The following is an FAQ for the Swampscott Little League baseball leagues that hold tryouts and a player draft: Farm (generally 8-9 year olds); Minors (generally 9-10-11-year-olds); and Majors (generally 10-11-12-year-olds).
One important thing to note about tryouts — all children who have registered for Swampscott Little League will play baseball. No child will ever be turned away.
Another important note: The only true ironclad rule for where kids end up in Little League is all league-age 12-year-olds will make a Majors team. (Sometimes parents may request their 12-year-old plays in Minors).
Little League International rules see two leagues: Majors and Minors. Swampscott Little League "localizes" its own league rules by creating Farm, Instructional and Tball leagues.
After the coaches’ draft, my child is the only one in his grade on his team. Can I move him to a team with children from his grade?
No. Little League is an age-based league, not grade. All rosters are final as of draft night with the exception of post-draft trades, which would only be only done in rare, extenuating circumstances.
How does the draft work?
Coaches meet after tryouts and select players. All draft information is strictly confidential.
I have two children in the same league. Are they automatically placed on the same team?
No. When the first child is drafted, the manager automatically has the option to draft the other brother or sister on the next turn. Failure to exercise that option makes the second sibling available to be drafted by any team.
My child is “league age” 8 and wants to play in Farm. Is he guaranteed a spot in that league?
No. He must try out, and if he is not selected, he will play in the Instructional League.
My child is “league age” 9 and wants to play in Minors. Is he guaranteed a spot in that league?
No. He must try out, and if he is not selected, he generally will play in the Farm League.
My child is “league age” 10 and wants to play in Majors. Is he guaranteed a spot in that league?
No. He must try out, and if he is not selected, he will play in a Minors League.
My child is “league age” 11 and wants to play in Majors. Is he guaranteed a spot in that league?
No. He must try out, and if he is not selected, he will play in a Minors League.
My child is 12 and wants to play in Majors. Is he guaranteed a spot in that league?
Yes.
