Having a player selected to an All-Stars tournament team is one of the highlights of the Little League experience — for players and families alike. Here's what you need to know as tournament season approaches.
How the Tournament Works
All-Stars tournament play begins at the District level. For MALL players, that means the
Oregon District 6 Little League competition first. From there, teams that advance move on to the
Oregon State Little League tournament,
Regional tournament in San Bernardino, CA and potentially World Series play. Each round is a fresh start, with new memories to be made.
Most tournaments follow a double-elimination format, meaning a team is guaranteed at least two games. A team's run could be over in a week or extend across several weeks depending on how far they advance — something to keep in mind when planning your summer. District tournaments start in June, culminating with World Series tournaments in August.
Player Eligibility and Selection
To be eligible for tournament play, players must meet Little League's residency and school attendance requirements and, in most divisions, have participated in at least eight regular season games. The MALL Board of Directors determines annually how tournament team members and coaches are selected. If you have questions about how selection works,
contact the MALL board — we're happy to explain the process.
Official rosters are announced on or after May 15 each year. A player's name must appear on the team's official tournament affidavit to be eligible to play. Don't rely on social media or word of mouth — wait for official communication from the Team Manager.
The Commitment
Tournament play is a privilege, but it's also a real commitment — for your player and for your family. Practice schedules are typically more demanding than the regular season, and the team's run could last anywhere from a few days in June, to several weeks into August. If you have a family vacation or other conflicts already planned, be upfront with the Team Manager before your player enters the selection pool. Trying to do both creates pressure that can diminish both experiences.
Parents are responsible for uniform, travel, lodging and meals costs for District, State and Region tournaments. Should your player be fortunate enough to make it to the Little League® World Series, the Little League® organization will cover those costs.
Roster and Playing Time
Most tournament teams carry a maximum of 14 players, one Team Manager, and two Assistant Coaches. Every player on the roster is required to bat in a continuous batting order — no one sits out of the lineup. Defensive playing time, however, is at the Team Manager's discretion.
Players are selected to tournament teams for a variety of reasons, and your child's role may look different than it did during the regular season. If you have questions about your player's role, approach the Team Manager calmly and away from practices and games — and ideally before the tournament begins.
Game Day: What Parents Need to Know
Tournament games are run differently than regular season games, and a few rules are strictly enforced:
The dugout is off-limits to parents at all times during a game — no exceptions. Only players, the Team Manager and two Coaches are permitted inside. Even in the case of a minor injury, the coaching staff is responsible for attending to the player unless immediate medical attention is required.
Your job on game day is to cheer from the stands. It's an important role — enjoy it!
A Word on the Rumor Mill
Tournament season has a way of generating a lot of chatter — about rosters, schedules, starting lineups, and more. For any tournament-related information, go directly to your Team Manager or
contact the MALL Board. Official communication is always the most reliable source.