2026 Ira Spring Tournament
May 8th 9th & 10th
Tournament Rules for Pitching Machine Division
PLEASE INFORM YOUR PARENTS, THERE IS ABSOLUTELY
o NO PETS
o NO ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
o NO SMOKING ON LITTLE LEAGUE PROPERTY.
o NO GRILLS
1. Each game will have a 1 hour and 30 minute time limit or 6 innings, there are ties. Drop dead time will occur at 1 hour and 40 minutes. Score will revert back to last completed inning if the game is not finished.
2. Each team must provide their own person to feed the pitching machine. The person must remain silent, no coaching allowed. One (1) warning will be given, sub sequential warnings will result in an automatic out.
3. All equipment must be Little League approved. The bat must be USA stamped. Game balls will be provided.
4. The pitching machine speed will be set at approximately 40 mph, at a distance of 46 feet. The machine may be adjusted only once per inning upon request of both coaches.
5. The entire team roster must bat in a consecutive order throughout the game. Any players absent at the start of the game must be listed as a sub and bat at the end of the line-up if they show up.
6. A team must play with four outfielders (right field, right/center, left/center, and left field). NO ROVER IS ALLOWED. Outfielders must remain in the outfield and are not permitted to cover a base. A maximum of ten (10) players may be on the field at a time.
7. Each batter will receive 5 pitches to hit the ball. No walks and no bunting on purpose. If the ball is not hit in the 5 pitches the batter will be called out. Three swings and misses will result in a strike out. A foul ball on the last pitch will result in an extra pitch unless caught by the catcher. The offensive team at bat is complete after three (3) outs are made or a maximum of 5 runs are scored. There will be no run limit in the 6th inning.
8. Play stops when an infielder on the defensive team has possession of the ball in the infield. If the runner is past the hash marks at the time of possession, he/she may advance to the next base. If the runner is not past the hash marks at the time of possession, he/she must return to the previous base. Using this rule the umpire will determine whether the runner advances. This is a judgement call so there will be no protesting or arguing.
9. In an event of an overthrow, runners may attempt to advance one (1) base at their own risk. Defense can attempt to make a play on the advancing runner(s); play will be dead after the attempt. There is NO advancement on 2nd overthrow ball and players cannot advance two bases on a single overthrow.
10. If a batted ball hits the pitching machine and/or operator, the ball becomes dead on contact. All runners, including the batter, advance one (1) base only.
11. Bunting, stealing, and advancing on a catcher’s passed balls or overthrows back to the pitcher are not permitted.
12. The infield fly rule is not in effect.
13. On field substitutions are allowed with players already on the field.
14. The player in the pitcher position must stand parallel to the pitching machine as the pitch is headed towards the batter. Player playing this position also must wear a helmet.
15. A ten (10) run mercy rule is in effect after four (4) innings of play (or 3 ½ if the home team is leading) throughout the tournament.
16. Two adults’ base coaches must be used during your team’s at-bat. Plus, up to two additional coaches in the dugout. No more than 4 adult coaches are allowed in the field gates.
17. Tiebreaker is as follows:
· Best record
· Head-to-head
· Most runs allowed
· Most runs scored
· Coin flip.
18. If a rule is not stated above, please follow the current edition of the Little League, Inc. Rulebook, Regular season edition.
· ANY CONFLICTS WITH RULES CONSULT THE TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR. HIS DECISION WILL BE FINAL.
· TOURNAMENT DIRECTOR Mike Smith (810) 841-4230.