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PA District 29 Little League
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Little League Tournament and Regular Season Pitching Rules Made the Same by Adoption of New Rule
SOUTH WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
November 24, 2009
Recent rule changes adopted by the Little League International Board of Directors will bring pitching rules for tournament baseball in line with the regular season rules. The changes were made after many district administrators and local Little League volunteers had requested the pitching rules become more consistent.
“A few years ago, scientific studies showed epidemic increases in youth pitching injuries and pointed to overuse as the primary factor,” Dr. James Andrews, Chairman of the American Sports Medicine Institute and a member of the Little League International Board of Directors, said. “Little League baseball should be congratulated as the leader in addressing this issue by introducing pitch count limits. This has led to increased awareness at all levels including players, parents, coaches, and other youth league organizations, and hopefully, a decrease in number of injuries. The current changes adopted by Little League should help further the ability of kids to enjoy and advance in baseball without serious overuse injuries.”
The most noticeable change to the rules was adopted in the area of rest required between pitching appearances, for tournament play. The new rule eliminates the game required in between pitching appearances while increasing the number of days of rest. Adoption of the new rules makes the pitching regulations the same for tournament and regular season play.
Previously, for example, a 12-year-old pitcher in the regular season who threw the maximum 85 pitches in a day was required to have either three calendar days of rest and one game (or four days of rest and no game, at the option of the local league), before pitching again. In 2010, that same pitcher will simply be required to have four days of rest.
Previously, for tournament play including the Little League Baseball World Series, a 12-year-old pitcher who threw 85 pitches would need two days of rest, and one game, before pitching again. In 2010, that pitcher will be required to have four days of rest, same as during the regular season.
As in previous years, as the number of pitches decreases, the number of days of rest also decreases incrementally.
Little League Baseball and Softball is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.6 million players and 1 million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries.
2010 Little League Baseball Regular Season and Tournament Pitching Rules
Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
Pitchers league age 15-18 must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 61 - 75 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 46 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 31 -45 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 1-30 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
East Region Plans New Invitational Tournament for 9-10 BB & SB
November 11, 2009
This post is to formally advise all District Administrators within the U.S. Eastern Region that commencing immediately with the 2010 season a 9/10 Year Old Little League Baseball Invitational Tournament, along with a 9/10 Year Old Little League Softball Invitational Tournament, will take place for the first time in Little League® history.
If you are interested in becoming the host for either the 9/10 LLB Invitational Tournament or the 9/10 LLSB Invitational Tournament, please take the opportunity to convey that interest to Mr. Corey Wright, Assistant Director of Little League's Eastern Region. In your correspondence, you will need to include a proposal as to what specific items and accomodations that you and your district would be willing to offer. Some items of interest and importance are hotel accomodations, umpire availibility, housing for players/umpires, meals for players, field accomodations, tournament format (11 teams: 11 states, pool play/double elimination), banquets for opening/closing of tournament, medical personnel, and last but not least parking/bathrooms/seating availibility.
The more detailed of a proposal that you are able to provide, the better the opportunity that we will have to make a qualified determination as to whom would be in the best position to serve as host of the 9/10 Year Old Little League Baseball & Softball Invitational Tournaments. Please send all of your specific proposals directly to:
Mr. Corey Wright - Assistant Director
Little League® Eastern Region Headquarters
335 Mix Street
Bristol, Connecticut 06010
Little League Umpire Registry Now Open
November 18, 2009
Dear Little League Volunteer Umpire:
We cordially invite you to take the opportunity to renew your umpire registry for the 2010 season as the registry is now open on-line. Please encourage all fellow umpires within your Little League to register.
Don't delay and miss even one edition of the "FAIRBALL" newsletter; and possibly start the season without your 2010 rule books. Once you register, you may expect your supplies to begin shipping in January, 2010.
You may click the following link to access our on-line registry. If there are any questions, please contact Melissa Shaffer @ 570-326-1921, ext. 248. On-Line Registry
2010 Pitching Rule Changes for Baseball
November 17, 2009
This message is to let you know of additional changes to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules in the baseball divisions of Little League.
These changes, enacted on Friday by the Little League International Board of Directors, will bring the Regular Season and Tournament Pitching Rules into alignment. As we have heard over the years, this has been a desire of many involved in Little League.
