Peabody Little Leagues: Spring 2012 Divisions
AGES: first year 5 or 6
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to have fun. This is the beginning for all players in organized baseball, and for many children, for participation in organized sports. The experience should be enjoyable to all. Teaching the basics of baseball – basic infield positions, location of the bases, base running, throwing, hitting, and fielding, are areas of great importance at this level. Encouragement of each player is the most important aspect at this age group. A sense of self-worth and accomplishment are important to each player that participates at this level. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches, and parents. All games end in a tie.
GAME LENGTH: One and one half hours.
INNINGS: Each half inning will end once each player on each team has batted once.
BATTING: Continuous batting order. Each batter that hits the ball is allowed only one base at a time.
1ST 2 WEEKS OF SEASON, a batting tee shall be used for all players; REMAINDER (WEEKS 3+), the coach shall pitch a maximum of 6 pitches to each batter; after 6 pitches, the batting tee shall be used.
FIELDING: At this age, players are becoming accustomed to the fundamental basics of the game. In order to ensure maximum engagement and development, the following rules will be observed by the coaches. Each player will be rotated between playing and practicing during the course of the game. . In order to assure an age-appropriate learning experience at this level, each team will field 4-5 “infielders”, and depending on the number of players on the team, the remaining team members will practice fielding, hitting, and throwing skills in the outfield with other coaches. There will be no “outfielders” in T-Ball. Each inning, the players will be rotated (those that were doing drills will play the field and vice-versa) allowing each group of players to play different positions and practice. Coaches should get players used to the standard infield positions (3B, SS, 2B, 1B) and rotate all players through these positions during the course of the season. All plays are to first base. If numbers call for it, coaches can place 2 players between either SS or 2B. For the first half of the season, there are no “outs”. During the second half of the season, if a play is made at first base, and the player is “out”, players need to learn the concept of being out. The player will be called out by the coach of the hitting team, but continuous batting order is still in effect and the inning ends when the last player hits.
Some helpful tips to the coaches:
- Get enough assistant coaches to manage “in-game” instruction and meaningful hitting, throwing, and fielding drills in the outfield.
- Have a pre-season meeting with the players and parents:
- Establish “bench rules” (no food at games, no horseplay, no bats on the bench, bring a bat share it)
- Get volunteers (bench coach, 2-3 other assistants)
- Advise parents to be supportive, not coach from the sidelines
- Place cones at the positions to teach players where the positions are.
A (COACH PITCH)
AGES: 2nd year 6, 7
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to begin the process of teaching the game of baseball, develop the basic skills necessary to play the game, as well as introduce the children to the basic rules of the game. Throwing, catching, and fielding are areas of great importance at this level. Hitting is of secondary importance to the first three areas mentioned. If a Tee is needed to assist any player, do not hesitate to use one. Encourage the player by allowing him/her to hit the ball in any way that they can. The education of the players in the basic concepts of the game (catching, fielding, throwing, etc.) is an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches and parents.
GAME LENGTH: One and one half hours.
INNINGS: Each half inning will end once each player on each team has batted once.
BATTING/BASERUNNING: Continuous batting order. No walks. No “called” strikeouts. After 5 “strike zone” pitches from the coach, if the player has not put the ball in play, the player will hit from the tee. Do not hold up the game due to players’ inability to hit the ball. If after 3 swings from the tee, the ball is not put into play, move on to the next batter. At this level, players do need to learn the concept of being “out” on the base paths. If a base runner is thrown out or forced out in the discretion of the coaches on the field, they should be called “out” and sent back to the bench, notwithstanding the continuous batting order. Players will be introduced to the concept of “three outs” as follows- if at any time prior to the completion of hitting through the lineup there are three outs, the bases will be cleared but the team will finish its at-bat to the end of the order. Other playing rules - First half of season - each hit will be held to a single. Second half of season - each hit will stand on its own. Base runner(s) must stop at current base, once the ball is in control of the players in the infield. No stealing, no bunting, no sliding - no collisions at any base.
FIELDING: Coaches pitch and catch. Overhand pitching is preferred, with the optimal being the coach on 1 knee in between the mound and the plate to give the hitter an age-appropriate feel for the pitcher’s release.. Each team will field one (1) pitcher, four (4) infielders, and three to four (3 - 4) outfielders. The outfielders must position themselves at least 15 feet from the infield. Every player will play in the field on a rotational basis and coaches will rotate players at this level to different positions.
