About Little League
Better
than any other youth sport activity, baseball and softball have become
the thread that has sewn together a patchwork of nations and cultures
around the world. Children in diverse nations such as Israel, Jordan,
Russia, Germany, Japan, Canada, Australia, Poland, Mexico, China,
Venezuela, South Africa and the U.S. have discovered baseball and
softball -- Little League Baseball and Softball - are ways to bring
their people a sport that mirrors life itself.
Baseball and softball embody the discipline of teamwork. They challenge
players toward perfection of physical skills and bring into play
the excitement of tactics and strategy. The very nature of baseball
and softball also teach that while every player eventually strikes
out or is on the losing team, there is always another chance for
success in the next at-bat or game.
Millions of children on six continents and scores of countries
can attest that baseball, softball and Little League are synonymous.
Little League is a heritage to be carried forward proudly in the
future by ever increasing waves of those devoted to teaching children
how to play and enjoy these great games.
Basically, Little League has three structural components, each
dependent upon the other and each vital to the success of the program.
The administrative and service core of the movement is Little
League Baseball, Incorporated, a non-profit membership organization
that maintains the international program, with Little League
International in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. Part of the Little
League International structure includes various Regional
Centers in the U.S. and throughout the world.
The next component is the District. All the leagues within a District
(a geographical area usually encompassing 10-20 leagues) elect a
District Administrator (DA). The DA and his/her staff of Assistant
District Administrators serve as liaisons between the various Regional
Headquarters and the local Little Leagues. They are usually the
most experienced Little League volunteers in the area and are charged
with helping to ensure that all the volunteers in their districts
are well trained, and all the leagues are operating within the guidelines
set by Little League. The District Administrator does not have the
authority to suspend, limit or revoke any rules, regulations or
privileges of charter by a local Little League, but may recommend
such action to the Charter Committee in Williamsport.
The final, most important component is the local Little League.
The league provides its services in the community. It furnishes
physical facilities, volunteer services and resources to provide
a program for children. Through effective leadership and strong
administrative policy at the top level, together with training extensions
and adherence to rule and policy at District and local league level,
Little League is able to provide liberal benefits to children who
participate.
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