CCLL allows players age 9-12 to play in both the Majors and the Minors divisions (12 year old players must be given a waiver to play in the Minors).  Both divisions play on Little League International (LLI) regulation size fields (e.g., 60’ base paths).  Both the Minors and Majors divisions are expected to be inclusive and to provide a safe, positive, instructive, environment.   Both the Minors and Majors divisions follow the player participation rules set forth by LLI (from time to time each division will make exceptions in order to benefit the kids.....continuous batting order for example).  However there are differences between the two divisions:

Majors

The Majors division is comprised of players who have demonstrated skills commensurate with the highest level of play that CCLL has to offer.  This year there will be 4 or 5 teams with 11 or 12 players on each roster.  Players are selected via a draft after they have tried out.  Any player with a League Age 9-12 is REQUIRED by LLI to tryout each year in order to play in the Majors (unless they are already on a Major League team).  Failure to try out causes the player to be ineligible for play in the Major leagues for that season and also ineligible for post season 11/12 All Star play. The Board of Directors may grant a waiver to the above if the circumstances warrant such an action.  CCLL has historically been very competitive in the DC region during 11/12 All Star play and for many years has sent teams to Bristol, Connecticut to compete for the right to play in the Little League World Series.   CCLL has also historically been very competitive in the DC region during 9/10 All Star play and for many years has sent teams to play against teams from Maryland to play in the 9/10 All Star tournament.  Any 9 or 10 year old who tries out and is drafted by a Major league team will have an advantage in qualifying for the 9/10 All Star team.

Minors

The Minors division tends to be a little less competitive and sometimes play is altered in order to more fully enhance the game day experience (no stealing early in the season for example).  This year it appears as though there will be 8 teams with 11 or 12 players on each roster.  Players are placed on a team by the Minor League commissioner (requests can be made but cannot always be granted).  There are certain LLI rules specific to Minors: no 12-year old may pitch and no pitcher may pitch more than three innings in a game, a total of six innings per week, consistent with the new pitch count rule that went into effect this year.  Umpires tend to be a little less experienced than those assigned for the Majors.