Frequently Asked Questions

1. How do I register my child?
   •   Go to SpartaLittleLeague.org and click on the Registration tab.
2. What forms are required to play Little League?
   • Birth Certificate to prove age, parent conduct form, concussion form, and medical release form.  Forms completed as part of registration.
3. Can my child play for Sparta Little League if we live outside of the boundaries?
   • SPRING SEASON:
     • Kids ages 4-7 can play for Sparta Little League with no boundary restrictions.  It doesn't matter where you live or what school you attend.  
     • Kids ages 8-16 must either live in or attend Sparta Area Schools district.  Kids ages 8-16 are also eligible if they have younger siblings ages 4-7 that choose to play Sparta Little League.  Kids who were in our boundaries or used to attend Sparta Area Schools, but have now moved, are also eligible if you have played in our league the previous season.  If your son or daughter does not meet these requirements, we may be able to apply for a waiver from your "home" league and if they sign off, your son or daughter can play.  
     • Kids ages 4-7 may remain in our league once they turn age 8 as they will be grandfathered in
     • Any questions on these requirements, please contact us at [email protected].
   • FALL SEASON:
     • The fall season does not have any restrictions and any age eligible child may play for Sparta Little League.
4. Can I request a team or coach?
   • No, Sparta Little League does not accept team or coach requests.  Head coaches and assistant coaches will have their children on their teams.
5. When does Little League start in the spring and fall?
   • Spring – Practices will start March 17, 2025, and are weather dependent. Opening day for Sparta Little League is Saturday April 26, 2025. No games or mandatory practices are scheduled during Spring Break.  Coaches may elect to hold optional practices during this time.
   • Fall – Practices will start mid-late August.  Games will start at the end of August
6. When do Little League games end in the spring and fall?
   • Spring – 1st or 2nd Saturday in June.   
     

   Spring baseball and softball players may have the opportunity to play in a postseason District 9 team tournament.  District 9 team tournaments typically run mid-late June depending on age group.  Tee ball and coach pitch teams do not have postseason tournaments through District 9.

   • Fall – Early October
7. What days will my child be playing on?
   • Tee Ball – Monday, Wednesday, Saturday in Spring.  Monday, Wednesday in Fall.  Spring tee ball is always at Sparta Sports Park.  Fall tee ball requires limited travel to our interleague partner - Algoma Little League.
   • Coach Pitch – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday in Spring.  Tuesday, Thursday in Fall.
   • Minors – Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday in Spring, Monday, Wednesday in Fall.
   • Majors – Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday in Spring. Tuesday, Thursday in Fall.
   • Juniors / Seniors – Days will vary throughout the week, mostly Tuesday/Thursday.  Juniors baseball and softball have the option for no Saturday's in the Spring.
8. Will my child be playing every Saturday?
   • Maybe.  Schedules typically include byes which may or may not fall on Saturdays.. Fall baseball and softball does NOT play on Saturdays.
9. What time do games start?
   • Spring – 6:15pm during the week.  Saturday games start as early as 9:00am and can be scheduled anytime after.
   • Fall – 6:00pm, moving to 5:45pm as the sunsets earlier. (No Saturdays)
10. How many games are normally scheduled throughout the season?
    • Tee Ball:  14 games
    • Coach Pitch:  14 games
    • Minors / Majors / Juniors:  15 games + Tournament
11. Can my child play up or down a division based on experience?
    • Kids can play up 1 division if they are ready but cannot play down a division.  Contact the league at [email protected] to inquire.
12. What equipment am I required to purchase for my child?
    
    • Glove (Sparta Little League does NOT provide baseball or softball gloves).  For glove sizing, visit our Equipment page.
    • Cleats (Minors, Majors, Juniors, Seniors). Cleats with metal spikes are NOT allowed.
    • Fielding Mask (Girls Coach Pitch, Minors, Majors, Juniors Softball)
    • Baseball / Softball Pants (Minors, Majors, Juniors, Seniors) (Boys – Grey, Girls – Black)
      
      **We recommend all kids, including Tee Ball, wear cleats & baseball pants.  We also recommend kids have their own batting helmet, bat, batting gloves.  We will provide each coach with a limited number of batting helmets and bats to use**
13. Are their specific bat requirements or can my child use any bat?
    • Yes, we follow all Little League Rules in terms of bat requirements
      • Tee Ball – Must use a USA Tee Ball Bat
      • Coach Pitch, Minors, Majors – Must use a USA Baseball bat (must have USA sticker on it)
      • Juniors can use a USA Baseball bat or BBCOR certified .50 bat
        Wood bats can also be used for minors, majors, and juniors

           For more bat regulations, visit our Equipment page 

14. Does Sparta Little League offer hardship discounts for families on limited income?
    T-Mobile offers a Call Up grant program which helps cover registration fees for families in need.  Learn more by visiting - https://www.littleleague.org/call-up-grant-program/
    
15. I’m interested in coaching, what experience do I need and how much time commitment is required?
    • Each team may have one head coach and (up to) two assistant coaches.
    • Tee Ball - Tee ball coaches do not need prior coaching experience.  As an introduction to the sport, coaches are expected to provide a safe and fun experience for all tee ball players.
    • Coach/Machine pitch - Coach/machine pitch coaches should, but are not required to, have previous coaching experience.  This level is for instilling the basics of the game and prepare players to move on to minors (kid pitch)
    • Minors, Majors, Juniors, Seniors – While not required, we strive for coaches to have some baseball or softball knowledge. At these levels, rules are enforced and games have trained umpires
    • Time Commitment – Each team is expected to schedule a minimum of 2 practices per week once the season begins up until their first game.  Depending on division:
      • Tee Ball and Coach Pitch practices typically run 45-60 minutes.
      • Minors, Majors, Juniors - coaches can choose their practice time lengths but generally practices run at least 90 minutes.
        
        Once games start, coaches can practice on non-game days by reserving a field if/when they are open.  Coaches can reach out to their designated player agent for assistance in scheduling practices outside of their assigned time/locaiton.
16. Weather Policy
    • West Michigan weather can change rapidly.  We will do our best to make a decision by 4:30pm for weekday games and 8:00am for Saturday games.  We will base our decision on weather, field conditions, and safety of the players.
    • League policy – If temps are below 40 degrees, games/practices will be cancelled.  We do not cancel for light rain unless field conditions are not safe. 
    • If weather conditions change rapidly while games are being played, delays and cancellations are determined by the umpires and board member on site.