Jr. League Softball 2017 Rules 1) If possible we will use a variable schedule for the 2017 season. Starting out with single 7 inning games and then going to every other week Wednesday double headers. This will be determined by the number of available pitchers per team per community, or field availability. Games will be on Wednesdays and Fridays. If DH'ers are played, they will be played as (2) 5 inning games. 2) Games starting prior to June 5th will use the 1 hour 30 minute time limit, with no new inning to start after 1 hour 20 minutes. On June 5th, games will move to a 1 hour 45 minute time limit and no new inning will start after 1 hour 35 minutes. 3) 10 run rule will be in effect after 5 innings of play for 7 inning game and 4 innings for a 5 inning game. 4) Pitchers may use either the ASA or WIAA styles of pitching. No limit as to number of innings allowed to pitch. Teams are encouraged to pitch more than 1 player, especially on double header dates. If pitcher is ambidextrous, they must declare what arm they will throw with to a batter. They an only pitch either right or left to a particular batter until batter is retired or reaches base. 5) The Pitching distance is 43 feet from back point of Home Plate to front of pitching plate. 6) Playing rules are the same as High School. Both teams are encouraged to keep scorebooks for both teams. 7) All players that show up will be put in the batting line up. Any player arriving late, will be added to the end of the batting line up. This will allow teams free substitution each inning. Pitchers like all other players have re-entry rights. Teams will play 9 players only on DEFENSE. "All players must play at least 6 defensive outs" 8) NO Metal or Steel cleats allowed. 9) All batting helmets must have a certified/approved mask on them. Defensive players may wear face masks for protection. 10) Bats: 2 1/4 inch barrel with BPF of 1.21. Not longer than 34 inches. Wood bats are legal as long as they also have a 2 1/4 inch barrel. Wood bats need to be at least 7/8" at smallest part of bat if less than 30" long and 15/16 " if over 30 inches long. 11) Players may lead off once the ball leaves the pitchers hand. If caught leaving early, runner is out. 12) Players may advance on a dropped 3rd strike whether called or swung at if 1st base is open at the time of the pitch or if there are 2 outs. 13) A courtesy runner will be allowed for the catcher. Courtesy runners may be allowed for the pitcher and or an injured player with defensive coach's approval. 14) On Deck batters permitted if field has room for them. They must be near their dug-out side of home plate. ZERO TOLERANCE RULE IN EFFECT: Coaches are expected to lead by example. Poor sportsmanship on your part towards umpires, other coaches or players will result in a 2 game suspension. A 2nd offense, will result in suspension from further coaching for the year. Talk to your parents, let them know we want the league to be a positive experience for the kids.
Major League Baseball 2017 Rules 1) A game shall be 6 innings. 2) Prior to June 5th, games have a 1 hour 30 minute time limit with no new inning to start after 1 hour 20 minutes. From June 5th on, games will have a time limit of 1 hour 45 minutes and no new inning may start after 1 hour 35 minutes. If after 6 innings game is tied, teams may continue to play until time limit is reached. If teams are still tied, the game will stay as a tie. 3) All players that show up will be put into the batting rotation. Players arriving late, will be added to the end of the batting list. This will allow for free substitution during the game for all players including the pitcher. Teams can play with as few as 7 players and not have to forfeit the game. However, when the 8th and 9 th spots come up to bat, an out will be recorded for each of those positions in the batting order. 4) Teams will play "9" players defensively. All players must play at least "6" defensive outs. It is recommended that both teams keep a score book and line ups, to insure accuracy. 5) A courtesy runner will be allowed for the catcher with 2 outs. (League Rule) Courtesy runners may also be used for the pitcher and or an injured player with defensive coach approval. 6) All base runners must wear a batting helmet, any base coach under 18 must also wear a batting helmet. 7) Catchers must wear required gear before going behind home plate. Players and or coaches under the age of 18 must wear a mask when warming up the pitcher. 8) Defensive players may wear a face mask for protection, it must be of a non glossy material. 