Public notice of these changes will be made later this week. However, we wanted you to know about the changes before they are released to the media.
Use the following links for all the information or go to the "Handouts" section.
2010 Baseball Regular Season Pitching Rule Changes ---- 2010 Baseball Tournament Pitching Rule Changes
2010 Rule Changes
November 5, 2009
2010 Little League Rules and Regulation Changes
Below is a synopsis of the significant changes to the Rules and Regulations for 2010 in the divisions noted, as of this date.
The exact wording of the Rules and Regulations noted will be provided in the coming weeks. It is expected that rule books will be available soon as well.
(Note: Unless noted otherwise, these changes apply to all divisions)
REGULATIONS
Regulation I (c) 8 - Note 1: Added a sentence stating that if a league elects to operate a Tee Ball baseball program only, it must use the league age determination date that is noted in the regulation. (Baseball only.)
Regulation IV (a) - Junior League: Added language making it clear that when a 12-year-old player is found to be ineligible under this regulation, that player and/or his/her team are subject to removal from the International Tournament by action of the Tournament Committee.
Regulation VI - Note 4: Added language making it clear that a resumed game or contest decided by forfeit does not constitute a "game" for the purpose of this regulation, unless one completed inning was played before the game ended or the game was forfeited.
Regulation XIV (e): Added language making it clear that alcohol is prohibited at the game site.
PLAYING RULES
Rule 1.10: Added language making it clear that any bat that has been altered must be removed from play.
Rule 1.11 (h): Added language making it acceptable for Junior, Senior and Big League players to wear metal spikes or cleats. (Added for softball only. This rule already applies to these divisions in baseball.)
Rule 1.11 (k): Added language making it clear that casts may not be worn by players and umpires during the game, and that persons wearing casts, including managers and coaches, must remain in the dugout during the game.
Rule 1.14: Standardized the limits on the size of fielders' gloves.
Rule 2.00 Definition of Pitch: Added language making it clear that a balk or illegal pitch, whether or not a pitch is actually delivered to a batter, counts as a pitch in determining the pitch count for that pitcher. (Baseball only.)
Rule 3.03 - No. 6: Added language making it clear defensive substitutions must be made while the team is on defense, and offensive substitutions must be made at the time the offensive player has her/his turn at bat or is on base. (Also added to Rule 3.03 for Big League.)
Rule 5.07, Minor League: Added language providing that the five-run rule may be suspended in the last half inning for either team, by option of the local league.
TOURNAMENT RULES AND GUIDELINES
Responsibility and Chain of Command: Added language making it clear that the Tournament Committee may impose penalties it deems appropriate, or may take action to correct a situation, regardless of the source of information.
Conditions of Tournament Play - Protests - C. Use of an ineligible player: Added language making it clear that any violation of Regulations may result in a team having an ineligible player.
SAFETY
Appendix A: Added Lightning Safety Guidelines.
Appendix D: Added Bat Modifications and Alterations Policy.
NOTES
Various Regulations, Regular Season Rules, and Tournament Rules: The deadline for submitting forms that deal with Tournament Eligibility - i.e., regular season player roster forms, Regulation II (d) and Regulation IV (h) forms, waiver requests, chartering, fee payments, combined teams and interleague play forms, etc. - is June 8, 2010.
Adults and Minors in Positions of Authority: Changes were made to Rule 2.00, Rule 4.1, Rule 9.01, Rule 9.03, Rule 9.04, and the Tournament Rules and Guidelines, making it clear that Minors may serve as coach or umpire under specific and limited circumstances as noted in each rule. (Summary: A coach who is 16 or 17 may only serve as a coach if the adult manager and another adult coach are appointed. A person who is not an adult may serve in a game as an umpire, including as plate umpire, provided one or more other adults are also umpires for that game. However, that non-adult umpire cannot be designated as umpire-in-chief for that game. The umpire-in-chief is not required to be the plate umpire.)
Big Pocono Wins National ASAP Award
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa.
August 22, 2009
Little League Baseball and Softball is intent on providing a rewarding experience for all Little Leaguers, and through ASAP (A Safety Awareness Program), Big Pocono Little League servicing Tannersville and Reeders, Pa., has helped its players, coaches, and volunteers play the game safely.
