District All-Star Team (District Team) Requirements
As you are aware, Andover Little League has a steep tradition of competitive summer baseball teams and there is generally no shortage of players that would like to represent their town playing on an Andover Little League (ALL) District Team. While Andover Little League provides summer playing opportunities for all players of all skill levels (on Baystate and Merrimack Valley teams) - unfortunately there is a limited roster for District Teams - which means there will be players who are prepared to make commitments but do not get selected to the District Team.
Recognizing the highly competitive nature of District Teams and the need to be fair, the Andover Little League Board of Directors (ALL Board) has created the following eligibility requirement to be selected to a District Team: each player must commit to be available to play in all games. District Team games generally begin the last week of June and can continue through mid-August. At its essence, this policy is supported by the ALL Board because it is fair and rewards players that are fully committed to the team.
The ALL Board is posting this notice to its website to provide adequate notice and time in advance of the start of the season. Players will not be allowed to play on a District Team without a commitment to play in every game and practice throughout the summer. To be as clear and unambiguous as possible, families that intend to go away on a vacation (during the dates mentioned above) and will potentially have their child unavailable for a District Team game should not accept a roster spot. Players will be disqualified from their current and future summer teams for unexcused District Team game absences. Excused absences include, but are not limited to, sickness, injury, family emergency and other legitimate extenuating emergencies as determined by the ALL Board. Excused absences do not include vacations, other sporting events and competitions, camp, etc.
This policy has been followed for numerous years and remains in effect. Additionally, Little League has a requirement that each player must participate in 60% of his or her team's spring games to be eligible for a summer District Team.
Players and parents shall comply with these rules. Families that are unable to ensure full participation should not accept an offer to participate on a District Team and instead will be assigned a spot on Andover's Baystate and or Merrimack Valley teams. Violation of this policy will result in immediate suspension, and the player will be ineligible for all future district teams.
Respectfully,
Andover Little League Board of Directors
Attachments:
Little League Age Chart for 2024