Parents Hub

NCLL Parents Hub

Quick links to the answers parents ask for most: gear guidance, where to play, how club/select fits with Little League, and where to grab NCLL swag. We'll keep adding resources as the season approaches.

Parent Resources

Welcome to NCLL - we're glad you're here.

Baseball seamhead illustration

We've put together resources for the questions parents ask most and invite you to click through at your own pace - from picking the right gear to finding the field on game day.

Here's what you'll find on this page - tap into any card to dig deeper.

  • Gloves & Bats: what to buy and to skip
  • Fields: maps, parking, and which diamond you're on
  • Club Teams: how select/travel fits alongside Little League
  • Swag, Forms & More: spirit wear, waivers, and medical releases
Meet the Folks Behind NCLL

The #1 thing your player's future coach will thank you for? A glove that actually fits. You don't have to spend a lot - just a few minutes making sure it's the right one.

Glove illustration

The wall of options can feel intimidating - we'll walk you through sizing, types, and break-in tips, plus some coaches' favorites at the end.

Glove Types

Here are the most common glove styles.

  • First Base: Larger mitts for scooping.
  • Catcher: Padded with deep pockets.
  • Infield: Smaller gloves for quick transfers.
  • Outfield: Larger gloves w/ deep pockets.

If you aren't sure if you need a catcher's or first baseman's mitt, that means you don't - you'll know when that time comes. This narrows things to an infield (IF) or outfield (OF) glove.

Understanding Parts of a BB/SB Glove

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  • Webbing: Infield open webbing for quick transfers; outfield closed to hide the ball.
  • Pockets: Infield shallow for fast release; outfield deeper for fly balls.
  • Backs: Infield open back for flexibility; outfield closed back for support.
  • Wrists: Adjustable for a snug, secure fit.

First things first - righty or lefty?

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  • LHT = Left hand throw
  • RHT = Right hand throw
  • Always verify and then verify again!

Glove Sizing

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Glove length is measured from heel to tip.

  • Skip the brand hype. The right glove fits your child's hand and how they play.
  • Look for a snug fit with room for a batting glove underneath.

Glove Sizing (cont.)

  • Choose quality materials - genuine leather lasts longer and breaks in better.
  • A good fit feels snug but lets the fingers fully extend.
  • Open and close the glove to ensure it flexes easily.
  • Break-In Period: New gloves can feel stiff at first, so encourage your player to wear them and practice catching regularly to break them in.

Recommended Glove Size

Baseball Glove Sizes
Age 5 - 8 (all positions) 9" - 10.5"
Age 8 - 13, Infield 10.5" - 11.5"
Age 8 - 13, Outfield 11.5" - 12.5"
Age 14+, Infield 11" - 12"
Age 14+, Outfield 12" - 12.75"
Fast Pitch Softball Glove Sizes
Up to 8, Infield 9" - 10.75"
Up to 8, Outfield 10" - 11.25"
Age 9 - 13, Infield 10.5" - 11.5"
Age 9 - 13, Outfield 11.5" - 12.25"
Age 14+, Infield 11.75" - 12.5"
Age 14+, Outfield 12.75" - 14"

Breaking a Glove In

  • Wear it often - form the pocket with a ball.
  • Play catch to loosen the leather.
  • Oil sparingly - if you must, try this lighter alternative .
  • Store with a ball in the pocket.
What not to do
  • Don't drive over it.
  • Don't use baby oil.
  • Don't oven or microwave it.

Baseball Gloves We Like

Baseball Specialty Gloves We Like

Softball Gloves We Like

Links We Like

Retailers
Guides
Video

Nothing beats the sound of a good crack off the barrel - let's find the bat that makes it happen.

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From certifications to drop weights, we'll cut through the noise so your player steps up to the plate ready to swing.

