Baseball/Softball Rules
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Tee Ball Tier 1 Guidelines for 2009
1. All players bat and play the field
2. A half-inning consists of every player on a team batting once.
3. Please follow outline in the Baseball Division Guidelines to determine which skills you should be teaching.
4. No outs are recorded, no score is recorded. Players should begin to recognize an out or a safe play.
5. Change the line-up, thus the order, every week.
6. Coaches may pitch to any player at any point of the season. (Encouraged!)
7. Games should last no longer than an hour and a half. Coaches please be mindful of the limits of your players concentration and attention span.
8. By Coaches agreement, teams may record outs and thus play a “game” with no score being recorded. Teams would still switch sides after everybody in the lineup bats once, or three outs are made.
9. Please consult L&P Code of Ethics and Divisions Guide for more information.
10. Tee Ball Tier 1 should be a fun process for all kids participating. The rules of baseball are relaxed to enable the children to have fun on the Baseball field and within the confines of the loose framework of the game.
11. Basic Skills (Throwing, Catching, Hitting!!) should be introduced and mastered at this level. If those three skills are not learned, child will not be able to participate in Tier 2 or Starters.
12. Players should be taught as much as possible to avoid “scrums” to get to the ball. A “panel system” was introduced by a coach in 2004 and was a success. It is highly recommended that you incorporate this or any system that eliminates all players piling on top of each other for the ball.
1. All players bat and play the field
2. A half-inning consists of every player on a team batting once.
3. Please follow outline in the Baseball Division Guidelines to determine which skills you should be teaching.
4. No outs are recorded, no score is recorded. Players should begin to recognize an out or a safe play.
5. Change the line-up, thus the order, every week.
6. Coaches may pitch to any player at any point of the season. (Encouraged!)
7. Games should last no longer than an hour and a half. Coaches please be mindful of the limits of your players concentration and attention span.
8. By Coaches agreement, teams may record outs and thus play a “game” with no score being recorded. Teams would still switch sides after everybody in the lineup bats once, or three outs are made.
9. Please consult L&P Code of Ethics and Divisions Guide for more information.
10. Tee Ball Tier 1 should be a fun process for all kids participating. The rules of baseball are relaxed to enable the children to have fun on the Baseball field and within the confines of the loose framework of the game.
11. Basic Skills (Throwing, Catching, Hitting!!) should be introduced and mastered at this level. If those three skills are not learned, child will not be able to participate in Tier 2 or Starters.
12. Players should be taught as much as possible to avoid “scrums” to get to the ball. A “panel system” was introduced by a coach in 2004 and was a success. It is highly recommended that you incorporate this or any system that eliminates all players piling on top of each other for the ball.
Tee Ball Tier 2 Rules
Tee Ball Tier 2 Guidelines 2009
1. All players bat and play the field.
2. All Players should be rotated throughout the “game”. It is highly recommended that players are put into infield positions and taught to make plays at all bases.
3. A half-inning consists of three outs being made, or each player on the offensive team batting.
4. Outs are made and recorded at this level. While it is feasible that outs will not be made for at least the first part of the season, the anatomy of an out should be taught.
5. Change the lineup, positions, and order every week. Please change positions with safety in mind.
6. All Coaches will “pitch” to their players from the designated pitching circle. There will be no strikeouts. After three (3) swings and misses or five (5) past balls, a tee will be set up and the batter will hit off of the tee.
7. Coaches will Pitch and Catch for their respective teams to speed up the process for the kids.
8. “Games” should be played at a length of four (4) innings, or a time limit of one and one-half hours.
9. All Coaches and parents should adhere to the L&P Code of Ethics and the L&P Baseball Divisional Guidelines.
10. Scores may be kept by coaches for purposes of information only. There is no “losing” in Tee Ball.
11. Tee Ball Tier 2 should be a fun process for all kids participating. The rules of baseball are relaxed to enable the children to have fun on the Baseball field and within the confines of the loose framework of the game. Each game should build off the previous week to ensure progression in players as well as keeping their attention and teaching more skills.
12. Basic Skills (Throwing, Catching, Hitting!!) should be introduced and mastered at this level. If those three skills are not learned, child will not be able to participate in Tier 2 or Starters. Secondary Basic Skills (Fielding, Baserunning, Positioning) should be introduced at this level and should be mastered before moving to the Starters. Intermediate Skills (Recording Outs, Glove Control, Intermediate Hitting) should be introduced in this division.
1. All players bat and play the field.
2. All Players should be rotated throughout the “game”. It is highly recommended that players are put into infield positions and taught to make plays at all bases.
3. A half-inning consists of three outs being made, or each player on the offensive team batting.
4. Outs are made and recorded at this level. While it is feasible that outs will not be made for at least the first part of the season, the anatomy of an out should be taught.
5. Change the lineup, positions, and order every week. Please change positions with safety in mind.
6. All Coaches will “pitch” to their players from the designated pitching circle. There will be no strikeouts. After three (3) swings and misses or five (5) past balls, a tee will be set up and the batter will hit off of the tee.
