Little League and Triple A

GENERAL RULES AND POLICIES:

All local rules supersede Little League Rulebook *Violation of any rules must be brought to the attention of the Little League President, within 24 hours of violation. Violation will be dealt with at the discretion of the league, and could lead to forfeiture of game/games and dismissal of coach/coaches. *Any player or coach ejected is subject to an one game suspension; an appeal may be made

Little League and AAA *All coaches must have at least one consistent assistant coach but not more than four.

Little League and Triple A *If any Little League team loses one of their players during the current season through illness, injury or other justifiable reason, the coach must replace the player from the AAA league. It must be a player of the same age and approved by the league president.

*The replacement player, of same age if available, prior to the start of the season, will come from those who tried out for Little League or Triple A. After completion of game one (1), the selection will be made from the AAA League, for Little League or Double A, for Triple A. *If a Triple A team loses a player they must notify the league president and a player will be brought up from Double A, unless there is a waiting list of 12 year olds in which case the league president will assign. *It is the responsibility of the coach to notify the League President or League Director when any player has missed more than two consecutive games for no-show without notification. The coach and the League President will discuss the question of replacement; final resolution will be at the discretion of the League President. *Each Little League team will be assigned one or more affiliated team(s) from the AAA league. There is no affiliated team for Triple A out of the AA League; you must play with the assigned roster. If a player is brought up five (5) times, he/she becomes part of the Little Leagues’ team roster. If a player is brought up from AA for injury or other justifiable reasons he/she will become part of that team’s assigned roster.

Little League and Triple A *Reason for disciplinary action include, but are not limited to the following: Insubordination (foul language; not adhering to team rules) Absenteeism of games and/or practices without notification *No disciplinary action can be invoked without the direct prior approval of the League President

Little League and Triple A *Cancellation of a game prior to start is to be determined by the two coaches and the home plate umpire by a majority vote. *Once the game starts, it is in the hands of the home plate umpire. *Prior to the arrival at the field, before 4:00 P.M., the two coaches may agree on a weather cancellation, and must inform the umpire crew. All games MUST be rescheduled within 48 hours, or the League President will reschedule. * Teams must make every attempt to re-schedule the game for the next available makeup date (Saturday or Sunday), unless given prior approval. There should not be a game rescheduled weeks out, as this will create timing issues later in the season. * Weather is the only reason to cancel a game, and once a game is rescheduled is considered a scheduled game.

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Little League and Triple A *All players must wear complete uniform for all games, which consists of custom shirt purchased by the participant pants (must be properly bloused or worn in full with no skin/underwear exposed, uniformed socks and a team hat. In addition, all players on the same team MUST wear the same colored pants.) *If the pants do not match the team, they will be not be allowed to play in the game

Little League and Triple A *The team at bat is responsible for chasing foul balls. The coach must assign players to chase foul balls. -Baseballs are expensive, and this recovery system will help the league financially.

Little League and Triple A *All players who warm–up/catch for a pitcher must wear a mask, including between innings and during warm-up. *No catcher, male or female, will be allowed to catch without proper protective equipment (cup).

ROSTER CONSTRUCTION:

Little League and Triple A *Roster size for Little League Teams will be a maximum of 11 players - and construction dependent on league numbers *5 – 12 year olds 4 – 11 year olds 2 – 10 year olds *Roster size for Triple A (AAA) would be a maximum of 13 players *All remaining 12 year olds and players 9-10-11 years olds drafted by ability

Little League *Little League will utilize an open draft for selecting teams. The draft order will be from the previous season’s regular season standings, with the team with the worst record picking 1st and the team with the best record picking last. The draft order will th go 1-8 each time through, with the team picking 1st getting the selections 1st, 9th, 17 , 25th and 33rd. Teams who have a coaches declare must select their son/daughter before they are allowed to draft another player of the same age group (i.e. a coach has a 10 year old declare, before they take another 10 year old player, they must use their first 10 year old pick on their son or daughter, but may select another player of a different age with any pick prior if they so choose)

PLAYING REQUIREMENTS:

Little League *Every child in attendance at games must play three (3) complete innings *Players that only play 2½ innings or less because of shortened games must start the next game. There are no exceptions to this policy without the direct prior approval of the League President

Triple A *Every player in attendance at games must play three (3) complete innings *Since AAA utilizes a continuous batting order, no player shall sit two innings in a row as detailed below

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Little League *All players on the roster must play at least three (3) full games during the course of the regular season

Triple A *There will be a (5) run max rule per inning (2019) th *Once the 5 run of the inning crosses the plate, the teams will switch offense and defense *This rule applies only in innings th 1-5 and the 6 inning will require all 3 outs to be recorded

