This page is intended for Managers and Coaches to clearly understand what equipment is provided by the league, what is expected to be managed at the team level, and how to ensure player safety and compliance throughout the season.
Whether this is your first season coaching or you’ve been around baseball for years, this guide is your single source of truth.
Team Equipment Issued to Coaches
Each team will receive a league-issued equipment bag. Managers and Coaches should coordinate directly with the Equipment Manager for pickup and questions.
Included in the Team Equipment Bag:
- 2 boxes of baseballs : Used for practices and games, Game ball usage varies by division
- 2 full sets of catcher’s gear, including: 2 catcher’s mitts, 2 helmets, 2 chest protectors, 2 shin guards
- 2–4 batting helmets (as needed by team size)
- League-provided bats for shared team use
- Wiffle Balls
- Safety / Emergency kit, which should include: Ice packs, Gauze, Band-aids
Team Manager/Coach responsibility:
Confirm your equipment bag is complete at the start of the season. If anything is missing or damaged, contact the League Equipment Manager immediately.
🛡️ Injury Forms & Safety Expectations
- Managers and Coaches must have injury report forms accessible to be completed after the player’s injury has been addressed
- Any injury requiring attention beyond basic first aid should be documented.
- Safety kits should be brought to every practice and game, not left in a car or shed.
- More safety information for what to do in severe injuries: Safety info or Safety Training
Player Uniforms & Field Equipment (League-Provided)
Player Uniforms:
- Each player receives:
- League hat
- League jersey
Field & Game Equipment:
- Equipment boxes and Tee Ball backstop boxes contain:
- Bases
- Chalk
- Game-related supplies
- These are available for games and may be used for practices as needed.
✅ Equipment Players Are Required to Have
Coaches should ensure players arrive prepared with the following:
- Baseball glove
- Cleats: Plastic spikes only Metal cleats are not allowed(for divisions under 12)
- Baseball pants
- Socks
- Belt
- Coaches will coordinate jersey color and uniform expectations
- Batting helmet: Helmets are required when batting and running bases. Face guards are encouraged but optional.
- League helmets are available for team use
- Protective cup
⭐ Optional Equipment (Coach Guidance)
The following items are optional but common as players advance:
- Personal bats: Must meet Little League bat standards
- Team bats are provided, so players do not need a bat on Day 1
- Batting gloves
- Personal catcher’s gear: Teams are issued catcher’s gear. Some players have their own.
- Specialty gloves: catcher’s mitts, first baseman’s mitts, etc. Typically used by older players specializing defensively
📌 Coach responsibility:
All bats used in practices and games must be compliant. Coaches are expected to check bat certification.
Bat Compliance (Required Reading for Coaches)
All bats must comply with Little League rules. This is a critical area of coach oversight.
👉 Little League Bat Information
These resources cover:
- Approved certifications (including USA Baseball)
- Division-specific bat rules
- Barrel size and bat construction requirements
⚠️ Non-compliant bats cannot be used in games
Equipment Sizing Guidance (For Coach Reference)
These are general guidelines, not strict rules. Fit and comfort matter more than maximizing size.
Glove Sizes (Approximate)
| Age | Glove Size |
| 3-5 | 8-9 inches |
| 6-7 | 9-10 inches |
| 8-9 | 10-11 inches |
| 10-14 | 11-12 inches |
Emphasize gloves that players can fully close. Oversized gloves may slow skill development.
Bat Length (Approximate)
| Age | Bat Length |
| 5-7 | 24″-26″ |
| 8-9 | 26″-28″ |
| 10 | 28″-29″ |
| 11-12 | 30″-31″ |
| 13-14 | 31″-32″ |
A quick swing is more important than bat length or weight
Final Notes for Coaches
- Set expectations early and clearly with families
- Safety and compliance always come first
- Ask questions—the league is here to support you
Thank you for coaching with Berkeley Albany Little League. Your leadership, preparation, and attention to detail directly impact player safety and enjoyment.