Rookie Playing Rules

The Official Little League Rules and Regulations for Baseball and Softball Divisions apply. The game rules below follow these Rules and Regulations, with modifications as determined appropriate by the SEPLL Board of Directors.

Games/Innings

Games may not last more than 1 hour and 15 minutes from their scheduled start time.
Innings end after 3 outs or 5 runs, whichever occurs first.
No official or unofficial scores or league standings shall be kept. Players should be discouraged from keeping score.
Game Balls: The ball used in games should be a soft Tee Ball-style ball, in good condition.
When there is a game played between a Rookie Baseball team and a Rookie Softball team, the game ball will change each half inning. Each team will hit their team's ball and field the other team's ball. (Baseball teams hit baseballs and field softballs, Softball teams hit softballs and field baseballs.)

Batting

All teams must use a continuous batting order. The entire rosters of players present must be placed in the batting order, and the order should not change (except for injuries or similar player situations).
Under no circumstances shall any player have a bat in hand until the player is wearing a Little League approved batting helmet, an adult is immediately present, and it is time for the player to bat. A coach should keep all bats out of the dugout area, and hand players their bats as they approach the plate.
Only the first batter of each half-inning will be permitted outside the dugout between half-innings.
Batboys and batgirls are not permitted.
Batters may not walk or strike out. To keep the pace of play moving, if a batter does not put the ball in play after five pitches, have the batter hit the ball from a tee.
Batters may not bunt. If the batter takes a swing and puts the ball in play, the batter may advance to first base regardless of how far the ball travels.

Runners

Runners may not lead off and must stay in contact with their base until the batter hits the ball.
Runners may not advance by stealing at any time.
Any runner between two bases after a hit ball must stop at the next base when the ball is in control in the infield.
A runner must attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. Runners may not run into fielders under any circumstance. However, there is no sliding allowed at the Rookie division.
Runners may advance on a hit (one base on a single; two bases on a double--a solid hit into the outfield; no triples) or after tagging up at the previous base on a fly ball.
Runners may not take bases on an overthrow.
Outs are recorded in the field; if a batter or runner is put out, they return to the dugout.

Fielding

All players present must play in the field every inning.
Any fielder (aside from the catcher) may be stationed anywhere in fair territory. However, coaches are encouraged to play their players in proper positions (while being creative if there are more than 9 players). Please also ensure that players are placed in positions where they will be safe (if they are unable to keep their eye on the ball, move them back from the batter).
All outfielders must be clearly in the outfield and back up the infield, allowing the infielders to play the ball first. Similarly, infielders should allow outfielders to field balls hit past the base paths.
All fielders should be instructed on the general fielding concepts of right and left sides of the field. They should understand to field the ball when it is on their side of the field, and to allow their teammates to field balls hit to the other side.
The infield fly rule does not apply.
Catchers are not required, but if there is a catcher, they must wear a chest protector, shin guards, and mask/helmet with throat guard. A catchers’ mitt is not required, a regular fielding glove is fine. Male catchers must wear a protective cup, according to Little League rules.
A coach might stand near the catcher to help retrieve passed balls and keep the game moving at a good pace. A coach may field pitches if no player is willing to play catcher.
Every effort should be made to have the catcher in his or her catching equipment ready to play when the defense takes the field.

Pitching

The coach of the offensive team (currently at bat) pitches to his or her own team.
The defensive player occupying the pitching position shall stand beside or near the coach.
If the batter is not put out or does not reach base after 5 pitches, the batter may hit from a tee. The batter may continue batting until the ball is put into play. If while hitting of the tee, the batter misses the ball but hits the tee, it is a foul ball.

Coaches

The offensive team is allowed four adult coaches on the field; the coach pitching, a coach in the 1st base coaching box, one in the 3rd base coaching box and one in proximity of home plate for instructional purposes.
The defensive team may have coaches on the playing field for instructional and supportive purposes. However, coaches may not interfere with the game when the ball is in play.
A coach or team parent must be in the dugout with the players at all times.

Umpires

Both managers are to umpire each game. The umpire shall be the coach pitching and is responsible for calling foul balls, declaring a player safe or out and calling time-out.
Managers may warn or disqualify any player for any conduct which presents a safety hazard. This includes losing control of or intentionally throwing bats or helmets, among other actions.