7. Coaches will Pitch and Catch for their respective teams to speed up the process for the kids.
8. “Games” should be played at a length of four (4) innings, or a time limit of one and one-half hours.
9. All Coaches and parents should adhere to the L&P Code of Ethics and the L&P Baseball Divisional Guidelines.
10. Scores may be kept by coaches for purposes of information only. There is no “losing” in Tee Ball.
11. Tee Ball Tier 2 should be a fun process for all kids participating. The rules of baseball are relaxed to enable the children to have fun on the Baseball field and within the confines of the loose framework of the game. Each game should build off the previous week to ensure progression in players as well as keeping their attention and teaching more skills.
12. Basic Skills (Throwing, Catching, Hitting!!) should be introduced and mastered at this level. If those three skills are not learned, child will not be able to participate in Tier 2 or Starters. Secondary Basic Skills (Fielding, Baserunning, Positioning) should be introduced at this level and should be mastered before moving to the Starters. Intermediate Skills (Recording Outs, Glove Control, Intermediate Hitting) should be introduced in this division.
Starter Division Rules
Starters Division Rules 2009
(1)Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(c) All Players must play at least four defensive innings.
(d) No Team may score more than five (5) runs in any inning other than the sixth inning and beyond into extra innings. Once five runs are scored, the batting team will then take the field.
(e) Each team will bat until three outs are made in the sixth inning and every inning afterward. There will be no run limitations in the sixth inning and beyond.
(f) League will be played with a Pitching Machine set at 42 on Tuesday and Friday.
(g) League is deemed to be Instructional/ Competitive. The regular season will not count toward playoffs or playoff seeding. Playoffs seedings will be a random draw.
(2)Offensive Rules
(a) Bunting is allowed during the “Machine Pitch Days”.
(b) All Players will bat throughout the lineup. If a player cannot take his at bat, he will be skipped.
(c) Pitch limit. During all games, players will receive a maximum of six (5) called strikes. If a batter reaches five called strikes, he will be recorded as an out.
(d) A batter will record an out if (1) He swings and misses three pitches, (2) He takes five called strikes, (3) He is forced out at any base, (4) He is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) He throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(e) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal one base per inning. Stealing must be announced before the next pitch is made. Stealing is allowed at second and third base. A batter cannot hit a pitch when a steal is announced. The runner cannot advance any additional bases than the one he attempted to steal on a steal play. Outs can be recorded on a steal attempt.
(f) Any hit ball that has had its direction or velocity impeded by a Pitching machine or Game official will be called a dead ball, and runners may advance only one base.
(3)Defensive Rules
(a) Intent Rule. Any ground ball hit within the frame of the infield, in the umpires opinion, will be deemed a one-base prospective hit, and play will continue. A runner cannot advance more than one base on any ball hit in the infield, regardless of overthrows,
(a) (continued) errors, and misplays. After one base has been achieved with all runners, play will be blown dead.
(b) Any Ball hit in fair territory, outside of the frame of the infield, will be considered a four-base prospective hit, and play will continue. Any player may take four bases on a ball hit cleanly to the outfield. All runners will be in jeopardy at all times on any ball hit to the outfield.
(c) Play will end on an outfield hit when (1) The ball is in a controlling position in the infield, (2) A player has possession of the ball in a controlling position, (3) All runners are established at a base.
(d) Play will end when a play is made at any time to the correct base of the lead runner. Players are encouraged to throw to the correct base without fear of an overthrow.
(e) At no time will a trail runner (A runner on a base that is not the lead runner) attempt to leave the base in an attempt to draw a throw away from a controlling position in the infield. Play will end once the lead runner is established at a base.
(f) Defensive Positioning. Teams will field ten players on defense. Four outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. All players must play at least four defensive innings.
(g) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(h) Pitchers must wear a helmet and face guard at all times while playing the Pitcher position.
(i) A Pitcher must play no more than one foot in front of the pitching machine, and be placed no more than one foot to his “fall away” side of the pitching machine.
(j) At no time will five infielders be positioned in the infield.
(k) All infielders must play their proper infield position. No shifts will be allowed in the Starters Division.
(l) A Third Baseman/ First Baseman must play no more than six feet off the base, and no more than six feet in front or behind the base.
(m) A Shortstop and Second Baseman must play behind the direct base path. Both players can be no more than six feet from the midpoint of the baselines.
(n) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(o) No Player can field a ball within the Pitchers Circle. Any ball hit just outside of or on the Pitching Circle line will be ruled on by the umpire with that players safety in mind.
(1)Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(c) All Players must play at least four defensive innings.
(d) No Team may score more than five (5) runs in any inning other than the sixth inning and beyond into extra innings. Once five runs are scored, the batting team will then take the field.
(e) Each team will bat until three outs are made in the sixth inning and every inning afterward. There will be no run limitations in the sixth inning and beyond.
