LOCAL RULES 2018 Edition Approved: February 11, 2018

Transcription

1 LOCAL RULES Approved: February 11, 2018

2 2 Table of Contents 1 General League Policy Divisions of Play Selection of Managers & Coaches Player Assessments Rostering of Players Game Preliminaries All-Stars Appendix... 25

3 3 1 General League Policy The purpose of these Local Rules is to establish regulations by which all participants can have a structured, enjoyable experience within Lake Norman Little League ( The League ). These rules are not meant to replace any rules in the Official Regulations, Playing Rules, and Policies of Little League, including updates to Regulations and Playing Rules adopted at the 2018 Little League International Congress (see Appendix 8.12). These Local Rules, voted upon and adopted by the Board of Directors, shall be considered the general league policy of The League, per constitution section Seasons The League offers recreational play during two seasons each year (spring and fall) in addition to fielding All-Star teams to compete in the summer Little League tournaments. Spring registration opens January 1 st of each year, practices begin in early March, and the season concludes by the first weekend in June. All-Star play runs through the month of June with opportunities to advance to the state tournament and beyond in July and August. Fall registration opens July 1 st of each year, practices begin in late August, and the season concludes by the first weekend in November. Each season consists of a game schedule approved by the Board of Directors. 1.2 Registration Fees The League requires a registration fee for each player participating in a recreational program. The fee may differ by program depending upon specific costs associated with those programs. The fee is collected each season during the registration process. The registration fee will be set at the time of the annual budget by the Finance Committee and approved by the Board of Directors. 1.3 Sponsorships The League is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization supported by the dedicated efforts of our league volunteers and the generosity of our corporate sponsors. Sponsors recognize that The League is a mainstay for our community s youth, teaching the merits and benefits of teamwork, competition, and the love of the game. As such, corporate sponsors join The League each year to make a positive impact on the youth of our community. The League offers various sponsorship opportunities for any level of donation. The sponsorship levels and associated fees are proposed by the Sponsorship Manager, established at the time of the annual budget by the Finance Committee, and approved by the Board of Directors. 1.4 Financial Hardship Scholarships Thanks to generous league sponsors, The League offers partial and full scholarships utilizing the local school system free lunch program (or other similar proof of need) as a guide. Under no circumstances will a player be denied the opportunity to participate due to financial hardship. 1.5 Team Equipment The Equipment Manager issues each manager a team equipment bag containing catchers gear, batting helmets, practice balls, game balls, score book, and a Little League rule book. Machinepitch teams are issued a mechanical pitching machine. Tee Ball teams are issued a batting tee. Managers are responsible for the general upkeep and safekeeping of this equipment throughout the season. Equipment must be cleaned and returned per instructions provided by the Equipment Manager at the conclusion of each season. The League reserves the right to charge an equipment bag deposit fee to be refunded upon return of cleaned equipment in good working order with normal expected wear and tear.

4 4 1.6 Team Names Tee Ball teams will be named after college teams. Baseball teams will be named after professional Minor League or Major League Baseball teams. Softball teams will be named after professional fastpitch softball teams. If a division has only one team (i.e., teenage divisions of play), the team will be named Lake Norman. 1.7 Uniforms Recreational team uniforms are included with each player s registration fee and will consist of the following. Jersey: includes last name, number, sponsor name or logo, and Little League patch Hat: professional team replica or LKN branded hat, visor, or headband Socks Belt: provided for all divisions except Tee Ball Baseball / softball pants are to be provided by parents. The league standard is for teams to wear white game pants, however, each team has the option to select a color choice that coordinates with the team uniform. 1.8 Pictures Team pictures will be scheduled with a professional photography company each season and will consist of all players, the manager, and all coaches. Team pictures are incorporated into sponsor plaques presented to each team s corporate sponsor to thank them for support of The League s activities. Additionally, parents will have the option of purchasing a variety of picture products provided by the photography company. Pictures are a league fundraising activity and it is expected that managers, coaches, and players fully support and attend their scheduled picture shoot. 1.9 Awards In the spirit of creating lasting memories of the Little League experience, The League presents awards at the conclusion of each season. Recipient Tee Ball participants Regular season divisional champions Tournament champions and runner-ups Over-the-fence homers All-Star state champions Award Little League medals LKNLL medals LKNLL trophies Ball holder trophies Plaques and rings 1.10 Volunteer Application & Background Checks All potential managers, coaches, and volunteers who have repetitive contact with players are required to complete a volunteer application annually which grants permission for a criminal background check. Information gathered for background checks and results are considered confidential, protected from public disclosure, and not used for any purpose beyond determining volunteer eligibility. The volunteer application process opens January 1 st each year. Volunteers must be approved prior to representing The League in any capacity. Any flagged background check will be investigated by the Safety Officer and President to determine if the applicant meets Little League requirements to participate as a league volunteer. Approved volunteers whose background check is subsequently flagged during the calendar year will be suspended to allow

