Most people know Little League through the Major Division for 9-12 year olds. But today Little League provides organized youth sports for a wide range of ages.
Age Groupings
Tee Ball Baseball and Softball is for boys and girls league age 4-7 years old who want to learn the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. The primary goals of Tee Ball are to instruct youngsters in the fundamentals of baseball and softball and allow them to experience the value of teamwork but most of all, to have fun.
Minor League Baseball and Softball programs may be operated within each division for younger players (12 and under) with less experience. The Minor League may be players league age 7-12. Divisions may be established within the Minor League for machine pitch, adult pitch, or player pitch.
Little League Baseball and Softball (also called the Major Division) is for players league age 9-12. A league may choose to limit its Major Division to 10, 11 and 12 year olds, or 11 and 12 year olds.
Intermediate Baseball is for players league age 11-13.
Junior League Baseball and Softball for 1league age 12 -14 year olds. A local league may choose to allow a league age 15 year old to participate in the regular season if the skill level is commensurate with the Junior division.
Senior League is for players league age 13-16 years old. A local league may choose to allow a league age 12 year old to participate in the regular season if the skill level is commensurate with the Senior division.
NOTE: Boys Softball in each division is available if enough players sign up.
Challenger Any individual with a physical or intellectual challenge may participate. If an individual can participate in the traditional Little League Baseball or Softball program with reasonable accommodations they should do so. The Little League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 4-18, or up to age 22 if still enrolled in school. The Senior League Challenger Division accommodates players ages 15 and above (no maximum age).
Second Season (or, the Training and Development Program) was established to provide an extra season for those leagues wishing to extend the benefits of Little League beyond the traditional end of the regular season. The rules of Second Season are somewhat relaxed, providing a more instructional atmosphere.
How A League Is Organized
Each Little League program is organized within a community. The league establishes boundaries with certain restrictions. It is only from within this territory that the league may register its players. All league personnel, including the officers, managers, coaches, umpires, field auxiliary, etc. are volunteers interested in providing the benefits of a Little League program to the youth of their community. Each league is guided by a board of directors. The local league board of directors, elected from and by the adult members of the league, is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the league within the rules, regulations and policies of Little League.
District Organization
This District has eleven leagues. The district administrator is an experienced volunteer elected by the constituent leagues to counsel, direct, and provide leadership in the policies and rules of the Little League program and to serve as liaison between the leagues and the regional office.
The district administrator organizes the district tournaments and attends the periodic Little League International Congress, where Little League rules and regulations are democratically reviewed and revised for the betterment of the program.
New Mexico District 5 is a part of the Southwest Region located in Waco, Texas. All regions are a part of the Little League Baseball and Softball International program located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.