Newton West Little League RULES & REGULATIONS Adopted by the Board of Directors October 20, 2008 I. Introduction Newton West Little League (NWLL) is a voluntary association and chartered chapter of Little League Baseball, Inc. ( LL Baseball ), league ID Number 02211009, offering a program of supervised baseball for children ages 5 12 in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of LL Baseball. NWLL affairs are conducted in accordance with the NWLL Constitution, which calls for an annually elected Board of Directors (the Board ) to manage the property and affairs of the League, and authorizes the Board to adopt rules and regulations for the management of the League. In order to provide a single resource for NWLL s actual and potential Members, Coaches, Umpires and Volunteers as to the basic rules of operation, and to foster clear expectations about player eligibility and assignments, play within each division, and personal conduct, the Board adopts the following Rules and Regulations. These Rules and Regulations are subject to revision or revocation by the Board at any time. II. League Divisions and Eligibility Newton West Little League offers five Divisions. All ages are based on age as of April 30 during the season in question, in accordance with the Rules of LL Baseball. T-Ball Division: This is a developmental division designed to teach fundamentals to beginning players. Although players are divided into teams and play games, the purpose is not to emphasize competition but to provide an appropriate context for enjoyable teaching and learning. Registered players age 5 6 are generally assigned to the T-Ball division, though more advanced 6-year-olds are sometimes placed in the Farm Division. Players hit off a tee, though later in the season coach pitching is introduced on a limited basis. Players are assigned to teams by the T-Ball Commissioner and/or Player Agent, and, in doing so, some consideration is given to placing players on teams with schoolmates. Farm Division: This Division is a developmental league where we introduce live pitching by coaches. Player development is emphasized, and scores shall are not be kept during the game. Generally, players age 7-8 are assigned to this Division, though 8-year-olds have the option of trying out for the AA division. Players are assigned to teams by the Farm Commissioner and/or Player Agent, and, in doing so, some consideration is given to placing players on teams with schoolmates.
AA Division: This Division is a developmental league where we introduce live pitching by players for the first time. Games are intended to be competitive; however, player development will be emphasized. Scores shall be kept during the game, and AA Division standings are maintained. At the end of season, ALL AA teams play in a league tournament to determine the league champion. Players in this Division are generally age 8-10 who have not been selected during the AAA draft. The intention is for AA to be available to a few 8 year-olds who are clearly ready to advance from the Farm division, but subject to availability. AAA Division: This Division is for more senior and skilled players who were not drafted into the Majors, and is designed to offer a competitive experience comparable to the Majors. It typically consists of 10 11 year-olds and the most skilled 9 year-olds who are selected in the AAA draft. Major League: The Majors is NWLL s most competitive division and is designed for most senior and highly skilled players. Registered players age 11 12 are eligible. All registered players who played in the Majors the previous spring will remain in the Majors. All other registered 12 year-olds will play in the Majors and will be assigned to a team by draft, unless a waiver is requested by the player s parent or legal guardian to enable the player to play in AAA, and is approved by the NWLL President and by the District Administrator as provided in LL Baseball Rules. III. Rules of Play 1. Rules of Play: Major League Major League games are played in accordance with the Official Little League Baseball Rulebook (green). 2. Rules of Play: AAA The official little league baseball playing rules will be the main source or guide to govern play. The following NWLL AAA specific rules have been adopted by the NWLL Board of Directors to incorporate and enhance the little league rules. Equipment: 1. Must have the Little League Logo to be worn or used. Gloves, bats, and especially helmets (batting and catchers) must be Little League approved. Catchers must wear Protective cups. It is strongly recommended that ALL PLAYERS wear a cup. Players must have a baseball hat on in the field.
Pitching: 2. Pitchers may not wear any article of clothing, which is white or gray below the provided uniform shirtsleeve. 3. The League requires that pitchers work from the rubber. 4. A pitcher cannot return to pitch in the same game. 5. The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the pitch limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position: League Age: 11-12 85 pitches per day 9-10 75 pitches per day 7-8 50 pitches per day EXCEPTION: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed above for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning. A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. Note 1. Intentional Walks are allowed, but discouraged: Before a pitch is delivered to the batter, the catcher must inform the umpire-in-chief that the defensive team wishes to give the batter an intentional base-on-balls. The umpire-in-chief waves the batter to first base. The ball is dead. Pitchers league age 12 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements: If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest, and 1 game, must be observed. If a player pitches 41-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest, and 1 game, must be observed. If a player pitches 21-40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed. If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed.