5 5 time for The League to investigate and make a final determination on continued volunteer privileges Unsportsmanlike Conduct Per Little League Regulation XIV (a), the actions, on or off the field, of players, managers, coaches, umpires, and league officials must be above reproach. Any player, manager, coach, umpire, or league representative who is involved in a verbal or physical altercation, or an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct, at the game site or any other Little League activity including through online or social media, is subject to the Three Strikes Policy. Additionally, any parent or guardian who willfully violates the Parents Code of Conduct shall also be subject to the Three Strikes Policy Three Strikes Policy The Three Strikes Policy shall be administered by a Protest Committee established by the League s Board of Directors. Suspensions resulting from this policy cannot be appealed. Any failure of an individual to serve a suspension ordered by the League will be deemed a new offense. (1) First Offense Automatic 1 or 2 game suspension based on severity to be determined through a review by the Protest Committee. The individual will be brought in front of the Protest Committee to review the incident. The incident will be added to the individuals record. If a coach gets ejected from a game, the acting team manager WILL ALSO be suspended. Suspensions will be determined by the Protest Committee but will not be for the same games. (2) Second Offense Automatic 1 or 2 game suspension based on severity to be determined by a review by the Protest Committee and/or possible suspension for remainder of the calendar year. Individual must submit a letter of apology and appear before the Board of Directors for reinstatement as a league approved volunteer. (3) Third Offense Lifelong ban in The League. The District Administrator and Little League s Regional Office will be notified of this action.

6 6 2 Divisions of Play The League offers recreational baseball and softball programs for players league ages All players are required to register for the division as determined by their league age. League age ranges are typical for these programs to keep participants playing age appropriate ball. Age ranges often overlap, allowing players who need a little more time to develop to play down in a division, or play up in a division if they are ready to advance and if approved by the League Board. Baseball Divisions Baseball League Ages Softball Divisions (girls only) Softball League Ages Tee Ball 4-6 Tee Ball 4-6 Minor League: Minor League: A Cactus 6-7 Rookies 6-8 AA Grapefruit 7-8 AAA 8-9 Minors 8-10 AAAA 9-11 Little League Little League Majors Majors Intermediate 50/ Junior League Junior League Senior League Senior League Petition to Play Up or Play Down Parents may petition for their child to play up or down a division of play based on the following general guidelines. All petitions are heard by the Player Agent for review and approval. The general policy is to not allow a player to skip a division. Petition to Play Up: Parents may petition for their child to play up an age level division if the player has previously completed a season in the registered division. At league age 5, parents may petition for their child to play up in the Minor League if the player previously completed a season in Tee Ball. At league age 7 and up, parents may petition for their child to play up a division if the player has previously completed a season at the lower division. Petition to Play Down: Parents may petition for their child to play down an age level division if the player has not previously participated in an organized baseball/softball program or the parents are concerned about the child s safety at the age-appropriate division. League age 12- year-olds, not eligible to pitch in the Minor League divisions, are required to be drafted in the Majors division or higher unless special circumstances warrant a Little League District evaluation and waiver. League age 11-year-olds are also not eligible to pitch in the Minor League divisions with the exception of AAAA Baseball. Process: For players petitioning to play up, the player s skills assessment score will be compared to the player pool for the higher division and must be in the top 25% of those scores for the petition to be considered. If the petitioning player is in the top quartile, the player can be added to the higher division s draft pool. Players petitioning to play up and not drafted in the higher division will return to the lower division s draft pool. For player petitioning to play down, the player s skills assessment score and the parent s concern regarding safety will both be considered to make a final determination.

7 7 3 Selection of Managers & Coaches Volunteers do not have tenure regardless of their years of service. In order to serve, a manager or coach must be appointed by the President and approved by the Board of Directors annually. Prior service does not guarantee re-appointment. 3.1 Appointment Appointment of managers and coaches shall be based on an evaluation by the Coaches Committee and the President with the following as guidelines. Demonstrated commitment to The League and to the mission of Little League. Attendance at regular and special coaches meetings. Support of and participation in The League s activities, including but not limited to: Past conduct with their team both on and off the field Cooperation with The League s Board representatives Assistance with fundraising (i.e., team pictures; league nights) Maintenance and upkeep of facilities and league property Active participation on Board committees Cooperation and conduct with umpires Timely and complete pick-up and return of league equipment 3.2 Goals and Expectations The League supports managers and coaches throughout the year with clinics and mentoring from Division Commissioners and experienced coaches. These clinics and mentoring opportunities are intended to reinforce the goals and expectations of managers and coaches as established by the Board. (1) Communicate Clearly with Parents Expectations of coaches, players, and parents Practice and games schedules Proper equipment needed (i.e., glove; cup; softball face mask; bat; etc.) (2) Reinforce Fundamentals Throwing, catching, fielding, hitting and base running Position play infield, outfield, backing up and cutoffs Proper pitching mechanics Competitive play and SPORTSMANSHIP (3) Pursuit of Two Goals In alignment with the key principles of the Positive Coaching Alliance, managers and coaches are expected to pursue two goals: (1) Teaching Life Lessons through baseball and softball, and (2) Winning. The following points provide a framework for building a positive, characterdeveloping culture on each team and throughout The League. EFFORT Emphasize the importance of effort. Explain why effort matters so much, not just in sports, but in other aspects of life. Reward players for their effort. Encourage players to sustain or increase their effort throughout the season.

8 8 LEARNING Motivate players to acquire new baseball/softball skills, as well as communication and teamwork skills that will serve them elsewhere in their lives. Teach players how to speak and behave as people of principle and character. MISTAKES ARE OK Be patient with mistakes, keeping verbal and non-verbal reactions to mistakes in check. Implement a mistake ritual, such as the physical gesture of brushing it off when mistakes are made. FILLING THE EMOTIONAL TANK Deliver five (or more) specific, truthful pieces of praise for each specific, constructive criticism or correction. Provide a positive, upbeat, optimistic, fun environment. Give a lot of high-fives and fist-bumps, and encourage players to do that for each other. HONOR THE GAME Show respect for ROOTS (Rules, Opponents, Officials, Teammates and Self). Explain the importance of each element to players, well enough and often enough that they exhibited that behavior on and off the field. Treat umpires respectfully. Model and explain self-control techniques to players. GO ABOVE AND BEYOND Get to know your players as people. Help your players deal with obstacles in their lives, such as family strife or academic challenges. Really sit and listen with full eye contact and provide the best advice you can. Honestly do your best to make as substantial a difference as possible in these young lives. There are no absolutes in how we assess our success in teaching life lessons. But we should be able to accomplish a majority of these goals. If you cannot, consider spending some time taking the Little League Double-Goal Coach Online Course and having conversations with other coaches, counselors, and community leaders whom you respect.

