Westchester Little League Year 2017 Local Rules

Approved

These local rules (“Local Rules”) augment the Official Regulations of Little League and the Little League Operating Manual (“Little League Rules”) as updated for 2016.  These Local Rules will be updated on an annual basis, and approved by a board vote.  Local Rules are meant to expand and clarify on Little League Rules that are unique and specific for Westchester Little League.  These Local Rules apply to all Divisions except that Rules 4-7 apply only to the indicated Division.

 

1 - Code of Conduct

1.1   No member of the Board, manager, or coach of Westchester Little League shall manage or coach in any other concurrent baseball programs while the Little League season is in session.

 

1.2   A manager or coach removed from a game, by an Umpire, will be suspended for a minimum of the next game. The President and Disciplinary Committee will review the situation and determine if any further consequences are necessary. When ejected, the manager or coach shall exit the Nielson Property until the conclusion of the game. If the manager or coach is a parent of a player then the manager or coach can then retrieve the player but must not have any interaction with League Officials until the President and Disciplinary Committee has reviewed the situation.

 

1.3   All disciplinary action must be reported to the League President and divisional director immediately. The Disciplinary Committee will then review the situation for further action.

 

1.4   A manager may have as many coaches as he or she wishes, however only three adults (the manager and two coaches) are permitted in the dugout during a game. Both gates must be closed. There must be at least one Adult in the dugout at all times. Having two coaches outside the Dugout is up to the judgment of the Umpire.

 

1.5   All managers are responsible for ensuring that all coaches have submitted a Volunteer Application to the League President through the Division Director or League Safety Director. No manager or coach will be allowed in the dugout unless a completed Volunteer Application has been filed and approved by the League President and the manager or coach has completed the League Safety Course and obtained a ”Safety Card” from the League Safety Director. Any adult who regularly participates or helps out in practices or game warm-ups must submit a Volunteer Application and obtain a Safety Card. Managers are encouraged to qualify more than two coaches so that there will be substitutes available for games and practices.

 

1.6 Only the board member on duty and necessary personnel are permitted in the Snack stand or Score booth, unless approved by the board member on duty.

 

1.7 Code of Conduct must be adhered to at all time by all coaches, parents and spectators. Violation of the Code of Contact will be reviewed by the disciplinary committee and may lead to removal from the League. The President has the authority to suspend someone for any violation in emergency situations; review and recommendations will come from disciplinary committee. Little league Volunteer forms should be filled out by all.

 

2 - Practice, Game and Field Preparations

2.1 The home team and visiting team are responsible for preparing and cleaning up the stands and dugouts on their respective side before and after each game. This includes helping the board member on duty to set up the trashcans and ensure the bathrooms and bleachers are clean. The home team is responsible for preparing the field for play. The visiting team is responsible for breaking down the infield, cleaning the bathrooms and empting the trashcans in the bathroom (as needed) at the end of the game.

 

2.2 The visiting team will reside in the first base dugout, the home team in the third base dugout.

 

2.3 The home team is responsible for keeping the official scorebook & the official pitch count for each game. Official scorebooks are kept in the Scorekeeper’s Booth. The visiting team will provide the score board operator and announcer, if allowed.

 

2.4 During the regular season, teams will not exceed four (4) events per week.  Events other than games will not exceed two and a half (2-1/2) hours per session. An event is a game, batting cage practice, fielding practice and pitcher and catching practice. All events during the regular season on Sunday may not start any earlier than 12pm unless approved by the Board. A week begins on Sunday and ends on Saturday. Exceptions “AA” Farm will be limited to three (3) events and Single “A” Farm will be limited to two (2) events per week. All events have a 10pm curfew.

 

2.5 Batting cages procedures and policies must be adhered to at all times. Violations will be reported to the disciplinary committee for review and possible removal from league.

 

2.6 Failure to comply with any of the above sections will be reviewed by the President and Disciplinary Committee to determine what actions should be taken to correct the failure including possible monetary forfeiture of team deposits.

 

3 - Division Requirements & Replacement Players

3.1   All eligible players of league ages 6-12 years old who wish to play in the Major, Minor, or Farm Divisions must attend a tryout based on an announcement by the league. Should the player not be able to attend the tryout, the Division Director in conjunction with the Division Managers shall place and rank the individual for the draft.

