to
swing.
Step 1: Decide necessary certification - USA Baseball
The following Little League divisions require a USA Baseball certified bat - look for the above stamp on the
barrel or taper:
TB (4-6)
KCP (6-8)
A (7-9)
AA (8-10)
AAA (9-11)
MAJ (10-12)
T-Ball bats have an additional requirement: in addition to the USA Baseball stamp, the bat must include the text ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS. Tee Ball bats may also only be 26 inches in length or shorter.
Step 1: Decide necessary certification - BBCOR
The following Little League divisions and all high school divisions require a BBCOR certified bat - look for the
above stamp on the barrel or taper:
INT (11-13)
JR (12-14)
SR (13-16)
High School (14+)
Step 1: Decide necessary certification - USSSA
USSSA (aka U-dub) is used for travel, select, and club ball - look for the above stamp on the barrel or taper:
8U
9U
10U
11U
12U
13U
14U+
Step 1: Decide necessary certification - USA Softball (ASA)
The following Little League Softball divisions require a USA Softball certified bat - look for the above stamp
on the barrel or taper:
A (7-9)
AA (9-12)
AAA (9-12)
MAJ (9-12)
JR (12-14)
SR (13-16)
Step 2: Choose Bat Construction & Materials
Construction Method
One-Piece:
Single piece - more balance, more vibration. Good for beginners.
Two-Piece:
Barrel + handle fused - less vibration, more flex and whip.
Material Types
Alloy:
Durable, no break-in, affordable - smaller sweet spot.
Wood:
Ash, maple, or birch - classic feel, less power than alloy.
It's right there in our logo! Our home field is the Cloverleaf at Lower Woodland, featuring four 60-foot
softball/baseball diamonds and one 90-foot turfed field.
+
This guide covers all the locations where you'll find NCLL in action.
The Cloverleaf at Lower Woodland
Click the image to enlarge
Our home field! Four 60-foot diamonds (#3-6) arranged in a cloverleaf pattern.
Facilities: Four baseball-softball fields, restrooms, playground, skate park
What Is a Club Team?
Exploring the "ifs" and "whos" of committing to a club/select/travel team can be daunting.
How club/select works alongside Little League, costs, travel, and fit for your player.
What is "Select", "Club", and "Travel Ball"?
NCLL aims to help by providing introductions to local club teams through various programs throughout the year,
giving you a chance to get to know the coaches and for them to get to know your player. It is a great way to see
if your child is ready or even desires to take that next step in the level of competition.
We will always make it clear in our communications who is running what. Below are the key distinctions and to
the right, a brief description of the local programs.
Recreational Leagues (e.g., Little League, PONY, etc.)
These leagues typically begin with Tee Ball, which can start for children as young as 4 years old.
Progression through divisions (coach-pitch, player-pitch, etc.) occurs through the pre-teen years.
The emphasis is on participation, learning fundamentals, and having fun.
Club Programs
Increased travel and practice come with an increased cost, both financially and of your time.
These programs are generally more competitive and require tryouts.
They can begin at a wide range of ages, but it is increasingly common to see them start as early as 7 or 8
years old.
However, the most common time that players begin participating in these programs is around ages 9 through 12.
These programs often involve more travel, a greater time commitment, and a higher level of competition.
The goal is often to develop players for higher levels of baseball/softball, such as high school and college.
There are often multiple teams within one program for different skill levels.
Key Points
The age at which a child enters a club program varies depending on the organization and the level of
competition.
It is important to maintain a healthy balance between sports and other activities.
Every child develops at their own rate.
Consider your child's physical, emotional, and social development when deciding whether to enter a club
program.
Costs, both financial and time, must be factored into your decision.
Local Baseball Club Teams
[Baseball Club Team 1]
[Baseball Club Team 2]
[Baseball Club Team 3]
[Baseball Club Team 4]
[Baseball Club Team 5]
Local Softball Club Teams
[Softball Club Team 1]
[Softball Club Team 2]
[Softball Club Team 3]
[Softball Club Team 4]
[Softball Club Team 5]
Conclusion
Choosing the right path for your child's baseball or softball journey is an important decision that should be
made with care and consideration.
Note
: While many within NCLL have differing opinions and views on this aspect of kids' baseball and softball, we
generally agree that starting at age 7-8 is early, and in the case of softball, difficult to find. Focus on fun
and a love of the game.
Swag
Show your NCLL pride! From cozy hoodies to classic tees, our spirit wear collection lets you rep the cloverleaf
in style.
Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or running errands around town, gear up with quality NCLL branded
apparel that celebrates our league's tradition and community.
Links to the store, popular items, and current lead times.
Medical releases, waivers, and other season forms.
Download and complete required documents before the season starts. All forms are official Little League PDFs.
Medical Release Form
The Medical Release Form is required for all players. This form authorizes designated adults to seek medical
treatment for your child in case of an emergency during Little League activities.
All volunteers (coaches, team parents, board members, etc.) must complete a volunteer application annually.
Choose the appropriate form based on your status:
New Volunteers
: Complete the full Volunteer Application which includes a background check authorization
Returning Volunteers
: If you volunteered last year, use the Basic Volunteer Application
The Player Registration Form collects essential information about your child including contact details,
emergency information, and league division placement.
Note
: Most leagues now use online registration systems, but you may need this form for certain situations or as a
backup.
Little League International provides a comprehensive library of forms and publications covering all aspects of
league operations, safety, and regulations.
For additional forms including league charters, tournament applications, insurance forms, and official
rulebooks, visit the complete Forms & Publications page.