KATY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE RULES AND GUIDELINES

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1 CONTENTS CONTENTS... 1 GENERAL GROUND RULES... 2 GAME TIMES... 3 TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES... 4 CODE OF CONDUCT... 5 Managers, Coaches and Players... 5 Parents & Spectators... 5 DIVISION RULES... 6 Intermediate Division... 6 Minor Division... 6 Coach Pitch 7/8 Division... 7 Tee-Ball Division... 9 POST SEASON TOURNAMENTS Tournament Divisional Rule Changes PRACTICES Where not otherwise provided herein, the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League Baseball 2014 apply. The rules provided here-in are intended to clarify and document League level rules based on rule options allowed under Little League Baseball and all references are to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League Baseball In the event of any conflict between the Official Regulations and Playing Rules and the rules contained herein, the rules contained herein shall govern over Katy National Little League games. Page 1

2 GENERAL GROUND RULES 1. All players shall be listed on the lineup card and in the scorebook. If they are not present or are unable to play the correct number of innings, the Manager should make a notation and explanation. 2. Teams may use a continuous batting order. Intermediate and minors coaches MAY use a 9 player lineup and play by Little League tournament rules as stated in the Little League rule book. This includes minimum play requirements. 3. Each team must have a minimum of 8 players to start a game. If additional players show up during the game, they are to be inserted at the end of the batting order. If additional players do not show up then the Manger of the team with 8 players may play with 8 in the field, or, at his option (with the other team agreeing without involvement in the decision), may request that the opposing team s last batter of the previous inning play in the field for his team. The field position will be an outfield position determined by the Manager with 8 players. At the start of the game, the last batter in the opposing team s lineup is eligible for field play. 4. KNLL upholds the Little League Standards for both Tournament and Regular Season play. With regard to all pitchers league age 14 and under: If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest is required. If a player pitches pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest is required. If a player pitches pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest is required. If a player pitches pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest is required. If a player pitches 0-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest is required. Note: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. Any player, who has played the position of catcher for 4 or more innings, shall not be allowed to pitch for the remainder of that day. 5. A player that becomes injured during the game and is unable to continue playing can be removed from the lineup without penalty (i.e. no automatic out). Page 2

3 6. An injury report must be filled out for every injury no matter how minor. A Board Member on Duty can provide the necessary forms. The forms can also be found in the Concession Stand. An injury report must be filed with the League VP regardless if the injury is to a player, coach or spectator. 7. All runners shall slide feet-first or attempt to avoid contact with the defensive player while that player is in the process of making a play on the runner, contingent that the fielder is in possession or in the process of being in possession of the ball. In the Intermediate division, all runners are allowed to slide head-first. 8. Teams shall change positions as rapidly as possible at the end of each inning. Play should resume within 2 minutes of the last out. The home plate Umpire will monitor and enforce this rule. Intermediate/Minor: A new pitcher may take 8 warm-up pitches inbetween each inning. Returning pitchers may take 6 warm-up pitches. In the event the defensive team did not run for the catcher (or the catcher is not immediately available), the pitcher will be afforded only three warm up pitches after 2 minutes have elapsed from the last out. 9. A ball that becomes lodged or goes under the fence in fair territory shall be considered a ground rule double. The fielder must raise both arms in the air in order to stop play. If the player attempts to retrieve the ball, play continues. 10. When a ball is hit over the outfield fence in fair territory it is declared a Home Run. If the ball hits the yellow tubing and does not leave the playing field, the ball is live. The Manager and Coach may congratulate the player as he circles the bases, but the rest of the team must remain in the dugout until the batter returns to the dugout from home plate. 11. No Protests will be allowed, except for rules infractions. All disputes must be settled within 5 minutes by the Lead Umpire. The Manager may, with permission from the LEAD UMPIRE, and with rule book in hand, question a call or ruling. The Umpire s decision at the end of the 5 minutes is final. JUDGEMENT CALLS CANNOT BE PROTESTED. 12. Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag." It shall be the umpire's judgment, not subject to appeal, whether the runner made an attempt to avoid direct contact in this situation. In the event the fielder does not have the ball or is not in the act of fielding the ball, the umpire may judge that an obstruction has occurred in which case the runner may be judged to be safe. In both instances, however, the runner may be ejected (not subject to appeal) by the umpire if in his/hers opinion the contact made by not sliding was both flagrant and intentional. Page 3