 

3.2. All 10-12 year olds will be on the Major division ballots. Then after the (major) draft all remaining 8-11 year olds will be on the Minor division ballots. Then after the (Minor) draft all remaining 7-10 year olds will be on the ‘AA’ ballots. Lastly, all remaining 6-8 year olds will be on the ‘A’ ballots. Players may be selected in any order subject to the Little League limits on the number of players per age group on any one team. 9 year-old players may not play in the Majors without a majority vote of the board.

 

3.3 Seven (7) year old players may not play in the minors without a majority vote of the board, (NOT AA Minors).

 

3.4 Each team shall be awarded 2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 points for a loss to determine the regular season standings. For tiebreakers the following rules will be used:

 

a) Record head to head;

b) Fewest defensive runs allowed, head to head.

c) Fewest defensive runs allowed, season.

d) Flip of a coin.

 

Note: this does not apply to “A” division

 

3.5 No replacements will be made after June 1 in the Major Division unless it causes a team to forfeit a game. Should a player be brought up to the Major Division prior to the last 20 days of the season, he/she will be a permanent member of that team.

 

3.6 Should a player quit a team during the season, that player will no longer be eligible for return, unless the player is given written permission by the executive board for his/her return.

 

3.7 If an eligible player refuses to move to the team that is in need of a replacement, that player becomes ineligible for any other move up within that season.

 

 

4 - MAJOR DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES:

4.1 Eleven (11) and twelve (12) year old players should be selected in the Major draft unless it is determined by the player’s parents, Player Agent, Divisional Director, and the President that the advancement would be a detriment to the player’s safety and/or growth. The Player Agent, Divisional Director, and the President will then assign the player to participate in the minor division.

 

4.2 During the tryout period only the manager is allowed in the approved tryout location with an official roster and rating guide.

 

4.3 The Major draft will proceed with a complete re-draft and will follow the Serpentine method, example 1-2-3-4-4-3-2-1.

 

4.4 Managers will draw numbers to determine the draft order. The manager who draw’s #1 will get the 1^st draft pick, #2 the second and so on. The manager with the last draft pick will get first selection of their practice day/time and so on. In addition, returning managers in the same division will get the option to keep their previous year’s team name. All new managers and returning managers choosing not to keep their previous year's team name shall select a team name in order with the manager with the last draft order picking first and so on. Draft pick order may be traded prior to the manager making his first selection. Once the draft has been completed, trades may occur in the draft room with the majority approval of all managers and executive board member’s in attendance. Any trade requests after draft day will need 100% approval of the president, division director and all managers.

           

Practice day/time selection will be selected by the managers in the Major’s division first, then Minor’s, double AA and single A to follow in order.

 

4.5 Only the Managers, Division Director, and President are allowed in the room during the draft.  The President shall also appoint one or more board members not to exceed (2) to assist with the process. The appointed member shall not have a child in that particular draft.

 

4.6 Every eligible player who is present and in uniform must play at least nine defense outs, (at least six consecutive outs) unless the game lasts less than 6 innings.  Every eligible player must have at least one completed appearance at the plate, regardless of the length of the game. The home team not batting in the bottom of the last inning shall not negate the requirement for at least one at-bat per game per player. If a player does not play his/her nine defensive outs and one at-bat, he/she must do the following before being replaced by a substitute:

 

a) Start the following game;

b) Complete the requirements missed from the previous game; and

c) Complete the playing requirements for the game being played.

 

In the event of a discrepancy with the pitch count or score while the game is in progress, the manager (not the coach, a parent, player, other observer, etc.) shall ask the umpire for time and discuss the discrepancy with the umpire (not the score booth).  The umpire will then discuss with the appropriate personnel and all decisions will be final.

 

4.7  A player may be benched during a game only if the manager has given advance written notification to the Major Division Director and has received approval for such action by the Major Division Director, President or Vice-President. Should exigent circumstances exist verbal approval can be made by the Major Division Director, President or Vice President.

 

4.8 Every player must start at least every other of the scheduled season games in which they are eligible to play.

 

4.9 The Major Division Director shall maintain a list of players that are interested in playing for a team that has an insufficient number of players (the “Player Pool”). The Player Pool shall consist of (i) Minor League players that the Major Division Director, President or Vice-President and Minor Division Director determine are appropriate for Major Division play, and (ii) Major Division players that the Major Division Director determines are eligible to substitute. The replacement players are referred to as the “Pool Players” and the members of the team that needs to borrow a player are referred to as the “Roster Players”. 

