KATY AMERICAN LITTLE LEAGUE GROUND RULES AND BYLAWS:
Welcome to Katy American Little League (KALL), a proud cornerstone of youth baseball in our community. Our mission is to create a positive, safe, and inclusive environment where every child has the opportunity to enjoy and grow through the game of baseball. At KALL, we are committed to providing not only a high-quality baseball experience but also fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and a lifelong love for the sport.
Please note that these ground rules are subject to change at the discretion of the current KALL Board of Directors to best meet the needs of our players, families, and community.
Pursuant to the authority of Rule 3.13 of Official regulations and playing rules (“L.L. Rules) promulgated by Little League Baseball, the Katy American Little League Board of Directors (hereafter referred to as the “Board”) has adopted these ground rules, which are applicable in addition to the L.L. Rules. The ground rules are applicable to all divisions of Katy American Little League (hereafter referred to as “KALL”), unless otherwise specified. Familiarity with the ground rules and appropriate L.L. Rules will eliminate most problems. In the event and conflict between the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” and the rules contained herein, the rules contained herein shall govern over KALL. These ground rules replace all previous ground rules adopted by KALL and are effective beginning February 27, 2019 and shall remain in effect until changed in writing by the Board.
GENERAL GROUND RULES:
The home team shall occupy the third (3rd) base dugout and the visitor team shall occupy the first (1st) base dugout.
Teams WILL use continuous batting order. Any player that arrives after the start of the game (any time prior to the game being called) shall be added to the bottom of the order and bat next time that spot in the order comes up. A player who due to injury or illness, cannot take his/her turn at bat may be passed WITHOUT penalty. However, that player may NOT reenter the game EITHER at bat or in the field. In the event a base runner cannot continue due to injury or illness, the batter or runner who made the LAST out shall be inserted to run for the injured runner. If no outs, then the last batter that scored or the batter that is available.
For batting out of order situation. A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when failing to bat in his/her proper turn, and another batter completes a time at bat in place of the proper batter. (A) The proper batter may take a position in the batter’s box at any time before the improper batter becomes a runner or is retired and any balls and strikes shall be counted in the proper batter’s time at bat. (B) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is retired, and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any play or attempted play, the umpire shall (1) declare the proper batter out; and (2) nullify any advance or score made because of a ball batted by the improper batter or because of the improper batter’s advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise. (NOTE: If a runner advances, while the improper batter is at bat, on a stolen base, illegal pitch [intermediate 50/70/JR/SR leagues a balk], wild pitch, or passed ball, such advance is legal) (C) When an improper batter becomes a runner or is retired, and a pitch is made to the next batter of either team before an appeal is made, the improper batter thereby becomes the proper batter, and the results of such time at bat becomes legal. (D) (1) When the proper batter is called out for failing to bat in turn, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter thus called out. (2) When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is made before the net pitch, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of such legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter’s actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with the name following that of the legalized improper batter.
Runner leaving base early in Minor 9’s and Minors. When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and in possession of the ball and the catcher is in the catcher’s box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter. The violation by one base runner shall affect all other base runners- (A) When a base runner leaves the base before the pitched ball has reached the batter and the batter does not hit the ball, the runner is permitted to continue. If a play is made on the runner and the runner is out, the out stands. If said runner reaches safely the base to which the runner is advancing, that runner must be returned to the base occupied before the pitch was made, and no out results. (B) When a base runner leaves the base before the pitched ball has reached the batter and the batter hits the ball, the base runner or runners are permitted to continue. If a play is made and the runner or runners are put out, the out or outs will stand. If not put out, the runner or runners must return to the original base or bases or to the unoccupied base nearest the one that was left; In no event shall the batter advance beyond first base on a single or error, second base on a double or third base on a triple. The Umpire shall determine the base value of the hit ball. (C) When any base runner leaves the base before the pitched ball has reached the batter and the batter bunts, or hits a ball within the infield, no run shall be allowed to score. If three runners were on the bases and the batter reached first base safely, each runner shall advance to the base beyond the one they occupied at the start of the play except the runner who occupied third base, that runner shall be removed from the base without a run being scored.
Each team must have a minimum of 7 players to start a game. If additional players show up during the game, they are to be inserted at the end of the batting order. If additional players do not show up then the Manager of the team with 7 players may play with 7 in the field, or at his option (with the other team agreeing without involvement in the decision), may request that the opposing team’s last batters of the previous inning play in the field for his team. The field position will be an outfield position determined by the Manager with 7 players. At the start of the game, the last batter in the opposing team’s lineup is eligible for field play. Outs will be taken automatically for 8th and 9th batters that are not present. If players show-up they will be added to the end of the lineup and no out will be taken for that spot and the team is no longer required to take the outs. Note: exception for T-Ball, games can be started with at least 5 players and for Rookie 6, games can start with 6 players. Note if a player has to leave the game and there are still at least 9 players then no out is taken. Outs will only be taken once a team drops below 9 players.
