PRESS RELEASE:

2021 Little League® World Series and Regional Tournament update

Little League International
May 3rd, 2021

Little League Baseball and Softball Divisions to play through World Series featuring U.S. Teams only. Teenage Divisional Tournaments to conclude at state level.

The Little League Baseball and Softball World Series events will be held, as scheduled, this August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and Greenville, North Carolina (respectively), featuring teams solely from the United States. Based on the recommendation of the 2021 Little League International Pandemic Response Advisory Commission, the Little League International Board of Directors approved a plan that incorporates a series of COVID-19 mitigation measures to host these tournaments in a healthy, responsible environment.

“Little League puts the health, well-being, and safety of all players and volunteers first, and we are looking forward to hosting the Little League Regional and World Series tournaments with that aim this summer,” said Dr. Daniel Lueders, Commission Chair, Little League International Board of Directors Member, and UPMC Sports Medicine Physician and Assistant Professor. “The Commission’s recommendations reflect the most current CDC protocols, as well as direct input from state and local public health authorities. The advice of the leading public health, pediatric medicine, epidemiology, mental health, and operations experts on the Commission prioritize the health and safety of the players, volunteers, family, and fans above all else. We are confident that the implementation of these recommendations by Little League International will permit a safe and successful competition this summer and preserve the spirit and the experiences that make those events so special.”

Little League International Logo

Commission Recommendations Reviewed and Approved by the Little League International Board of Directors

  • TESTING: All players and coaches will undergo COVID-19 testing prior to and upon arrival at their tournament location and will have significantly limited contact from other individuals until negative tests can be confirmed. Unvaccinated participants will also receive regular COVID-19 tests throughout the tournament. Little League International, through its partnership with Major League Baseball, will work with Spectrum Solutions, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, to provide tests at no-cost to participants and coordinate testing logistics for each event location to help ensure consistency in results and efficient turnarounds in receiving results.
  • VACCINATIONS: Coaches and managers are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated, and, should a vaccine be available for age-appropriate players, vaccination would be also recommended for players if appropriate, but not required. All other adults on-site at the events (Little League International-appointed staff, volunteer umpires, officials, etc.), with the exception of team coaches and managers, will be required to provide proof of receiving their final dose of their vaccine at least two weeks prior to the start of their tournament event.
  • OFF-FIELD ACTIVITIES: Participants will be limited in their off-field activities to mitigate the risk of exposure during the tournament.
  • TEENAGE DIVISIONS: With the significant additional responsibilities of fully implementing the many facets of our COVID-19 mitigation plans at our volunteer-run Region and World Series tournaments at the teenage divisions, the Commission recommended that, out of the utmost respect to our volunteer organizers, the tournaments at these divisions [Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, Junior League Baseball, Junior League Softball, Senior League Baseball, and Senior League Softball] will conclude at the state level, with Region and World Series events canceled for a second year.
  • PARTICIPATING TEAMS: The Little League Baseball® World Series will feature 16 teams with the top two teams advancing from each of its eight U.S. region tournaments. The Little League Softball® World Series will feature 10 teams, with the top two teams from each of its five U.S. region tournaments advancing. There will be no North Carolina Region as the host team at the Little League Softball world series in 2021. With regard to international participation, after carefully monitoring international travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, testing and vaccine availability, along with updates from Little League officials from many countries within our program advising us on feasibility of tournaments in our international regions, the Commission recommended that the Little League Baseball and Softball World Series feature teams only from the United States. Where appropriate, international teams may continue to play based upon their country’s guidelines and restrictions. Little League International anticipates continuing with its plans to expand the Little League Baseball World series to 20 teams and the Little League Softball World Series to 12 teams in 2022.
  • SPECTATOR ATTENDANCE: Spectator attendance will be restricted at our Little League Baseball and Softball Region and World Series tournaments. Accommodations will be made for family members and a limited number of individuals associated with the participating teams. Those attending are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and may be subject to additional screening measures to be announced at a later date.

