Across our competitive divisions (Majors, PCL/AAA, and AA), SMNLL's goal is to create as much competitive balance as possible to foster an atmosphere where the kids can come to the park for each game with a belief that their team has a chance to win. Kids also accelerate their skills development and love for the game when team are balanced skill-wise and games are close. 

Another goal is have kids play in the division that best fits their skill level. All kids develop their skills at different paces and just because a player is behind his/her peers in one year doesn't mean that will always be the case. We know parents often want their kids to "play up" or be in the highest / most competitive division possible, but that is not always feasible or the best approach. 

To achieve the above goals, prior to the start of each Spring season, SMNLL holds a mandatory player evaluation for all registered players ages 7 - 12. Evaluations are generally held on a weekend in early January. During the evaluation, all players run through a series of drills (e.g., groundballs, flyballs, batting practice, etc.), to allow Managers, our Player Agent, and other independent evaluators an opportunity to view each player's current baseball skillsets. 

Following tryouts, the SMNLL President, Player Agent, Division Coordinators, and Managers for each competitive division meet to draft teams.

There are no "cuts" in Little League and all registered players will be placed on a team in a division that best fits their age and skill set. In our non-competitive divisions (Single A, T-Ball and Wiffle Ball), there are no tryouts and teams are formed by Division Coordinators using Buddy Requests and/or by school with an aim for teams to be as balanced as possible in terms of skill.