Step 1: Decide necessary certification - USA Baseball

The following Little League divisions require a USA Baseball certified bat - look for the above stamp on the barrel or taper:

  • TB (4-6)
  • KCP (6-8)
  • A (7-9)
  • AA (8-10)
  • AAA (9-11)
  • MAJ (10-12)

Step 1: Decide necessary certification - BBCOR

The following Little League divisions and all high school divisions require a BBCOR certified bat - look for the above stamp on the barrel or taper:

  • INT (11-13)
  • JR (12-14)
  • SR (13-16)
  • High School (14+)

Step 1: Decide necessary certification - USSSA

USSSA (aka U-dub) is used for travel, select, and club ball - look for the above stamp on the barrel or taper:

  • 8U
  • 9U
  • 10U
  • 11U
  • 12U
  • 13U
  • 14U+

Step 1: Decide necessary certification - USA Softball (ASA)

The following Little League Softball divisions require a USA Softball certified bat - look for the above stamp on the barrel or taper:

  • A (7-9)
  • AA (9-12)
  • AAA (9-12)
  • MAJ (9-12)
  • JR (12-14)
  • SR (13-16)

Step 2: Choose Bat Construction & Materials

Construction Method
  • One-Piece: Single piece - more balance, more vibration. Good for beginners.
  • Two-Piece: Barrel + handle fused - less vibration, more flex and whip.
Material Types
  • Alloy: Durable, no break-in, affordable - smaller sweet spot.
  • Wood: Ash, maple, or birch - classic feel, less power than alloy.
  • Composite: Carbon fiber, larger sweet spot - needs 150-200 break-in hits.
  • Hybrid: Alloy barrel + composite handle - reduced vibration, balanced feel.

Step 3: Size It Quickly

  • Length check: Bat next to player in cleats; around hip height is a good start.
  • Drop check: Younger players often start around -10 to -13.
  • Rule: If it feels heavy, go lighter before going longer.

(Use the diagrams in the next panel to confirm size.)

Step 3 (cont): Size It Quickly

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Step 4: Check Your Work

These charts show ranges - every player is different. Use them as a starting point, not a hard rule.

USA Softball (ASA) / USA Baseball / USSSA

Youth Bat Sizing Chart (click to enlarge)

BBCOR

BBCOR Bat Sizing Chart (click to enlarge)

Baseball Bats We Like

Always verify the stamp on the bat matches your division before purchasing.

USA Baseball - TB, KCP, A, AA, AAA, MAJ
BBCOR - INT, JR, SR + High School

Softball Bats We Like

Always verify the USA Softball (ASA) stamp on the bat matches your division before purchasing.

A, AA, AAA, MAJ - Youth Fastpitch (USA Softball/ASA)
JR, SR - Fastpitch (USA Softball/ASA)

Bat Reviews & Resources

Primary Independent Reviewers

These platforms specialize in data-driven analysis, using technology like Trackman and Blast Motion to provide objective performance metrics.

  • Bat Digest : Industry standard for performance data, tracking exit velocities, durability, and live pricing.
  • GameChanger Bat Lab : Player-led rating system using Trackman data and player feedback.
  • Sports Unlimited : Comprehensive guides breaking down bats by certification and swing feel.
Notable Content Creators

Field-tested reviews and expert instruction demonstrating how specific bats perform in real-world hitting sessions.

  • The Baseball Bat Bros : Independent testing and annual award shows with ranked lists for all major bat categories.
  • Antonelli Baseball : Led by former pro Matt Antonelli, thorough reviews with youth players for realistic Little League feedback.
  • Hitting with the Nation : Blends entertainment with bat performance and player prep.
  • Smash It Sports : 170+ videos reviewing the latest bats from Easton, Marucci, and Rawlings.

Shopping Links

Not sure which bat to buy? Check out Baseball Bat Bros - detailed reviews, side-by-side comparisons, and rankings for every bat type.

Local Retailers
Online Retailers

Buying Guides

Questions? Email Us

It's right there in our logo! Our home field is the Cloverleaf at Lower Woodland, featuring four 60-foot softball/baseball diamonds and one 90-foot turfed field.

Cloverleaf logo + NCLL main logo

This guide covers all the locations where you'll find NCLL in action.

The Cloverleaf at Lower Woodland

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Our home field! Four 60-foot diamonds (#3-6) arranged in a cloverleaf pattern.

Lower Woodland Field #1

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90-foot turfed field for our older divisions.

Upper Ross Park

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Home to our youngest baseball players.

Lower Ross Park

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Primary location for early softball divisions.

BF Day

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Practice and game field for multiple divisions.

Green Lake

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District play field for upper divisions.

Bitter Lake

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Overflow and showcase game location.

Upper Woodland

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Overflow field at the north end of Woodland Park.

Northacres Park

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Occasional overflow location for softball.

Dahl Playfield

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Alternate field location for upper baseball divisions.

Exploring the "ifs" and "whos" of committing to a club/select/travel team can be daunting.