 

4.10 If a team determines that it needs to borrow a player from the Player Pool for any regular season or playoff game, the following rules shall be observed:

 

• The Pool Players shall be selected from a list maintained by the Major Division Director.
• The Manager of the team using a Pool Player must complete the log attached to the Pool Player list immediately following the game.
• A Pool player must play less then a regular roster player and no more than the minimum playing time (so as to maximize the playing time of roster players), unless a pool player is needed to field 9 players.
• The Pool Players shall play the outfield only, unless there are not enough Roster Players to fill the infield positions.
• The Pool Players may not pitch or catch under any circumstances.
• The Pool Players will bat last in the order.
• The Pool Player shall wear his or her current team uniform during pool play.
• Pool players must be identified by the manager at the plate meeting.

• The Division Director shall replace the player with a player of similar skill set and be of appropriate division age as outlined in section 3.2 of the local rules. Use of a pool player is not grounds for a protest (e.g. a top player was selected by the division director, and helps the team win the game).

 

 

4.11 The only rained out, postponed or incomplete games that will be completed are the ones that could have a bearing on determining the overall regular season standings (does not include play-off games). Completion of games is subject to schedule permitting and approval of the Major Division Director, President or Vice- President. A complete game is 4 innings unless the home team is winning and then 3.5 innings will be sufficient. If a game is rained out or suspended for any reason after becoming an “official game,” it shall not be resumed or made up. An incomplete game that does not go at least one inning will be played as a new game from the start.  Those that go at least one inning will be resumed from where they were stopped.  Pitch count rules apply.

 

4.12 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 may concede the victory to the opponent, in which case the game will end.

 

4.13 If after regulation play (6) innings the score is tied, the game shall continue into extra innings with a cap of (8) innings. If after the completion of (8) innings the score is still tied, the game will officially end and the game will be counted as a tie.

 

4.14 The season will consist of regular games and may include Inter-League games and the standings will be tracked and totaled at the end of the game schedule. Each team will be ranked according to their regular season records for playoffs. The board may schedule practice games as appropriate which must be pre-designated as practice games. Inter-league games may count in standings.

 

4.15 All Major Division teams will participate in the playoffs. The playoff format will be a double elimination tournament. The teams will be seeded according to their finish in the regular season, subject to the discretion of the Major Division Director in the event of uneven numbers of complete games. The official brackets from the Little League website will be used.

 

4.16 The home team in playoff games shall be determined as follows:

• In games conducted under the winner’s bracket, the highest seeded of the two teams shall be the home team.
• In games conducted under the elimination bracket, home team shall be decided by the flip of a coin by the board member on duty or the umpire 30 minutes before game time.
• In the first championship game, the winner’s bracket representative shall be the home team.
• If there is a need for a second championship game, the home team shall be decided by the flip of a coin by the board member on duty or the umpire 30 minutes before game time.

 

4.17 Pitching for the playoffs shall be regular season rules with no adjustment for rest between the playoffs and regular season. Pitch count day of rest requirements do apply. Starting game requirement will not apply from regular season to Game One of the playoffs, as well as through playoffs.

 

4.18 Participation in the playoffs, including all necessary championship games, is mandatory and shall be a condition for advancing to post-season play. It shall no longer be acceptable for the two teams to agree to not play the championship game under the theory that both teams are advancing to post-season play. .

 

4.19 The winner of the play-offs shall have the first option to select their bracket team number from the post-season tournament brackets. In other words, the winner of the playoffs can select its position in the pool for the post-season tournament if there is more than one Westchester team in the tournament. The runner-up shall have second pick. If there are additional teams entered, the next place team will choose its team and so on from there.

 

4.20 During the regular season, all teams will be required to use continuous batting orders. During the play offs all teams will use Non-continuous batting order.

 

4.21 “Intentional walks” (catcher standing and calling for an outside pitch) are NOT allowed during the regular season.

 

4.22 No player should ever have a bat in their possession unless they are up to bat. A player must always wear a batting helmet when handling a bat.  All base runners must also wear a batting helmet.

 

4.23 The manager must sign the scorebook at the end of the game (pre-season, regular season and playoffs). Failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions. The Division Director will review the official score book periodically to ensure compliance with this rule. Therefore, it is important that each manager review the official score book after each game to make sure it is accurate.

 

5 - MINOR DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES

5.1 The Minor Division draft will proceed following plan B of the little league operating manual (Redraft)

 

5.2 During the tryout period only the manager and one coach is allowed in the approved tryout location with an official roster and rating guide.