There is NO must slide rule. Rule 7.08 reads, “Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or does not attempt to avoid contact with the defensive player who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag.” It shall be the umpire’s judgment, not subject to appeal as to whether the runner made an attempt to avoid direct contact in this situation. In the event the fielder does not have the ball or is not in the act of fielding the ball, the umpire may judge that an obstruction has occurred in which case the runner may be judged to be safe. In both instances, however the runner may be ejected (not subject to appeal) by the umpire if in his/her opinion the contact made by not sliding was both flagrant and intentional. Players in divisions Minor and lower must slide feet first, there is no head first sliding when advancing to a base however is allowed if diving back to a base. Players in Intermediates and JR/SR divisions may slide head first when advancing or diving back to a base.
The umpire will declare a “dead ball” if the ball is obviously out-of-play and/or out-of-reach of players on the field or when players raise the arms above their head requesting a “dead ball” call. Balls that are stuck in the backstop mats should not be declared a “dead ball” if the player can easily reach and retrieve the ball. The player should raise their hands if the ball bounces over the fence and is a ground rule double.
Teams shall change positions as rapidly as possible at the end of each inning. Play should resume within 2 minutes of the last out. The home plate umpire will monitor and enforce this rule. Pitchers may take 8 warm-up pitches or 1-minute in-between each inning warmup.
Pool Players will put their names in the pool at the start of each season. Player Agents will go through pool player lists first then will use random players from the league (the pool player must be league age or younger to pool play in that division). No players from outside the league will be utilized. Pool players can play the position of outfield and must bat last in the batting order. If more than 3 pool players, then the fourth pool player will play 3rd base and if the fifth pool player they will play first base. Pool players are never allowed to pitch for another team. Pool players are not allowed to be acquired by the coach ONLY the player agent. (The exception to this rule is Adult Division- pool players can play any position including pitcher and bat anywhere in the order. Adult division can get their own pool players)
*T-Ball through Minor 8 divisions can pool play up to 11 players
*Minor 9 through Junior /Senior can pool play up to 10 players
T-ball through Minors should not have any on-deck batters and there shall be no practice swings in the dugout. Intermediate, JR/SR, and Adult divisions are allowed to have on deck batters. There shall be no practice swings in the dugouts in any division. THERE SHALL BE NO INFIELD WARM UP BY EITHER TEAM PRIOR TO A GAME.
Mandatory Play: For T-ball, Rookie 6, and Rookie 7: Every player shall play every other inning. Players cannot sit out back- to- back innings. Every player shall play infield at least one inning, except if the parent requests they do not play infield in writing to the Manager and this request must also be sent to the player agent. For divisions Minor 8 to JR/SR: Each player shall play 2 full innings within the first 4 innings. Any manager who violates this rule will be required to play the affected player(s) the entire game at their next scheduled game or the next game the player attends of the game at an infield/outfield position. In tournament games the game will be forfeited.
T-ball, Rookie 6, and Rookie 7, there will be no score as these are instructional divisions. The exception will be for Rookie 6 and Rookie 7 during the end of the season tournament, which will be a blind draw.
There shall be no infield fly rule in divisions T-ball, Rookie 6, Rookie 7, and Minor 8 divisions. The infield fly rule shall be applied to Minor 9’s and up.
No game shall continue play after 10:30pm. This game will be suspended if not official and played at the next available date and time, or as scheduled by the player agent. The game will start at the same point when resumed. Any game that is suspended may be resumed as scheduled by the player agent. It will be the responsibility of both teams to notify the league of the called game and to provide and keep record of all information from the office scorebook pertaining to the situation of the game at the time of suspension.
In pitching divisions, there are intentional walks by requesting the batter to take 1st base. The pitcher can walk the batter but must add 4 pitches to the pitch count.
For all home runs where a fly ball clears the outfield fence without touching the ground, a batter may be congratulated by any player or coach prior to the batter touching home plate, as long as that player does not go onto the field of play.
Home runs should be reported to the player agent of the division to have the players information listed on the Homerun page on the website. The player that hit the Homerun over the fence will also receive a Homerun medal and these can be picked up at the concession stand by a parent or coach. In the park homeruns will have their names placed on the website but do not receive a homerun medal.
Protests are not allowed in divisions T-ball, Rookie 6, and Rookie 7 (Exception rookie 6 and rookie 7 can protest during playoffs). Protests will be allowed for rules infractions only. Managers must note rules at the time of protest and the protest must be documented in the official scorebook. Managers must report their protest to the umpire, player agent, and President of the league at the time of protest. All disputes should be settled within 5 minutes by the umpire and board member. If it cannot, then the game will be played under protest. However, Little League officials are urged to take precautions to prevent protest. JUDGMENT CALLS CANNOT BE PROTESTED.
The league will provide hats and jerseys. The coaches shall inform players of color pants, socks, and belts (for belted divisions). A team uniform shall be identical. A complete uniform is a hat, jersey, pants, belt (for belted division), shoes, and socks.
Batting cages will be on a first come/first serve basis. Teams who have games that day can bump a team/individual who does not have a game on that day. On game days teams are only allowed to occupy one batting cage per team.
KALL practices should be requested through the player agent of your division on your field. If another field is open that player agent can contact the player agent over that field to see if another division team can practice on that field. Please check both the field reservation tab and the game schedule to see if that field is open that day/time prior to requesting.