9) The Little League "Pitch Count" Rule will be in effect. Pitchers will be allowed to pitch either 3 innings per game or 85 pitches per game depending on which comes first. Once a pitcher has reach 41 pitches or more, they can not go to the catcher position. Once a catcher has caught 4 innings or more, they can not go to the pitcher position. 1 pitch thrown or caught in an inning will count as an inning pitched or caught. Warm Ups for the Pitcher: Prior to start of the game a pitcher may have 8 warm up pitches unless bad weather, then it is up to the umpires to allow more pitches. Between innings, 5 warm up pitches or 1 minute time limit whatever comes first. Relief pitchers will be allowed 7 warm up pitches. Pitchers who are ambidextrous, must declare what side they will pitch to a batter and continue to do so until batter reaches base or is put out. You may switch from batter to batter or inning to inning. Pitchers may switch to a defensive position and return to the mound once each inning. 10) The pitching distance is 46' from the front point of the pitching rubber to the back of Home Plate. 11) BATS: Bats may have a barrel of only 2-1/4 " in diameter. Bats can't be longer than 33". Non wood bats must be labeled with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less. Wooden bats must have a handle of at least 15/16" in diameter if more than 30" in length and of 7/8" in diameter if 30" or less in length. There are no ounce restrictions on bats, only diameter size and BPF 12) NO WARM UP SPOTS FOR BATTERS ON OR OFF THE FIELD ALLOWED. SAFETY!!! However, between innings, the 1st batter up will be allowed on the field for warm up swings in an area near or in front of his or her own dug-out.
13) Batter/runner may advance on a dropped 3rd strike, called or swung at, if first base is open at the time of the pitch or if there are 2 outs. 14) No 10 run rule, however, losing coach may concede the game after 4 innings of play. 15) Stealing is allowed, but players can not lead off until the ball crosses Home Plate, hits the dirt or until the pitch is swung at. Leading off early 1st offense - warning, 2nd offense - player is out. 16) Players must slide at home plate if a play is being made on them. Key words "play being made" If the ball is thrown over the head of the catcher or draws the catcher out of the box, a play is not being made and the runner does not have to slide However, it is the base runners responsibility to avoid contact. If contact is initiated by the batter/runner, both the runner and batter could be called out because of interference. If sliding to a base, it must be feet first. Once you have passed a base and are returning, you may slide head.first. Flagrant contact could be cause for ejection, if coached, the coach also could be ejected. Teaching players to slide at all times, will usually eliminate any extra problems at home plate or any other base for that matter. 17) Obstruction: Coaches, please take the time to teach this. Players must have ball in possession in order to block passage to any base. If offensive player has to go around the defensive player in order to reach a base and that player is put out because of the obstruction, the runner would and should be called safe. Umpires are encouraged to award base or bases to obstructed runner had obstruction not happened. 18) Offensive players may not interfere with a defensive players chance to make a play either physically or verbally. This would be called interference and the runner would be called out and potentially the batter as well. Offensive players may not run through or over defensive players. This would be considered "Malicious" behavior. Malicious behavior will result in player ejection. If malicious behavior happens, that penalty supersedes the penalty for obstruction. For example, if malicious behavior happens by the runner at home plate and the runner not been put out, Runner would be ejected, the run would count. The above rules are Jackson Little League Adaptations. Official rules other than the above exceptions will be as stated in the Little League Rule Book for "Little League Play". ZERO TOLLERANCE ENFORCED FOR ALL COACHES, PLAYERS AND FANS!!! Bad sportsmanship will be cause for removal from coaching position for 2 weeks or possibly the season. Fans showing poor sportsmanship will be asked to leave the ball field area. Players will be asked to leave the game and be taken home by their parents and or guardians. Coaches and Umpires should be working together to insure a positive atmosphere is achieved.
