While the uncertainty associated with the COVID-19 (Coronavirus) pandemic has greatly impacted our usual league and district operations, we are planning for a return to the Little League fields this season. Remaining in contact with your leagues, your leagues communicating with their membership and families, and working to complete certain tasks are all still necessary. Our Little League International and Regional staff are working through all possible scenarios to resume play for all players, and we are committed to continuing to keep you up to date on those developments. To provide a positive outlook and guidance for your district staff and League Presidents, you are encouraged to follow through with these items during the coming month. Please note that we will continue to communicate with you all on a weekly basis with the latest information. Latest information on the COVID-19: Little League continues to update materials and resources with the intent of assisting districts and leagues dealing with the impact of Coronavirus on the Little League program. This Coronavirus information is available on LittleLeague.org. New resources are being added, including messages from Stephen D. Keener, updated FAQs, and new content to keep Little League families motivated and active. Financial Guidance for Districts and Leagues: Each district was at different stages of preparation and play for the 2020 season when the suspension of Little League activities was imposed. For direction on how to handle many of the money-related questions, including how leagues should assess the feasibility of addressing requests for refunds, Little League International has developed a financial guide. Please review and share with your leagues. 2020 ASAP Deadlines: Little League International has extended the 2020 ASAP incentive deadline. The Early Submission Incentive for Districts has been moved to April 17. Local leagues that submit an ASAP plan by May 1, 2020, and are subsequently approved, will receive an award based on their participation in the AIG Accident Insurance Program. In addition, leagues with an approved ASAP plan will automatically be considered for the 2020 National ASAP Award program. The new 2020 ASAP Plan submission deadlines for cash awards are: District Award -- Early Submission Incentive - April 17, 2020. · Districts with 80% to 89% of their leagues submitting an approved ASAP plan by April 17, 2020 will receive a cash award $300. · Districts with 90% to 100% of their leagues submitting an approved ASAP plan by April 17, 2020 will receive $600. Note: ASAP plans must be submitted and approved to qualify for the cash award. League Award - May 1, 2020.
Local leagues that submit an ASAP plan by May 1, 2020, and are subsequently approved, will receive an award based on their participation in the AIG Accident Insurance Program. Please note that the extension of the deadline for Regulation IV(g) is separate from the ASAP deadlines. In order to qualify for the ASAP incentives and league awards, registration data must be submitted with a complete ASAP plan by the dates outlined above. Please contact Chris Taddeo (ctaddeo@LittleLeague.org) for additional support. Things to Do in April: · Begin thinking about different play opportunities within your district and/or neighboring districts, such as opportunities for leagues to extend regular season play through June, special games events hosted by one or multiple leagues; and interleague play options that can be operated during the summer months. If considering these options for the first time be certain to use the forms located on the Little League Data Center for interleague play and combined teams. Give direction on how to create game schedules in accordance with Little League rules and regulations. · Notify League Presidents in your district that USA Baseball plans two online Community Clinics for coaches and parents currently enrolled in its Coaches Certification pathway. Share that these FREE clinics will take place on Saturday, April 4, and Wednesday, April 8, from 12-3 p.m. EST. Registration for each clinic is now open with limited spots available on CoachClinics.org. · The delay in Little League activities gives your district additional time to ensure that leagues are completing the necessary background checks on volunteers with repetitive access or regular service to children. · Review the boundary map for each of your leagues. Check for accuracy to help avoid any questions or issues regarding residency or school enrollment. · Player eligibility and waivers are important documents to catalog and review. District Administrators can view reports on the player participation status of their leagues through the Little League Data Center. If a league used Sports Connect , player registration and residence documents information is available by accessing the registration portal. · Consider options for holding a meeting remotely. This can be done in a variety of ways by using technology. Choose a platform and schedule meetings to keep your leagues current with Little League-related news. · Visit Little League University to locate and share educational content for umpires and coaches and Little League’s YouTube.com channel, showcasing training and education videos. The Little League videos page also has entertaining segments for viewing while social distancing and self-quarantining. Helping to Protect Each Little Leaguer® Is Your Responsibility: The SafeSport Resources for Leagues is available on LittleLeague.org and features a video that outlines the federal law and each local league’s responsibilities. The SafeSport initiative as part of its Child Protection Program. Be aware of how this federal law effects the volunteers in your state. Always consider the safety of the players and league volunteers. Use the resources available on LittleLeague.org and Little League University to help educate local league officials and your district staff throughout the year. Upcoming Communications: · Early next week, we will be emailing District Administrators asking for your feedback as we navigate this difficult situation · Thursday, April 9: Fairball newsletter for Little League umpires · Friday, April 10: D.A. Briefing digest of the latest updates · Monday, April 13: ASAP Newsletter · Tuesday, April 14: The Parent Connection Newsletter | 
