Frequently Asked Questions

When do we register?

Registration sessions are held in February of each year. Call 428-0877 for times and locations.

Am I too late to register?

Registrations not received during the February sessions will be placed on a waiting list. In most cases, your child will be able to play but it is not guaranteed. We use registration to determine the number of teams needed and then to order uniforms and equipment. You can register your child up until tryouts but may pay a late fee. Our goal is to do all we can to see that every child is able to play. To register late call 428-0877.

Why do we hold registrations in February?

Registration is just the beginning of all the hard work. Registration determines the number of teams needed, the number of business sponsors that need to be secured, the number of uniforms needed, the number of coaches, umpires, equipment. Once we have our final numbers, all that work can begin.

If we were to hold registration at the end of March or the beginning of April, when all thoughts turn to baseball, we would only have too little time to pull things together.

Later registration, in the past, brought about a good deal of frustration. If you were involved you remember waiting for a schedule or wondering if your child's team would have a sponsor. Earlier registration, more in line with what surrounding towns are doing, allows us more time to get things in order before the start of the season.

What's the deal with "league age?" How is that determined?

Determine how old your child will be on July 31 of the current calendar year. That is his/her league age for the season. Also check League Age page.

This rule is important because of Little League policies. If we were to allow a child to play with the wrong league age, we could be in danger of losing our Little League charter.

It is most important for tournament play. Imagine if our CHA all-stars made their way to the Little League World Series. Before the series can be played, all birth certificates are rechecked. Imagine the disappointment and frustration if our star pitcher turned 13 on July 31 and was disqualified. The CHA team would have to forfeit its place in the tournament.

Does my child have to attend a tryout?

Tee-ball players need not tryout - they will be placed on teams. All other participants who did not play on a major league team last year must try out. Seven year olds may try out for AA but may be placed on a tee-ball team if the coaches feel that is the most safe option. Players aged 9-12 are eligible to be picked for major league teams. All those who are not picked will be drafted onto minor league rosters. All 8 years olds will be placed on minor league teams.

Please note, 9-12 year olds assigned to minor league teams may be called up to the majors during the season to fill openings left on major league teams by injury or players dropping out.

What do we do if it's raining?

All players must report to the field if they have not heard from their coach that the game has been postponed. Do not assume the game is canceled. Since we have such a tight schedule and limited field availability we will be trying to get games in as scheduled. Most rainouts will be rescheduled to Saturdays if space and fields are available.

Who should I call?

Questions? Suggestions? Ideas? Concerns? Call a board member to let them know your thoughts. Call the officer most closely connected to your concern - it will then be relayed to the league president if necessary. This prevents our president from being swamped with calls. See Board Members for names, position and phone number.

How are All Stars selected?

Major League All Stars are selected by ballot. All major league players, umpires, coaches and board members cast ballots for the top 8 players in the 11-12 and 9-10 age groups. The top seven vote getters automatically make the team. The remaining five positions on the team are filled by coach's choice. Some coaches choose to just take the top twelve vote getters while others may decide to conduct a limited tryout for the remaining spots on the roster or fill the spots based on what has been observed throughout the regular season.

Who can serve on the board of directors?

YOU! If you are involved in our league we would love for you to step forward to help run our league. We need all the help we can get. The annual meeting is held the first Tuesday in October at 8:00 PM at the CHA Field House. New board is elected at that meeting.

What are the duties of board members?

The board is active throughout the year meeting at least once per month. It is the job of the president to see that the league is run in strict observance of Little League rules and the Cherry Hill American Little League constitution. If the board or the league knowingly and consistently operate outside of published Little League International policies it could face having its charter revoked. This would mean a loss of insurance's, no tournament play and no support through the upper levels of Little League.

Little League involves almost 2 million children each year. It is the largest youth sports organization in the world. It's policies and guidelines have been adapted over the years to help local leagues run more efficiently.

How are league policies established?

Decisions are made by the board of directors. No one person can legislate or change league policies. A quorum is required to act on league affairs. Issues are brought up, discussed, motions made and then votes are cast. While you may only see only a few faces upfront at league events, it is important to remember that there are 12-15 board members inacting policy. Little League is a team endeavor. Please remember this before aiming all your criticism or praise at a single, visible board member.

Why is my child not playing as much as some others?

Major league rules require that each child play a minimum of 6 defensive outs and get one turn at bat in every game. The minor league system uses a rotating batting order with every child batting regardless of whether or not they played in the field that inning. Major league play is much more competitive. Younger players tend not to play as much as the more experienced players on the team in close games but every child MUST play. Major league practices and games bring younger players along to become more skilled and confident players. If your coach is not playing your child be sure to speak with him/her and make him aware that every child who does not meet the minimum in playing time must start in the next game. A coach who consistently does not play his less skilled players must be brought to the attention of the board.