2009 ~ OREGON DISTRICT 9 REGULAR-SEASON RULES

Due to interleaguing and special games within District 9, the possibility of volunteer umpires working games for multiple leagues, and for consistency across the District,

the following applies to all District 9 leagues, all games.

 PURPOSE:

¶      To provide documentation for leagues to use with manager/coach training.

¶      To create consistency for teams throughout the District.

¶      To avoid confusion for managers, coaches, umpires, players, fans, and board members

¶      (Posted on the District website, every effort should be made to the local league website and make available for all adults/families involved in the program) 

Violations of the "Inter-Leaguing and Special Games Regular-Season Rules" shall be promptly reported (in writing) to the District Interleaguing Chairperson for follow-up and notice to the District Administrator. The first report regarding any team in a League will be discussed with the responsible League President toward verification and immediate resolution. Any additional verified report(s) will place the team's home league at a high risk of being (a) removed from any Inter-Leaguing schedules for the balance of the Season, and (b) deemed ineligible for participation in any Special Games for the balance of the Season. 

1.       Local Leagues not strictly adhering to the District-wide rules during their regular season games will not be approved for participation in Special Games events.

2.      The "Division-Specific" rules and policies apply to all games Regular Season and Special Games between any teams within District 9 leagues. The only exception is Special Games pre-approved by Regional using Tournament format – a format which receives very limited approval by Western Region. Special Games with Tournament Format or hosted by a league but with non-league participation must go specifically By The Book with the 10-Run Rule Option in place for Majors and Juniors. The "District-Wide" rules herein will not pertain to Special Games hosted in or involving teams from other Districts.

3.      "Special Games" - Complete applications must be received by the District Administrator a minimum of 4 weeks prior to the planned date. Upon their approval, it will be submitted to Western Region. Notice of approval must be received from Western Regional prior the event being held. In planning Special Games, Leagues may include invitations to other Leagues/Districts across the State – suggested coordination with District Administrator.

4.      SPECIAL GAMES WEEKENDS - The following weekends will be held open across the District for Special Game scheduling. For 2009, April 25-26, May 9-10, May 16-17, and/or MEMORIAL WEEKEND (May 23, 24, 25). A Special Game schedule “may” include Friday evenings with a recommendation to include Sunday ‘afternoon’ games.  Field Requirements for hosting Inter-Leaguing and Special Games are provided each League. Some Special Games (and some ‘upper-division Inter-Leaguing) may include travel to other Districts/Leagues.   For Special Games, “host league” is responsible for running volunteer checks on any out-of-league umpires.

I - DISTRICT-WIDE RULES

 apply to all in-league, Inter-Leaguing and D9-contained Special Games. The only exception will be for any pre-approved Tournament Format for Special Games (point #2 above). 

1.      "The Little League Rules and Regulations" specific to Baseball and/or Softball are The Rules followed for every division of play.  Following are the Little League-authorized “local rules”  established for District-wide operations in Oregon District 9.

2.      Division-Specific Rules herein are the only modifications or additions to “Little League Rules and Regulations” allowed during Regular Season and are focused on best intent for the kids and streamlining games within the approved guidelines of Little League. For simplicity, in “II - Division-Specific Rules,” (below), the number of detailed rules are noted as follows:  four (4) rules specific to Tee-Ball;  six (6) rules specific to Minors; four (4) rules specific to Majors; three (3) rules specific to the Junior/Senior Division.   

3.       As a condition of service to the leagues, all managers and coaches, board members, and any other persons or volunteers who provide regular service to the league and/or have repetitive access or contact with players or teams must complete and submit a volunteer application (with copy of a government-issued photo i.d.) to the President of the local league. The league is required to run background/sex offender registry checks on those individuals. Only rostered players, managers and coaches listed on the official team roster are allowed in the dugout during the game. 

4.       For all divisions of play (at minimum, Majors and below), it is strongly recommended Managers reference the "Rostering Tool" included at the end of this document to balance player participation throughout regular season play 

II - DIVISION-SPECIFIC DISTRICT-WIDE RULES

 TEE-BALL (Fully Instructional Division)

1.       Rule 4.04 - Mandated "continuous batting order" for Tee-Ball and Minor League Baseball and Softball. (Reference Rule 4.01 NOTE specific to late-shows.)The intent is to reinforce Little League’s long-standing position that Tee-Ball is to be wholly instructional in nature. This allows more equal opportunity to participate.

