Summer Tournament Team FAQs
We've gotten a few questions from parents about the process and what it all means, so here's an FAQ to help guide you:
Q: Tournament Teams? Wait, is this the Williamsport tryout?
A: Yes.
Q: Why call it the Tournament Team then?
A: For years, we've colloquially referred to these teams the "Williamsport" teams. That created confusion for some softball parents, because the Little League Softball World Series culminates in Greenville, North Carolina, not Williamsport, Pennsylvania like the Little League Baseball World Series does. Little League International calls these teams "Tournament Teams," so that's what we'll be calling them now, too.
Q: How many Tournament Teams does HTV form each summer?
A: For baseball we typically form two (2) Tournament Teams per age group: 12u, 11u and 10u.
For softball we typically form one (1) Tournament Team per age group : Majors (11-12u) and Minors (10u).
Team formation depends on the depth and the amount of participants in each division and availability of coaches who will volunteer to lead these teams.
Q: So if my son/daughter makes this team, it means I'm going to see him/her on television?
A: Not quite. The 10u and 11u divisions for baseball and softball culminate at the New York State tournament. The 12u divisions have a chance to advance to the international tournament, but only after they advance past multiple stages of local play.
Q: What are those stages?
A: For all age levels, the tournament begins with the NY District 34 tournament. If that team advances, they'll move onto the Sectional tournament. Both the District and Sectional Tournaments are located at various fields (including Otsego Park in Dix Hills) on Long Island. If a team wins Sectionals, they advance to the State Tournament. From there, the 12u divisions can advance past States to Regionals (located in Bristol, Connecticut) and then the International Tournament in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Q: Sounds cool! How much does it cost?
A: Fees will be determined as we get closer to the summer season but it is typically in line with normal registration fees for the spring season.
Q: If my child makes one of these teams, what do they receive?
A: Baseball Tournament players receive a team hat, custom jersey, uniform pants, and belt. Softball Tournament players receive a custom jersey, uniform pants, socks, and belt. Selected players will be asked to try on samples to make sure all sizes (especially jersey size) are accurate prior to placing the order.
Q: And when would they practice?
A: Practices will begin at the end of May after the teams have been formed. Teams often practice multiple days a week leading up to the District Tournament, which begins in mid-to-late June. Those practices schedules will vary by coach.
Q: When would we have an idea of the schedule for practices and games?
A: All coaches have a meeting with their respective team once the group is formed. Practice expectations will be outlined then. Coaches usually receive their game schedule within two weeks of the beginning of Districts.
Q: What is the format of the Little League District Tournament?
A: The District 34 tournament is a double elimination tournament with games occurring rapidly over the course of about 10 days. Each team is guaranteed at least 2 games. Upon being eliminated, teams will play out the rest of their season in the D34 Summer Invitational Tournament described below.
Q: What happens if/when the tournament team is eliminated from the Williamsport / Greenville Little League tournaments?
A: In addition to playing in the Little League tournament all teams will also play in the D34 Summer Invitational Tournament. This is a 12 game (and at least 1 guaranteed playoff game) summer season where teams play other teams from the district and surrounding towns. This season starts immediately after the Little League district tournament in late June and generally runs through the first week in August. Games are hosted at various fields in District 34 including many games at HTV fields at Greenlawn Park. For more information please visit the NY District 34 website.
Q: Are there any other requirements?
A: Yes there are requirements families and players must abide to in order to play on summer tournament teams.
Commitment
Being selected for a tournament team and representing your Little League in tournament play requires commitment from players and families. Players and families must commit to being available for summer teams games from mid-June through early August as teams are typically only 12-13 players each. If a player is selected and then goes on a family vacation this leads to hardships for the team as all players need to be available in case of injury and due to pitching and days of rest requirements.
Spring Playing Requirements/Eligibility
Each player has to be registered for HTV LL spring in-house season and participate in at least 8 of his/her in-house games. Failure to do so makes the player ineligible to try out and/or participate on these teams per Little League (with the exception of an injury waiver). Players must either reside within HTV LL map boundary or attend school within HTV LL map boundary. A school enrollment verification form OR residency verification is required to participate. Players will also need to provide an original birth certificate with a raised seal, which will be returned after the team is fully registered.
If a player lives outside of the league's boundary, it is possible to obtain a waiver to represent our league, but it often requires a "red shirt" year where the players needs to wait one year in order to gain eligibility. For more information or questions about the waiver process, please email our league president.
Q: Sounds good, we're interested. Where do we register for tryouts?A: Tryouts for the 2026 Tournament Teams will be held in mid-May 2026. The league will send out an email to all registered families about the tryout date. All players must register for the tryout on the HTV website.