Story perspectives

Judge Permits Disqualified Tulsa in Regional Final

8/11/2026

Summary

Tulsa Meets Texas

U.S. Judge Ryan Luna ordered that Tulsa National Little League may play a championship game on Aug 11 2026 at 6 p.m. CT in Waco.
Little League International disqualified Tulsa for an ineligible 12-U player, declared a 6-0 forfeit to Louisiana, and pledged support.
Texas West beat Louisiana 4-1 on Aug 10 2026.
Texas West will meet Tulsa on Aug 11.
The winner will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Aug 19-30.

Summary

Leagues Protest Tulsa

Three Southwest Regional leagues filed a joint protest alleging Tulsa National violated eligibility rules.
The protest cites four breaches: sibling rule II(a)(1), league eligibility, pitching two games a day (VI(k)), and completing a game (4.10(c)(2)).
It accuses district administrator Mindy Abbott and league president Steve Skocik of misusing the Challenger program.
Little League said the Committee’s ruling is final and binding and will give support to Tulsa families.

History

Historical Context

In 1974 Little League International barred all non-U.S. teams after eligibility concerns, prompting tighter age and residency rules. The 1992 Zamboanga City disqualification for using out-of-district players reinforced those standards. Recent court rulings permitting a Tulsa National Little League to compete show the organization still wrestles with residency verification today.

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Tulsa Meets Texas

U.S. Judge Ryan Luna ordered that Tulsa National Little League may play a championship game on Aug 11 2026 at 6 p.m. CT in Waco.
Little League International disqualified Tulsa for an ineligible 12-U player, declared a 6-0 forfeit to Louisiana, and pledged support.
Texas West beat Louisiana 4-1 on Aug 10 2026.
Texas West will meet Tulsa on Aug 11.
The winner will advance to the Little League World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, Aug 19-30.

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