Escondido National Little League: Fall Ball

Rules

All Divisions of Escondido National Little League Baseball are subject to the Official Rules of Little League, as distributed by Little League International (www.littleleague.org). Each coach is expected to be familiar with the rules for their Division. The following additional rules apply to specified Divisions of Escondido National Little League for Fall Ball.
When coaching Fall Ball, please keep in mind the following principles:
•The purpose of Fall Ball is to provide the kids a fun atmosphere, while developing and improving their baseball skills in a (largely) non-competitive environment that simulates game situations.
•Do not keep score during the regular season.
•No standings are maintained in the regular season.
•Players should play different positions throughout the game.
•Playing time should be equitable.
•It is the responsibility of both teams to set-up and properly manicure the fields before and after games. Please take this responsibility very seriously.
 
Minors/Majors
•Play. The game may be played if one or both teams have only seven or eight players, by borrowing a player(s) from the opposition, or by using only two outfielders.
•During regular season, coaches or parents umpire for their team when in the field. All balls and strikes are called from behind the pitchers mound unless a volunteer is a certified Little League umpire, with proper equipment. Coaches are encouraged to coach from their umpiring position.
•A player may not sit out more than one inning at a time or sit out a second inning until every other player on the team has sat out an inning. In short, everyone should play in the field approximately the same amount of time.
•Free substitution allowed.
•Each team must bat through their roster of available players during the game.
•A pinch runner can be used only in case of injury or use of the bathroom, in which event the last batter to make an out and not on base is the runner. If no outs, the player making the last out on offense in the previous inning is the runner.
•Outfielders must play in the outfield area.
•The maximum number of batters per inning shall be number of batters that have appeared for the game on the day. Three outs or maximum batters, whichever comes first. That means, you bat around once in an inning and that is the end of the inning. (Minors only).
•Minors - No new inning will start after 8:15 p.m. on Friday night. A new inning begins immediately after the third out in the bottom of the prior inning. Any inning starting prior to this time limit will be played in full subject to darkness or weather as determined by the umpire in charge.
•Majors - No new inning will start after 8:30 p.m. on Friday night. A new inning begins immediately after the third out in the bottom of the prior inning. Any inning starting prior to this time limit will be played in full subject to darkness or weather as determined by the umpire in charge.
•Sunday games - No new inning after two hours. A new inning begins immediately after the third out in the bottom of the prior inning. Any inning starting prior to this time limit will be played in full subject to darkness or weather as determined by the umpire in charge.
•Pool Play for Sunday games.  If a team is unable to field 9 players, they players from the team with a Bye are eligible to fill in up to 11 players max.
•Base runners cannot leave a base until the ball is past the plate.
•Pitching. Pitch count rules apply (but due to consecutive out limitations discussed below, may not be relevant)
9-10 year old - 65 pitches max
11 year old - 75 pitches max
12 year old - 85 pitches max
Juniors 95 - pitches max
•Regardless of pitch count, no pitcher may pitch more than six consecutive outs per game. Pitching a maximum of three consecutive outs is encouraged.

Safety
Coaches: This is your primary job!
 
•NO ON-DECK BATTER. No player may have a bat in his/her hands until going to the plate to bat. Please enforce this as you won’t have trained umpires to rely on as you do during the regular season.
•Catchers need to be properly equipped. If no cup, they should not catch under any circumstances.
•Catchers need to wear mask when warming up pitchers or during infield or outfield practice.
•Control your dugout (kids orderly and stay in dugout area behind fence).
•Take the time to teach proper technique for sliding. Also teach that players must slide (feet first) anytime there is to be a play at 2nd, 3rd or home plate.
 
Rain Protocol
•The instructions on weather cancellations and protocol are on the ENLL website.
•Coaches can agree in advance to call off a game but need to remember to contact all players and Fall Ball Commissioner.
•Games postponed are unlikely to be made up.
•Remember, the goals for the fall are to have fun and keep everyone safe.