Started in 1995, ASAP encourages Little League volunteers to submit details of successful safety programs that have been adopted in their league for publication nationwide. The program enables local leagues to share concepts and methods of addressing safety issues, providing possible solutions to safety concerns. Since the inception of the ASAP program, the number of injuries reported has been reduced by 75 percent.
“Participation in the ASAP program continues to reinforce Little League’s commitment to health and safety,” Dan Kirby, Director of Risk Management for Little League Baseball and Softball, said. “Being involved in ASAP provided local communities with the assurance these leagues place their children’s well-being as a top priority. Local league participation in this volunteer program has risen to 85 percent, which is a tribute to all those volunteers who recognize the value of the program. It is our hope that other leagues will follow the lead of this year’s ASAP award winners, and better appreciate the importance of keeping all Little League participants safe.”
The ASAP National Award went to Big Pocono Little League of the East Region. The league won a new set of Musco ball field lights. Regional winners were:
Central Region: Hopkins Area Little League, Hopkins, Minn.
Southeastern Region: Lewis Little League, Weston, W. Va.
East Region: Big Pocono Little League, Tannersville/Reeders, Pa.
West Region: Redrock Little League, Las Vegas, Nev.
Southwestern Region: Odem Little League, Texas
The ASAP initiative is co-sponsored by Chartis Insurance and Musco Sports Lighting. It includes awards, a monthly newsletter, and more than $689,000 in monetary incentives that were recently distributed to local leagues and districts. In addition, because of increased ASAP participation and reduced injury claims, the premiums for several states have been reduced in recent years - in an era when insurance rates seem only to be increasing.
Little League Baseball and Softball is the world’s largest organized youth sports program, with nearly 2.7 million players and one million adult volunteers in every U.S. state and scores of other countries.
2009 District 29 Champions
CONGRATULATIONS! 2009 District 29 Champions
9-10 Baseball............Stroudsburg American
10-11 Baseball..........Stroudsburg National
11-12 Baseball..........Stroudsburg National
Junior Baseball..........Dingman/Delaware
Senior Baseball.........Stroudsburg
9-10 Softball..............Pocono Mountain
11-12 Softball............Dingman/Delaware
Senior Softball...........Big Pocono
2009 Tournament Resources
Use the following link for information pertaining to this year's tournament season. Topics covered are Tournament Rules,
Eligibility Information, Tournament Forms, Tournament Safety, Tournament FAQ's and Updates and much more.
2009 Tournament Resources Link
Bat Alterations Policy
The following policy is in effect as of June 5, 2009.
Little League Position Statement: Bat Modifications and Alterations
While Little League International has not received any reports of Little League volunteers or players making alterations to bats designed to increase their performance, it has been an issue in some upper levels of play.
In an effort to ensure this does not become a problem in Little League, this policy statement has been prepared and may be distributed to volunteers, parents and players.
No bat, in any level of Little League Baseball or Softball play, is permitted to be altered. This is of particular concern especially when it is clearly done to enhance performance and violate bat standards. Making such alterations to bats is clearly an inappropriate attempt to gain an unfair advantage, and cheating has no place in our program. Umpires, managers and coaches are instructed to inspect bats before games and practices - as they always should - to determine if bats might have been altered.
This includes using the appropriate Little League Bat Ring. If a bat does not clearly pass through the correct size ring, or if it has a flat spot on it, the bat must not be used. (This may simply indicate the bat has become misshapen with use, and does not necessarily indicate it was purposely altered. Still, the bat must be removed.)
Other signs to look for include contorted or mangled end-caps or knobs on non-wood bats. This could indicate that machinery was used to "shave" the inside of the bat to make it lighter. Bats with evidence of this type of tampering also must not be used.
Little League International wishes to make it clear that tampering with bats (or any other piece of equipment) is dangerous, and the equipment must not be used in any Little League game or practice.
Little League International
A.D.A. Bob Angradi, age 73, Passes Away
Robert E. Angradi, age 73, of East Stroudsburg, passed away peacefully at his home on May 5 after a courageous battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family.
Bob was a Stroudsburg Little League Coach for more than 30 years and was a District 29 representative for 15 years. He loved baseball and was an avid Baltimore Orioles fan. Stroudsburg Little League dedicated the R. Clinton Hughes Jr. Baseball Field in Stroudsburg on Saturday, May 2, in which Robert was honored and he threw the first pitch.