The home plate umpire maintains the official time during all games. Managers are encouraged to synchronize their timepieces with the home plate umpire at the beginning of the game for reference purposes. Home plate umpire has sole authority on time. A new innings starts immediately after the third out is made at the bottom of the previous inning. AN OFFICIAL GAME IS 4 COMPLETE INNINGS. EXCEPTIONS TO THIS RULE IS T-BALL, which will be an official game at 3 innings. If time runs out prior to 4 complete innings then the game must continue until the completion of 4 innings (Except t-ball which is 3 innings). Due to mandatory play requirements, the inning has to be completed no matter if the home team is winning or not. (Unless the losing coach secedes)
In drafted divisions each Manager will be able to keep his assistant coach and their child. The assistant coach’s son will be taken in the 2nd to last round if every coach has a asst. coach. If any coach does not have an assistant coach then the assistant coach’s player will be taken in the 4th round. The Manager's son will be taken in the last round. Returning Managers can keep up to 3 players from their previous team (previous fall/Spring). The draft order for the keeper will be 1st, 2nd, and 3rd.
All practice dates, times, and locations will be scheduled by the Managers of the team. All regular games, rescheduled games, and make-up games will be scheduled by the league at the next open spot available.
Rule 1.10- Baseball: The bat must be a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USA Bat) as adopted by Little League. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick, and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to the USA Baseball Bat standard (USA Bat). All non-wood and laminated bats used in the Little League (Majors) and below, Intermediate (50-70) Division, Junior/Senior League divisions, shall bear the USA Baseball logo signifying that the bat meets the USA Bat – USA Baseball’s Youth Bat Performance Standard. All BPF – 1.15 bats will be prohibited beginning with the 2018 season. The bat diameter shall not exceed 2 and 5/8 inches for these divisions of play. Bats meeting the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) standard; drop 3 may also be used in the Intermediate (50-70) Division and Junior/Senior League divisions. NOTE: A batter is out if he steps in the batter’s box with an illegal bat or is discovered to have used a legal bat prior to the next batter entering the batter’s box. The ball is dead and the runners must return if they advance a base(s). Any illegal bats must be removed from the playing field. Coach will be given a warning for the 1st offense. Coach will be ejected for the 2nd offense.
PITCHERS REMOVED IN INTERMEDIATES, JR/SR, Adult DIVISIONS ONLY: A pitcher removed from the mound but remaining in the game, by moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher any time in the remainder of the game, but only once per game. The pitch count will resume where he left off. The pitcher must still be eligible to pitch per pitch count list per day.
A mound visit will be when a coach calls time to talk with his player/players on the field of play or the sideline. This will consist of the coach entering the field of play or calling player/players over to him. A mound visit will not be considered a mound visit when a player calls time to talk with another player (unless the coach goes to talk with the player/players). A coach is allowed one mound visit per inning. The coach must pull the pitcher on the 2nd mound visit and any mound visit after that in that inning.
Pitch Count and Days Rest:
A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, then moves to pitcher position and delivers 21 pitches or more (15/16 year olds 31 pitches or more) in the same day, CANNOT return to the catcher position on that calendar day. Exception is that if a player starts a batter at 20 pitches or less (30 for 15/16) they can finish the batter and still return to catcher.
**Note: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day (exception starts batter at 40 pitches and can finish batter)
**Note: Any player who played the position of catcher in 4 or more innings (taking one pitch in 4th inning in a game) is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
**Note: If a pitcher reaches a day of rest while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: (1) that batter reaches base (2) that batter is retired (3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game. The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, provided that the pitcher is removed, or the game is completed before delivering a pitch to another batter.
Pitchers CANNOT pitch in games for three (3) consecutive days.
Little League Baseball Pitch Count Chart
LEAGUE AGE | PITCHES PER DAY |
13 to 16 | 95 |
11 to 12 | 85 |
9 to 10 | 75 |
7 to 8 | 50 |
Rest Requirements Age 14 and under
Pitches Per Day | Rest Requirement (Calendar Days) |
66 or more | Four (4) |
51 to 65 | Three (3) |
36 to 50 | Two (2) |
21 to 35 | One (1) |
1 to 20 | No Rest Requirement (0) |
Rest Requirement Age 15-16
Pitches Per Day | Rest Requirement (Calendar Days) |
76 or more | Four (4) |
61 to 75 | Three (3) |
46 to 60 | Two (2) |
31 to 45 | One (1) |
1 to 30 | No Rest Requirement (0) |
REGISTRATION AND SEASON:
Registration for the Fall season will begin in April/May and end in August/September. Late registration begins in August/September until teams are full. The Fall season will run from September to December.
Registration for the Spring season will begin in October to January. Late registration begins in January/February until the teams are full. The Spring Season will go from March thru June.
GAME TIMES:
Games shall start on time or as close as possible. Games will be Monday through Friday at either 5:30pm, 5:45pm, 7:00pm, 7:15pm, or 7:30pm. Games on Saturday can start as early as 8:00 am. Games on Sunday, if necessary, can start no earlier than 1pm. Games can only be delayed 15 minutes if less than 7 players are present. If 7 players are present, then the game will start. The late game will start on time or 15 minutes after the early game ends.
GAME TIMES:
- T-ball: 1:15
- Rookie 6: 1:20
- Rookie 7: 1:25
- Minor 8: 1:30
- Minor 9: 1:35
- Minor 10: 1:40
- Minor 11: 1:40
- Intermediates: 1:45
- Jr/Sr: 1:50
- Adult: 1:55
MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES:
All managers will have criminal background checks conducted. Then will be chosen by the president and/or player agent.