9 9 4 Player Assessments The purpose of player assessments is to provide managers skill-based information on the player pool to support an objective draft with the goal of achieving divisional parity. 4.1 Players Evaluated All players participating in the Minor League divisions and above are required to be evaluated unless otherwise notified by The League. Tee Ball players are not required to participate in player assessments. 4.2 Location & Timing Player assessments will be held at a local park 2-3 weeks prior to the start of each season. The League will publish Skills Day date(s) on The League s website and notify parents by with the schedule. 4.3 Assessment Team The Player Agent is responsible for the proper evaluation of all players. The Player Agent will schedule volunteers to support the assessments. At a minimum, the following individuals are required for a successful Skills Day: Division Commissioners Board Directors Managers & Coaches Registration Volunteers Players 4.4 Volunteer Responsibilities Prior to the beginning of each assessment time slot, the Player Agent will meet with volunteers to explain the evaluation process and assign responsibilities. An evaluation rating sheet will be provided to each evaluator. Registration volunteers will check players in and distribute assessment numbers from the evaluation sheet to be placed on the front of each player s shirt. 4.5 Warm-ups Once checked in, players will assemble on the warm-up field. After warm-ups, players will be grouped and remain with their group throughout the evaluation station rotations. The Player Agent will explain the evaluation process and guide players to their assigned station to begin. 4.6 Evaluation Stations Evaluation stations will be setup for each skill being assessed. (1) Fielding and Throwing Players will be positioned between third base and shortstop. A coach will hit up to five grounders to each player who will field the ball, then throw the ball to a coach at first base. Players will be evaluated on their infield fielding and throwing skills.

10 10 (2) Outfield Players will be positioned in the outfield. A coach will hit up to five fly balls and line drives to each player who will field the ball, then throw the ball to a coach. Players will be evaluated on their outfield fielding and throwing skills. (3) Hitting A coach will pitch 5-10 pitches to each player. Players will be evaluated on their hitting skills. If a player is not planning to try out for pitching or catching, they are excused from Skills Day after completing the above skills assessment rotations. (4) Pitching and Catching Players will throw 8-10 pitches from the mound to a catcher. Players will be evaluated on their pitching and catching skills. The Master of Ceremonies will make routine announcements regarding times and rotations. Evaluators will record ratings based on each player s individual skill level as compared to other players within the same grouping. Upon completion, evaluators will submit their rating sheets to the registration volunteers for tabulation. 4.7 Rating Scale Players will be evaluated at each evaluation station on a rating scale of 0 to 5 using the following as a guideline Beginner Lowest skill level Does not make consistent contact hitting Poor throwing & catching mechanics Rarely pitches strikes Intermediate Average skill level Makes consistent contact hitting Good throwing & catching mechanics Often pitches strikes Advanced Exceptional skill level Consistently hits line drives to outfield Very good throwing & catching mechanics Routinely pitches strikes with above average

11 11 5 Rostering of Players 5.1 Rosters Team rosters are established in accordance with Regulation III(a) of the Official Regulations, Playing Rules, and Policies of Little League. Tee Ball players are assigned to a team. All other players are drafted to a team roster. At the conclusion of each season, all teams are dissolved and players are returned to a player pool. 5.2 Evaluation Rankings Following player assessments, the Player Agent will provide each Division Commissioner with the results, ranking players based on an overall calculated evaluation score. This information will be reviewed by each Division Commissioner, then provided to each manager. The player ranking sheet will be utilized as a tool for coaches during each divisional draft and to evaluate parity across teams upon draft completion. 5.3 Conducting Drafts The Player Agent or a delegated Board representative will conduct and monitor each divisional draft in an effort to achieve overall team parity for each division of play. The Division Commissioner will assist the Player Agent in conducting the draft. Drafts shall be completed within one week following Skills Day. 5.4 Draft Participants In addition to the Player Agent, Division Commissioner, and other Board representatives, each manager and up to one coach per team are allowed to attend and participate in the draft process. 5.5 Secrecy Requirement Evaluation rankings developed from skills assessments are confidential, and neither players nor parents shall ever be informed of their evaluation ranking or position in which they were drafted. Also, managers and coaches must not communicate with any players, parents, or others outside of the league representatives involved directly in the draft prior to receiving their final roster. If there is a question regarding a player s registration data, the Player Agent or designated Board representative will contact the parents for verification. Willful violation of this secrecy requirement, at the discretion of the Board, will be considered an act detrimental to the league and will be addressed per the Three Strikes Policy. 5.6 Player Selection Process The League s player selection process for all divisions except Tee Ball will follow the Alternative Method for Plan B (Redraft) each season, with the following exceptions: The draft order will be determined by random draw. The draft will follow a serpentine pattern. Managers may nominate one coach prior to the draft for approval by the President. All eligible players for a division will be included in the draft pool. When the number of available roster spots remaining is equal to the number of undrafted returning divisional players, only returning players may be selected.

