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Little League announced Tuesday afternoon that Tulsa National Little League (Oklahoma) has been disqualified from the Southwest Region Tournament. Tulsa National had advanced to the Southwest Region Championship Game with a 10-1 win over Louisiana on Monday.
With the announcement, Greater Helotes Little League (Texas West) will advance to the Little League World Series in Greenville, N.C. after beating Eastbank (Louisiana), 2-0 on Tuesday.
Texas West, Louisiana and Industrial Little League (Texas East), all filed complaints against Tulsa National regarding eligibility rules.
News On 6 has reached out to Tulsa National for comment, but has not heard back.
RELATED: Tulsa National advances to Southwest Region Championship for second straight year
Little League's Official Statement on the disqualification of Tulsa National:
"Following additional protests and information provided regarding the eligibility of players on the Tulsa National Little League Softball team, the Little League International Tournament Committee has determined that the adult volunteers and parents did not provide sufficient documentation to verify that all players are eligible to participate in the International Tournament based on either their school enrollment or bona fide habitation within the league's official boundaries."
"As a result, the Tournament Committee has removed Tulsa National Little League from the Little League Softball Southwest Region Tournament and declared its previous game a forfeit. Accordingly, the Little League Softball Southwest Region Tournament will conclude with a one-game championship between Texas West (Helotes Little League) and Louisiana (Eastbank Little League) on July 21, 2026, at 4:30 p.m. CT in Waco, Texas. The decision of the Little League International Tournament Committee is final and binding."
"Eligibility for the International Tournament is governed by the Little League Rules, Regulations, and Operating Policies. To participate, a player must either reside within the league's boundaries through bona fide habitation or attend a school located within those boundaries. The Tournament Committee works closely with local leagues to verify eligibility documentation and to review any challenges or protests brought to their attention throughout the tournament."
"These requirements help protect the integrity of the International Tournament by ensuring that every team, community, and, most importantly, child has the opportunity to participate in an environment that is fair, equitable, and consistent with the values of the Little League program, including community and integrity, and not solely for the opportunity to win."
