We want to bring a few "Little League" Rules and "Nashua Little League Rules" to your attention

1. Time Limit: Nashua Little League (NLL) has a 2 1/4 hr. game rule for weekends. Meaning you can't start a new innings after 2 1/4 hrs. assuming it reached the point of a official game (4 complete innings). For weekdays, we do not allow a new inning to start after 8 pm. If the game isn't an official game (4 innings complete) and is stopped because of darkness the game would resume from that point at a later date. Basically, as a league, we don't want to have three hour long games. .

2. Official Game: a) An official 6 inning game will be considered final after 4 innings of play (after 3½ if Home team is leading) if shortened due to darkness or weather related issues. EXCEPT during playoffs when games will be played in their entirety or mercy rule is reached as described below. In the event of a game stopped due to darkness or weather, it must be continued the next immediate day weather conditions allow. b) Games are to start at 5:45 PM (except Lajoie games which will at 6:15 PM sharp) on weekdays and as close to assigned/published starting times on weekends. There is a two and a quarter (2 1/4) hour time limit on games and no inning can start after 8:00 PM (except games played at Lajoie). A ten-minute grace period will be granted to teams that do not have 9 players at game time for 5:45 PM games only. c) Minimum player requirements (9 players) are mandatory. Managers are subject to disciplinary actions if this rule is not followed. Visiting team may bat with less than 9 players, but may not take the field with less than 9 players. If visiting team cannot field minimum requirements they must forfeit the game. d) The Home team is to take the 1st base dugout; Away team has the third base side. d) The Home team is also responsible for supplying a concession helper for games scheduled at Sunset Minor Field and Lajoie Field. If no one is provided, both coaches and umpire will be alerted, if coverage is not found at this time a forfeit WILL be enforced by the umpire. f) Both teams are also responsible for supplying one game ball and ALL pre/post game/practice responsibilities. Including: bases, dragging, lining field and any other duties requested by the league. Managers may agree to who is responsible for what duties provided all responsibilities are fulfilled. g) The Minor Leagues will have a 6 run per inning rule (for the first 3innings) enforced, and a 10 run (mercy) rule after 4 complete innings (or 3½ if the Home team is ahead).

3. Pitch count rules... NLL use a pitch count rule to keep the kids arms safe. Each league age (how old you are on April 30th) kid can pitch a given number of pitches per game then they have mandatory # of day/days as rest. Here's a break-down:

Pitch Count Limits 7/8 y/o - 50 9/10 y/o - 75 11/12 y/o - 85

66+ - pitches- 4 days off 51 to 65 pitches- 3 days off 36 to 50 pitches- 2 days off 21 to 35 pitches- 1 day off 1 to 20 pitches - 0 days off

4. Substitution of players.. Each player has to play 2 innings in the field and 1 at bat before any substitutions can be made. We cannot play a game without being able to field 9 players. So, it is important to let the coach know if you can't make a game or if you will be late.

5. Bench Rules: We are only allowed 3 coaches on the bench. NLL also has a rule against swinging bats or even hold bats while near the bench. This is only for safety reasons; we obviously don't want a player to get hit by mistake. All players need to stay behind the fence until they are called up to bat.

6. Scoreboard - The visiting team is responsible for having a parent/coach run the score board. The score board is meant to inform the fans of balls/strikes and game score. The official balls/strikes are with the umps and runs are official with the coaches.

7. Back stop- NLL has a rule against parents/kids/players standing directly behind back stop (black fence behind home plate). This rule is in place to avoid player and ump distractions...

8. Leading/stealing- A runner can't leave the base until the ball crosses home plate. If a runner leaves the base early they will be called back by the ump.

9. Stealing home- NLL has a local rule that before the first 6 games a runner at 3rd base cannot steal home during the throw back between the catcher and pitcher. The runner can steal on a pass ball. After the 6th game, a runner can steal during the throw back. This rule was set in place because the younger kids haven't mastered throwing/catching...

10. Mercy Rule: We have a ten run Mercy rule in NLL. If a team is leading by more than 10 runs after the 4th inning is completed the game is over.

Safety All batters, runners and player/coaches MUST wear protective helmets. Minors and below helmets MUST have face guards.

Please remember the use of Tobacco products in any form is PROHIBITED on school grounds (state law) and within the boundaries of the playing field, dugouts, benches, etc.

I hope this helps to clear up some of our many rules in Little League Baseball... Please feel free to ask your Coach or League Officials any questions.

We are all looking forward to a fun and safe 2014 Baseball Season.

Regards,

Greater Nashua Little League Board of Directors