Bob's easy going way and gentle spirit will be missed by all who knew him!
Bulletin: Labeling on Certain 2,1/4" Bat Models
March 18, 2009
It has been brought to the attention of Little League officials that there are a few bats for sale in stores or that may have already been purchased that carry the Little League approval, but do not have the required bat performance standard markings. The Little League Rulebook states that beginning January 1, 2009, all non-wood bats used for play in Little League Baseball (majors and below) shall be printed with a bat performance factor (BPF) of 1.15 or less. While the bats we have identified pass the BPF standard and other standards of proportion and measurement, they do not have the proper label. These bats are in the marketplace for a variety of circumstances. After review by Little League officials, it has been determined that these bats may remain in the marketplace and shall be allowed for play during the 2009 season only, with the understanding that these bats shall not be allowed for play after December 31, 2009, even though some improperly labeled bats may still remain in the marketplace, or retained by leagues and players after the 2010 deadline. Also, check the model you are purchasing. If these bats, like the Vanquish, are replaced with corrected labeling, and have the BPF 1.15 label, they will be allowed after 2009.
Specifically, the bats in question are as follow:
Adidas Vanquish Blue design
(There is a newer model of this bat, also named the Vanquish and it has copper and black markings. It contains the proper labeling and therefore is not subject to the one-year rule).
DeMarini:
Black Coyote
Rogue
Distance
Rumble
Tengu
Easton: LZ-810
Louisville Slugger: YB31
Use the link for Approved Bat List
Sincerely,
Little League International
2009 Rules and Regulations Changes
Oct. 31, 2008
Dear Little League Volunteer,
This is to let you know we have completed editing of the 2009 Rules and Regulations, as well as the Tournament Rules and Guidelines. Little League International would like to thank you for all of the constructive input over the past year, as we strive to improve the experience of the children and families we serve. You can view the changes for 2009 by going to the "Handouts" page. As always, thank you for your service to the Little Leaguers and families in your league or district.
Sincerely,
Little League International
Additional Information on 2009 Baseball Bat Requirements
Oct. 16, 2008
Dear District Administrators and Local Little League Officials,
We have received a number of inquiries regarding last week's announcement regarding non-wood bats. Here are some additional details.
Statement Regarding Bats in Junior League Baseball:
Beginning with the 2009 season, baseball bats with a diameter of 2-5/8 (two-and-five-eighths) inches are now the standard for all teenage baseball divisions (Junior, Senior and Big League).
Baseball bats with a diameter of 2-3/4 (two-and-three-fourths) inches are no longer permitted for use in the Junior League Division of Baseball. Previously, these bats could be used in Juniors, but not in Senior or Big League.
Background
A committee at USA Baseball is in the process of developing a standard for bats used in the Junior League Division. Currently, there is no standard in place as there is for bats in Little League Baseball (Majors) and below, and for bats used in Senior League and Big League. (USA Baseball is the governing body for amateur baseball in the U.S. Little League Baseball is a member of USA Baseball.)
This step taken by Little League, and to be taken by other youth baseball organizations in the coming year or two, is a first step in that process and a way to prepare for the new standard. Eventually, for the Junior League age group, only bats with a diameter of 2-5/8 (two-and-five-eighths) inches will be manufactured to meet the new standard when it is ready for implementation.
(Note: The standard for bats in the Little League Baseball [Majors] Division and below is the Bat Performance Factor [BPF]. This is a measure of a non-wood bat's performance relative to wooden bats.)
In the Senior and Big League Divisions, the standard is the Ball Exit Speed Ratio (BESR), with its "minus-3" requirement. The overall weight (in ounces) of a bat can be no more than three ounces below the overall length (in inches) of the bat. This mandate remains in effect in Senior and Big League Baseball divisions, but is not a requirement in Junior Baseball.
Additional Information for Little League Baseball (Majors) and Below:
In effect for the 2009 season is the requirement that all non-wood bats used in Little League Baseball (Majors) Divisions and below shall be printed with a BPF of 1.15 or less. This stipulation has been included in the Official Rules and Regulations for the past few years, leading up to 2009, so that leagues, parents, and bat manufacturers could prepare for it. Most non-wood bats manufactured over the past several years for the age groups involved in Little League Baseball (Majors) and below have been permanently imprinted with the BPF. In fact, very few bats sold today with a diameter of 2-1/4 (two and one-quarter) inches are not printed with the BPF rating.
