League Rules
Majors Division
2013 MAJORS DIVISION RULES
GAME CONDUCT FOR PLAYERS AND STAFF
- All players, coaches and parents must display good sportsmanship at all times. Taunting, profanity, throwing of equipment or arguing or fighting with other players, coaches or umpires is not allowed. Any violations will be punished with ejection from the current game and suspension from the next game or possibly the rest of the season.
- Cheer all good plays
- Cooperate with your manager/coaches, teammates opponents and umpires
- Comments directed to the umpire from players and parents are strictly prohibited
- Parents are not allowed in dugouts, or on the foul lines; Parents and all other spectators should be seated in the terrace above the field, game will be stopped until the field is cleared. The only exception is in the batting cages
PLAYING RULES
Game Time: Game time is 2 hours, 15 minutes. No inning can start with 20 minutes or less remaining in game. No extra inning games until the playoffs.
Forfeits: Team with 8 (or less) players becomes visiting team and bats first; if they can not field nine players by the time they take the field, they will forfeit the game; if there is a forfeit, you are still required to play the game with umpires.
Uniforms: Shirts tucked in and hats worn straight for all players, managers, coaches, and safety coordinators. Managers and players are NOT to wear their hats turned around at anytime during the game.
Run Limit: There is NO 5 run per inning rule in this division.
Mercy Rule: 10 run mercy rule at any point after the 4th inning (losing team must have at least 4 innings at bat). Play out the game to insure players get their allotted innings played.
Player Rotation: All players are in the batting order for the entire game and the order can not be changed after the first pitch of your first turn at bat. Each player must play 3 innings in the field in every 6 inning game and at least two if the game is shortened for any reason.
Extra Hitters: All players must be in the lineup.
Pitchers: Pitch count rule: up to 20 pitches (0 days rest), 21-35 (1 day rest), 36-50 (2 days rest), 51-65 (3 days rest), more than 66 (4 days rest.) 75 pitches maximum per day for 10 year olds, 85 maximum per day for 11-12 year olds. However, a pitcher may “finish a batter” and still be eligible for the threshold he has just passed. 6 warm up pitches between innings; coaches can warm up pitchers only if there are no available bench players; 8 pitches or one minute of warm up for relief pitcher; 3 hit batters in a game or 2 in one inning and pitcher must be replaced; a pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches may not catch for the entire day. If a player catches for at least 3 outs in a game, he may not pitch more than 40 pitches in that game. For this season only – because of the lack of preseason practice time – all pitchers are restricted to a max of 70 pitches for the first three weeks of the season.
Sliding: required on close plays at umpire’s discretion, runner must make attempt to get around fielder and avoid contact; player may slide head first ONLY back to base on pick off move or in a rundown.
On Deck Circles: There are no on deck circles on our diamonds. Players may not swing the bats prior to approaching the batter’s box.
Throwing Bats: If a player throws a bat after a hit, the umpire will warn both benches. The next player to throw a bat will be automatically out.
Running for Catchers: courtesy runner must run for catcher if catcher is on base with two outs. The runner is the last batter to make out.
Overthrows: one base on overthrows to first and third as long as the ball travels beyond the coaches boxes and the out of bounds line. If the ball is between the line and the box in the outfield, it will be in the umpire’s discretion to allow more than one base.
Dropped Third Strike: If a third strike (swinging or looking) is dropped by the catcher and first base is open (or there are two outs), the runner may try to advance to first base. If the runner goes into the dugout, he is out and the play is over.
Safety: all male players must wear cups with jock or sliding pants; make sure catchers mask has throat protector; players must in be inside dugout and no non-players or parents in dugout during game.
Appeals: Time out must be called before next pitch and the manager can ask the umpire that made the call for an explanation or appeal. There will be no arguing or walking out on the field. If a manager argues, he will get a warning or will be ejected in the umpires’ discretion.
Concussions: If a player is hit in the head by a ball, bat, other player or object and there is a possibility of a concussion, the player must be removed from the game and not allowed to return to play on that day. In addition, the player should be checked out by his physician prior to returning to his team.
The complete rules for our league are detailed in the Little League International 2013 rulebook.
AAA Minors Division
1. There is a five (5) run per inning limit, except that a play in progress may finish. The last inning of a game will have no limit to the number of runs that may be scored.
2. Ten-run Mercy Rule. A team that is down by ten (10) runs or more will concede the game after 3 ½ or 4 innings of play. The game may continue, if time will allow, but the team that was up by the 10 runs, wins the game regardless of the final score.
3. Each player will play at least 2 innings on defense when that team plays 4 four defensive innings
Each player will play at least 3 innings on defense when that team plays 5 or 6 defensive innings.
Every player bats no offensive substitutions.
4. Pitch count restrictions per day, based on age:
For pitchers – 11 max 85 pitches
For pitchers -10 max 75 pitches
For pitchers - 9 max 65 pitches
5. Pitchers in AAA division must adhere to the following rest requirements: If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed. If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed. If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar day of rest must be observed. If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed. If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, (0) calendar day of rest needed. However, a pitcher may “finish a batter” and still be eligible for the threshold he has just passed.
Pitching and Catching in same day:
If you catch 4 innings or more you can not pitch

