Texas judge grants restraining order, allowing Tulsa National to contest LLWS berth

A Texas judge issued a temporary restraining order on Monday, permitting Tulsa National Little League's 12-U baseball team to compete for a spot in the Little League World Series. The order follows the team's removal from the Southwest Region Tournament after Little League International ruled that a player on the roster was ineligible.

Judge Ryan Luna of the 414th District Court granted the order after parents and players, supported by the league, filed a request. The ruling allows Tulsa National to face Texas West, represented by Boerne Little League, in a championship game scheduled for Aug. 11 at 6 p.m. in Waco, Texas. The winner will advance to represent the Southwest Region at the World Series in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.

"Judge Luna made the right decision to give the boys an opportunity to play the game and decide everything on the field," the team’s attorney said.

Little League International had announced earlier that the team was disqualified and its previous game forfeited, citing a protest that identified an ineligible player. The organization did not disclose the player's identity or the specific eligibility violation. The decision also ends Tulsa National's pursuit of a baseball World Series berth.

The Southwest Region tournament will now conclude with the single game between Texas West and Louisiana's Ascension Parish Little League, while Tulsa National's softball team was similarly removed from its regional tournament after eligibility concerns.

Little League said it relies on parents and volunteers to verify player eligibility and will continue to provide guidance to families affected by the rulings.