In addition to the expertise shared from the Commission Members, Little League International engaged National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, on developing a health safety implementation plan for organizing and holding the Little League Region and World Series events. National Jewish Health has worked on similar health safety plans with other youth and young adult-focused organizations, colleges and universities, and events.

“We are extremely grateful to our Commission Members, the talented professionals at National Jewish Health, and Spectrum Solutions for lending their expertise to develop an actionable plan to host these iconic events,” said Hugh E. Tanner, Little League International Board Chairman. “As the world’s largest and most respected youth sports program, it is our obligation to do everything within our ability to provide a tournament experience that follows the standard of care and concern for which our organization is highly regarded. It is our hope that by doing so this summer for Little Leaguers in their magical 12-year-old seasons, fans of this great game worldwide take a collective step forward toward normalcy.”

About the Little League Baseball® and Little League Softball® World Series
The Little League Baseball and Little League Softball World Series and Region Tournaments feature tournament teams from local leagues for players league age 10 to 12. Region tournaments are held throughout July and August at Little League International’s Region Complexes in Whitestown, Indiana; Bristol, Connecticut; Warner Robins, Georgia; Waco, Texas; and San Bernardino, California. The Little League Softball World Series, to be held from August 11-18, for the first time in Greenville, North Carolina, with the field comprised of the top two finishers from the Central Region, East Region, Southeast Region, Southwest Region, and West Region. The Little League Baseball World Series will be played from August 19-29 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with two teams from the Great Lakes Region, Mid-Atlantic Region, Midwest Region, New England Region, Northwest Region, Southeast Region, Southwest Region, and West Region.

Additional information, including a full set of Frequently Asked Questions, schedule information, and important updates throughout the coming months can be found at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.

PRESS RELEASE:

2021 Little League® World Series and Regional Tournament update

Little League International
May 3rd, 2021

Little League Baseball and Softball Divisions to play through World Series featuring U.S. Teams only. Teenage Divisional Tournaments to conclude at state level.

The Little League Baseball and Softball World Series events will be held, as scheduled, this August in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and Greenville, North Carolina (respectively), featuring teams solely from the United States. Based on the recommendation of the 2021 Little League International Pandemic Response Advisory Commission, the Little League International Board of Directors approved a plan that incorporates a series of COVID-19 mitigation measures to host these tournaments in a healthy, responsible environment.

“Little League puts the health, well-being, and safety of all players and volunteers first, and we are looking forward to hosting the Little League Regional and World Series tournaments with that aim this summer,” said Dr. Daniel Lueders, Commission Chair, Little League International Board of Directors Member, and UPMC Sports Medicine Physician and Assistant Professor. “The Commission’s recommendations reflect the most current CDC protocols, as well as direct input from state and local public health authorities. The advice of the leading public health, pediatric medicine, epidemiology, mental health, and operations experts on the Commission prioritize the health and safety of the players, volunteers, family, and fans above all else. We are confident that the implementation of these recommendations by Little League International will permit a safe and successful competition this summer and preserve the spirit and the experiences that make those events so special.”

Little League International Logo

Commission Recommendations Reviewed and Approved by the Little League International Board of Directors

