Level the Field Scholarship Fund
Needs-Based Registration & Clinic Assistance
We want every girl who wants to play softball to have the opportunity to step onto the field.
The Level the Field Scholarship Program helps families who need financial support participate in ESSLL seasons and ESSLL-operated clinics,
while protecting privacy and using scholarship funds responsibly.
Effective: January 2026
Need help with registration or a clinic? Apply privately using our confidential form.
Please note: Assistance is not guaranteed and depends on available scholarship funds.
Purpose
East Stroudsburg Softball Little League (ESSLL) is committed to providing access to youth softball for all girls,
regardless of a family’s financial circumstances. The Level the Field Scholarship Fund exists to remove financial barriers
while maintaining dignity, privacy, and responsible stewardship of league resources.
How We Approach Assistance (DATS)
Dignity
Families are not required to submit sensitive financial documents.
Access
Financial hardship should not prevent a player from participating.
Trust
Decisions rely on good-faith self-attestation and honest communication.
Stewardship
Assistance is awarded carefully and within available funds so we can help as many families as possible.
What This Program Covers
This policy applies to Spring and Fall ESSLL seasons as well as ESSLL-operated clinics and development programs.
Assistance may be full or partial, depending on need and available funding.
- Season registration support (full or partial)
- ESSLL-operated clinic/program support (when offered and funds allow)
- When needed and available: loaner equipment and/or softball pants through the Trade-In Program
Support varies by season and program. Availability is based on current scholarship funding.
Eligibility & How to Apply
Families may request assistance through a confidential application form designated by ESSLL.
Eligibility is based on self-attestation of financial hardship. Financial documentation is not required.
There is no restriction on the number of players within the same household who may receive assistance.
Apply as early as possible
Scholarship funds are limited each season. Applying early helps us review requests and plan support fairly.
One application per season or program
Each Spring season, Fall season, and each ESSLL clinic or development program requires a separate application.
Built on Trust (Honor System)
The Level the Field Scholarship Program operates on an honor system. We trust families to apply honestly and in good faith so we can support
as many players as possible.
Keeping it fair for everyone
If information provided is later found to be inaccurate, the league may reassess eligibility for current or future assistance.
Our goal is to keep the program strong and available to families who truly need it.
Confidentiality
All applications, deliberations, and decisions are strictly confidential and accessible only to designated ESSLL officers or committee members.
Decision Authority & Oversight
The ESSLL Board authorizes scholarship funding annually and may delegate approval authority to designated officers or a small committee.
To limit access to sensitive information while ensuring informed decision-making, the review group may include the
President, Treasurer, and Player Agent.
Funding Limitations & Safeguards
Assistance is contingent upon available funds within the Level the Field Scholarship Fund and any Board-approved discretionary funds.
Full scholarships may be capped per season or division. Repeated full-assistance requests may be reviewed to help ensure equity across families.
How scholarship availability is determined
The number of scholarships available is based on the actual cost to the league per player (not the published registration fee).
Total available scholarship funds are divided by that cost to help determine overall scholarship availability each season.
Volunteer Obligation
Families receiving assistance are not required to pay the Volunteer Fee Obligation.
However, families are expected to fulfill volunteer responsibilities as outlined in the current Volunteer Obligation Requirements policy.
Scholarship Agreement
Families receiving assistance will be asked to sign a Scholarship Agreement that confirms:
- Information is provided in good faith (honor system)
- Volunteer expectations will be met in accordance with league policy
- If information is later found to be inaccurate, eligibility may be reassessed for current or future assistance
This helps keep the program fair and available to families who truly need it.
How the Fund is Supported
The Level the Field Scholarship Fund may be supported through designated fundraisers, direct donations, and discretionary funds
approved by a two-thirds vote of the ESSLL Board.
Non-Discrimination
Assistance is provided without regard to race, ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, religion, gender identity, or family structure.
Policy Review
This policy shall be reviewed annually by the ESSLL Board of Directors.
Questions or need help applying?
For privacy, please do not include sensitive financial details in your email.