Leagues in Indiana District One are moving forward with an adjusted 2020 Little League season after the announcement today from Williamsport cancelling the Regional, International and World Series Tournaments.
These tournaments cover the seven divisions 10-12 Softball and Baseball, Intermediate (50-70) Baseball, Junior Softball and Baseball, and Senior Softball and Baseball.
The May 11 activity start recommendation from Little League currently remains the benchmark to begin play.
District One has at this point provided limited direction to the 20 leagues over the five county area of Northwest Indiana, to basically hold in place while working internally, prepared to launch upon final direction from Little League International in the next few days, and the State of Indiana Stay at Home directives being supplied May 1 from Governor Eric Holcomb. The Indiana State District Administration Association will be meeting early next week to discuss Little League and Holcomb’s parameters to allow Little League play to begin; they will supply guidelines and recommendations to the Districts and Leagues in the State of Indiana for social distancing guidelines, regular season play, potential participation in District and State Tournaments. Once this information is prepared for distribution, it will be immediately provided to local leagues for integration and implementation into their individual back to play plans.
Each chartered league in District One is autonomous; all allowed and required to set their policies, procedures and guidelines, while staying in line with Little League International’s rules, regulations and policies. Now with the horrific pandemic sweeping the planet, leagues must also take into consideration Federal, State and local direction relating to stay at home orders and social distancing.
The respective Board of Directors of the 20 Little Leagues, Cedar Lake, Demotte, Dyer, East Chicago, Gary Metro, Hebron, Hessville, Hobart, Highland, Lakes of Four Seasons, Merrillville, Miller, Munster, Portage, Roselawn, South Haven, State Park, Wheatfield, Wheeler, and Whiting, and District One Staff are ready and poised to provide the best Little League experience possible for the 2020 season. Each league is dedicated to resume play with the highest regard for the safest possible return of players, families, volunteers and staff. Their diligence in this process will be second to none.
Indiana District One is thankful for the patience, understanding, recommendations, input and continued safe practices from ALL the leagues, volunteers, players and families who make up our extended Little League family in Northwest Indiana.