In addition to the regular season slate of games, baseball players aged 9-14 and softball players aged 7-14 may also be eligible to compete in Little League Postseason Tournament play. Little League Postseason Tournament play runs from immediately following the conclusion of the DLL season in June into the summer.  The most recognizable example (the baseball 12u division) culminates with the Little League World Series which is played in Williamsport, PA each August. 

DLL regularly fields two postseason baseball teams – a 10u team comprised primarily of select AAA Minors and occasionally AA Minors players and a 12u team comprised of select Majors players.  It may also field a 14u team comprised of select Junior Division players. DLL generally fields two or three postseason softball teams of multiple ages comprised of select players from their respective divisions.  Player eligibility for these teams is highly regimented per Little League rules and is subject to inflexible age, catchment and other requirements (including playing a minimum of 60% of their team’s DLL regular season team games).   

The DLL Board of Directors is responsible for tournament team player and coach selections as well as the method used to make selections.  Per Little League guidance, tournament team candidates are selected based upon their playing ability, eligibility, and tournament availability.  DLL further considers its high priority on sportsmanship and “Honoring the Game” in making tournament selections for both players and coaches.  Before each season, the DLL Board reviews and, as necessary, refines the selection, planning and administration of the tournament program with the goal of rigorous structure, fairness and transparency.

Governance

A sub-committee of the DLL Board (the Tournament Committee) which consists of the DLL Co-Presidents, Vice President(s), Player Agent and relevant Division Coordinators is responsible for the selection of the Tournament Director, the Tournament Coaches and team rosters as required. 

The Tournament Director is responsible for all administrative aspects of the Tournament program including the recommendation of coaches and players, the scheduling of player assessments, and compliance with all Little League rules governing tournament play (if no Tournament Director is appointed, the Tournament Committee jointly assumes the associated responsibilities).  Tournament Coaches are nominated by Tournament Directors and approved by the Tournament Committee.  Once selected, Tournament Coaches are generally involved in player assessments and the recommendation of team rosters to the Tournament Committee. 

Selection of Team Coaches

Team Coaches will be selected by the Tournament Committee, ideally in May of each season.  In considering Team Coaches, the Tournament Committee will consider coaching experience and ability as well as understanding of tournament play and the tournament process.  The DLL Board Tournament Committee will also strongly consider whether a coach has consistently conducted his/herself in a manner which positively reflects the high standard Little League holds for sportsmanship, citizenship, and decorum.

Selection of Team Players and Player Assessments

For baseball, there will be at least two player assessments (tryouts) for each postseason tournament team, held after June 1st of each season.  To be eligible, baseball players must attend at least one of the player assessments.  As we do not have the resources for effective open player assessments, they are by invitation only. 

After the player assessments, Team Coaches will generally make a recommendation of team rosters to the Tournament Committee.  Team roster invitations will then be made as soon as practicable.  It is expected that each team roster will consist of 12-15 players.

1. How are player assessment invitations determined?

Division Coordinators for the respective divisions will consult DLL coaches in respective divisions for the names of players to be considered for player assessments.  This will happen over the course of the season, beginning sometime after the start of regular DLL season activities.  Coordinators will also review the results of DLL Preseason player assessments, coaches evaluations and player drafts, amongst other factors. 

2. How many players are invited to player assessments?

There is no set number, it is the DLL Board’s goal to balance making the opportunity available to as many players as possible with DLL’s limited field space/time and resources. Note that more players will be invited to player assessments than there will be available roster spots, and families should consider how their player might handle the disappointment of not making the team when choosing whether to accept a player assessment invitation.  

3. How should DLL coaches express interest in being a Team Coach or volunteer for other tournament related activities?

Please reach out to your respective Division Coordinator.

4. What is the Memorial Day Tournament and how does it relate to Little League Postseason Tournament Play?

It does not.  The Memorial Day Tournament is a 3-4 day event limited to 4-5 teams from neighboring Little League programs.  The invitation and selection of coaches and players for Memorial Day teams is similar, though less formal than and separate from, the process for Postseason Tournament play. 

Participation as a coach or player in the Memorial Day Tournament does not ensure participation in Postseason Tournament play, and likewise; not participating in the Memorial Day Tournament in no way precludes participation in Postseason Tournament play.   If field availability and schedules allow, a player assessment may be scheduled for the Memorial Day Tournament, or the respective Division Coordinators may invite players and coaches directly in consultation with the DLL Board. 

5. When do Postseason Tournament Team practices begin?

As soon as practical after team rosters are announced in May, as field availability and schedules allow.  Under no circumstances are teams allowed to practice as a group before stipulated per Little League International rules.

In 2018, DLL was able to secure additional field time and experimented with making a portion of it available for workouts for a larger group of invited players (well in excess of expected available future tournament team roster spots).  Invitations to these workouts were handled by Division Coordinators, similar to but separate from the Postseason Tournament Player Assessment invitation process. 

The DLL Board hopes to continue these workouts going forward subject to field availability and other factors.  Participation in any such workouts does not ensure participation in Postseason Tournament play, and likewise; not participating in any such workouts in no way precludes invitation to Postseason Tournament Player Assessments or participation in Postseason Tournament play.

6. I have other questions, who can I consult?

Please reach out to your respective Division Coordinator.