Official Little League rules contained in the National Little League 2006 handbook “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” apply along with the following additions or noted exceptions:
Last updated April 2007
This is a general overview of the “Playing Rules” to be used during games played by teams participating in the Lebanon Little League. This overview is meant to be used as merely an aid in assisting Parents, Coaches, and Umpires, and should not be considered a complete list of rules by which Lebanon Little League games are to be governed by.
The purpose of this overview is to help interested parties in quickly learning either the lesser-known National Little League rules or become familiar with the specific rules of the Lebanon Little League that may or may not be contrary to the rules handed down by the National Little League.
This overview is broken down into 11 overall sections. The framework is similar to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules book issued by the National Little League. When applicable, the reader can reference the original National Little League rule by using the rule listed in parenthesis at the end of the rule. If the rule is specific to Lebanon Little League only, or is in contrast to a National Little League rule, this will also be mentioned in parenthesis.
Rules Index:
0.00 – Regulations and Rules Specific to Lebanon Little League
1.00 – Objectives of the Game
2.00 – Definition of Terms
3.00 – Game Preliminaries
4.00 – Starting and Ending the Game
5.00 – Putting the Ball in Play – Live Ball
6.00 – The Batter
7.00 – The Runner
8.00 – The Pitcher
9.00 – The Umpire
10.00 – National Little League Rules Unobserved by Lebanon Little League
11.00 – Baseball Rules Myths
Please keep in mind that all the Lebanon Little League rules that are either consistent with the National Little League’s rules or are specific to the Lebanon Little League are meant to be judged in good faith so as to provide for the safest play for all the athletes, encourage overall sportsmanship of the competing athletes, coaches, umpires and spectators, and aid in the furtherance of learning the great game of baseball. The Lebanon Little League emphasizes the philosophy that, “Baseball is just a game”.
Parent / Volunteer Pledge:
I will teach all children to play fair and do their best.
I will positively support all managers, coaches and players.
I will respect the decisions of the umpires.
I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game.
The Lebanon Little League Board of Commissioners will administrate and regulate all league business to include, but not limited to, the review and modification of league rules, as well as construction and maintenance of the league in general.
The “Little League Volunteer Application” form must be completed annually for all board members, and anyone who provides regular service to the league. This will include Commissioners, Coaches, Umpires, and anyone else that the board may deem applicable. (I – The League (c) 8)
The primary focus of this background check is to search for crimes “involving or against a minor” but will include all crimes committed. Volunteers found to have previous criminal convictions will be considered on a case by case basis and only after approval of the board.
The League must check the New Hampshire and Vermont state wide sex offender registry and compare the list of volunteers to said lists. The League must also conduct a nationwide search of the applicable government sex offender registry data.
Each team must have 12 games or more not including playoffs and tournament games (VII, A) and must have 2 games per week (VII, B)
Only 1 double header will be allowed per week. There will not be 3 games in a day. (VII)
No admission fee can be charged to spectators for their attendance at games. (X, C)
Solicitation for fund raising by little league players in or out of uniform is prohibited, except for one fund raising project annually. (X, B)
Actions of players, managers, coaches, umpires, and league officials are subject to disciplinary action. (XIV, A)
No one will be allowed on the field except players, coaches, umpires, and news reporters. (XIV, B)
Use of tobacco or alcohol is prohibited on the field, benches or dugouts. (XIV, E)
This also includes bleachers and field area. (See LLL rules.)
If advertising through television and radio, players in uniforms need written approval of little league baseball international (XV)
An athlete wishing to participate in the Lebanon Little League must have at least one parent or legal guardian that resides in Lebanon, Grantham, or Plainfield.
The League will maintain two levels of competitive play, and two levels of
instructional play. The general categorizing and guidelines regarding the four
levels of play will be:
Rookie Ball:
T-Ball:
T-Ball will be played in the style of head-to-head competition, but no score will kept and coaches are allowed to be on the playing field to provide instruction and guidance.
B-Ball:
B-Ball is open to children that are 9 years old through 11 years old. 8 year olds require parental petition and approval of the Commissioners.
No B-Ball players returning to the same
league shall be assigned a new team unless there are legitimate reasons. (For
example: parent coaching, restructure of League,
etc.)
All B-Ball teams will consist of at least 11 players but not exceed 15 players.
B-Ball will be played in the style of head-to-head competition. Coaches are not allowed on the playing field except as provided in the following rules.
A-Ball:
A-Ball is open to children that are 10 years old through 12 years old. 9 year olds require parental petition and approval of the Commissioners.
No A-Ball players returning to the same league shall be assigned a new team unless there are legitimate reasons. (For example: parent coaching, restructure of League, etc.)
All A-Ball teams will consist of at least 11 players but not exceed 14
players.
(If a child is 13, and in the sixth grade, the child may be eligible to play A-Ball but they will require parental petition and approval of the Commissioners. Any 13 year old approved for play in the Lebanon Little League cannot pitch in league games or scrimmages. 13 year olds may not represent Lebanon Little League on a post-season travel team.)
A-Ball will be played in the style of head-to-head competition. Coaches are not allowed on the playing field except as provided in the following rules.
All players must return signed registration forms certifying age and parent permission before they are allowed to practice. All fees to the League must be paid prior to the first scheduled game of the season.
The last day to register for A-Ball and B-Ball teams will be determined by the Commissioners and announced via appropriate news media. A quorum of Commissioners will assign late registrants to teams based on availability of openings, regardless of the player’s previous seasons team. Previous seasons participation does not guarantee play if a player fails to submit their registration form by the established deadline and all teams are “full”.
Team rosters will be filled through a draft style process that will be agreed upon by the Board of Commissioners.
A quorum of Commissioners and at least one coach from each team may be present while players are being appointed to the team rosters. A-Ball rosters will be filled first. B-Ball rosters will be filled after all A-Ball rosters have been completed.
Team picking order in the draft will be determined first by the need of the League to create or delete teams or to “even the competitiveness” of certain teams, and then by drawing team names out of a hat. Decisions on team assignments will be aided by the previous seasons report cards from coaches and a preseason tryout scorecard.