If you pitch more than 41 pitches you can not catch

If you catch one inning or more you can only pitch 40
6. If a pitcher hits three (3) batters in a game, that player can no longer pitch in that game.
7. Two (2) adult base Coaches' are permitted, provided one (1) adult coach is in the dugout.
8. Games will last 6 innings or will end at the appointed time 2 hours, 15 minutes. No inning will start with 20 minutes or less left in the game
9. No “head first” sliding when advancing a base---runner will be called out. This Rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a base from a run down or pick-off situation.
10. On close plays runners must slide or avoid contact or they will be called out. No intentional contact is permitted.
11. No “on deck” batting circle.
12. A courtesy runner (who shall be the player that made the second out) is required to run for the catcher where there are two (2) outs and the catcher is on base.
13. All male pitchers and catchers must wear a cup.
14. No players are allowed to stand outside the dugout fence.
15. No taunting, profanity, throwing of equipment or charging the umpire. Also, no yelling or screaming from the dugout at players and umpires.
16. If a manager, coach, scorekeeper or player is ejected from a game, he or she may be suspended from the team’s next game.
17. If there is a protest on a rule interpretation, it must be lodged before the next pitch.
18. If you feel a player is safe or out, you can only appeal to the umpire who made the call before the next pitch; that umpire will consult with their partner to see who had the better angle.
19. If a player throws a bat while batting they are automatically out, and the play continues.
20. No player will be allowed to play without a full uniform – team hat, pants, and shirt unless approved by umpire.
21. Only one (1) offensive timeout per inning.
22. Each game will start on time. If a team has less than nine (9) players at game time, then they become the visiting team and bat first. If after their at bat and 15 minutes after game start time they still do not have nine (9) players, then the game will be called a forfeit. Forfeited games can be played as a scrimmage.
23. One base on overthrows to first or third base. An overthrow is defined as a throw which goes beyond the Coaches' box at first and third bases. A throw which does not go beyond the Coaches' box is still in play and runners may advance at will.
24. Balls lost in the outfield shrubbery/trees will be considered ground rule triples.
25 There is no stealing home on a wild pitch or passed ball.
26 There is no stealing home on double steals even when catcher throws to second. However if on the throw the ball is overthrown into the outfield the ball is considered live and in play and the runners can advance at will. This will be a judgment call by the umpire.
27. There is no advancing to a base once a catcher has begun to throw the ball to the pitcher (i.e., no delayed stealing).
AA MINORS DIVISION
1. There is a four (4) run per inning limit, except that a play in progress may finish. The last inning of a game will have a no limit to the number of runs that may be scored.
2. 5 balls per at bat before a batter advances to first on a walk. No changes to strikes - 3 strikes and the batter is out.
3. Ten-run Mercy Rule. A team that is down by ten (10) runs or more will concede the game after 3 ½ or 4 innings of play. The game may continue, if time will allow, but the team that was up by the 10 runs, wins the game regardless of the final score.
4. Each player will play at least 2 innings on defense when that team plays 4 four defensive innings
Each player will play at least 3 innings on defense when that team plays 5 or 6 defensive innings.
Every player bats no offensive substitutions.
5. Pitch count restrictions per day, based on age: For pitchers – 10 max 75 pitches
For pitchers -9 max 65 pitches
For pitchers - 8 max 55 pitches
6. Pitchers in AA division must adhere to the following rest requirements:
- If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar day of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
- If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day , (0) calendar day of rest needed.
7. If a pitcher hits three (3) batters in a game, that player can no longer pitch in that game.
8. A pitcher who has been taken out may not re-enter the game as a pitcher even if he or she is still under their pitch count for the day.
9. Two (2) adult base Coaches' are permitted, provided one (1) adult coach is in the dugout.
10. Games will last 6 innings or will end at the appointed time 2 hours and 15 mins. No full inning will start with 20 minutes or less left in the game
11. No “head first” sliding when advancing a base---runner will be called out. This Rule does not apply when a runner is returning to a base from a run down or pick-off situation.
12. On close plays runners must slide or avoid contact or they will be called out. No intentional contact is permitted.
13. No “on deck” batting circle.
14. A courtesy runner (who shall be the player that made the second out) is required to run for the catcher where there are two (2) outs and the catcher is on base.
15. All male pitchers and catchers must wear a cup.
16. No players are allowed to stand outside the dugout fence.
17. No taunting, profanity, throwing of equipment or charging the umpire. Also, no yelling or screaming from the dugout at players and umpires.
18. If a manager, coach, scorekeeper or player is ejected from a game, he or she may be suspended from the team’s next game.
19. If there is a protest on a rule interpretation, it must be lodged before the next pitch.
20. If you feel a player is safe or out, you can only appeal to the umpire who made the call before the next pitch; that umpire will consult with their partner to see who had the better angle.
21. If a player throws a bat while batting they are automatically out, and the play continues.
22. No player will be allowed to play without a full uniform – team hat, pants, and shirt unless approved by umpire.
23. Only one (1) offensive timeout per inning.
24. Each game will start on time. If a team has less than nine (9) players at game time, then they become the visiting team and bat first. If after their at bat and 15 minutes after game start time they still do not have nine (9) players, then the game will be called a forfeit. Forfeited games can be played as a scrimmage.
25. One base on overthrows to first or third base. An overthrow is defined as a throw which goes beyond the Coaches' box at first and third bases. A throw which does not go beyond the Coaches' box is still in play and runners may advance at will.
26. Balls lost in the outfield shrubbery/trees will be considered ground rule triples.
27.There is no stealing home on a wild pitch or passed ball.
28. There is no stealing home on double steals even when catcher throws to second.
29. There is no advancing to a base once a catcher has begun to throw the ball to the pitcher (i.e., no delayed stealing).
30. 10 players in the field (4 outfielders). The 10th player must be an outfielder
JUNIOR MINORS UPPER DIVISION (JMU)
RULES
Games will be six innings. Or two hours. Whichever comes first. In the HIGHLY unlikely event that you finish six innings in under two hours you can feel free to stay and play a seventh inning or play running bases or whatever you want...the field time is still yours for the full two hours.

