GENERAL RULES

• Coaches cannot agree to change any rules without Board Approval
• All volunteers (including coaches and assistant coaches) are required to complete a background check and Youth Protection Training PRIOR to participating in any games or practices.
• After each game the Coach and team needs to pick up any trash in the dugout, on the field, or in the stands/walkways.
• No playing/climbing on the rocks by the road and no throwing rocks on to any grass areas.
• Home team: Listed second on the schedule. Responsible to keep scorebook and run scoreboard. 3rd base dugout.
• Visitor team: Listed first on the schedule. Responsible for pitch count record. 1st base dugout.
• The umpire’s scorecard (with official score and pitch count record) needs to be signed by both coaches and the umpire at the end of each game.
• The game of baseball is a great sport for the children, so let’s make sure that the game is played by the children, taught by the coaches, regulated by the umpires, and enjoyed by everyone.

PITCHING RULES (See Regulation VI)

• Pitching limits:
  • Age 13-15 – 95 pitches per day
  • Age 11-12 – 85 pitches per day
  • Age 9-10 – 75 pitches per day
  • Age 6-8 – 50 pitches per day
• Pitchers play age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
  • 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest (76 or more pitches for play age 15)
  • 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest (61-75 pitches for play age 15)
  • 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest (46-60 pitches for play age 15)
  • 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest (45 pitches for play age 15)
  • 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required (1-30 pitches for play age 15)
• Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
• Any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day. The catcher receiving one pitch to a batter in an inning constitutes having caught that inning.
• A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that calendar day.
• If a player delivers 41 or more pitches, the player may not play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
• A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. (Exception for Pony: A pitcher remaining on defense 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).
• Note: If a pitcher reaches any limits above while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch (and maintain eligibility) 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 of the game;
  • The pitcher is removed from the mound prior to the batter completing his/her at bat.

PITCH COUNT

Max Pitches Per Day

Pitch Counts with Rest

Examples

MAJORS

(primarily play age 12 with some play age 11 & 10 year-olds that tryout and get drafted up [no play age 9 year-olds in this division])

All Major Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

• An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
• There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgement call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
• Mandatory Play. Continuous batting order that includes all players on the team and each player must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
• A batter may advance on an uncaught third strike if 1st base is unoccupied or if 1st base is occupied with two outs. A batter forfeits his/her opportunity to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area. An uncaught pitch is a ball not caught in flight which means a pitch that bounces and then is caught is still considered an uncaught pitch. (See Rule 6.05/6.09)
• No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
• No ‘slash’ bunting. A batter is out for illegal action when a batter shows bunt then pulls back and takes a full swing at the pitch. The batter is out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.
• No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
• The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
• Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 45 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
• A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 8 runs (+ 3 potential continuation runs) are scored. See Continuation Rule below. The last inning does NOT allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
• Continuation Rule: Any player that crosses home base as part of the play after the 8th run has scored will count as a run until the ball is dead, with a max of 3 potential continuation runs for a total of 11 potential runs per half inning. Ball is dead when the pitcher returns to the mound, the defensive player has the ball at home plate, or the third out is made.
• A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
• Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out, the ball is dead, and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)

TRIPLE A

(primarily play age 11 & 10 with some play age 9 year-olds that tryout and get drafted up)

All Minor Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

• An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
• There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
• Mandatory Play. Continuous batting order that includes all players on the team and each player must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
• A batter may advance on an uncaught third strike if 1st base is unoccupied or if 1st base is occupied with two outs. A batter forfeits his/her opportunity to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area. An uncaught pitch is a ball not caught in flight which means a pitch that bounces and then is caught is still considered an uncaught pitch. (See Rule 6.05/6.09)
• No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
• No ‘slash’ bunting. A batter is out for illegal action when a batter shows bunt then pulls back and takes a full swing at the pitch. The batter is out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.
• No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
• The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
• Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 45 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
• A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs (+ 3 potential continuation runs) are scored. See Continuation Rule below. The last inning does NOT allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
• Continuation Rule: Any player that crosses home base as part of the play after the 5th run has scored will count as a run until the ball is dead, with a max of 3 potential continuation runs for a total of 8 potential runs per half inning. Ball is dead when the pitcher returns to the mound, the defensive player has the ball at home plate, or the third out is made.
• A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
• Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out, the ball is dead, and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)