AA
AGES: 8, 9
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to continue the process of teaching the game of baseball and develop the basic skills necessary to play the game as well as introduce the children to the basic rules of the game. Pitching and catching is live, performed by the players themselves. New skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches, and parents. The proper techniques for throwing, catching, fielding, sliding, and hitting should be taught and stressed at every practice and game. This is the level to begin stressing the basic rules of the game and help each child become aware of the areas that they need to work on as a group as well as individuals. The continuing education of the players in the basic concepts of the game (catching, fielding, throwing, etc.) is an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed.
GAME LENGTH: Approximately two hours. Attempt to play as many innings prior to 7:30pm
INNINGS: Six (6) inning maximum. All weeknight games will start at the scheduled start time. Coaches should encourage players to arrive at the field at least 30 minutes before the game to warm up and take infield, and teams should divide whatever pre-game time there is for infield. The home team or the team that arrives first does not have the right to the field for batting practice pre-game. For weeknight games, no inning to begin after 7:30pm. For weekend games, the teams playing the first game will be entitled to go beyond the 2 hour minimum should playing 6 innings require it. The second game teams will take no more than a 15 minute divided period for infield prior to starting their game. Each player must play a minimum of three (3) .If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play his/her three innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team or one time through the batting order, whichever is first. The last inning will be a regular inning with 3 outs regardless of hitting through the batting order. Every player will play in the field on a rotational basis and coaches will rotate players at this level to different positions. Coaches must use their discretion for the positions of pitcher and catcher, and place players at these positions according to ability and safety.
BATTING/BASE RUNNING: Each at bat will consist of four (4) balls, three (3) strikes, or a batted ball in play. Each player in attendance will be in the batting order, regardless of whether or not they are playing the field at any given time. There is no designated hitter. Bunting is permitted. Stealing and/or advancing one base on a passed ball will only be permitted after the mid-point of the schedule . with the following limitations. Teams may only steal three times per inning, only one of which can be an advance on a passed ball at home. Runners can advance only one base on an overthrow on a steal attempt, except for throws to third base - runner cannot advance. One (1) base will be awarded to each base runner on an overthrow out of the field of play. Play is live on all other overthrows. Play is dead once the pitcher has control of the ball on the mound. Walks are not permitted. Once a batter reaches a count of 4 balls, a coach shall pitch until the batter reaches bases or is put out either by strike out or a defensive play resulting in an out. Little League rules require that players slide or avoid contact when the fielder is attempting to field a throw to apply a tag. Coaches shall stress this rule and teach proper sliding techniques.
Coaches are reminded that there is NO ON-DECK BATTER in Little League.
The only player with a bat in his or her hand is the player at bat.
FIELDING: Each team will field one (1) pitcher, one (1) catcher, four (4) infielders, and three (3) outfielders.
PITCHING: Pitchers shall pitch from the pitching rubber (mound); if a pitcher cannot reach the plate from the pitching rubber, he or she should be worked with during practice sessions or the parents encouraged to work with the child at home. No player shall be allowed to pitch at this level from more than 2 normal player (not coach) steps. Safety of both the pitcher and batter should be taken into consideration. Pitchers league age 8 are limited to 50 pitches per day and/or a maximum of 3 innings per game, whichever is reached first. Pitchers league age 9 are limited to 75 pitches per day count and/or a maximum of 3 innings per game, whichever is reached first. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out in the same inning. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 65 - 75 pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 51 - 64 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 35 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.
Any player on a regular season team may pitch. Exception: Any player, who has played
the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PITCHING RULE!
Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced after third hit batter. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game. If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
Walks are not permitted. Once a pitcher reaches a count of 4 balls on any batter, a coach shall pitch until the batter reaches bases or is put out either by strike out or defensive play. The pitcher will resume pitching with the next batter.
UMPIRES: So that coaches can work with and instruct their pitchers, the coach of the team in the field will call balls and strikes from behind their pitcher. Once the pitcher has reached the maximum 4 balls, either the opposing team's coach or the coach of the team at bat can pitch to finish the at-bat, as agreed upon by the teams. When a coach enters to finish the at-bat, the count does not re-set to no strikes. The coach is finishing the at-bat, with no walks. Coaches should work together in making the calls in the field (i.e., 1st base coach and 3rd base coach call plays at 1st and 3rd, coach behind the pitcher calls plays at second and home, etc.) but in any event the players shall respect the call of the coaches. The strike zone at this level should be VERY large to encourage kids to swing and keep the game moving.
AAA
AGES: 10-12; selected 9's from open tryout
MINOR AAA will play under the same rules as the Major Leagues following the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Inc., Williamsport, PA with noted exceptions.