Major League Softball 2017 Rules 1) Games are 6 innings. If games are tied at the end of 6 innings and there is time left, games may continue to time limit to determine a winner. If time limit is reached and still tied, game stays as a tie. 2) Prior to June 5th, games will have a 1 hour 30 minute time limit with no new inning to start after 1 hour 20 minutes. From June 5th on, games will have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit with no new inning to start after 1 hour 35 minutes. 3) Teams can play with 7 players and not have to forfeit the game. However, when the 8th and 9th batting positions come up to bat, an out must be recorded. Teams may play 9 or 10 players defensively. NO FIVE person infield allowed. You can switch from 9 to 10 players defensively at any time 4) Teams will bat all players that show up and any late players showing up will be added to the end of the batting order. This will allow for free substitution at any time during any inning. "All players must play at least 6 defensive outs." Both coaches should keep a score book for batting line ups of both teams. 5) Catchers must wear ALL required gear when behind the plate. Anyone under the age of 18 must wear a mask when warming up pitchers. Defensive players may wear protective face masks for safety. 6) Pitchers may pitch up to 4 innings per game. 11" softball will be used for this league. "Pitchers if ambidextrous, must pitch either right or left handed to finish a batter." Pitchers will get 8 warm up pitches to start the game, 5 between innings. Make up games and weekend games do not count as innings pitched per week by league guidelines. Pitchers like all other players have re-entry rights. Pitchers may use either ASA or WIAA styles of pitching. 7) The pitching distance is 40 feet. (Back point of home plate to front point of pitching rubber.) 8) Batter may advance on a dropped 3rd strike, swung at or called, if 1st base is open at the time of the pitch or if there are two outs. 9) Runners may lead off once the ball crosses home plate, is swung at or hits the dirt. 1st offense (player warning) 2nd offense - player is out. 10) BATS: All bats must be 33" or less in length. The barrel of the bat can't be more than 2-1/4" in diameter. Wooden bats are legal but must also have a 2-1/4" diameter only. Batting handle if wooden, must have at least a diameter of 15/16" if more than 30" in length and 7/8" if 30" or less in diameter. All non wooden bats must have a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.20. There are no ounce or weight restrictions. 11) NO - On deck Batters Circles allowed. No warm up swings for on deck batters on or off the field. SAFETY! Between the innings, however, the 1st batter up (ONLY) will be allowed out on the field for practice swings. Those practice swings must be next to or near their own dug-out. 12) A courtesy runner should be used for the catcher with two outs. (League Rule) Courtesy runners may be allowed for the pitcher and or an injured player with defensive coach's approval. 13) 5 run rule in effect. A team can not score more than 5 runs in an inning. Even if no outs are recorded, once you have scored 5 runs, your team goes on defense. If a team is behind by 6 runs going into the bottom of the 6th inning, they can not win. But they still get their last time at bat.
14) Base runners must slide at home if a play is being made on them. Key words are "Play being Made" If the throw causes the catcher to be out of the box, no play is being made at the plate. Teach your kids how to slide, then you won't have problems at Home plate or any other base for that matter. Players do not have to slide at any other base, however, runner should avoid contact. If contact is made, interference could be called and both the runner and batter could be called out. When sliding at a base it must be feet first on the way to a base, but once passed, a player may slide back head first. Defense must allow access to the base if they do not have possession of the ball. 15) Obstruction: Teach your players proper defensive positioning. If they do not have the ball, they can not block the plate or any baseline to any other base. Remember, if obstruction is called, a player called out may be ruled safe because of obstruction at another base. Base runners have a right to get to the base freely. Base runners can't run over or through defensive players. Malicious contact would be cause for player ejection. Umpires must call player obstruction if the defensive player does not have the ball and is blocking access to a base. Malicious contact would have precedent over obstruction. So player would be ejected and run would count for obstruction at home plate. If malicious contact happens at another base, player is ejected and a new runner would be asked to replace ejected player at the obstructed base awarded by umpire. ZERO TOLERANCE RULE for coaches this year. Coaches are expected to behave in an appropriate manner. Any coach put to task for poor behavior, will be suspended for 2 games. A second offense will result in coach being done for the year. Likewise, fans behaving badly will be asked to leave immediately if behaving in a bad manner.