All managers will submit their coaching list (for background checks) to the Player Agent for President approval
All managers are required to have read and familiarize themselves with the applicable rules for their division.
All managers will be expected to conduct an adequate number of practices to maximize the team’s potential for competitiveness. Practice limits: Combination team practices and games are limited to three sessions per week, with a maximum time limit per session of 2 hours. Except with many rainouts this can be modified by the league.
League equipment is the responsibility of the team Manager and $150.00 deposit ($50.00 deposit for t-ball) will be required.
All managers and/or coaches must attend Coaches Meeting.
Obtain a Team Sponsor of at least $500.00
Appoint a Team Representative.
Appoint a Team Scorekeeper for Minor 8 and up – pick up scorebook before game and submit a Driver’s License as deposit to the concession stand
Appoint a pitch counter for Minor 9 and up – pick up pitch count sheet before game and submit a Drivers License as a deposit to the concession stand
Appoint a scoreboard operator – pick up scoreboard before game and submit a Drivers License as a deposit to the concession stand
Perform field, dugout, bleacher clean up, and empty the trash can into the big trash can at the end of each game.
Each manager will give a game ball at the beginning of each game to the umpire. Coaches are responsible for foul balls. If an umpire runs out of balls, then each team starting with the home team, then the visiting team will give a ball in order.
Managers shall control their fans and players. The umpire will give the manager one warning, (not during the pre-game briefing), concerning his actions or words, or the actions or words of other coaches, players, or fans. Managers are held responsible by umpires for the actions of all involved with your team.
It is the Manager’s responsibility to check the field before each game for safety hazards and to either correct the hazard, contact the umpire, or a board member. Coaches are responsible for checking the holes in the outfields. If holes are there it will be each manager's responsibility to fill in the holes with dirt (dirt is located near the light controllers next to field 3) and tamp. Coaches are also responsible to watch for the players digging holes in the field.
If Manager, Coach, Parent, Fan, or Player is ejected from a game. They must immediately leave the field and the ballpark (they can go to their vehicle and wait in the parking lot). They will be automatically suspended from the next game and must not be at the fields (can be in the parking lot). A one game suspension is automatic and could be more depending on the situation.
DIVISION RULES:
T-ball (3 to 5)
-5 innings max, no inning begins after 1:15 hrs. No new inning after 9:30pm
-Each side bats full roster then switches. (Players must be taken off base if out, and not allowed to advance on a strikeout.)
-Batter allowed 5 swings unless last is fouled off
-Batter must hit pass dirt circle off batting tee
-Official game is 3 innings
-Base runners are limited to two bases on a hit at their own risk. (2 base maximum per hit)
-10 players on the field- 4 in the outfield, if 11 players coach can put 5 in the outfield or if 12 players can put 6 in the outfield.
-There shall be 5 coaches only on the field including a dugout coach.
-There can be 3 coaches on the field during defense which are: 2 coaches in the outfield and 1 at the pitching circle only during defense.
-There can be 4 coaches on the field during offense which are base coaches at 1st, 2nd, and 3rd base to tell the runners to run. There can be 1 coach at home plate to help batters and put the ball on the tee
-Every player shall play infield at least one inning. (Except if the parent requests they do not play infield in writing to the manager and the player agent.)
-Players must play every other inning and cannot sit out back -to -back innings.
-8 to 12 players per team
-See Bat Rules on home page or General Ground rules #24 (bats must be approved for T-ball or a USA bat for baseball. No softball bats).
Rookie 6 (Transition T-ball to Coach Pitch)
-6 innings max, no inning begins after 1:20 hr. No new inning after 9:30pm
-Continuous/full roster batting order
-5 runs max per inning or 3 outs. Whichever occurs first.
-Batter must hit past dirt circle off batting tee
-Official game is 4 innings
-Playoff Championship game will be 6 innings/ no time limit. All other playoff games will be by regular season time/innings.
-Playoff games are under the same rules as regular season. Except they cannot end in a tie.
-Playoff games will have one umpire.
-Coach must pitch overhand (pitching from knee is allowed as long as pitches are overhand and pitcher is in pitching circle)
-Batter allowed 3 pitches – if he doesn’t hit, then 2 swings off the tee.
-Batter or runners can try to advance 2 bases on a hit at their own risk.
-Players on the field: 10 players with 4 outfield and a catcher (catcher must have gear)
-There shall be 5 coaches only on the field including a dugout coach.
-There can be 2 coaches in the outfield only during defense.
-There can be 3 coaches on the field during offense: pitching coach, 1st and 3rd base coaches, and a coach shagging balls at home plate.
-Every player shall play every other inning. Cannot sit out back- to- back innings.
-Every player shall play infield at least one inning. Except if the parent requests they do not play infield, in writing to the manager and the player agent.
-Coach the pitcher must be inside the circle when pitching. The coach pitcher cannot coach batters or runners.
-12 players per team
-See Bat Rules on home page or General Ground rules #24 (bats must be approved for T-ball or a USA bat for baseball. No softball bats).
Rookie 7 (Coach Pitch)
-6 innings max, no inning begins after 1:25 hr. No new inning after 9:30pm
-Game over when the time limit is reached or 6 innings are completed. Must finish the inning when time runs out.
