What is an All-Star team?
An All-Star team is a collection of talented and committed Little Leaguers who have been selected to represent their town in the Little League International All-Star Tournament.
How is the Little League All-Star tournament organized?
The tournament starts with District play against about 12 teams from our local area. The winner advances to Sectional Play against the best teams from south-central CT. Winners of the Sectional tournament compete for the state championship. Champions from CT, NY and NJ then compete for the Regional championship. At age 12, the winner advances to the Little League World Series against international competition in Williamsport, PA.
How are All-Stars in Guilford selected?
In Guilford we host a tryout in which eligible players are evaluated by coaches from our AAA (10U) and Majors (10-12U) divisions. Those scores are used to select the first ten players on the team, and then a head coach is selected. The head coach then chooses the final 2-4 players, based on his/her judgment (teams can be as few as 12 or as many as 14 players, coach's choice).
What is the play experience like?
All-stars face increasingly advanced competition as they progress through the tournament. In accordance with Little League International rules, all players will be placed in the batting order - but there is no minimum play requirement for defensive (fielding) positions.
What is the commitment?
This tournament is very competitive and commonly attracts large crowds to championship games and even some local media coverage especially if the kids advance. Because this is a tryout team in which not all players will make it, players who try out for all-stars are expected to commit to all practices and games (typically 5-6 days a week) during tournament play. Please note that failure to attend practices or games after accepting a spot on an all-star team could jeopardize a player's ability to be considered for future all-star teams. All-star play generally runs from mid-June to early July, if the kids advance play continues into the second round (sectional play) in early July to mid-July, and state play toward the end of July and early August. Should we advance to regional play or to Williamsport (a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity) play could theoretically continue well into August. For context, three teams have won a state championship in Guilford history (1978, 2008, 2023), but we have advanced to the state championship several times.
When is the 2024 Tournament?
The following date ranges for the 2024 Tournament have been provided by Little League International. Teams that win the District move on to Sectionals, Sectional champions move on to States, and so on.
Please note final game and practice schedules will not be available until shortly before the tournament begins:
The following dates apply to the 12U Tournament:
Softball
District: 6/14-6/27
Sectional: 6/28-7/3
State: 7/4-7/18
Regional: 7/21-7/26
Softball World Series: 8/4-8/11
Baseball
District: 6/21-7/11
Sectional: 7/11-7/17
State: 7/18-8/1
Regional: 8/3-8/9
Baseball World Series: 8/14-8/25
The following dates apply to the 10U and 11U Tournaments:
Baseball and Softball:
District:6/14-6/27
Sectional:6/28-7/3
State: 7/4-7/17
What will I need to do if my child makes an All-Star team?
If your child is selected, we will need to gather a birth certificate and proof of residence, plus some additional forms that a Guilford Little League representative will assist you with.
What is the Seabreeze tournament?
The Seabreeze tournament is an all-star prep tournament for players who are younger than the maximum ages for all-stars (younger than 10). Additionally, the Seabreeze Tournament provides play experiences at older levels for players who do not make an all-star team or who do not wish to participate in all-stars.
We realize this is a lot of information for those new to GLL, if you have any questions please let us know!