OVERVIEW
For players League Age 7–10*, the AA division introduces "kid pitch," scoring, and tournament play. The first three innings of each game are machine-pitched, with a five-pitch limit. Starting in the fourth inning, kids pitch, with strikeouts but no walks. When a count reaches four balls, the coach throws up to three pitches to the batter. Each team fields 10 defensive players, rotating players evenly so that no one spends too much time on the bench. Scores are not kept until the final two weeks before the AA Tournament, where the scoreboard is turned on, and umpires are introduced. While AA doesn’t have tryouts, there is an assessment to evenly distribute players based on skill level.
*Note: We recommend that 10-year-olds tryout and assess for AAA unless they are new to baseball or any sport. There is also a chance that a 10-year-old will tryout for AAA, but not be drafted to a AAA team and at that time they will be placed in AA.

 FAQs:
Q: What equipment do I need to provide for my AA player? 
 A: The league provides team hats and jerseys. Players are responsible for bringing:

Bat (see USA bat requirement below)
Fielding glove
Batting helmet
Cleats
Baseball pants, belt, and socks (Once your team’s color scheme is assigned, you can purchase matching pants, socks, and a belt)
Protective cup (boys only)

Q: When do Spring practices start?
A: Practices are tentatively scheduled to begin the week of February 13 (subject to change).

Q: When do Spring games start?
A: The first games are expected to begin the first weekend and the following week in March. The regular season will end around the first or second week of May, followed by the AA end of season tournament.

Q: Can I make a “buddy” or coach request?
A: No. Starting in AA, player assessments are used to ensure teams are balanced. [During Fall, we try to honor buddy and coach requests as best we can.]

Q: What is a typical week for AA?
A: There will be one 90-minute field practice and one 60-minute batting practice during the week. There will be one weeknight game and one weekend game (Friday night or Saturday). Exact practice days will be determined by our practice scheduler.

Q: What types of bats are allowed?
A: All bats must be USA Baseball certified, indicated by the USA Baseball logo. Sporting goods stores can help suggest appropriate bats.

Q: Are scores and standings kept?
A: Scores are not kept for most of the season. About two weeks before the AA tournament, the scoreboard is turned on. Tournament seeding is decided by a random draw.

Q: Who are the managers and coaches?
A: They are parents like you! All managers and coaches are volunteers related to a child on the team. Volunteers must pass a background check and complete a brief online concussion awareness course. No experience is necessary, and we provide training and practice plans. Even if you’re not comfortable coaching, you can help as a Team Parent, which is a great way to be involved.

Q: What is the goal of AA?
A: The goal at all Little League levels is to ensure players want to return next season. AA introduces kid-pitch, a more competitive environment, and bench time for players. Managers are required to rotate players so everyone gets equal playing time. The focus remains on having fun, learning the game, and developing skills.

Q: Besides managing, coaching, or being a team parent, how can I help the league?
A: Vista Little League runs entirely on volunteers. We’re always looking for members to contribute their unique skills (professional and otherwise) to help maintain our facilities and keep the league running smoothly. The more help we receive, the better the environment we can provide for our kids.