Oregon District #2 Little League Website: NEWS
Wednesday, April 25Big News from Little League International Congress
District Administrators from around the world have just concluded the 24th International Congress where the future of Little League has been determined. Little League's focus has always been every player, not just the best players. Making that point and putting it into action, new regulations approved by the voting members, will bring changes to all local leagues.
Agenda Item #1 - Affects Rule 4.04 - Minor & T-ball, BB & SB
This rule change mandates a "continuous batting order" for Minor and T-Ball divisions in both baseball and softball. (It had been a local league option.) Approved for the 2008 season.
Agenda Item #2 - Affects Regulation V - Selection of Players (Major Division)
The new regulation requires all 12 year-old players be placed in the major division. The only allowable exception to this rule would be a waiver request submitted to the Charter Committee prior to the draft. To begin that process, approval must be obtained from the local league, the parents of the player and the District Administrator. Approved for the 2008 season.
Agenda Item #4 - Affects Tournament "Player Eligibility" at all levels except Big League (Look on page T-5 of the 2007 rule book)
Players must participate in 60% of their teams scheduled games prior to June 15th to be eligible for a tournament team. Approved for the 2008 season.
Agenda Item #6 - Affects Regulation I, Section 3 - T-Ball BB & SB
This change removes the ban on T-ball players receiving live pitches. T-ball players may hit off a T or from a pitch thrown by a coach. Approved for the 2007 season.
Agenda Item#7 - Affects Rule 2.00 Innings Definition - Minor Division BB & SB
This rule supports what most local leagues opt for in their local league playing rules, a five-run limit. Approved for implementation in the 2008 season.
Agenda Item #10 - Affects Regulation II (g) Local League Boundary
This is the big one folks! All local league boundaries are now frozen, regardless of population. All of those waiver requests to be over 20,000 population do not matter now. To be eligible to send a team to international tournament play (All-Stars), a local league must have:
1. Their boundary map signed and dated by the President and District Administrator.
2. All current maps must be on file at regional headquarters.
3. The boundaries shown on the map must not encroach upon the boundaries of any other chartered Little League program, and
4. The boundary lines shown on the map must be unbroken and clearly follow manmade or geographic features, such as roads, railroad tracks, rivers, etc.
Changes in boundaries can only be made by the Charter Committe from here on.
Agenda Item #14 - Affects Regulation VI - Pitchers - Minor Division
Eliminates "intentional walks" in the Minor Division. The intent is to encourage a manager to pitch to all players, rather than issue intentional walks, in this instructional level of play. Approved for the 2008 season.
The mood of those voting at this year's congress is clear. We want all Little League participants to play the game. Every child should be given every opportunity to do his or her best all the time. No child should be singled out. No child should be given the idea that he/she is not as good as another player. Most of these rule changes affect the Minor Division of play, an instructional level. Let's develope these young players, not discourage them.
Remember: Minor Division includes all teams between Major and T-Ball, that means Minors, Farms, Rookies, etc.
* Also, please note when these rule changes take affect. Some are approved for the current season. Most will begin next season.