12 Options on Children & Siblings The following options are available to managers during the player selection process. (1) Siblings in the Draft Pool When a player with sibling in the draft pool is drafted, the manager automatically has the option to draft the sibling on the next turn. (2) Manager s Children If a manager has children eligible for the draft and wishes to draft them, the manager must submit the option in writing to the Player Agent at least 48 hours prior to the draft. The manager is required to exercise the option at or before the close of the specific draft round, depending on the League Age of the children. (3) Coach s Children If a manager s approved coach nominee has children eligible for the draft and the manager wishes to draft them, the manager must submit the option in writing to the Player Agent at least 48 hours prior to the draft. The manager is required to exercise the option at or before the close of the specific draft round, depending on the League Age of the children. (4) Draft Rounds If an option is submitted in writing for the child of a manager or coach, such candidate must be drafted in or before the draft round indicated by the division and player league age. Draft A AA AAA AAAA Majors Int. Jrs. Srs. Round , 9 9, 10 9, , Slotting of Manager Options Once the draft order is determined, approved manager options will be slotted on the draft sheet in the appropriate draft round as defined for the division of play and league age of the player. The draft sheet will be made available to all in attendance for review. 5.9 Player Selection Recommendation As a general rule in drafting players, it would serve managers well to follow the guideline of selecting solid pitchers, then catchers, then hitters Player Conflicts Managers are asked to review the player ranking sheet for practice night conflicts prior to drafting a player. All practice night conflicts must be resolved prior to the release of final rosters Draft Process The draft will follow a serpentine order. Once the draft commences, each manager has one minute (60 seconds) to announce their draft pick. If no pick has been announced when time expires, the next highest ranked player will automatically be picked for that manager and placed on the draft sheet.

13 Trades Following the draft, managers may trade players up until the final rosters are due to the Player Agent. All trades must be for justifiable reasons, player for player only, by mutual agreement of the managers, through the Player Agent, and approved by the Board. All trades must be completed within 48 hours following the draft Players Requesting Release Players selected for a team who then refuse to play on that team are not eligible that season to play for another team within the division and shall be reassigned to a lower division team Final Rosters Final rosters will be provided to managers by the Player Agent within 48 hours following the trading deadline Welcome Communication Upon receipt of their final rosters, managers must immediately (within 24 hours) contact their team with specific team information, including practice plans. Reference the example team welcome letter located in the Appendix Players Dropping from Roster Managers must notify the Player Agent and Division Commissioner immediately when a player drops from a roster due to a family move or otherwise.

14 14 6 Game Preliminaries 6.1 Field Reservations / Permits Field reservations / permits provide The League with priority use of town facilities over other groups within the prescribed dates and times. League sanctioned activities generally include: Skills evaluations Coach and player clinics Team practices and scrimmages Regular and post-season tournament games All-Star tournament team practices and games Any other activity approved in advance by the Board. 6.2 Number of Games The schedule of games for the regular season will be prepared by the Board and will provide for at least 12 games (10 games for Senior League) per team against other teams within their respective division, exclusive of end-of-season divisional tournament games. The Tee Ball schedule will provide for 8 games per team per season. 6.3 Number of Players In Tee Ball, all players in attendance may participate each inning on defense and may bat once each inning. All Baseball teams must field a minimum of nine (9) defensively players each inning. In the A (Cactus), AA (Grapefruit), and AAA Minor League Baseball Divisions, teams may field four (4) outfielders for a maximum of ten (10) defensive players each inning. In the Majors Baseball Division and below, any team that has only eight players available may borrow one defensive player from the opponent each inning to field nine defensive players. The borrowed defender must be the opponent s last batter in the order for that given inning and must occupy an outfield position. No out shall be recorded for the missing ninth batter when the team of eight players is batting. Little League rule 4.16 governs play for the Intermediate, Junior League and Senior League Baseball Divisions. All Softball teams must field a minimum of nine (9) defensively players each inning. In the Minor League Softball Divisions, teams may field four (4) outfielders for a maximum of ten (10) defensive players each inning. Any team that has only eight players available may borrow one defensive player from another Lake Norman age-eligible team or the opponent each inning to field nine defensive players. If the borrowed defender is from the opposing team, she must be the opponent s last batter in the order for that given inning and must occupy an outfield position. No out shall be recorded for the missing ninth batter when the team of eight players is batting. If any Baseball (Majors and below) or Softball team has less than eight players available for a scheduled regular season game, the manager must notify the division commissioner and the opposing manager at least 24 hours in advance to reschedule the game for another date. If a manager fails to make this notification 24 hours in advance or arrives at the game with less than eight players, the game shall be forfeited. End of season tournament games are not eligible to be rescheduled.

