LAUREL LITTLE LEAGUE Maryland District 4

Content

1 General

As approved by Laurel Little League’s Board of Directors, this document will serve to define the specific “in-house” rules under which all regular season games involving teams from participating Little Leagues shall be played. All games will be played in accordance with current standard Little League Baseball rules for each respective division except as noted below. In the event that a current standard Little League Baseball rule is found to be more stringent than a rule contained herein, then that Little League rule shall supersede any contradicting “in-house” rule. These rules will remain in effect until replaced by a more current version which has been approved by Laurel Little League’s Board of Directors.

2 Rainouts / Rescheduling

Every effort shall be made to play the games on the scheduled day.
Rain does not automatically constitute a cancellation. If the field is in playable condition and there is no risk of lightning, the game should continue as planned. In the event of a passing shower, game can be suspended and resumed the same day. It is the responsibility of the Managers to ensure players and parents are aware of the plan for resumption of the game.
If a game is called during play before becoming a regulation game, the rescheduled game shall resume from the point it was halted on the makeup date.
Rainouts shall be rescheduled within 1 week utilizing the available fields on Fridays and Sundays. It is the responsibility of the Home Team to contact their league official to coordinate field and umpire scheduling, as necessary.
In the event of extended periods of inclement weather, games may be rescheduled at a mutually agreed (between managers) time and place.
All rescheduling must be coordinated with league officials to ensure accuracy of the website and to prevent double-scheduling of a field or umpire.

3 Division Specific Rules

3.1 Little League Baseball - Majors Division (Ages 10-12)

Every effort shall be made to field a team of at least nine (9) players. If a coach knows in advance that they will be short for a scheduled game, then they shall contact the Pool Play coordinator via the website to request player(s) as necessary to field a full team. Those players, if requested and they come to the field, must play their full minimum play and may not be used as pitchers. In the event that a team is unexpectedly short at game time or due to an in-game injury, teams can begin play with 8 players, if there is no 9th batter, that lineup position will count as an out until a ninth player arrives. If a team cannot field 8 players, the game shall be suspended or postponed and rescheduled. There will be no trading players between the teams to fill the 8^th position, except if managers mutually agree to stay, the game may continue as a “scrimmage”/practice. In this event, game will be rescheduled within one (1) week in accordance with Section 2 of the local rules.
If league provided umpire is not available, managers, coaches, or parents will serve as umpires. Managers shall meet prior to the beginning of the game to agree on a method of umpiring. It is permissible to share umpiring duties (ie: alternating innings between coaches) or use parents with an adequate understanding of the game rules. Once an umpire has been agreed to, that umpire shall have the full standing of a league appointed umpire and be treated as such. Managers may discuss rules with newly trained or assigned umpires, however the umpire’s judgment calls shall not be overridden by managers.
Home Team is responsible for keeping the official score and the official pitch count and reporting the score to league officials.
For weekend games when there is a game scheduled immediately following on the same field, no new inning shall start after 2 hours 30 minutes time limit regardless of number of innings played. Inning being played at time limit will be completed, light and weather permitting. Regulation games halted due to time limit need not be continued unless the score is tied.
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.
The batting order shall contain the entire roster of players present. Only nine (9) players may be positioned in the field on defense. If a player is unable to bat due to injury or other reason, then the batter shall be skipped without penalty to the offensive team (unless it results in only eight (8) players available). The batter will not be permitted to “make-up” their missed at-bat.
All other rules are the same as the current standard Little League Rulebook.

3.2 AAA Minor League Baseball - Kid Pitch Division (Ages 8*, 9-11, 12**)

* - Players this age may play in this division based upon a favorable evaluation and permission of the player Agent.

** - Players this age may play in division based upon a determination by the player agent that it is in the best interest of the player.This should only happen in rare circumstances where it is determined that child’s safety would be at risk if assigned to the division normally assigned for their age.