(f) League will be played with a Pitching Machine set at 42 on Tuesday and Friday.
(g) League is deemed to be Instructional/ Competitive. The regular season will not count toward playoffs or playoff seeding. Playoffs seedings will be a random draw.
(2)Offensive Rules
(a) Bunting is allowed during the “Machine Pitch Days”.
(b) All Players will bat throughout the lineup. If a player cannot take his at bat, he will be skipped.
(c) Pitch limit. During all games, players will receive a maximum of six (5) called strikes. If a batter reaches five called strikes, he will be recorded as an out.
(d) A batter will record an out if (1) He swings and misses three pitches, (2) He takes five called strikes, (3) He is forced out at any base, (4) He is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) He throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(e) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal one base per inning. Stealing must be announced before the next pitch is made. Stealing is allowed at second and third base. A batter cannot hit a pitch when a steal is announced. The runner cannot advance any additional bases than the one he attempted to steal on a steal play. Outs can be recorded on a steal attempt.
(f) Any hit ball that has had its direction or velocity impeded by a Pitching machine or Game official will be called a dead ball, and runners may advance only one base.
(3)Defensive Rules
(a) Intent Rule. Any ground ball hit within the frame of the infield, in the umpires opinion, will be deemed a one-base prospective hit, and play will continue. A runner cannot advance more than one base on any ball hit in the infield, regardless of overthrows,
(a) (continued) errors, and misplays. After one base has been achieved with all runners, play will be blown dead.
(b) Any Ball hit in fair territory, outside of the frame of the infield, will be considered a four-base prospective hit, and play will continue. Any player may take four bases on a ball hit cleanly to the outfield. All runners will be in jeopardy at all times on any ball hit to the outfield.
(c) Play will end on an outfield hit when (1) The ball is in a controlling position in the infield, (2) A player has possession of the ball in a controlling position, (3) All runners are established at a base.
(d) Play will end when a play is made at any time to the correct base of the lead runner. Players are encouraged to throw to the correct base without fear of an overthrow.
(e) At no time will a trail runner (A runner on a base that is not the lead runner) attempt to leave the base in an attempt to draw a throw away from a controlling position in the infield. Play will end once the lead runner is established at a base.
(f) Defensive Positioning. Teams will field ten players on defense. Four outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. All players must play at least four defensive innings.
(g) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(h) Pitchers must wear a helmet and face guard at all times while playing the Pitcher position.
(i) A Pitcher must play no more than one foot in front of the pitching machine, and be placed no more than one foot to his “fall away” side of the pitching machine.
(j) At no time will five infielders be positioned in the infield.
(k) All infielders must play their proper infield position. No shifts will be allowed in the Starters Division.
(l) A Third Baseman/ First Baseman must play no more than six feet off the base, and no more than six feet in front or behind the base.
(m) A Shortstop and Second Baseman must play behind the direct base path. Both players can be no more than six feet from the midpoint of the baselines.
(n) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(o) No Player can field a ball within the Pitchers Circle. Any ball hit just outside of or on the Pitching Circle line will be ruled on by the umpire with that players safety in mind.
Girls Minors Division Rules
Lew & Port 2009 Girls Minors Rules (Amended)
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(c) No Team may score more than five (5) runs in any inning other than the sixth inning and beyond into extra innings. Once five runs are scored, the batting team will then take the field.
(d) Each team will bat until three outs are made in the sixth inning and every inning afterward. There will be no run limitations in the sixth inning and beyond.
(e) League will be deemed Coach Pitch on Wednesday and Friday. The Offensive teams’ coach will be deemed the “Pitcher” on those days.
(f) League is deemed to be Instructional-Competitive. Regular Season Games will have no effect on Playoffs held at the end of the season. Seedings will be done by blind draw.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) No Bunting is allowed in the Girls Minors.
(b) Pitch limit. During all games, players will receive a maximum of six (5) called strikes. If a batter reaches five called strikes, she will be recorded as an out.
(c) A batter will record an out if (1) she swings and misses three pitches, (2) she takes five called strikes, (3) she is forced out at any base, (4) she is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) she throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(d) Any hit ball that has had its direction or velocity impeded by a Pitching machine, Coach or Game official will be called a dead ball, and runners may advance only one base.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Intent Rule. Any ground ball hit within the frame of the infield, in the umpires opinion, will be deemed a one-base prospective hit, and play will continue. A runner cannot advance more than one base on any ball hit in the infield, regardless of overthrows,
errors, and misplays. After one base has been achieved with all runners, play will be blown dead.
(a) Any Ball hit in fair territory, cleanly hit outside of the frame of the infield, will be considered a four-base prospective hit, and play will continue. Any player may take four bases on a ball hit to the outfield. All runners will be in peril at all times on any ball hit to the outfield.
(b) Play will end on an outfield hit when (1) The ball is in a controlling position in the infield, (2) A player has possession of the ball in a controlling position, (3) All runners are established at a base.