15 Umpires In Tee Ball, coaches shall act as umpires and maintain control of the game at all times. All machine-pitch baseball games and all softball games will be assigned one umpire. All player-pitch baseball games will be assigned two umpires. 6.5 Dugout Assignments Unless otherwise marked on the dugout fence, the third base dugout shall be the home team dugout. 6.6 Pregame Warm-ups Teams are not allowed to take batting practice on the field prior to any game, with the exception of soft toss into portable nets. Teams may utilize batting cages for up to 15 minutes each. Infield practice must be completed 5 minutes before game time with each team allowed 10 minutes of infield practice (visitors are to practice first). 6.7 Game Start Times Weeknight games typically start at 6:30 pm or 8:15 pm. Divisions participating in a district regular season schedule may deviate from this due to traffic concerns. The starting time for weekend games shall be decided by the Board when the schedule is adopted each season. The umpire will announce the game start time prior to the first at bat and will be the official timekeeper. The official scorekeeper shall note the game start time in the scorebook. In the case of game stoppage for any reason, the game clock is not stopped. 6.8 Start of a New Inning A new inning shall be considered underway immediately upon the last out or last batter of the previous inning. Once an inning is started it will be played to completion. A new inning shall not be started after the time limit has expired, except in the event of a tie. If a regulation game is tied and the time limit has not been reached, extra innings will be played. If a game in extra innings is still tied after the time limit expires, one additional inning shall be played. If no winner is determined, then the game will be final and recorded as a tie. 6.9 Weather Cancellations The Division Commissioner will notify managers at least 30 minutes prior to game time of a cancellation due to weather. Cancellations due to weather within 30 minutes of game time shall be called at the field of play. Cancelled games will be rescheduled for the earliest available date. During all league sanctioned activities, managers shall abide by the Lightning Policy and Procedures found in the appendix Home Team Responsibilities The home team manager must provide field equipment (i.e., batting Tee, pitching machine, game balls) for use by both teams during the game. In addition, the manager in all divisions above Tee Ball must provide an official scorekeeper to maintain the official game record, and a scoreboard operator if field is equipped with a scoreboard. After the conclusion of the game, the home team manager must submit the final game score and pitching records to the Division Commissioner within 12 hours.

16 Trash Pickup All participants are responsible for cleaning up trash from the field, dugouts and bleacher areas after each game Approved Volunteers Allowed on the Field A maximum of four (4) approved league volunteers (manager, coaches, team parent) shall be allowed to participate with each team during games. An approved league volunteer must be in the dugout at all times. Two base coaches are allowed on the field during the game to coach first and third base. The fielding team is allowed one coach on the field directly in front of the dugout. The fielding team for Tee Ball and machine-pitch baseball divisions is allowed two coaches behind the outfielders during play to direct the defensive players. Otherwise, coaches are not allowed in fair territory, nor allowed to engage umpires until the play is dead and time is called by the umpire. Parents and spectators are not allowed in the dugouts or on the field at any time unless invited to help prepare the field for play or to help an injured player. All parents and spectators are asked to remain outside the ball field fences and not sit or stand behind the back stop or behind the dugout fences Coach Pitching In Tee Ball, a coach-pitcher is allowed to deliver up to five (5) pitches per batter. Another coach is advised to assist the batter, retrieve pitched balls not put into play, and to set the batting tee in place as needed. In the Rookies softball division, a player-pitcher will pitch during the first two innings of play, then a coach-pitcher will pitch the remainder of the game. During the first two innings of play, the batting team is allowed a coach-pitcher to deliver up to three (3) pitches to a batter each time the player-pitcher reaches four (4) balls on the batter. Balls and strikes do not carry forward from the player-pitcher to the coach-pitcher. The batter will be ruled out if the ball is not put into play after three pitches. The batter is entitled to subsequent pitches if the last pitch is fouled off and not caught for an out. Once the batter puts the ball into play, the pitching coach must stop coaching and allow the base coaches to communicate with the base runners. The player-pitcher shall return for subsequent batters. During the coach-pitch innings (3 rd inning and beyond), the pitching coach may deliver up to five (5) pitches to each batter. The batter will be ruled out after three strikes or if the ball is not put into play after five pitches. In the Minors softball division, the batting team is allowed a coach-pitcher to deliver up to three (3) pitches to the batter following four balls to the batter and after there have been three (3) previously walked batters in the inning. The batter assumes the strike count when the coachpitcher enters to pitch. The coach may continue to deliver pitches if the batter fouls off the last pitch and it is not caught for an out. The player-pitcher returns to pitch with the next batter. The coach-pitcher returns each time four balls are delivered to subsequent batters during that inning Machine Pitching The Louisville Slugger Ultimate Pitching Machine is utilized by all machine-pitch divisions of play. A coach must operate the pitching machine. The pitching machine operator may only coach the batter while the batter is in the batter s box. The pitching coach may deliver up to five (5) pitches to each batter. The batter will be ruled out after three strikes or if the ball is not put into play after five pitches. The batter is entitled to subsequent pitches if the last pitch is fouled off and

17 17 not caught for an out. Once the batter puts the ball into play, the pitching coach must stop coaching and allow the base coaches to communicate with the base runners Pitching Machine Settings Pitching machine settings differ slightly depending upon the machine model being utilized (blue or black machine). The table below provides the proper spring, release lever, and micro adjustment settings as well as the pitching distance for each machine-pitch divisions of play. Pitching distance is measured from the back tip of the plate to the front bar of the machine. DIVISION SPRING RELEASE LEVER MICRO PITCHING ADJUSTMENT DISTANCE A Cactus 3 4 (blue) / 3 (black) 3 30 feet AA Grapefruit 8 4 (blue) / 3 (black) 3 46 feet