All 12 year olds that are new A-Ball players but have played prior consecutive seasons in the league will be assigned to teams prior to the appointment of any younger players. (12-year-old players that have not played prior consecutive seasons in the league will be placed at the level deemed appropriate by a quorum of Commissioners at the time of that season’s draft.) Nothing in these rules prohibits the Commissioners to refuse a 12-year-old eligibility to play at the “A” ball level.
Brothers and sisters should be placed on the same team. Children of coaches should be placed on the team that their parent is coaching. These placements will be completed prior to the draft beginning, but after the placement of applicable 12 year olds.
After being assigned to a team, players can be moved from one league to another so long as there is reasonable belief that the move is necessary. In order for this to happen the player’s parent’s must petition the Commissioners asking for the move, the coaches involved must support the move, and a majority of the Commissioners agree to the move.
The teams may be adjusted by the Commissioners to equalize team-member ability and availability.
There is no such thing as a “Head Coach” or “Assistant Coach”. Instead, all appointed coaches are “Co-Coaches”. The co-coaches of each team will select and report which coach is to be the liaison between their team and the Board of Commissioners.
Coaches from the previous year have consideration if they are in good standing in the League.
All coaches will be assigned and approved by the Commissioners and must attend all coaching clinics as designated by the Commissioners. All coaches must be a minimum of 18 years of age.
All coaches will be held accountable to the Commissioners for adhering to the Code of Ethics as well as behavior of fellow coaches, players and spectators at all League events.
It is the responsibility of the coaches, not the umpires, to ensure that spectators are adhering to the Code of Ethics and the Youth Sports Code of Conduct Contract.
No coach will purchase anything in the name of the League. Purchase requests are made through and completed with the approval of the Board of Commissioners.
Following the end of the regular season the Board of Commissioners will nominate and elect, for each A-Ball team, up to 2 coaches to serve the following year.
Following the A-Ball roster selection process, the league Board of Commissioners will approve additional A-Ball coaches and helpers to a maximum of 4 per team. Final approval of B-Ball co-coaches will be made at the same time.
The League will furnish home plate umpires for all regular season and tournament games. All efforts will be made by the league to supply base umpires for all regular season and tournament games.
Home plate umpires must be a minimum of 18 years of age. Base umpires must be a minimum of 15 years of age.
The umpires have control of the game and must penalize poor sportsmanship, when it occurs, including suspending a game in a case of extreme behavior.
Uniforms:
The league will provide the players with hats and numbered shirts. Parents will provide players with light gray pants, team-matching socks or stirrups, protective pelvic/groin cups (male or female appropriate), and gloves other than catcher’s mitts. Full uniform must be worn for participation in any A-Ball or B-Ball game.
Cleats are not required, but are suggested. No metal cleats will be allowed.
Wear of any item that can be considered “jewelry” is prohibited.
Players with “Medical Alert” bracelets or necklaces are allowed to wear such items, but efforts should be made to contain such items within the player’s uniform.
Bats will be provided by the League. Personal bats may be used so long as the bats display “Approved For Little League Use” or similar wording. Any personal bats must be made available to all of the players on both teams or else the personal bats may not be used in any league games, scrimmages, or practices.
Protective equipment (helmets and catcher’s gear) will be provided by the League. Personal protective equipment may be used so long as the equipment is approved by Little League for use. Any personal protective equipment must be made available to all of the players on both teams or else the personal equipment may not be used in any league games, scrimmages, or practices. Batters must wear a helmet that is equipped with a facemask that was provided by the League. The League will not provide additional facemasks for personal helmets.
Catchers must wear a helmet and mask while conducting infield practice and while warming up pitchers between innings. Helmets are to be worn by all base runners, batters, player base coaches, and catchers, in games and practices.
Baseballs will be provided by the league. No personal baseballs are to be used in any League games, scrimmages, or practices. A regulation Little League approved baseball will be used in A-Ball. A RIF-10 ball will be used in B-Ball games.
All games and make-up games will be scheduled by the League Scheduler.
Official Game:
Games will consist of six (6) innings. An official game is three and one half (3½) innings if the home team is ahead and four (4) innings if the home team is behind.
All innings pitched will be included in the weekly totals for the week that the innings were actually pitched in.
The Coaches will reschedule all continued games and notify the League Scheduler.
EXCEPTION: The losing coach at the time of suspension reserves the right to concede the game, pending approval of the Commissioners.
Postponing Games:
No game will be postponed before 4 PM due to inclement weather. The two coaches involved should contact each other to make the decision. A Commissioner is called only if the coaches cannot agree. Once the game is called, each coach is responsible for contacting team members and the home team’s coach is responsible for notifying the umpire scheduler to inform them of the postponement. Postponement due to other reasons shall require the approval of at least three Commissioners. Any rescheduling of games shall not alter the established date of the League Playoffs.
Thunder and Lightning:
Lightning seen during play by anyone should be called out and brought to the attention of the umpires and coaches immediately. The general guideline regarding lightning will be that all play will stop, the playing field will be cleared, and no activity will take place for 30 minutes. If lightning is seen during the waiting period, the 30 minute halt time starts over again from the time that the most recent lightning sighting is made.
Players are not required to wait in the dugout during lightning delays, but it is up to the coach to know where the players are. Players should not leave the field area.
Thunder does not automatically halt play for any pre-determined amount of time. However, lightning will often accompany thunder. A suggested practice is for the umpire to halt play for 5 minutes so that the weather situation can be monitored by the umpires and coaches. Coaches should also ask parents to monitor the sky during play for any lightning strikes if thunder is heard.
If, by the determination of the umpires and coaches, there appears to be no further danger from lightning or thunder, play may resume earlier than the 30 minute waiting period. In the event that each umpire and coach does not agree that it is safe to resume play, a League Commissioner may be contacted and asked to make a ruling. The waiting period should only be shortened for one of a few reasons.
The lightning that was seen was a significant distance away and there was never a large amount of danger to begin with, or the weather that was associated with the lightning has obviously cleared.
Game Times:
Weekday games: Weekday games are to start as close to 5:45 PM as possible. No new inning shall begin two (2) or more hours from the actual start time.
Weekend games: No new inning shall begin two and one-half (2½) hours or more from the actual start time during weekend games.
Failure to field a team:
Any team that either cannot begin a game 15 minutes following the regularly scheduled game start time or continue a game at any time with 8 eligible players must forfeit the game.
