Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is there a limit to the number of players who can register?
Yes, there is a limit of just over 800 children who can play at MCLL due to the fixed number of fields and days available for play. Last year, nearly 800 children played in the program on 70 different teams. We expect an increase in registration due to the fact that Little League® allowed us to expand our territory. MCLL is committed to registering as many children as possible but late registrants may be placed on a waiting list and some may not be placed on teams.
2. What does the registration fee pay for?
Generally, registration fees cover virtually all of the costs of operating the program, including costs of uniforms, playing equipment and supplies, umpires (in the upper leagues), field maintenance and supplies, score keeping, insurance premiums, utilities, administration expenses, etc. MCLL will provide each player with a jersey, a hat and stirrup socks, which the player will be allowed to keep at the end of the season. In addition, as in past years, the registration fee will include tickets to Murphey Candler Day at the Braves Game. A complete report of the results of operations last season and a budget for operations this coming season will be available for review at the live registration sessions.
3. How much more money will I be asked to pay?
MCLL will not ask you for any additional money. However, the team on which your child is placed probably will ask you to contribute “team dues,” which are usually approx. $30-$40 per player. These dues are used by the team to pay for drinks or other treats for the children after games, coaches’ gifts, a team party at the end of the season, etc. In addition, you will have the opportunity (but not the obligation) to buy team pictures, and possibly a yearbook.
4. MCLL provide uniforms?
MCLL will provide the jersey, hat and stirrup socks. Each player must provide his or her own baseball pants (which should be white) and shoes.
5. What equipment does my child need?
6. Does my child have to “try out” and “make the team?”
All players aged six or older must attend player evaluations. Since everyone who registers will be placed on a team, these evaluations are not really “try outs.” Instead, they are sessions at which MCLL Board Members and managers and coaches will evaluate your child’s basic skills and playing ability. This is necessary for two reasons. First, the MCLL Board must determine the appropriate league in which your child should play. We have seven levels of play (or leagues) at MCLL. These levels are based primarily on age, but also on playing ability, experience, size, maturity and other factors. Second, once your child has been placed in the appropriate league, he or she must be placed on a specific team. MCLL attempts to assign players to teams in a manner that will result more or less in parity of teams in the league. At the lower levels of play, “Player Agents” designated by the MCLL Board select teams based upon the results of the Player Evaluations. At the higher levels of play, managers and coaches select their teams through a draft.
7. Can my child play in a post season tournament?
MCLL selects and sponsors teams to play in various post-season tournaments. Tournament teams are selected in each age group from 8 through 12. The tournaments usually take place in late June or early July, after the MCLL season ends, and involve teams from other Little League programs in the Atlanta area. MCLL will enter a tournament team in the official Little League Tournament (the one which ultimately leads to the Little League World Series at Williamsport, PA). Given the limited number of players on a tournament team, selecting the teams is a very difficult process. Players will be selected based on playing ability. Until the teams are selected late in the MCLL season, there is no way for MCLL to determine who will be on a tournament team. Thus, we cannot guarantee that your child will be selected. To be eligible for the 10 and 12-year old tournament teams, both of which will enter tournaments sanctioned by Little League of America, your child must reside in Murphey Candler’s district.
8. What is the Challenger Division?
The Challenger Division is a MCLL program for youngsters from the ages of 6 to 18 years who have physical or other disabilities but who love the game of baseball. With the help of “buddies” from the other MCLL leagues, these children will play baseball against other Challenger teams from other programs in Atlanta.
9. How many games and practices are there each week?
In most of our leagues, there are three events per week. During the pre-season, the three events consist of practices. Once the season starts, there are two games and one practice. For the first time this year, we have reduced the number of events in our T-Ball (Southern) league to two (two practices per week in the pre-season, one game and one practice early in the season, and then two games and no practices later in the season). In our highest level of play (the Major National League, into which only 11 and 12 year olds may be drafted), there may sometimes be four events per week.
10. How do I know which type and size bat or glove to get for my child?
Below are a few resources on Gloves and Bats.There are many factors involved in the selection of equipment. These links give you some general guidelines.
Baseball Glove Sizing - JustBallGloves.com
Questions regarding Bat Selection - Fogdog.com11. What is your withdrawal and refund policy?
Voluntary Withdrawal:
If you decide to withdraw your child from the program, you must request a refund, in writing.(Mail to: MCLL, P.O. Box 888032, Dunwoody, Ga. 30356: or e-mail timwhittemore@tw-cpa.com).
For the Spring Season, the request must be received by MCLL by the last scheduled evaluation day including make-up days. (For Southern League (no evaluations) the International League schedule will apply).
For the Fall Season, the request must be received by MCLL by the first scheduled practice day.
A $25 administrative fee will be deducted for EACH CHILD withdrawn.
Involuntary Withdrawal:
If, after the applicable deadline but before the scheduled conclusion of half of the regular season games of the applicable league, a child becomes unable to participate and must be withdrawn due to injury, illness or relocation a partial refund may be requested, in writing.
The request will be reviewed and if approved, fifty percent (50%) of the net of the registration fee minus a $25 administrative fee will be refunded.
MCLL Refunds will not be granted after the scheduled conclusion of half of the regular season games of the applicable league.
All Requests-Actual Receipt Required:
Any written request for a refund must actually be received by MCLL. MCLL is not responsible for lost or misdirected USPS mail, email or other forms of mailing. No verbal withdrawals from MCLL will be accepted. Refunds for Voluntary Withdrawal and Involuntary Withdrawal (if approved) are issued within two weeks of notice of withdrawal.
We at MCLL want to promptly address any questions you may have about our program. If you need additional information, please contact one of our board members.