DOUBLE A

(primarily play age 9 with some play age 8 & 7 year-olds that tryout and get drafted up)

All Minor Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

• Pitching Rule: Each batter gets up to 4 pitches from a kid pitcher on the opposing team. The batter strikes out after 3 strikes or advances to first base if hit by a pitch (while in flight). If the batter hasn't struck out after 4 pitches, the batter’s coach (or a designated adult) will pitch. If the batter has 2 strikes, the coach pitches 1 more time; if the batter has less than 2 strikes, the coach pitches 2 more times. Batters cannot strike out on a foul ball, and there are no walks. The coach must pitch overhand from the bottom of the mound. The coach’s pitches don’t count toward the kid pitcher’s pitch count but do count toward the catcher’s caught pitches for the day. If a batter is hit by a pitch from the coach, the pitch is rethrown.
• There is no stealing home, but stealing 2nd or 3rd base is allowed. The batter may not advance on an uncaught third strike. A player may only score from a hit or from being forced home on a hit by pitch.
• A team plays with 4 outfielders (4th outfielder must be positioned at an equal depth to other outfielders). 
• An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
• There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
• Mandatory Play. Continuous batting order that includes all players on the team and each player must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
• No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
• No ‘slash’ bunting. A batter is out for illegal action when a batter shows bunt then pulls back and takes a full swing at the pitch. The batter is out, the ball is dead, and no runners may advance.
• No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
• The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
• Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 25 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
• A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs are scored. No continuation runs. The last inning does not allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
• A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
• Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out, the ball is dead, and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)

SINGLE A (MACHINE PITCH)

(primarily play age 7 & 8 with some 6 year-olds depending on circumstances – no tryout)

All Minor Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

• An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
• There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
• Mandatory Play. Continuous batting order that includes all players on the team and all players play in the field each inning. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
• Only one additional infielder is permitted. Infielders play normal positions with a pitcher on both sides of the pitching machine. All other extra players must play in the outfield.
• A batter gets 6 pitches. There are no base on balls or strike outs. A batter is out on the 6th pitch even if it is fouled off. If a batter gets hits by a pitch form the pitching machine, the batter advances to first base. A coach should stand behind the catcher to pick up loose balls.
• Runners can only advance on a hit ball. No stealing bases. 
• Runners may choose to run on an overthrow, but not more than one base. (See Rule 7.05)
• No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
• No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
• The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
• Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 15 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. No mercy rule applies.
• A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs are scored. No continuation runs. The last inning does not allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if the losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
• A pitching machine will be used in place of a kid pitcher. Pitching machine to be set at 34 mph.
• A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
• Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out, the ball is dead, and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)
• The home team or both teams need to set up the pitching machine before the game starts. Final machine pitch teams playing for the night need to put away the pitching machine in the storage unit.

PONY

(play age 13-16)

All Senior Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

• An “on-deck” batter IS allowed. (See Rule 1.08)
• There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner may slide head first. (See Rule 7.08)
• Mandatory Play. Continuous batting order that includes all players on the team and each player must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
• A batter may advance on an uncaught third strike if 1st base is unoccupied or if 1st base is occupied with two outs. A batter forfeits his/her opportunity to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area. An uncaught pitch is a ball not caught in flight which means a pitch that bounces and then is caught is still considered an uncaught pitch. (See Rule 6.05/6.09)
• Runners can lead off and steal any base. (See Rule 7.13)
• Balks by the pitcher will be called. (See Rule 7.04)
• Metal cleats ARE allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
• The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
• A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 10 runs (+ 3 potential continuation runs) are scored. See Continuation Rule below. The last inning does NOT allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if the losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
• Continuation Rule: Any player that crosses home base as part of the play after the 10th run has scored will count as a run until the ball is dead, with a max of 3 potential continuation runs for a total of 13 potential runs per half inning. Ball is dead when the pitcher returns to the mound, the defensive player has the ball at home plate, or the third out is made.
• Maximum of 7 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 45 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 innings or 8 runs after 6 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
• A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
• Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) or Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution performance standard (BBCOR) as adopted by Little League. If a batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out, the ball is dead, and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)