Little League Baseball

• Safety and sportsmanship are the priority.
• Instruct and teach FUNdamentals to the players.
• Help opposing players and coaches in any way you can.
• Keep control of the players on the bench.
• Teamwork is important. Make all players feel comfortable.
• After the game, line the players up and shake hands with a good sportsmanship attitude: good game, nice play, etc.
• Batting helmets and bases must be kept in the field box.
• If there are any accidents – write out a report and forward it to the T-ball League Commissioner.
• Games should be no longer than 1 ½ hours. Keep the game shorter if the conditions are cold, dark, rainy, etc.
• No scores will be kept. The book is for the lineup only.
• Players MUSThave a batting helmet on before picking up a bat. NO on deck swinging of the bat.
• Play ALL players in the field.
• Coaches may be on the field with the team.
• Remind the fielders that the runners have right of way to the bases.

The purpose of this league is to develop the skills of our young players and to foster an interest in the sport of baseball. At all times, please keep in mind the safety of the young players in your charge.

GENERAL RULES: 

• Safety and sportsmanship are the priority.
• Instruct and teach FUNdamentals to the players.
• Help opposing players and coaches in any way you can.
• Keep control of the players on the bench.
• Teamwork is important. Make all players feel comfortable.
• After the game, line the players up and shake hands with a good sportsmanship attitude: good game, nice play, etc.
• Batting helmets, bases and the pitching machine must be kept in the field box.
• If there are any accidents – Online Injury Report

FORMAT OF THE GAME:

• Length of Game –90 minutes, which includes a warm up period.

• Postponement of a Game– If game postponed for this or any other reason, reschedule with the Pee Wee League Commissioner and the other manager.
• Score– No scores will be kept. The book is for the lineup only.

UP AT BAT:

• Players MUST have a batting helmet on before picking up a bat to warm up.
• Only 1player on deck (with helmet on). The team at bat will provide a coach to work the pitching machine.
• ..  , Coaches pitch the entire game for the first 3 games played.   Allow the players to try to hit the ball for up to 8 pitches. Then, if the player still has not made contact, the coach should elect to use a Tee.
• teams shall change after 3 outs are made or all players present bat.
• ,, On the fourth game kid pitch will be introduced.  Coaches will pitch the first 2 innings and the rest of the game will be kid pitch. Play 3 outs or one time through the lineup.
• On a hit ball, the batter and runners on base may advance as many bases as they can.  Once the ball reaches the infield, the runners must stop at the next available base.
• No base runners can move up on an overthrow. Advances are not allowed after the ball comes back into the infield.

IN THE FIELD:

• Play ALL players in the field. Maintain a normal infield and position the rest of the players in the outfield.
• Catchers are encouraged, but players must have a cup on to play catcher and must wear all protective catchers gear.
• Rotate players so that each fielder has an opportunity to play in the infield at least once per game.
• Coaches may be on the field with the team to provide instruction, but should never interfere in any way with the play.
• These coaches should also be the umpires.
• Remind the fielders that the runners have the right of way to the bases.

The purpose of this league is to develop our young players.  All coaches are encouraged to develop multiple players at the skill positions in the infield and on the mound.  At all times, please keep in mind the safety of the young players in your charge.

GENERAL

• Games will be played in accordance with the basic rules of baseball as specifically amended by these rules.  Basic rules of baseball will be taken as those stated in the Little League Official Rules.

LENGTH AND FORMAT OF THE GAME

• Regulation Game– A regulation game is 6 innings long unless modified by one of the rules below.
• Official Game– A game is considered official after 4 complete innings or 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead.  The games called before they are “official” shall be rescheduled on a date set by the Junior League Commissioner.  A “called game” will be restarted at the point of suspension.
• Time Limitations– No inning may  start later than 30 minutes before the start of the next scheduled game (on Saturday).  Until daylight savings time, no inning may start after 8:00 PM.  If, in the judgment of the umpire, it is too dark to continue play, the umpire has the authority to call the game.  Games are limited to no more than 2 hours.  In the case of extra inning games, the above limitations apply.
• Line-ups– Players’ names shall be listed in batting order and given to the opposing manager before each game.  Each player can take his turn at bat even if he is not playing the field that inning.  If a player arrives late, he will be placed at the end of the original batting order.
• Number of Players– A maximum of 9 players can play in the field at any time.   No team may start a game with fewer than 8 players.
• Player Eligibility– Players who demonstrate poor sportsmanship, may be disciplined by sitting out extra innings and/or excluded from the next game at the manager’s discretion and/or the Junior League Commissioner.
• Substitutions– There are unlimited substitutions.  On teams with 11 players, no player may sit on the bench for more than one inning.  On teams with 12 or 13 players, each player must sit out at least one inning, and no player may sit out for more than two innings.
• Batting – Teams must bat through all players present.  A team will remain at bat until there are three outs in any inning or until 10batters bat. In the last inning of the game, teams will bat until there are three outs.

