We, involved parents and coaches of PLL, respectfully request that Pacific Little League allow buddy requests in the '89ers division.

The '89ers division is a pivotal time for young players, as they face actual pitching and start pitching themselves for the first time. It’s a major transition, often filled with excitement but also with anxiety and pressure. By allowing players to request to play with a friend, we believe this adjustment can be made smoother and more enjoyable, benefiting both the players and coaches.

The following reasons guide our thinking on this change: 

1. Increased Player Comfort and Confidence: Research has shown that children who have a close friend in their activities tend to feel more secure and confident, which helps them engage more fully and handle challenges better. Playing alongside a friend provides emotional support that is especially important at this developmental stage (Ladd, 1990).
2. Enhanced Team Chemistry: Having a friend on the same team fosters a sense of belonging and strengthens interpersonal relationships, which is critical for building positive team dynamics. Studies indicate that teams with strong social bonds perform better because the players are more likely to communicate and cooperate effectively (Carron & Brawley, 2000).
3. Encourages Participation and Retention: Little League is not just about developing baseball skills but also fostering a love for the game. Children are more likely to participate in extracurricular activities and continue playing sports if they are with friends, reducing the likelihood of dropout (Bailey et al., 2013).
4. Reduces Dropout and Builds Commitment: A sense of friendship and camaraderie helps young players feel more connected to the game and to their peers, which keeps them motivated during tough moments. According to research, friendships in youth sports are linked to higher levels of persistence and resilience (Smith et al., 2010) .
5. Consistency Across Divisions: The softball '89ers division for the same age group already allows buddy requests. By extending this policy to '89ers Baseball, the league can ensure fairness and consistency across both baseball and softball divisions, showing that the league values the well-being and enjoyment of all its young athletes equally, regardless of gender.
6. Simplifies Coaching: From a coaching perspective, having players who already share a connection can make team management smoother. It fosters quicker team cohesion and allows coaches to focus on skill development and strategy, rather than spending as much time on building rapport among players.

For these reasons, we strongly urge the Board to consider adopting the buddy request system for '89ers Baseball division. This small change could have a big impact on player enjoyment, confidence, and long-term love for the game.

Thank you for considering our request, and we hope to see this positive change in the upcoming season.

Signed,

Parents and Coaches of PLL