Any team that starts a game with 9 eligible players, but loses a player for any reason is allowed to continue the game short handed so long as they have at least 8 players.
Teams that can field 8 players but not 9 may play shorthanded so long as it does not create an unsafe playing condition for either team or any player.
Teams that cannot field a 9-person team at a Playoff Game forfeit the game.
Alternative Playing Option: As a last result, the team that cannot field a 9th player may ask the opposing team if they are willing to provide a Courtesy Player. A Courtesy Player cannot be requested if the requesting team is unable to field 8 of their own players.
The team with less than 9 players that plays a game short-handed will incur an out for each time their missing player would have had an at bat.
If the opposing team provides a Courtesy Player it is with the understanding that the game cannot be protested later requesting a forfeit decision due to a lack of eligible players. If the team with less than 9 players accepts a Courtesy Player they must be penalized with an out for each at bat that the missing player would have been up. Courtesy Players that are provided to another team do not hit for that team, they will only assist the opposing team defensively. Courtesy Players will keep their position on their original team’s batting order just as if they normally would. Courtesy Players must be rotated every inning and cannot remain the same child, nor can any child be forced to play as a Courtesy Player if they do not want to. Courtesy Players cannot pitch against their original team without the approval of both team coaches, but if both coaches do agree then all pitching rules shall apply to include all pitches thrown being counted against the players’ daily and weekly allotment and proper rest periods being observed.
Nothing in these rules prohibits the teams from playing a scrimmage after a forfeit decision is made.
Field, Pre-Game and Game Rules:
Use of tobacco or alcohol is prohibited on the field, benches, dugouts, bleachers and field area. (This is a combination of both a National and Lebanon Little League rules.)
Home teams have the third base dugout. Only eligible players, co-coaches and a scorekeeper (a maximum of 4 adults) will be allowed in the designated bench area.
Although the home team is responsible for the overall readiness of the playing field (for example: fill holes in playing area, rake the pitching mound, home plate, base paths and infield area, lime foul lines and batter’s box) both teams shall assist in preparing the field for play.
Coaches will exchange lineups before each game and record all changes during the game.
Every player must play at least 3 innings in the field and have at least 1 at bat. Each player will bat in a continuous lineup. In order to record one defensive inning played, a player must be in the field the entire time their team is in the field for that inning. A third out by someone other than the batter, thereby nullifying the batter’s at bat, will not count towards the minimum requirement for a player’s participation level.
Late additions are put at the bottom of the batting order and the coach of the opposing team notified of the changes.
Should a player come to the game after it has started, the player may enter into the lineup offensively according to the above rule. The player may not enter the game defensively until the next defensive half inning for their team. If a player arrives after the start of the fourth inning, the three inning playing rule will be waived for that player.
In the event that a Courtesy Player had been provided due to the absence of the player that reports for a game late, the Courtesy Player will return to their original team as soon as the Courtesy Player is no longer playing defensively.
Players cannot consistently show up late for games in an attempt to avoid sitting out their portion of the game on the bench. If it is the interpretation of the team coaches that a player is purposely or deliberately reporting late for games, the coaches will contact the Board of Commissioners to ask for disciplinary action to be taken.
There is free substitution, which means that any player may be taken in or out of the game at any time at the coach’s discretion; this also applies to pitching as long as all other pitching rules are applied.
A maximum of 2 base coaches are allowed on the field at any one time. Coaches as reported to the Commissioners and eligible players are allowed to base coach. Two adult base coaches are allowed.
Only one coach from the team on defense in the field will be allowed on the playing field at any one time.
Catchers must wear a helmet and mask during infield and while warming up pitchers between innings.
In A-Ball, there may be an unlimited number of runs scored in each half inning. In B-Ball, no more than 3 runs per half inning except the sixth inning, when there may be an unlimited number of runs scored. In T-Ball, there will be no score kept and all games will end in a “tie”.
There is bunting in A–Ball only.
Intentional walks will NOT be allowed at any level.
There are no balks in Little League.
If a “balk” is committed the umpire will call an “illegal pitch” and award the batter a ball. No runners will advance on an Illegal Pitch unless the pitch results in ball four and a walk occurs.
No hidden ball plays.
Batter is out and cannot run on a dropped 3rd strike regardless of whether or not first base is vacant.
Pitching:
The number of pitches allowable to be thrown by an individual pitcher is based on that pitcher’s age. Specific rest periods are in place when a pitcher reaches a higher threshold of pitches delivered in a day. It is the responsibility of the coach to monitor pitch counts and remove players when the maximum pitches are thrown by a single player.
The maximum number of pitches allowed for pitchers that are a League Age of 11-12 is 85 pitches per day.
The maximum number of pitches allowed for pitchers that are a League Age of 10 and under is 75 pitches per day.
The following rest requirements will be required for any player that pitches in a League game or scrimmage.
If a pitcher reaches their maximum allotted number of pitches while in the middle of facing a batter, the pitcher is allowed to continue pitching to that batter until the batter completes their at bat.
The home team scorekeeper will be the Official Pitch Count Recorder for each game played unless someone else is otherwise identified by the Board prior to the start of the game. The Official Pitch Count Recorder will be responsible to notify the head umpire if a pitcher has reached their pitching threshold. However, this does not relieve the coach from their responsibility of monitoring their own pitchers.
Because the Lebanon Little League has a free substitution rule, the same pitcher may be brought back in to pitch during the same game. All pitches thrown are counted towards a pitcher’s personal pitch count and all rest requirements applicable will be observed.
In A-Ball, each team must use a non-12 year old for a minimum of two innings each game. An “inning” for a non – 12 year old pitcher will be considered 3 outs or facing a minimum of 9 batters. After a non – 12 year old, a 12 year old may be used to finish that inning and all personal pitch counts will be applied.
So long as all other pitching rules are adhered to, pitchers that have not thrown more than 20 pitches in a previous game are allowed to pitch in multiple games in the same day. (This is a variation of National Little League rules.)
Each team is allowed 3 visits to the mound per pitcher per game. On the third visit, the pitcher must be removed from the mound.