6. Each team must designate the scorekeeper or other individual as the official pitch count recorder. 7. The pitch count recorder must provide the current pitch count for any pitcher when requested by either manager or any umpire. However, the manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed. 8. All official Little League pitch count regulations apply. 9. A pitcher must be removed from that position if they hit 2 batters in an inning or 3 in a game. Umpires shall call a strike if a pitch hits a player when said pitch would have been called a strike. A player hit by a pitch in the act of swinging shall be deemed to have swung and ball shall be live if put in play, foul if hit in foul territory, and a strike if missed. This shall not count against the pitcher. Only fastballs and change ups are allowed. Intentional walks are allowed, but discouraged. Game Rules: 1. Courtesy runners not allowed. 2. Each inning ends with 3 outs. 3. Base coaches shall be eligible players of the team (helmet required) and one-adult. 4. Games end when someone wins. 5. A 10 Run Slaughter rule is in effect at discretion of Coach of team, which is losing at conclusion of 5 innings if home team winning or 4 ½ if away team is winning. Unless your team is demoralized we strongly suggest that play continue. 6. If a team has less than nine players or loses a player for any reason, the opposing team should lend them the additional players needed (defense only). This way the children are not deprived of the opportunity to play. 7. Only registered AAA League players may play in games. A player may only play for his own team unless on defensive for opposing
team. No younger siblings, friends or any other persons shall be permitted on the field. 8. Coaches should attempt to make sure that each child plays at least 4 innings per game, Players MUST play 3 innings in the field. 9. Games are to be completed whenever possible. Extra innings are permitted and should be played unless weather, light, or there is a game scheduled behind your game that day which has been delayed by more than one hour. Should this occur the game would continue on the next open day for both teams in which a field is available. If no such day exists the game shall continue 1 hour before the same two teams are scheduled to play next. Failing this the game will be completed on the next open day available to both teams without excuse. 10. Nine players are on the playing field in the traditional positions. 11. Every player bats, the order stays the same throughout the game. 12. Free substitution rule is in effect on the field with exception of pitching rules above. 13. Standard ball and strike count is used. A player is allowed 3 strikes only and 4 balls. (Arguing balls and strikes shall be cause for ejection without warning) 14. Slide rule is an effect. A runner is out if they do not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. A player can avoid the tag, but contact cannot be made with the defensive player unless they slide 15. Steals: Stealing 2nd and or 3rd base is allowed. 16. Tagging up is allowed. You may tag up on caught ball and go home. 17. Stealing home is not allowed. You must be batted in or forced in to score. There is NO leading. A runner may not leave the base once the pitcher is in contact with the rubber until the ball has passed the plate. No advance on overthrows during a
steal of 3rd. This is to encourage catchers to learn to throw. 18. Advancing on a pass ball is allowed for every base except home. Runners shall advance one (1) base on an overthrow out of the field of play. 19. On all overthrows in the field of play runners may advance at their peril. If the ball crosses a field boundary runners advance to the next base. 20. The infield fly rule is in effect. 21. Bunting is allowed. A fake bunt (slashing) is not permitted. A fake bunt is when a batter squares off to bunt and then pulls back and swings at the pitch. Any player who attempts a fake bunt is automatically called out and runners are returned to the base they occupied before the fake bunt was attempted. Protests: 22. The rules are to be used to reinforce or overrule the official Little League rulebook. Please apply these rules in circumstances when there may appear to be a disagreement or inconsistency between these rules and Little League rules. 23. If you have question of rule application by an umpire you must show the umpire in these or the rulebook why he erred. You have 3 minutes to show this in writing. If the umpire disagrees with you his ruling shall stand. You may not badger, cajole, whine or otherwise influence his decision. Once you ve shown him the rule that you believe to be applicable in the situation, stand back and let him decide. 24. Protests should be filed with the league commissioner within 24 hours of the games start time. You must also tell the umpire and opposing coach that you re protesting (nicely). General: 25. No parent or any other non-coach is allowed to interfere with game or enter the dugout. Furthermore, no Parent or other person is to confront any team's coach or player or an umpire during or after a game. All issues must be brought to the
attention of their team s head coach and or a Member of the Newton West Little League board. 26. No Food or Drinks except for juices or water are allowed during the game. Going to the concession stand during a game is prohibited. 27. Jewelry is prohibited during a game. You must wear the team uniform, shirts must be tucked and a hat is worn during all games. We recommend long pants, cup, and cleats in addition to supplied shirt and hat. 28. There is zero tolerance for vulgar language or any form of behavior that is viewed unacceptable. Disciplinary actions will be taken and may include expulsion from the team. 29. Any cheering intended to rattle an opposing pitcher will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and be grounds for disqualification per Para. 9.01(d). 30. Coaches are encouraged to keep their players on the bench. Nominating a team parent may help. 31. Please be courteous to your coaches and teammates. If you are unable to make a practice or a game, please contact your coach as quickly as possible. Remember your team is counting on you. 3. Rules of Play: AA Equipment: 1. Must have the Little League Logo to be worn or used. Gloves, bats, and especially helmets (batting and catchers) must be Little League approved. Catchers must wear Protective cups. It is strongly recommended that ALL PLAYERS wear a cup. Players must have a baseball hat on in the field. Pitching: 2. Pitchers may not wear any article of clothing, which is white or gray below the provided uniform shirtsleeve.
