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Medford National Little League
2008 Rules and Guidelines
The League (LL rule book pg 20) Regulation I
- “The Little League (Majors) Division is to accommodate participant’s league age 9-12”.
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“The Minor League Division is an extension of the local Little League to accommodate participant’s league age 7-12”.
- “The Tee Ball Division is an extension of the local Little League to accommodate participant’s league age 5-6, and must utilize the batting tee rather than the pitched ball. MNLL’s Farm Division is an extension of Minors to accommodate participant’s league age 6-9, and must utilize coach pitch and/or player pitch.
- Participant’s league age 6 are permitted to advance to Farm League coach pitch after participation in Tee Ball for one year with Board Approval.
- “The League shall be governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership, consisting of a volunteer personnel. As a condition of service to the league, all managers, coaches, Board of Directors, members and any other persons, volunteers or hired workers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with players or teams, must complete and submit an official “Little League Volunteer Application” to the local league president. Annual background screening must be completed prior to the applicant assuming his/her duties for the current season. Refusal to annually submit a fully completed “Little League Volunteer Application” must result in the immediate dismissal of the applicant from the local league”.
The Teams (LL Rule book pgs 27-28) Regulation III
- “Minor League, (Farm) and Tee Ball. There will be no minimum or maximum established at the Minor League, (Farm) and Tee Ball levels”. MNLL will adhere to a minimum of 10 and maximum of 14 for the minor league. For the Farm Division a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 16. Special arrangements will be made if participation does not fit the min/max requirements for MNLL.
- “Minor League, (Farm) and Tee Ball teams must be dissolved at the end of the current season, with all players being returned to a player pool”. This year MNLL will draft the entire Minor League Division as described in LL rules.
Try-Outs and Draft (LL Rule book pg 34) Regulation V
- “The league’s Player Agent will create and run the pool. The league’s Player Agent will use the pool to assign players to teams that are short of players on a rotating basis”.
- “Managers and/or coaches will not have the right to randomly pick and choose players from the pool”.
- Majors Division Draft:
All 12 Year Olds must be drafted to the Major League Division. If a player fails to attend 50% of the league tryouts, that player will not be eligible for the draft. Exception: If the parent presents a reason/excuse acceptable to the Board of Directors for missing the tryout, the player may still be eligible for the draft. The player agent and President will run the Draft. The Player Agent will handle any placement of players on a team.
- Minors Division Draft:
The minor league draft will be conducted in two phases. The selection order for each phase will be determined by selecting names from those who tried out or other means to ensure a random selection order. The draft order shall be re-determined after the first phase (the idea is to prevent the same coach from getting the top pick in both phases). A new player (i.e. who did not play in our minor leagues last year ) who did not attend at least one tryout shall not be permitted to be drafted onto a minor league team. Instead, the President and Player Agent shall place these players onto a minor league team.
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- Phase One: All returning minor league players will be selected from the player pool until all such players have been redrafted onto a team.
- Phase Two: New minor league players coming up through the Farm Division or new to the league will be selected until either there are no more minor league candidates, or the rosters are full.
5. Farm Division Draft: First and second rounds, two 6 year olds are eligible for pick. The remainder of rounds for each team must pick from 7, 8, and 9 year olds pool until each team has a maximum of 16, but no less than 12 players. If any 6 year olds are left over then teams may pick from the 6 year old pool until each team has a maximum of 16, but not less than 12 players. It is recommended that each Farm team have at least 14 players on the roster.
- Tee Ball Division:
There is no draft for the Tee Ball Division, the Tee Ball Director/President and Player Agent will place Tee Ball applicants on teams.
Schedules (LL Rule book pgs 36-37)
- “The schedule of games for the regular season shall be prepared by the Board of Directors of the league and must provide for not less than twelve games per team per regular season, exclusive of playoff and tournament games”.
2. The schedule should provide for not less than two (2) games per week per team.
- MNLL’s League Vice President will draft the schedule and present it to the board for approval.
