1) The home team prepares the field before all games. The home team is also responsible for providing two new baseballs and all backup balls before all games. The visiting team is also responsible for putting up scoreboard controls, getting someone to operate the scoreboard during the game, turning off the field lights, switching off the scoreboard after the game and locking up the press box and unplugging controls in press box.
2) Games will be played with a 1:30 time limit. No new inning will start after 1:20 unless the game is tied. One inning will be played to determine the winner. If the game is still tied, it will end as a tie. The game clock begins when the home team takes the field.
3) The entire roster will be the batting order for all games. If a player has to leave the game for any reason other than injury, sickness, or school/church function (approved prior to game), an out will be declared each time for the remainder of the game.
4) A pitcher may pitch a maximum of two innings per game and they must be consecutive, however the maximum per pitcher per day is 50. The pitcher must be removed at that point. If a pitcher throws more than 25 pitches, one day of rest is required before he is eligible to pitch again. The pitcher must be removed if he hits two batters in the same inning or a total of three during the game.
5) All players on a team must sit one inning before any player sits a second inning. If a violation of this rule occurs, a forfeit will be declared.
6) It is expected that all managers will make every effort to rotate as many players as much as possible without putting a child’s safety at risk.
7) Each team must have a minimum of eight players to begin and finish a game. A player from the coach pitch division may be brought up to play to ensure that a team will have enough players to play the game. If a coach pitch player is used, he must bat last in the lineup and may not pitch. If a rostered player shows up before the end of the game, the coach pitch player may not play defensively from that point on.
8) Slinging the bat can be very dangerous. The offending team will be warned the first time this occurs. If the same team slings the bat a second time during the game, an out will be recorded.
9) The manager will be allowed at the doorway of the dugout, but all other coaches and scorekeepers must remain inside the dugout at all times. The umpire has authority to force the head coach in the dugout at any time.
10) The five run scoring rule per inning will be in effect throughout the game. If a team is leading in the game, that team may only advance its lead by five runs during that particular inning. If a team is trailing in the game, that team may take the lead and go ahead by five runs. In extra innings, all runs count until three outs are made. The only way a team may score more than five runs in an inning is if a player hits a home run over the fence. In this situation, all runners will score. The slaughter rule will be 10 runs after 4 innings.
11) A courtesy runner must be used for the catcher when there are two outs in order to speed up the game. This runner will be the runner who made the last out of the inning.
12) If a manger, coach, or player is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in that game. They may not sit in the stands and may not be recalled. That person is also suspended from a minimum of his team’s next two physically played games and may not be in attendance at the game site from which they are suspended and must appear before members of the Little League board.
13) Sliding is mandatory at home plate if there is a play. If an attempt is not made to slide on the play, the runner will automatically be called out. This is umpires discretion and may not be disputed.
14) The strike zone will be expanded (per umpire’s discretion). In other words, teach your kids to swing the bats!
15) All games will be played as scheduled unless cancelled by Ed Godfrey. The season will begin on September 18 and the tournament will begin on October 30.
16) Please remember to show sportsmanship at all times as Little League is a game for the “kids”.