3. The league recommends that pitchers work from the rubber and be moved up in 6-inch increments until a spot they can reach from is found. The maximum allowed distance a pitcher can move up is not to exceed 18 inches in front of the permanent pitcher s rubber. A child needing to move up more may not have the reflexes necessary to safely field the posit ion. The goal is to have most pitchers throwing from the standard pitching rubber no later than half way through the season. 4. Note: We want the batters to have a safe, fair opportunity to compete. If a pitcher appears overpowering to the opposing team s batters the umpire is empowered and encouraged to move the pitcher back to the standard pitching rubber or applicable location. The coaches should try to determine which children demonstrate the ability both at practice and in games to pitch. While we encourage offering many children the chance, we feel there is no benefit in turning the game into a 2 inning called for darkness, exhaustion, or boredom walkfest. We would like the games to go the full 6 innings if possible. 5. A pitcher cannot return to pitch in the same game. 6. The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the pitch limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position: League Age: 11-12 85 pitches per day 9-10 75 pitches per day 7-8 50 pitches per day EXCEPTION: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed above for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning. A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. Note 1. Intentional Walks are allowed, but discouraged: Before a pitch is delivered to the batter, the catcher must inform the umpire-in-chief that the defensive team wishes to give the
batter an intentional base-on-balls. The umpire-in-chief waves the batter to first base. The ball is dead. Pitchers league age 12 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements: If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest, and 1 game, must be observed. If a player pitches 41-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest, and 1 game, must be observed. If a player pitches 21-40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed. If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed. 7. Intentional walks are NOT allowed. 8. Each team must designate the scorekeeper or other individual as the official pitch count recorder 9. The pitch count recorder must provide the current pitch count for any pitcher when requested by either manager or any umpire. However, the manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed. 10. All official Little League pitch count regulations apply. 11. Only fastballs and change ups are allowed. 12. A pitcher must be removed from that position if they hit 2 batters in an inning or 3 in a game. Umpires shall call a strike if a pitch hits a player when said pitch would have been called a strike. A player hit by a pitch in the act of swinging shall be deemed to have swung and ball shall be live if put in play, foul if hit in foul territory, and a strike if missed. This shall not count against the pitcher. 13. Game Rules: 14. Courtesy runners not allowed. 15. Each inning ends with 3 outs, or after 9 batters have come to the plate. 16. Games in which it is mathematically impossible to win
should be played through anyway. 17. A 10 Run Slaughter rule is in effect at discretion of Coach of team, which is losing at conclusion of 5 innings if home team winning or 4 ½ if away team is winning. Unless your team is demoralized we strongly suggest that play continue. 18. If a team has less than nine players or loses a player for any reason, the opposing team should lend them the additional players needed (defense only). This way the children are not deprived of the opportunity to play. 19. Only registered AA League players may play in games. A player may only play for his own team unless on defensive for opposing team. No younger siblings, friends or any other persons shall be permitted on the field. 20. Coaches should attempt to make sure that each child plays at least 4 innings per game, Players MUST play 3 innings in the field. 21. Tie Games - If time and light permits a game will go 1 extra inning in order to break a tie. After 7 innings of play and the score is tied, the game will stand as a tie. No games shall go longer than seven (7) innings. 22. Games are to be completed whenever possible. Extra innings are permitted per 3.9 and should be played unless weather, light, or there is a game scheduled behind your game that day which has been delayed by more than one hour. Should this occur the game would continue on the next open day for both teams in which a field is available. If no such day exists the game shall continue 1 hour before the same two teams are scheduled to play next. Failing this the game will be completed on the next open day available to both teams without excuse. 23. Nine players are on the playing field in the traditional positions. 24. Every player bats, the order stays the same throughout the game. 25. Free substitution rule is in effect on the field with exception of pitching rules above.
