The majority of Freeport Pownal Little League (FPLL) kids will play within the level of play designated for their age. However, there are some players who, due to their skill level or other circumstances, may be allowed to play at a different level than their age specifies. These exceptions are granted on an individual, year-to-year basis and must be approved by the FPLL Board. If a player believes he/she should play at a different level than their age designates then the player’s parents must make a request, through the Player Agent, to the FPLL Board for review.
Petition to “Play Up”
Play Up requests are evaluated based primarily on roster space at the requested level and the skill level of the player. FPLL considers not only whether the player is sufficiently skilled to compete at the requested level, but also whether his or her skill level is such that participating in the level with his or her contemporaries would be not challenging or present safety issues for other players. Some of the other factors that FPLL considers are the player’s school grade and the proximity of his or her birthday to the August 31st age cutoff. The fact that a player may have the skills necessary to play in the higher level is not sufficient reason alone to merit a “play-up” exception. FPLL typically permits only a small number of “play-up” requests each season.
All players are required to register for the Division as determined by their birth date. The general policy is to never allow a player to skip a Division. You may only Petition to Play Up if you have already completed a season in the Division you would otherwise be registered for. In addition, the policy recognizes a difference between players where the Little League age cutoff separates them from their grade level peers.
As a Little League Age 8, a player may Petition to Play Up to Minors if they played in Development the prior year
- Player Skills Evaluation will be compared to 9-year olds
- Those not drafted in Minors will be assigned to a Development League Team
As a Little League Age 10, a player may Petition to Play Up to Majors if they played in the Minor League the prior year
- Player Skills Evaluation will be compared to 11-year olds
- Those not drafted in Majors will be assigned to a Minor League Team
Petition to “Play Down”
Players are eligible to Petition to Play Down to the next lower Division. All Petitions are heard by the Board for review and approval. The general policy is to allow a player to play down one division at the request of their Parents if circumstances warrant.
- At age 9, player may Petition to Play Down to Development if parents feel that the player is not ready to face kid pitching. If a 9-year-old does play Development they are not eligible to Pitch.
- At age 11, players may Petition to Play Down in the Minors Division if parents feel that the player is not ready for Majors division. If an 11-year-old does play Minors they are not eligible to Pitch.
Note: For all Petitions to Play Up, experience outside FPLL in the prior season will be reviewed by the Player Agent to determine equivalency and will be treated accordingly.