2.      Regulation 1, Section 3 – The league may utilize the batting tee or the pitched ball (by a coach). To keep the game moving, a maximum of three (3) pitches may be delivered to a batter before utilizing the tee. NO PITCHING MACHINE IS TO BE USED IN TEE-BALL.

3.      In accordance with ASAP:  A "reduced impact ball" will be used in this division. (This is basically a "Tee-Ball" or "Soft-T-Ball.")

4.      TIME LIMIT – The game ends no more than 1 hour and 30 minutes from the start of the game. Start time is determined by the scheduled start time of the game. There shall be no scorekeeping in Tee-Ball, and there is no required number of innings. 

MINOR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL – COACH-PITCH and PLAYER-PITCH - (Fully Instructional Division

1.       Rule 4.04 – Mandated "continuous batting order" for Tee-Ball and ALL Minor League Baseball and Softball. (Reference Rule 4.01 NOTE specific to late shows.) The intent is to reinforce Little League’s long-standing position that the entire Minor League Division (both coach pitch and player pitch) is instructional in nature. This allows more equal opportunity to participate. 

 2.  SPECIFIC TO "COACH-PITCH MINORS" - Use of a pitching machine for any portion of the game will be determined with agreement between managers prior to the beginning of the game, and conferred with the umpire(s) working the game. It is not necessary that both teams use or not use a pitching machine. LITTLE LEAGUE LIABILITY RULE: Pitching machines are to be operated only by individuals 18 years of age and older.

3.       SPECIFIC TO "COACH-PITCH MINORS" – and per recommendation in ASAP: A "reduced impact ball" will be used in this division. (This is basically a "Tee-Ball" or "Soft-T-Ball")

4.       SPECIFIC TO “COACH-PITCH MINORS” – Each batter is entitled to 5 pitches OR 3 strikes.  Adult Pitcher may adjust distance to provide better accuracy.

5.       Rule 2 – An inning starts the moment the third out is made completing the preceding inning. A five-run limit is imposed to complete each half-inning. This limits the length of innings, and provides a better flow to the games. A half-inning is complete when the FIFTH RUN SCORES or THE THIRD OUT IS ACHIEVED (whichever comes first).  The only possible count of more than five runs in a half-inning would be as the result of a home-run with runners on base. In both Coach Pitch and Player Pitch Minors, a game may legally end in a Tie. In Minors, there is no “required number of innings.”  No “open sixth inning” in minor division play.   AND  Rule 4.10(e) - If after (4) innings, three and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more, the manager of the team with the least runs SHALL concede the victory to the opponent. Note: (1) If the visiting team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more, the home team must bat in its half of the inning.

6.      TIME LIMIT: No inning shall begin after 1 hour and 45 minutes from the start of the game. Start time is determined by the scheduled start time of the game. No score shall be kept in Coach Pitch.  

MAJOR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

1.  “Batting the order” is not allowed in the Major (11-12 year old) Little League Tournament, and is not  mandatory for regular season.  “Batting the Order” will not be used during Regular season for Majors.
NOTE:  Managers will use fair judgment determining their roster, and, at minimum, the attached “Rostering Tool” shall be used during regular season play for fair and most equal participation of all players.     

2.   Rule 2 – An inning starts the moment the third out is made completing the preceding inning. A five-run limit is imposed to complete each half-inning. This limits the length of innings, and provides a better flow to the games. A half-inning is complete when the FIFTH RUN SCORES or THE THIRD OUT IS ACHIEVED (whichever comes first).  The only possible count of more than five runs in a half-inning would be as the result of a home-run with runners on base.  For MAJORS, games cannot end in a tie.  The SIXTH inning shall be an “open inning” in Majors.    AND  Rule 4.10(e) - If after four (4) innings, three and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more, the manager of the team with the least runs SHALL concede the victory to the opponent. Note: (1) If the visiting team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more, the home team must bat in its half of the inning ** NOTE: THE 5-run rule is NOT in place for Tournament games.

