The Tulsa National Little League team has been removed from the Southwest Region Tournament after a legal challenge regarding a player's eligibility was resolved in court. A Texas judge vacated a temporary restraining order that had initially allowed the team to continue playing.
Little League International ruled a player on the Tulsa roster ineligible to compete in the Southwest Region Tournament due to residency requirements. The organization filed a 330-page emergency motion with the court, asserting that the player lived outside the league's designated boundaries and did not attend school within them. According to Little League rules, a player in such a situation may still be eligible if they have a sibling aged seven or younger participating in the league's Challenger Division. However, the player's father reportedly acknowledged to Little League officials that the sibling in question was 10 years old and had not actually participated in the Challenger Division program.
Judge Ryan Luna of the 414th District Court had initially granted a temporary restraining order on Monday, but dissolved it on Tuesday following an emergency hearing. With the restraining order vacated, the tournament committee's decision to remove Tulsa and declare its previous games a forfeit is now in effect.
In a statement, Little League International expressed appreciation for the court's decision, which it said upholds the organization's commitment to a fair and equitable experience based on its rules. The organization also conveyed empathy for the Tulsa players and acknowledged the disappointment this outcome may cause. It urged those responsible for operating the program to recognize their duty toward the children in their care.
The Boerne Little League, representing Texas West, has now advanced to the Little League World Series in Williamsport. This team had already won the de facto Southwest Region championship before the Tulsa team's removal.