 

5.3 Minor Managers may select one coach prior to the draft. The coach selections must be approved by the board of directors prior to the draft.

 

5.4 Managers will draw numbers to determine the draft order. The manager who draw’s #1 will get the 1^st draft pick, #2 the second and so on. The manager with the last draft pick will get first selection of their practice day/time and so on. In addition, returning managers in the same division will get the option to keep their previous year’s team name. All new managers and returning managers choosing not to keep their previous year's team name shall select a team name in order with the manager with the last draft order picking first and so on. Draft pick order may be traded prior to the manager making the first selection. Once the draft has been completed, trades may occur in the draft room with the majority approval of all managers and executive board member’s in attendance. Any trade requests after draft day will need 100% approval of the president, division director and all managers. Practice day/time selection will be selected by the managers in the Major’s division first, then Minor’s, double AA and single A to follow in order.

 

5.5 Every player on a minor team must play at least two defensive innings, or one half of the game, whichever is greater. This will be tracked directly in the scorebook to ensure minimum play can be verified if needed. If a player does not play the required defensive innings he/she must:

 

a) Start the following game;

b) Complete the requirement missed from the previous game; and

c) Complete the playing requirement for the game being played.

 

In the event of a discrepancy with the pitch count or score while the game is in progress, the manager (not the coach, a parent, player, other observer, etc. ) shall ask the umpire for time  and discuss the discrepancy with the umpire (not the score booth). The umpire will then discuss with the appropriate personnel and all decisions will be final. 

 

5.6 The manager of each team must let the scorekeeper know of defensive changes each inning. The manager must sign the scorebook at the end of the game (pre-season, regular season and playoffs). Failure to do so may result in disciplinary actions. The Division Director will review the official score book periodically to ensure compliance with this rule. Therefore, it is important that each manager review the official score book after each game to make sure it is accurate.

 

5.7 All managers shall start each player at least every other game.

 

5.8 In an effort to develop more pitchers in the Minor’s Division, a player may not be the starting pitcher (pitch in the first inning) in consecutive games. Any player who throws at least one pitch in the first inning will not be permitted to pitch the following game until three innings have been completed (enter in the 4th inning). This rule is mandatory and may not be waived by the managers. In the event that a pitcher who threw at least one pitch in the first inning of the previous game, pitches in the first 3 innings, the manager and pitcher will be subject to the rules regarding the use of an ineligible pitcher. This rule is for pre-season, regular season and playoff games. It is not a rule for inter-league, playoff and post-season (TOC/CMMT and All-Stars).

 

5.9 Every player on the roster and in attendance bats in the order specified by the manager unless said player is being disciplined or is injured. Playoffs will not use a continuous batting order.

 

5.10  A player may be benched during a game only if the manager has given advance written notification to the Minor Division Director and has received approval for such action by the Minor Division Director, President or Vice-President. Should exigent circumstances exist, verbal approval can be made by the Minor Division Director, President or Vice President.

 

5.11 – No new inning shall begin after one hour and forty-five minutes from the start time (first pitch of the game). If no start time is given by the umpire, it is the responsibility of the managers and/or the official scorekeeper to have the umpire declare a starting time. In any inning, in the event of an injury or if the manager of the team in the lead delays the game purposefully or not (e.g. changes pitcher or catcher, asks for time to consult the pitcher, hitter, umpire, etc., delays in sending the team to the field or batter to the plate), the umpire “may” add additional time to the game by notifying the official scorekeeper and both managers of the new “no new inning” time. The additional time added to the game is up to the discretion of the umpire and may not be grounds for protest. Please note: minimum inning requirements must be met for a completed game.

 

5.12 The Minor League season will consist of regular season games and the playoffs. The regular season may include one or more practice games, which shall not count towards the standings. For all non-practice games in the regular season, each team will be awarded two points for a win, one point for a tie and no points for a loss.

 

5.13 Four run rule: There will be a maximum of four (4) runs scored per team in each of the first five innings in a regular season game (three (3) run for pre-season game).  The sixth inning will be an open inning.  Any runs scored in a run limited inning after the maximum runs have scored will not be counted, unless an over the fence home run was hit..  If the umpire believes the 4^th or 5^th inning may be the last, they can declare it an open inning.  If time allows for an additional inning, that inning will be open as well. The rule will be five (5) runs for the local playoff games. The 4 run may also apply for all interleague games played at Nielson field.