Minor League Baseball 2017 Rules 1) A game shall be 6 innings or time limit depending on which comes first. 2) Games will be 1 hour 30 minutes in length for the whole year. No new Inning shall start after 1 hour 20 minutes. 3) All players present shall be put into the batting line up. Any players showing up late will be added to the bottom of the batting order. This allows for free player substitution at any time during the game. "All players must play defense for at least 6 defensive outs." 4) Teams will play defense with 10 players, 4 infielders and 4 outfielders. No 5 person infield allowed. Teams can play with 7 players and not have to forfeit the game. However, when the 8th and 9th batting positions come to bat, an out will be called. 5) With 2 outs, courtesy runner should be used for the catcher. (League Rule) A courtesy runner will be allowed for the pitcher and or an injured player if approved by a defensive coach. 6) All players either batting or running bases must wear a batting helmet, any base coach under 18 years of age must also wear a batting helmet. 7) Catchers must wear required gear before going behind home plate. Players or coaches under 18 years of age must wear a mask when warming up a pitcher. 8) BATS: May have only a 2 1/4" barrel with a BPF of 1.15 Wood bats are also allowed but with only 1 21/4" barrel. Wood bats if less than 30' long must have a handle of at least 15/16" width. If bat is over 30" in length it must have a handle of at least 7/8" in width. There are no ounce restrictions in bat weight, but the bats must have an approved BPF (Bat Performance Factor of 1.15 or less. Bats can't be longer than 33". 9) The pitching Distance is 46' from the front of the pitchers plate to the back part of Home Plate. 10) Adopted League Rules: Games 1 thru 4, will be coach pitch. From Game 5 on, players will start pitching. For the SEASON, during Coach Pitch, batters can not walk. A hit batter is deemed the same as ball four or a walk. During Coach Pitch, base runners can't steal bases. Batters will be allowed to get whatever base they can reach on a base hit. 2017 NEW THIS YEAR DURING PLAYER PITCH: Players will pitch to players until they have reached the maximum number of innings or pitches allowed. Except: If a player pitching hits another player with a pitched ball, the player will have the option of taking first base or remaining at bat. This decision should be talked about prior to the start of the game by the coaches. A pitcher will be allowed to walk up to 2 batters in an inning. If on the 3rd potential walk, the batter reaches ball 4. Coach will come out and pitch to the player. Coach will pitch and batter resumes with the pitch count they had prior to coach pitch. Coach pitches to batter until batter reaches base or is put out. Player will then return to the mound and continue pitching. If player again reaches ball 4 to the next batter, coach will come back in to pitch. This will continue until 5 runs have scored or 3 outs have been achieved for that inning.
11) Pitchers will be allowed to pitch 3 innings per game and 6 innings per week of League Play. Within those 3 innings of pitching, the pitcher can't throw more than 75 pitches. If a pitcher throws more than 41 pitches, they can not go to the catcher position. Likewise if a catcher has caught 4 innings or more, they can not go to the pitcher position. 1 pitch thrown or caught in an inning, counts as an inning caught or pitched. Pitchers must pitch either right handed or left handed to batter, they can not switch from lefty to righty or vice versa on a particular batter. Warm Up Pitches: Prior to start of game, pitchers will be allowed 8 warm up throws, between innings, they will get 5 warm up throws. Relief pitchers will be allowed 7 warm up pitches. If the weather is bad or cold, umpires may let pitchers have more than the allotted warm up throws. Pitchers, like all other players have Re-Entry rights. 12) Coaches should keep a score book top keep track of outs, runs scored and pitch counts for both teams. This can be verified between innings to be sure both teams have the same results. 13) On a 3rd strike, called or swinging, the batter is out. All other runners may advance to 2nd or 3rd base at their own risk. 14) A 5 run rule will be in effect. Even if no outs are recorded, a team can score only 5 runs. Once 5 runs have scored, a teams at bat has finished and they will move to defense. If a team is behind by 6 runs going into the last inning, they can not win the game, however they still finish the inning. If visiting team is a head the home team will get to bat 15) NO ON DECK BATTERS ALLOWED -- ON OR OFF THE FIELD. SAFETY!!! Must Be Enforced!! ** However, between innings, the 1st batter up shall be allowed on the field for warm up swings. This must be done on their side of home plate near their own dug-out. 16) Bunting is allowed. No Infield Fly rule. Big Strike Zone should be called. Swing The Bat!! 17) Stealing is allowed for 2nd and 3rd base only. YOU CAN NEVER STEAL HOME BASE!! Players may steal only 1 base at a time. For example, if you are stealing 2nd base, and the ball goes out into centerfield, you only get 2nd base. The same goes for stealing 3rd base. You can only go home on a batted ball or course of action caused by batter/runner. To keep game moving along, a base runner will be able to only steal 1 base per batter. So once a base is stolen no other attempt can be made until another batter comes to the plate. 