Lafayette Little League Softball:
2025 Season Strategy & Parent Overview
Aligned with Little League International Softball Regulations & Play Guidelines
Vision & Purpose
Lafayette Little League Softball proudly operates under Little League International’s official structure and rules, ensuring that every child experiences a safe, fair, and developmentally appropriate environment.
Our mission is to grow the game — fostering confidence, teamwork, sportsmanship, and love of softball in every player, from their first swing to their final inning.
DIVISION STRUCTURE
Division | League Age Range | Format | Focus |
Instructional (Co-Ed) | 5–6 | Tee & soft toss (non-competitive) | Introduce softball basics, teamwork, and fun. 1 practice/week, 1 game/week |
Coach Pitch / Machine Pitch | 6–8 | Coach or machine-pitched (Intro to competition) | Skill development, safe play, and confidence. 1 practice/week, 1 game/week |
Minors (Player Pitch) | 8–10 | Regulation softball rules, modified for development | Pitching, base running, game strategy. 2 practices/week. 2 games/week |
Majors | 10–12 | Full Little League International rules | Competitive play, leadership, sportsmanship. 2 practices/week. 2 games/week |
Player placement is determined through pre-season assessments and the official Little League Draft process, ensuring balanced, age-appropriate teams.
DRAFT & PLACEMENT PROCEDURES
To ensure fairness and parity — in line with Little League Regulation III and Rule 4.04 — team formation follows these standards:
Assessments: Required for all players league age 7–12. Evaluations cover throwing, catching, fielding, batting, and base running.
Draft: Conducted by division managers and league officials under official draft protocols.
Placement: Final rosters approved by the Player Agent and League President to ensure compliance with Little League player selection rules.
Instructional Division: Balanced by age and school to ensure inclusion and equal opportunity.
FACILITIES & FIELD STANDARDS
All Lafayette fields will meet Little League International safety and measurement requirements, including:
Bases: 60 ft
Pitching Distance: 35 ft (Minors) / 40 ft (Majors)
Fence Distance: 150–200 ft, per division
Equipment: USA Softball-approved bats, certified helmets, safety balls for younger divisions
Primary Fields:
Chaney Fields at Buckeye Complex
Lafayette Community Park Upper Field
Stanley Middle School
Burton Valley Elementary
Springhill Elementary School
SEASON TIMELINE
Date | Event |
October 8 | Registration opens; volunteer recruitment begins |
December (date TBD) | Clinic Day - Refresh skills, Fun Competitions, Volunteer Sign Ups, Swag Shop, Music and Food |
January 31 - Feb 1 | Mandatory player assessments |
Early February | Official Little League draft & roster certification |
February 12 | Team announcements |
March 2 | Practices begin |
March 6 | Pre-season games begin |
March 28-29 | Jamboree |
Mid April – end of May | Regular season |
Early June | Playoffs & Championship Weekend |
Late June | All-Star Tryouts & District Tournament Team Selection |
PLAYER DEVELOPMENT & TRAINING INITIATIVES
To reinforce Little League’s emphasis on skill progression and safety. Our program will provide:
Skills Development
“Fundamentals First” clinics — hitting, fielding, base-running
Position-specific sessions for pitchers and catchers
Player safety clinics covering warmups, stretching, and proper mechanics
Coaching & Umpire Education
Mandatory Little League Coach Certification (Tee/Coach/Minors) modules
Local Umpire Training Workshop based on Little League’s rulebook and mechanics guide
We are always looking for Coaches - both head and assistant! Prior experience is nice to have, but not a need to have. Please indicate your interest in coaching during the registration process.
COMMUNITY & LEAGUE INITIATIVES
To honor the community spirit at the heart of Lafayette Little League, you can look forward to:
Jamboree Weekend (3/18-19): celebratory event marking the start of the baseball season mostly held at Buckeye Fields!
Family Nights at the Field
End of Season Championship Awards Ceremony
All-Star Program for qualifying Majors players
COMMUNICATION & COMPLIANCE
Official League Website: schedules, rules, safety policies
TeamSnap / Game Changer: Team communication app, schedule, game changes, weather alerts, game and player stats.
Safety Officer Updates: concussion protocol, weather policy, and COVID guidance per LLI ASAP Plan
SAFETY & CODE OF CONDUCT
As an official Little League charter, Lafayette Softball upholds the Child Protection Program, Mandatory Background Checks, and Concussion and Heat Safety protocols. All volunteers must complete required safety training and certifications. “Character, Courage, and Loyalty” — our guiding values in every dugout and decision.
PARENT TAKEAWAY
By joining Lafayette Little League Softball, families become part of the world’s largest youth sports organization — one that values development over dominance, safety over shortcuts, and character over competition. This structure ensures your child receives a true Little League experience, complete with skill progression, fair play, and lifelong memories.
Contacts