***4-RUN PER INNING MERCY RULE (NEW RULE FOR 2011)
Except in last inning of game when there is no mercy rule. Coordinate with the ump and your opposing manger to declare "last inning" if you realize that you are entering the 5th (or 4th, or 3rd) inning and will not have time to get to an additional inning. There is NO CONTINUATION allowed...in other words no more than 5 runs will be allowed to be scored in any inning except the last.


PITCHING:

1) The first three innings of each game will be kid pitch. The remainder will be coach pitch.

2) Kids will pitch to the OPPOSING team, not their own. Coaches, however, will pitch to their own teams.

3) Kids should pitch from in front of the normal mound, approximately 35 feet from home plate. Set a marker for the rubber (or better yet use a rubber one from a set of rubber bases if you have one) so that both teams are going from the same spot.

4) 8 pitch limit per batter. When an at-bat reaches 8 pitches due to pitcher wildness then the coach will pitch the remainder of that at-bat. (Clause: If an at-bat reaches 8 pitches due to repeated foul balls, then the pitcher may continue until he has thrown 4 straight balls and then the coach takes
over.)
5) Pitch limit: 30 pitches per kid or one full inning, whichever comes first. Both teams are responsible for their own pitch counts. The idea here is to: A) not burn out these young kids' arms and B) to make sure that lots of different kids get a chance to pitch and C) to keep one great pitcher
from dominating a game.

6) Called strikes: there will be called strikes (and strikeouts on called third strikes) during kid pitching, coach and machine pitching.
7) Walks: none

8) Hit by kid pitch: take first base

9) Balks: none

10) Balls are not live on throws back from catcher...no matter how sloppy that exchange is no baserunners can advance.


PITCHING MACHINES:

It is your responsibility (shared with the opposing team) to take the pitching machine out of the shed and put it back at the end of the game...unless there is another JMU, or JML game to follow on that field. Do NOT roll it on its wheel to get it out there, instead take it apart into two pieces and carry it. Yes, rolling it is easier, but it creates grooves on the rubber wheel and leads to wild pitches.


BATTING ORDERS
:
You are free to set whatever batting order you like, but please keep the order the same every week and start the following week's game by batting whoever was on deck when the final out was made the previous week. That way all kids will have equal number of at bats during the season. I always found batting them in the order of their uniform numbers was the easiest way to do it. Your call.


STEALING
: There is none.


OVERTHROWS: 
One base on an overthrow.

DEFENSIVE 
POSITIONS: 
We play 10 in the field (4 outfielders). Move players to different positions every two innings.