These rules apply to all official games, regardless of postponement, make-ups, etc. If, in the specific inning that is it is discovered, a pitching rule is violated, the following rules apply:
If the illegal pitcher has already pitched one illegal inning, the game shall be continued as in rules above and a formal protest shall be filed, in writing, to the Commissioner in charge of that league within 24 hours for disciplinary action.
Pitchers must have the entire pivot foot on, or in front of and touching and not off the end of the pitcher’s plate at the beginning of delivery.
Stealing:
In A-Ball, stealing of second, third and home plate is allowed. Base runners may also attempt to advance to any base after a passed ball or wild pitch (a pitched ball that is not caught by the catcher).
In B-Ball, stealing of second and third base is allowed. However, a base runner may not steal home or attempt to advance to home plate after a passed ball or wild pitch (a pitched ball that is not caught by the catcher). A base runner may advance home if an error is made while the base runner is attempting to steal second or third base.
A base runner may not initiate a steal when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the mound area and may not leave the base until the pitched ball crosses the plate. The first team violation of this rule per game results in a warning to the team and the base runner is sent back to the base from which the steal commenced. Any subsequent violations will result in the appropriate punishment following National Little League rules.
The “mound area” is the 10 foot diameter around the pitching rubber, typically the dirt area.
Sliding rule:
Runners must slide feet first unless retreating to a previous base from a short distance.
All players must slide or attempt to avoid contact with any defensive player that has possession of the ball. In the event of any contact between a defensive player and offensive player at any base, the umpire may, at his discretion, call the base runner out if he deems the base runner caused an unsafe condition by not sliding or attempting to avoid contact. Base runners initiating unnecessary flagrant contact may be ejected from the game. No defensive player may block an offensive player’s access to a base if they do not have possession of the baseball. Contact resulting from a defensive player illegally blocking a base will be assessed by the umpire to determine appropriate action.
The umpire may, at his discretion, call a batter out if he deems the bat was flagrantly thrown, thus causing an unsafe condition.
Batter/Runners must run to first base in foul territory.
Coaches will report their weekly record to the League Scheduler.
Umpires have complete say over the game, coaches and fans. Without umpires,
there are NO games!
Protests:
Protests shall be considered only when based on a violation of a playing rule interpretation. No protest shall be considered on a decision involving an umpire’s judgment.
If a coach wishes to file a protest, they must make known their intentions to
the opposing coach and umpire before the next pitch following the contested
call. (Pitching and player playing-time rule violations are exceptions). All
protests must be brought to the attention of the Commissioner in charge of
that league within 24 hours, with a written protest to follow within a week.
Pitching and playing-time rule violations should be made known to the Commissioner as soon as possible.
(Please note that the regulations and rules that govern the Lebanon Little League’s regular season may not be the same as for Post-Season play. Specifically, tournaments that the Lebanon Little League may send teams to participate in may either follow the National Little League Rules or even Cal Ripkin League Rules. It will be the coach’s responsibility to know rules specific to individual tournaments.
Commissioner Presence: There will be one Commissioner at each playoff game to confer with the umpires at the umpire’s discretion.
Playoff Format:
A & B Ball Leagues:
Playoffs will consist of a double
elimination tournament for which each team participates with the schedule
determined by the order in which the teams finish. All regular season rules
apply, including limitations on pitchers.
There will be no playoffs for
T-Ball.
Post-Season Tournament Travel Teams:
Up to four (4) teams of not more than 14 players each from all eligible A-Ball and B-Ball players may be formed for post-season tournament play.
At least one team of not more than 14 players from all eligible 12 year old and under A-Ball and B-Ball players may be formed for post-season tournament play.
At least one team of not more than 14 players from all eligible 10 year old and under A-Ball and B-Ball players may be formed for post-season tournament play.
Selection of the players is based on the following as determined by the league coaches, Commissioners and travel team coaches:
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
If base is dislodged than no play can be made on the runner. The umpire determines the “base” location if subsequent play occurs. (i.e. runner starts toward another base and has to return.)
Bats must be a baseball bat that meets little league specifications.
No more than 33” long and/or 2 ¼” diameter and or less than 15/16” diameter at handle if wooden
7/8” if 30” or shorter
Grip tape only 16”
Must have grip if non-wood material
No painted wood bats
“Painted” bats are bats that have had paint added after leaving the factory while bats that have color applied at the factory are legal.
Beginning in 2009, non-wood bats used must have a BPF (bat performance factor) rating of 1.15 or less.
T-shirts worn under the uniform jersey must be a solid color but not white or gray. (1.11, A, 3)
This rule is mainly directed towards pitchers.
LLL has modified this rule. (See LLL rules.)
No metal spikes (1.11, E)
No watches, rings, pins, jewelry or metallic items (1.11, J)
Medical alert bracelets/necklaces are permitted for wear
No casts can be worn (1.11, K)
LLL has modified this rule and will allow players wearing casts to play, but only after written request by the parents, approval of the coach, and authority of the Board.)
Pitchers cannot have white, gray, or yellow batters gloves visible (1.15, B)
The fielding glove worn by the pitcher must be same or similar color (1.15, A)
Pitchers cannot wear sweatbands on wrists or forehead (1.15, C)
Cups and pelvic protectors are required (1.17)
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
“AGE”
The player’s age on April 30th of the current season will be the player’s age even if they have a birthday that makes them older. This is also referred to as their “League Age”.
“COURTESY PLAYER”
A player that is provided to a team that cannot field 9 players so that the game may proceed. Once a decision is made to provide a courtesy player the game no longer be forfeited due to the fact that a the team cannot field that particular player.
When a pitcher fails to deliver a pitch in the proper manner. This is commonly known as a “balk”, but there are no balks in Little League. The umpire will award the batter a ball in the pitching count for the infraction, but no base runners will advance unless forced to do so by a walk.
“INTERFERENCE”
When an Offensive player gets in the way during a play. (Only exception is “catcher interference”.)
“MOUND AREA”
Ten (10) foot diameter around the pitching rubber, typically the dirt mound area.
“OBSTRUCTION”
When a Defensive player gets in the way during a play.
“OFFICIAL PITCH COUNT RECORDER”
Person responsible for keeping count of the number of pitches thrown by each pitcher during play.
“REGULATION”
An administrative guideline that governs play. An example of a regulation would be the measurements of the field, or the total number of pitches that a pitcher is allowed to pitch in a game.