  • TESTING: All players and coaches will undergo COVID-19 testing prior to and upon arrival at their tournament location and will have significantly limited contact from other individuals until negative tests can be confirmed. Unvaccinated participants will also receive regular COVID-19 tests throughout the tournament. Little League International, through its partnership with Major League Baseball, will work with Spectrum Solutions, based in Salt Lake City, Utah, to provide tests at no-cost to participants and coordinate testing logistics for each event location to help ensure consistency in results and efficient turnarounds in receiving results.
  • VACCINATIONS: Coaches and managers are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated, and, should a vaccine be available for age-appropriate players, vaccination would be also recommended for players if appropriate, but not required. All other adults on-site at the events (Little League International-appointed staff, volunteer umpires, officials, etc.), with the exception of team coaches and managers, will be required to provide proof of receiving their final dose of their vaccine at least two weeks prior to the start of their tournament event.
  • OFF-FIELD ACTIVITIES: Participants will be limited in their off-field activities to mitigate the risk of exposure during the tournament.
  • TEENAGE DIVISIONS: With the significant additional responsibilities of fully implementing the many facets of our COVID-19 mitigation plans at our volunteer-run Region and World Series tournaments at the teenage divisions, the Commission recommended that, out of the utmost respect to our volunteer organizers, the tournaments at these divisions [Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, Junior League Baseball, Junior League Softball, Senior League Baseball, and Senior League Softball] will conclude at the state level, with Region and World Series events canceled for a second year.
  • PARTICIPATING TEAMS: The Little League Baseball® World Series will feature 16 teams with the top two teams advancing from each of its eight U.S. region tournaments. The Little League Softball® World Series will feature 10 teams, with the top two teams from each of its five U.S. region tournaments advancing. There will be no North Carolina Region as the host team at the Little League Softball world series in 2021. With regard to international participation, after carefully monitoring international travel restrictions, quarantine requirements, testing and vaccine availability, along with updates from Little League officials from many countries within our program advising us on feasibility of tournaments in our international regions, the Commission recommended that the Little League Baseball and Softball World Series feature teams only from the United States. Where appropriate, international teams may continue to play based upon their country’s guidelines and restrictions. Little League International anticipates continuing with its plans to expand the Little League Baseball World series to 20 teams and the Little League Softball World Series to 12 teams in 2022.
  • SPECTATOR ATTENDANCE: Spectator attendance will be restricted at our Little League Baseball and Softball Region and World Series tournaments. Accommodations will be made for family members and a limited number of individuals associated with the participating teams. Those attending are strongly encouraged to be vaccinated and may be subject to additional screening measures to be announced at a later date.

In addition to the expertise shared from the Commission Members, Little League International engaged National Jewish Health in Denver, Colorado, on developing a health safety implementation plan for organizing and holding the Little League Region and World Series events. National Jewish Health has worked on similar health safety plans with other youth and young adult-focused organizations, colleges and universities, and events.

“We are extremely grateful to our Commission Members, the talented professionals at National Jewish Health, and Spectrum Solutions for lending their expertise to develop an actionable plan to host these iconic events,” said Hugh E. Tanner, Little League International Board Chairman. “As the world’s largest and most respected youth sports program, it is our obligation to do everything within our ability to provide a tournament experience that follows the standard of care and concern for which our organization is highly regarded. It is our hope that by doing so this summer for Little Leaguers in their magical 12-year-old seasons, fans of this great game worldwide take a collective step forward toward normalcy.”

About the Little League Baseball® and Little League Softball® World Series
The Little League Baseball and Little League Softball World Series and Region Tournaments feature tournament teams from local leagues for players league age 10 to 12. Region tournaments are held throughout July and August at Little League International’s Region Complexes in Whitestown, Indiana; Bristol, Connecticut; Warner Robins, Georgia; Waco, Texas; and San Bernardino, California. The Little League Softball World Series, to be held from August 11-18, for the first time in Greenville, North Carolina, with the field comprised of the top two finishers from the Central Region, East Region, Southeast Region, Southwest Region, and West Region. The Little League Baseball World Series will be played from August 19-29 in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, with two teams from the Great Lakes Region, Mid-Atlantic Region, Midwest Region, New England Region, Northwest Region, Southeast Region, Southwest Region, and West Region.

Additional information, including a full set of Frequently Asked Questions, schedule information, and important updates throughout the coming months can be found at LittleLeague.org/WorldSeries.

About the 2021 Little League International Pandemic Response Advisory Commission

Formed in February 2021, the Commission is a group of distinguished professionals who agreed to voluntarily provide their wide range of expertise and independent counsel to assist Little League International with the planning and successful implementation of a 2021 Tournament Season, while being attentive to the related implications of COVID-19. Learn more about the Commission Members and read their official biographical information.

About Little League
Founded in 1939, Little League is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with approximately two million players (ages 4-16) playing baseball and softball in communities across every U.S. state and more than 80 other countries. Operated by more than one million volunteers, Little League believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities. From professional athletes and award-winning celebrities to public officials and other influential members of society, Little League graduates have taken the lessons they learned, both on and off the field, to create the next chapter of the Little League story. Each year, millions of people follow the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that Little Leaguers display at our seven baseball and softball World Series events, the premier tournaments in youth sports. For more information, visit LittleLeague.org, and follow Little League (@LittleLeague) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. When we all come together, we are truly One Team. One Little League.

