WALKERTOWN LITTLE LEAGUE (ALL DIVISIONS) 2009 LOCAL RULES
1. All weekday games will start at 6:00 p.m. and Weekend game times are noted on each divisional game schedule
2. If rainy weather exists, teams must report to playing fields on scheduled game days, unless notified by your manager or coach in advance. The Field Manager, the President, or one of the Vice Presidents are the only persons authorized to cancel games. The President, or one of the Vice Presidents, will notify the Player Agents via email and website updates of cancellations (Player Agents without email should notify the league president for phone call cancellations). The Player Agents, in turn, are responsible for notifying Managers by 4pm on weekdays if time allows and one hour prior to scheduled game time on weekends. The President will reschedule rainouts on the next available day. If toward the end of the season, the League gets behind because of rainouts, the League reserves the right to schedule make-up games on Wednesdays or Sundays.
3. The home team’s scorebook will be the official book when signed be the plate umpire at the completion of the game. The home team and visiting team pitch count sheets should both be signed by the plate umpire. Home and visiting team scorekeepers should sit at the Officials Table to avoid conflicts. No score shall be kept in the T-Ball division.
4. All managers, coaches, parents and spectators shall conduct themselves in a manner that demonstrates good sportsmanship (win or lose). Managers, coaches, parents and spectators should make themselves aware of the Little League rules of the division(s) their son(s)/daughter(s) is/are participating in. Parents/spectators should show respect to all volunteers associated with Little League. Managers/coaches, parents, and spectators should show by example, that they respect the judgment and the position of authority of the umpire. You should instill in each player the authority of adult leaders in the League. These volunteers are not paid and are volunteering to make your son(s)/daughter(s) experience with Little League enjoyable and rewarding (baseball knowledge and values of teamwork, fair play and discipline). Opinions and criticisms of the program should be presented to the officers of the League in a constructive manner. Please present a possible solution and be willing to volunteer your services to improve the problem. Remember, we are all examples to the children of the League, whether we like it or not.
5. Conduct by a manger/coach/player/spectator that is detrimental to the League will not be tolerated. There shall not be any abusive language or any harassment of other team’s members, managers, coaches, or umpires. Violators will be asked to leave the game and Little League facilities. The local law enforcement will be called if needed.
6. No one shall consume alcoholic beverages on or near any Little League facility. If a violation of this sort occurs, the local law enforcement will be called in to take care of this.
7. The use of tobacco in any form is prohibited on the playing field, benches or dugouts.
8. Should any manager/coach/player be thrown out of the game, he/she will be required to leave Little League property immediately. The game will not be continued until the violator has left the facilities. Local law enforcement will be called if needed.
9. If a manager/coach/player is thrown out of the game, he/she will be suspended for the teams next scheduled game. Managers with one suspension will not be eligible for All-Stars, per Little League International rules. Players with one suspension will be required to address the current Little League Board of Directors to be considered for All-Stars.
10. Should a manager/coach/player be thrown out of a game for a second time in a season, the suspensions in #9 will be applied and the violator will have to meet with the current Little League Board of Directors. A player would have to bring his/her parents and manager to the meeting. The purpose of the meeting is to address the happenings/facts and determine current and/or future penalties for their actions.
11. Any manager/coach that does not show up or have a qualified replacement for all assigned duties such as but not limited to, umpiring, supplying official pitch counter, scorekeeper, etc may be suspended for his/her next played game or be subject to next game forfeiture, and will not be eligible for managing the division’s All-Star team. Should a manager/coach do this a second time in one season, the manager will be suspended for their next scheduled game and the violator will have to meet with the current Little League Board of Directors. The purpose of the meeting is to address the happenings/facts and determine current and/or future penalties for these actions. Reasonable medical emergencies will be taken into consideration.
12. All divisions (except T-Ball) will play ‘best record’ for determining a divisional winner and subsequent division rankings. When interleaguing, the division record is not determined with interleague games. If a two-way tie should occur at the end of the playing season, a one game play-off will be scheduled on the next available day after the end of the season. A coin toss will determine home team. If a three-way tie should occur at the end of the season, the following will occur: (A) The team with the best head to head record among the three will receive a bye; (B) The other two teams will flip for home team privilege. The first game will be scheduled for the next available day after the end of the season; (C) The winner of the first game will play the team that got the bye and will be given the choice of being home team or visitor; (D) The winner of this second game will be the divisional champs.
13. Minor and Major Divisions: If teams are tied for 2nd place they will play head to head to determine the 2nd place standing.
