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Southgate Little League

Southgate Little League: Frequently Asked Questions

Southgate Little League: Frequently Asked Questions

Welcome to the Southgate Little League FAQ page! We're excited for the 2026 Spring Season—our 17th year building community, teamwork, and a love for baseball and softball. Below, we've compiled answers to the most common questions based on our league's guidelines and Little League International rules. If you don't see your question here, feel free to reach out via email at [email protected] or our Facebook page. Let's get your questions answered and get ready to play ball!

League Finder          League Age Determination          Bat Rules

League Boundaries

What are the league boundaries for Southgate Little League?

Southgate Little League serves families primarily within the Southgate & Riverview city limits, but Little League International allows flexibility. Your child can play in their hometown league, the league where their school is located, or the league where either parent resides (if living in separate homes).

Use the official Little League League Finder to confirm eligibility. If you're outside our core area, contact us to discuss options—we love welcoming new families from the community!

League Age & Divisions

How is league age determined, and what divisions are available?

League age is based on your child's age as of August 31, 2026, for the 2026 Spring Season (per Little League rules). This determines division placement to ensure age-appropriate play. Here's a quick breakdown:

  • Tee Ball (ages 4-5): Focus on fun, fundamentals, and the basics.
  • 6u/Machine Pitch (age 6): Expand on the fundamentals, learn how to hit the ball from a pitch, and prepare for player pitch.
  • Farm (ages 7-8): Introduction to competitive play. Kid pitch, fundamental play, base stealing, and team strategy.
  • Minors (ages 9-10): Kid pitch, base stealing, and team strategy.
  • Majors (ages 11-12): Full rules, including player pitch and advanced skills.
  • Juniors (ages 13-14): Intermediate and advanced play with larger fields.
  • Seniors (ages 15-16): Advanced play with larger fields.

Use the Little League Age Calculator for exact placement determination.

When Does the Season Start?

When does the 2026 Spring Season begin?

Pre-season evaluations and team formation happen in Mid-March. Practices kick off in early April 2026 (weather permitting, around April 1). Opening Day Parade, Ceremonies, and First Game are on Saturday, April 25, 2026.

When Are Games and Practices? What Days Are Games On?
How Many Games Are There?

What’s the schedule like for games and practices?

Practices are scheduled by your coach, usually 1-2 times per week on weekdays or weekends (coaches select slots during pre-season).

The Spring Season includes 12 games. Games are primarily on scheduled Mon-Thurs and Saturdays. Fridays are left open for practices and makeup games, Sundays are left open for practices only. 

Full schedules are posted on our website in April. We aim for balanced, fun-filled weeks—rainouts are rescheduled promptly!

Typical, but not guaranteed, game days per division:

  • Tee Ball (ages 4-5): Mon/Wed/Sat
  • 6u/Machine Pitch (age 6): Mon/Wed/Sat
  • Farm (ages 7-8): Tues/Thur/Sat
  • Minors (ages 9-10): Tues/Thur/Sat
  • Majors (ages 11-12): Mon/Wed/Sat
Juniors & Seniors Division do not begin playing games until School Ball has concluded, typically around June 1.
  • Juniors (ages 13-14): Mon/Wed
  • Seniors (ages 15-16): Tues/Thur

When Does the Season End?

When does the regular season wrap up?

The regular season typically ends in mid-June 2026, followed by All-Star tournaments and playoffs through early July. Fall Ball (a shorter, skills-focused season) runs September-October for those who want more playtime. It's a great way to cap off the summer with memories!

Can I Get a Refund If I Change My Mind?

What’s your refund policy?

We understand plans change, but to keep things fair for all families, refunds are limited. Full refunds (minus a $25 processing fee) are available until the end of the Early Bird registration period (January 15, 2026).

After that, partial refunds may be considered on a case-by-case basis before evaluations (mid-March), but no refunds once uniforms have been ordered. All requests must be in writing.

We're a volunteer-run non-profit, so every registration helps fund fields, uniforms, and equipment—thanks for your understanding!

How Do I Become a Coach?

How can I volunteer as a coach?

We’d love to have you! Coaching is a rewarding way to give back, build bonds, and share your passion for the game—no prior experience required. We provide training via Little League University, background checks, and resources.

To get started, it is suggested the prior to registering yourself as a Coach, you complete the required certifications. They are required to be uploaded in order to complete our registration.

Coaches Certification Requirements: 
Abuse Awareness Training
Diamond Leader Training
Heads Up; Concussion Training

We DO NOT recommend taking these courses on a mobile device. The process is much smoother on a computer.

Once you have the certifications saved, and a copy of your drivers license handy, come back here to www.southgatelittleleague.com and register yourself as a volunteer.

 

Current coaches from 2025, we especially want you back—those player connections make all the difference!
Email [email protected] or message us on Facebook to chat.

When is the Last Day of Registration?

When does registration close for the 2026 season?

Online registration is open now through February 16, 2026, but spots fill fast—don't wait! Early Bird pricing ends January 15, 2026. Late registrations may be accommodated until February 28, 2026 if space allows, with a $25 late fee.

Head to www.southgatelittleleague.com to sign up today.

Additional FAQs

How much does it cost to register, and what’s included?

Fees for 2026 covers full uniforms, insurance, field maintenance, and league events. Financial assistance is available—apply during registration. Add-ons like extra raffle tickets or volunteer credits can reduce costs. Value-packed for a season of growth and fun!

DivisionEarly-Bird Pricing
Nov. 1 - Jan. 15
Registration Pricing
Jan. 16 - Feb. 16
Late-Registration Pricing
Feb. 17 - Feb. 28
Tee Ball & 6u: Machine Pitch$90$100$125
 Farm, Minors, & Majors$110$120$145
Juniors & Seniors$130$140Registrations Open Until May 1
What equipment do I need to buy? Any bat rules?

We provide team uniforms and caps. You'll need cleats, a glove, and a helmet (batting helmets available for loan). Bats must meet USA Baseball standards (BBCOR for Juniors/Seniors; USSSA/USA for younger divisions—no BBCOR under 13).

Check the Little League Bat Resource Page for details. Pro tip: Bat shopping makes great holiday gifts—stick to approved models to avoid issues!

Is there a volunteer requirement for parents?

Absolutely—it's what makes our league thrive! We're a 100% volunteer-run organization with just 12 board members juggling jobs and families. We ask each family to contribute 2.5 hours per player (e.g., concessions, field cleanup, or event help). Sign up during registration—it's easy, rewarding, and helps keep fees low. No time? Sponsor us instead!

What safety measures are in place?

Safety first! All volunteers pass background checks and complete Little League's free safety training. Fields meet Little League standards, with concussion protocols and weather guidelines. Our Safety Officer oversees everything.

How do I stay connected and get updates?

Follow us on Facebook (@SouthgateLittleLeague), and make sure your Southgate Little League account has the most updated email address. Schedules, weather alerts, and news hit our Facebook page and website regularly. Questions? We're here—volunteers check messages daily despite the mass amounts of inquiries we field!

Can my child play up or down a division?

In Little League, we place by league age for fair play, but exceptions exist (e.g., advanced 6-year-olds in Farm). Players are NOT permitted to play down. Discuss with our Player Agent during evaluations—we prioritize fun and development.

What’s Fall Ball all about?

Fall Ball is our casual, no-pressure extension of the season (September-October 2026), focusing on skills and fun with coach requests allowed to keep teams together. Registrations open June 30 at www.southgatebaseball.com—perfect for building on spring momentum!

Got more questions? Drop us a line—we're pumped to have you join the Southgate family. Play ball! ⚾🥎
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