There are two travel teams at each of the the 8 to 12-year-old levels. At ages 10-12, the teams are separated into District and Tournament teams. The District team is generally the highest-level team in the age group and competes in the official, Little League International-sponsored District Tournament.
The Tournament team is a competitive travel team that competes against other towns and leagues in the state, in both league play and tournaments. Participation on both the District and Tournament teams is by invitation only and requires a significant time commitment from both the player and family. The schedule will be busy from early June to late July.
THE PROCESS FOR SELECTING THE DISTRICT AND TOURNAMENT TEAM ROSTERS
The first step in selecting the roster for the District and Tournament teams is to select the Managers.
Please click here to learn more about the detailed process that the league follows for selecting District and Tournament Managers.
The selected Managers are then asked to compile a roster using a number of different mechanisms to ensure comprehensive information is collected on eligible, interested players.
District and Tournament Managers then gather feedback and recommendations on potential players from the current spring season managers and coaches. These coaches have the most reliable understanding of the consistency of the player over a season, rather than simply a snapshot of a game or two. They are also welcome to offer insight on other players in the league during the season, or may have coached in the past. The District and Tournament Managers generally attend some regular season games, in person, to observe the performance of those players recommended by the spring managers and coaches.
In addition, each age group within the league typically holds optional baseball clinics open to every player in the age group. Although the District and Tournament Managers may factor in observations during these clinics in their overall evaluation of the player, these clinics are first and foremost an opportunity for all players in the age group to get some additional baseball coaching and practice during the season. Following these clinics, the District and Tournament Manager usually solicit more feedback on the recommended players from the other coaches who assisted at the clinics
The District and Tournament Managers then select their respective rosters based on all of this feedback from other managers and coaches. While overall baseball ability plays a significant factor in the evaluation process - other factors, including demonstrated sportsmanship, teamwork and willingness to be coached, are considered. Managers also may factor in what position needs they have on the team (e.g., pitchers, catchers, etc.), though this is more common at the older age groups than the younger ones.
Before any team rosters are announced, the District and Tournament Managers submit their proposed roster to the League President and Player Agent. The League President and Player Agent must approve all rosters before the team selections are announced.
SUMMER 8s
Fairfield American fields two travel teams at the 8 year old level. These teams compete in approximately 20 coach pitch games, including one or two tournaments. The process for selecting the Summer 8s managers and players is the same as the travel teams at the 9 - 12-year-old levels with one key difference: The two teams are organized to be roughly equal in talent. In other words, there is no “A” team or “B” team at the 8-year-old level.
SUMMER 9sUnlike in years past, the Summer 9s program will look similar to the 8s program this season - as in, there will be no "A" and "B" team but instead 2 balanced teams. The format of the season is still a work in progress but there is likely a Little League mini-season vs neighboring towns along with a Monroe and Fairfield tournament which both teams will participate in. The process for selecting the Summer 9s managers and players is the same as the 10-12 year old age groups.
SUMMER HOUSE LEAGUE
We also hope to run two Summer House League divisions, one for 9 & 10-year-old players, the other for 11 & 12-year-old players. These divisions are open to EVERY Fairfield American player who wishes to continue having fun on the diamond in the summer months.
The Summer House League runs from late June to the end of July. The Summer House League plays approximately 2 games per week, so roughly 12 games in total - it is much like the spring season. Those of you with older players in F.A.L.L. may know how much fun the Summer House League is for the players...and the parents!