14. All Divisions: The winning manager will have the choice of managing an All Star team within their division. The 2nd place manager will have the choice of managing the remaining team in the divisions. This will continue until someone takes the duty of managing the final team. Exception: If a manager has been suspended for a game during the regular season, he/she will not be allowed to manage an All-Star team in any division.
15. All Star Selection Process: Players who wish to be considered must submit an All Star Application. Players in each division vote on who they feel should be on the All Star team. Ballots will contain names of players submitting applications only. Half the team will be chosen by the player votes; the manager of each respective team will select the remaining team members with the exception of Minor division which may include all player selections on one team if winning manager chooses to do so. For Divisions with two teams: 1: Minor: winning manager gets 1st choice of all players on the team. 2nd place manager will choose players for team after the 1st team has been selected. 2: 11 year old/Major Team: winning manager gets 1st choice of 11 year old team or Major team; however, Major team All Star manager will choose players for 11 year old team after major teams have been selected. The league needs to field the most competitive teams in all divisions for WLL.
16. In the event of school activities that prohibit a team to field the appropriate number of players (9) to play a scheduled game, the manager must submit in writing to the President or one of the Vice Presidents of the Little League the reason why a team cannot field enough players. This notice shall be submitted at least 24 hours prior to the scheduled game in conflict, or Rule 4.15 will be in effect. The form is located on the league website and should be submitted electronically.
17. Manager/coach is responsible in the cleaning of their respective side at the completion of all games (dugout and spectator area). Trash buckets will be added to each dugout. Managers should collect and empty trash after each game.
18. Manager/coach will be responsible for supplying an adequate supply of water for their team at all practices and games. Failure to do so may result in suspension or removal as manager/coach.
19. Mangers/coaches are responsible for ensuring that all players wear helmets when hitting or running the base path. Helmets are not to be removed until the batter has returned to the dugout. All catchers must wear throat guards (4” mandatory from Major division and under) and chest protector must contain a crouch guard.
20. One Manager or Coach may remain outside dugout during game, unless otherwise instructed by the umpire. All players must remain in the dugout when not at bat or on the playing field. Players in the Jr/Sr and Big League divisions are permitted to utilize the on-deck circle. .
21. All players attending the scheduled games must play at least 6 defensive outs and bat at least once. All divisions excluding Big League.
22. Casts may not be worn during ball games, or practices refer to Rule 1.11 of the Little League Rule Book. Coaches must remain in dugout if wearing a cast.
23. No batboys or batgirls will be allowed. Only players/managers/coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing field and in the dugout during a game. Gates must remain closed and latched during games on fields with gates.
24. No new inning will be started after 8:15 p.m. due to limitations of natural daylight and safety reasons. Completion of the inning being played at 8:15 p.m. will be subject to the umpire’s decision as to available daylight.
25. A 2 ½ hour time limit on all Saturday games will be imposed. No new inning shall start after the 2 ½ hour time limit (this includes a tie game).
26. Infield fly rule will apply in the Minor/Major/Senior/Big League divisions.
27. Balks will be called in the Senior, Big League, and Junior divisions only. Balks will be called in the spring and fall seasons.
28. Minor and Major divisions are allowed to steal only after the ball has passed home plate.
29. Minor league may use 4 outfielders for defense.
30. In the Minor league, no team shall score more than 5 runs per inning in the first 3 innings regardless of the number of outs that have occurred. Beginning in the 4th inning the amount of runs is unlimited.
31. For T-Ball thru Major divisions, headfirst slides are not permitted. The only exception is when the runner is returning to the base previously held.
32. Intentional passes. Refer to the official Little League rule book.
33. Protest shall be considered only when based on the violation or interpretation of a playing rule or the use of an ineligible player. No protest shall be considered on a decision involving an umpire’s judgment.
34. Managers have the right to protest a game. Coaches may only protest a game in their manager’s absence.
35. The protesting manager shall immediately, and before any succeeding play begins, notify the umpire the game is being played under protest. Once the next play is made the protest is not valid. The exception to this rule is the use of an ineligible player.
36. Protest made due to the use of an ineligible player may be considered only when made to the umpire before the final out of the game.
37. Any protest for any reason whatsoever must be submitted by the manager first to the umpire on the field of play, and then in writing to the League President within 24 hours of the protested game. The written protest to the President must be accompanied by $25.00 (money order or certified check) in order to be considered. If the protest is found to be valid, the game will proceed from where the infraction was protested and the $25.00 will be returned to the manager. The continuation of the game will be played on the next available day after the protest judged as valid, regardless of available pitching. If the protest is found to be invalid, the League will retain the $25.00.