“RULE”
Guidelines that are enforced during the course of playing a game. An example of a rule would be calling a runner out for being hit with a batted ball, or enforcing the proper bases to runners when a ball is thrown out of play.
“STRIKE ZONE”
The Little League strike zone is a rectangular box formed from the armpits to the top of the knees and anywhere across home plate. (This means that, as long as the smallest portion of the baseball barely crosses over the outer-black area of home plate, or nicks the armpit or top of the knees, the ball is a strike. This strike zone is different from what people are accustomed to. However, keep in mind that it is still smaller than the strike zone in the Major Leagues, and asking children that are still learning how to pitch properly to throw strikes in a more constrictive strike zone than professionals is going to be tough for kids to do.)
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
No scuffing or smudging of the ball is allowed.
Penalty is removal from game.
If a fan touches a thrown or batted ball the ball is dead and umpire decides how to best nullify interference.
If interference prohibits player from making the out the umpire can call an out.
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
Once someone is ejected the person must leave the field area and cannot participate in the remainder of that game as well as the next scheduled game.
Regulation game is 4 innings (4.10 (c))
10 run rule (4.10, E)
A tie-game halted after 4 complete innings reverts back to last complete inning (4.11)
Games that are halted after 1 complete inning but before 4 complete innings are resumed from the exact point that they were halted. (4.12 D)
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
Minor league can adopt a 3 outs or entire line-up has batted in an inning rule.
A-Ball will observe a 3 outs rule.
B-Ball and T-Ball will observe an entire line-up has batted in an inning rule.
Balls that hit a base coach or umpires are live balls, unless the umpire determines that the base coach intentionally interfered with the ball at which time the runner/batter is out.
A “dead ball” is ruled any time that a ball hits a batter, an umpire interferes with a catchers throw (unless the catcher throws the runner out and then out stands), illegal pitch/balk, ball illegally batted, foul ball not caught, ball hits runner, (out if not touched by a defensive player, safe if it passes a defensive player,) or the ball is lodged in the catcher’s/umpire’s equipment (runner can advance).
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
Batter cannot step out of box once pitcher comes to set position – umpire will call pitch as a ball or strike as the case may be. (6.02, B)
3rd strike that is not caught even if 1st base is empty. (6.05, B)
This rule was modified by LLL. (See LLL rules.)
Batter attempts to hit 3rd strike and pitch hits batter. (6.05, E)
Fair ball touches batter before touching fielder. (6.05, F)
Bat hits ball 2nd time in fair territory – ball is dead. (6.05, G)
If umpire determines that it was not intentional, ball is live and play continues.
Batter runs to the right of 3 foot line or left of foul line and umpire determines this interfered with fielding/throwing to first base (6.05, J)
Batter hits a pop up that is playable by an infielder with 1st base occupied, or 1st and any other base occupied, or bases loaded and the fielder intentionally drops the ball in an attempt to create a force play. (6.05, K)
This is not an infield fly rule.
The ball is dead and all runners return to their original base.
The base runner interferes with player throwing batter out. (6.05, L)
One or both feet are entirely out of batter’s box when batter hits the ball. (6.06, A)
Moving from one batter’s box to the other when the pitcher is in position ready to pitch. (6.06, B)
Batter interferes with catcher. (6.06, C)
The scheduled batter can be called out on appeal if an improper batter completes a time at bat.
The proper batter can replace the improper batter at any time during the at bat. No penalty will be assessed to the proper batter other than they will inherit the balls and strikes count of the improper batter. (6.07, A (1))
Hit by pitch unless ball is strike and/or batter does not attempt to get out of the way. (6.09, B)
If there is no attempt to move, pitch is called either ball or strike accordingly but no runners can advance because it is a dead ball.
Catcher interferes with batter. (6.09, C)
Fair ball that bounces in fair territory or touches a player and then goes out of play equals
2 bases (usually 2nd base). (6.09, E & G)
Fair ball that touches a player but not the ground and is not caught is a home run if it goes over the fence in fair territory or 2nd base if deflected foul. (6.09, H)
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
If the catcher causes an obstruction during a suicide squeeze.
This is technically a balk, which LLL does not observe, but it is also obstruction.
This is caused by catcher blocking plate or touching the batter or bat.
Run scores, batter goes to first, runners advance, ball is dead.
Runs 3 feet out of baseline (unless avoiding fielder making play on ball), after touching 1st base the runner leaves the baseline, obviously abandoning all effort to touch the next base, the runner does not slide around fielder with ball, or the runner slides head first. (7.08, A, 1-4)
Runner interferes with fielder attempting to make play or with thrown ball (even if it is not intentional on a fielded ball). (7.08, B)
If runner is hit by throw and it is not intentional the runner is safe.
Runner can overrun first base as long as he “returns immediately to the base”. (7.08, F)
There is nothing in this rule that says the runner must turn towards foul territory
Exceptions:
If runner is standing on base and is hit by infield fly, the runner is safe but the batter is out.
If runner is touched by infield fly and is not on base, both runner and batter are out.
Ball is dead, so no additional runners are out if touched by the first runner.
If batter interferes with play at the plate with less than 2 outs, the runner is out. (7.08, G)
If two outs, the batter is out, it’s the end of the inning and no run scores.
If runner passes another runner. (7.08, H)
If the runner runs the bases in reverse order on purpose. (7.08, I)
After overrunning 1st base the runner heads towards the dugout or to a defensive position. (7.08, J)
This must be appealed and is not automatically called.
Runner misses home plate and heads towards dugout or defensive position with out trying to touch home plate. (7.08, K)
The runner is only called out on a proper appeal play.
If runner interferes with batted ball, with the purpose to break up a double play, both runner and batter are out. (7.09, G)
If batter interferes then the batter is out, and the runner closest to home is out (even if the double play was not applicable to the runner closest to home). (7.09, H)
If base coach helps runner leave base or stay on base, the runner is out. (7.09, I)
The 3rd base coach does something to draw a throw to 3rd base, runner is out. (7.09, J)
LLL allows two adult base coaches; therefore this rule shall apply to the 1st base coach as well.