-Continuous/full roster batting order
-5 runs max per inning ONLY for the first 4 innings / 8 run max in 5th and 6th inning
-6 pitches or 3 strikes whichever comes first – if 6th pitch or 3rd strike is a foul then the batter continues until batter hits ball or swings and misses
-Official game is 4 complete innings.
-Coach must pitch overhand. The coach pitcher must be inside the circle when pitching.
-No bunts
- “Time” is called when defense has stopped the runner’s progression.
-10 players on defense with 4 outfielders
-Coach pitchers cannot direct or coach players.
-If Coach is hit by ball, it will be declared a dead ball and re-do
-Person shagging balls behind the catcher cannot talk or coach. Only first and third base coaches can coach batters and runners.
-There shall be 5 coaches only on the field including a dugout coach.
-There can be 1 coach only in the outfield on defense.
-There can be 4 coaches on offense: pitching coach, 1st and 3rd base coaches, and a coach behind home plate shagging unplayable balls.
-Every player shall play every other inning. Cannot sit out back- to- back innings
-Every player shall play infield at least one inning (except if the parent requests they do not play infield, in writing to the manager and must be sent to the player agent).
-Coach pitcher must be inside the circle when pitching
-12 players per team
-During the End of Season Tournament:
* One umpire during the tournament
* Home team is responsible for the official scorebook
* Visiting team is responsible for scoreboard
-Playoff Championship game will be 6 innings/ no time limit. All other playoff games will be by regular season time/innings.
-Playoff games are under the same rules as regular season. Except they cannot end in a tie.
- See Bat Rules on home page or general ground rules #24 (bats must be approved USA bats for baseball, no softball bats)
Minor 8 (Coach Pitch)
-6 innings max, no inning begins after 1:30 hr. Games may end in a tie. No new inning after 10:00pm
-Game over when the time limit is reached and the finished inning, or 6 innings are completed.
-Continuous /full roster batting order.
-5 runs max per inning ONLY for the first 4 innings / 8 run max in 5th and 6th inning
-6 pitches or 3 strikes whichever comes first – if the 6th pitch or 3rd strike is a foul batter continues until the batter swings and misses or hits the ball.
-Coach must pitch overhand and be inside the pitching circle.
-Bunting is allowed
- “Time” is called when defense has stopped the runner’s progression.
-Run rule (mercy rule) is 10 runs after 4 innings.
-Game must be played 4 complete innings to be an official game.
-Coach pitcher cannot direct or coach players while on the mound
-Home team is responsible for official scorebook (must pick up prior to game and leave Drivers License as a deposit)
-Visiting team is responsible for scoreboard (must pick up prior to game and leave Drivers License as a deposit)
-There CANNOT be a coach behind the catcher shagging balls. This is the time to develop the catcher.
-There are 10 players on the field during defense with 4 outfielders.
-There can be 4 coaches on the field
-There shall be no coaches in the field of play while on defense.
-12 players per team
-Playoff Championship game will be 6 innings/ no time limit. All other playoff games will be by regular season time/innings.
-Playoff games are under the same rules as regular season. Except they cannot end in a tie.
- See Bat Rules on home page or general ground rules #24 (bats must be approved USA bats for baseball, no softball bats)
Minor 9 (Kid Pitch)
-46’ pitching (front rubber), 60’ bases.
-6 innings max, no inning begins after 1:35 hr. Games may end in a tie. No new inning after 10:15pm.
- Game over when the time limit is reached and the finished inning, or 6 innings are completed.
-Continuous /full roster batting order.
-3 runs max per inning in the first 4 innings/ 8 runs max in the 5th and 6th inning.
-Closed bases. No lead offs. Runners can only steal once the ball crosses home plate.
-All pitch counts and days of rest must be observed.
-Must pull a pitcher on the 2nd mound visit in each inning & all other pitchers must be pulled on any mound visits if in that same inning.
-Mercy Run rules are 10 runs after 4 innings.
-Game must be played 4 complete innings to be an official game.
-Home team is responsible for the official scorebook (must pick up prior to game and leave Driver’s License as a deposit).
-Visiting team is responsible for scoreboard and the official pitch count (must pick up prior to game and leave Driver’s License as a deposit).
-There can be 4 coaches on the field.
-During offense there shall only be coaches on the field at 1st and 3rd base.
-There shall be no coaches in the field of play while on defense.
- Minimum number of players is 7, must take outs if missing 8th and 9th batter.
-11 players per team unless the Manager requests 12 players.
-Playoff Championship game will be 6 innings/ no time limit. All other playoff games will be by regular season time/innings.
-Playoff games are under the same rules as regular season. Except they cannot end in a tie.
- See Bat Rules on home page or general ground rules #24 (bats must be approved USA bats for baseball, no softball bats)
Minors 10/11 (Kid Pitch)
-46’ pitching (front rubber), 60’ bases
-6 innings max, no inning begins after 1:40 hr. Games may end in a tie. No new inning after 10:15pm
- Game over when the time limit is reached and the finished inning, or 6 innings are completed.
-Continuous /full roster batting order
-5 runs max per inning in the first 4 innings/ Unlimited in the 5th and 6th inning
-Closed bases. No lead offs. Runners can only steal once the ball crosses home plate
-All pitch counts and days of rest must be observed
-Must pull a pitcher on the 2nd mound visit in each inning & all other pitchers must be pulled on any mound visits if in that same inning.