38. Little League rule books handle the following situations, the winning team is ahead of the losing team by 10 or more runs and the game has become a regulation game, the 10-run rule will be in effect.
39. Players must not wear watches, rings, earrings, pins, jewelry, or metallic items on the playing field. (Only exception is medical related devices.)
40. Intentional throwing at a batter is a serious offense. If there is evidence of this or admittance of this, the player and or manager/coaches may be suspended for the season or worse. The decision will be up to the current Board of Directors. Any players responding to this action by rushing the mound or throwing the bat at the pitcher, inciting the bench, clearing brawls, etc. will face the same kind of punishment. There is no room for this in Little League baseball.
41. In the event that a paid behind the plate umpire is not available, there will be every attempt made to find a qualified replacement. If both teams agree on this replacement, there should be no complaining after the game. If no suitable replacement is found then the game will be rescheduled. This applies to all divisions except T-Ball and Machine Pitch.
42. If in the umpire’s judgment there is a play at any base and the runner does not slide or attempt to avoid contact with the defensive player with the ball, the runner will be called out. Managers must inform the home plate umpire of this Local Rule prior to the beginning of the game. This Local Rule is for all divisions, except Big League. Refer to the official Little League rule book relating to avoiding contact.
43. Scheduled home team managers will mark off playing fields. The fields should be ready by game time.
44. No one is allowed directly behind backstop or dugouts. Physical barriers may be placed to ensure the enforcement of this safety rule. Game participants are the only individuals permitted inside the barriers.
45. No soft toss or hitting against fences or any intentional destruction of property will be allowed.
46. No vehicles outside of designated parking areas will be allowed without prior permission from the Little League President.
47. Continuous batting order will be used through the Major Division.
2008 LOCAL RULES FOR T-BALL DIVISION
1. No official score will be kept in T-Ball Only official line-up cards (provided by the League) should be used to ensure everyone has batted. Scorebooks are prohibited. Any violation will result in disciplinary actions by the League. No one should tell a player about the score. This division should be instructional only. All T-Ball players are winners.
2. No base stealing is allowed, runners must remain on the bases occupied until the ball is hit.
3. No players are allowed to coach bases.
4. Bases will be 45 ft. apart and will not be tied down.
5. The infield fly rule will not apply to T-Ball.
6. A game consists of 3 innings.
7. The batting line-up must contain the names of all players present.
8. Each team will bat players present each offensive inning. The side is retired when all players in the batting line-up have completed an at-bat. No player should bat 1st more than once per game. The batting order should rotate each inning. i.e. Inning one, 1st batter listed on lineup hits first, inning two, 2nd batter listed hits first, inning three, 3rd batter listed hits first, etc. Each player should have the opportunity to hit first at least once during the season.
9. Each batter will be allowed 5 swings in which to hit a ball. If after 5 swings the batter has not hit a fair ball, the batter will be called out.
10. An official swing is defined as an all out swing at the tee. If the ball is accidentally knocked off the tee during a practice swing, this is not an official swing. The determination of an official swing will be made by the umpire(s) calling the game. This is a judgment call.
11. No bunting.
12. A foul ball is (A) a ball that travels less than 15 feet, or (B) a ball that does not travel by either 1st or 3rd base in fair territory.
13. The following infield positions should be occupied: pitcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd base, and short stop. No more than 5 players in the infield at the start of each play. Each team may use extra players as outfielder for defense. Outfielders should position themselves at least 3 feet behind the base paths before the ball is put in play. After the ball is put in play the outfielders may move into the infield.
14. Time is called by the umpire when the player pitcher (A) has control of the ball in bare hand or glove and (B) has that bare hand or glove held over his/her head, and (C) is standing with at least 1 foot on or inside the chalked pitching circle.
15. No running the ball to any player/position. Once the ball is caught it must be thrown. In the event of a miss-catch/overthrow, only one base advancement will be allowed.
16. The ball must be returned to the player pitcher, and then turned over to the coach pitcher after time has been called.
17. On the last bat in any half inning, play does not stop until Local Rule Number 14 above is satisfied. If a runner has passed the half way mark toward home plate when time has been established, home will be awarded to the runner.
18. Out of play zones will be established and marked with chalk. Umpires should discuss those areas with each manager before each game. Rule Number 7.05 from the Little League Playing Rules addresses overthrows.
