Majors Baseball (Ages 10-12*)
This division promotes competition to a higher degree as compared to the Minor League. Within this more competitive environment, the emphasis remains on improving baseball skills, building individual self-esteem, promoting team camaraderie and emphasizing fair play. The division is designed to be both the satisfying culmination of some players' Little League careers and to prepare other players for higher levels of play including advancement in Little League Tournament play and readiness to move up to play on the full 90 foot diamond.
Players should focus on refining their baseball skills with a strong emphasis on consistency. Often the difference between an average player and a good player is the ability to consistently execute the required skills.
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
Practices typically start 1-2 weeks prior to the first game. The regular season typically starts in early April and runs through mid-June (for Spring Baseball) and late August through the end of October (for Fall Baseball).
GAMES
Each team plays a minimum of 12 games per season, depending on the number of teams. Usually two games per week inclusive of one weeknight and one Saturday game.
Games played during the week start at 6:30 PM.
Games played on Saturday will be scheduled to start at times ranging from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM.
Game length is typically 1½-2 hours and consist of 6 innings (required).
If a game needs to be rescheduled due to weather, it will held on Sundays (Spring ONLY).
PRACTICE
Practices occur 1 weeknight per week during the season. Practice schedules vary from team to team based on the requirements of the manager. Practices typically last 1-1/2 hours.
UNIFORMS
GFLL provides a team 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 Majors, all players must have a face cage or C-flap attached to their batting helmet. For additional information about the use of a C-Flap, please click here.
TEAM
Teams must consist of 12 players and a volunteer manager. There may also be one to two volunteer coaches.
Teams are selected via a draft in February/March after a player skills assessment (tryouts) is conducted in February. The purpose of the draft is to ensure that skills are evenly divided among all teams, creating a fair experience for all teams.
VOLUNTEER WORK/FUNDRAISING
GFLL is an all-volunteer organization. We need everyone’s help! Parents are expected to serve two shifts at the Snack Shack during the season and to support the GFLL Opening Day and Closing Day activities. Managers will ask parents to also help with team-specific activities such as maintaining a scorebook or GameChanger during games, organizing team events, etc. We love our parent volunteers - thank you for your time and commitment to our league!
MAJORS DIVISION - FAQ's
Q: Do you keep score, and are there umpires?
A: Yes. Every manager maintains a scorebook. League standings are kept in the Spring to determine a regular season winner and to determine playoff games. There is a home plate umpire and 2-3 additional umpires in the field.
Q: What size field do they play on and where is the field?
A: All games are played on a regulation Little League field with a grass infield and grass outfield. Typically, AAA games are played on Nike #1 and Nike #2. Bases are 60’ apart and the pitcher mound is 46’ from home plate.
Q: Can I have my child play on a team with their friends?
A: Not unless they are drafted on to that team. In this age group, player’s skills are evaluated in a skills assessment clinic. Then a draft is held.
Q: Can I manage or coach a team?
A: Yes, if positions are available. Prospective managers must complete an online volunteer form during the registration period for each season. All managers and coaches must be approved by the Great Falls Little League Board of Directors.
Q: Will my child get to play all the time?
A: Specific playing time requirements are defined in the GFLL local rules.
Q: What are the volunteer requirements?
A: GFLL is an all volunteer organization so there are many ways to volunteer. Help is always needed with tryouts, team parenting, assisting with picture day and Opening Day activities, helping with post-season tournaments, and working in the Snack Shack to name just a few of the many ways to help support GFLL.
Q: Why a draft? Sounds pretty serious.
A: A draft is the best way to evenly spread the various skill level of players throughout the league. GFLL holds a player skills assessment clinic. Each child participates in hitting, fielding and throwing during their assessment. The player’s skills are assessed and the manager then decides what child he would like to draft in the various rounds of the draft.