Dover Diamond Sports is affiliated with Little League Baseball and is part of District 14.
DDS offers Little League Programs from Tee Ball through 13U Intermediate.
Player age, player experience and player evaluations are all used when assigning the correct divisions. Player age is the most important and we must follow the rules set forth by Little League Baseball. Player experience and Player Evaluations are then used to determine the right level of play for each individual player. As an organization, we have implemented multiple divisions at each age group to properly place each player in a division that will allow them to enjoy the game, improve their skills and ultimately increase their overall baseball development. Here is a description of each division:
8U- Minors
The 8U division will include players between the age of 6-8. *Players must have at least 1 season of Tee Ball experience to play at this level*. There will be 2 subdivisions available- Hybrid and 100% Player Pitch (*this is determined by registration numbers and evaluation scores*)
Most of this division will play in the Hybrid format. This is a more structured game with outs recorded as well as keeping score. This is a combination of coach and player pitch, allowing our players to start getting experience playing the pitcher position and seeing live pitching from an opposing player. This division is set to be more developmental for younger kids in this age group or first-time players.
In the 8U group, we will have at least 1 team that will be 100% player pitch. This team will be selected based on age, experience and previous evaluation scores. This team will follow the Little League International and CBT Tournament rules. In most cases, at a minimum, players must have at least 1 season of hybrid for consideration. Exemptions can be made at the board level for special circumstances.
**Total registration numbers will determine if more than 1 team at the 100% player pitch level can be created**
10U- Minors
The 10U division will include players between the ages of 8-10. It will be split into 2 subdivisions- AA and AAA.
Most of this division will play in the AA format. This is still a very structured division and follows all the baseball rules. There will be no coach pitching, no coaches on the field, and will play as a true baseball game.
The AAA team will be selected based on age, experience, and previous evaluation scores. In most cases, at a minimum, players must have at least 1 season of AA for consideration. Exemptions can be made at the board level for special circumstances.
**Total registration numbers will determine if more than 1 team at the AAA can be created**
12U- Majors
The 12U Majors division will include players between the ages of 10-12. All players- regardless of skill and/or experience- are divided amongst teams by conducting a draft with the head coaches. This division will play on a 46/60 Field.
13U Intermediate
The 13U division will include players at the age of 13. All players- regardless of skill and/or experience- are divided amongst teams by conducting a draft with the head coaches. This division will play on a larger field- 70-foot diamond and pitching distance of 50 feet. This division is intended to help transition our players from the smaller diamond to a full-size field.
Team Formation
For Tee Ball- teams are split up based on number of players and evenly distributed by age
For 8U and above- all teams are placed with a head coach and provided player registration information and formed through a draft process.
Postseason Play
Postseason play is available for 8U and above. This is a combination of Little League International Postseason and District 14 CBT Tournament. The DDS Board determines if and how many teams will enter postseason play based on interest and availability of coaches. Any player inclusion on any postseason team must participate in postseason evaluations as outlined by the DDS Board.
Additional Notes
**Please note these are general guidelines to how the DDS Board will implement the Little League Baseball program. At times, there will be exceptions made based on player age, experience and skill. The overall idea is to provide the most beneficial player experience.
**Any exceptions made will be brought to the executive board for final approval