18 Mandatory Play Rule This mandatory play rule applies to all divisions of Baseball and Softball, Majors Division and below. This rule exceeds the requirements outlined in Little League Regulation IV section (i) for Mandatory Play and applies to every rostered player present at the start of a game except for disciplinary reasons, injury, or sickness. Players will participate in each game batting in a continuous batting order, must play two innings defensively by the fourth inning, and must play a minimum of four innings defensively in a six inning game. No player may sit out defensively consecutive innings, nor may any player sit defensively twice before another player sits. PENALTY: The player(s) involved shall start the next scheduled game, play any previous requirement not completed for Mandatory Play, and the requirement for this game before being removed. The manager shall for the: (a) First Offense receive a written warning. (b) Second Offense be suspended for the next scheduled game. (c) Third Offense be suspended for the remainder of the season. If the violation is determined to have been intentional, this unsportsmanlike conduct by the manager may be addressed per the Three Strikes Policy Defensive Positioning Tee Ball: No infielder may start the play any closer than 10 feet in front of first and third base. The player positioned at pitcher must start with both feet on the pitching rubber. The pitcher cannot leave the pitching rubber before the ball is hit. Outfielders must be positioned in the outfield grass prior to the start of play. Infielders shall be encouraged to throw the ball to the first baseman to make plays at first base rather than rolling the ball or running with the ball to make a play. Outfielders may not make a play on the infield, but rather, must throw or hand the ball to an infielder. Defensive players shall not chase after a runner in order to record an out. Except in a normal rundown, defensive players are expected to throw the ball to make a play on the runner. Minor League Machine-Pitch Divisions: The defensive pitcher position player must play to the right or left side of the pitching machine within one foot of the pitching machine. The pitcher should only move forward once the ball has been hit. The pitcher should attempt a throw to a base or home plate to record an out Defensive Rotations Tee Ball: Managers shall rotate Tee Ball players defensively so that they do not play the same position more than once per game. Managers are also encouraged to rotate players during innings if opportunities present themselves to align players at positions where batted balls are often fielded (pitcher, first base, second base). Softball (Minor League) and Baseball (AAA division and below): No player may play more than three (3) innings at the same position in one game, including pitchers and catchers Player Disciplinary Rule A manager may refuse to play a player for disciplinary reasons. The manager must notify the Player Agent and Division Commissioner within twenty-four (24) hours of the occurrence of

19 19 disciplinary action. In addition, the manager must notify the player and parents of the disciplinary action as well as the opposing team manager Base Runner Advancement Restrictions Base runner advancement on batted balls and overthrows differs by division of play. These rules are instituted to encourage teaching players to make the proper play without concern early in their development about runners advancing at-will. Tee Ball Advancement Rule: Tee Ball base runners advance only one base at a time with the exception of the last batter of the inning who is allowed to round the bases. There are no base runner advancements on overthrows of any base. Advancement Rule A: This rule applies to the A Cactus Minor League Baseball Division. Base runners may not advance once an infielder has possession of the ball in the infield unless the base runners are more than halfway to the next base. There are no base runner advancements on overthrows of any base. Advancement Rule B: This rule applies to the AA Grapefruit Minor League Baseball Division and Rookies Minor League Softball Division. The fielding team must stop the lead runner or get the third out. Once forward progress of the lead runner is stopped, time is called. Any trailing runner more than halfway to the next base may advance if the next base is open. Base runners may attempt to advance only ONE BASE TOTAL at their own risk on overthrows of any base, even if a subsequent throw is also an overthrow. Advancement Rule C: This rule applies to the AAA Minor League Baseball Division and Minors Minor League Softball Division. Base runners may not advance unless they are more than halfway to the next base once a fielder has possession of the ball on the pitching mound (baseball) or within the pitching circle (softball). On a batted ball put into play, base runners may attempt to advance only ONE BASE TOTAL at their own risk on overthrows of any base, even if a subsequent throw is also an overthrow. No advancement to home base is allowed on an overthrow from the catcher in an attempted pick off. Advancement Rule D: This rule applies to the AAAA Minor League Baseball Division and Majors Baseball Division. Base runners may not advance unless they are more than halfway to the next base once a fielder has possession of the ball on the pitching mound. Base runners may attempt to advance at their own risk on overthrows of any base.

20 20 7 All-Stars The League participates in Little League International s All-Stars tournaments at the completion of each spring season. Players from each team are nominated for the opportunity to represent The League as All-Stars and compete against other leagues within North Carolina District 3 during the month of June with the potential to advance to the State Tournament in July. At the Little League Majors Division and above, teams that win the State Tournament advance to the Southeast Regional Tournament where the winner advances to the World Series. Tournament Location Baseball Little League Baseball World Series Williamsport, PA Intermediate 50/70 Baseball World Series Livermore, CA Junior League Baseball World Series Taylor, MI Senior League Baseball World Series Easley, SC Softball Little League Softball World Series Portland, OR Junior League Softball World Series Kirkland, WA Senior League Softball World Series Lower Sussex, DE 7.1 Tournament of Champions (TOC) The District TOC is considered a special games tournament for our local district only with no advancement. The tournament typically begins the second Saturday of June and concludes by the following Friday with no advancement. The tournament consists of 3-4 pool-play games followed by a single elimination championship bracket for the top four teams. Teams play one game per day unless weather delays result in the necessity to schedule multiple games on a given day. Game schedules and locations are set by Little League officials. Weekday games are in the evening (6:00 pm and 8:00 pm start times). Weekend games are held all day and into the evening. 7.2 TOC Player Eligibility All players who have participated in at least 60% of the regular season games in the divisions outlined during the Spring Season are eligible for the tournament provided: (1) The player meets the Little League age specific criteria outlined below; AND (2) The player resides or attends a school located within the league boundary, OR the player has a Little League Waiver providing regular season privileges on file with The League. TOC Division League Age Participation Divisions 6 s 6 Minor League Division 7 s 7 Minor League Division 8 s 8 Minor League Division 9 s 9 Minor League Player-Pitch Division 10 s 10 Majors or Minor League Player-Pitch Division 11 s 11 Majors or Minor League Player-Pitch Division 12 s 12 Majors Division, Intermediate Baseball Division, or Junior League Softball Division

