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Predicting Expenses and Fundraising for Tournament

equipment sitting along fence

Each year, the International Tournament is an exciting time in Little League®. Children and their families begin to experience traveling to games with other members of their community in an environment that brings out the best competitive spirit. And with that increase in travel and experience, many local leagues also find themselves in need of additional fundraising support.

While it is assumed that local leagues may have operated the program in a fiscally transparent manner during the regular season, increasing transparency of the local league tournament operations to families, volunteers, and community membership is paramount.

Predicting Tournament Expenses

It is highly recommended that leagues formalize their approach to participation in the International Tournament during the fall, as they plan for their next season, including estimating expenditures and proposing potential reimbursements to families for tournament-related expenses. Tournament expenses should be calculated alongside the potential expenditures that benefit all participants during the regular season.

As the tournament is only benefiting a select group of individual players, leagues should carefully consider expenditures and ensure the Board of Directors votes accordingly. This includes, equipment purchases, travel accommodations, and reimbursement to the players and coaches that may be requested during a tournament run.

Leagues should outline such considerations in the Bylaws, including how money will be raised and used on specific expenditures, and follow such guidelines as the tournament approach. It is recommended, whenever possible, leagues should re-use equipment as a best practice to keep the financial burden of tournament play as manageable as possible.

Leagues may also consider setting up a specific Committee, comprised of the League President, local league Board Members, Managers / Coaches, or other Members to specifically oversee the Tournament financial and fundraising efforts. The ad hoc Committee would report to the Board of Directors and Membership, as well as serve as a point of contact for any potential inquiries from donors, sponsors or the media.

Administrative Fees for Tournament Participation

Leagues will pay a tournament entry fee per team to Little League International. Currently $200 per team, this fee goes toward offsetting the reimbursement program offered by Little League International to its local leagues beyond the District tournament. Leagues may also incur fees at the District level and beyond. These fees are set by the District Staff operating the District, Sectional, State, or Regional Tournaments to help offset expenses such as game balls, pins, banners, and awards.