LL HQ has put out its changes to the 2008 LL Rulebook. The ones that affect actual play that umpires need to be aware of include:
1. Pitching in Tee Ball: Not that I’m advocating for leagues to use umpires in tee ball, but just wanted to make you aware that Regulation I was modified to allow for coaches to deliver pitches in the tee ball division. The league has the option of only using coach pitches, batting off the tee, or a combination of the two.
2. Mandatory for 12s to play Majors: Regulation V now requires that all league-age 12s play in the Majors division. There is a waiver process for any 12 year old whom both the BOD and the parents feel the child has to stay down in Minors. That waiver must be approved by the DA.
3. New changes in pitching regulation: There are a number of changes in Regulation VI on pitchers that go into effect in 2008. These are:
a. Pitch count limit for 7s and 8s: For leagues that use kids league age 7 and 8 to pitch, they are now limited to 50 pitches maximum per day (I certainly hope those leagues that use 7s and 8s as pitchers don't have umpires doing the game; that could be brutal!)
b. Pitchers can’t become catchers: A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot move to the catcher position the rest of the day. That rule is meant to prevent a coach from requiring a kid who has delivered numerous pitches to continue throwing from the catcher position, which could cause arm problems.
c. Game rest added to rest requirements: Now, a pitcher who has delivered more than 40 pitches in a day (50 for players 17 and 18) must meet not only his/her days of rest requirement, but also a game rest. So pitchers cannot throw in consecutive games unless they stay below their 40/50 threshold.
d. Directed Intentional Walk is no more: Now, a pitcher who wants to intentionally walk a batter must do it the old-fashioned way--deliver four pitches out of the strike zone. Last year, LL HQ implemented the directed IBB at all levels, where the catcher simply informed the plate umpire of the defense's intent to walk the batter intentionally, and the plate umpire directed the batter to first base while the ball was dead. Not anymore.
4. Breakaway bases now mandatory: This should come as no surprise to leagues, since it’s been in the rulebook now for the last two or three years. Rule 1.06 makes it mandatory for leagues to use breakaway bases at all levels of play.
5. Bat rule modifications: Rule 1.10 was modified to up the date on BESR bats for Seniors and Big League to 2008 (it was 2009). Also, white bats are no longer allowed in LL. It’s up to the umpire’s discretion what constitutes a “white bat”. [NOTE: LL HQ has rescinded the white bat rule in baseball and softball. So they are NOW allowed.]
6. Five-run limit in Minors: The 2.00 Definition of “Inning” now limits ALL Minors to five runs per inning. That means FIVE runs; if a kid hits a grand slam that plates the sixth, seventh and eighth runs of an inning, those runs don’t count (although I strongly recommend that umpires allow the kid to circle the bases!) Also, leagues cannot make the final inning of a Minors game a “no-run-limit” inning unless they have submitted and received an approved waiver. Five runs means five runs.
7. Mandatory CBO in Minors/below: Rule 4.04 now requires divisions in Minors and tee ball to use the continuous batting order. Leagues no longer have the option of batting just the nine defensive position players. That means there is now free substitution in Minors (but players still need to meet the minimum play requirements). Of course, that also means Special Pinch Runners won't be allowed in Minors.
8. Pitches not needed for Directed Strikes: Rule 6.02 used to require pitchers to actually deliver pitches for strikes when a batter refused to get into the batter’s box. Not anymore; now, the umpire simply announces each strike until the batter finally gets in the box to bat. The ball is dead during that announcement, so runners cannot advance bases.
9. One base award on pitched balls touched by detached equipment: There is a new Rule 7.05(j) that specifies a one base award when a fielder touches a pitched ball with detached equipment, such as when a catcher uses his/her mask to scoop the ball into his/her glove.
10. Runner’s baseline now clearly defined: In Rule 7.08(a1), LL has added wording that specifies exactly what is meant by a runner’s baseline. It is the line from the runner to the base he/she is going to, which is usually not a direct line between bases.
11. Pitcher’s pivot foot requirement changed: Rules 8.01(a) and (b) now simply requires the pitcher’s pivot foot to be in contact with the rubber when assuming the windup or set positions. The old requirement of having the foot completely within the confines of the rubber is gone.
Click the website link (the blue heading above) to see all of the changes for the upcoming season!
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