Website Manager

Shadow Mountain Little League

Frequently Asked Questions



Here are the most common questions asked about
Shadow Mountain Little League.

If your question is not on here or you would like more information, please contact [email protected].

See the following FAQ sections below:

  • Skill Evaluations FAQ
  • Registration / Eligibility FAQ
  • Logistical FAQ
  • Sponsorship / Volunteer Opportunity FAQ

SKILLS EVALUATIONS FAQ

Does everyone who attends skill evaluations make the team?
Yes! We use skill evaluations to make the teams as even as possible. The coaches and managers will assess each player and then (on a different day) take turns selecting kids to fill out their roster. This selection process is kept private and the kids never know the order of selection.

What should my child expect at skill evaluations?
Each player will have 3 chances to hit a ball off of the machine and run to 2nd base, field a few grounders from short stop and throw to first, and catch a few fly balls throwing to both 2nd base and all the way to home.

Everyone who registers and lives or goes to school within the boundaries of SMLL will be placed on a team. Skill Evaluations help our league to equally distribute all skill levels so every team has equal ability.

My child has never played before; will they be expected to attend skill evaluations?
The coaches, managers and board members who run skill evaluations see this every year, if the player has no idea what to do or where to go, they will modify the evaluation to assist the player. While it may feel scary, we strive to provide a successful event for every child. If there is still a concern, please contact the registrar and we can make other arrangements.

Does everyone have to attend skill evaluations?
With the exception of tee-ball, yes. We ask all players who want to play to attend skill evaluations. 

What if we can’t make it to skill evaluations?
If your child cannot attend skill evaluations they will be placed in a blind draft. A blind draft is a random assignment to a team.  Keep in mind attending skills is extremely important as it ensures balanced teams. 

Registration / Eligibility FAQ

I want my son/daughter to play up/down a division but the website is not giving me this option?
The website assigns players to their division based on their age. LL age is different from actual age. Please check what your child's little league age is and register accordingly. Click here to access the Little League Age Chart for 2024. Please note that the fall season uses the following year's age chart (i.e., for Fall 2023, we use the 2024 age chart).

Something to consider when moving a child do a different division is their peer group. If they move to a different division, they will be on a team with kids that could be as much as 3 years younger or older and often, even if a kid struggles in their division they have more fun (and therefore more success) with kids their own age.  

That said, you know your child better than us, so if you feel they should be placed in a different division, please note that on registration. We will assess the appropriateness of changing divisions at skills evaluations. Please note that the primary reason to accommodate division changes is for safety issues.

If you would like your child to play up or down a division, please register them for the age-appropriate division and contact us at [email protected]

My child does not live or go to a school within the boundaries, can they still play for SMLL?
Unfortunately, no. All players must live within or go to a school that is within the boundaries of SMLL. Little League, Inc. is very strict about this policy and the only exceptions are if they have a sibling that plays with SMLL or they played the prior spring season with SMLL before moving or changing schools. Click here to see SMLL Boundaries.

At what age can my child start to play?
According to the 2024 Little League Age Chart, their birthday must be on or before August 31, 2020. 

Do I have to pay for my child(ren)’s uniform?
Shadow Mountain Little League will provide each registered player a uniform shirt and hat. You will need to provide baseball pants, cleats (if they are in Farm, Minors or Majors), and a glove. An athletic protector is also required for male players. There may be helmets and bats available during our donation drive, but most kids bring their own. Please E-mail us if you need assistance with gear. 

What if I can’t afford to pay the entire registration fee?
Shadow Mountain Little League provides scholarships, both full and partial. Please see our scholarship information section.

Logistical FAQ

When are practices and games held?
Because each SMLL season has a different number of players registered it is unknown how many teams there will be and which days will be best for games and practices. 

Every team's practice schedule will be set by that team's coach, but typically coaches will have about 2 practices per week before games begin.  Once games begin coaches will need to adjust their practice schedules so as to not conflict with games. 

The game schedule will be set as soon as possible.  The schedule is normally finalized 1-2 weeks after the players are assigned to their teams.  The reason for this delay is there is often times interleague play with other Little Leagues around our area.

There will be 1-2 games played per week and they will be held weekday evenings and/ or Saturday mornings.

Where are practices held?
Tee-ball, Farm, Minors and Major all practice at Nancie Lane Fields on the corner of 36th St. and Cholla. Juniors practice at Roadrunner Park.



Where are games held?
Tee-Ball and Farm will play all of their games at Nancie Lane Fields on the corner of 36th St. and Cholla.

Minors and Majors will play all of their home games and games against other SMLL teams at Nancie Lane Fields. If SMLL plays in an inter-league schedule, they will play away games at fields within the Phoenix-Metro area.

Where are special events held?

All events (such as Tryouts, Draft Day, Field Day, Family Fun Day, Picture Day) will be held at Nancie Lane Fields on the corner of 36th St. and Cholla.

Sponsorship / Volunteer Opportunities

Can my company sponsor the league?
YES! We need sponsors - You can find our sponsor form here.

Can I help?
YES! We always need volunteers - Please email us to find out how you can help!

Shadow Mountain Little League

Mailing Address, 4022 E Greenway Rd Ste #11 #339
Phoenix, Arizona 85032
Phone : 602-730-1169
Email : [email protected]
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