3.  NO TIME LIMITS. Little League Rule for Majors – Regulation VII(h) – Rule Book Page 34; exception   under Regulation X(c) – Night Games. Also, if multiple games are being scheduled for the same field on a Saturday, on a Sunday afternoon, or a non-school-day, a time limit of 2 hours may be imposed in order to accommodate back-to-back scheduling. Scheduling is to allow a minimum of 30 minutes between games on the same field. NO TIME LIMITS on week night games when one game per field.  The only ‘limit’ is darkness …note the following rule:

4.  Approved by Western Regional for District 9 use: To avoid potential injuries, on fields where lights are  not available, no inning is to begin after dusk (or a Specific Field Site’s required time limit as reported from the School or Site coordinator and shared with all leagues – whichever is earlier); and the score will revert to the final score of the last inning. If that score is a tie and/or the game is not a legal game – i.e. 3.5 innings, the game will be picked up and played to completion prior to the next scheduled game between those two teams. If no such additional game is on the schedule, the completion shall be scheduled through the District Interleaguing Chairperson and prior to the end of the season. "Completion" scheduled to begin a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time." (i.e. suggested minimum 5:30 start to complete game when played prior to a 6PM scheduled game)   Time-specific “Dusk” noted on www.eteamz.com/ordistrict9 website front page, and on each local league’s eteamz website. 

JUNIOR and SENIOR BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

1.       Rule 4.10(e) - If after five (5) innings, four and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more, the manager of the team with the least runs SHALL concede the victory to the opponent. Note: (1) If the visiting team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more, the home team must bat in its half of the inning.  Note Rule 4.11(c) EXCEPTION wherein it states "if the last batter in a game hits a home run out of the playing field,  the batter-runner and all runners on base are permitted to score, "in accordance with the base-running rules" ...

2.      DOUBLE-HEADERS – Games will be scheduled with a 3-hour variance from start of Game 1. If Game 1 does not go into extra innings, Game 2 will begin no less than 20 and no more than 30 minutes following the end of Game 1. (High School rule is minimum 20 minutes between games.) The home team for Game 1 is responsible for providing umpires for both games. REVIEW Regulation X(c) – Night Games. Note: If games are being scheduled on a Saturday afternoon or Sunday afternoon, a time limit (2-2.5 hrs) may be imposed by the District Inter-Leaguing Rep for Game 1 to allow time for all to be ‘complete’ games.

3.       Approved by Western Regional for District 9 use: To avoid potential injuries, on fields where lights are not available, no inning is to begin after dusk (or a Specific Field Site’s recorded time limit as reported to all leagues – whichever is earlier); and the score will revert to the final score of the last inning. If that score is a tie and/or the game is not a legal game – i.e. 4.5 innings, the game will be picked up and played to completion prior to the next scheduled game between those two teams. If no such additional scheduled games exist, the completion shall be scheduled through the District Interleaguing Chairperson and prior to the end of the season.  ** "Completion" scheduled to begin a minimum of 30 minutes prior to the scheduled game time." (i.e. minimum 5:30 start to complete game when played prior to a 6PM scheduled game).  

 III – REGULATION VI – BASEBALL DIVISION - PITCHERS

Note:  For 2009, two options are presented in Little League Baseball’s published Rules & Regulations specific to this regulation. The option used must be consistent across the district for regular season and in-district hosted Special Games. Of five leagues in District 9, four leagues had a legal board representative as of the December 9^th meeting and all four were in attendance.  Based on discussion and voting results among those four, OPTION 1 will be strictly adhered to across District 9.    

Option 1:                                       

• Pitchers league age 16 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
• If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) consecutive days of rest and a game (see note below) must be observed
• If a player pitches 41-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest and a game (see note below) must be observed.
• If a player pitches 21-40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest is required.
• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest is required.

• If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest and a game (see note below) must be observed.
• If a player pitches 51-75 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest and a game (see note below) must be observed.
• If a player pitches 26-50 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
• If a player pitches 1-25 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
•   Note:  A player may not pitch in consecutive games.  Exception – League Age 16 and under – a player may pitch in consecutive games if 40 or less pitches were delivered in the previous game.  League Age 17-18 – a player may pitch in consecutive games if 50 or less pitches were delivered in the previous game.