-Mercy Run rules are 10 runs after 4 innings
-Home team is responsible for the official scorebook (must pick up prior to the game and leave Driver’s License as a deposit).
-Visiting team is responsible for scoreboard and the official pitch count (must pick up prior to game and leave Driver’s License as a deposit).
-There can be 4 coaches on the field
-There shall be no coaches in the field of play while on defense.
-There shall be a 1st and 3rd base coach on the field during offense.
- Minimum number of players is 7, must take outs if missing 8th and 9th batter.
-11 players per team unless the Manager request 12 players
-Playoff Championship game will be 6 innings/ no time limit. All other playoff games will be by regular season time/innings.
-Playoff games are under the same rules as regular season. Except they cannot end in a tie.
- See Bat Rules on home page or general ground rules #24 (bats must be approved USA bats for baseball, no softball bats)
Intermediate (12 & 13)
-50’ pitching (back rubber), 70’ bases
-7 innings max, no inning begins after 1:45 hr. Games may end in a tie. No new inning after 10:15 pm/No new inning after 9:30pm if playing at West Oaks LL
- Game over when the time limit is reached and the finished inning, or 7 innings are completed.
-Continuous /full roster batting order.
-Open bases, Lead Offs and steals allowed at any time.
-Dropped 3rd strike rule in effect.
-Metal cleats/spikes are allowed
-5 runs max per inning in the first 4 innings/ Unlimited runs in the 5th, 6th, and 7th innings
-Balks called and enforced after 1 warning per team during regular season games. No warnings during end of season tournament games.
-Balks result in an immediate dead ball, “no-pitch”, with umpire time-out to explain infraction. Runners advance 1 base after the 1st balk warning in regular season games. Runners advance 1 base on all balk calls during end of season tournament games/ there will be no warning during playoffs.
-Mercy Run rules are 10 runs after 4 innings
- Must pull pitcher on the 2nd mound visit in each inning & all other pitchers must be pulled on any mound visits if in that same inning.
-All pitch counts and day’s rest must be observed
-Home team is responsible for official scorebook (must pick up prior to game and leave Driver’s License as a deposit)
-Visiting team is responsible for scoreboard and the official pitch count (must pick up prior to game and leave Driver’s License as a deposit)
-There can be 4 coaches on the field.
-There shall be no coaches in the field of play while on defense.
-There shall be a 1st base coach (or player with helmet), and 3rd base coach on the field for offense.
-11 players per team unless the Manager requests 12 players.
- Minimum number of players is 7, must take outs if missing 8th and 9th batter.
-A pitcher that has been removed but is still eligible to pitch, may return as pitcher if he remained in the game in both the field and batting; but only once. See rule #25.
-Playoff Championship game will be 7 innings/ no time limit. All other playoff games will be by regular season time/innings.
-Playoff games are under the same rules as regular season. Except they cannot end in a tie.
-Bats must be drop 3 or drop 5/BBCOR or any other drop must be USA.
JR/SR (14 to 16)
-60’ pitching (back rubber), 90’ bases
-7 innings, no new inning begins after 1.50 hours, games may end in a tie, No new inning after 10:15pm
- Game over when the time limit is reached and the finished inning, or 7 innings are completed.
-Continuous batting order/full roster bats
-Must pull a pitcher on the 2nd mound visit in each inning & all other pitchers must be pulled on any mound visits if in that same inning.
-Dropped 3rd strike rule in effect
-Open bases, Lead Offs and steals allowed at any time
-All pitch counts and days rest must be observed
-Balks called and enforced without warning
-Balks result in an immediate dead ball, “no-pitch” – base runner advances 1 base.
-Minimum number of players is 7, must take outs if missing 8th and 9th batter
- 5 run limit in innings 1-4; 8 run limit in 5th inning; and unlimited in 6th & 7th innings.
-Mercy Run rules are 15 runs after 4 innings
-There shall be no more than 4 coaches on the field
-Metal cleats/spikes are allowed
-12-14 players per team.
- A pitcher that has been removed but is still eligible to pitch, may return as pitcher if he remained in the game in both the field and batting; but only once. See rule #25.
-Bats must be drop 3 or drop 5/BBCOR or any other drop must be USA.
-Playoff Championship game will be 7 innings/ no time limit. All other playoff games will be by regular season time/innings.
-Playoff games are under the same rules as regular season. Except they cannot end in a tie.
Adults (17+)
-60’ pitching / 90’ bases
-7 innings, not new inning can begin after 10:15pm
-Game Time is 1 hour 50 minutes
-Game over after 7 innings are completed, or time limit has expired and finish the inning.
-There is no mercy rule in the adult division.
-Must pull a pitcher on the 2nd mound visit in each inning & all other pitchers must be pulled on any mound visits if in that same inning.
-5 run limit in 1st 4 innings, unlimited in 5th, 6th, and 7th inning.
-Batting order is continuous OR Coaches can bat 9 or 10 players.
-No baseball bat rule. SOFTBALL BATS ARE NOT ALLOWED AND WILL BE AN AUTOMATIC OUT IF STEP IN BOX WITH A SOFTBALL BAT.
