Little League redrafting

Question
QUESTION: We are in the midst of considering our little league policy of property teams to a complete annual redraft for all children (manager's child would be protected, of course). Can you give me the pros and cons of an annual redraft in little league?  specifically, can you tell me why NOT redrafting is in the best interest of all the children invovled? Thanks so much, Kathleen

ANSWER: Hey Kathleen,

I assume that when you say "redraft" you mean throwing the kids back in a hat and drafting again.. If this is right, then here are my thoughts.
I did this when I was a commissioner.  But I did this with a twist. All coaches got to protect their kid, of course, but we also had a policy where he could protect another player in the later rounds that he, the manager, would like to continue to work with.  This player would NOT be in impact player by no means, but it worked out well for the player.  Some kids just connected with some coaches better than others.  
The bad thing about this would be that the coach had to start from scratch to get to know his players.  
The good thing about this would be that the coach had to start from scratch to get to know his players.
It depends where you are coming from.  If the player and coach had a good relationship, then it's not so good for the player.  If his relationship was NOT so good, then it's not so bad for the player. Just remember it's about the kids.
Remember this, and everything will be fine in the end.
Good Luck..
Dennis

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thank you for your response and insight.  A redraft would involve all players, save the manager's child, being put back "in the hat" and drafting again on an annual basis.  Would you please clarify what you mean by an "impact player"?  There are currently six teams in the league and for the past 6 years there are 2 teams that have dominated the league (#1, #2).  The coaches are split about the idea of a redraft- many feel it is needed, but a few (especially the coaches of the dominating teams) feel it is not a good idea.  As I research this topic, I am finding lots of emotion with little basis in what is good for the children. If the disparagy has occured based on the expertise of the coaching staff as I am told by the coaches, then why wouldn't those "expert" coaches want to afford more children the oppportunity to work with them?

Answer
Hey Kathleen,

An "Impact player" is a player that makes a big difference to a team, such as a dominant pitcher.  He can also be a really good hitter and would make any team much, much better with him on the team.  I assume that the two teams that have dominated the league would have sons on the team that are these type of players.  Am I right?
It seems that some managers are caught up in the "winning" end of the game, instead of the teaching end..
What you should do is, have the first half of the season as all instruction with weekly games that mean nothing in the win column.  Then the second half of the season, you would have a longer play-off type series, like a round-robin where all teams play about 5 or six games.  These games are played to win.  Then you can apply all your first half instruction in to these play-off games.  I have a great format for your play-offs, if you need it.
Do the re-draft, it's the best thing to do, but put a lot of thought into it and be fair.. Then every coach will be happy in the end.
Good Luck and keep me posted.
Dennis