 IV – DIRECTIVES REGARDING “OPERATION” OF THE GAME 

1.       UMPIRES: Unless otherwise arranged at least 48 hours prior to the game and between the two teams, the Home Team (or League, if the League is scheduling umpires) provides Umpires – minimum of one per game, preferably two. Per Little League, if that individual will have "regular and ongoing contact" with the children, they must be pre-approved by their home-League President, processed through a background and sexual offender registry check and must be in protective gear specific to their position (i.e. plate umpire equipment) in order to umpire. (Safety Regulation.) This pertains to volunteers as well as any "association" umpire. All umpires should be volunteers. If an Association is contracted by any league, that league’s Umpire Coordinator will work with District Umpiring Staff and the Association to provide copies of the "Little League Rules and Regulations," this set of District rules, and, if given enough advance notice, an opportunity for training specific to Little League Rules. If an Association is used, all individuals who will be working the Little League games ‘on a regular basis’ are required to submit Volunteer forms to the respective League along with a copy of their government-issued photo I.D., and the chartered League is required to run background and sexual offender registry checks..Little League does not authorize Leagues paying umpires. Stipulations to consider: Payment to an individual for services requires handling of State and Federal Tax Regulations, Workers Compensation Laws, and generally means a lack of ‘control’ over non-Little League or association umpires. Anyone receiving financial compensation for working a Little League game will not be eligible for umpiring at District Tournament or above.

2.       To expedite games and keep things moving, ALL managers and coaches will prompt their players to hustle on and off the field. (No walking to or from the dugout.)

3.      The Pitch Count Regulation as printed in the Rules & Regulations is Mandatory for all divisions of BASEBALL and the Regulation cannot be modified in any way.

4.       BASEBALL Regulation VI (f, g, h) – Note: Though the responsibility of knowing when a pitcher is to be removed from the game lies with the pitcher’s Manager, Scorekeepers, Pitch Counters, Umpires, and Announcers are obligated to do everything possible to prevent a violation or protest (with the exception of interrupting "Batting Out of Order"). The responsibility for documenting the pitch count for the Umpire during Inter-Leaguing and Special Games shall be that of both scorekeepers. Comparison is to be made between innings to confirm accuracy.

5.       All divisions of BASEBALL, the Plate Umpire will remain in contact with the head Scorekeeper/Pitch Count Recorder to determine the pitch count. Managers/Coaches are encouraged to check with the Plate Umpire or Pitch Count Recorder at the ‘half inning.’ The Home Team scorebook is “The Official Book.”   For Baseball, this includes either documenting pitch count and/or working with an assigned Pitch Count Recorder to monitor and advise the Plate Umpire when a pitcher has delivered their maximum limit of pitches for the game - Regulation VI(c). The umpire-in-chief of the game shall inform the pitcher’s manager that the pitcher must be removed. However, failure to notify the umpire-in-chief and or the failure of the umpire-in-chief to notify the manager does not relieve the Manager of their responsibility to remove a pitcher when that pitcher is no longer eligible. It is essential that Managers, Coaches, Scorekeepers, Pitch Counters, and Umpires understand the Pitch Count Rules and specific count structuring.

The pitch count recorder/Scorekeeper must provide the pitch count for any pitcher when requested by either manager or an umpire. However, the responsibility for knowing when their pitcher must be removed lies with the Manager. All ‘officials’ (including managers, coaches, scorekeepers, and pitch counters) are obligated to do everything possible to avoid a protest.

V - DISTRICT 9 INTER-LEAGUING POLICY

 1.      All games are important. THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A PRACTICE GAME. "Practice Games" are not allowed in Little League and will disqualify the participating teams from participating in Special Games, and/or tournament play as a team. If at anytime a team cannot field enough players for a legal game, the game is to be rescheduled (weather permitting) or will be recorded as a forfeit. ONLY EXCEPTION:  Player Agents are reminded to review the "Pool Play" option for levels of Majors and above. If used, the instructions must be strictly adhered to - Refer to Regulation V(c) – Page 34 in the Rules & Regulations.  This MUST be controlled and coordinated by the respective Player Agent.   It is imperative Managers, Coaches AND Players make effort to be at all games with the best attitude and effort that their team has to offer. Managers, Coaches, and Players are instructed to check  game schedules weekly and communicate as a Team. Show up for ALL games. All games count as a "game."

2.       For Player Pitch Minors and above: Each team will provide a qualified scorekeeper who will be responsible for keeping the teams’ official scorebook. In Baseball divisions, the scorekeeper/pitch counter may be asked at anytime to show their Pitching Record to the opposing team or District 9 Staff. Likewise, each Team Scorebook is property of the League – and must, on request, be available for view by the Plate Umpire for the game, or, at anytime by a Player Agent or District 9 Staff. For ALL teams with players ages 9 and up, the Scorebooks are required for review toward confirming a player’s All-Star eligibility.