4 13. Rules and 9.01(c)-(e) governing misconduct shall be extended to include the team's spectators and/or parents (i.e. Managers, YOU may be held responsible by the umpires for the actions of ALL those involved with your team.) 14. A continuous batting order will be used (unless otherwise stated) with all players present at the OFFICIAL start time. A tardy player shall be added to the bottom of the order and bat the next time that spot in the order comes up. A player who, due to injury or illness, cannot take his/her turn at bat may be passed WITHOUT penalty; however, that player may NOT reenter the game EITHER at bat or in the field. In the event a base runner cannot continue due to injury or illness, the batter or runner who made the LAST out shall be inserted to run for the injured runner. 15. No coaches are permitted to warm up pitchers. NO EXCEPTIONS. A player with a catcher s mask may be utilized to warm up a pitcher between innings. GAME TIMES 1. To insure the games start on time, the Manager of the home team shall have his players ready to take the field at least 5 minutes prior to the actual Game Time. The meeting between the Managers and Umpires should take place 10 minutes before Game Time. The start of the game clock shall be when the first batter steps into the batter s box. The Umpire shall announce on the clock as he gives the pitcher the signal to play ball. In the Tee-Ball division, where an Umpire is not involved, all games shall start no later than five (5) minutes after the posted Game Time. 2. Games scheduled to start after another game will start on time unless the proceeding game concludes less than 10 minutes before the scheduled Start Time. If this occurs, then the official Start Time will be no more than 10 minutes after the completion of the preceding game. On-field warm up, including pre-game outfield practice, will be limited to the time available. Areas are available adjacent to each field for pre-game warm up. These areas must be used to ensure games start on time. 3. Except to assure that a regulation game is played, no inning shall start after: Tee-Ball: 50 minutes (Regulation Game not required) Coach Pitch 6: 50 minutes (Regulation Game not required) Coach Pitch 7/8: 1 hour, 30 minutes (or 6 Innings, whichever is quicker) Minor: 1 hour, 40 minutes (or 6 Innings, whichever is quicker) Intermediate: 2 hours, 0 minutes (or 7 innings, whichever is quicker) No inning shall begin after 9:30 pm and no game can continue past 9:45 pm. Any inning in progress shall be completed. A game that has been played to the end of the allotted time shall be considered a regulation game. 4. Pre-game Batting Cage times are assigned as follows: Page 4

5 Teams scheduled to play have precedent to the batting cages before games. a. HOME TEAM: The scheduled home team will have access to their scheduled batting cage FIRST for 25 minutes beginning at 1 hour prior to their scheduled game start time. b. VISITING TEAM: The scheduled visiting team will have access to their scheduled batting cage for 25 minutes beginning at 35 minutes prior to their scheduled game start time and following the scheduled visiting team. 5. Rain out games and scheduled games (where one or both teams do not have at least 8 players available per team) shall be rescheduled ASAP by the Division V.P. The Division V.P. shall coordinate with the two teams managers and report a mutually agreeable date to the League s Executive V.P. In the event a team cannot field at least 8 players on the initial makeup date, a second date will be set and that team must play or forfeit the game. TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES 1. Each team is responsible for cleaning their dugouts and stands. CODE OF CONDUCT Any abusive language and/or gestures, unsportsmanlike conduct, taunting or other negative behavior will not be tolerated at games or practices. Managers, Coaches and Players Any action against the Code of Conduct by a Manager, Coach or Player shall result in a verbal warning from the Umpire. If the action continues, the Plate or Field Umpire shall eject said offender for the remainder of the game. a. That ejection will affect that individual s ability to participate in Post Season Play (All-Stars). KNLL Board must approve the ineligibility. b. Any Manager, Coach and/or Player who is ejected from a game will be suspended for his/her next game, per Little League International rules. The KNLL board adds an additional game to that with the possibility of more sanctions, per review and board vote. 1 ejection= 2 games c. Any further misconduct on the part of said Manager or Coach shall result in suspension for the remainder of the season. Page 5

