Tee Ball (Ages 5-6*)
Often, a family’s first introduction to Little League® is in the Tee Ball program. Tee Ball is the entry level division for players, ages 4-6. The experience is grounded in fun, fitness, and fundamentals while also being a key to growing a child’s love for the game. NOTE: Players must be 4 years old by the first official day of the season.
The Little League Tee Ball program provides volunteer coaches with everything they need to create an environment where players will learn the skills of the game, while having fun and staying active. Parents and legal guardians of Tee Ball players are crucial to the extension of the program, and their satisfaction is equally important to its success. The outreach and inclusion of this division sets the foundation for continued participation in the local Little League program.
The Tee Ball Division is co-ed, but depending on interest, Great Falls Little League has structured teams to be more baseball or softball focused.
Tee Ball players use bats and balls (baseballs and softballs) designated specifically for use in this division. The roster size for a Tee Ball team averages 7-10 players, with a season featuring 1 practice per week with a single game played on Saturdays.
Parents are strongly encouraged to become involved in this entry level of Little League. Parents may become involved in practices and be eligible as coaches, managers, umpires, local league board members and other volunteer positions within the league.
LITTLE LEAGUE AGE DETERMINATION*
Your player’s league age is determined by the Little League Baseball® and Little League Softball® Age Charts. The dates for baseball and softball are different, but each determines the division in which your Little Leaguer will play this season. The Age Determination Date for a Little League Baseball player is the actual age of a child as of August 31 of the current year. The Age Determination Date for a Little League Softball player is the actual age of a child as of January 1 of the current year.
SEASON
Tee Ball is offered in the Spring season. Practices typically start 1-2 weeks prior to the first game. Regular season typically starts in early April and runs through mid-June (for Spring Baseball). The Fall season runs from late August through the end of October.
GAMES
Each team plays approximately of 8 games per season, depending on the number of teams. Tee Ball games are played on Saturdays and will be scheduled at times ranging from 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM. Game length is typically 1 hour (all games include 3 full innings).
PRACTICES
Practices take place 1 weeknight per week during the season. Practice schedules vary from team to team based on the requirements of the manager. Practices typically last 1 hour.
UNIFORMS
GFLL provides a T-shirt jersey, socks and cap. Parents must provide pants and rubber baseball cleats. (Note: No socks are provided in the Fall season).
PLAYING EQUIPMENT
Parents must provide a baseball glove, batting helmet and a USA Baseball-Approved bat. In Tee Ball, all players must have a face cage attached to their batting helmet.
TEAM
Teams usually consist of 7-10 players, a volunteer manager and one to two volunteer coaches. Parents are encouraged to help out during practices.
Teams are formed by the Player Agent with consideration taken for coach and friend requests; however, we do not guarantee that all requests can be accommodated.
VOLUNTEER WORK/FUNDRAISING
GFLL is an all-volunteer organization. We need everyone’s help! We encourage parents to sign up to assist with Opening Day ceremonies, Picture Day, Closing Day and more. As your player advances to higher divisions, there is a requirement to volunteer your time in the Snack Shack located between Nike 1 and Nike 2. We do not require our Tee Ball and Coach Pitch families to volunteer. However, you are always welcome. There is a sign-up link during the season on the GFLL website for working in the Snack Shack. Also, please remember that we love to see our Tee Ball players visit us at the Snack Shack to get a drink or snack following their games. Come by any time!