 

5.14 Managers and Coaches should emphasize sportsmanship at every opportunity. Baseball traditions such as not stealing bases or advancing on passed balls when a team has a lead of ten runs or more shall be taught and followed. Observance and promotion of sportsmanship are criteria that will be considered in selecting players, managers and coaches for participation in post-season play. No player may steal home if their team has a lead of ten runs or more. The player stealing home will be declared out and all runners will return to their bases at the time of the pitch. A second offense by the same team, at any time during the season, will also cause the manager to be suspended for two games. A third offense, at any time during the season, shall be grounds for dismissal of the manager from the League.

 

5.15 The Minor Division Director shall maintain a list of players that are interested in playing for a team that has an insufficient number of players (the “Player Pool”). The Player Pool shall consist of (first) ‘AA’ Division players that the Minor Division Director and ‘AA’ Division Director determine are appropriate for Minor Division play, and (second) Minor League players that the Minor Division Director determines are eligible to substitute. The replacement players are referred to as the “Pool Players” and the members of the team that needs to borrow a player are referred to as the “Roster Players”.

 

5.16. If a team determines that it needs to borrow a player from the Player Pool for any regular season or playoff game, the following rules shall be observed:

 

• The Pool Players shall be selected from a list maintained by the Minor Division Director.
• The Manager of the team using a Pool Player must complete the log attached to the Pool Player list immediately following the game.
• The Pool Players shall play no more than the minimum playing time (so as to maximize the playing time of Roster Players), unless a Pool Player is needed to field 9 players.
• The Pool Players shall play the outfield only, unless there are not enough Roster Players to fill the infield positions.
• The Pool Players may not pitch or catch under any circumstances.
• The Pool Players will bat last in the order.

 

5.17 An official game shall be 4 innings (or 3.5 innings if the home team is ahead). If a game is rained out or suspended for any reason after becoming an “official game,” it shall not be resumed or made up.

 

5.18 All Minor Division teams will participate in the playoffs. The playoff format will be a double elimination tournament. The teams will be seeded according to their finish in the regular season, subject to the discretion of the Minor Division Director in the event of uneven numbers of complete games. The official brackets from the Little League website will be used.

 

5.19. In determining seeding, if any two teams are tied at the end of the regular season the following tiebreakers will be used. Practice games shall not be considered in any manner in determining tie breakers.

 

a) Record head to head (excluding practice games);

b) Fewest defensive runs allowed, head to head (excluding practice games).

c) Fewest defensive runs allowed, season (excluding practice games).

d) Flip of a coin

 

5.20 The home team in playoff games shall be determined as follows:

• In games conducted under the winner’s bracket, the highest seeded of the two teams shall be the home team.
• In games conducted under the elimination bracket, home team shall be decided by the flip of a coin by the board member on duty or the umpire 30 minutes before game time.
• In the first championship game, the winner’s bracket representative shall be the home team.
• If there is a need for a second championship game, the home team shall be decided by the flip of a coin by the board member on duty or the umpire 30 minutes before game time.

5.21 Pitching for the playoffs shall be regular season rules with no adjustment for rest between the playoffs and regular season. The starting consecutive game rule is removed between the last regular season game and first playoff game only.

 

5.22 Participation in the playoffs, including all necessary championship games, is mandatory and shall be a condition for advancing to post-season play. It shall no longer be acceptable for the two teams to agree to not play the championship game under the theory that both teams are advancing to post-season play.

 

5.23 The winner of the play-offs shall have the first option to select their bracket team number from the post-season tournament brackets. In other words, the winner of the playoffs can select its position in the pool for the post-season tournament if there are more than one Westchester teams in the tournament. The runner-up shall have second pick. If there are additional teams entered, the next place team will choose its team and so on from there.

 

5.24 All playoff games will consist of at least 6 innings.  The 5 run rule will still be in place for the first 4 innings. The inning will be open for the 5^th inning and beyond. No New inning will start after 2.00 hours (as long as innings for completed game has been played). A 10-run rule limit will be enforced after four innings (3 ½ if home team is ahead by 10 or more runs).

 

5.25 If any manager does not comply with the minimum defensive play rule, which is half the game, then that manager will be subject to suspension for the next game.

 

5.26 “Intentional walks” (catcher standing and calling for an outside pitch) are NOT allowed during the regular season.

 

5.27 No player should ever have a bat in their possession unless they are up to bat. A player must always wear a batting helmet when handling a bat.  All base runners must also wear a batting helmet.