EQUIPMENT

• Uniforms– Complete uniforms are required to be worn during the game.  Team hats must be worn at all times on the field.
• Protective Helmets– All batters and base runners must wear approved protective helmets.
• Bat Restrictions– All bats must have the “Little League” approved endorsement.
• Baseballs – Each team shall supply one new baseball for each game.
• Cleats – Metal cleats are prohibited.
• Protective Cup– Catchers are required to wear cups.  It is recommended (but not required) that all other players wear a cup.

BASE RUNNING

• Stealing and Leading–  Limited stealing ( four per inning) will be allowed  the entire game in accordance with the following:
• Player may only leave first base/second base when pitched ball reaches the catcher.  There will be no stealing of home base and Leading is not allowed.
• If Umpire determines that runner left prior to the ball reaching the catcher, runner will be returned to original base and issued a warning.  If runner attempts to steal again during same ½ inning and leaves early, runner will be called out.
• The base runner is only entitled to one base on a steal.  (ex. Runner on first steals second.  He may not take third on a wild throw) If a player proceeds past second base in a steal situation, despite the fact that he is not allowed to go to third base, then that player may be tagged out at any time unless and until he makes it safely back  to second base.
• A runner will be called out if they do not slide or avoid a collision with a defensive player. (see rules on Running into a Defensive Player).
• Dropped Third Strike– The batter may NOT attempt to reach first base on a dropped third strike .
• Overthrown Ball– If an overthrown ball goes outside the area of play, the runners shall advance to the base they were going to at the time the ball was thrown and shall be awarded the next base.
• Runner Hit by Batted Ball– If a base runner is touched by a batted ball in fair territory before the ball was touched by a defensive player, the base runner is out and the ball is declared dead.  Other base runners must return to their previously occupied base unless they are forced to advance because the batter would be awarded first base.
• Infield Fly Rule– The infield fly rule will not apply.
• Tagging Up– The runner may tag up to advance on a fly ball caught anywhere within the field of play.
• Running into a Defensive Player– Base runners must slide or avoid defensive players.  A base runner may not run into a defensive player or attempt to knock a defensive player out of the play.  A base runner may slide into a base guarded by a player.  If an umpire determines that a base runner intentionally runs into a defensive player, the umpire will declare the base runner out.  The ball is dead and no other base runners may advance.

PITCHING

• Eligibility – Once a player is removed from the pitcher’s position, that player may not reenter the game as a pitcher.  A pitcher may only pitch a maximum of 50 pitches or a maximum of 3 innings, whichever comes first.  A pitcher who hits 2 batters in the same inning must be removed.
• Trips to the Mound– A manager or coach may take two trips to the mound in an inning.  On the third trip, the pitcher must be removed.  Only one person may go to the mound at a time.
• Balks– Balks will not be called in the Junior League.
• Intentional Walks– Managers may not instruct a pitcher to intentionally walk a batter.  Violation of this rule shall result in the batter being awarded second base and all other base runners being advanced accordingly.
• Pitching Rules– A ball that hits the plate is a ball.  A bounced ball that hits a player is not a hit by pitch.
• Strike Zone– The strike zone extends from the shoulder to the knees of the batter, and from two inches of either side of home plate.