6 Parents & Spectators KATY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE d. Use of improper language by Managers or Coaches on the field or in the dugouts may be grounds for permanent suspension by the KNLL Board of Directors. It is the Manager s responsibility to control the Parents and spectators of their team. Any action against the Code of Conduct by a Parent or Spectator shall result in a verbal warning from the Umpire or KNLL Board Member to both the Manager and the Parent/Spectator. If the action continues, the Manager and the Parent or Spectator will be ejected from the game. a. A certified letter shall be sent from the KNLL Board to the offender outlining his/her misconduct. b. In the event said individual is ejected for a second time at any KNLL function, that individual shall be BANNED from all remaining KNLL activities. c. Managers: an ejection for not controlling the behavior of the parent and/or spectator during any given game does not constitute a suspension for any subsequent game. Any individual ejected from a game by an Umpire or suspended from a game(s) by the KNLL Board may not stay in the stands or in an area where he may be seen or heard from the fields. DIVISION RULES In addition to the Section above (General Rules, Game Time, Team Responsibilities and Code of Conduct), the following rules are specific to each Division: Intermediate Division 1. Infield play: No minimum requirements. 2. The Infield Fly Rule is in effect. 3. Metal Spikes are allowed. 4. Mercy Rule is in effect 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings Page 6

7 5. On Deck batters are allowed. KATY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE 6. Big barrel bats are allowed but NO 2 ¼ COMPOSITE BATS. 7. Special pinch runners are allowed in case of injury. 8. Teams must field at least 8 players no later than ten (10) minutes after the scheduled game time or a forfeit may exist. If a team loses a player during the game, they must borrow a player from the opponent to field 8 positions. The 9 th spot in the order will be an automatic out each time through the lineup. 9. If the third strike called by the Umpire is not caught by the catcher, providing (1) first base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out, then the batter can run to first base. In the event the batter does not realize his situation on a third strike not caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once enters the dugout/bench area. 10. For the first half (6 games) of the season, pitchers shall be given warnings only if the umpire detects a balk. Starting with the 7th game of the season, balks will be called in accordance with Little League rules. 11. Each team will be allowed to have 3 coaches. 2 will coach the bases from the coach s boxes, and 1 adult coach must remain in the dugout. If a team has only 1 coach, a player MAY coach one of the bases while wearing a helmet. While on defense, all coaches must remain in the dugout until granted time out by the Umpire, not on the field. 12. Protests are allowed. 13. Courtesy runner is REQUIRED for the catcher with 2 outs in a given inning. The last player, who is not the pitcher of record, to make an out should be used. 14. Teams may use a continuous batting order, or coaches MAY use a 9 player lineup and play by Little League tournament rules as stated in the Little League rule book. This includes minimum play requirements. Minor Division 1. There will be no intentional walks. Pitchers must throw all four balls to walk a batter. Thos pitches will count towards the pitchers pitch limit. Page 7

8 2. The Infield Fly Rule IS in effect. Runners may advance at their own risk. 3. A 5 Run Rule limit per inning is in effect regardless of the number of outs. Once the 5th run has crossed the plate, the half inning is over. 4. Mercy Rule is in effect 15 runs after 3 innings, 10 runs after 4 innings, 8 runs after 5 innings 5. Outfielders must be positioned at least 30 feet from the infield dirt. 6. Each team will be allowed to have 3 coaches. 2 will coach the bases from the coach s boxes, and 1 adult coach must remain in the dugout. If a 3rd coach is not available, a player must coach one of the bases while wearing a helmet. While on defense, all coaches must remain in the dugout until granted time out by the Umpire, not on the field. 7. Teams are limited to 90 seconds between innings to include the time for warm up pitches. Pitches can be cut short at the umpire s discretion. 8. On Deck batters are not allowed on the field. Hitters must remain in the dugout until it is their turn at bat. 9. No players will swing a bat inside the dugout or equipment area for safety reasons. 10. Teams may use a continuous batting order, or coaches MAY use a 9 player lineup and play by Little League tournament rules as stated in the Little League rule book. This includes minimum play requirements. 11. Teams must field at least 8 players no later than ten (10) minutes after the scheduled game time or a forfeit may exist. If a team loses a player during the game, they must borrow a player from the opponent to field 8 positions. The 9 th spot in the order will be an automatic out each time through the lineup. 12. Courtesy runner for the catcher is REQUIRED with 2 outs or 4 runs in a given inning. The last player, who is not the pitcher of record, to make an out should be used. Coach Pitch 7/8 Division Score shall be kept, and there will be a winning team and losing team. Standings will also be kept, and this division will have an end of the season tournament (SPRING). Page 8