Every effort shall be made to field a team of at least nine (9) players. If a coach knows in advance that they will be short for a scheduled game, then they shall contact the Pool Play coordinator via the website to request player(s) as necessary to field a full team. Those players, if requested and they come to the field, must play their full minimum play and may not be used as pitchers. In the event that a team is unexpectedly short at game time or due to an in-game injury, teams can begin play with 8 players, if there is no 9th batter, that lineup position will count as an out until a ninth player arrives. If a team cannot field 8 players, the game shall be suspended or postponed and rescheduled. There will be no trading players between the teams to fill the 8^th position, except if managers mutually agree to stay, the game may continue as a “scrimmage”/practice. In this event, game will be rescheduled within one (1) week in accordance with Section 2 of the local rules.
If league provided umpire is not available, managers, coaches, or parents will serve as umpires. Managers shall meet prior to the beginning of the game to agree on a method of umpiring. It is permissible to share umpiring duties (ie: alternating innings between coaches) or use parents with an adequate understanding of the game rules. Once an umpire has been agreed to, that umpire shall have the full standing of a league appointed umpire and be treated as such. Managers may discuss rules with newly trained or assigned umpires, however the umpire’s judgment calls shall not be overridden by managers.
Home Team is responsible for keeping the official score and the official pitch count and reporting the score to league officials.
No new inning starts after 2 hours 15 minutes time limit regardless of number of innings played. Inning being played at time limit will be completed, light and weather permitting.
3 outs or 5 runs constitute a half-inning for innings. There is no run limit for the 6th inning. (For the purpose of minimum play, 5 runs will be considered 3 defensive outs).
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.
The batting order shall contain the entire roster of players present. Only nine (9) players may be positioned in the field on defense. If a player is unable to bat due to injury or other reason, then the batter shall be skipped without penalty to the offensive team (unless it results in only eight (8) players available). The batter will not be permitted to “make-up” their missed at-bat.
If a regulation game is called by the umpire due to weather, light or time limit, and score is tied, the game shall be recorded as a tie and does not need to be completed.
All other rules are the same as the current standard Little League Rulebook.

3.3 AA Minor League Baseball – Modified Kid Pitch Division (Ages 7*, 8-9,10 **)

* - Players this age may play in this division based upon a favorable evaluation and permission of the player Agent.

Every effort shall be made to field a team of at least nine (9) players. If a coach knows in advance that they will be short for a scheduled game, then they shall contact the Pool Play coordinator via the website to request player(s) as necessary to field a full team. Those players, if requested and they come to the field, must play their full minimum play and may not be used as pitchers. In the event that a team is unexpectedly short at game time or due to an in-game injury, teams can begin play with 8 players, if there is no 9th batter, that lineup position will count as an out until a ninth player arrives. If a team cannot field 8 players, the game shall be suspended or postponed and rescheduled. There will be no trading players between the teams to fill the 8^th position, except if managers mutually agree to stay, the game may continue as a “scrimmage”/practice. In this event, game will be rescheduled within one (1) week in accordance with Section 2 of the local rules.
If league provided umpire is not available, managers, coaches, or parents will serve as umpires. Managers shall meet prior to the beginning of the game to agree on a method of umpiring. It is permissible to share umpiring duties (ie: alternating innings between coaches) or use parents with an adequate understanding of the game rules. Once an umpire has been agreed to, that umpire shall have the full standing of a league appointed umpire and be treated as such. Managers may discuss rules with newly trained or assigned umpires, however the umpire’s judgment calls shall not be overridden by managers.
Home Team is responsible for keeping the official score and the official pitch count and reporting the score to league officials.
No new inning starts after 2 hours 15 minutes time limit regardless of number of innings played. Inning being played at time limit will be completed, light and weather permitting.
3 outs or 5 runs constitute a half-inning for innings. There is no run limit for the 6th inning. (For the purpose of minimum play, 5 runs will be considered 3 defensive outs).
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.
The batting order shall contain the entire roster of players present. Only nine (9) players may be positioned in the field on defense. If a player is unable to bat due to injury or other reason, then the batter shall be skipped without penalty to the offensive team (unless it results in only eight (8) players available). The batter will not be permitted to “make-up” their missed at-bat.
Pitching distance shall be 42 feet from the tip of home plate to the front of the pitcher’s plate.
There are no walks.
Child will pitch to the batter until 4 balls (or 3 strikes) are called by umpire.
After the player that is pitching has pitched the fourth ball to the batter, and play has stopped, the umpire shall call time. The offensive coach is then allowed on the field. The offensive coach that is now the pitcher will continue the pitch count and will have a maximum of three pitches, unless on the third pitch the batter either hits a foul ball or is hit by the pitch, in which case, the batter shall get another pitch. The coach pitching will continue the count until the batter misses the ball on the third strike, takes the pitch for the third strike, takes the third or later pitch, or hits the ball into fair territory. The umpire shall call strikes as if the player were pitching.
Bunting is allowed against kid pitcher, but not the coach pitcher.
Batter hit by pitch from kid pitcher is awarded 1st base.
The player playing the pitcher position shall play no closer than 42 feet from the home plate until the ball is hit and shall be positioned within 6 feet to the right or left of the adult pitcher so as not to present an unfair fielding advantage resulting from the coach pitching.
Stealing is not allowed, however runners may advance on a passed ball when kid pitcher is pitching. Runners may advance if the ball has crossed home plate and the catcher has not either made a clean catch or successfully blocked the ball in front of them or directly beneath them. If the catcher blocks the ball off to the side and is not in reasonable proximity to the ball, the runner may advance. The umpire shall be the authority who shall determine whether or not the ball is under the control of the catcher for this rule and shall send runners back as appropriate if they attempt a steal when the ball has been caught. Runners shall not advance on overthrows from the catcher to the pitcher at the pitcher’s mound, but may advance upon an overthrow in an attempt to put out a runner. Runners failing to stay on their base may be put out on an overthrow to the pitcher.
No advancing on a passed ball is allowed when coach is pitcher.
After a hit, play continues until the runner(s) stops trying to advance. Then the umpire shall call time. As long as the ball remains in the field of play and runners are trying to advance, time shall not be called.
Play will stop and the umpire shall call time if the ball leaves the playing area, i.e., an overthrow over the fence, ball rolls into the dugout, ball rolls under the fence, through an open gate, or the runners have stopped trying to advance.
All other rules are the same as the current standard Little League Rulebook.