ALL REGULAR SEASON GAMES CAN END IN A TIE
UMPIRES BY DIVISION:
T-BALL – This division will umpire their own game
Rookie 6 – This division will umpire their own game during regular season, 1 umpire during end of season tournament
Rookie 7 – This division will umpire their own games during regular season, 1 umpire during end of season tournament
Minor 8, Minor 9, Minors, Intermediate, JR/SR, and Adults – The league will provide 2 umpires
SAFETY:
No flash photography will be allowed during games at KALL fields.
A fake bunt then swinging away is not allowed in any division. Violation will be an automatic out.
Board Members on Duty will have lightning detectors on their phone. If lightning has been detected and is:
6 or more miles – keep constant monitoring of the lightning
2-5 miles – remove kids from the fields
0-2 miles – remove all kids and parents from the fields and to their cars. No one is allowed back on the field until the lightning intervals are 15 mins apart and at least 6 miles away
FORMATION OF TEAMS:
FALL TEAM SELECTIONS:
For T-Ball thru Rookie 7 Divisions (as much as possible)
Request will be placed first
Next – players in the same neighborhood
Next – players in the same school
For Minor 8 thru M10 Divisions (M11 Starting Fall 2024 and Intermediates Starting Fall 2025)
All players will tryout (except the managers child, assistant coach’s child, and up to 3 lock- in players
Returning coaches can retain their own child or children, their asst coach’s child and up to 3 returning players. The 3 returning players will be their first, second, and third round draft picks. The 3 returning players must be from their previous team in the previous spring/fall.
Coaches will draw their draft order during the tryouts
Players will be drafted in snake order
The manager’s son will be the last round pick
The assistant coach’s son will be the 2nd to last round pick if every coach has an assistant coach or 4th round if any coach does not have an assistant coach.
Any player that did not try out will have their number placed in a drawing pile at the end of the draft and picked in draft order.
All assistant coach picks must be established prior to the tryouts
For JR/SR and Adult Divisions
Request will be placed first
Players who do not have a request will be placed in a draft
Any player that did not try out will have their number placed in a drawing at the end of the draft and picked in draft order.
All requests must be completed prior to tryouts
SPRING TEAM SELECTIONS:
For T-Ball thru Rookie 7 Divisions (but not guaranteed)
Request will be placed first
Next – players in the same neighborhood
Next – players in the same school
For Minor 8 thru Intermediates:
All players will tryout (except the managers child, assistant coach’s child, and up to 3 lock- in players
Returning coaches can retain their own child or children, their assistant coach’s child and up to 3 returning players. The 3 returning players will be their first, second, and third round draft picks. The 3 returning players must be from their previous team in the previous spring/fall.
Coaches will draw their draft order during the tryouts
Players will be drafted in snake order
The manager’s son will be the last round pick
The assistant coach’s son will be the 2nd to last round pick if every coach has an assistant coach or 4th round if any coach does not have an assistant coach.
Any player that did not try out will have their number placed in a drawing pile at the end of the draft and picked in draft order.
All assistant coach picks must be established prior to the tryouts
For JR/SR and Adult Divisions:
Request will be placed first
Players who do not have a request will be placed in a draft
Any player that did not try out will have their number placed in a drawing pile at the end of the draft and picked in draft order.
All requests must be completed prior to tryouts
CODE OF CONDUCT:
Any abusive language and/or gestures, un-sportsman-like conduct, taunting, or other negative behavior will not be tolerated at games or practices.
Any action against the Code of Conduct by a Manager, Coach, Parent, or Player shall result in a verbal warning unless it is profanity. That action will merit immediate ejection. If the action continues, the plate of field umpire shall eject the said offender for the remainder of the game.
Any manager, coach, parent and/or player who is ejected from a game will be suspended for his/her next game, PER LITTLE LEAGUE INTERNATIONAL RULES. The KALL board may suspend additional games depending on the severity of the action. A committee will be the President, Head Player Agent, and the division Player Agent, or a designee if it is warranted.
Continued ejections could result in a suspension from league functions.
Parents & Spectators
It is the manager’s responsibility to control the parents and spectators of their team. Any action against the Code of Conduct by a parent or spectator shall result in a verbal warning from the umpire or KALL Board Member, to both the manager and the parent/spectator (unless it is profanity in front of children). If the action continues, the manager and the parent/spectator will be ejected from the game by the umpire or KALL Board Member.
Managers – An ejection for not controlling the behavior of the parent and/or spectator during any given game does not constitute a suspension for any subsequent game.
Any individual ejected from a game by an umpire or KALL Board Member cannot stay in the stand or around the field where they may be seen or heard for the current game, and any future suspended games. The offender must go to the parking lot. Failure to leave the fields can result in a request to Harris County Constable’s Office to move the offender to the parking lot.
END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT:
Standings:
There will be no end of season tournament in T-Ball.
Rookie 6 and Rookie 7 will be a blind draw for a single tournament. Umpire will be provided for the end of the season tournament.
Minor 8 division through JR/SR division will have a seeded single or double elimination tournament
Division standings shall be based on winning percentage. Ties will count as half wins
Standing will be based on the following: winning percentage, head-to-head, runs allowed, runs scored, number of shut-outs, coin flip.
Rules will follow the season rules. (including Pool Player rules)
Championship game will go by innings, not time. Run rule per innings and mercy rule is still in effect.
