Rookie Baseball Rules

The Official Little League Rules and Regulations for Baseball Divisions apply. The following highlights those rules and makes 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. (LL Rules, VII(h))

Innings end after 3 outs or 5 runs, whichever occurs first. (LL Rules, 2.00, Inning; 5.07, Minor League)

No official or unofficial scores or league standings shall be kept. (LL Rules, VII(h); 1.02)

Batting

All teams must use a continuous batting order, meaning that the entire rosters of players present must be placed in the batting order. (LL Rules, 2.0, Batting Order; 4.04, Note 1, Note 2)

There is no on-deck circle allowed in Little League. 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. (LL Rules, 1.08, Note 1)

Only the first batter of each half-inning will be permitted outside the dugout between half-innings. (LL Rules, 1.08, Note 2)

Batboys and batgirls are not permitted. (LL Rules III(b))

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 approximately three or four 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 or steal and must stay in contact with their base until the batter hits the ball. Runners may not advance by stealing or on wild pitches/passed balls.

Any runner between two bases after a hit ball must stop at the next base when the ball is in control in the infield.  (LL Rules 7.13, Note; District 2 Baseball Interleague Rules) If a defensive player attempts to make a play on a runner and the ball is thrown away, the runner may not advance further than the next base.

A runner must slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. (LL Rules 7.08(a)(3))

A runner is out if the runner slides head first while advancing. (LL Rules 7.08(a)(3))

Fielding

All players present must play in the field every inning. (LL Rules, 4.01(d), Note 1)

Except the pitcher and catcher, any fielder may be stationed anywhere in fair territory. (LL Rules 4.03(c))  Note: Coaches are encouraged to play their players in proper positions.

The infield fly rule does not apply. (LL Rules, 2.00, Infield Fly, Note 2)

Catchers must wear a chest protector. Male catchers must wear a protective cup. (LL Rules, 1.17(h)). Note: All male players are encouraged to wear a cup.

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

Pitching may be by either coach pitch or pitching machine.

Pitching Machine

A coach for the offensive team shall pitch the ball.

If the batter is not put out or does not reach base after 4 pitches, the batter may elect to receive a 5th pitch or may hit from a tee. The batter may continue batting if he or she hits a foul ball on the 5th pitch or from the tee. If while hitting of the tee, the batter misses the ball but hits the tee, it is a foul ball. (LL Rules, 2.00, Foul Ball, Note 2)

If a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the ball remains in play.

Coach Pitch

The batting team's coach pitches to his or her own team.

The defensive player occupying the pitching position shall stand beside or near the coach.

Coaches

The offensive team is allowed three adult coaches on the field, one in the 1st base coaches box, one in the 3rd base coaching box and one in proximity of home plate for instructional purposes.  (LL Rules, XIV(c)(d); 4.05)

The defensive team may have coaches on the playing field for instructional purposes.  (LL Rules, XIV(d), Exception)

A coach or team parent must be in the dugout with the players at all times.  (LL Rules XIV(d); 4.05(2))

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, with or without a warning, any player for any conduct which presents a safety hazard. This includes losing control of or intentionally throwing bats or helmets, among other actions. Managers have discretion to assess the penalty deemed appropriate given the circumstances.