(c) At no time will a trail runner (A runner on a base that is not the lead runner) attempt to leave the base in an attempt to draw a throw away from a controlling position in the infield.
(d) Defensive Positioning. Teams will field all players on defense. Team number of Outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher.
(e) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(f) Pitchers must wear a helmet and face guard at all times while playing the Pitcher position.
(g) A Pitcher must play no more than one foot in front of the pitching machine, and be placed no more than one foot to her “fall away” side of the pitching machine.
(h) A Third Baseman/ First Baseman must play no more than six feet off the base, and no more than ten feet in front or behind the base.
(i) A Shortstop and Second Baseman must play outside of the direct base path. Both players can be no more than six feet from the midpoint of the baselines.
(j) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(k) (Pitching Machine) No Player can field a ball within the Pitchers Circle. Any ball hit just outside of or on the Pitching Circle line will be ruled on by the umpire with that players safety in mind.
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(c) No Team may score more than five (5) runs in any inning other than the sixth inning and beyond into extra innings. Once five runs are scored, the batting team will then take the field.
(d) Each team will bat until three outs are made in the sixth inning and every inning afterward. There will be no run limitations in the sixth inning and beyond.
(e) League will be deemed Coach Pitch on Wednesday and Friday. The Offensive teams’ coach will be deemed the “Pitcher” on those days.
(f) League is deemed to be Instructional-Competitive. Regular Season Games will have no effect on Playoffs held at the end of the season. Seedings will be done by blind draw.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) No Bunting is allowed in the Girls Minors.
(b) Pitch limit. During all games, players will receive a maximum of six (5) called strikes. If a batter reaches five called strikes, she will be recorded as an out.
(c) A batter will record an out if (1) she swings and misses three pitches, (2) she takes five called strikes, (3) she is forced out at any base, (4) she is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) she throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(d) Any hit ball that has had its direction or velocity impeded by a Pitching machine, Coach or Game official will be called a dead ball, and runners may advance only one base.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Intent Rule. Any ground ball hit within the frame of the infield, in the umpires opinion, will be deemed a one-base prospective hit, and play will continue. A runner cannot advance more than one base on any ball hit in the infield, regardless of overthrows,
errors, and misplays. After one base has been achieved with all runners, play will be blown dead.
(a) Any Ball hit in fair territory, cleanly hit outside of the frame of the infield, will be considered a four-base prospective hit, and play will continue. Any player may take four bases on a ball hit to the outfield. All runners will be in peril at all times on any ball hit to the outfield.
(b) Play will end on an outfield hit when (1) The ball is in a controlling position in the infield, (2) A player has possession of the ball in a controlling position, (3) All runners are established at a base.
(c) At no time will a trail runner (A runner on a base that is not the lead runner) attempt to leave the base in an attempt to draw a throw away from a controlling position in the infield.
(d) Defensive Positioning. Teams will field all players on defense. Team number of Outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher.
(e) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(f) Pitchers must wear a helmet and face guard at all times while playing the Pitcher position.
(g) A Pitcher must play no more than one foot in front of the pitching machine, and be placed no more than one foot to her “fall away” side of the pitching machine.
(h) A Third Baseman/ First Baseman must play no more than six feet off the base, and no more than ten feet in front or behind the base.
(i) A Shortstop and Second Baseman must play outside of the direct base path. Both players can be no more than six feet from the midpoint of the baselines.
(j) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(k) (Pitching Machine) No Player can field a ball within the Pitchers Circle. Any ball hit just outside of or on the Pitching Circle line will be ruled on by the umpire with that players safety in mind.
Boys Minors Division Rules
Lew & Port 2009 Boy’s Minors Rules (Amended)
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(c) No Team may score more than seven (7) runs in an inning. Once seven runs has been scored, the teams will switch Offensive and Defensive positions.
(d) League is deemed to be Recreational-Competitive. Much of the season will not count toward Playoffs, which will be held at the end of the season.
(e) Any rule not specifically addressed in the amended rules will automatically be referred to the 2008 Little League Rulebook.
(f) All Coaches must clearly write their pitchers innings into the scorebook at the end of the game. Each coach is responsible for signing the opposing teams scorebook as well as having the umpire sign the scorebook. If records are not kept, and a pitchers innings protest has been filed, the offending team will lose the protest.
(g) All Players must play no less than four (4) defensive innings in every game, unless game is postponed due to darkness or inclimate weather.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) All teams will bat all eligible players during the course of the game.
(b) Bunting is allowed at any time during the game.
(c) A batter will record an out if (1) He swings and misses three pitches, (2) He takes three called strikes, (3) He is forced out at any base, (4) He is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) He throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(d) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal any number of bases per inning. Stealing is allowed only at second and third base. No player can advance home on any steal attempt. There will be no stealing home on any passed ball or wild pitch.
(e) In a steal situation, under NO circumstance will a runner who was not established at third base before the pitch was thrown be awarded home plate, including but not limited to obstruction, interference, and all ball out-of-play rules.
