division information

The quick answer is - No, NLDS prefers that children play in their correct division

NLDS has tried moving players up in the past and found more success in keeping players in the divisions based on birthday guidelines set by Little League. The exception to this rule is if an older division is short players needed to make a full team. In this instance players are "moved UP" a division. This move is based on:

The "next" oldest player whom has requested to move up and then the next oldest player within the general population (if needed)
Players moving up from the 8 year olds and older are based on Grading (tryout) results
Moving up is definitely Optional
A move UP should always be considered by the parents to ensure their child, regardless of birth-date or grading result, is capable physically, emotionally and mentally to play with older kids. "Playing up" may mean you child is not the strongest on the team. There are benefits to both "moving up" and staying in the correct division & being one of the stronger players. The parent is the should judge which scenario is best for their child if there is a need to move players to balance divisions
Inexperience players regardless of "next birthday" or "grading result" may be better suited to stay in the proper division until more game experience is acquired.

CAN MY CHILD CHANGE TEAMS?

The quick answer is - No.

Once the teams have been formed & called it is very difficult (if not humanly impossible) to make changes as many players can become affected by a single change request.

NLDS does reserve the right to make trades to help balance teams after the season starts if necessary but in past years trades for this reason have not been done.
The best way to avoid frustration in this regard is to make special requests at the time of registration or prior to the end of February.
Teams in Blastball up to 7yr olds can make special requests for carpooling etc. NLDS will make every attempt to honor requests but there is no guarantee that this will be possible
Teams in the 8yr old division and higher are formed by a draft process. We typically do not take any requests in these divisions except for extenuating circumstances.
Carpooling issues always sort themselves out within the team as parents are always willing to help each other out when schedules conflict.
Unfortunately Coaches are not permitted to accept player changes after the teams have been set

CAN MY CHILD "PLAY DOWN" INTO A LOWER DIVISION?

The quick answer is - No.

It becomes and insurance concern when older players are placed into a division with younger players. It would be a very rare situation where this would even be considered and such a move would require approval from Little League.

At the end of the day, NLDS wants the players to have fun, improve their skills and come back next season for more ball

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Wheel Chair athlete Rick Hansen, on the greatness for sports thru the eyes of a coach...

Sports allows youth the " chance to learn about themselves and others; learn to set goals and see the results of hard work and determination.
They get a chance to experience successes and setbacks, define and refine their attitude through the pursuit of an endeavor."