If runner is hit by a live ball before a fielder touches the ball or before it goes by a fielder (not including the pitcher), runner is out and ball is dead. (7.09, K)
If an error is made when attempting to appeal a play and that ball goes out of play, there cannot be a second attempt at the appeal. (7.10, D)
No successive attempts can be made to appeal a play.
All appeals need to occur prior to the next pitch and the ball must be live.
In order to appeal, the entire defensive team cannot have left the field. As soon as the defense leaves the field they forfeit their right to an appeal.
If pitcher “balks” when attempting to make an appeal, no balk counts but an appeal can no longer be made because the balk would have been a “play/pitch”.
This rule has been modified by LLL due to the fact that LLL does not allow a “balk”.
Runners cannot lead or be off the base from the time the pitcher is ready to pitch (standing on the rubber) and catcher is ready to receive the pitch until the ball has “reached the batter” (commonly used measurement is crossing the plate). (7.13)
T-ball has no leading at any time.
If runner leaves before ball reaches batter and runner is thrown out, the out stands. If runner is safe, the runner is returned to previous base and no out is assessed. (7.13, A)
If runner leaves before ball reaches batter and batter hits the ball, the play continues. If runner is tagged out the out stands. If runner is safe then runner is returned to previous base. (7.13, B)
If the batter has a hit that would force a runner to advance, then the runner is sent back to a base the umpire determines he would have made.
If runner leaves before ball reaches batter and batter bunts than no runner can score. If bases are loaded, and all runners make it to base safely, then no run scores, the player that left early is removed from the bases, and the other runners, except the batter-runner, are sent back to their original base. (7.13, C)
If any runner is tagged out, thus causing a base to become vacant, no run scores and all runners except the runner that is out, return to bases.
A batted ball that hits the white portion of the base is fair. A batted ball that hits the colored portion of the base is foul. (7.15, A)
The colored portion of the base must be used by the batter/runner upon the initial attempt to acquire first base safely. Once the batter/runner has made it to first base safely, only the white portion of the base will be used by the runner. (7.15, B – H)
This explanation has been modified for the sake of understanding it better. In the simplest terms, the colored base is only for when the player is first going to the base, and after that the colored base should be forgotten about for plays concerning that runner.
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
Regulations:
The number of pitches allowable to be thrown by an individual pitcher is based on that pitcher’s age. Specific rest periods are in place when a pitcher reaches a higher threshold of pitches delivered in a day. It is the responsibility of the coach to monitor pitch counts and remove players when the maximum pitches are thrown by a single player.
The following rest requirements will be required for any player that pitches in a League game or scrimmage.
Only 3 kids “12” years of age can pitch in 1 weeks time. (VI, C)
No more than 5 pitchers can be used in 1 game (exception is illness or injury and allows 1 extra pitcher). (VI, E)
New pitchers due to injury are allowed as much time as the umpire deems appropriate.
Pitcher gets 20 seconds between pitches when no one is on base. The time starts when the pitcher gets the ball back from the catcher. (8.04)
Delays can result in the umpire calling “ball”.
Coaches can visit a pitcher 2 times in one inning. On the third visit the
pitcher must be removed. A pitching change does not count as a visit towards
the new pitcher’s visit count in an inning. (8.06,
A)
Coaches can visit a pitcher 3 times in a
game. A 4th visit requires that the pitcher be removed. (8.06,
B)
Coaches cannot visit a pitcher 3 times
with the same batter at the plate. (8.06, C)
Coaches can confer with any player on the
field during their visit to the mound. However, the meeting will be charged as
a visit to the pitcher. (8.06, D)
Approved Ruling 2: A visit after an injury to assess the injury does not count towards the pitcher’s visit count. (8.06)
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
Umpires have the power to suspend a game because of unruly spectators. (9.01, F)
Any umpire’s judgment decision (fair/foul, ball/strike, safe/out) is final. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to any such judgment decision. (9.02, A)
Errors in interpretation of rules can be appealed to only the umpire that made the call. (9.02, B)
Please see “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” for a complete list of Little League Rules.
A pitcher commits a balk when:
While touching pitching rubber, the pitcher makes a motion like he is going to pitch but does not. (8.05, A)
While on the pitching rubber the pitcher fakes a throw to first base. (8.05, B)
While on the pitching rubber the pitcher fails to step directly toward first base before throwing the ball to that base. (8.05, C)
While off the pitching rubber the pitcher makes a motion as if pitching the ball. (8.05, G)
The pitcher stands on the pitching rubber with out the baseball. (8.05, I)
While on the pitching rubber the pitcher drops the ball. (8.05, J)
Note: There is no “balk” in little league majors or minors. (8.05)
Tournament Rules: If a tournament team has thirteen (13) or more players the team is allowed three (3) adults in the dugout. Anything less means two (2) adults are allowed.
How well do you know the rules? Here is a simple
True or False quiz to see. The answers are listed below.
So, how many answers did you mark as “True”? How many answers were “False”? Well, if you haven’t figured it out yet, ALL of the answers are FALSE! This information was pulled from the web and was originally entitled “Top 40 Baseball Rule Myths”. Below are the explanations for each of the questions.
HANDS RULE MYTH
The hands are part of a person's body. If a pitch hits the batter's hands
the ball is dead; if he swung at the pitch, a strike is called (NOT a
foul). If he was avoiding the pitch, he is awarded first base.
Rules: 2.00 PERSON, TOUCH, STRIKE (e) and
6.05(f)
RIGHT TURN RULE MYTH
The batter-runner may turn left or right, provided that if he turns left
he does not make an attempt to advance. An attempt is a judgment made by
the umpire. The requirement is that the runner must immediately return to
first after overrunning or over-sliding it.
Rule: 7.08(c and j)
BREAKING WRISTS RULE MYTH
A strike is a judgment by the umpire as to whether the batter attempted to
strike the ball. Breaking the wrists, or the barrel of the bat crossing
the plate are simply guides to making the judgment of an attempt, these
are not rules.
Rule: 2.00 STRIKE
HIT PLATE RULE MYTH
The plate is in fair territory. There is nothing special about it. If a
batted ball hits it, it is treated like any other batted ball.
BATTER BOX INTERFERENCE RULE MYTH
The batter's box is not a safety zone. A batter could be called out for
interference if the umpire judges that interference could or should have
been avoided.
