Can you tell me a little more about what it means to play on a District All-Star Team?
For many kids, playing on a District All-Star team is a once in a lifetime opportunity. They represent the best 12-14 players at their age group in ALL. And they no longer represent just their team. They represent the County. Their jerseys read Arlington across the front (how cool is that?!) and we'll compete against Alexandria, Falls Church, McLean, Reston, Vienna, Great Falls, and Mason District. They will have their name announced during player introductions and line up along the basepaths before the game just as they do at the MLB All-Star Game. It is exhilarating!
How are all-star managers and coaches selected?
The All-Star Committee will interview coaches who have expressed interest in managing or coaching a District All-Star team. The Committee will then put before the ALL Board a slate of nominees for the team managers. Once approved and with guidance and input from the Board, the managers will choose their assistant coaches. While only three coaches are allowed in a dugout during tournament games, we are always looking for qualified coaches to help with practices once they start.
How are players chosen?
At the 50/70 level, the players vote for the half the team’s roster in both the NL and AL. The 50/70 managers and coaches then get together to fill in the rest of the roster.
For the younger levels, the All-Star Manager and Coaches will select the players based on their scouting as well as recommendations and reports from the player's ALL team coaches. Whether or not a player is on a travel baseball team is irrelevant in this process and not a criteria the coaches look at when selecting their teams.
Are there any eligibility requirements?
Yes! There are two that must be met before final selection and team roster announcements. A player may not be considered for a District All-Star team until the following commitments are made…
- Participation. A player must have played in a minimum of 60% of regular season games. Game participation is defined as having played at least six consecutive outs defensively and had at least one at bat during a game.
- Availability. Players are expected to make at least 90% of the practices and games in order to be eligible for all-stars (see below for more information on practices).
Is there a cost to play on a District All-Star team?
There is a nominal fee that we ask parents to pay to help the league cover some expenses, such as uniforms, tournament fees, etc. Should any family need assistance with this nominal fee, we have a program in place to make that happen.
What is the practice schedule?
Ultimately, the practice schedule is up to the Manager and Coaches. Typically, teams will run daily practices of anywhere from 1-2 hours (sometimes longer). Scrimmages against teams from leagues outside our district will also be part of a team’s practice plan. Practices will start as early as June 1st - the same day teams are announced.
What documents does the league require from each player?
Should your player be selected to a District All-Star team, Little League International requires that you submit several documents to ALL (see below) proving age and residency. Prior to the first tournament game, we will then submit a binder for each team to the District Administrator for final team approval. Please note there is a VERY short turnaround time on these documents so we ask you to plan ahead.
- ORIGINAL Birth Certificate. No photocopies allowed. It has to be the original. We’ve never lost a birth certificate so fear not!
- THREE proofs of residency. We will go into greater detail on this later but please see Little League International’s checklist here.
