Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) section of our website! Here, you'll find answers to common inquiries about our league, registration processes, volunteer opportunities, and more. We understand that navigating youth sports can raise many questions, and we’re here to help!

Whether you’re a new family joining us or a returning member, this resource aims to provide you with the information you need to make the most of your experience with Lakeside Little League. If you don’t find the answers you’re looking for, feel free to reach out to us directly. We’re always happy to assist!

Do I have to live within the Lakeside boundaries to play for Lakeside Little League?

Players League Age 8-14 must either reside in or attend school within the Lakeside boundaries.  Little League Boundaries are created by Little League International, to find our if your player is eligible to play for Lakeside Little League, check out the League Finder Tool.  Lakeside's boundaries cover most of the Granite Bay (95746) area with the exception of areas such as Ashley Woods, Hillsborough & Eastridge.  In addition, Loomis zip codes (95650 and some areas in 95663 & 95658) are included in our League Boundaries.  Players do not live within boundaries but attend the following schools are eligible to play for Lakeside:  Greenhills, Oakhills, Ridgeview, Cavitt, Franklin, Placer and Loomis Basic Charter School.

New for the 2025 season, Little League players ages 4-7 have the ability to choose which Little League they play for regardless of residency and school boundaries.  More information on the update to Regulation II can be found here.

How old does my child have to be to play Little League?  

 Little League International has programs for players League Age 4-16 years old.  However, Lakeside Little League does not have a program for players age 15 & 16.  League Age can be calculated by the age your player will be on August 31, 2025.  Visit Little League's Age Calculator tool to determine your player's League Age.

Is Little League available for girls?
  
Absolutely! Girls are more than welcome to participate in Lakeside Little League. We believe in promoting inclusivity and providing opportunities for all young athletes, regardless of gender. Our league encourages girls to join and play alongside their peers, helping to foster teamwork, sportsmanship, and a love for the game.

Can I choose what team my child plays on?

For our T-Ball, Rookie, and Farm divisions, parents can submit friend and coach requests when registering their child. While we make every effort to accommodate these requests, we cannot guarantee that all requests will be fulfilled due to team balance and roster constraints.

In our AA division and above, the process is a bit different. At this level, players do not have the option to choose their team. Instead, all players will participate in a player evaluation, which helps us assess their skill levels and abilities. Based on these evaluations, managers will conduct a draft to create balanced teams. This approach ensures that all teams are competitive and provides a fair playing experience for everyone.

We appreciate your understanding of these policies, as they are designed to promote fairness and skill development across our league. If you have any further questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out!

Does Lakeside need Team Managers, Coaches, Team Parents or other volunteers?

Lakeside Little League is proud to be a completely volunteer-driven program, relying on the dedication and passion of our community members to make our league successful. We are always looking for enthusiastic individuals to join us in various roles, from coaches and team managers to team patents and event helpers.

Your support is vital to creating a positive and enriching experience for our young athletes. Whether you can spare a few hours a week or are looking to make a more significant commitment, we welcome any assistance you can provide. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of our players and foster a strong community spirit.  If you're interested in volunteering for the 2025 season, please complete our Volunteer Application.

What is the commitment for practices and games during the season?

Our Spring season typically runs from the beginning of February til the end of May.  During the month of February, teams typically hold two practices each week to prepare for the upcoming season. Once games begin in March, the schedule generally shifts to one practice per week, along with 1-2 games each week. This structure helps balance skill development and game experience while accommodating the busy schedules of our families.  There are many factors that will influence where, when, and how often teams will practice and have games, including age level of the child, division, field availability, and the manager's schedule.

What equipment does my child need to play Little League?

Your child will need a few essential items to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience on the field. While Lakeside Little League provides players with team jerseys and hats, you will need to supply the following:

- Baseball Pants, Belt and Socks: Color and style will be communicated from your Team Manager, depending on the team's uniform.
- Baseball Glove: A well-fitted glove (not plastic) that suits your child's age, size and position.
- Cleats: Baseball cleats (non-metal) are recommended for better traction on the field.  The use of metal spikes is only allowed at the 50/70 & Juniors divisions. 
- Baseball Bat: Must meet all Little League Bat Rules.  Must meet USA Baseball Bat standards and be marked with an official USA approved bat label.  Solid one-piece wood bats may also be used.  The use of "Travel Bats" (USSSA logo) is prohibited and will not be tolerated.  The use of BBCOR bats is acceptable for our 50/70 & Junior divisions.  
- Protective Gear: Players are required to use a batting helmet and an athletic supporter with a hard cup. For some positions, like catchers, additional protective gear (such as a helmet and shin guards) may be necessary.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential during practices and games!

My child has a physical or developmental disabilities, are there opportunities to play Little League?

Absolutely, the Challenger Division of Little League is an amazing option for players with physical or developmental disabilities to play the game of baseball.  The Challenger program is available for players up to the age of 18 (or to age 22 if still enrolled in high school).  To learn more about the District 54 Challenger program, please visit their website.