So, starting with the 2009 season, bats printed with a BPF higher than 1.15, or without a BPF printed (or not legible) on the bat, are not permitted in these divisions.
Sincerely,
Little League International
ASAP Newsletter is now available online at the Little League website
This month's newsletter highlights 2008 league participation by district for the past three years. Pictured above are all the Region winners throughout the contry. This presentation took place at the Little League World Series, this past August, in Williamsport, PA. ASAP participation nationwide is now 81%! District 29 has been at 100% participation and Big Pocono Little League won the award for the best safety plan in the East Region. Read all about it!
2008 ASAP Award Winners Honored
Congratulations to Big Pocono Little League as being selected for having the #1 saftey plan within the entire Eastern Region. The award was presented at the annual ASAP breakfast held during the Little League World Series in Williamsport. Pictured (from Left to right) are Mark Nayman, Big Pocono President, Anthony Jordan, Big Pocono Safety Officer and Don Soucy, East Region Director.
Little League's Policy on Base Coaches Wearing Helmets
April 17, 2008
Dear Little League Volunteer:
As you may have noticed, base coaches in professional baseball have begun wearing helmets. As a result, we have received inquiries about whether adult base coaches in Little League Baseball and Softball may wear helmets. The answer is yes. Adult base coaches may wear helmets.
Wearing a helmet is optional for adult base coaches in all levels of Little League Baseball and Softball. Rule 1.16 states, in part, "Use of a helmet by an adult base coach is optional." The type or style of helmet worn by adult base coaches also is optional.
However, batting helmets that meet NOCSAE specifications and bear the NOCSAE seal, are the only helmets that can be worn by Little League batters, base runners and player-base coaches at all levels, as well as on-deck batters in divisions involving players league age 13 and up. (The on-deck position does not exist for players league age 12 and under.)
Sincerely,
Little League International
Little League Unveils Free On-Line Resource Center Website for Coaches and Managers
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. (March 7, 2008) – Little League International recognizes and appreciates the challenges that come with being a Little League manager or coach, so it has developed a free on-line coaching resource that Little League managers and coaches can turn to for reference, education, or to stay current with the latest drills and coaching techniques.
Read More
Update on White Bat Rule
March 14, 2008
Dear Little League Volunteer:
This message is to inform you that the prohibition on white bats at all levels of Little League Baseball and Softball
(contained in Rule 1.10) has been rescinded, effective immediately. Little League International thanks all the volunteers
who provided assistance in helping us come to this decision.
Sincerely,
Little League International
New Addition to Regulation IV (i) Updated 2-12-08
An addition to Regulation IV with regard to Minor League Baseball and Minor League Softball will permit a defensive player who has played defensively since the start of a half-inning to be credited with having played for three defensive outs when that half-inning is shortened by the five-run limit.
The addition to Regulation IV (i) below is to take effect on Feb. 15, 2008. It will be included in the 2009 rule books.
Note 3: In Minor League, if a half-inning ends because of the imposition of the five-run limit in “Rule 2.00 – Inning,” and a player on the defense has played for the entire half-inning, that player will be considered to have participated for three consecutive defensive outs for the purposes of this rule. However, if the player has not played on defense for the entire half-inning, that player will be credited only as having played for the number of outs that occurred while the player was used defensively.
New Regulation on 12-Year-Olds Goes Into Effect
One of the agenda items voted on by District Administrators at the 24th Little League International Congress in Houston earlier this year, was a regulation requiring that all league age 12-year-olds must be placed onto a Major Division team. Use this link for further information. New Regulation on 12-Year-Olds Goes Into Effect
Disengage-able Bases Mandatory
WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. – Local Little Leagues have until the 2008 season to install disengage-able bases for all levels of play, if they have not already done so. So now is the best time to get this important project done!
The new rule appeared in the 2006 baseball and softball rule books of Little League:
Rule 1.06: Beginning with the 2008 season, it will become mandatory that all leagues utilize bases that disengage their anchor. Leagues are encouraged to begin the process of implementing these types of base systems during the current season on all their fields so that the process is completed by the 2008 season. Disengage-able Bases Mandatory for 2008
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