- Major League:
“A team may play one (1) doubleheader in a calendar week. No team shall play three games in a day”. A team may play three games in one day if one of the games is a resumed game. 5. Major League Playoff:The Team with the best standings will be given a pass in the first round. Team 6 will vs. Team 7 in a wild card 1 game elimination. Team 2 will vs. Team 3 in a best 2 out of 3 series. The Same for Team 4 vs. Team 5. The Winner of the Wild card will vs. Team 1 in a best 2 out of 3 series. The winners from those two series will then go on to face each other in the Championship round, which will be decided best 2 out of 3. 6. Minor League:“A local league may impose a time limit on games regardless of the number of innings played. Minor League teams may not play in more than 1 game a day. 7. Minor League Playoff:The Team with the best standings will be given a pass in the first round. Team 4 will vs. Team 5 in a wild card 1 game elimination. Team 2 will vs. Team 3 in a best 2 out of 3 series. The Winner of the Wild card will vs. Team 1 in a best 2 out of 3 series. The winners from those two series will then go on to face each other in the Championship round, which will be decided best 2 out of 3.
- Farm League:
“A local league may impose a time limit on games regardless of the number of innings played. Farm League teams may not play in more than 1 game a day. 9. Farm League Playoff:Team 1 vs. Team 4. Team 2 vs. Team 3. One Game Elimination. The winners of those two games will go on to play a 1 Game Championship. 10. Tee Ball:Tee Ball will play both Saturday and Sunday at 8 AM. Tee Ball does not participate in any type of playoffs or championship. No Team shall play more than 1 game per day. Rules Applying to All Divisions:
- Forfeits
No forfeits are permitted. Reschedule the game and play a scrimmage with kids who are there.
- Incomplete games or games ending in a tie (Rule 4.10)
If a game is called before it is a regulation game, or if a game ends in a tie, that game should be resumed the next time the two teams play. The incomplete game should be played and finished first. The teams should show up at least 1/2 hour early to finish it. Team manager and coaches shall work together to do the best they can to finish the incomplete game. Four complete innings makes a complete game. The same lineups should be used as before, and the game resumed from the point it was called. Any pitcher who is eligible to pitch that day may pitch in the resumed game. A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day. (Regulation VI (K))
- Games Called on Account of Darkness
“A time limit on games regardless of the number of innings played may be imposed.” An inning should not be started after 7:30PM, but is not mandatory during the beginning of the season, because of lighting issues. This should be a judgment call made by The President, Safety Officer, or Umpire. This applies to Drane Field Only! Later in the year, as it gets lighter out, we can bend this rule slightly, but only with the consent of one of the League officials present at the game who can make this call for safety reasons (see below). The Umpire can call the game because of darkness or rain. The President, the Safety Officer, or the Duty Officer (the Board Member present at the time) can also call the games.
- What constitutes an ‘official’ or ‘regulation game’? (Rule 4.10)
A game is an official game after 4 complete innings, (or after 3 1/2 innings if the home team is winning). If you start an inning, you must be able to finish it. If an inning is started, but cannot be finished because of darkness or rain, and it is an official game, then the score reverts back to the last completed inning. If the game is not official at that point, then the game will need to be resumed. See 2008 rulebook pgs 60-61 Rule 4, section 4.10.
- Umpires
Managers and Coaches shall follow the 2008 Rules and Regulations of Little league. It is recommended that all Managers and Coaches review pgs 82 -84 9.00 “The Umpire” The following regulation will be strictly enforced:Any umpire's decision which involves judgment, such as, but not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out, is final. No player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to any such judgment decisions.
- Coaches Positioning
No coaches, other than the two base coaches, are allowed to be outside the dugout. Base coaches must be in the first and third base coach’s boxes. No coaches from the team in the field are allowed outside the dugout. One Manager and Two coaches per team max. allowed in the dugout at anytime.