Triple A *Teams will/must utilize a continuous batting order and free-substitution for each game of their season. *No player can sit more than (1) one inning in a row, and all players in attendance must play a minimum of (3) innings in the field per rules. *If a player leaves early during a game, the team will not be penalized with an out in vacated spot and every player will simply move up one, provided there are more than 9 players. *If a player(s) shows up late he/she will become the last player to bat, regardless of where the team is in the batting order. (i.e. if game begins with 10 players then the late arrival becomes the #11 batter)

ADDITIONAL GAME DAY RULES AND POLICIES:

Little League and Triple A *The game will consist of six (6) innings or five and one-half (5 ½) if the home team is ahead; unless the score is tied *If the score is tied at the end of six (6) innings and time permits, one extra inning will be played *If still tied at the end of seven (7) full innings, then the game will be recorded as a tie *Ending a game because of darkness will be the responsibility of the home plate umpire *For standings: (2) points for a win, (1) point for a tie and (0) points for a loss

Little League and Triple A rd st *Benches/Dugouts: Home team is to utilize 3 base dugout, and the away team the 1 base dugout *Warmup time: Time allowing, each team will received 15 minutes for infield/outfield drills prior to the start of the game *Away team from 5:10– 5:25pm and Home team from 5:25-5:40pm *Teams on Field 1 MUST use the batting cage for batting practice, and cannot do on the field BP. Teams on Field 2 and Field 3 are encouraged to use the batting cage for any BP pre-game practice. *Cages will be assigned a field (Cage 1 = Field 1, Cage 2 = Field 2, Cage 3 = Field 3)

Little League and Triple A *Cages/masks on helmets are not mandatory, and are optional at all levels of play.

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PITCHING RULES:

Little League *In Little League only, a pitch count will be utilized, and will be structured as follows. *No pitcher, regardless of age, will be allowed to throw more than 85 pitches in a single game

Pitches Thrown Days of Rest Required 1-20 0 21-35 1 36-50 2 51-65 3 66-85 4

*No player will be allowed to pitch in more than (2) consecutive days at any point over the course of the season and must adhere to the days of rest rules. There will be no calendar week used, and no limit on how many players of one age group can pitch over the course of the week. *If a player reaches a threshold during an at bat, and is removed at the conclusion of that at bat, then the pitch count shall be recorded as the last threshold he/she hit (i.e. the pitcher was at 48 pitches to start the at bat, and threw 5 pitches, he/she is at a pitch count of 53, but for days of rest purposes, will have thrown 50 pitches) *Any player on a team roster may pitch, but all must adhere to the days of rest rules. *Pitchers, once removed from the pitching position, may not return to pitch in the same game. *A pitcher must be removed as a pitcher if a coach, or an assistant coach, visits the mound twice in one inning, or three times in one game. *No temporary AAA replacement (called up for a game) may pitch at the Little League level. *In any extra inning game the number of pitches thrown are to be charged to the pitcher for his/her days of rest cycle

Triple A *Any player on a team roster may pitch; a calendar week begins Sunday and ends Saturday. *Team players league age of twelve years old, may pitch in a calendar week to a total of 12 innings *No pitcher may pitch more than six innings in a calendar week, and no more than three (3) consecutive innings per game. *If a pitcher only throws one pitch in an inning, that one pitch shall constitute one full inning of pitching. *If a pitcher pitches three (3) innings or less in a game, he/she, must have one-calendar days rest. *Pitchers day of rest shall carry over from one week to the next. (i.e. if a pitcher pitches on Saturday he may not pitch again until Monday) *Innings pitched in a game that is postponed or canceled shall be charged against the pitcher as innings pitched in the calendar week. *Pitchers, once removed from pitching position, may not return to pitch later in the same game. A pitcher must be removed from the pitching position if a coach or an assistant visits the mound twice in one inning or three times in one game. *In any extra inning game the number of innings pitches are to be charged to the pitcher for that calendar week

Little League and Triple A *There are no balks. There is no limit on hit batters by a pitcher, before he/she must be removed; the coach is to use common sense.

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ON THE FIELD RULES:

1) BATS

Little League and Triple A *USA Standard Metal Bats will be allowed in Triple A and Little League effective the 2018 season. Bats must be stamped with the USA Baseball logo, and no other metal bats will be allowed. Bats can be of any drop size. Umpires will check all bats prior to the start of the game. If a player is caught with an illegal bat, after check was complete that player will be called out, and any players who advance on a potential hit/play will return to their previous based. A second violation of the rule can result in subsequent penalties.

2) BASE RUNNING

Little League and Triple A *The ball must be past home plate before a base runner may leave the base in attempting to steal. *If a player leaves early, the umpire will issue one warning per team and any further violations the umpire must call the runner out. No team should intentionally attempt to violate this rule. *If a runner leaves early, it is a delay ball situation. The ball is still considered live and play will continue. If the result is the 3rd out of the inning it automatically becomes a dead ball situation. (Note: a player can only advance one base ahead of the play when leaving early during a warning. For example, if a runner leaves first early, and the batter hits a double, he can only advance to third, if the situation is a home run on a warning the home run would stand).