18) Players may not lead off base until the pitch is swung at, hits the dirt or crosses home plate. 1st offense (team warning), 2nd offense - player is out. 19) Players must slide at HOME PLATE if a play is being made on them. "Key Words" play being made on them. If the throw takes the catcher up the line or away from the plate, the slide rule is off. If players slide it must be feet first on the way to a base. On the way back to the base, they may slide head first. 20) Coaches, teach your players about obstruction when playing defense. All base runners have the right to the base they attempting to reach if the defense doesn't have the ball in their possession. If obstruction occurs, the batter/runner will be called safe. 21) Interference could be physical or verbal by the offense. You can't yell at a player trying to catch or field a batted or thrown ball. An interference call could result in both a base runner and the batter being called out on the same play.
22) Malicious contact will be cause for ejection of player. You can't run through a player trying to reach base either by the defense or the offense. Malicious contact supersedes obstruction or interference by rule. So player would be ejected and the result of the other action will be ruled on. ZERO TOLERANCE RULE IN EFFECT: Coaches will be expected to lead by example, bad behavior could result in a 2 week suspension and possibly removal for the year. Bad behavior by the fans will result in having them removed from the fields area. Coaches and umpires should work together to make this a positive atmosphere for players.
Minor League Softball 2017 Rules 1) A game shall be 6 innings or called by time limit, whichever comes first. 2) Games shall have a time limit of 1 hour 30 minutes for the whole year. No new Innings will be allowed to start after 1 hour 20 minutes. 3) All players on roster that show up will be put in the batting rotation. Anyone arriving late will be added to the end of the line-up. This will allow for free substitution at any time during the game. Teams may play with 7 players and not have to forfeit the game. However, when the 8th and 9th batting positions come to bat, an out will be recorded. "All PLAYERS must play at least 6 defensive outs." 4) Teams may play with 10 defensive players. 4 in the infield and 4 in the outfield. NO 5 PERSON INFIELD ALLOWED!! 5) Pitchers may use either the ASA or the WIAA/Little League styles of pitching. "11 inch ball will be used" 6) Pitching distance is 35 feet from back of Home Plate to front of the pitching mound. 7) A courtesy runner will be allowed for the catcher. "League Rule" A courtesy runner will be allowed for the pitcher and or an injured player with approval from a defensive coach. 8) Catchers must wear required gear before they assume the position. All individuals warming up the pitcher under the age of 18, must wear a legal face mask/helmet combination. 9) All batters and base runners must wear legal batting helmets. Anyone coaching bases under the age of 18 must wear a legal batting helmet in order to coach a base. 10) BATS: Only bats with a 2 1/4" barrel are legal for play. The bats must also have a sticker on them saying they have a BPF of 1.21 (Bat Performance Factor) Bats must be 34" or less in length. All bats must have an ASA certification sticker on them. There is no ounce restrictions on bats. Wooden bats are legal but must also have a barrel of 2 1/4". If wooden bat is less than 30" in length it must have a handle width of 7/8". If wooden bat is more than 30" in length it must have a handle of 15/16" thickness. 11) Games 1-4 will be Coach Pitch. Starting with game 5, players will start pitching. During Coach Pitch, no players will be allowed to walk or take a base because of hit by pitch. Players will either reach base by a hit or an error. Once on base, they can't steal bases during coach pitch. Batters hitting off adult pitching will get any base they can reach because of action created by the hit. Players can still strike out during coach pitch. 2017 NEW THIS SEASON: Players pitching will be allowed to walk up to 2 batters per inning. If a 3rd batter gets a ball 4 count, the coach will come out and pitch to that batter. The batter will still have the pitch count she had prior to coach coming out to pitch. Player can only get on base by an error or a hit. The player/coach pitch situation will continue for that pitcher until she has reached 3 outs or 5 runs have been scored for that inning. During player pitch, if a batter is hit by a pitch, they will have a choice of taking 1st base or staying at bat. This should be discussed by coaches prior to the start of the game. (If pitcher is ambidextrous, they must commit to one side only to a batter until batter is out or reaches base.) Pitchers warming up will get 8 pitches before the first inning and 5 pitches between innings. Pitchers have re-entry rights like all other players. Pitchers may pitch up to 4 innings per game. 12) No on deck batters circles, or areas for on deck swinging on or off the field. Safety concerns!! However, between innings the 1st batter up will be allowed swings on the field next to her dugout.
