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18

Mar, 2020

COVID-19/Coronavirus Update

March 17, 2020

Dear Parents of Portsmouth Little League players:

PLEASE READ THIS ENTIRE EMAIL FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION ON THE 202O SEASON

Yesterday we received an updated Little League Baseball alert strongly recommending the suspension of all league activities until May 11.  This is consistent with local, state, and federal guidelines on social distancing in an effort to contain Covid-19.

The PLL Board meet last night in conference call to discuss the LL communication and revisit the 2020 PLL season.  The following decisions were made; these decisions have already been communicated to appointed team managers and umpires. Since change is always possible know that the Board will revisit any of the decisions below as circumstances dictate.

1) PLL will delay the season opening from May 4 [as planned] to May 11 [as recommended]; the season will remain 6 weeks long with Championship Saturday on June 20.

2) Online registration will stay open until April 18; should the season be cancelled refunds or league credits for future league activities [summer ball, clinics, 2021 season] will be issued depending on parent request.

3) Tryouts will not be held; rather managers and coaches from last season will meet the week of April 19 to rate players based on skill at last observation.  The league already holds this meeting for players remaining in a division and not required to attend tryouts [such as returning 8, 10 and 12 year old players] – we are simply extending this to all players this year.  Rest assured that this meeting will follow recommendations at that time for social distancing and respiratory hygiene and will be professional in discussing player skill set.

4) Teams will be drafted under the supervision of the Player Agent [Meg Yeaton] and me on Sunday, April 26.  Players will be notified of their team at that time along with the game schedule beginning on May 11.  Teams will be limited to 10 players where possible to provide maximum playing time; we will use the player pool extensively to make sure all games are played.

5) While it is far from ideal we will not have a period of organized preseason practices.  At present the city has closed all recreation fields.  I have asked the field coordinators to have the batting cages up no later than April 18.  Individual players and a responsible adult are encouraged to use the cages to practice batting.  We encourage players to practice throwing and fielding on their own with the help of a responsible person.

6) No decision has been made on holding an Opening Ceremony; the Board will meet in April to determine if this is feasible.  If we hold a ceremony it would most likely be on Saturday, May 16.

7) While we are prepared for the calendar raffle, as it is a major fundraiser, we will refund any buyouts should the season be cancelled.

8) Field clean-up will still need to happen before the season begins – more information on that will be forthcoming and will be shared with you by your team parent representative.

9) I have been in touch with the league photographer; pictures this year will be at the field once the season begins.

10) I have not heard back from Dick’s Sporting Goods on our Appreciation Weekend this coming weekend [March 19-21].  I can’t provide any helpful information on whether or not to shop at the store – the coupon is for instore purchases.  I am hopeful that either an additional weekend will be offered or online options will be made.  As soon as I know anything I will have it posted on our website.

I hope I haven’t left “a stone unturned” – please feel free to email me at [email protected] or call me at 431-5287 [leave a message] if you have any questions or concerns.

Looking forward to “PLAY BALL”!!

Kathie Lynch
League President

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