3.4 Minor League Baseball - Coach Pitch Division (Ages 6*, 7-8, 9**)

* - Players this age may play in this division based upon a favorable evaluation and permission of the player Agent.

** - Players this age may play in this division based upon a determination by the player agent that it is in the best interest of the player.This should only happen in rare circumstances where it is determined that child’s safety would be at risk if assigned to the division normally assigned for their age.Female players who are not yet eligible for Little League Softball because they are league age 8 for softball purposes, but are league age 9 for baseball purposes may be permitted to play in the Coach Pitch division.

Every effort shall be made to field a team of at least nine (9) players. If a coach knows in advance that they will be short for a scheduled game, then they shall contact the Pool Play coordinator via the website to request player(s) as necessary to field a full team. Those players, if requested and they come to the field, must play their full minimum play and may not be used as pitchers. In the event that a team is unexpectedly short at game time or due to an in-game injury, teams can begin play with 8 players, if there is no 9th batter, that lineup position will count as an out until a ninth player arrives. If a team cannot field 8 players, the game shall be suspended or postponed and rescheduled. There will be no trading players between the teams to fill the 8^th position, except if managers mutually agree to stay, the game may continue as a “scrimmage”/practice. In this event, game will be rescheduled within one (1) week in accordance with Section 2 of the local rules.
If league provided umpire is not available, managers, coaches, or parents will serve as umpires. Managers shall meet prior to the beginning of the game to agree on a method of umpiring. It is permissible to share umpiring duties (ie: alternating innings between coaches) or use parents with an adequate understanding of the game rules. Once an umpire has been agreed to, that umpire shall have the full standing of a league appointed umpire and be treated as such. Managers may discuss rules with newly trained or assigned umpires, however the umpire’s judgment calls shall not be overridden by managers.
3 swinging strikes or seven (7) pitches the batter is out. If on the seventh (or later) pitch the batter hits a foul ball or is hit by the pitch, the batter shall get another pitch.
Games are 6 innings or 2 hours 15 minute time limit. No new inning starts after the specified time limit regardless of innings played. Inning being played at time limit will be completed, light and weather permitting.
Home Team is responsible for keeping the official score and reporting the score to league officials.
3 outs or 5 runs constitute a half-inning for innings. There is no run limit for the 6th inning. (For the purpose of minimum play, 5 runs will be considered 3 defensive outs).
The umpire(s) shall call Time when, in their judgment, a player has control of the ball in the infield and does not appear to be making any further plays on a runner or makes a clear attempt to return the ball to the adult pitcher. Fielders may hold the ball in the air while standing inside the base-paths to indicate to the umpire that no further play is intended. If a runner is over half way to the base when the umpire calls “Time” then the runner may advance to the base - if less than half way the runner must return to the previous base. This shall be a judgment call by the umpire(s).
A ball must be in dead-ball territory to be considered out of play. When a ball is outside of the infield, but NOT in dead-ball territory, a runner may continue to run at risk of being put out. The umpire(s) shall instruct the managers and coaches as to what they will consider dead-ball territory. (Note: There is no such rule as “one-base on an overthrow” when the ball is in play. Players should be encouraged to hustle to the ball and get it back into the infield or make a defensive play.)
The batting order shall contain the entire roster of players present. Only nine (9) players may be positioned in the field on defense. If a player is unable to bat due to injury or other reason, then the batter shall be skipped without penalty to the offensive team (unless it results in only eight (8) players available). The batter will not be permitted to “make-up” their missed at-bat.
Players may not play more than two consecutive innings in the infield. Players may be returned to infield positions after playing one inning in the outfield or sitting an inning out on the bench. To encourage skills development for all of our kids, players must be allowed to play various positions in the infield and the outfield. Infield positions include: 1^st Base, 2^nd Base, Shortstop, 3^rd Base, Catcher and Pitcher.
If a batted ball hits the adult pitcher, the ball is dead. The batter shall be awarded 1st base and runners will advance if forced. If pitcher is using a pitching machine or bucket, any such equipment shall be considered an extension of the pitcher for this rule. Coaches shall not intentionally interfere with batted balls, however. If the contact is deemed intentional by an umpire, then the umpire shall call interference and the batter shall be declared out.
The player playing the pitcher position shall play no closer than 35 feet from the home plate until the ball is hit and shall be positioned within 10 feet to the right or left of the adult pitcher so as not to present an unfair fielding advantage resulting from the coach pitching.
Defenses must begin each play with at least three (3) players in the outfield at least ten (10) feet deeper than the base or baselines. No other fielder shall be closer than the "player pitcher" to the batter until the ball is hit.
Two (2) adult base coaches may be used when team is at bat. Two (2) adult coaches are permitted on the field while on defense to provide on-field instruction between plays. Coaches are not to interfere with game play while ball is “live.”
No infield fly rule.
No stealing.
No bunting is allowed.
The adult pitcher may pitch either overhand or underhand from either a standing or kneeling position but must pitch from a point at least 35 feet from home plate. Adult pitcher may sit on a bucket if desired. A manual or battery powered pitching machine may be used if mutually agreed to by the managers, but must be made available to both teams. If used, bucket or machine shall be considered part of pitcher’s body for purposes of stopping play when ball hits equipment. Pitching distance may be decreased on a case by case basis for specific players with the mutual consent of the managers.
The team listed as Home Team in the Game Schedule is responsible for preparing the playing field.
All other rules are the same as the current standard Little League Rulebook.
The baseball shall be a TP Official SOFT-SAFE Model, with Safety Sponge Core or equivalent.