13) On a dropped 3rd strike whether called or swung at, the batter is out. Any other runner may advance to 2 nd or 3rd base at their own risk. 14) Stealing is allowed at 2nd and 3rd bases only. YOU CAN NEVER STEAL HOME. If you are stealing a base, you will get the base you are going to ONLY. Even if the throw goes into the outfield or over the fence, you only get the base you were going to. A player can only advance to home on the action of a batted ball or action caused by batter/runner (bases loaded walk). A base runner will be allowed to steal only 1 base per batter. So once a base is stolen, no other attempt can be made until another batter comes to the plate. No stealing of bases while coaches are pitching. No leading off until ball crosses home plate is swung at or hits the dirt near home plate. 1st offense is a warning and the second offense will result in base runner being called out. 15) Bunting is allowed. No Infield Fly Rule. Big Strike Zone Swing The Bat 16) 5 run rule is in effect. A team can not score more than 5 runs in an inning, even if no outs are recorded. Once you have scored 5 runs, your team goes to defense. If team is behind by 6 runs going into the bottom of the 6th inning they can not win. But, they still get there time at bat. 17) Please use a courtesy runner for the catcher with 2 outs, sooner if you wish. A courtesy runner will be allowed for the pitcher and or an injured player if approved by a defensive coach. 18) When sliding, runners must slide feet first when going to a base. Once a base has been touched, runners may slide head first or feet first when returning to a base previously touched. 19) All players must slide at HOME PLATE if a play is being made on them. KEY WORDS "Play being made on them." If a ball thrown to the catcher takes them up the line or away from the plate, the runner does not have to slide as a play is not being made on them. However, if you have your players slide all of the time, there shouldn't be a problem. 20) Coaches, teach your players about obstruction. All base runners and batter/runners have the right to get to a base freely if the defense doesn't have the ball in their possession. So players must move out of the way if the do not have the ball. By being a spectator to the play, the defensive player could obstruct a runner from getting to a base. If a runner is called out and If obstruction is called, the base runner would be safe and awarded the base or bases they would have reached had their been no obstruction. 21) Interference can be physical or verbal. Offensive players can not yell at or distract a defensive player from making a catch or a play on a batted or thrown ball. Like wise they can make contact with a defensive player trying to make a play on a batted or thrown ball. If interference is called, both the runner and or batter/runner could be called out because of the interference call. 22) Malicious contact is cause for player ejection. If an offensive or defensive player runs over or through a player trying to score or make a play and malicious contact occurs, that player is ejected. Malicious contact supersedes the obstruction and interference rules. The malicious contact would be ruled on and then the result of the situations dealt with. 23) ZERO TOLERANCE RULE IN EFFECT: Coaches if you go after umpires or show unsporting behavior, you could be suspended for 2 games. A 2nd offense will result in permanent removal as a team coach for the year. Fans will also be asked to leave the field areas for behaving badly.
