When a league applies for its annual charter with Little League, it pledges to abide by all the rules and regulations of Little League. However, under special circumstances, it may become necessary to apply for a temporary waiver of a rule or regulation.

It is very important to remember that a league must not take any action contrary to Little League rules and regulations until receiving expressed, written permission through the Charter Committee waiver system. A waiver request, while it may be supported by documents from the parent(s), may be submitted only through the proper chain of command.

A league wishing to apply for a waiver of a rule or regulation must do so via the following method:

1. The local league Board of Directors votes whether or not to request the waiver.
2. If the local league Board of Directors votes to request the waiver, the President writes a letter, detailing the request. Supporting documents should be attached, and forwarded to the District Administrator.
3. The District Administrator includes his/her written opinion, and forwards all documents to the Regional Director.
4. The Regional Director will present the situation to the Charter Committee for action.
5. The Charter Committee will inform the Regional Director of its decision, and the Regional Director will inform the District Administrator.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q - Can a local Little League waive its rights to a player who lives within its boundaries, allowing that player to participate in another Little League program?

A - A local Little League does not have the authority to waive such rights.
Only the Charter Committee in Williamsport has this authority.
If the Charter Committee votes to grant a waiver, the District Administrator will be informed in writing.
Waivers, if granted, are for the current season only.


Q - Can a child who does not have residence within a league’s boundaries play in that league for the regular season only, provided he/she is not eligible for Tournament Play (all stars)?

A - The local league may request a waiver, listing all circumstances that warrant such a waiver.
Only the Charter Committee in Williamsport can make the final decision.
If the Charter Committee votes to grant a waiver, the District Administrator will be informed in writing.
Waivers, if granted, are for the current season only.


Q - If a parent signs a notarized statement granting temporary custody of a child to a friend or other family member, can that friend or family member’s residence be used for registering a child to play in Little League?

A - The only acceptable documentation regarding a change of custody is court-ordered custody (a decree issued by a judge who has jurisdiction in the matter).


Q - Does the District Administrator have the authority to grant a waiver of a rule or regulation? Example: Could the District Administrator give permission for a local league to register players whose residence is outside the league’s boundaries?

A - Any waiver of a rule or regulation can only be made by the Charter Committee in Williamsport.
No other person or group has this authority.
If the Charter Committee votes to grant a waiver, the District Administrator will be informed in writing.
Waivers, if granted, are for the current season only.


Q - If the District Administrator is opposed to the request, does it mean it will fail?

A - All of the aspects of a waiver request are taken into account by the Charter Committee, and the opinion of one or more parties involved does not necessarily mean the request will be denied.

FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT LITTLELEAGUE.ORG > WAIVERS