Saco/Dayton Little League Baseball Play Up/Play Down Petition Policy
This policy was reviewed and approved by the board in January 2023.
The vast majority of Saco Little League players will play within the level of play designated for their age. However, there are some players who, due to their skill level or other circumstances, may be allowed to play at a different level than their age specifies. These exceptions are granted on an individual, year-to-year basis and must be approved by the Player Agents and VPs of the divisions involved. If a family believes their child should play at a different level than their age designates then the parents must make a formal written request to the appropriate Player Agent or Division VP.
Petition to “Play Up”
Play Up requests are evaluated based primarily on roster space at the requested level and the skill level of the player. Saco/Dayton LL considers not only whether the player is sufficiently skilled to compete at the requested level, but also whether his or her skill level is such that participating in the level with his or her contemporaries would be unchallenging or present safety issues for other players. Some of the other factors that Saco/Dayton LL considers are the player’s school grade, the proximity of his or her birthday to the August 31 st age cutoff, and any family circumstances that may exist. The fact that a player may have the skills necessary to play in the higher level is not sufficient reason alone to merit a “play-up” exception. Saco LL typically permits only a small number of “play-up” requests each season.
All players are required to register for the Division as determined by their birth date. The general policy is to never allow a player to skip a Division. You may only Petition to Play Up if you have already completed a season in the Division you would otherwise be registered for. In addition, the policy recognizes a difference between players where the Little League age cutoff separates them from their grade level peers.
· At age 8, player may Petition to Play Up to Minors if they played in Development the prior year
o Player Skills Evaluation will be compared to 9 year olds
o Those not drafted in Minors will be assigned to a Development League Team
· At age 10, player may Petition to Play Up to Majors if they played in the Minor League the prior year
o Player Skills Evaluation will be compared to 11 year olds
o Those not drafted in Majors will be assigned to a Minor League Team
Note: For all Petitions to Play Up, experience outside Saco Little League in the prior season will be reviewed by the Player Agent to determine equivalency and will be treated accordingly.
Petition to “Play Down”
Players are eligible to Petition to Play Down to the next lower Division. All Petitions are heard by the Board for review and approval. The general policy is to allow a player to play down one division at the request of their Parents, if circumstances warrant.
· At age 9, player may Petition to Play Down to Development if parents feel that the player is not ready to face kid pitching. If a 9 year old does play Development they are not eligible to Pitch.
· At age 11, players may Petition to Play Down in the Minors Division if parents feel that the player is not ready for Majors division. If an 11 year old does play Minors they are not eligible to Pitch.
Note: Any exceptions to the above policy require a unanimous vote by the division managers, player agent, vice president and president.