Pony League Baseball 2017 Rules 1) Games are scheduled as 7 innings unless stated otherwise. Double headers if scheduled, will be (2) two (5) five inning games. 2) Prior to June 5th, games will have a 1 hour 30 minute time limit with no new innings to start after 1 hour 20 minutes. On June 5th and after, games will have a 1 hour 45 minute time limit with no new inning to start after 1 hour 35 minutes. 1 hour 45 minute time frame. The Board has determined that games after 10pm are not acceptable. 3) Teams must have players available for play with in 10 minutes of scheduled game time. If not enough players present, the game is forfeited. Teams may still scrimmage for the remainder of their scheduled playing time. If playing with 8 players only, an automatic out will be recorded every time the 9th batter position would come to bat. PLAYERS BROUGHT UP FROM ANOTHER LEAGUE CAN NOT PITCH OR CATCH. 4) All players showing up will be put into the Line-Up, this will allow for free substitution. "All players must play at least 6 defensive outs." 5) A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher with 2 outs. A courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher or an injured player if the coaches agree. (League Rule) 6) NO METAL or STEEL spikes are allowed. 7) BATS: Bats can't be longer than 34" and barrel of the bat has to be 2-5/8" or smaller. If the bat is wood, it must have at its smallest area a 7/8" thickness if under 30" in length and it must be of a 15/16" thickness if it is more than 30" long. If 2-5/8 bats used they must be at or less than a minus 5 (-5) length to weight differential. Beginning in 2018 all bats must meet the BBCOR standard performance, If 2-1/4" barrel bats are used, they can't have composite materials in the barrel and must meet the BPF of 1.15. 8) Catchers must wear required gear before assuming the position. Players or coaches under the age of 18 must wear a mask when warming up the pitcher. Batting helmets are required for all base runners and batters. Base coaches under the age of 18 are also required to wear a batting helmet. 9) Pitching rule in effect as stated in Little League Rule Book. We will use the mandated Little League "Pitch Count Rule". Pitchers may pitch up to 4 innings per game or throw only 95 pitches (whichever comes first). If a pitcher pitches 41 or more pitches, they can not go to the catcher position when replaced. If a catcher catches 4 innings or more, they can not go to the pitcher position.1 pitch into an inning is considered an inning pitched or an inning caught. Both teams should keep track of pitch counts. This for the safety of the kids pitching. Pitchers get 8 warm up pitches to start the game, after that they get 5 between innings. Relief pitchers will get 7 warm up pitches. Pitchers have re-entry rights like all other players. "Pitchers that are ambidextrous, must declare what arm they will use for a batter." They can only pitch from one side to a batter but may switch sides for the next batter. Coaches are encouraged to keep a score book and line ups for both teams to ensure accuracy. 10) Pitching distance for 70' bases = 54 feet from back of home plate to front of pitching rubber. Pitching distance for 75' bases = 55 feet 6" from back of home plate to front of pitching rubber.
The pitching distance for 90' bases = 60 feet 6" from back of home plate to front of pitching rubber. 11) 2 Sets of Rules for 2017 Season: 70' - 75' Bases, No leading off base until ball leaves pitchers hand. 1st offense for leading off early "warning", 2nd offense - player is out 90' Bases High School Federation Rules will apply for the 90' bases. Coaches take the time to go over the balk rules with your pitchers. All coaches should show some patience with umpires in learning the rules. It will take time and there is no Trophy for 1st Place, so relax, teach and have fun. Remember, this is just a game. Stealing bases are allowed as long as you are using it with the correct pitching restrictions. If 75' or less bases, runner can't steal until pitch has left the pitchers hand. With 90' bases, base running is WIAA rules enforced. Players may advance on a dropped 3rd strike whether called or swung at, if 1st base is open at the time of the pitch or if there are 2 outs. 12) 10 run rule is in effect after 5 innings if a 7 inning game is scheduled and 4 innings if it is a 5 inning game. 13) Team warning for throwing equipment or showing unsportsmanlike behavior for the 1st offense. The 2nd such incident, will result in the offender being ejected, whether being a player or coach. 14) On Deck batters are allowed if field has room for them. They must be near their own dug-out side of home plate. The above rules are Jackson Little League Adaptations. Official rules other than the above exceptions will be as stated in the Little League Rule Book under the "Jr./Sr./Big League" divisions of play or Babe Ruth League. ZERO TOLERANCE RULE IN EFFECT: Bad sportsmanship from coaches will result in a 2 week suspension from league play and possibly for the season. Bad sportsmanship by fans, will result in having them leave the confines of the field area. Coaches and umpires should work together to achieve a great atmosphere for the players.
