Simsbury Little League

 Thank you for a great season! 
Registration for the spring season will open in early January. 

Simsbury Little League

Youth Umpires

Simsbury Little League's baseball and softball games are generally umpired by youth umpires.  We wanted to take this opportunity to explain to all our families the expectations we have regarding interactions with umpires. Regardless of the umpire’s age, the SLL policy is that all judgment calls stand and managers, coaches and spectators are not to argue or attempt to influence these calls.  This includes any sort of gestures or sounds of disagreement.  Simply put, please support letting the umpires umpire.

All umpires will make mistakes regardless of their skill level and experience.  With 80+ umpires in the program it is an on-going task to keep up with training needs.  Please remember that our youth umpires are trying their best and are generally out there without anyone cheering them on in the stands or giving them those words of encouragement when mistakes are made.  They too are developing their game and we as a league have adopted a zero-tolerance policy to make sure there is an appropriate atmosphere for everyone involved in games at Memorial Fields.

Below is a summary of our expectations and policies regarding our umpires:

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The only adult who may approach a youth umpire with a question is the manager of the team.

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No assistant coaches may have a discussion with a youth umpire during the game.

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No one should “coach” the umpire during the game or give them “friendly tips”.  This includes coaches and/or spectators.

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Assistant coaches and managers may not guide or influence judgment calls.  

Coaches and spectators should not yell out “strike” or “ball” before the umpire even has a chance to make their call. 
Please let the umpires call the game without any assistance.

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Local rule 10.3  Encouraging Sportsmanshipd

Managers, coaches and players shall make every effort to urge parents and other spectators to respect the decisions of the umpires. The home plate umpire may suspend

play in any game where spectators are guilty of unsportsmanlike conduct. If the behavior continues, the umpire will suspend the game until the guilty spectator leaves the area of the field.  If the spectator is unaffiliated with either team, the game will be suspended until the situation is resolved. In extreme or unresolvable situations, the police should be called.

 

In 2012, our League President at the time, Tom Benneche, wrote a letter to the SLL Community entitled "They Are All Our Kids!"  
Below is a link to this letter as it embodies SLL's expectations regarding youth umpires.  

They Are All Our Kids! 
(May 15, 2012)

 

Thank you in advance for adhering to our policies and remembering that

the youth umpires are our kids!

 

 

 

Equipment update: Batting helmet cages are required

Please note: It is a Simsbury Little League local rule that face cages must be worn on batting helmets both batting on the fields and in the batting cages at all levels except t-ball. There will be no exceptions to this rule. C-flaps are not legal in our league. If any players are seen without the metal face cage attached to their helmets, they will not be permitted to play. 

If you need a batting helmet with a cage to borrow for the season, please notify your manager at the start of the season and one will be assigned to you. 

--Simsbury Little League Board of Directors

• A 2x8 foot hard backed banner sign, using sponsor's logo, will be hung on the outfield fences of Memorial Park.
• A rotating web banner located at the top of the home page for SLL’s website (www.simsburylittleleague.com).  The banner will include a link to sponsor's website when available. Our webpage is where all Little League families go to register and to keep informed about upcoming dates.  With over 600 families in our league we have quite a lot of website traffic recorded throughout the year!

Challenger Division

Simsbury Little League's Challenger Division is designed for players ages 5-18 with special needs.  Below is more detailed information about this program.
 

• Practices start in late April with practices on Sunday afternoon lasting for one hour.  
• Games are generally on Saturdays although sometimes a week night game is scheduled.  
• Games are 2 innings long, and every player bats each inning. 
• Players hit coach pitched balls or off a tee. 
• Buddy's in the field assist the players when needed.  
• Players are encouraged to participate, but never pressured.
• A typical season is generally 10 games.  
• Simsbury plays Challenger teams from other area towns, with half the games on the road.
• There are no residency or school requirements to play in the Challenger Division.  Players from both Simsbury and neighboring towns are welcome to join the Challenger Division.
• To register, use the "Register Online" tab on the left side of our website.

If you have questions about your child's eligibility, or the league, please contact Brian Austin  daustin28@cox.net .

Tommy Tanski

Each year Simsbury Little League offers four $1500 scholarships to current High School seniors.  These scholarships are offered to seniors who participated in either the baseball or softball Little League program here in Simsbury.  The scholarships are given in memory of Tommy Tanski, who was a Simsbury High School junior, and a former Little League player, but passed away in a car accident in 2011.  

Tommy Tanski played Little League from 1999-2005 and during that time played for two district All Star Teams. He also played for the Strikers soccer team and played soccer in High School.  Tommy was a tremendous teammate and understood that his contribution was more about the team than any one individual.  

For many, the time playing Simsbury Little League baseball or softball is something to be cherished for years to come.  It is when friendships are formed, character is built and memories are made. During the registration process, please consider donating towards this scholarship fund and helping SLL continue to provide them in memory of Tommy Tanski.

To make a direct donation to this fund, please click HERE.

Thank-you!
SLL Board of Directors