 

6 – Farm Division “AA” Specific rules

6.1 All players that have not been drafted onto a Major or Minor Division team will return to the player pool to be selected for the Farm Division.

 

6.2 All returning Farm Division players not drafted to a Minor or Major Division team must be drafted onto a Farm Division team.

 

6.3 The Farm Division Directors and the President, Vice President or their designees shall form the makeup of the teams.

 

6.4 The Single A Division will have teams (typically ages 6-8) with 9 or more kids per team.  Only very inexperienced 8 year olds might possibly be considered for Single A because these older kids should be playing (Double) AA in order to better prepare them for Minors.

 

6.5 The (Double) AA Division will also have teams (typically ages 7-10). Only inexperienced 10 year olds might possibly be considered for (Double) AA because these older kids should be playing Minors in order to better prepare them for Majors.

 

6.6 Regular Season: A game will be considered complete after 4 innings. No new inning shall begin after one hour and forty five minutes from the start of any game. The umpire shall determine the start time of the game and will have the official scorekeeper record the start time in the official scorebook. Minimum inning requirements must be met for a completed game.

 

6.7 Kid pitch max 6 pitches per batter if 1 or 2 strikes, or 4 pitches if 0 strikes. The 6 pitch count includes all foul balls. At no time shall a pitcher continue pitching once there are 4 balls or 6 total pitches.  Coach of hitting team will pitch from the pitcher’s mound. Coaches must pitch while standing up (Not from knee) from the dirt area (back foot on or very close to edge of dirt mound). An umpire will call strikes during kid and coach pitch. Walks can’t occur but strikeouts can. The batter does not have a maximum number of pitches, as we do not want to teach kids to swing at bad pitches.  The batter is awarded first base if hit by a kid pitch.

 

6.8 Kid pitch maximum 1 inning during the regular season. This will help to ensure all kids pitch under 50 pitches and no need for pitch count.

 

6.9 If a kid pitcher hits 2 kids in an inning, coach of team batting will pitch the remainder of that inning.

 

6.10 Three (3) outs per inning, strikeouts count as outs. No walks. If the batter is hit by a kid pitcher they are awarded first-base. If the batter is hurt, a pinch runner (last out) can pinch run. If the coach pitch hits the batter he remains at bat. If batter can’t continue his at bat is skipped and no penalty occurs.

 

6.11 Pinch runner (last out) should be used for catcher to speed game up. When this is used the player who is substituted for must be the catcher for the next half inning. When the substitution is made it is to be reported to the scorekeeper.

 

6.12 Runs count, maximum 4 runs per inning, even during last inning(s). No open inning in Regular Season. This will change for Playoffs.

 

6.13 Stealing and/or advancement on wild pitches/passed balls are only allowed during kid pitch (not coach pitch) and runners can only advance a maximum of one base to second and/or third-base.  Stealing a base is only allowed if a ball hits the ground. When the ball is caught cleanly by the catcher no stealing is permitted (interleague rules may differ). Home plate is “dead.” Advancing to home can only occur as a result of a ball put in play or a walk/HBP. For example; Runners on First and Third, runner steals 2^nd, catcher throws ball into outfield, runner must stay at 2B and other runner must stay at 3B. Eligibility for stealing is defined as only available on passed ball or wild pitches (e.g. ball hits ground).

 

6.14 On overthrows to 1B, all runners are allowed to advance at their own risk a maximum of 2 bases beyond base occupied at the time of the pitch. For example: a runner on first and a ball is hit to the pitcher who throws over the first-baseman’s head, the runner on first may at their own risk try to advance to third-base, while the batter may try to advance to second base. In the event the first baseman picks up the over thrown ball and tries to get the batter at second base or the runner going to third-base, but overthrows the ball again, the runners are NOT permitted to advance any further. This rule is intended to try and keep the game from becoming a circus, while still teaching the kids to try and make the right play.

 

6.15 In the event that a play is made to Second base, Third Base or home, runners cannot continue to advance. For example, a ball hit to the outfield and the runner is trying to get a double. If the defense throws the ball near second base while the runner is near, at, or just past second base, the runner cannot continue to third base, no matter where the ball ends up. Possession is not required. Also, all other runners cannot advance any further as well. This is completely the discretion of the umpire.

 

6.16 An outfielder is not allowed to make a “put out” by covering a base or getting a ground ball and running to the base. An outfielder can make a play and throw it to an infielder covering a base as long as he is still in the OF area and doesn’t run the ball in.

