EVALUATIONS
Q: When are player evaluations and who has to attend?
A: Evaluations are usually held on a weekend in early February so as to not interfere with Bellevue Public Schools mid-winter break. Attendance is required for those baseball players wanting to play AAA or Majors and softball players wanting to play Coast or Majors. We also want to evaluate AA players to ensure even teams. T-ball, A, and 89ers do not get evaluated. Look for specific information on the home page when the dates get closer.
Q: Can I register after evaluations?
A: No. Only registered players may be evaluated. If you don't know what level to register your child, register him or her for the higher level. We can easily move players down a level.
Q: Where are evaluations?
A: Locations vary from year to year, but we usually hold evaluations at a local high school baseball field. They are held rain or shine, so dress appropriately.
Q: I see that there are two days listed for evaluations. Do we have to attend both days?
A: No. We offer evaluations on both Saturday and Sunday in order to try to fit your schedule at least once. Your child only needs to be evaluated one time.
Q: We are unable to attend either one of those dates because of travel, medical problems, or some other reason. What should we do now?
A: Contact the Vice President of your sport (baseball or softball), and speak with him about your problem. He will work with you and your previous coaches to place your child in the correct level.
Q: Can we register at evaluations?
A: Yes, but we prefer that you sign up online in advance. If you register in person, our registrar has to go online and register you in the system. That leaves opportunities for errors and gives additional work for our already overworked volunteers.
GENERAL
Q: What are the time commitments for Little League?
A: T-ball: One practice per week and one game on Saturday. Practices and games are one hour long.
A ball: Two to three events (games and practices) per week usually lasting about 1 1/2 hours.
AA ball: Two to three events (games and practices) per week usually lasting about 1 1/2 hours for practices and 2 hours for games.
AAA and Majors: Up to four events (usually three) per week. Games and practices last about 2 hours.
Softball: Usually two to three events per week. 89ers games are 90 minutes; Coast, Majors, and Juniors games are about 2 hours long (Majors and Juniors have no time limit).
Team practices and game times vary each week. Most baseball teams will play one game on Saturdays and another one or two games during the week. No games are scheduled on Sundays.
Q: Are parents expected to be at each practice?
A: Although it is not mandatory, it is encouraged.
Q: I live outside of the Bellevue East Boundaries. Can I still be on a BELL team?
A: Unless you can show that playing in your local league is a hardship, you must play in your local league. Boundary waivers must be approved by the BELL President, the District 9 Administrator, and the Regional Director. If you live south of I-90, visit Thunderbird Little League. If you live in west Bellevue, visit Bellevue West Little League. No player who lives outside the BELL boundaries may play in All-Stars.
Q: Are there car pool options for getting kids to practices?
A: Once teams are formed, parents can coordinate transportation.
Q: What equipment do I need to provide for my child?
A: It depends on the division of play but, generally, all kids must have the following:
- Baseball shoes (cleats) no metal spikes
- Baseball/softball glove
- Baseball pants (color determined by coach/team)
- Athletic Supporter (A, AA, AAA & Majors)
- Mouth guard (optional but many softball players use them)
The league will provide a hat/visor, a cotton jersey, and socks for you to keep. You will be loaned a team jersey for the duration of the season. These must be turned back into the coach at the end of the season. Exception: Majors and Juniors softball players keep their juerseys.
The league also provides helmets and bats for all teams. If you prefer to supply your own helmet and/or bat, please mark your name clearly on it. Starting this year, all softball helmets must also be equipped with cages to protect the girl's face.
Q: If I am late picking up my child, will he/she be left at the field?
A: No child will be left at a field without an adult parent/volunteer. We recommend that you save your coach's cell phone number in your cell phone so you can call if you need to.
Q: I don't have much time. How can I help my child's coach?
A: Coaches can use a lot of help at practices and games. Ask your coach where he or she can use you. Depending on the field and level of play, you may consider the following:
- Drag the field (dragging a large metal screen around the infield to smooth out the dirt)
- Line the field (using chalk and a string to add baselines, batter's boxes, and coaches boxes)
- Provide snacks for the team. Some teams choose to provide fruit or other healthy snacks during the game in lieu of sugary snacks at the end of the game.
- Supervise the dugout.
- Coach first or third base during your team's defensive innings.
- Keep score (training is available).
Other ways you can help make your coach happy:
- Don't take the game too seriously. This is supposed to be FUN! Coaches don't like to discipline the parents in the stands.
- Get your child to practices and games early. Late children have been known to hold up games.
- Call your coach if your child will be absent at a practice or game. It's challenging to change a lineup at the last minute while waiting for a child to show up.
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Q: What are the season dates?
A: Generally, practice times will be determined and communicated by coaches. The dates listed below are general dates and my move either direction based on a multitude of factors:
- Majors Division: February 25- early June
- AAA Division: February 25 - early June
- AA Division: March 1 - early June
- A Division: March 8 - mid June
- T-ball: March 15 - mid-June
- All-Stars all levels begin no earlier than 6/15 and may continue through mid-August
Q: Do teams play on Sundays?
A: Regular games and practices are not scheduled on Sundays. Occasionally, rain-outs are rescheduled on Sundays in order to fit them in. Also, some coaches schedule extra practices on Sundays. This practice is discouraged but may occur on your team. Tournaments often involve Sunday play. If your child cannot attend a Sunday game, be sure your coach knows well in advance.
Q: Where are practices and games held?
A: Practice and game locations vary by program, level, and season. We are also limited by the fields that the City of Bellevue approves. Many practices are held at nearby Bellevue elementary schools. More advanced teams often play/practice at area parks such as Ivanhoe, Robbinswood, and Highland Park. For specific information about a location, click on "Field locations" on the tab to the left. Clicking on the specific field address will take you to a map where you can get directions.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Q: I can't afford to pay the registration fee, but I want my child to play Little League. How can I get a scholarship?
A: Bellevue East Little League offers scholarships to anyone who needs it. Simply contact the registrar to request a scholarship. The registrar will guide you with what to do next. Scholarship information is strictly confidential and is not shared with coaches.
TOURNAMENTS
Q: Is there a Memorial Day Tournament?
A: This will be updated annually. We may decide to have a BELL-only baseball tournament over Memorial Day weekend.
Q: Is there a City Tournament after the regular season?
A: Yes, for baseball (AA, AAA, Majors) and softball (Coast and Majors). Tentative dates are the beginning of June.
ALL-STARS
Q: When are All-Stars?
A: All-Stars players and coaches are announced on or after June 15 each year. The commitment is from June 15 until the end of All-Star tournament play. That could come as late as August if your team makes it all the way to the Little League World Series.