Frequently asked questions

What are the Levels of Play?

At SMLLA, we name most of our levels after divisions of Professional Baseball.  For example, Single A, Cal, Pacific Coast League (PCL), and Majors.  The progression is  Wiffle Ball -> T-ball -> Single A -> Cal -> Minors -> PCL -> Majors -> Juniors. 

How do I know which level of play is appropriate for my child? 

Based on baseball ability, your child  could be placed one level up or down.   Any child can waiver down in any division. For example: your 10 year old isn't ready for PCL (typically 10-11’s), you can ask to keep them in Minors (9-10’s).  

What is the draft? 

For Single A through Juniors, SMLLA builds teams for the spring season via a draft.  All of the players attend an assessment session in early January where they throw, catch, field, pitch and hit.  Later, Managers of each division draft players one round at a time.  It is up to the manager to select a participant for any given division. The league can't guarantee a participant will be chosen to any specific division. However, every player will be selected for a team.  For Wiffle & T-Ball, teams are built by the league taking into consideration buddy requests & school info. 

What is the difference between Age and Baseball Age? 

Baseball age is set by Little League International and is the age your child will be as of August 31, 20254. This means that some kids will have a higher baseball age than their actual current age.  See the 2025 Little League Age Chart.

What is the difference between San Mateo American and San Mateo National? 

San Mateo has two little leagues. For players that are league age 8 or older, you You are required to play in the league affiliated with either your home address or the address of the school your child attends, subject to certain exceptions. You can determine your eligibility for San Mateo Little League American using the Little League Finder tool.

If we live outside of the boundary for San Mateo American, can my child still play in your league?

Starting with the 2025 season, children at the youngest level of Little League Baseball (League Age 4-7) will have the ability to register for any Little League program they choose, without respect to any geography- or school-related eligibility requirements. Those players who register under this option will also be fully eligible to participate in all aspects of league play, including International Tournament play, for the duration of their Little League careers provided they have continuous and unbroken participation from the time they are League Age seven within the specific league where initially registered and provided all other participation eligibility requirements have been met.

Players League Age 8 or older as of the 2025 season (born before September 1, 2017 for Baseball) will continue to utilize the current boundary requirement based on residency or school enrollment. Opportunities and waivers will continue to be available as an option for players should they be interested in switching leagues that are outside of these requirements, based on approval and potential stipulations from the Little League International Charter Committee.

Please click HERE for additional information regarding the updated Little League eligibility guidelines for 2025, including relevant FAQs.