Welcome to Mukilteo Little League's Rookie and Tee-Ball divisions. Every year families have many questions regarding team formation, differences between divisions, practice and game dates, plus lots more miscellaneous questions.

We have done our best to answer these questions for you here. If you have any further questions, please contact us at info@mukilteolittleleague.com and will be happy to answer any more questions or issues you may have throughout the season.

What is the difference between Rookie and Tee-Ball divisions? How do I know what division I should register my child to play in?

Both divisions are considered instructional divisions. Our goal is the teach players the fundamentals of hitting, catching, and throwing along with learning the basic rules and strategies of baseball. In addition, we hope players make new friends, learn to play as a team, and build a passion for the game.

The following are the main differences between the divisions:

Rookie: Players are usually 7-8-years old; 6-year-olds can play with league approval (see below for requirements). It is coach pitch, and the coach will be throwing overhand pitches. The field size is a 60-foot baseball diamond.

Tee Ball: Players are 5-6 year olds, and there are no age exceptions. Tee Ball is for boys and girls. During the second half of the season, players will have the opportunity to hit off a tee or an underhand pitch from a coach. Games are played on a smaller, 40-foot baseball diamond.

Can my 6-year-old play Rookie Ball?

If a rookie team has an available spot on its roster, your child may be eligible to play rookie ball. They must have played at least one (1) year of Tee Ball, and pass a player evaluation conducted by our league's Safety Officer, Rookie/Tee Ball VP, and Player Agent.

I want to be the manager of a rookie or Tee Ball team for the 2012 season. What do I need to do?

You must complete the a Coaching Application and Volunteer Application (can be downloaded from the Volunteering page): and submit a copy of your driver's license. All of this paperwork must be submitted to the VP of Rookie and Tee Ball divisions. All managers will participate in a board interview. Our league's manager selection committee will make the final decision on who will manage a team. Managers will be notified at a date TBD. Upon notification, coaches will be required to participate in a coaching training session. Coaches returning to the league are required to resubmit all information every season; no position is guaranteed and no coach is "tenured."

I see teams and players practicing, but I have not been contacted. Did my child not get on a team?

Don't worry! Rookie and Tee Ball seasons start about 5-6 weeks after the Majors and Minors teams. This is due to field availability, daylight savings and weather. You can expect to be contacted by a Manager in mid-March.

How do I ensure my child will be playing with his/her friend?

On the registration form, there is a spot for one Buddy Request. Buddy requests are ONLY valid when both "buddies" request each other. Every effort will be made to accommodate buddy requests, however there are no guarantees.

How are teams formed?

Registrations are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Players are placed on the roster for the school they attend; if necessary, players from schools in close geographical proximity are placed together to fulfill roster requirements. Buddy Requests are accommodated where possible. Players from private schools or those who homeschool are placed on the roster of the public school they would otherwise attend.

When will practice begin?

In 2012, practices are scheduled to begin the week of March 19-23 and are held at various schools in our area. The frequency of practices is determined by each manager.

What time and how long can I expect practice to last?

Practice is conducted at the manager's discretion. Before games start, practices are usually twice a week for about 1 hour for Tee Ball and 1 hour and a half for Rookie ball. Once the games start, practices will probably be once a week.

Can my child switch teams if we're not able to make the practice days or time?

Switching teams is difficult as rosters are usually full. Check with your manager and see if something can be worked out.

When do games start, and how often are they held?

Games will start in mid-April. Games will typically run on a Saturday and one day during the week.

What supplies or equipment do you suggest my son/daughter need?

It is recommended that all players should have a baseball mitt and baseball shoes (rubber cleats). Boys will also need a protective cup (optional at tee-ball division). Many players prefer to use their own baseball bat and helmet, although the league has extras available that the players may use. Some players also like to have an equipment bag to carry their belongings but that isn't required. Players will need to purchase their own baseball pants, socks and belt, which are typically color-coordinated with the team jersey color. (See your team's manager for specific colors, styles, etc.) The league will provide a jersey and hat for all players.

How are refunds determined?

The refund policy for MLL is determined annually by the board. Costs are incurred by the league for uniforms, equipment, charter fees and other expenses that are based on the number of participants registered. No refunds are given after the first practice.

If we have a concern, question or request during the season, what is the best way to handle it and to whom should we speak?

We encourage you to first thoughtfully speak with the people or parties involved if you have a problem or concern. If that is not possible, the player agent should be contacted. You may also address questions and suggestions to the manager, coach, player agent, VP of division, president or any board member.

Where can I obtain a copy of the 2012 Little League Rules? How do I obtain a copy of the 2012 Local MLL Rules?

The 2012 Little League Rule Books are provided to all of the managers. If you would like to obtain a personal copy, e-mail the MLL President to ask if any extra copies are available. The 2012 Local Rules may be found on the MLL website here for baseball and here for softball.

We moved outside of the MLL boundaries in the past year. My child has always played for MLL in the past. May he/she continue playing for MLL even though we no longer reside within MLL boundaries?

Yes, a waiver needs to be filled out by the player agent and signed by the president.

My child lost his cap. Is there a way that I can get a replacement?

We only buy the exact amount of hats needed for the kids and coaches. We do not have extras available to replace lost ones. However, we can give you the vendor information so you may purchase an extra hat if you wish.

My child has a health issue that I would like keep confidential. To whom should I speak and how do I know the medical information will be held confidential? Can anyone see the medical release forms?

We encourage you to confide in the manager and/or the player agent. Let them know that this information is very personal and should not be repeated unless there is a medical necessity. Medical Release forms are read by the player agent and coaches. They are kept in a sealed envelope inside the team medical kit.