SPORTSMANSHIP

• Sportsmanship– Without curbing the competitive desire to win, managers and coaches should always strive to maintain an atmosphere of sportsmanship on the playing field.  Some specific guidelines are:
• Teach your players baseball fundamentals and game strategy.
• Encourage your players but avoid remarks which might be insulting or humiliating to both your players and the players on the opposing team.
• Take responsibility for parents of your players who do not comply with the League’s views on sportsmanship.  Quiet disgruntled parents.
• The catcher may “yell” encouragement to his teammates but may not talk to the batter.  No defensive player should encourage or intimidate a batter to swing at a pitch.
• Zero tolerance for abusing or yelling at any Junior Umpire.  If there is a rules infraction, discuss the infraction with the umpire. If you disagree with an umpire’s judgment, keep it to yourself and control your players.  If an umpire is consistently making the same judgment error, discuss the issue with the opposing manager and approach the umpire jointly.  Managers should report poor umpiring to the Junior League Commissioner.
• Be flexible and compromise on minor technicalities when this is in the player’s interest.
• Penalty for Poor Sportsmanship– Players, managers and coaches exhibiting poor sportsmanship will be warned by the umpire in the presence of the manager.  A second display of poor sportsmanship will result in automatic ejection from the game by the umpire.  A manager or coach may be ejected, if in the opinion of the umpire, the manager or coach is promoting or unwilling to control any unsportsmanlike conduct.  The GR Little League President may impose sanctions against players, managers and coaches who exhibit poor sportsmanship.
• Field Discipline– All players must remain on the bench or behind protected areas while the game is in progress, unless they are on the playing field.  Only designated coaches shall be allowed at 1st and 3rd base during the game.  No players, coaches, parents, etc. shall be allowed behind the backstop during the game.

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

• Field– Both team managers should arrive at the field in sufficient time to insure the field is free of debris, playable, and to correct any problems.  A delay in starting a game due to field conditions will not push back the starting times of the remaining games.
• Equipment– The home team shall be responsible for positioning and removing the bases, collecting and returning protective helmets and locking the equipment box.
• Copy of Rules– Each team is responsible for having a copy of these rules available for review by an umpire.
• Decision on Field Conditions– The decision on whether the fields are usable is made by the DPW.  If the field is deemed usable by the DPW, but the field conditions at game time are questionable, the home team Manager (in consultation with opposing Manager) shall decide if the game is to be started.  After the first pitch, the plate umpire shall be the sole authority regarding continued play, especially regarding darkness.
• Forfeits – The plate umpire shall declare a game forfeited in favor of the opposing team when, after being warned by the umpire, a team:
• Refuses to continue to play.
• Uses methods to delay or shorten a game.
• Fails to discontinue rules violations.

INJURIES

• Player Injury– A player may be removed from the game at any time because of injury.  He may return to the game at a later time at the discretion of the manager.  If an injured player is unable to bat, no penalty shall be assessed.  An injured player who misses an “at bat” but subsequently returns to the lineup shall assume his original batting order position.
• Injury Reports– Any injury sustained in a practice or a game must be reported via Online Injury Report

PLAYOFFS, CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND ALL STAR GAMES

• Rules– All League rules shall apply to post season games unless amended by the League Commissioner.  All teams will make the playoffs.  The seeding will be determined by a random drawing at the end of the season.
• All Star Selection– Each manager will select 2 players from his team.  Managers will be picking only second year players to participate in the All Star Game.
• All Star Pitching– The pitchers may not pitch more than 2 innings.

GENERAL

Games will be played in accordance with the basic rules of baseball as specifically amended by these rules. Basic rules of baseball will be taken as those stated in the Little League Official Rules.

LENGTH AND FORMAT OF THE GAME

1. Regulation Game– A regulation game is 6 innings long unless modified by one of the rules below.
2. Official Game– A game is considered official after 4 complete innings or 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead. The games called before they are “official” shall be rescheduled on a date set by the Pony League Commissioner. A “called game” must be restarted from the point of suspension.
3. Time Limitations– No inning may  start later than 20 minutes before the start of the next scheduled game. Until daylight savings time, no inning may start after 8:00 PM. If, in the judgment of the umpire, it is too dark to continue play, the umpire has the authority to call the game. In the case of extra inning games, the above limitations apply.
4. Line-ups– Players’ names shall be listed in batting order and given to the opposing manager before each game. Managers shall willingly offer the score book and lie-up sheet to other managers to verify pitching eligibility.
5. Minimum Number of Players– No team may start a game with less than 8 players. If the minimum number of players are not available, the game is forfeited. During a game, fewer than 8 players may be permitted if injury causes a team to lose the services of 1 player. No game may be played with less than 7 players. If the game is not “official” and fewer than 7 players are available, the game is forfeited.
6. Player Eligibility– Players absent from practice or a game without legitimate reason, or demonstrate poor sportsmanship, may be disciplined by sitting out extra innings and/or excluded from the next game at the manager’s discretion and/or the Pony League Commissioner.
7. Substitutions– If 10 or more players are present, no player may sit a 2nd inning before ALL players sit one inning.  Similarly, no player may sit a 3rd inning until ALL players sit two innings.
8. Batting Order– All players present must be in the batting order.  At the beginning of each game, the manager will list all of the available players in a batting order to the opposing manager. Each player must bat in the order reflected on the list regardless of whether or not he played in the field in that inning or the preceding innings. The batting order can not be changed during the game, unless a player has left the game or if a player has arrived after the start of the game (first pitch). If a player is listed in the batting order but is not present at the time of his initial plate appearance, his position in the batting order will be scratched. If the player subsequently arrives, he will be placed at the end of the original batting order. A team will remain at bat until there are three outs in any inning or until 10 batters bat. In the last inning of the game, teams will bat until there are three outs.

