What is Littleton Youth Sports/Littleton Thunder baseball?

Unlike recreational baseball programs, Littleton Youth Sports/Arapahoe Youth League baseball is competitive in nature with a focus on player skill development, team concepts, and most importantly, FUN!  All games are played on dirt fields, as close to the real thing as possible. This is not run around the bases, nobody out baseball, so please be aware that the program is designed for those that want to learn and play real baseball and that a commitment to the team is essential.

• AA: This level of LYS Baseball is a step up from recreational baseball, without the time and financial commitment required by travel/tournament teams.  Teams participate in one to two games per weekend.  
• AAA/Majors/14’s: These levels of LYS Baseball are designed to teach players, ages 8-14; the fundamental principles of sportsmanship, teamwork, and leadership, within a highly competitive environment.  Depending on the level, teams participate in weekday games and weekend tournaments.  Travel and additional fees may be required.

Who may participate in Littleton Youth Sports Baseball?

Any child age 6U to 14, excluding high school students.

When is registration?

Registration begins December 1 and runs through January 31. There is a “space available” registration period from February 1-15, but fees are raised after January 31, and there is no guarantee of being placed on a team.

What is the cost to play Littleton Youth Sports baseball?

The cost to play baseball varies by age and division, please visit our registration page for those specific fees. We do offer early bird discounts at the beginning of registration, please visit our registration page for those specific dates.  The fee after January 31 increases. Space-available registration runs February 1-15.  Placement is not guaranteed for registrations submitted after January 31.

What does the registration fee cover?

• Registration
• Practice Field Permits
• Game Fields, Including Set Up
• League Fees
• Umpires
• Insurance
• Coaching and Practice Equipment
• Littleton Baseball Operating Expenses
• Coaching Education

​What equipment will I have to purchase for my child to play Littleton Baseball?

Required Uniform Items:

• Jersey
• Pants
• Socks
• Belt
• Hat
• Baseball Glove
• Batting Helmet

Optional Items:

• Jacket
• Practice Jersey
• Baseball Bat
• Batting Gloves
• Protective Equipment (Cup/Mouth Guard/Etc.)

Please be certain to have your player’s uniform fitted by an experienced person. See the link on the Littleton Youth Sports website (www.littletonyouthsports.org) concerning details on where to buy your uniforms.

Where, when and how often is practice?

Littleton Youth Sports acquires access to practice fields through South Suburban and Greenwood Village. Most of the fields are in the Centennial/Littleton area.

The number of practices and the time they are scheduled are determined by the coaches. Littleton Youth Sports offer assigned fields for up to two practices per week. Additional practices and other activities may be added at the discretion of the coach(s) and field availability.

How many games are played? Where and when are they scheduled?

Please check the website for specific dates concerning the baseball season. The number of games does differ depending on the league you are in, as does the postseason. Also, you will see the dates that games will not be played.

Please take note, during the season, the schedule is subject to change due to conditions beyond the AYL and the Littleton Youth Sports’ control, such as weather, umpires and field availability.

How many players are on a team?

Team size can vary depending upon the number of kids registering to play. Most teams will have between 11 and 12 players. Any team playing with over 12 kids will require the coach’s consent.

In general, no AAA/Majors/14’s team will be required to carry more than 11 players on the roster, AA teams will not be required to carry more than 12 players on the roster.

How are players assigned to a team?

Players are assigned to a team based upon age and experience.  Returning players who are registered on- time and paid in full will be assigned first.  Returning and new players may request to play with a friend or a particular coach--this can be noted during registration.  We cannot guarantee any placement, but will take it into consideration. If a preference is not indicated on the registration, placement is based upon experience, school attended, and area of residence.  Littleton Youth Sports will make every effort to place players according to level of play (like talents playing like talent) to the best of our ability given roster limits and available teams.

Are there tryouts?

Yes, coaches do conduct tryouts for levels AAA and above.  They are typically held at the end of the current season.  All tryouts are held by the coaches, Littleton Youth Sports only facilitates the field and equipment; the coaches are in control of choosing players.

What if we have a family vacation scheduled during the season?

Baseball requires significant preparation and practice. Vacations during the season are highly discouraged. Depending upon individual team rules, playing time may be impacted by the vacation. You are encouraged to schedule your vacations prior to or after the season or during the times that the league will not have games to avoid playing time impacts.

What is the refund policy?

Full refunds will be issued if Littleton Youth Sports is unable to place the registrant on a team. Refunds, less a $50.00 processing fee, will be granted if the player 1) sustains a season ending injury prior to the start of the practice, or 2) player moves from the territory prior to the start of the practice.  No refunds will be granted after the first practice wether the player participates in the first practice or not.  

How can I apply for a scholarship?

Please refer to the Littleton Youth Sports “Scholarship Policy” on our website.

*Note* Scholarships are not available for any player in AAA/Majors/14’s play unless approved by the baseball coordinators.  Extreme cases only will be considered.

Who can be a coach?

Anyone can register to coach, however coaching takes a lot of time and energy. Coaching is a volunteer position. All candidates will have to register and go through a pre-certification process. The process involves registration, undergoing a background check, and completing an interview with the Littleton Youth Sports baseball delegates plus mandatory training. All Littleton Youth Sports coaches are required to attend a preseason coaches meeting, typically held late February. Baseball teams will be limited to 1 head coach and two assistant coaches. Each coach must register as a coach on our website (www.littletonyouthsports.org) or may not have coaching contact with the kids during the season. Parent helpers will be allowed to participate during practices, but may not on the field of play at games. Note: Coaches are responsible for any and all coaches and helpers.

Coach development?

All coaches must sign off that they have reviewed and completed the following documents/requirements. Failure to do so will result in the loss of practice fields (at the discretion of the Baseball Director)

Background Check: All coaches and representatives from a team who interact with the players MUST complete a background check (via the Littleton website). Failure to do so will result in suspension of any non-compliant coach and may result in suspension of the head coach.

(a) Head Coaching Certification: For ages 8 through 13 (all levels), each head coach is required to complete the ASEP (American Sport Education Program) certification. Failure to complete the certification before the official season (March 1st) will result in the loss of practice fields and may result in suspension until completion (at the discretion of the Baseball Director).

(b) Assistant Coaching Certification: Head coaches are expected to have at least 2 assistant coaches and they must also complete the ASEP certification. Failure to do so will result in suspension of the assistant coach and may result in suspension of the Head Coach (at the discretion of the Baseball Director).

Recruiting

Any coach, assistant coach, or any other adult associated with a Littleton team who solicits, in any manner, any player(s) on an existing Littleton team for the purpose of encouraging such player(s) to participate with their team will be suspended from coaching, assistant coaching, or otherwise being associated in any manner with any Littleton team for one (1) calendar year. If an assistant coach, parent, or other adult associated with a Littleton team is found to have violated the foregoing rule, the head coach of the team may also be suspended at the discretion of the Director of Baseball.

• Coach Initiated Contact: A coach interested in another player on another Littleton team, must contact the Coach of the player that he is interested in before any contact with that player or parents.
• Parent Initiated Contact: A parent interested in having their child tryout for another team must contact player’s current coach to talk to the coach of the targeted team.