(f) All players must slide on close plays or an out will be recorded.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Defensive Positioning. Teams may field ten players on defense. Four outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(b) At no time will five infielders be positioned in the infield.
(c) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(d) Infield shifts are allowed with only the four infielders being used. No Corner infielder may be allowed to play more than half way up the baseline for safety purposes on a shift. Middle Infielders must play behind Corner Infielders.
(e) Catchers may block the plate. However, when a catcher blocks the plate on a slide play, the outside edge of the part of the body that is blocking the plate will become the edge of the plate. Therefore, a player that slides into the catchers shinguard ahead of the tag, will be ruled safe.
(f) Contact with a defensive player on any play at any base except for a slide will result in the runner being called out.
(4) Pitching Rules
(a) No Pitcher may Pitch no more than six (6) innings in any calendar week. The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
(b) One Pitch in any inning constitutes one inning pitched.
(c) A player can pitch no more than three innings in any game.
(d) Once a pitcher is removed from the pitchers mound and placed onto any other position, he is ineligible to return to the Pitcher Position.
(e) A Pitcher will be deemed ineligible to return to the mound if he hits (HBP) two batters in an inning or three batters in a game.
(f) No Pitcher may pitch on consecutive days if he has pitched more than one inning on the previous day.
(g) The Pitchers plant foot must stay in contact with the rubber at all times during a pitch. Any pitch deemed to be illegal by the umpire will be called a “ball”
(h) Any Pitcher who walks four consecutive batters in two consecutive innings will be ineligible to return to the game.
(i) Pitchers must wear protective helmets while warming up.
(j) Pitchers must be dressed in full uniform and may not wear wristbands or undershirts which are not of like color to their uniform.
(k) No pitcher who appears on a Travel Team Pitcher List may pitch more than three (3) innings in a week. This list will be comprised of the top three to five Travel Team pitchers from each travel team. Number of innings will be reduced throughout the season for these pitchers, since it understood that their development will come from Travel participation. The list is subject to change when the Travel Coach deems it necessary.
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(c) No Team may score more than seven (7) runs in an inning. Once seven runs has been scored, the teams will switch Offensive and Defensive positions.
(d) League is deemed to be Recreational-Competitive. Much of the season will not count toward Playoffs, which will be held at the end of the season.
(e) Any rule not specifically addressed in the amended rules will automatically be referred to the 2008 Little League Rulebook.
(f) All Coaches must clearly write their pitchers innings into the scorebook at the end of the game. Each coach is responsible for signing the opposing teams scorebook as well as having the umpire sign the scorebook. If records are not kept, and a pitchers innings protest has been filed, the offending team will lose the protest.
(g) All Players must play no less than four (4) defensive innings in every game, unless game is postponed due to darkness or inclimate weather.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) All teams will bat all eligible players during the course of the game.
(b) Bunting is allowed at any time during the game.
(c) A batter will record an out if (1) He swings and misses three pitches, (2) He takes three called strikes, (3) He is forced out at any base, (4) He is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) He throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(d) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal any number of bases per inning. Stealing is allowed only at second and third base. No player can advance home on any steal attempt. There will be no stealing home on any passed ball or wild pitch.
(e) In a steal situation, under NO circumstance will a runner who was not established at third base before the pitch was thrown be awarded home plate, including but not limited to obstruction, interference, and all ball out-of-play rules.
(f) All players must slide on close plays or an out will be recorded.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Defensive Positioning. Teams may field ten players on defense. Four outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(b) At no time will five infielders be positioned in the infield.
(c) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(d) Infield shifts are allowed with only the four infielders being used. No Corner infielder may be allowed to play more than half way up the baseline for safety purposes on a shift. Middle Infielders must play behind Corner Infielders.
(e) Catchers may block the plate. However, when a catcher blocks the plate on a slide play, the outside edge of the part of the body that is blocking the plate will become the edge of the plate. Therefore, a player that slides into the catchers shinguard ahead of the tag, will be ruled safe.
(f) Contact with a defensive player on any play at any base except for a slide will result in the runner being called out.
(4) Pitching Rules
(a) No Pitcher may Pitch no more than six (6) innings in any calendar week. The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
(b) One Pitch in any inning constitutes one inning pitched.
(c) A player can pitch no more than three innings in any game.
(d) Once a pitcher is removed from the pitchers mound and placed onto any other position, he is ineligible to return to the Pitcher Position.
(e) A Pitcher will be deemed ineligible to return to the mound if he hits (HBP) two batters in an inning or three batters in a game.
(f) No Pitcher may pitch on consecutive days if he has pitched more than one inning on the previous day.
(g) The Pitchers plant foot must stay in contact with the rubber at all times during a pitch. Any pitch deemed to be illegal by the umpire will be called a “ball”
(h) Any Pitcher who walks four consecutive batters in two consecutive innings will be ineligible to return to the game.