LAYOUT OF THE DIAMOND 

9. Bases– The distance between all bases shall be 60 feet.
10. Pitchers Rubber– The distance between the rear point of home plate and the front side of the pitcher’s rubber shall be 46 feet. Pitchers must be in contact with the rubber at the point of release of pitch.

EQUIPMENT

11. Uniforms– League-authorized T-shirts and a baseball cap are required to be worn during the game.
12. Protective Helmets– All batters and base runners must wear approved protective helmets.
13. Bat Restrictions– The Bat shall bear the USA Baseball logo signifying that the bat meets the USABat – USA Baseball’s Youth Bat Performance Standard. It shall not be more than 33 inches in length; nor more than 2⅝ inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30″) at its smallest part. Wood bats taped or fitted with a sleeve may not exceed sixteen (16) inches from the small end. Solid one-piece wood barrel bats do not require a USA Baseball logo.
14. Baseballs – Each team must supply one new baseball for each game.
15. Cleats – Metal cleats are prohibited.
16. Protective Cup– Catchers are required to wear cups. It is recommended (but not required) that all other players wear a cup.

BASE RUNNING 

17. Stealing– Stealing is permitted once the ball has passed home plate or while the ball is “in play”. The defense must force the lead runner to tag up. (Throwing the ball to the mound does not freeze the runners.)  Once this has happened, the ball may be returned to the pitcher and then – no base runner may advance. A base runner leaving before the ball crosses home plate will be declared “out” after one team warning has been issued to any base runner from the team. Leaving early is a “dead ball” infraction – the pitch counts but other base runners must return to their original bases.
18. Dropped Third Strike– The batter is out on a dropped third strike and cannot advance. Base runners can advance at their own risk.
19. Leading– Leading is not permitted. Leading is a violation of the stealing rule.
20. Overthrown Ball– If an overthrown ball goes outside the area of play, the runners shall advance to the base they were going to at the time the ball was thrown and shall be awarded the next base.
21. Runner Hit by Batted Ball– If a base runner is touched by a batted ball in fair territory before the ball was touched by a defensive player, the base runner is out and the ball is declared dead. Other base runners must return to their previously occupied base unless they are forced to advance because the  batter would be awarded first base.
22. Infield Fly Rule– The infield fly rule will apply.
23. Running into a Defensive Player– Base runners must slide or avoid defensive players.  A base runner may not run into a defensive player or attempt to knock a defensive player out of the play. A base runner may slide into a base guarded by a player. If an umpire determines that a base runner intentionally runs into a defensive player, the umpire will declare the base runner out. The ball is dead and no other base runners may advance.

PITCHING

24. Eligibility – A player may pitch no more than 50 pitches or 3 innings, whichever comes first. The delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning.
25. Pitching in Relief– The manager must inform the home plate umpire and the opposing manager of a pitching change. Unless injured, the relief pitcher must pitch to a minimum of one batter. Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning. A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch the same game.
26. Trips to the Mound– A manager or coach may take only one trip to the mound per inning. On the second trip to the mound, the pitcher must be removed. Only one person may go to the mound at a time.
27. Balks– Balks will not be called in the Pony League
28. Intentional Walks– Managers may not instruct a pitcher to intentionally walk a batter. Violation of this rule shall result in the batter being awarded second base and all other base runners being advanced accordingly.
29. Hit Batters– A pitcher who hits 2 batters in the same inning or 3 batters in the same game must be removed.

