1. Sanctioning an NHPA League

To become an officially recognized NHPA league:

• Request a Sanction Form from the National League Director or download it from the NHPA website.
• Submit the completed form, clearly printed or typed. Include league bylaws and playing rules if available.
• Once approved, you will receive:
  • An NHPA Certificate of Sanction
  • A sanction number
  • All required reporting forms
• Appoint one League Director to serve as the sole contact with the NHPA.

Membership Requirement

All league participants must hold a current NHPA State/Charter membership card. Dues are paid to the State/Charter Secretary—not the National Director.

What the Sanction Covers

A sanction certificate covers all leagues run by your group for the year and authorizes an end-of-season Championship Tournament (open only to sanctioned league members). NATSTATS credit requires a separate tournament sanction number.

Sanction Duration

Sanctions renew automatically each year unless unused or revoked. The sanction year runs January 1 – December 31.

2. Forming a Successful League

A strong league offers weekly organized competition. Most leagues use team-based round-robin play, while smaller groups may use singles or doubles formats.

Key Steps

• Create a full season schedule before play begins.
• Establish an executive committee (officers + team captains) to handle disputes.
• Post all rules clearly and follow them consistently.

Essential League Rules to Define

Officers & Committees President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Statistician, Publicity Director, Activities Committee.

Method of Play

• Point-limit or shoe-limit games
• Number of games per night
• Start times and forfeit rules
• Court rotation and home/away procedures

Playing Rules NHPA rules apply. Alternating first pitch is recommended for handicap play.

Postponements Define rainout procedures and captain notification requirements.

Forfeits & Dummy Scores Avoid forfeits when possible. If needed, use a dummy score equal to a player’s average or a set point total.

Handicaps Choose handicap method (80%, 90%, or 100%), update frequency, and whether to use season or recent averages.

Awards Decide award types (cash, trophies, patches), eligibility requirements, and minimum games played.

Dues Set weekly or seasonal dues for prizes, banquets, and league operations.

Sponsors Encourage local business support for shirts, trophies, or equipment. Provide sponsor trophies or certificates.

3. Junior-Only Leagues (Optional)

NHPA also offers a nationally recognized Junior League Program for pitchers 18 and under.

Junior leagues receive:

• An official Junior League Sanction Certificate
• Eligibility for NHPA junior awards
• National recognition for top pitchers and scholars
• Special Junior League patches

Junior leagues must submit a yearly membership report and follow NHPA rules, with an emphasis on safety, sportsmanship, and youth development.

4. Quick Tips for League Success

• Keep teams small to create more competition.
• Use weekly standings and awards to maintain engagement.
• Encourage sportsmanship, rule knowledge, and consistent attendance.
• Maintain clear communication with all players throughout the season.