3.5 Tee Ball Division (Ages 4*, 5-6, 7**)

* - Players this age may play in this division based upon a favorable evaluation and permission of the player Agent.In addition, a waiver will be required to be submitted to Little League International to allow player to play.

No score will be recorded and no standings will be maintained.
Managers, coaches, or parents will serve as umpires. Managers shall meet prior to the beginning of the game to agree on a method of umpiring. It is permissible to share umpiring duties (ie: alternating innings between coaches) or use parents with an adequate understanding of the game rules.
Bases shall be set to a 50-foot base path.
No strike outs in Tee Ball. Each batter shall be permitted as many swings as necessary to strike the ball off the tee. Players capable of hitting a pitched ball may elect to receive a maximum of five pitched balls from an adult pitcher at a distance of at least 25 feet. If the player has not put the ball in play by the fifth pitch, the ball shall be placed on the tee and play will continue.
No new inning starts after 1 hour 30 minutes. The game will be four (4) innings or time limit. Inning being played at time limit will be completed light and weather permitting.
An inning shall consist of 3 defensive outs or when all players on the team at bat have batted in an inning. If four (4) innings have been completed and a player has not had an at-bat, coaches will permit the batter the opportunity in the last inning of play regardless of the number of defensive outs recorded.
The batting order shall contain the entire roster of players present.
All, players shall be given a defensive position - regulation infield, but no catcher - excess players will be located in the outfield. Players may not play more than two consecutive innings in the infield. Players may be returned to infield positions after playing one inning in the outfield or sitting an inning out on the bench. To encourage skills development for all of our kids, players must be allowed to play various positions in the infield and the outfield. Infield positions include: 1^st Base, 2^nd Base, Shortstop, 3^rd Base, and Pitcher.
The player pitcher shall play no closer than 35 feet from the home plate until the ball is hit.
If a team shows up for the game with less than nine (9) players, Play Ball, it is Tee Ball!
On a batted ball that remains in the infield the batter-runner will be limited to 1^st base. If a batted ball that is hit into the outfield the batter-runner player can attempt to acquire 2^nd base, but does so at their own risk of being put out by the defense.
All other rules are the same as the current standard Little League Rulebook.
The baseball shall be a TP Official SOFT-SAFE Model with Safety Sponge Core or equivalent.

4 ALTERCATIONS

The actions of players, managers, coaches, umpires and league officials must be above reproach. Any player, manager, coach, umpire or league representative who is involved in a verbal or physical altercation, or an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct, at the game site or any other Little League activity, is subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.