Rookie Ball 2017 Rules No changes since 2010 1) GAME A. Games 1-2 - 3 will be 4 innings or 1 hour in time length, whichever comes first. Games 4-5-6 will be 6 innings or 1 hour 15 minutes in time length, whichever comes first. B. Because of weather or other mitigating circumstances, in games 1 thru 3, a game could be called a completed game after either 2 or 2-1/2 innings. For games 4 thru 6, a game can be called after 4 or 4-1/2 innings. C. This is a Coach Pitch League, so Adults Only will do the pitching. D. Pitch overhand to potential baseball players and underhand to potential softball players. 2) FIELDING A. Teams may play with up to 12 players on the field at a time defensively. B. 6 players on the infield not counting the catcher and all others must play in the outfield grass areas. C. Each player present must play the minimum of two innings defensively. D. A coach or coaches may be stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players. E. A player must line up next to the Adult Pitcher, to do the fielding of a batted ball. It does not matter as to what side the player is stationed at the pitchers mound. F. We strongly encourage coaches to rotate their lineups on defense to give all players a chance to play the different defensive positions. 3) BATTING A. All players present will be put into the batting line up. B. Players will bat in order whether playing defensively or not. C. There is no bunting. There will be no walks allowed. D. An inning is over when 3 outs have been recorded or 5 runs have been scored. Once a team has scored 5 runs, the inning is over, even if no outs have been recorded by the defense. E. Each batter will get up to Five Pitches, to put the ball into play. NO EXTRA PITCHES ALLOWED. If the ball has not been put into play by the fifth pitch, the batter is out. If on the 5th pitch a batted ball goes foul, the batter is out. NO WALKS WILL BE ALLOWED TO BATTERS. F. No stealing or leading off of bases will be allowed. G. Batters and base runners must wear batting helmets at all times. H. If a catcher is used, they must wear proper gear. * I. On a batted ball, the distance of the ball hit, might allow batter/runner to have a double or triple instead of just a single base hit. J. Runner may NOT advance on an overthrow. K. Coaches are allowed to be on the field to coach base runners. Keep out of the way to allow for defensive players to make a play on the ball. Games are played on Friday nights. Coaches may schedule an extra game or two if they desire to do so.
T-Ball 2017 Rules No changes from 2010 1) BATTING A. All hitters will hit from a batting tee. The tee should be adjusted to a height that allows batter to swing level or down on the ball. B. All players on the roster, who are present for the game shall be put into them batting rotation. Players will continue to bat in that order whether playing defense or sitting on the bench. C. No Bunting allowed. D. Pitcher should be in contact with rubber and making pitching motion before batter swings at the ball. E. An inning is over when all players have batted. The last batter of the inning once reaching first base safely, must continue to circle the bases until he or she is either tagged out or reaches home plate, either of which will end the inning. F. Batters may advance farther than first base if the hit ball allows them to do so, otherwise, players are allowed to advance only 1 base at a time. G. When the ball is hit, it must go at least 25 feet, which is shown by an arc drawn from foul line to foul line. (Optional field marking) H. Three complete misses of the ball while batting constitutes a strike out. Maximum of 5 swings to put ball in play. If not in play on 5th swing, batter is out. I. If a batter hits part of the ball and part of the batting tee, it is a fair ball if it goes into fair territory. If it does not go fair, it becomes a foul ball and counts towards the swing count. J. No stealing or leading off is permitted. 2) FIELDING A. Teams may play all players on the field defensively B. Each player present must play the minimum of two innings defensively. C. A coach may be stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players. Coaches may also be on the field to coach runners. D. We strongly encourage coaches to rotate their players so all team members get an opportunity to play all defensive positions. 3) GAME A. A regulation game is 4 innings or an hour, whichever comes first. B. Because of weather or mitigating circumstances, a game may be called after 2 innings and be considered a complete game.