###

About the 2021 Little League International Pandemic Response Advisory Commission

Formed in February 2021, the Commission is a group of distinguished professionals who agreed to voluntarily provide their wide range of expertise and independent counsel to assist Little League International with the planning and successful implementation of a 2021 Tournament Season, while being attentive to the related implications of COVID-19. Learn more about the Commission Members and read their official biographical information.

About Little League
Founded in 1939, Little League is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with approximately two million players (ages 4-16) playing baseball and softball in communities across every U.S. state and more than 80 other countries. Operated by more than one million volunteers, Little League believes in the power of youth baseball and softball to teach life lessons that build stronger individuals and communities. From professional athletes and award-winning celebrities to public officials and other influential members of society, Little League graduates have taken the lessons they learned, both on and off the field, to create the next chapter of the Little League story. Each year, millions of people follow the hard work, dedication, and sportsmanship that Little Leaguers display at our seven baseball and softball World Series events, the premier tournaments in youth sports. For more information, visit LittleLeague.org, and follow Little League (@LittleLeague) on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. When we all come together, we are truly One Team. One Little League.

###

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™/© 2020 MLB

Major League Baseball Logo

Bringing Baseball Back!

How you collect saliva makes a big difference

Increase workplace safety and build team confidence with simple and safe repeat testing programs supporting 100% accurate early detection and easy direct-to-user at-home options. Just ask the Major League Baseball. See how our saliva collection system is credited for bringing baseball back” and making Salt Lake “the league’s most important city”.

™/© 2020 MLB

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Leslie Titus Bryant Spectrum Solutions SpokesmanSpectrum Corporate Spokesman
Leslie Titus Bryant
Head of Marketing & Brand
admin@spectrumsolution.com

Tim Rush Public Relations, Springboard 5Media Contact
Tim Rush, Springboard5
801-208-1100
tim.rush@springboard5.com

About Spectrum Solutions®

Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, Spectrum Solutions is dedicated to empowering complete wellness and bridging the gap between science and innovative healthcare solutions. Our stand-alone and fully integrated test-to-treat solutions support molecular diagnostics and DTC testing applications, advancing product development and accelerating go-to-market applications. Our single-source, end-to-end capabilities include a CAP/CLIA accredited molecular diagnostic laboratory, onsite compounding pharmacy, medical and non-medical product development, manufacturing, and fulfillment.

#partoftheSolution

Leslie Titus Bryant Spectrum Solutions SpokesmanSpectrum Corporate Spokesman
Leslie Titus Bryant
Head of Marketing & Brand
admin@spectrumsolution.com

Tim Rush Public Relations, Springboard 5Media Contact
Tim Rush, Springboard5
801-208-1100
tim.rush@springboard5.com

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Noninvasive
Saliva Diagnostics

This changes everything!

Saliva analysis looks at the cellular level, the biologically active compounds, making it a true representative of what is clinically relevant. Engineered to lead the saliva collection industry, the BioMAX™ delivers the safest and most robust biosample for the earliest detection and diagnosis of disease and infection.

Since 2020 and the COVID-19 pandemic, Spectrum’s saliva collection system not only introduced, it continues to expand the molecular diagnostics industry and its understanding of the opportunities saliva offers patients, providers, and laboratories.

BIOMAX Blister Pack Saliva Collection Device

  • Pain-free, non-invasive, & safe
  • Saliva contains the entire library of proteins, hormones, antibodies, and other molecular compounds measured in routine blood tests
  • First EUA-authorized saliva collection device for COVID-19 testing
  • No temperature-controlled storage or transport of collected biosamples
  • A single saliva sample provides opportunity for multiple tests
  • Months and years of post-collection stability with no degradation in sample efficacy (depending on the analyte)
  • Maintain critical bio-sample consistency
  • Mitigates any risk of viral infection throughout the testing process
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