(i) Pitchers must wear protective helmets while warming up.
(j) Pitchers must be dressed in full uniform and may not wear wristbands or undershirts which are not of like color to their uniform.
(k) No pitcher who appears on a Travel Team Pitcher List may pitch more than three (3) innings in a week. This list will be comprised of the top three to five Travel Team pitchers from each travel team. Number of innings will be reduced throughout the season for these pitchers, since it understood that their development will come from Travel participation. The list is subject to change when the Travel Coach deems it necessary.
Ponytails Division Rules
Lew & Port 2009 Ponytails Rules (Amended)
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with a two hour time limit, plus for those concerning sunlight.
(c) No Team may score more than seven (7) runs in an inning. Once six runs has been scored, the teams will switch Offensive and Defensive positions. The next inning will begin with no runners on and no outs.
(d) All players must play four (4) defensive innings.
(e) League is deemed to be Competitive. Playoffs will be held at the end of the season. All playoff games will be determined by their end-of-season placements according to standings.
(f) Any rule not specifically addressed in the amended rules will automatically be referred to the 2009 American Softball Association Rulebook.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) All teams will bat all players during the course of the game. All Players must play at least four (4) defensive half-innings.
(b) Bunting is allowed at any time during the game.
(c) A batter will record an out if (1) she swings and misses three pitches, (2) she takes three called strikes, (3) she is forced out at any base, (4) she is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) she throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(d) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal any number of bases per inning. Stealing is allowed only at second and third base. No player can advance home on any steal attempt. There will be no stealing Home on any passed ball or wild pitch.
(e) A player may not leave the base until after the pitch has crossed the plate.
(f) In a steal situation, under NO circumstance will a runner who was not established at third base before the pitch was thrown be awarded home plate, including but not limited to obstruction, interference, and all ball out-of-play rules.
(g) Catcher Speed up rule (Pinch Run for Catcher with two outs in the inning) is mandatory. Teams must use the player who made the last out to run for the catcher.
(h) Every effort must be made by the batter to get out of the way of a pitched ball. If, in the umpires opinion, a batter did not make a sufficient effort to avoid a slowly pitched ball, the at-bat will continue and the pitch will be deemed a ball.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Defensive Positioning. Teams may field ten players on defense. Three/Four outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. Teams who choose to play three outfielders must use an EH to balance their lineup.
(b) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(c) At no time will five infielders be positioned in the infield.
(d) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(e) Infield shifts are allowed with only the four infielders being used. No Corner infielder may be allowed to play more than half way up the baseline for safety purposes on a shift. Middle Infielders must play behind Corner Infielders.
(4) Pitching Rules
(a) No Pitcher may Pitch more than nine (9) innings in any calendar week. The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
(b) One Pitch in any inning constitutes one inning pitched.
(c) Pitchers will get six warm-ups in the first two innings, and two warm-ups thereafter.
(d) Pitchers can be substituted on the mound without penalty or restriction, other than inning restrictions. A pitcher who leaves the mound may return to pitch at a later time. A Pitcher who leaves the game in inning four, then returns later in that inning has just accrued two innings of work.
(e) A pitcher must be removed if she beans two batters in an inning or four in an entire game.
(f) A ball that bounces before it hits a batter shall be deemed a hit batsmen.
(g) The Pitchers plant foot must stay in contact with the rubber at all times during a pitch. Any pitch deemed to be illegal by the umpire will be called a “ball”
(h) Pitchers must start their delivery with both feet on the rubber.
(i) Any Pitcher who walks four consecutive batters in two consecutive innings will be ineligible to return to the game.
(j) Pitchers must wear protective helmets while warming up.
(k) Pitchers must be dressed in full uniform and may not wear wristbands or undershirts which are not of like color to their uniform.
(l) In 2009, it should be understood that this is a young division, and every effort should be made from the coaches to speed up the game, including teaching girls an underhand pitch, not windmill.
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) Game will be six (6) innings in length with a two hour time limit, plus for those concerning sunlight.
(c) No Team may score more than seven (7) runs in an inning. Once six runs has been scored, the teams will switch Offensive and Defensive positions. The next inning will begin with no runners on and no outs.
(d) All players must play four (4) defensive innings.
(e) League is deemed to be Competitive. Playoffs will be held at the end of the season. All playoff games will be determined by their end-of-season placements according to standings.
(f) Any rule not specifically addressed in the amended rules will automatically be referred to the 2009 American Softball Association Rulebook.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) All teams will bat all players during the course of the game. All Players must play at least four (4) defensive half-innings.
(b) Bunting is allowed at any time during the game.
(c) A batter will record an out if (1) she swings and misses three pitches, (2) she takes three called strikes, (3) she is forced out at any base, (4) she is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) she throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(d) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal any number of bases per inning. Stealing is allowed only at second and third base. No player can advance home on any steal attempt. There will be no stealing Home on any passed ball or wild pitch.