3.      Each team shall notify their league’s Inter-Leaguing Committee-member AS SOON AS POSSIBLE if a game cannot be played due to weather. If you cannot field a team for lack of players, the manager or coach must give the manager of the opposing team 24-hour notice of cancellation. Refer to Regulation V(c) for Player-Agent controlled "Pool Play" options. The only excuse for lack of players will be school functions and/or verified illness of a player.

4.       Rescheduling shall be done through agreement within the Inter-Leaguing Committee.

5.      Each team will furnish a minimum of two (2) regulation game balls for each game. (One new and one good used ball, both of the same legal color, legal in size, and in model approved by Little League.)

6.      The home team shall furnish at least one (1) qualified umpire for each game.

7.      The home team shall be responsible for walking the field pre-game and making sure playing fields are safe and ready for play. (This is in addition to the Umpires’ walk-about.)

8.      The home team shall be responsible for having restroom facilities open and available for each game.

9.      Unless otherwise agreed between the teams, the visiting team shall be responsible for post-game raking the field.

10.  Representatives of BOTH teams shall be responsible for maintaining Litter Patrol in the entire area used by the teams (dugouts, stands, along fence lines, etc.) during and after the game.

11.  BOTH teams (players, coaches, families, and friends) shall keep in mind they are representatives of their respective league. They shall show proper respect for everyone else in attendance or participating in the event, shall be informed by their home league of the Zero Tolerance Policy, and shall show proper respect for the playing fields – including cleaning up their area (during and after the game), and depositing trash in appropriate receptacles.

12.   There is only one set of Little League Rules – the OFFICIAL LITTLE LEAGUE RULES & REGULATIONS specific to the division of play. The only legal modifications are included with this document. Distributed from District to the League President, they and/or their Coaching Coordinator are responsible for distributing and discussing the document with all managers, coaches, players, umpires – specific to Division of Play and prior to the first game of the season to avoid confusion or issues at the site of the game. Effort should be made to share with families as well.

13.   Communications is the key to having a successful season when Inter-Leaguing. Sunday of each week, the managers shall contact the managers of the teams they are scheduled to play for that week to be sure everyone is on the same schedule and going to the same site. Contact information will be shared once scheduling has been finalized.

14.   Individuals in charge of scheduling umpires are to be notified IMMEDIATELY if there is a game canceled.  

15.   If a league is opting to use paid umpires from an association in lieu of volunteer umpires, the league using that option shall be responsible for all associated fees, including no shows or cancellations not advised in time to notify the association. 

VI - EJECTION POLICY

THE FOLLOWING IS TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN A MANAGER, COACH, AND/OR PLAYER IS EJECTED FROM A GAME FOR ANY REASON:

1.      It is to be understood the local League's PRE-SEASON Presentation of the Zero Tolerance Policy to managers, coaches, parents, and players is considered the ONLY "Warning."

2.       The umpires shall report such incidents according to the rules found in the Little League Rules and Regulations and the District Rules. This report shall contain all needed information and is to include reference to the rule number(s) that apply.

3.       The umpire shall provide a written report to the individual directly responsible to the respective Inter-Leaguing Chairperson and/or their league president. When there is a District 9 staff member in charge, the report shall be given to them.

4.       Once the report has been received, the LOCAL LEAGUE Inter-Leaguing Committee Member shall notify the following who shall serve as a hearing committee: (a) The District Administrator or District Representative of the Division involved; (b) The Inter-Leaguing Committee Chairperson; (c) All league presidents involved in the scheduled Inter-Leaguing or Special Game; (d) All non-involved Managers in the scheduled Inter-Leaguing/Special Game. At the time of notification, a meeting will be scheduled to include a quorum of the above. The individual(s) ejected must have a member of their League Board present. This meeting will be held within 72 hours of the ejection. Due to the geographical area, the meeting may include the use of teleconference and/or telephone communications.

5.       In addition to the hearing committee members, others directly involved will be allowed to present information concerning the ejection.

6.       An individual appointed by the District Administrator will chair the hearing. After all information has been presented, the committee will adjourn to a closed session to review information. This meeting shall remain confidential within the committee.

7.       If the committee upholds the ejection, the following penalty shall be imposed – to include tournament play:FIRST OFFENSE: Minimum - Letter of Reprimand for Local League retention (and District record), AND suspension for next scheduled game or for the balance of the season.SECOND OFFENSE: Suspension for the balance of the season.

ROSTERING for ‘fair play’ participation …
A specific tool for team managers and coaches