The batter is protected while in the box for a short period of time. After
he has had time to react to the play he could be called for interference
if he does not move out of the box and interferes with a play.
Many people believe the batter's box is a safety zone for the batter. It
is not. The batter MAY be called out for interference although he is
within the box. The key words, impede, hinder, confuse or obstruct apply
to this situation.
An umpire must use good judgment. The batter cannot be expected to
disappear. If he has a chance to avoid interference after he has had time
to react to the situation and does not, he is guilty. If he just swung at
a pitch, or had to duck a pitch and is off-balance, he can't reasonably be
expected to then immediately avoid a play at the plate. However, after
some time passes, if a play develops at the plate, the batter must get out
of the box and avoid interference. The batter should always be called out
when he makes contact and is outside the box.
Rules: 2.00 INTERFERENCE, 6.06(c)
FOUL-TIP RULE MYTH
There is nothing foul about a foul-tip. If the ball nicks the bat and goes
sharp and direct to the catcher's hand or glove and is caught, this is a
foul-tip by definition. A foul-tip is a strike and the ball is alive. It
is the same as a swing-and-miss. If the ball is not caught, it is a foul
ball. If the nicked pitch first hits the catcher somewhere other than the
hand or glove, it is not a foul-tip, it is a foul ball.
Rules: 2.00 FOUL-TIP, STRIKE
SWITCH BOX RULE MYTH
The batter can switch boxes at any time, provided he does not do it after
the pitcher is ready to pitch.
Rule: 6.06(b)
OUT OF ORDER RULE MYTH
The PROPER batter is the one called out. Any hit or advance made by the
batter or runners due to the hit, walk, error or other reason is
nullified. The next batter is the one who follows the proper batter who
was called out.
Rule: 6.07(b, 1)
OVERRUN FIRST BASE RULE MYTH
Rule 7.08(c and j) simply state that a batter-runner must immediately
return after overrunning first base. It doesn't state any exceptions as to
how the player became a runner. It could be a hit, walk, error or dropped
third strike.
In Little League the runner may overrun. In FED rules he may not and in
Professional baseball, he may not. In other programs that use the OBR he
may if that is how the program rules it.
To overrun means that the runners momentum carried him straight beyond the
base after touching it. It does not mean to turn and attempt to advance.
Nor does it mean that he stepped over it or stopped on it and then got off
of it.
DROPPED THIRD STRIKE RULE MYTH
The batter may attempt first base anytime prior to entering the dugout or
a dead ball area.
The batter becomes a runner when the third strike is not caught.
Therefore, if there are 2 outs and there is a runner at first, first and
second, or bases loaded, the batter creates a force by becoming a runner.
These runners are all forced to advance and an out may be obtained by
making a play on any one of them. If the bases are loaded the catcher may
step on home or throw to third, second or first.
Rule: 6.05(c), 6.09(b) Casebook
interpretation
BUNTING STRIKE RULE MYTH
A strike is an attempt to hit the ball. Simply holding the bat over the
plate is not an attempt. This is umpire judgment.
Rule 2.00 STRIKE
Rule 2.00 BUNT is a batted ball not swung at, but INTENTIONALLY met with
the bat.
The key words are "intentionally met"
If no attempt is made to make contact with a ball outside the strike zone,
it should be called a ball. An effort must be made to intentionally meet
the ball with the bat.
SECOND BAT HIT RULE MYTH
The rule says the BAT cannot hit the ball a second time. When the BALL
hits the bat, it is not an out. Also, when the batter is still in the box
when this happens, it's treated as simply a foul ball. If the batter is
out of the box and the bat is over fair territory when the second hit
occurs, the batter would be out.
Rules: 6.05(h) and 7.09(b)
FOOT TOUCHES PLATE RULE MYTH
To be out, the batter's foot must be ENTIRELY outside the box when he
contacts the pitch and the ball goes fair or foul. He is not out if he
does not contact the pitch. There is no statement about touching the
plate. The toe could be on the plate and the heel could be touching the
line of the box, which means the foot is not entirely outside the box.
Rule: 6.06(a)
RUNNING LANE RULE MYTH
The runner must be out of the lane AND cause interference. He is not out
simply for being outside the lane. He could be called for interference
even while in the lane. This is a judgment call.
The runner may step out of the lane a step or two before the base if he
moves from within the lane to out of it. If he is out of the lane the
whole distance to the base and is hit with a throw, he should be out.
Rules: 2.00 INTERFERENCE, 6.05(k),
7.09(k)
HIGH FIVE RULE MYTH
The ball is dead on a homerun over the fence. You can't be put out while
the ball is dead except when you pass another runner.
Rules: 5.02, 7.05(a)
THE TIE RULE MYTH
There is no such thing in the world of umpiring. The runner is either out
or safe. The umpire must judge out or safe. It is impossible to judge a
tie.
OUT-OF-PLAY BALL RULE MYTH
When a fielder other than the pitcher throws the ball into dead ball area,
the award is 2 bases. The award is from where the runners were at the time
of the pitch if it is the first play by an infielder before all runners
have advanced or from where each runner was physically positioned at the
time the ball left the throwers hand on all other plays.
Rule: 7.05(g)
COACH TOUCH RULE MYTH
Rule 7.09(I) says the runner is out if the coach PHYSICALLY ASSISTS the
runner. Hand slaps, back pats or simple touches are not physical assists.
REVERSE BASERUNNING RULE MYTH
In order to correct a base running mistake, the runner MUST retrace his
steps and retouch the bases in reverse order. The only time a runner is
out for running in reverse, is when he is making a travesty of the game or
tries to confuse the defense.
Rules: 7.08(I), 7.10(b)
MUST SLIDE RULE MYTH
There is no "must slide" rule. When the fielder has the ball in his
possession, the runner has two choices; slide OR attempt to get around the
fielder. He may NOT deliberately or maliciously contact the fielder, but
he is NOT required to slide.
If the fielder does not have possession but, is in the act of fielding,
and contact is made, it is a no-call unless the contact was intentional
and malicious.
Rule: 7.08(a, 3) this rule does not apply
to professionals.
HIT BY BALL ON BASE RULE MYTH
The bases are in fair territory. A runner is out when hit by a fair batted
ball while touching a base, except when hit by an infield-fly or after the
ball has passed a fielder and no other fielder had a play on the ball.