SPORTSMANSHIP

31. Sportsmanship– Without curbing the competitive desire to win, managers and coaches should always strive to maintain an atmosphere of sportsmanship on the playing field. Some specific guidelines are:

• Teach your players baseball fundamentals and game strategy.
• Encourage your players but avoid remarks which might be insulting or humiliating to both your players and the players on the opposing team.
• Take responsibility for parents of your players who do not comply with the League’s views on sportsmanship. Quiet disgruntled parents.
• The catcher may “yell” encouragement to his teammates but may not talk to the batter. No defensive player should encourage or intimidate a batter to swing at a pitch.
• Avoid abusing or yelling at an umpire. If there is a rules infraction, discuss the infraction with the umpire. If you disagree with an umpire’s judgment, keep it to yourself and control your players. If an umpire is consistently making the same judgment error, discuss the issue with the opposing manager and approach the umpire jointly. Report poor umpiring to the Pony League Commissioner.
• Be flexible and compromise on minor technicalities when this is in the player’s interest.

32. Penalty for Poor Sportsmanship– Players, managers and coaches exhibiting poor sportsmanship will be warned by the umpire in the presence of the manager. A second display of poor sportsmanship will result in automatic ejection from the game by the umpire. A manager or coach may be ejected, if in the opinion of the umpire, the manager or coach is promoting or unwilling to control any unsportsmanlike like conduct. The Pony League Commissioner may impose sanctions against players, managers and coaches who exhibit poor sportsmanship.
33. Field Discipline– All players must remain on the bench or behind protected areas while the game is in progress, unless they are on the playing field. Only designated coaches shall be allowed at 1st and 3rd base during the game. No players, coaches, parents, etc. shall be allowed behind the backstop during the game.

TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES

34. Field– Both team managers should arrive at the field in sufficient time to insure the field is free of debris, playable, and to correct any problems. A delay in starting a game due to field conditions will not push back the starting times of the remaining games.
35. Equipment– The home team shall be responsible for positioning and removing the bases, collecting and returning protective helmets and locking the equipment box.
36. Copy of Rules– Each team is responsible for having  a copy of these rules available for review by an umpire.
37. Decision on Field Conditions– Unless otherwise determined by the GR DPW Director, when field conditions are doubtful, the home team manager shall decide if the game is to be started. After the first pitch, the umpire shall be the sole authority regarding continued play, especially regarding darkness.

INJURIES

38. Player Injury– A player may be removed from the game at any time because of injury. He may return to the game at a later time at the discretion of the manager. If an injured player is unable to bat, no penalty shall be assessed. An injured player who misses an “at bat” but subsequently returns to the lineup shall assume his original batting order position.
39. Injury Reports– Any injury sustained in a practice or a game must be reported by filling out Online Injury Form

MISCELLANEOUS

40. Bunting– Bunting is permitted.
41. Forfeits – The plate umpire shall declare a game forfeited in favor of the opposing team when, after being warned by the umpire, a team 1) Refuses to continue to play, 2) Uses methods to delay or shorten a game, 3) Fails to discontinue rules violations.
42. Game Postponements– A manager may request postponement of a game if he is unable to field a minimum of 8 players due to school, religious, or other conflicting events. This request must be made to the Pony League Commissioner at least 24 hours before the scheduled starting time. The game shall not be deemed postponed unless the League Commissioner advises both managers of the postponement. At the time of the request for postponement, the manager must offer a suitable date and time for rescheduling the game. The date and time must be agreeable to the opposing manager. Games will not be allowed to be rescheduled just because a superior player is not available.
43. Protests– Protests will be considered only when based on the violation of the Rules and Regulations or the use of an ineligible player. No protests will be considered on a decision involving an umpire’s judgment.
44. Protest Procedure– The protesting manager shall immediately, and before any further play begins, notify the plate umpire and the opposing manager that the game is being played under protest and the reason for the protest. The protesting manager should notify the Pony League Commissioner of the protest, in writing, within 48 hours. No protests will be considered without the written report.
45. Protest Consideration– If, in the judgment of the GR Little League President that a protest has merit, the protest shall be decided by an arbitration panel consisting of the Vice President of Baseball and 2 League Commissioners.

PLAYOFFS, CHAMPIONSHIPS, AND ALL STAR GAMES 

46. Rules– All League rules shall apply to post season games unless amended by the Pony League Commissioner.
47. All Star Selection– How a player is selected by a team to participate in the All Star Game shall be left to the discretion of the Team Manager.
48. Number of All Star Selections– The number of All Star selections from each team shall be made by the Pony League Commissioner with the approval of the GRBA Vice President of Baseball.
49. All Star Pitching– The starting pitchers may not pitch more than 2 innings.
50. Length of All Star Game– The All Star game shall be 7 innings long to guarantee that each player will have at least 1 time at bat.
51. Playoff Seeding– All teams will be seeded according to regular season record.