- Pitching
Managers and Coaches shall follow the 2008 Rules and Regulations of Little league. It is recommended that all Managers and Coaches review pgs 78 -82 8.00 “The Pitcher” and Regulation VI Pg. 34-35. 8. Intentional WalkA pitcher must pitch the four pitches to the batter. These pitches will count toward his/her pitch count.
- The Batter and The Runner
Managers and Coaches shall follow the 2008 Rules and Regulations of Little league. It is recommended that all Managers and Coaches review pgs 66 – 70 6.00 “The Batter”, and pgs 70 – 78 7.00 “The Runner”.
- Mandatory Play Time
Little League Rule Regulation IV section (I) states: Every player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time. Medford National Local League Rule enforces a mandatory minimum of nine (9) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time.
11. Pitching Limit – LL Green Book Regulation VI
Any player on a regular season team may pitch except in the Minor Leagues; Twelve yr olds are not permitted to pitch. A player may not pitch in more than one game a day. The Manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group. If a pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out.
Note: A player in the position of pitcher may not be removed to play the position of Catcher.
11 – 12 85 Pitches per day
9 – 10 75 Pitches per day
7 – 8 50 Pitches per day
Cannot pitch in Consecutive Games:
· If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
· If a player pitches 41 – 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
Can pitch in Consecutive Games:
· 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 days of rest must be observed.
League Safety Rules These are points of emphasis over and above any safety rules in the rulebook or the league safety plan1. NO SMOKING WITHIN 100 FEET OF THE PLAYING FIELD, DUGOUT, OR STANDS!!!! This is per order of Little League Baseball. Coaches… PLEASE Remind all of your parents of this NO SMOKING Rule at your next game, and any time you see a parent smoking near the field, dugout or stands. 2. All male catchers must wear a cup 3. All Catchers masks must have a throat guard. (Cannot hang less then ¾ of an inch) 4. To reiterate the rule on the front page:“The League shall be governed by a Board of Directors elected from the membership, consisting of a volunteer personnel. As a condition of service to the league, all managers, coaches, Board of Directors, members and any other persons, volunteers or hired workers, who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access to, or contact with players or teams, must complete and submit an official “Little League Volunteer Application” to the local league president. Annual background screening must be completed prior to the applicant assuming his/her duties for the current season. Refusal to annually submit a fully completed “Little League Volunteer Application” must result in the immediate dismissal of the local league”.
Minor League Rules and Guidelines1. The Minor Division is governed by 2008 Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules.All Coaches and Officials shall have a copy of Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules. If a coach or official does not have a copy, please contact the league president. Several copies will be in the concession stand during the season.
2. 10 Batter RuleA team may only score a maximum of Five runs per inning. Once five runs have scored, the inning will end. This is in effect for every inning. At most, a team will be able to have ten players bat in an inning.
3. Suggestions to move the game along
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- Please try to start the games on time at 5:30.
- Have your kids there early and have them ready.
- Get them on and off the field quickly between innings to move the game along.
- Get your catcher dressed as soon as possible. If he’s batted and returned to the bench, get him dressed right away. Try to avoid putting in a new catcher who just made the last out.
- Make sure the on-deck batter is ready to bat – helmet and batting gloves on.
- Don’t allow kids to go to concession stand during the game.
- If a manager or coach (the one who brings the equipment) cannot be there before 5:30, you must make arrangements to have someone, such as an assistant coach ready to start the game on time.
4. Pitching from the RubberPitchers must pitch from the rubber – period. If there’s a hole in front of the rubber that prevents proper delivery, fill in the hole. If a player cannot reach the plate, he should not be pitching in the minors. This is a safety issue. If we allow a player to move in from the rubber, he’s in more danger of being struck by a batted ball. The pitchers foot must be in contact with the pitching rubber through delivery of the pitch.
5. Pitching Limit – LL Green Book Regulation VI
Any player on a regular season team may pitch except in the Minor Leagues; Twelve yr olds are not permitted to pitch. A player may not pitch in more than one game a day. The Manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group. If a pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out.
Note: A player in the position of pitcher may not be removed to play the position of Catcher.
