Ada: Youth program under adult supervision

Former CNMI Little League district administrator James Ada said that although the Little League program is for the youth, adult supervision is still needed to help guide the kids.

Ada

That’s why last week’s news of the Jackie Robinson West team being stripped of its national title came as a surprise for him.

“Basically, I felt sad for the whole team. For the parents of the kids, the volunteers, staff, and personnel that worked under the program. But, a thing like this that happened is uncalled for,” said Ada in an interview with Saipan Tribune.

Little League headquarters found out that some members of the Jackie Robinson West team, which even had an audience with President Barrack Obama, were not originally from the area as a district official allegedly helped in changing some of the boundaries.

The longtime CNMI district administrator added that officials at the Little League headquarters in South Williamsport, Pennsylvania just acted accordingly.

“The Little League headquarters gathered all information and just acted accordingly based on their findings. And HQ found out that they violated some rules. It will be hard for the kids and I sympathize with them and their parents.”

He said that the coach and district administrator face suspension with the number of years depending on the Little League headquarters. The worst case is revocation of the chartered Little League program.

“Things like this won’t happen if the adults who are running the program have done their research. It is still the responsibility of the local leagues to make sure all documents are complete and no rule is violated,” said Ada, who added that it is usually the player agent who makes sure all eligibility requirements are met.

“Once the player agent signs it is deemed legitimate and will now be certified by the league president and the district administrator.”

That’s why it has been the policy of the CNMI Little League to make sure all documents are in proper order whenever they qualify to the World Series.

“Because it takes us long just to get to the mainland. It has been our policy to review all documents before we leave and make sure all copies are complete. That has been one of the responsibilities of the district administrator.”