26. Standard ball and strike count is used. A player is allowed 3 strikes only and 4 balls. (Arguing balls and strikes shall be cause for ejection without warning) 27. Slide rule is an effect. A runner is out if they do not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. A player can avoid the tag, but contact cannot be made with the defensive player unless they slide 28. Dead Ball Rule: The ball is live until the defensive team returns the ball to a player on the pitching mound cutout, base runners advance/return to the closest base (a base runner ½ way or more to a base is awarded the next base). 29. Base Stealing is NOT allowed. Leading is NOT allowed; runners may not leave the base until the pitched ball crosses the plate. 30. Advancing on a pass ball is NOT allowed. 31. Tagging up is allowed. You may tag up on caught ball and go home. 32. The infield fly rule is NOT in effect. 33. There is only one base on overthrows even if they land in fair territory. 34. Bunting is NOT allowed Protests 35. The rules are to be used to reinforce or overrule the official Little League rulebook. Please apply these rules in circumstances when there may appear to be a disagreement or inconsistency between these rules and Little League rules. 36. If you have question of rule application by an umpire you must show the umpire in these or the rulebook why he erred. You have 3 minutes to show this in writing. If the umpire disagrees with you his ruling shall stand. You may not badger, cajole, whine or otherwise influence his decision. Once you ve shown him the rule that you believe to be applicable in the situation, stand back and let
him decide. 37. Protests should be filed with the league commissioner within 24 hours of the games start time. You must also tell the umpire and opposing coach that you re protesting (nicely). General 38. We encourage coaches to play children in many positions. However, no child shall play a position were the safety of the player and or players is compromised, which is at the coach's discretion. Coaches should be cognizant of not impeding any player s progress. Example: having a first basemen players are afraid to throw to for fear of injury. 39. No parent or any other non-coach is allowed to interfere with game or enter the dugout. Furthermore, no Parent or other person is to confront any team's coach or player or an umpire during or after a game. All issues must be brought to the attention of their team s head coach and or a Member of the Newton West Little League board. 40. No Food or Drinks except for juices or water are allowed during the game. Going to the concession stand during a game is prohibited. 41. Jewelry is prohibited during a game. You must wear the team uniform, shirts must be tucked and a hat is worn during all games. We recommend long pants, cup, and cleats in addition to supplied shirt and hat. 42. There is zero tolerance for vulgar language or any form of behavior that is viewed unacceptable. Disciplinary actions will be taken and may include expulsion from the team. 43. Coaches are encouraged to keep their players on the bench. Nominating a team parent may help. 44. Any cheering intended to rattle an opposing pitcher will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and be grounds for disqualification per Para. 9.01(d) 45. Please be courteous to your coaches and teammates. If you are unable to make a practice or a game, please contact your coach
as quickly as possible. Remember your team is counting on you. 3. Rules of Play: Farm The goals of the league are to teach the basic fundamentals of the game of baseball, to teach good sportsmanship and to encourage teamwork. Everyone involved should have fun. These rules are intended as guidelines, in all instances common sense should prevail. 1. 9 players (If Available) in the traditional positions. The fielder playing the pitching position should stand near the pitcher s mound. If one team is short a player, the other team should provide a fielder, the last person scheduled to bat that inning. 2. Two coaches should support/instruct their players while their team is in the field. Each coach should be positioned in shallow outfield, one on each side of the diamond. No more then two coaches should be on the field. 3. Players should play a variety of positions. Players should not play the same position more than once per game. However, no child shall play a position (first base) where the safety of the player or others is compromised. This is at the coach s discretion. 4. Have your positions planned before hand so to as not to delay the start of each inning. This will also help you in that the players will not be asking to play a position if you have already set the positions. 5. Coaches pitch overhand to their team in front of the rubber. Players should remain on the bench when not on the field of play during the game. An additional coach/parent should monitor the bench and prepare players for their turn at bat. 6. All runners stop at the closest base once the ball is returned to the pitching mound. Common sense should prevail (see below). If a runner runs through a stop sign, send them back. A runner may advance one base on an Overthrown ball. If you are down to the last batter, it is not a home run for them to run around the bases. The player advances as far as he can until the pitcher has received the ball, then play is dead. Then clear the bases and the team in the field bats. All teams should be teaching the players to throw the ball to the pitcher for the play to stop. Don't have the players throw it back to the coach if