(e) A player may not leave the base until after the pitch has crossed the plate.
(f) In a steal situation, under NO circumstance will a runner who was not established at third base before the pitch was thrown be awarded home plate, including but not limited to obstruction, interference, and all ball out-of-play rules.
(g) Catcher Speed up rule (Pinch Run for Catcher with two outs in the inning) is mandatory. Teams must use the player who made the last out to run for the catcher.
(h) Every effort must be made by the batter to get out of the way of a pitched ball. If, in the umpires opinion, a batter did not make a sufficient effort to avoid a slowly pitched ball, the at-bat will continue and the pitch will be deemed a ball.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Defensive Positioning. Teams may field ten players on defense. Three/Four outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. Teams who choose to play three outfielders must use an EH to balance their lineup.
(b) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(c) At no time will five infielders be positioned in the infield.
(d) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(e) Infield shifts are allowed with only the four infielders being used. No Corner infielder may be allowed to play more than half way up the baseline for safety purposes on a shift. Middle Infielders must play behind Corner Infielders.
(4) Pitching Rules
(a) No Pitcher may Pitch more than nine (9) innings in any calendar week. The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
(b) One Pitch in any inning constitutes one inning pitched.
(c) Pitchers will get six warm-ups in the first two innings, and two warm-ups thereafter.
(d) Pitchers can be substituted on the mound without penalty or restriction, other than inning restrictions. A pitcher who leaves the mound may return to pitch at a later time. A Pitcher who leaves the game in inning four, then returns later in that inning has just accrued two innings of work.
(e) A pitcher must be removed if she beans two batters in an inning or four in an entire game.
(f) A ball that bounces before it hits a batter shall be deemed a hit batsmen.
(g) The Pitchers plant foot must stay in contact with the rubber at all times during a pitch. Any pitch deemed to be illegal by the umpire will be called a “ball”
(h) Pitchers must start their delivery with both feet on the rubber.
(i) Any Pitcher who walks four consecutive batters in two consecutive innings will be ineligible to return to the game.
(j) Pitchers must wear protective helmets while warming up.
(k) Pitchers must be dressed in full uniform and may not wear wristbands or undershirts which are not of like color to their uniform.
(l) In 2009, it should be understood that this is a young division, and every effort should be made from the coaches to speed up the game, including teaching girls an underhand pitch, not windmill.
Boys Majors Division Rules
Lew & Port 2009 Boy’s Majors Rules (Amended)
(Revised 3/20/06)
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) All players must play at least four defensive innings in any given game. (Lewiston Only)
(c) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(d) No Team may score more than seven (7) runs in an inning. Once seven runs has been scored, the teams will switch Offensive and Defensive positions.
(e) Any child with a league age of 13 will not be allowed to play the Pitcher Position.
(f) League is deemed to be Recreation-Competitive. Playoffs will be held at the end of the season. All playoff games will be determined by their end-of-season placements according to standings.
(g) Any rule not specifically addressed in the amended rules will automatically be referred to the 2009 Little League Rulebook.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) All teams will bat all eligible players only during the course of the game. All Players must play four defensive innings.
(b) An out is recorded for each batting slot under nine batters.
(c) Playoffs ONLY: Teams may choose to bat either their entire lineup or the number of players on the team with the fewest players. (Ie; if one team shows up with 9, to negate the advantage, the opposing team can choose to bat nine as long as all players are inserted for at least three defensive innings in the playoffs ONLY)
(d) Bunting is allowed at any time during the game.
(e) A batter will record an out if (1) He swings and misses three pitches, (2) He takes three called strikes, (3) He is forced out at any base, (4) He is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) He throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(f) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal any number of bases per inning. Stealing is allowed only at every base. A player can advance home on any passed ball or wild pitch.
(g) Player may leave base when the pitch has left the hand of the pitcher.
(h) There will be no head first slides. Players who slide head first on a close play will be called out.
(i) Slide Rule is in effect. All Players must slide on any “close” play. A player who does not slide will be called out.
(j) Any passed ball attempt to score from third base is determined to be a close play, meaning players must slide at all times to protect the pitcher who is covering the plate.
(k) In field fly rule is in effect.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Defensive Positioning. Teams must field nine players on defense. Three outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. Teams must use an EH to balance their lineup.
(b) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(c) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(d) Catchers must leave one corner of the plate unblocked when blocking the plate against a runner scoring. The umpire will assume a corner is open when determining out/safe.
(e) Infield shifts are allowed with only the four infielders being used. No Corner infielder may be allowed to play more than half way up the baseline for safety purposes on a shift. Middle Infielders must play behind Corner Infielders.
(4) Pitching Rules
(a) No Pitcher may Pitch more than six (6) innings in any calendar week. The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
(b) One Pitch in any inning constitutes one inning pitched.
(c) A Pitcher is ineligible to return to the mound once he is replaced from the mound. A pitcher may be shifted to any other position in the field when he is removed as long as he remains in the same batting order.