Tie breakers will be conducted as follows: 1) if time is remaining play another inning. 2) if time is expired then runners will be placed on 1st and 2nd base with the last 2 batters team has 1 out. 3) if it needs to continue the bases loaded with last 3 batters and 2 outs (and will continue as this until a winner is determined)
PITCHING RULES:
Any player on a regular season team may pitch (Note: There is no limit to the number of pitchers a team may use in a game).
A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher EXCEPT in Intermediate, JR/SR, and Adult Divisions only: A pitcher remaining in the game but moving to a different position can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.
The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position:
League Age:
17 and up adult league (no pitch county)
13-16 (95 pitches per day)
11-12 (85 pitches per day)
9-10 (75 pitches per day)
7-8 (50 pitches per day)
Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI (c) for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs:
The batter reaches base
The batter is put out
The third out is made to complete the half inning
Note: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
Pitchers league age 14 and under 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 days 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, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed
Pitchers league age 15-18 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed
If a player pitches 61-75 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed
If a player pitches 46-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed
If a player pitches 31-45 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed
If a player pitches 1-30 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed
Each visiting team must designate the scoreboard operator, and another game official as the official pitch count recorder.
The pitch count recorder must provide the current pitch count for any pitcher when requested by either manager or umpire. The manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed.
The official pitch count recorder should inform the umpire when a pitcher has delivered his/her maximum limit of pitches for the game. The umpire will inform the pitcher’s manager that the pitcher must be removed. However, the failure by the pitch count recorder to notify the umpire and/or the failure of the umpire to notify the manager, does not relieve the manager of his/her responsibility to remove a pitcher when the pitcher is no longer eligible.
Violation of any section of this regulation can result in protest of the game in which it occurs. Protest shall be made in accordance with Playing Rule 4.19.
A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day. Except in JR/SR and adults.
The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is announced, or after a warm-up pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a violation. If any coach or opposing coach knows that a pitcher is not a legal pitcher for that game must notify the umpire prior to the game. The opposing coach will be in violation if he waits until the pitcher pitches then tells the umpire. Little League officials are urged to take precautions to prevent protests. When a protest situation is imminent, the potential offender should be notified immediately.
Pitches delivered in games declared “Regulation Tie Games” or “Suspended Games” shall be charged against a pitcher’s eligibility.
In suspended games resumed on another day, the pitchers of record at the time the game was halted may continue to pitch to the extent of their eligibility for that day, provided said pitcher has observed the required days of rest.
Examples:
A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on the following Thursday. The pitcher is NOT eligible to pitch in the resumption of the game because he/she has not observed the required day of rest
A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on Saturday. The pitcher IS eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches at the resumption of the game because he/she has observed the required days of rest.
A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes 2 weeks later. The pitcher IS eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game, provided he/she is eligible based on his/her pitching record during the previous four days.
All pitch count sheets must be returned to a board member or Concession Stand Manager at the end of each game, each night. FINAL PITCH COUNT SHEETS ARE NOT TO BE REMOVED FROM THE CONCESSION STAND ONCE THEY ARE TURNED IN.
If a manager wants to inquire about a pitcher's count from a previous game, they may review that game's pitch count sheet ONLY in the presence of a concession stand manager or board member.
POOL PLAYER REGULATIONS:
The intent of the Pool Player Option is to prevent forfeits/reschedules and NOT to supplement a team’s roster.
Teams may request Pool Players if they expect a shortage of their normal roster players that would place the team at ten (10) players at the start of a game.
***Players on the roster MUST remain the first option***
Pool Players MUST be used on a rotation basis (determined by the Player Agent). Managers, Coaches and parents do not have the right to randomly pick and choose players from the pool.
***Preferred Notification***
At least 24- hour notice is preferred to be given to the Player Agent when possible. Coaches and/or parents do not contact pool players. The player agent will handle the entire process. Pool players can sign up at registration in the notes section or tell their managers. Managers should notify their division player agent of pool players. The player agent will put the list in alphabetical order and will contact players as needed on a rotational basis. If the player agent cannot find a pool player from the pool player list, the player agent can contact random players in that division, a league aged player for that division, or a player that is younger than that league age division.
Pool Player requests should be made 24 hours in advance when applicable
Pool Players will wear their own team’s regular uniform
Pool Players are NOT allowed to pitch under any circumstances
Pool Players must play outfield (if more than 3 then 3rd base, then 1st base)
Pool Players must bat last in the batting order
Once a pool player is present to pool play, he MUST play the first 3 innings, even if the other player shows up for the game.
***ANY TEAM VIOLATING THIS SYSTEM IS SUBJECT TO A FORFEIT OF THE GAME IN QUESTION***
ALL STAR INFORMATION (for Spring season only)
All Star Managers
Managers will be selected by the division director and approved by the KALL president. All Star manager selection process includes but is not limited to conduct on and off the field, service to KALL players, and knowledge and experience.
All Star Team managers shall select their own coaches subject to approval by the Division Director and the President
All Star managers may select their All Star team as they choose. KALL does recommend a try out, but the All Star manager is not required to have a tryout.
All Star Players
The All-Star player agent, the division director, and the head player agent of the respective age group will determine and approve all rosters.
*Note: The goal of All-Star play is to put the BEST players on the field to win District, State, Regional and World Series play.