PURPOSE: The objective of this level is to have the players play the game of Little League baseball as it was meant to be played. New skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, stealing, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone has fun - players, coaches, and parents.
GAME LENGTH: Approx. two hours.
INNINGS: Six (6) innings. No inning to begin after 7:45pm. Each player must play a minimum of three innings - two (2) consecutive. If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play at least two innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team.
PITCHING: 12 year olds are not allowed to pitch in minor league games. Each eligible pitcher is subject to a pitch count, based on league age. Age 11: 85 pitches per day; ages 10 and under: 75 pitches per day. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 66 - 85 pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 35 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.
Any player on a regular season team may pitch. Exception: Any player, who has played
the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
NO EXCEPTIONS TO THE PITCH COUNT RULES! Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced upon hitting a third batter. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game. If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
CURVE BALLS-Regular Season, including Playoffs
During the regular season and playoffs, pitchers shall not throw curveballs. Curveballs are an illegal pitch in Peabody Little League. This rule does not prohibit pitchers throwing changeups, knuckleballs, or split or cross-seam fastballs. The umpire’s judgment on an illegal pitch is final.
On the first occasion, the umpire shall call an illegal pitch. The pitch shall become a ball and the pitcher given a warning. On the second occasion in the game, it will be called an illegal pitch. If the ball is hit, the offensive team may elect to let the play stand or impose the penalty as if the pitch had not been struck at. In either case, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position, but may stay in the game in another position and may not return to the pitching position in that game. In addition, the manager shall meet with a committee composed of the league president, vice president, league coordinator and the Safety Director to insure that no further violations of this rule occur.
Should there be the occasion where an umpire is believed to be substantially misapplying this rule, a manager may request that the Board consider contacting the umpiring coordinator in order to assign another umpire for future contests.
The League expects that in any Williamsport or other tournament play outside of the confines of these Operating Rules, coaches will use common sense in the number of curveballs to be thrown.
The Board shall impose sanctions within its discretion, on any manager or coach who violates this rule during the regular season and playoffs, or otherwise, in the discretion of the Board, abuses this rule during tournament play, including removal from the League as a manager or coach
Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced after third hit batter in a single game. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game, even if he stays in the field after being replaced; If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
BATTING: Continuous Batting Order will be used. All players will be in batting order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field at any given time. There will be no Designated Hitter used.
STEALING/OVERTHROWS: Stealing and advancing on a passed ball will be allowed for the entire season. Runners cannot advance until the ball has reached the batter. No runner can advance from third base to home plate by means of a steal or passed ball more than one time per inning. The goal is to teach the players the skills required for stealing, and to develop skills required for the catcher position, not to run up the scores. Only one base is allowed on any overthrow.
FIELDING: Each player must play in the field for 3 innings each game, at least two of which must be consecutive. If a player does not play the minimum 3 innings due to shortened/postponed games, or playing only five defensive innings, that Player MUST start the next game.
AL-MAJORS
American League (Major) will play under the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Baseball Inc. , Williamsport, PA, as revised for 2012. The following additional rules have been adopted by PLL, most of which come directly from LL rules and regulations.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to have the players play the game of baseball as it was meant to be played. All skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, stealing, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught and reinforced at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone learns and has fun - players, coaches and parents.
GAME LENGTH: Approximately two hours.
INNINGS: Six (6) innings; No inning to begin after 8:00pm; Each player must play a minimum of three innings - two (2) consecutive. If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play at least two innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team.
PITCHING: 12 year olds are allowed to pitch. Each eligible pitcher is subject to a pitch count, based on league age. Age 11-12: 85 pitches per day; ages 10 and under: 75 pitches per day. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 66 - 85 pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 35 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.
Any player on a regular season team may pitch. Exception: Any player, who has played
the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
CURVE BALLS-Regular Season, including Playoffs
During the regular season and playoffs, pitchers shall not throw curveballs. Curveballs are an illegal pitch in Peabody Little League. This rule does not prohibit pitchers throwing changeups, knuckleballs, or split or cross-seam fastballs. The umpire’s judgment on an illegal pitch is final.
On the first occasion, the umpire shall call an illegal pitch. The pitch shall become a ball and the pitcher given a warning. On the second occasion in the game, it will be called an illegal pitch. If the ball is hit, the offensive team may elect to let the play stand or impose the penalty as if the pitch had not been struck at. In either case, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position, but may stay in the game in another position and may not return to the pitching position in that game. In addition, the manager shall meet with a committee composed of the league president, vice president, league coordinator and the Safety Director to insure that no further violations of this rule occur.