(d) A Pitcher will be deemed ineligible to return to the mound if he hits (HBP) two batters in an inning or three in a game.
(e) No Pitcher may not pitch on consecutive days if he has pitched more than one inning on the previous day.
(f) The Pitchers plant foot must stay in contact with the rubber at all times during a pitch. Any pitch deemed to be illegal by the umpire will be called a “ball”
(g) There will be no four walk rule at the Majors Division.
(h) Pitchers must wear protective helmets while warming up.
(i) Pitchers must be dressed in full uniform and may not wear wristbands or undershirts which are not of like color to their uniform.
(j) No player called up from the Minors (Reserve Roster) may pitch or catch while playing in the majors.
(k) No player who has signed up for two divisions may pitch in the Majors Division.
(l) Any player who appears on the Travel Baseball Pitchers List may be eligible to pitch NO more than three (3) innings in any given week. The Travel pitchers list is comprised of the top three to six pitchers for each travel team.
(Revised 3/20/06)
(1) Game Play & General Rules
(a) Both the home and opposing teams Head Coach will meet 5 minutes prior to game time for Ground Rules.
(b) All players must play at least four defensive innings in any given game. (Lewiston Only)
(c) Game will be six (6) innings in length with no time limits, except for those concerning sunlight.
(d) No Team may score more than seven (7) runs in an inning. Once seven runs has been scored, the teams will switch Offensive and Defensive positions.
(e) Any child with a league age of 13 will not be allowed to play the Pitcher Position.
(f) League is deemed to be Recreation-Competitive. Playoffs will be held at the end of the season. All playoff games will be determined by their end-of-season placements according to standings.
(g) Any rule not specifically addressed in the amended rules will automatically be referred to the 2009 Little League Rulebook.
(2) Offensive Rules
(a) All teams will bat all eligible players only during the course of the game. All Players must play four defensive innings.
(b) An out is recorded for each batting slot under nine batters.
(c) Playoffs ONLY: Teams may choose to bat either their entire lineup or the number of players on the team with the fewest players. (Ie; if one team shows up with 9, to negate the advantage, the opposing team can choose to bat nine as long as all players are inserted for at least three defensive innings in the playoffs ONLY)
(d) Bunting is allowed at any time during the game.
(e) A batter will record an out if (1) He swings and misses three pitches, (2) He takes three called strikes, (3) He is forced out at any base, (4) He is tagged out at any base, (5) A ball is caught in foul or fair territory, (6) He throws his bat after a warning is issued.
(f) Stealing. A team may attempt to steal any number of bases per inning. Stealing is allowed only at every base. A player can advance home on any passed ball or wild pitch.
(g) Player may leave base when the pitch has left the hand of the pitcher.
(h) There will be no head first slides. Players who slide head first on a close play will be called out.
(i) Slide Rule is in effect. All Players must slide on any “close” play. A player who does not slide will be called out.
(j) Any passed ball attempt to score from third base is determined to be a close play, meaning players must slide at all times to protect the pitcher who is covering the plate.
(k) In field fly rule is in effect.
(3) Defensive Rules
(a) Defensive Positioning. Teams must field nine players on defense. Three outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher, and a catcher. Teams must use an EH to balance their lineup.
(b) Catchers must be in full protective equipment.
(c) A catcher must be in a squat position and no more than four feet behind the plate.
(d) Catchers must leave one corner of the plate unblocked when blocking the plate against a runner scoring. The umpire will assume a corner is open when determining out/safe.
(e) Infield shifts are allowed with only the four infielders being used. No Corner infielder may be allowed to play more than half way up the baseline for safety purposes on a shift. Middle Infielders must play behind Corner Infielders.
(4) Pitching Rules
(a) No Pitcher may Pitch more than six (6) innings in any calendar week. The week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday.
(b) One Pitch in any inning constitutes one inning pitched.
(c) A Pitcher is ineligible to return to the mound once he is replaced from the mound. A pitcher may be shifted to any other position in the field when he is removed as long as he remains in the same batting order.
(d) A Pitcher will be deemed ineligible to return to the mound if he hits (HBP) two batters in an inning or three in a game.
(e) No Pitcher may not pitch on consecutive days if he has pitched more than one inning on the previous day.
(f) The Pitchers plant foot must stay in contact with the rubber at all times during a pitch. Any pitch deemed to be illegal by the umpire will be called a “ball”
(g) There will be no four walk rule at the Majors Division.
(h) Pitchers must wear protective helmets while warming up.
(i) Pitchers must be dressed in full uniform and may not wear wristbands or undershirts which are not of like color to their uniform.
(j) No player called up from the Minors (Reserve Roster) may pitch or catch while playing in the majors.
(k) No player who has signed up for two divisions may pitch in the Majors Division.
(l) Any player who appears on the Travel Baseball Pitchers List may be eligible to pitch NO more than three (3) innings in any given week. The Travel pitchers list is comprised of the top three to six pitchers for each travel team.
