Hello Parents, Volunteers, and Players

Programs like South Highline American Little League serve as an escape to everyday challenges and unite communities in an irreplaceable way. For the first time in recent years, we find ourselves without this outlet for our kids.  As you all know, these past few weeks have been unlike any we’ve seen before.  Daily life has fundamentally changed, as we deal with the health and economic implications of COVID-19.  I’m writing today to share updates regarding the Little League season, the thought process of how we, as a board, are working through this time, and what we can hope for now that schools have been closed for the remainder of the school year. 

Our FIRST priority is to the health of the families in our Community.  We will take our guidance from Public Health King County & Seattle and ONLY play when we no longer have stay at home orders, preventing us from doing so. The current Stay-at-Home order is in place through May 4^th, and we are working with the City of SeaTac and Highline schools to have access to our normal fields as soon as this order is lifted.

If we can play ball, we will.  The latest guidance from Little League International allows us to begin our season as soon as May 12^th, and our hope is that we will be able to start at that time, based on public health guidance.  We are hoping that this letter provides some visibility into our decision making process, as you are all part of this community.

While we are planning for, and hoping for the best case scenario of beginning our season on May 12^th, we have contingency plans for starting a season as late as Aug 1.  Point is, WE ALL WANT TO PLAY!  

In regards to paid registrations: As a non-profit, a portion of our costs for the year have already been spent or are in contract (gear, jerseys, field prep material, insurance, draft days, etc.).  With many of our sponsors being small businesses in our community, we also likely will not have additional sponsorship funds this season as we have in past years.  So our ask of you, for right now, is to give us time.  We are not processing refunds right now as we still hope to have a season.  We do know many in our community may be experiencing financial hardship or mitigating circumstances so PLEASE reach out to us if that is the case for you- we can and will be able to help via our scholarship program.

IF we are unable to have a season, we will continue to be completely transparent with this community, show you all of the expenses and outline the potential solutions which may or may not include a donation option to the league, refunds, deferral of registration, etc.  We have not finalized this part yet as a board because we do need guidance from Little League International on some of the costs that get paid into the larger organization.   

Our next update will be the week of May 4th to coincide with any updates from Governor Inslee.  Follow us on Facebook or check our website for the most up to date information and fun activities.  Stay safe, happy and most importantly healthy

Thank you for continued patience!

Brian Lloyd
President
South Highline American Little League
www.shall-littleleague.org

Spring 2020 registration fees are as follows:

PLEASE NOTE: Visit our scholarships page for information on financial assistance with registration fees. In addition to the general league fees, families are asked to participate in our chocolate fundraiser $60 in chocolate sales (paid up front- families sell to recoup funds) or pay the $35 opt out fee.

Q. I'm not sure what level (T-Ball, coach pitch, majors/minors, 50/70, etc.) I should sign my child(ren) up for -- what should I do?

A. No problem. This is why have assessments. Just sign him/her up for one of the divisions and we will work with you to find out which division best suits his/her abilities, subject to little league rules.

Q. I'm interested in signing my son or daughter up for little league. When and where are practices and games?

A. Each individual coach has authority to set his/her own practice schedule after draft day. Depending on what level your child plays, practices could be held 1-3 times per week during weeks in which there is no game and less often when games begin in April. Because game schedules (including opponents, dates and fields) are determined in cooperation with other area little leagues, game schedules are generally not available until later in March. Please see our fields link for a listing of possible fields where practices and games may occur.

Q. I keep hearing about my child's "league age." What is it?

A. "League age" refers to the classification system for determination of a youngster's age developed by Little League International. For example, although your child may actually and chronologically be age 8, Little League may consider him/her "league age" to be 9 (making him/her eligible for 9/10 tournament at the end of the regular season.) To find out your child's league age, click here.

Q. Here's a random question: Can my child use his or her bat during games?

A. Spending hundreds of dollars on a bat only to find out that it may not be used in a game is one of the more frustrating things a parent can experience. Please check this list before making the decision to invest your hard-earned money on a new or used bat. Please remember that our coaches have several league-approved bats on hand, so you may not need to purchase one anyway. We do, however, strongly encourage parents to purchase a separate batting helmet for their child(ren).

Have another question not answered above? Please contact us.