21 District Tournament The District Tournament is the first stage of Little League s International Tournament. Tournament games typically begin the fourth Saturday of June and conclude by the following Friday. District champions (and typically runner-ups in machine-pitch) are invited to advance to the State Tournament in July. At the Majors Division and above, teams that win the State Tournament advance to the Southeast Regional Tournament where the winner advances to the World Series. District Tournaments consist of a double elimination format. Teams play one game per day unless weather delays result in the necessity to schedule multiple games on a given day. Game schedules and locations are set by Little League officials. Weekday games are in the evening (6:00 pm and 8:00 pm start times). Weekend games are held all day and into the evening. 7.4 District Tournament Player Eligibility All players who have participated in at least 60% of the regular season games in the divisions outlined during the Spring Season are eligible for the tournament provided: (1) The player meets the Little League age specific criteria outlined below; AND (2) The player resides or attends a school located within the league boundary. (Note: players that do not meet the residency or school attendance requirement and have a waiver granting regular season privileges only are not eligible for the District Tournament and beyond.) LL Division League Ages Participation Divisions Minor League Division Minor League Division Minor League Player-Pitch Division Majors or Minor League Player-Pitch Division Majors or Minor League Player-Pitch Division Majors Majors Division, Intermediate Baseball Division, or Junior League Softball Division Intermediate Intermediate Division Junior League Junior League or Senior League Senior League Junior League or Senior League *Note: For Junior Tournament eligibility, Senior League players must have played in a minimum of 8 games.

22 Documentation Requirements All players selected to participate in All-Stars must provide the following documentation. The League encourages parents to complete the School Enrollment Form as the simplest method of providing residency proof, assuming the player attends a school within the league boundary. (1) An ORIGINAL Birth Certificate (copies are not acceptable) to be returned to the parents at the completion of summer All-Stars tournament play (2) Tournament Player Verification Form, completed and signed by a parent/legal guardian (3) Medical Release Form, completed and signed by a parent/legal guardian (4) Residency Proof: a. School Enrollment Form, completed and signed by a parent/legal guardian and the player s school administrator, OR b. One or more documents from EACH of these three groups: 7.6 Commitment Requirement It is considered an honor to be selected to participate as an All-Star representing The League. Because only a select few are chosen for this opportunity each year, The League requires parents to fully understand the commitment required and to submit the Postseason Commitment Form prior to their child being considered for All-Star participation. All-Star practices begin immediately following The League s regular season championships and often occur daily leading up to tournament play. Missing a few practices and even a game does not necessarily prevent selection to an All-Star team; however missing an entire week takes an opportunity away from another player who could commit to preparing with the team. 7.7 Uniforms All-Star Uniforms must be purchased by parents of players participating on an All-Star team and will consist of the following. Jersey: Navy/Columbia Blue color scheme; jersey number on the front and back; Lake Norman across front; player s last name displayed on the back of the jersey; Little League patch on the sleeve. Practice Shirts / Alternate Jersey (2): Lake Norman branded dri-fit practice shirts with jersey number on the back; Little League patch on the sleeve. These may be worn by teams as an alternate to the jersey if necessary. Hat: LKN fitted hat/visor/headband. Socks: color to match team colors.

23 23 Belt: color to match team colors. Pants: white pants with navy piping (baseball) or black pants (softball) to be provided by parents. 7.8 Selection of Players Managers, coaches, and players may nominate up to five players from their team for All-Stars. All-Star nominees are then voted on by managers, coaches, division commissioners and board directors. The board will then decide if teams can be formed from these results or if tryouts for any specific All-Star teams is necessary. 7.9 Selection of Managers & Coaches The Coaches Committee will nominate managers and coaches from the eligible divisions of play outlined below. Managers and coaches are not required to have a child selected to a team to be on an All-Star staff. Final approval of each manager and coach will be made by the President. TOC s District All-Stars Eligible Managers & Coaches 6 s - Minor League Division 7 s 6-7-Year-Old Division Minor League Division 8 s 7-8-Year-Old Division Minor League Division 9 s 8-9-Year-Old Division Majors or Minor League Player-Pitch Divisions 10 s 8- to 10-Year-Old Division Majors or Minor League Player-Pitch Divisions 11 s 9- to 11-Year-Old Division Majors or Minor League Player-Pitch Divisions 12 s Majors Division Majors Division - Intermediate Division Intermediate Baseball Division - Junior League Junior or Senior League - Senior League Junior or Senior League 7.10 Tryouts If All-Star Tryouts are required to finalize a team roster, The League will establish and communicate dates for this to occur by the end of May each year. Multiple age-specific tryouts may be scheduled to finalize the rosters. Although Little League provides flexibility with split age ranges for each of the divisions, it is The League s intent that the Majors team be made up primarily of 12-year-olds, the 9- to 11-year-old team be made up primarily of 11-year-olds, and so forth. Final team assignments will be determined by The League. (1) Tryouts Session #1: Players will be evaluated on the following skills: SPEED: home plate to first base timed and recorded ARM STRENGTH: players throw from right field to third base. Throws will be graded on distance & accuracy. ARM ACCURACY: three balls are thrown to the outfielder at different angles/depths. Players must track down fly ball, then find and hit the cut-off man or throw accurately to third base. FIELDING/THROWING: five balls are thrown to the fielder: o INFIELD: balls are thrown directly at the player, to the player s glove side, and to the player s backhand. Additionally, the player will field a hop and a slow roller.

