The rules
mentioned here are only the more important rules to help the League Managers,
Coaches, Umpires and Parents to better understand how the Little League Program
functions. Each manager and umpire is furnished a current rules book. Managers
and Umpires should read it carefully.
1.)
It is agreed that all league managers will play all youth present.
2.)
Five minutes before each game, the opposing managers shall meet
with the umpires at home plate to:
A.) Discuss any local ground rules not familiar to the umpires or coaches.
B.) Exchange a list of players, showing the batter order and playing positions
of starting lineup, the list of substitutes, and each player's uniform number.
C.) Discuss the possible disciplinary action by a manager of a player whom he
does not wish to play. If the League Director agrees to the request, the youth
shall not play.
3.) If a player is not present at the time the game starts and shows up while
the game is in progress, it shall be the manager's decision as to whether the
youth plays.
4.) Once the game begins:
A.) Spectators are not allowed on the field or in the dugout.
B.) Each manager shall have his scorekeeper notify the opposing manager and
scorekeeper on any substitutions.
C.) The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on the field, benches, or
dugouts.
5.) The actions of the team manager and coaches must be above reproach. Any
profanity, use of alcoholic beverages, or unsportsmanlike conduct by managers
and/or coaches shall result in strict disciplinary action by League officials.
6.) The coach of contesting teams only shall have the right to protest a game.
An assistant coach may protest only when the coach is absent.
7.) Protests shall be considered only when based on violation or interpretation
of a playing rule or the use of an ineligible player. No protest shall be
considered on a decision involving the umpire's judgment. Read your rule book
carefully and note you are urged to avoid protests.
8.) Safety is everyone's responsibility, especially coaches.
A.) Each team will be furnished with sufficient helmets to have one on each
base runner, as will as base coaches. They must be worn during a game or
practice. Any player deliberately removing the helmet, while running, or on
base, is subject to a warning or being called out.
B.) All catchers must wear their face masks when catching or warm-ups,
practices or games. Each team will have a protective cup and is required to use
it.
C.) We have an adequate insurance program that covers about anything that
happens to participants of Little League. Notification of an accident must be
made within 24 hours to a Board Member.
D.) Regulations prohibit on-deck batters. This means no player should
handle a bat, even while in an enclosure, until it is his/her time at bat.
10.) Game day:
A.) No game shall start after 15 minutes of scheduled game time, unless
authorized by the League Director. No inning shall start after 1 hour and 15
minutes but finish out the bottom half of the inning. Time limit for game is 1 hour and 30 minutes.
B.) All games are to be played as
scheduled, where they are scheduled, weather and grounds permitting.
C.) A Rookie League team's turn ends when the team at bat scores (7) runs that
inning.
11.) DO NOT ALLOW ANYONE TO THROW
EQUIPMENT
12.)
It is the coach's responsibility to have players CLEAN UP the dugout and
bleacher area after each game.
13.) No team is allowed to have batboys of any age.
14.) Have your team stay in the area of the dugout and off the fences and bench
top rail.
15.) Coaches and players MUST accept the decision of the umpire as final. If
you want to discuss a call with the umpire, call time-out, go over and have a
conversation with him.
16.) The HOME team is to chalk the field and put out the bases before the game.
After the game, you are to return all game equipment to the equipment building.
17.) What to do when it rains:
A.) Contact Supervisor of Umpires so scheduled umpires can be notified.
B.) Call Concession Stand Chairperson
18.) Roster limit is twelve (12) players per team.
19.) Play 5 strikes, not pitches, from the pitching machine for an out. 3 per team per inning.
20.) Rookie League teams will be allowed two (2) adult base
coaches.
22.) Third base dugout designates home team.
23.) Any player attempting to avoid a tag by making contact with a defensive
player shall be called out by the umpire.
24.) If a batted ball hits the pitching machine, it is in play.
25.) No stealing bases.
26.) All Rookie League teams will bat the entire roster or all players in
attendance of the game.
27.) For Rookie League: A base runner may score if the batter hits the ball,
enabling base runners which can include himself to reach home.
28.) A base runner may not
advance past 3rd base on any pass ball or on any overthrow of play on 3rd that
is not the result of a hit ball.
29.) Only (1) base is
allowed to be taken on an over-throw.
However, you may not score on an over-throw.
30.) On a hit ball, if a player advances to 3rd
but then all runners are stopped by the defense, his opportunity to advance to
home is finished until hit in. Runners
are stopped when they make no more attempts to advance and the