19. No player can play the pitchers position for more than 1 inning per game.
20. A pitcher/player must throw the ball to 1st base and not run the batter down with the ball. All throws should be made to the 1st base player, then the 1st base player will either touch 1st base or the runner for a forced out. The umpire will make all decisions. The umpire’s judgment is final.
21. T-Ball teams may have an extra coach and team mom. It is the manager’s option.
2008 LOCAL RULES FOR MACHINE PITCH DIVSION
1. Bases will be 60 ft. apart.
2. No base stealing is allowed. Runners must remain on the base occupied until the ball is hit.
3. No players are allowed to coach bases.
4. The infield fly will not apply to Machine Pitch Division.
5. The pitching machine will pitch to each player from the pitcher’s rubber. The pitcher’s rubber shall be 40 ft. from home plate with a 10 ft. diameter circle around it. Pitch speeds for all batters: fall season = 36 mph and spring season = 36 mph.
6. Each batter will be allowed 5 pitches in which to hit a fair ball. If after 5 pitches the batter has not hit a fair ball, the batter will be called out. The 3 strikes rule will apply. If on the 5th and subsequent pitches, foul balls will not count until a fair hit or strike.
7. No team shall score more than 5 runs per inning, regardless of the number of outs that have occurred. Beginning with the 6th inning the team can score as many runs as possible. Exception – slaughter rule. Refer to Local Rule Number 39 and Little League Rule 4.10(E) 10 run rule.
8. Conventional infield positions shall be occupied. (Catcher, pitcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd bases and short stop). No more than 6 players in the infield at the start of each play. Each team may use 4 outfielders for defense. Outfielders should position themselves at least 3 ft. behind the base path before the ball is in play. All Machine Pitch managers need to make a concerted effort to play every child in the infield at least 2 innings.
9. When a batted ball hits the machine or coach or is caught by a coach pitcher, the batter is granted a single.
10. If a base coach interferes with a play, impedes the defensive player from making a play, or is hit by a thrown ball, the ball will be declared dead from the point of infraction, and the base runners will be given the base earned .
11. The ball must be thrown (not run) to the player pitcher then turned over to the coach after the umpire has called time.
12. If the umpire determines play has stopped, time can be called to avoid players running on and off base.
13. Time is called by the umpire when the player / pitcher: (A) has control of the ball in his/her bare hands, (B) has bare hand held over his/her head, and (C) is standing with at least 1 foot on or inside the chalked pitching circle (D) when runners are no longer advancing (E) at the discretion of the umpire.
14. No bunting. The umpire will make the determination of what is classified as a bunt.
15. The batting line-up must contain the names of all players present.
16. Machine pitch teams may have an extra coach and team mom. It is the manager’s option.
WLL Draft Rules
1. Applications will include number of years playing experience.
2. Redraft will occur every season.
3. T-ball, Machine Pitch, and Minor divisions will be drafted by talent.
4. Major, Junior, and Senior will be drafted by: First: Draft Pitchers by talent; Second: Draft Catchers by talent; Third: draft remaining players by talent.
5. Management of late sign-ups. Next team will not automatically get the next player signed up. The draft decision will be based on the players’ years of playing experience and how the teams are currently divided.
6. In all divisions, the manager gets one trade to obtain his child/children and one trade to obtain his coach’s child. If his child is on his team from the draw, he only gets to get his coach’s child. If that child is also on his team from the draw he gets no trades. All trades MUST be with a player on the same line(equal talent).
7. Any other/additional trade requests would require unanimous approval from all managers. All trades MUST be with a player on the same line(equal talent).
WLL Player Pool Rules
The existing player pool rules as indicated in the official Little League handbook on page 34, section V, item (C) – Selection of players, will be the official rule to be followed by teams in all divisions.
The rule reads:
( c ) Alternate method of operation
To aid leagues that are having a difficult time getting enough players for their regular season teams the following option is available:
A pool of players from existing regular season teams can be created with
Players who are willing to participate in extra games during the regular
Season when teams face a shortage of rostered players for a regular season
Game. NOTE: Players may not be “borrowed” from an opponent. They must be assigned by the Player Agent.
Guidelines:
1. The league’s Player Agent will create and run the pool. The league’s Player Agent will use the pool to assign players to teams that are short of players on a rotational basis. The Player Agent must go through complete list before a player can play a second time.
2. Managers and/or coaches will not have the right to randomly pick and choose players from the pool.
3. Players used from the pool will not be allowed to pitch, except during the player’s own regular season scheduled game.
4. Pool players that are called and show up at the game site must play at least nine consecutive defensive outs and bat once.