If the runner is touching first or third, he is not out unless the ball
touches him over fair territory. If one foot is on the base and the other
is in foul ground and he is hit on the foul ground foot, he is not out. It
is a foul ball. (If the ball has not passed beyond first or third.)
Rules: 5.09(f), 7.08(f)
NO STEAL ON FOUL-TIP RULE MYTH
There is nothing foul about a foul-tip. If the ball nicks the bat and goes
to the catcher's glove and is caught, this is a foul-tip by definition. A
foul-tip is a strike and the ball is alive. It is the same as a
swing-and-miss. If the ball is not caught, it is a foul ball.
Rules: 2.00 FOUL-TIP, STRIKE
FLY BALL FORCE OUT RULE MYTH
A force play is when a runner is forced to advance because the batter
became a runner. When the batter is out on a caught fly, all forces are
removed. An out on an a failure to tag-up, is NOT a force out. Any runs
that cross the plate before this out will count.
Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, 4.09
MISSED BASE APPEAL RULE MYTH
A runner must touch all the bases. If the runner misses a base to which he
was forced because the batter became a runner and is put out before
touching that base, the out is still a force play. If this is the third
out, no runs may score. The base can be touched or the runner can be
touched, either way it's a force out.
Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, TAG, 7.08(e),
7.10(b)
OUT OF THE BASELINE RULE MYTH
The runner MUST avoid a fielder attempting to field a BATTED ball. A
runner is out for running out of the baseline, only when attempting to
avoid a tag.
Rules: 7.08(a), 7.09(L)
NO ADVANCE ON INFIELD FLY RULE
MYTH
An Infield-fly is no different than any other fly ball in regard to the
runners. The only difference is that they are never forced to advance
because the batter is out whether the ball is caught or not.
Rules: 2.00 INFIELD-FLY, 6.05(e),
7.10(a)
NO RUN ON THIRD OUT RULE MYTH
Yes it can. This is not a force play. A force play is when a runner is
forced to advance because the batter became a runner. When the batter is
out on a caught fly, all forces are removed. An out on an a failure to
tag-up, is NOT a force out. Any runs that cross the plate before this out
will count.
Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, 4.09,
7.10(a)
NO HIT ON BOUNCED PITCH RULE MYTH
A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't
matter how it gets to the batter. The batter may hit any pitch that is
thrown. A pitch that bounces before reaching the plate may never be a
called strike or a legally caught third strike.
Rule: 2.00 PITCH. (If the ball does not
cross the foul line, it is not a pitch.)
NO FIRST BASE ON BOUNCED PITCH RULE
MYTH
A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. It doesn't
matter how it gets to the batter. If the batter is hit by a pitch while
attempting to avoid it, he is awarded first base.
Rules: 2.00 PITCH, 6.08(b).
2 SECOND CATCH RULE MYTH
A catch is legal when the umpire judges that the fielder has COMPLETE
control of the ball. The release of the ball must be voluntary and
intentional.
Rule: 2.00 CATCH
FOOT TAG RULE MYTH
You can tag a base with ANY part of the body.
Rules: 2.00 FORCE PLAY, PERSON, TAG,
7.08(e)
DEAD BALL ON BALK RULE MYTH
In Federation rules it is, not in any others. If a throw or pitch is made
after the balk call, the ball is delayed dead. At the end of the play the
balk may be enforced or not depending on what happened. On a throw; if ALL
runners advance on the play, the balk is ignored. If not, the balk award
is enforced from the time of pitch. On a pitch; if ALL runners INCLUDING
the batter, advance on the play, the balk is ignored. Otherwise, it is
no-pitch and the balk award is made from the time of the pitch.
Rule: 8.05 PENALTY
FAIR FEET, FAIR BALL RULE MYTH
The position of the player's feet or any other part of the body is
irrelevant. A ball is judged fair or foul based on the relationship
between the ball and the ground at the time the ball is touched by the
fielder.
Rule: 2.00 FAIR, FOUL
APPEAL RULE MYTH
An appeal may be made anytime the ball is alive. The only time the ball
must go to the pitcher, is when time is out. The ball cannot be made live
until the pitcher has the ball while on the rubber and the umpire says
"Play." If time is not out, the appeal can be made immediately.
Rule: 2.00 APPEAL, 5.11, 7.10
FALSE WINDUP RULE MYTH
A pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher. If the ball is
not delivered, it is not a pitch. Therefore it cannot be a ball. If this
happens with runners on base it is a balk. The rule for LL is different.
It is an illegal pitch and a ball with or without runners on base.
Rule: 2.00 PITCH.
MUST SET TO PICK RULE MYTH
The pitcher is required to come to a complete stop in the Set position
before delivering the pitch, not before making a throw.
Rule: 8.05(m)
MUST STEP OFF RUBBER TO PICK RULE
MYTH
If the pitcher steps off the rubber he is no longer the pitcher, he is a
fielder. He can throw to a base from the rubber, provided he does not
break any of the rules under rule 8.05
FIELDER OVER THE FENCE HOMERUN RULE
MYTH
As long as the fielder is not touching the ground in dead ball territory
when he catches the ball, it is a legal catch if he holds onto the ball
and meets the definition of a catch. If the catch is not the third out and
the fielder falls down in dead ball territory after catching the ball, all
runners are awarded one base. If the fielder remains on his feet in dead
ball territory after the catch, the ball is alive and he may make a play.
(Except FED in which case the ball is dead and 1 base is awarded.)
Rules: 2.00 CATCH, 5.10(f), 6.05(a),
7.04(c)
DEAD BALL WHEN UMPIRE IS HIT RULE
MYTH
If an umpire is hit by a batted ball before it passes a fielder, the ball
is dead. On any other batted or thrown ball, the ball is alive when the
umpire is hit with the ball. Umpire interference also occurs when the
plate umpire interferes with the catcher's attempt to prevent a stolen
base.
Rules: 2.00 INTERFERENCE, 5.09(b),
5.09(f)
HOME PLATE UMPIRE RULE MYTH
The umpire who made a call or ruling may ask for help if he wishes. No
umpire may overrule another umpire's call.
Rules: 9.02(b, c)