RULES

2018 Little League International Congress Agenda 

 

District Administrators from across the world met the weekend of January 19, 2018 in New Orleans to vote on rule changes for 2018.  Click here to view the proposed rule changes contained in the 2018 Little League International Congress Agenda.

Click here to see the voting results of the proposed rule changes.

 

Overview

Brick Little League endorses the Little League® International Baseball philosophy. The BLL Board has made only slight modifications to the playing rules to enhance the playing experience for our children.

The following excerpt is taken from the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League® International Baseball:

"… Little League Baseball is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in an atmosphere of wholesome community participation.

The movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It strives to inspire them with a goal and to enrich their lives toward the day when they must take their places in the world. It establishes for them rudiments of teamwork and fair play..."

Rules set guidelines, rules teach discipline, and rules require respect.

Philosophy on Conduct

It is the philosophy of Little League® International Baseball that your child's playing experience shall be positive. Brick Little League can not allow the enjoyment of the majority of players and families to be jeopardized by misconduct by others. Unfortunately, there may be times when disciplinary action against players, managers, coaches, parents or spectators may become necessary.

Playing Rules

Little League® International Baseball offers a booklet titled "Official Regulations and Playing Rules". The booklet is generally available for purchase, and each team manager is provided with a copy. We encourage all players and parents to read and become familiar with both the Official Regulations and Playing Rules and any BLL Local Rule that may apply.

Local Rules

Local rules are encouraged by Little League® International Baseball. This allows Leagues to adjust rules for local conditions. BLL Local rule modifications to the Little League International rules are reviewed and approved by the Brick Little League Board of Directors.

Pitching Restrictions

Please refer to the BLL Local Rule regarding pitching restrictions and mandatory rest periods for each age division.

For more helpful information, please read this booklet = PROTECTING YOUNG PITCHERS ARM

Pitching restrictions may vary year-to-year so please refer to the COACHING SECTION of our website

Team Rules and Conduct

In addition to the Little League® International Baseball and BLL Local Rules, each team may have individual added team rules. Team rules are established by the manager and are to provide team, parent and player specific participation and other requirements. Please refer to your team manager for their team rules.

Game Conduct

Players are expected to arrive on time for pre-game workouts and conduct themselves during the game in an acceptable manner. It is a team's responsibility to promote good sportsmanship and fair play. The following are simple rules for players to follow throughout the season:

~ Play for the fun of playing, not just to please your parents.
~ Play by the rules.
~ Never argue with or complain about umpire's calls or decisions.
~ Control your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
~ Concentrate on playing baseball and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort.
~ Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team or your opponent's.
~ Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
~ Cooperate with your manager, coaches, teammates, opponents and umpires.
~ Food is not allowed in the dugouts, although sunflower seeds are permitted.

For more information, refer to the CODES OF CONDUCT SECTION of the site.

Any player, manager, coach, parent or spectator whose conduct is not consistent with the guidelines set may be cautioned by the umpire or other League official. Foul or abusive language is strictly prohibited.

If an individual is unable to refrain from using foul language or making derogatory remarks to any player, manager, coach, or umpire or other League official may suspend the game until that individual leaves the park complex and/or other playing areas. If the individual refuses to leave the park complex and/or other playing areas, the umpire may discontinue the game and the police will be called for assistance. If the disruptive individual is a manager, coach or player, additional sanctions will likely occur depending on the circumstances.

Ejection Protocol

Each umpire has the power and authority to eject players, managers, coaches and spectators from the game, park complex and/or other playing areas.

Players
If a player is ejected, the player must IMMEDIATELY leave the playing area (field, dugout, bullpen etc.) before the “game” can continue, but may become a silent spectator in the stands. The player will NOT be allowed to participate in the next scheduled game, but may watch the game from the stands, but may not wear the team uniform.

Manager/Coach
If a manager or coach is ejected, that individual must IMMEDIATELY leave the complex and other playing fields. In addition, that individual must have NO CONTACT with the team and shall be PROHIBITED from attending the next scheduled team game.

Parents/Spectators
If a parent or spectator is ejected, that individual is required to IMMEDIATELY leave the complex and other playing fields. Refusal to do so may result in the umpire "calling" the game and other sanctions being assessed on the team associated with that individual.

Other Disciplinary Actions
The Board of Directors feels strongly that proper field decorum is an important element of the Little League baseball experience. For example, ejected individuals who do not "go quietly" once ejected can expect additional sanctions.

Note: Any player, manager or coach who is ejected or otherwise suspended three times in a season, may have their association with Brick Little League terminated.

The Protest Committee is responsible to impose any other disciplinary sanctions necessary to effectively operate the League.