at all possible. Only the pitcher should be doing this. Coaches should help back up the players and help them catch. As they advance to the next levels this will be more the norm throwing to the pitcher. 7. A player is allowed 5 swinging strikes then will return to the bench. Players will not strike out on a tipped and/or foul ball. Additional swings will be allowed after five (5) if the player continues to make contact. It is important to identify a coach who can consistently throw strikes. Please uphold the 5 missed swings rule for striking out. If the batter fouls off a pitch on the fifth swing, then you throw them another until they hit or they miss again. It is not fair if one team is adhering to the rule and the other is throwing their players more than five pitches. Please enforce this. 8. The pitch count rules must be enforced. Please explain to this to your parents. If a player is struggling, the time to work is in practice. 9. Each inning ends with 3 outs (not including strikeouts) or once through the batting order (if Team A = 12 players and Team B = 11 players then Team A can send 12 different players to the plate per inning and Team B 11 different players). There should be at least 3 innings per game. 10. When playing three outs, please remember Farm league is for developing all players, not winning games. Each team probably could have two or three players if positioned at pitcher, shortstop and first base every inning who could get three outs easily, this is not the goal. We want all players to have the opportunity to field the ball and try to make a play. Move them around and let them play all positions. 11. Every player bats even if not playing in the field. The batting order stays the same throughout the game. Every child should have the opportunity to bat at least twice during the course of the game. So in the case where a team has ended two innings with 3 outs, if necessary, the other team should have the opportunity to bat through their order regardless of the number of outs until all players have had the opportunity to have two at bats. Once all players have batted twice, the inning will end.
Alternatively if time permits, play a fourth inning. 12. A foul line should be made 10 feet from home plate. No bunting (i.e. if ball dribbles in front of the plate it is considered a foul ball and the coach who is pitching should call the foul). 13. If a player over runs Second base and Third base, instruct them to try and stop, they are not out unless they try to run for the next base. 14. Remember that close plays at any base always goes to the benefit of the runner. Though the object of the game I agree is to try and get someone out, it is more important that we not create any controversy amongst players, parents and coaches. Use good judgment. 15. Please instruct all players that they must not throw the bat after hitting the ball. We don't want to see anyone get hurt. 16. No coach shall keep score of the game, and running up the score is discouraged. 17. No leading. No stealing. 18. Sliding is discouraged. 4. Rules of Play: T-Ball 1. All games played at Lyons Field in grass area beyond right field fence of Major League Field, Lyons Farm Field and Hamilton. 2. Home team coach responsible for retrieving tee and bases from equipment shed and returning them after the game 3. Home team coach for 9:00 AM game retrieves and returns tee/bases from shed. 4. Fifteen (15) actual games to be scheduled 5. Minimum two (2) inning games 6. Batting (Off Tee): a. All players bat equal amount of times
b. Coach assist/instruct batters at the tee c. Player swings until they hit the ball 7. Batting (Coach Pitch): a. Coaches discretion to pitch to players AFTER week # 3 b. Maximum five (5) swings per player c. Player allowed to hit off tee if unsuccessful after five (5) swings d. Recommend coach pitch from one knee, so that ball comes in same level as child. e. Please encourage the players not to pick up the Bat until the coaches tell them. 8. Fielding: a. A maximum of 6 to 7 players on the field in positions b. Assistant Coach takes remaining players to the side and works on Fielding, Throwing, and other drills. c. If only one coach is available day of game (no parent volunteers) all players will be allowed on the diamond at once. d. Rotate players in positions throughout the game to allow each player an equal amount of fielding opportunities e. Coaches remain in field with their team offering instruction and encouraging players to pay attention. f. Players only move one base at a time. g. Last person to bat in order, hits a home run and all players run to home plate. 9. Warm Ups a. I highly recommend that you ask the players to be there a few minutes early to go through some warm ups, running and skills development through batting/throwing/fielding drills