Rules

Little League Age Eligibility — League Age Determination

Little League Age Eligibility

Little League uses "league age" — not a player's current calendar age — to determine division eligibility. A player's league age is their age as of August 31 of the current year for baseball, and December 31 for softball. This means a player who turns 13 in September could still play as a 12-year-old in the spring baseball season.

Age Determination Dates

Sport	Age Determination Date
Baseball	August 31 of the current year
Softball	December 31 of the current year

Example (Baseball): A player born on September 15, 2013 would have a league age of 12 for the 2026 spring season (they won't turn 13 until after August 31, 2026).

Example (Baseball): A player born on July 1, 2013 would have a league age of 13 for the 2026 spring season (they turn 13 before August 31, 2026).

Division Age Ranges

Division	League Ages
Tee Ball	4-6
Minor League (Coach Pitch / Machine Pitch)	5-8
Minor League (Player Pitch)	7-11
Major League	9-12
Intermediate (50/70)	11-13
Juniors	12-14
Seniors	13-16

Note that age ranges overlap across divisions. A league-age 11 player could play in Minor League, Major League, or Intermediate depending on their skill level and the local league's placement decisions.

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Why League Age Matters for Coaches

League age directly affects pitch count limits. A player with league age 10 has a 75-pitch daily limit. A player with league age 11 has an 85-pitch limit. If you're tracking pitch counts (and you should be), you need to know each pitcher's league age — not their birthday age.

Rizzler's roster management stores each player's league age and automatically applies the correct pitch count and rest day thresholds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a player play up a division?

Yes, with local league approval. A league-age 10 player can play in the Major League division if the local league determines they're ready. However, pitch count limits still follow the player's actual league age.

What documents prove a player's age?

Little League requires an original or government-issued birth certificate, a certified hospital birth record, or a valid passport. Copies are typically acceptable for local registration, but originals may be required for tournament play.

Does league age change between fall and spring?

The age determination date is the same for an entire calendar year (August 31 for baseball). A player's league age for fall ball is the same as their league age for the spring season of that year.

How does league age affect All-Stars eligibility?

All-Stars eligibility follows the same league age determination. A player's league age as of August 31 determines which All-Stars division they're eligible for.

Rizzler applies the correct rules for each player's league age automatically. Set up your roster with age-based rule compliance.