Should there be the occasion where an umpire is believed to be substantially misapplying this rule, a manager may request that the Board consider contacting the umpiring coordinator in order to assign another umpire for future contests.
The League expects that in any Williamsport or other tournament play outside of the confines of these Operating Rules, coaches will use common sense in the number of curveballs to be thrown.
The Board shall impose sanctions within its discretion, on any manager or coach who violates this rule during the regular season and playoffs, or otherwise, in the discretion of the Board, abuses this rule during tournament play, including removal from the League as a manager or coach.
Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced after third hit batter in a single game. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game, even if he stays in the field after being replaced; If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
BATTING: Continuous Batting Order will be used. All players will be in batting order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field at any given time. There will be no Designated Hitter used.
SUBSTITUTION:
- pinch runners shall not be used unless due to injury.
NL-MAJORS
National League (Major) will play under the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Baseball Inc. , Williamsport, PA, as revised for 2012. The following additional rules have been adopted by PLL, most of which come directly from LL rules and regulations.
PURPOSE: The purpose of this level is to have the players play the game of baseball as it was meant to be played. All skills need to be taught and developed as the season progresses - bunting, stealing, base running, signs, etc. are all part of the game that need to be taught and reinforced at this level. The continuing education of the players in the basic rules of the game is also an important part of this level of play. Teamwork, respect, and sportsmanship need to be stressed. And most importantly, make sure everyone learns and has fun - players, coaches and parents.
GAME LENGTH: Approximately two hours.
INNINGS: Six (6) innings; No inning to begin after 8:00pm; Each player must play a minimum of three innings - two (2) consecutive. If due to time constraints or weather conditions, a player does not play at least two innings in a game, that player must start the next game. Each inning consists of three (3) outs per team.
PITCHING: 12 year olds are allowed to pitch. Each eligible pitcher is subject to a pitch count, based on league age. Age 11-12: 85 pitches per day; ages 10 and under: 75 pitches per day. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. Pitchers must adhere to the following rest requirements:
If a player pitches 66 - 85 pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 21 - 35 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.
Any player on a regular season team may pitch. Exception: Any player, who has played
the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
CURVE BALLS-Regular Season, including Playoffs
During the regular season and playoffs, pitchers shall not throw curveballs. Curveballs are an illegal pitch in Peabody Little League. This rule does not prohibit pitchers throwing changeups, knuckleballs, or split or cross-seam fastballs. The umpire’s judgment on an illegal pitch is final.
On the first occasion, the umpire shall call an illegal pitch. The pitch shall become a ball and the pitcher given a warning. On the second occasion in the game, it will be called an illegal pitch. If the ball is hit, the offensive team may elect to let the play stand or impose the penalty as if the pitch had not been struck at. In either case, the pitcher shall be removed from the pitching position, but may stay in the game in another position and may not return to the pitching position in that game. In addition, the manager shall meet with a committee composed of the league president, vice president, league coordinator and the Safety Director to insure that no further violations of this rule occur.
Should there be the occasion where an umpire is believed to be substantially misapplying this rule, a manager may request that the Board consider contacting the umpiring coordinator in order to assign another umpire for future contests.
The League expects that in any Williamsport or other tournament play outside of the confines of these Operating Rules, coaches will use common sense in the number of curveballs to be thrown.
The Board shall impose sanctions within its discretion, on any manager or coach who violates this rule during the regular season and playoffs, or otherwise, in the discretion of the Board, abuses this rule during tournament play, including removal from the League as a manager or coach.
Each pitcher will be allowed two (2) hit batters per game. Pitcher MUST be replaced after third hit batter in a single game. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound, that pitcher cannot return as a pitcher during that game, even if he stays in the field after being replaced; If a pitcher is substituted for during an active at bat, the relief pitcher must finish pitching to that batter before he/she can be removed from the mound.
BATTING: Continuous Batting Order will be used. All players will be in batting order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field at any given time. There will be no Designated Hitter used.
SUBSTITUTION:
- pinch runners shall not be used unless due to injury.
CHALLENGER
CHALLENGER
The Challenger Division was established in 1989 as a separate division of Little League Baseball to enable boys and girls with physical and mental disabilities, ages 5-18 or the completion of high school, to enjoy the game of baseball along with the millions of other children who participate in this sport worldwide.
for more information, please contact Tom Gould at (978) 531-7010
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