 

6.17 Outfielders must play beyond (not at) the dirt infield or outfield line and are not allowed to make a play on the dirt, including pop-ups. Any out that an outfielder makes on a groundball fielded in the dirt will not count. This is to prevent injuries of infielders and outfielders colliding on pop-ups and grounders.

 

6.18 Coach interference: If a ground ball hits the coach pitcher unintentionally, it’s a live ball and what happens…happens. If a coach picks it up or purposefully stops the ball (just not thinking), then it’s an automatic out. No bunting while coach is pitching.

 

6.19 If a manager or coach is heard or seen telling a hitter not to swing at a kid pitch, either verbally or by a signal, the pitch is either a strike or a “no pitch.” Coaches can instruct to get a pitch they like, but they can not tell a kid “Do Not Swing.” There is a difference. This is the umpire’s discretion.

 

6.20 Any arguing or questioning of an umpire “judgment call” by a manager/coach will be an automatic ejection and one game suspension. A second time and the manager or coach may be removed from their duties at the discretion of the (Double) AA Director and the WLL Board. If an umpire gets a (Double) AA rule incorrect (such as an outfielder makes a put out at 2B) Managers can and should call time-out and discuss it with the umpire. This rule is in effect with both official umpires and/or coach umpires.

 

6.21 No protests allowed whatsoever.

 

6.22 All (Double) AA boys must wear an athletic cup/supporter during games. Boys are not allowed to participate in the game without a protective cup/supporter. It is the manager’s responsibility before every game to confirm with their boy players that they are wearing their protective cup.  

 

6.23 Practice Games wins/losses don’t count.

 

6.24 Regular season games, wins & losses are kept. Ties can occur except for playoffs.

 

6.25 A continuous batting order is used. In the field, a maximum of 9 players play the field. Minimum of 8 players.

 

6.26 In the event that a pitcher no longer wants to pitch, another kid can not replace a kid pitcher in the middle of an inning. The coach of the team batting would pitch the remainder of that inning.

 

6.27 Coach of hitting team will stand behind the pitcher’s mound during warm-ups to stop balls that get by the pitcher and so they are ready to pitch.

 

6.28 Players cannot play the same position more than two innings (except for catcher maximum 3 innings) in the same game. All players must play at least 1 inning of a game in the infield for games that go 3 to 4 innings, 2 innings in the infield if the game goes 5 or more innings.  All players must play at least one inning in the outfield.

 

6.29 All kids must play ¾ of the game on defense.  Failure to play a kid ¾ of the game, or play a kid in the infield or outfield as described above could be grounds for manager suspension.

 

6.29A. If a team determines that it needs to borrow a player from the Player Pool for any regular season or playoff games, the following rules shall be observed: (note; only enough pool players should be used to field 10 for the team.)

 

• The Pool Players shall be selected from a list maintained by the AA Division Director.
• The Manager of the team using a Pool Player must complete the log attached to the Pool Player list immediately following the game.
• The Pool Players shall play no more than the minimum playing time (so as to maximize the playing time of Roster Players), unless a Pool Player is needed to field 9 players.
• The Pool Players shall play the outfield only.
• The Pool Players may not pitch or catch under any circumstances.
• The Pool Players will bat last in the order.

 

6.30 Coaches are to show up to the game with a pre-determined batting order line-up. In the event of a no-show, the coach can make changes.

 

6.31 Game Playoff: If the season goes without problems, a Playoff will be set-up at the end of the season. Seeding will be determined based on the number of teams participating per year.

 

6.32 Playoff games will have a 5 inning minimum.  Once this minimum is met, there will be no new inning after 1hr and 45 min.

 

6.33 The team on defense can have up to 2 coaches out of the dugout; however, only one may be in the outfield, the other one is restricted to between the bricks. Teams are limited to four (4) coaches in the area designated for their team (e.g. dugout) in an attempt to speed up the game when teams play on the main field one coach is allowed to be behind the catcher (back and to the side by the backstop) to get the past balls. He is not allowed to be there when a runner is on base.

 

6.34 During playoffs there may be 2 coaches out of the dugout but they are both restricted to the bricks. Offense follows normal green book rules.

 

6.35 No player should ever have a bat in their possession unless they are up to bat. The coach must give each player the bat before moving off the bench to the batter’s box.  A player must always wear a batting helmet when handling a bat.  All base runners must also wear a batting helmet.