11 – 12 85 Pitches per day
9 – 10 75 Pitches per day
7 – 8 50 Pitches per day
Cannot pitch in Consecutive Games:
· If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
· If a player pitches 41 – 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
Can pitch in Consecutive Games:
· 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 days of rest must be observed.
6. Hit Batsman
If a pitcher hits three batters within an inning, it is recommended he be removed from the game. If requested by the opposing manager, umpire, or league official, than the pitcher should be removed.
7. Intentional WalkA pitcher must pitch the four pitches to the batter. These pitches will count toward his/her pitch count.
8. Base StealingThere is all out base stealing in the minor league. You must get your players use to base stealing, as it is an important part of the game. Base runners may steal any time after the pitched ball reaches the batter, unless the ball is declared dead by the umpire. The ball is live until the pitcher is on the pitching rubber with the ball facing the catcher; and the catcher is behind the plate with all his equipment on facing the pitcher.
9. Batting out of OrderFrom the rulebook: Pgs. 67 – 68 section 6.07“A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when failing to bat in his/her proper turn, and another batter completes a time at bat in place of the proper batter.” The opposing manager must bring this to the attention of the umpire BEFORE the next pitch to the next batter, and/or before a play is made on the field. If this appeal happens after the fact, the incorrect batter becomes the correct batter and no outs are assessed. In this spirit of friendly competition and good sportsmanship, it is recommended that before the batter is called out on this rule the coaches and umpire discuss the need to call the out if there was confusion on the bench. This happens early in the season and a simple gentleman’s agreement between managers may be all that is needed to help get the bench on the right track.Note: there is a mandatory continuous batting order in the Minors, Farm, and Tee-Ball.
Farm League Rules and Guidelines
1. Pitching Coach pitch only, first half of season. 7 pitch limit per batter when the coach is pitching. No walks with coach pitch. Kids begin pitching game 10. Starting game 10 and 11 kids will pitch 1 inning. Games 12 and 13 kids pitch 2 innings. Games 14 and 15 kids pitch 3 innings. Balls and strikes called when kids pitch. There is no balk rule in Little League, but kids should be taught not to stop their motion. When kids pitch, they can move in to the bottom of the mound. (not too close though for safety reasons). No one may pitch from closer than the bottom of the mound. A pitcher who has no trouble reaching the plate should pitch from the rubber. If a kid hits 2 batters (not two in one inning, two in total), he or she must be replaced. 2. ConesUse the cones in the outfield. 15-20’ from the edge of the infield. Over the cones on the fly is a home run. Past the cones on the ground is a ground rule double. 3. Overthrow to PitcherBall returned to the pitcher, runners cannot advance. (ball does not have to be caught by StealingThthe pitcher) 4. 10 batter rule. A team may only score a maximum of five runs per inning. Once five runs have scored, the inning will end. This is in effect for every inning. At most, a team will be able to have ten players bat in an inning. 5. ere is no Base Stealing in the Farm League. 6. BuntingBunting is not allowed. 7. Infield Fly Rule The infield fly rule is not in effect for the farm division. This prevents confusing players, and prevents coaches from getting upset with lesser experienced umpires who may not make the call in time. 8. Fielding PositionsAll players should be on the field every inning. But only 6 kids may play in the infield (P, 1b, 2b, SS, 3b and C) All the rest must be on the outfield grass. The player fielding the pitcher position during coach pitch should be even with the pitching rubber or behind it. Coaches should rotate players in positions. All kids should get a chance to play infield and outfield.
9. Batting out of OrderFrom the rulebook:“A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when failing to bat in his/her proper turn, and another batter completes a time at bat in place of the proper batter.”
In this spirit of friendly competition and good sportsmanship, it is recommended that before the batter is called out on this rule the coaches and umpire discuss the need to call the out if there was confusion on the bench. This happens early in the season and a simple gentleman’s agreement between managers may be all that is needed to help get the bench on the right track.
Reviewed and Approved by MNLL Board of Directors Jan. 30, 2008
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