Preparing Local Little League Bylaws

Every local Little League® program is required to have an approved league constitution on file at its respective Regional Center. In support of the constitution, leagues are strongly advised to create local rules – commonly referred to as Bylaws – which govern, and better define and outline the procedures and protocols identified in the constitution.

Bylaws provide direction to a local league’s Board of Directors on matters pertaining to the operation of the local league. Extensive and thorough, bylaws are important for managing the “everyday activities” of the league, and are beneficial to any local league because they can be distributed to the league’s Board of Directors and reviewed by league’s membership upon request.

You will find in preparing local league bylaws, that almost everything that would be related to the operation of a local league is referenced in different sections of this “living” document.

Note: The following example of local league bylaws provide the framework and context for a league in need of updating or creating bylaws, and are expected to be used only as a guide. Bylaws are NOT meant to replace, or override any Little League International regulations, rules, or policies. They are created by the local league’s Board of Directors in accordance with the local league’s constitution. The vote to adopt any bylaw is the responsibility of the league’s General Membership, which is defined in the league constitution.

Article 1 – General League Policy

Information on league’s fiscal year and operational year, including begin and end dates.

Explanation of registration process and season schedule structure for each division chartered.

Marketing, sponsorship, and fundraising – league finance responsibilities

Selection, appointment, and discipline of team managers and coaches

Playing equipment and uniforms

Field(s) and facilities maintenance, permits, and insurance

Required background checks – managers, coaches, umpires, and any volunteers with repetitive access to the players

Player Registration – All players registered to participate in the league must be confirmed (through an established verification process) as eligible to play in the league. Eligibility is determined in accordance with the Little League® Baseball and Softball residency requirements; or school enrollment form, along with proof of age (birth certificate, or other accepted government-issued form).

Article 2 – Players

Outline the Player Selection Process and responsibilities of the Player Agent – tryouts, team selection (draft method), definition of terms regarding rostering players (options for sons, daughters, and siblings), and notification announcements.

Participation expectations – Process to confirm adherence to mandatory play, substitution regulations, and pitch count; age limits by division; discipline, suspension, reinstatement, and/or release of rostered players.

Article 3 – Games Operations – Oversite by Board Member – Vice President/Division Coordinator

Schedule – Approved by Board of Directors for each division.

Day-of-game/pre-game/postgame rules, responsibilities, and procedures at game site (designate by day of the week and weekend; home/visiting teams)

Ground rules and any local league options that will be implemented.

Delayed, suspended, postponed, re-scheduled games; and any Special Games or any regular-season tournament-related events.

Article 4 – Awards

Designation of recipients – players, managers, coaches, umpires, league officials, volunteers, and parents)

Participation presentation (trophies, medals, plaques, certificates, banner, pins, etc.) in a public forum (on-field ceremony, awards banquet, etc.); Team championship presentation (banner, medals plaque, trophy, pins, etc.) in a public forum (on-field ceremony, awards banquet, etc.)

Article 5 – Tournament Play

Players’ agreement committing to participation on the league’s tournament teams.

Designate the number of teams by division to be entered in the Little League® International Tournament

All-Star Manager, Coach, and Player Selection process