 

6.36 Players should arrive 30-45 minutes prior to the start of the game.

 

7 - FARM DIVISION SINGLE A SPECIFIC RULES

7.1 Score is not kept during the games and no wins/losses are recorded.

 

7.2 Soft baseball will be used.

 

7.3 Players are assigned teams by the Director(s) (not a draft) based on their skill level rating given by managers and directors during tryouts.  The aim is to create balanced teams. Requests by parents and coaches to have their kids play together or for a particular coach will be considered by the Single A Director and will be accommodated to a reasonable extent if conformance to the concept of balanced teams can be maintained.

 

7.3a The Single A Division will have teams (typically ages 6-8) with 9 or more kids per team.  Only very inexperienced 8 year olds might possibly be considered for Single A because these older kids should be playing (Double) AA in order to better prepare them for Minors.

 

7.4 No minimum innings required. No new inning to start after 1:30 (time to be verified).

 

7.5 All pitching (overhand) done by a coach.  Each batter will be allowed a maximum of 5-6 pitches. There will be no walks.   If the batter is hit by the coach pitch, he/she remains at bat.  If a batter swings and misses at the last pitch, it is considered a strikeout and the batter goes back to the dugout.  If the last pitch is fouled off, the batter continues to bat until the next strike or the ball is put in play.

 

7.6 During the first half of the season, put-outs can be made but a team’s entire lineup will be allowed to bat each inning no matter how many outs are made. If a batter strikes out or a batter or base runner is put out, he/she returns to the dugout.

 

7.7 During the second half of the season, a half inning ends after a team’s entire lineup has batted or 3 put-outs are made on batters or base runners.  Strikeouts do not count as an out.  If a batter strikes out or a batter or base runner is put out, he/she returns to the dugout.  If a team is retired by 3 outs in an inning, the next batter in the lineup following the last batter to make an out leads off in the next inning.

 

7.8 Maximum of 6 players in the infield (C, P, 1B, 2B, SS, 3B).  Only 1 infielder can play the pitcher position.  The rest of the players should be distributed evenly in the outfield.  Outfielders must play beyond the dirt infield. 

 

7.9 No stealing, lead-offs, or sliding.

 

7.10 No protests allowed.

 

7.11 A team can play with less than 9 players but must have at least 7. 

 

7.12 All boys should be encouraged to wear a protective cup to practices and games.  No boy can play catcher without a cup. 

 

7.13 Dead Zone:  This area is a triangle from the back stop to the pitcher’s mound.  When the ball is thrown in from the field, the ball becomes dead in this zone; the base runners cannot continue to advance.  At the start of the season, players should be encouraged to throw the ball in to the coach pitcher or to their catcher if there is a play at home.  As the season progresses, the players may be encouraged to throw the ball in to their infielder teammates ahead of the base runners to hold them or to their catcher if there is a play at home 

 

7.14 Base runners may advance one base only on an overthrow. They cannot advance more than one base per batter.

 

7.15 No player should ever have a bat in their possession unless they are up to bat. The coach must give each player the bat before moving off the bench to the batter’s box.  A player must always wear a batting helmet when handling a bat.  All base runners must also wear a batting helmet.

 

7.16 All players must rotate all positions, excluding catcher.  Remember, the Single A Division may be the only time kids get to try out all of the positions.  All positions need to be rotated.  Don’t always put the best player(s) in the infield.  Every child should play infield and outfield each game.  Encourage players to try the catcher position and rotate if they show interest.  Before the end of the season, every player must play every position, except catcher (player’s choice). A player who wants to play catcher should be allowed to play catcher at least one inning.

 

7.17 After the games, teams stand outside their dugout to give a cheer for the opposing team.  Players then line up to shake hands with the other players and coaches and exchange positive greetings.  Encourage players to thank the umpire, if any, as well.  Return to the dugout and collect equipment.  If coach(s) want to talk or discuss anything with the players, move to the foul area to talk.  The games need to stay in strict time frames so they are started on time.  Always give players positive feedback.

 

8 – All-Stars Selection

8.1 The All-star committee shall make a recommendation regarding the All-star selection process at or before the May board meeting.

 

 

Local Rules Approval

These Local Rules of Westchester Little League may be added to, amended, etc. at the discretion of the League's Board of Directors and will be reviewed on a yearly basis. The signatures below certify the above rules have been voted on and approved by the Board of Directors.