Little League *Runners attempting to advance once the ball is returned to the pitcher on the rubber may do so, as long as forward progress is never stopped. Once the runner stops he/she is no longer allowed to advance. When the ball is in flight to the pitcher from the catcher, the runner is allowed to delayed steal as long as they are committed to the base ahead of them.

Triple A *Once the ball is returned to the pitcher, on the mound all runners must return to their base. Runners attempting to advance once ball is returned or is in process of being returned to the pitcher will be instructed by the umpire to return to the base the runner is stationed at regardless of whether or not the pitcher has control of the ball. *There is NO delay stealing of any bases on any throw back from the catcher (i.e. no direct advancing)

Triple A *No player is allowed to steal home. This includes steals (direct steal from third), wild pitches and/or pass balls *No player is allowed to go home on an attempt by the catcher to throw a runner out at second base. If the play is a direct steal of the bag, the catcher is allowed to throw it without the risk of the runner at third advancing. In other words, in order for the runner from third to advance he must do so on a ball in play (2019)

Little League and Triple A: force play slide rule *Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.

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*On any force play double play ball on the infield, the runner must slide, veer off or get out of the way, and in a direct line between the two bases. *It is permissible for the slider’s momentum to carry him through the base in the baseline extended. Exception - A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder. Interference shall not be called. Penalty assessed for violation: *With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance. *With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance. *If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the contest. *If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases. *Collision rule at home plate in effect, and will be called by umpire if, in his judgement, effects the outcome of the play *Head first slides are legal

3) BUNTING

Little League and Triple A *Bunting, as well as fake bunting, is allowed *Defensive players will not be allowed any closer to home plate than a direct line, (painted or chalk line), from the pitcher rubber to the foul line (approximately 35’ from home plate). *The player(s) will not be allowed in front of this line until the ball has reached the batter. If violated, the batter will be awarded first base. This will be under umpire discretion and the decision will be final. This is a safety issue. *If the penalty is enforced all runners will remain at their base unless forced. *Intentional violations of this rule will be dealt with individually by the Executive Director.

4) INTENTIONAL WALKS

Little League and Triple A *Intentional walks are allowed, and are part of the game. *Regardless of other rules, in our league the pitcher will be required to pitch the four (4) balls to the batter

Little League *Pitches during the intentional walk will be charged towards the pitchers pitch count tally

5) MISCELLANEOUS

Little League *There is no re-entry *The only exception pertains to an INJURED PLAYER, at which point the coaches will agree on a substitute participant.

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Little League and Triple A *The mercy rule is implemented if the following occurs th a) If a team is leading by 15 runs or more after the 4 inning or 3 ½ with the home team leading t h b) If a team is leading by 10 runs or more after the 5 inning, or 4 ½ with the home team leading *If the home team is trailing, regardless of the inning, the game continues until the inning is completed. *Games cannot be continued once the mercy rule has been reached, this is umpire liability for insurance.

Little League *Extra hitter will be allowed, and will be the coaches choice to use or not EH will be the extra hitter in lineup, and must play entire game - you will bat 10 players EH must enter the field after inning number 3 and then only replace a starter in the field. Therefore the starting player then becomes the EH. Both players play the entire game.

Triple A *Teams will be allowed to start and finish a game with 8 players. The 9th spot in the batting order would be an automatic out and at any time a team drops to 7 players or lower the game is considered a forfeit. *NO player can be brought up from Double A – there are no exceptions to this rule

Playoffs: *AAA will have every single team (8) make the playoffs. The regular season will consist of (14) games which allows each team to play each other twice. Teams will be seeded 1-8 based off of their regular season record. The playoffs will be a modified double elimination playoff (until the semi-final where it becomes single game) Game #1: Seed 1 vs. Seed 8 Game #2: Seed 4 vs. Seed 5 Game #3: Seed 2 vs. Seed 7 Game #4: Seed 3 vs. Seed 6 Game #5: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2 (Highest seed home) Game #6: Winner Game 3 vs. Winner Game 4 (Highest seed home) Game #7: Loser Game 1 vs. Loser Game 2 (Highest seed home) Game #8: Loser Game 3 vs. Loser Game 4 (Highest seed home) Game #9: Loser Game 5 vs. Winner Game 8 (Highest seed home) Game #10:Loser Game 6 vs. Winner Game 7 (Highest seed home)) Game #11: Highest-seeded 2-0 team vs. Lowest-seeded 2-1 team Game #12: Lowest-seeded 2-0 team vs. Highest-seeded 2-1 team Game #13: Winner Game 11 vs. Winner Game 12 (Championship Game)

*Little League: For 2019 the top team in each division will make the playoffs, with the next two seeds going to the best two teams regardless of division. AL and NL will be the top 2 seeds regardless of record with WC 1 and WC 2 being the 3rd and 4th seeds. Playoffs will be a double elimination style tournament to crown the league champion.

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