Vintage baseball team photo

How club/select works alongside Little League, costs, travel, and fit for your player.

What is "Select", "Club", and "Travel Ball"?

NCLL aims to help by providing introductions to local club teams through various programs throughout the year, giving you a chance to get to know the coaches and for them to get to know your player. It is a great way to see if your child is ready or even desires to take that next step in the level of competition.

We will always make it clear in our communications who is running what. Below are the key distinctions and to the right, a brief description of the local programs.

Recreational Leagues (e.g., Little League, PONY, etc.)

  • These leagues typically begin with Tee Ball, which can start for children as young as 4 years old.
  • Progression through divisions (coach-pitch, player-pitch, etc.) occurs through the pre-teen years.
  • The emphasis is on participation, learning fundamentals, and having fun.

Club Programs

  • Increased travel and practice come with an increased cost, both financially and of your time.
  • These programs are generally more competitive and require tryouts.
  • They can begin at a wide range of ages, but it is increasingly common to see them start as early as 7 or 8 years old.
  • However, the most common time that players begin participating in these programs is around ages 9 through 12.
  • These programs often involve more travel, a greater time commitment, and a higher level of competition.
  • The goal is often to develop players for higher levels of baseball/softball, such as high school and college.
  • There are often multiple teams within one program for different skill levels.

Key Points

  • The age at which a child enters a club program varies depending on the organization and the level of competition.
  • It is important to maintain a healthy balance between sports and other activities.
  • Every child develops at their own rate.
  • Consider your child's physical, emotional, and social development when deciding whether to enter a club program.
  • Costs, both financial and time, must be factored into your decision.

Local Baseball Club Teams

  • [Baseball Club Team 1]
  • [Baseball Club Team 2]
  • [Baseball Club Team 3]
  • [Baseball Club Team 4]
  • [Baseball Club Team 5]

Local Softball Club Teams

  • [Softball Club Team 1]
  • [Softball Club Team 2]
  • [Softball Club Team 3]
  • [Softball Club Team 4]
  • [Softball Club Team 5]

Conclusion

Choosing the right path for your child's baseball or softball journey is an important decision that should be made with care and consideration.

Note : While many within NCLL have differing opinions and views on this aspect of kids' baseball and softball, we generally agree that starting at age 7-8 is early, and in the case of softball, difficult to find. Focus on fun and a love of the game.

Show your NCLL pride! From cozy hoodies to classic tees, our spirit wear collection lets you rep the cloverleaf in style.

Swag word lettering with stars

Whether you're cheering from the sidelines or running errands around town, gear up with quality NCLL branded apparel that celebrates our league's tradition and community.

Links to the store, popular items, and current lead times.

Open swag store

Medical releases, waivers, and other season forms.

Forms icon illustration

Download and complete required documents before the season starts. All forms are official Little League PDFs.

Medical Release Form

The Medical Release Form is required for all players. This form authorizes designated adults to seek medical treatment for your child in case of an emergency during Little League activities.

Download Medical Release Form

Volunteer Applications

All volunteers (coaches, team parents, board members, etc.) must complete a volunteer application annually. Choose the appropriate form based on your status:

  • New Volunteers : Complete the full Volunteer Application which includes a background check authorization
  • Returning Volunteers : If you volunteered last year, use the Basic Volunteer Application
New Volunteer Application Returning Volunteer Application

Player Registration Form

The Player Registration Form collects essential information about your child including contact details, emergency information, and league division placement.

Note : Most leagues now use online registration systems, but you may need this form for certain situations or as a backup.

Download Player Registration Form

All Forms & Publications

Little League International provides a comprehensive library of forms and publications covering all aspects of league operations, safety, and regulations.

For additional forms including league charters, tournament applications, insurance forms, and official rulebooks, visit the complete Forms & Publications page.

View All Forms & Publications

Get 20% off your entire purchase at Dick's Sporting Goods, Northgate, March 6-9, 2026.

NCLL Dick's Sporting Goods 20% off coupon graphic

Northgate Store Location

Coupon Details

  • Dates: March 6-9, 2026
  • Discount: 20% off your entire purchase
  • Location: Dick's Sporting Goods - Northgate
  • Coupon format: Digital link or print.
  • How to use: Show at checkout (phone or print).
  • Important: Do not expect coupons at checkout. Invite-only event.
Click Here For Your 20% Discount Coupon