Every local Little League® program is required to have an approved league constitution on file at its respective Regional Center. In support of the constitution, leagues are strongly advised to create local rules – commonly referred to as Bylaws – which govern, and better define and outline the procedures and protocols identified in the constitution.
Bylaws provide direction to a local league’s Board of Directors on matters pertaining to the operation of the local league. Extensive and thorough, bylaws are important for managing the “everyday activities” of the league, and are beneficial to any local league because they can be distributed to the league’s Board of Directors and reviewed by league’s membership upon request.
You will find in preparing local league bylaws, that almost everything that would be related to the operation of a local league is referenced in different sections of this “living” document.
Note: The following example of local league bylaws provide the framework and context for a league in need of updating or creating bylaws, and are expected to be used only as a guide. Bylaws are NOT meant to replace, or override any Little League International regulations, rules, or policies. They are created by the local league’s Board of Directors in accordance with the local league’s constitution. The vote to adopt any bylaw is the responsibility of the league’s General Membership, which is defined in the league constitution.
Information on league’s fiscal year and operational year, including begin and end dates.
Explanation of registration process and season schedule structure for each division chartered.
Marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising – league finance responsibilities
Selection, appointment, and discipline of team managers and coaches
Playing equipment and uniforms
Field(s) and facilities maintenance, permits, and insurance
Required background checks – managers, coaches, umpires, and any volunteers with repetitive access to the players
Player Registration – All players registered to participate in the league must be confirmed (through an established verification process) as eligible to play in the league. Eligibility is determined in accordance with the Little League® Baseball and Softball residency requirements; or school enrollment form, along with proof of age (birth certificate, or other accepted government-issued form).
Outline the Player Selection Process and responsibilities of the Player Agent – tryouts, team selection (draft method), definition of terms regarding rostering players (options for sons, daughters, and siblings), and notification announcements.
Participation expectations – Process to confirm adherence to mandatory play, substitution regulations, and pitch count; age limits by division; discipline, suspension, reinstatement, and/or release of rostered players.
Schedule – Approved by Board of Directors for each division.
Day-of-game/pre-game/postgame rules, responsibilities, and procedures at game site (designate by day of the week and weekend; home/visiting teams)
Ground rules and any local league options that will be implemented.
Delayed, suspended, postponed, re-scheduled games; and any Special Games or any regular-season tournament-related events.
Designation of recipients – players, managers, coaches, umpires, league officials, volunteers, and parents)
Participation presentation (trophies, medals, plaques, certificates, banner, pins, etc.) in a public forum (on-field ceremony, awards banquet, etc.); Team championship presentation (banner, medals plaque, trophy, pins, etc.) in a public forum (on-field ceremony, awards banquet, etc.)
Players’ agreement committing to participation on the league’s tournament teams.
Designate the number of teams by division to be entered in the Little League® International Tournament
All-Star Manager, Coach, and Player Selection process
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Section 1:
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Definition of Role, Explanation of Duties, Responsibilities, and Expectations
Once the new Board of Directors is seated, all Board positions are to be thoroughly defined and explained, before being voted on by members of the Board, and subsequently approved. Based on need, each league may assign additional titles and specific responsibilities in order to operate the league efficiently.
With all Board positions assigned, the first order of business for the new Board is to review the league constitution and bylaws that will govern operation of the league for coming year. Following discussion, consider any adjustments or amendments. The “General Membership,” as currently defined by the constitution, is presented with the opportunity to vote to adopt or reject, one or both documents. Have the League Secretary record the vote in the meeting’s official minutes, and include the total number of those for, and those against the motion to accept the constitution and bylaws for implementation during the current league year.
