You are required as a manager or coach to know and obey these rules. No excuses.

Fair Play Rules

These guidelines are intended to serve as minimum standards for ensuring that all players get an equitable share of playing time. Coaches are required to meet these guidelines and strongly encouraged to exceed them to ensure balance in participation among players regardless of skill level. Coaches, especially at the lower skill levels, also need to ensure that players do not play positions where they lack the skills and experience to protect themselves or other players. Coaches are required to supply league director with a copy of team’s field positions, batting order and number of pitches thrown by each pitcher after each game (this requirement is mandated by Little League Baseball). Coaches are also required to sign a document stating their agreement to abide by the fair play rules.

Field Rule

Each player must play at least one inning and preferably two innings, in an infield position during a game. One inning constitutes three consecutive outs. Infield can be any of the following positions: catcher, pitcher, first base, second base, third base or shortstop. Regardless of the amount of innings played during the game this rule must be adhered to. Also, it is recommended that all players play the position of outfielder.

Bench Rule

In some situations, one or two players may have to sit for 2 innings in a game due to the number of players on the team. Consequently, all players on a team must sit for one inning before any player is asked to sit for a second inning during the game. One inning constitutes three consecutive outs. The starting pitcher is the ONLY player exempt from this rule. BUT when the starting pitcher is removed from the game he/she becomes subject to this rule. Also, if a player shows up after the first inning is completed that player may be exempt from this rule. If a player is hurt during the game that player is exempt from this rule. This rule must be adhered to if 10 or more players begin the game. Also, it is recommended that coaches rotate the starting fielding positions and not have the same players on the bench at the start of each game.

Batting Order

Each player must bat in one of the top four spots in the batting order in at least three games.