24 24 o OUTFIELD: balls are thrown directly at the player, to the player s glove side, and to the player s backhand. Additionally, the player will field a shallow fly and a deep ball. HITTING: Players will get approximately 10 swings. (2) Tryouts Session #2 (Specialty Positions) if required: This session only applies for the 8-9-year-old Division and above. If the league determines that this session is required, specialty players (pitchers, catchers, & first basemen) will be asked to attend this tryout session. PITCHERS: throw bullpen, banana routes, etc. CATCHERS: block pitches, recover, throw down to bases, throw vs. runners FIRST BASEMEN: work bananas and picks from left side of the infield (3) Tryouts Session #3 (Scrimmage) if required: If the league determines that this session is required, up to 20 players will be notified and invited to participate in a scrimmage game. The scrimmage will be conducted and coached like a real All-Star game. Players are expected to demonstrate game situational knowledge and compete at the highest level possible. Pitchers will throw a maximum of three outs or to five batters total (whichever occurs first). Game situations may be created by the coaching staff each inning Player Notifications Per Little League guidelines, the release of names of players selected to The League s All-Star Teams shall not be made before June 1 st and not until the availability and eligibility of all prospective team members has been established. All parents of players nominated for All-Stars will be notified via . Tournament teams shall consist of a maximum of fourteen players, one manager, and two coaches. Senior League teams may have up to sixteen players.

25 25 8 Appendix 8.1 Player Agent Responsibilities The Player Agent is an officer on the Board. The Player Agent shall: Receive and review player registrations and assist the President in verifying residence and age eligibility. Conduct player skill evaluations, the selection of players (drafts), and all other player transaction or selection meetings. Record all player transactions and maintain an accurate and up-to-date record thereof. Prepare team rosters and the tournament team eligibility affidavit for the President s approval and submission to Little League. Notify Little League of any subsequent player replacements or trades. Assign all players in the Tee Ball divisions with the assistance of the Division Commissioner. 8.2 Division Commissioner Responsibilities Each division has a volunteer Division Commissioner (DC) approved by the Board who is a member of the Coaches Committee. The DC is a liaison between the Board and managers. The DC shall operate in accordance with Little League rules and these policies. Responsibilities that the DC may carry out include: Assist with determining the appropriate number of divisional teams. Recruit and nominate managers and coaches for the division. Assist the Safety Officer to assure volunteers are approved following a comprehensive background check. Send welcome communication to managers and obtain practice night requests to be provided to the Master Scheduler. Review Local Rules with managers and coaches. Distribute Board communications to managers and consolidate responses. Assist the Player Agent with skill evaluations, the selection of players (draft), and coordinating trades. Assist the Equipment Manager in getting equipment picked up and returned by managers. Communicate practice schedules, game schedules, and in-season schedule changes to managers. Participate in coaching clinics. Distribute uniforms to managers. Attend and observe games when possible. Be the go-to person for families in the division with questions, concerns, or problems. In the event of serious problems, escalate the issue to the Coaching Coordinator, Vice President, and President. Set up and put away scoreboard controllers, if available. Monitor pitching rules and adherence of managers and coaches to these Local Rules. Collect and input game scores on the league website. Coordinate post season tournament games. Assist in monitoring and coordinating pictures. Assist with opening day and championship night activities. Collect end of season player evaluations from managers. Support the needs of the Safety Officer for completion of the annual ASAP submittal.

26 Baseball League Age

27 Softball League Age

28 Team Welcome Letter Example Subject: Welcome to Lake Norman Little League [Season] [Division] [Team Name] Hello! Welcome to another exciting season with Lake Norman Little League! My name is [Manager s Name], and I have the privilege of being your child's team manager this season with Lake Norman Little League. I m looking forward to a great season! [Add any personal details you would like here including volunteer/coaching experience, family participation in the league, etc.] This season, our team will be the [Team Name] and we will wear [team color] jerseys. Each player will need to provide their own game pants, which shall be white [white is standard, but teams have the option of all wearing another color that matches team jerseys]. ROSTER: Please review the information below and let me know if any changes need to be made to player names, jersey sizing or jersey number. If any duplicate jersey numbers exist, please provide an alternate number. [Insert table with player names, jersey sizes, and jersey numbers] PRACTICES: Practices will begin at [practice start time] and last [practice duration]. We will end practices on time, so please have your players there promptly so they don t miss any valuable practice time. [Insert table with a listing of preseason practice dates and locations. Include statement regarding normal in-season weekly practice slot.] GAMES: Games will be played at [list parks where division games will be played] this season. Games will be scheduled on [list game days of the week]. Games begin at [list game start times] and we ask players to arrive by [list arrival time] for warm-ups. Our first game will be played on [enter date of first game]. Complete schedules will be available over the next week or so. Please me at any time or call/text me at [Manager s cell phone number]. My goal is to communicate regularly with you and do my absolute best for your kids so that they have a memorable and fun season. I want every player to walk away from this season being proud of their growth and accomplishments. Let's PLAY BALL! Sincerely, [Manager s Name] [Manager s Contact Information]

29 Lightning Policy and Procedures

30 30

31 Volunteer Code of Conduct

32 Coaches Code of Conduct

33 Parents Code of Conduct

34 All-Stars Participation Commitment Form

35 Divisional Playing Rules Summary

36 36

37 Little League International Contress Agenda Results

38 38

39 39

40 40