Little League International requires that all participants at every level in a local league must either reside or attend school within the boundary of a local Little League. This is determined by a boundary map that defines each local league’s geographic boundary.
Until recently Little League International did not allow players to join Little League programs that were out-of-boundary. However, there is now a waiver process, where parents can work with local leagues to provide additional opportunities for a child to participate in a league outside of where they live or go to school.
Little League Out-Of-Boundary Process
A waiver request, while it may be supported by documents from the parent(s), may be submitted only through the proper chain of command. Waivers, if granted, are for the current season only. A league wishing to apply for a waiver of a rule or regulation must do so via the following method:
- The local league Board of Directors votes whether or not to request the waiver.
- If the local league Board of Directors votes to request the waiver, the President writes a letter, detailing the request. Supporting documents should be attached, and forwarded to the District Administrator.
- The District Administrator includes his/her written opinion, and forwards all documents to the Regional Director.
- The Regional Director will present the situation to the Charter Committee for action.
- The Charter Committee will inform the Regional Director of its decision, and the Regional Director will inform the District Administrator.
Consequences for Joining a Little League Out-of-Boundary
Local Little Leagues are not allowed to register kids out-of-boundary but this often doesn’t stop parents from using addresses in-boundary or simply selecting a school within boundary while registering.
Parents often think it’s an easy workaround while their child is in Tee-Ball and other lower levels. However, once a child reaches league age 9 they are now eligible for post-season All Star tournaments. This is often the point when the boundary verification process becomes more stringent and kids can miss out in the All Star experience because they do not play for their in-boundary local Little League.
However, now there is an out-of-boundary waiver process where kids have an opportunity to play in a league that is best for them.
League Options for Players
There are three options for where Little Leaguers can play.
- Kids whose primary residence is within the local league’s boundary can play for that hometown league.
- Kids can play for the league where their school is located.
- Kids from divided homes may choose to play in a league in whose boundaries either parent resides.
Visit LittleLeague.org/LeagueFinder to find your child’s league. Simply enter an address online, and it will find the league that the address resides in.