Vine Ingle Little League (VILL) is operated solely by volunteers. The only paid personnel at the park are the umpires.
VILL operates on money collected from registration fees, fundraisers and donations from sponsors. We do not receive tax money from the city/county. The park and fields are maintained by the county, but baseball/softball equipment, concession supplies and certain field improvements are paid for by VILL.
All Little Leagues are governed by a locally elected committee or board. The board is headed by a president. Coaches or Managers are selected by league representatives and coaching coordinators and are approved by the board AFTER completing a background check. Again, all are volunteers.
All Little Leagues must adhere to rules and regulations set by Little League International (LLI). LLI is headquartered in Williamsport, PA. LLI does give local leagues rights to have some “local rules” that they can play by during the regular season. But, in the all star tournaments, LLI rules are strictly followed.
Little League is for players 4-12. Players 13 and older play in Junior and Senior league divisions
Frequently Asked Questions
Schedules
• Generally games are twice a week on Monday – Thursday and on Saturdays, for 60-90 mins. Softball & Baseball divisions age 10 and up do not play on Saturdays.
• Practices days, times and locations are assigned by the League. Wee Ball and Tee Ball typically does not practice once the season starts.
• Schedules are set once registration is complete and teams are formed.
Seasonal dates and times are decided by the board. Once teams are assigned, your coach will contact you and give the times/days of pre-season practice (these are practices that your player must attend prior to opening day.) Practices and games may not always be on the same day every week.
What level would my player be in?
Most leagues accept players from ages 4 (tee ball) to 16 (senior league). The level of play is determined by the age chart provided by LLI and can be found on their website littleleague.org or in the rule book. The month and year of your player’s birth determines your player “league age”. For example, your player’s actual age and his/her “league age” may be different.
Does my player have to play at the designated league age level?
In general, yes but not necessarily. A player’s experience and skill level can be a deciding factor in determining the level he/she plays. All players should register and be evaluated with their “league age.” Parents considering “playing up” or “playing down” should note that when registering.
An important note: The coaches and board will make this decision and it should be respected. Also, this applies ONLY to the regular season. For All Stars selection, the player’s league age is strictly enforced.
What equipment does my player need?
Your player will NEED: • Glove • Cleats • Helmet • Protective Cup (boys) • Pants (White) • Belt • Face Guard (Softball Only)
The league will provide a uniform jersey, cap (T-Ball and Baseball), socks (Softball) game balls and catcher’s gear for catchers.
Some parents do decide to buy a bat, batting gloves and bat bags. Your personal budget will decide that. And please note, you do not need a really expensive bat or glove to be a good ball player! Follow the bat rules at littleleague.org.
Do I have to register and pay online?
You must register your player online but if you wish, you can pay in person (cash/check) on evaluation day. VILL offers partial scholarships for those who qualify.
What is the cost to register my child?
Wee Ball: $100
T-Ball: $125
Minor Division and up: $175
$10 Discount for each additional child registered per family.
Our website, Sports Connect, automatically charges a non-refundable $3 transaction fee.
If my child stops playing, can I get a refund? How is that done?
Yes, ONLY if your child stops playing BEFORE uniforms are ordered, then you get a full refund. If uniforms have already been ordered then you get a refund minus $25 for the uniform and you keep the cap and jersey.
After the second game. No refunds will be given out.
What levels/division are there in little league? What are the ages of the divisions?
Wee Ball: These kids are 3-4 and Wee Ball is coed. This can be confusing as boys and girls have different age cut off dates. Please don’t get discouraged while registering. Reach out to us at [email protected] with questions and we will get you signed up.
T-Ball Division (Baseball and Softball): These kids are ages 4-6 and just learning the sport. The players hit off a stationary tee. Scores and outs are not kept and every inning, every player bats. Most fun you will ever have!
Mighty League Division (Baseball and Softball): These kids are 7-8. Score is kept in Mighty League. This is generally a bigger deal for the parents than the players. Coaches still pitch (no kid pitching yet) but outs are recorded.
Minors Division (Baseball and Softball): At this level it is players pitching to players all the time. These kids are ages 9-10 and really starting to understand the game.
Majors Division (Baseball and Softball): This is technically the last time your player will be consider a “little leaguer” These kids are ages 11-12 and the competition and strategy is high.
Junior/Senior Division (Baseball and Softball):These kids are ages 13-16. Some leagues may have a separate Junior and Senior divisions if they have enough in each age group.
How do I become a coach?
First, JUST ASK! Then you must pass a background check, take an online course and attend a coach’s clinic. You do not need to be a baseball or softball genius to be a coach. Just having general knowledge of the game is a plus. If you played baseball or softball in high school, you probably can be a coach. Send your email to [email protected]
Each team needs a manager (head coach) and the number of coaches differs by league. As a coach you do need have patience with kids and a love for little league is a big advantage! If you are a coach, your son/daughter will be on your team. If you have 2 players playing in the same division they will be on the same team. Coaching at Vine Ingle is a privilege, not a right. Respect for the players, umpires and the game is expected AT ALL TIMES. Failure to act like an adult may result in having your coaching privileges revoked immediately.
How can my player make the All Star team?
First, the rules for All Star team selection is very strict and taken very seriously. A player must play the regular season in his/her approved district and play at least 60% of the scheduled games, except for Senior League. Coaches nominate players and submit them to the VILL board who votes on who they think are the 12 most skilled players in their divisions.
All Stars are the best of the best at VILL and they will be playing the absolute best from other leagues and districts. The competition is sharp and fierce and all little leagues around the world think of this as the most important time in the season because it's a chance to show everyone the skills their players possess.
Kids who play VILL but live in another county are NOT eligible for VILL All Star selection unless the proper waiver is completed and approved by LLI.
Will my player be safe, playing at VILL?
VILL, like all other leagues around the world, always considers the safety of our children to be paramount. Absolutely nothing overrides a child’s safety. Baseball and softball are sports and like all sports injuries can happen. At VILL, we take pride in knowing that every time we are at the park and kids are present we are keenly aware of anything and everything that may be unsafe.
We have Game Directors and/or Board Members on duty at all games. Practices and Games can and will be stopped if there is an unsafe situation. EVERYONE, volunteers and parents, are encouraged to alert the coaches, umpires or the board if they think something is unsafe.
• All tobacco and alcohol products are strictly prohibited.
• Swearing and cussing is strictly prohibited.
• Abusive language is strictly prohibited.
• Abusive language toward a child will get you banned from the park and league.
VILL employs off duty Bibb County Sherriff’s Deputies to be present at all games.
Why are there youth umpires at Vine Ingle?
I’m glad you asked. The youth umpire program at Vine Ingle is one of a kind and has been in place for decades. After boys and girls have completed their 12 year old season they are eligible to umpire. Generally, the younger umpires do the younger leagues and the older ones do the Major and Minor Leagues. We generally have adults for the Junior and Senior Leagues.
Information about Vine Ingle Little League can be found at www.vineingle.org or on Facebook at Vine Ingle Little League or email us at [email protected].