9 Games are 6 innings, but no inning will start beyond 1 hour and 30 minutes after the official starting time. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, it will remain a tie (except in post season tournament play) The umpire is the sole judge of time. The game is completed when the time limit is reached and additional play will not change the outcome. The offensive team can have three coaches on the field. 2 base coaches (positioned at 1 st and 3 rd base) and a coach pitcher positioned at the pitcher s mound pitching to the batter. The defensive team can have two coaches on the field. 1 in the outfield and 1 just outside of the dugout to provide verbal instructions to the defensive team. The defensive team may furnish an adult to return balls that get past the catcher. The Home team will provide a scorekeeping volunteer. The Home team maintains the official scorebook. Scores will be posted, and standings will be maintained on the league s website during the season to allow for proper seeding for post season play. Prior to starting the game, Team Managers will exchange copies of the game lineup, including player names, uniform numbers, defensive positions, and batting order. game. Every player present for the game is in the batting order for the duration of the Any late arriving player will assume the last position in the batting order. A maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning per team (3 outs or 5 runs will constitute an inning for the offensive team). The game shall be called when it is mathematically impossible for one team to catch up in 6 innings. The game is over if a team is behind 16 runs at the end of 3 innings, 11 runs at the end of 4 innings, or 6 runs at the end of 5 innings. Pitching An adult coach or manager (18 years or older) is expected to pitch. The coach pitcher must remain in contact with the pitching rubber while pitching. The ball must be thrown overhand. No kneeling or pitching from the knee is allowed. The coach pitcher must leave the field, proceeding to foul territory, as soon as the ball is in play. Coaching from the pitcher s mound is to be limited to movement of the batter in the batter s box, as the coach pitcher is in the best position to view batter s alignment and recommend adjustments for safety reasons. Batting Each batter will be allowed a maximum of 5 pitches. If a foul ball is hit on the fifth pitch; then, the player will be allowed to continue batting until he or she does not make contact with the ball, or puts the ball in play. 5 pitches or 3 strikes = 1 out. Page 9

10 Batters are not permitted to bunt or soft swing at the ball. If, in the umpire s judgment, a batter soft swings or bunts, the pitch is ruled a strike and the ball is dead. There will be no base on balls or base awarded for a batter hit by a pitch. A fair ball hitting a coach pitcher will be declared a foul ball. If, in the umpire's judgment a coach interferes with a fielder's attempt to make a play, the ball is dead and the lead runner is out. Any batted ball that does not travel pass into the infield grass will be considered a fair territory foul ball. If the ball touches the infield grass and remains in contact with the grass, it is considered a fair ball. The penalty for a batter throwing a bat is umpire s discretion and can result in a warning, an out and/or ejection. Base Running When an out is made on a base runner, the base runner must leave the field of play and return to the dugout. If an infielder is attempting to tag a runner, the runner is out if they move more than 3 feet either direction from the base path they have established. The base path is measured from where the runner is, not from a direct line between bases, so a runner can round 1st base and make a huge arc toward 2nd with no penalty. For purposes of this rule, the base path is basically 6 feet wide but it s not always directly between the bases -- it s from where the runner is. An "overthrow" is defined as a thrown ball which is not controlled by the base player. On an overthrow to 1st base, a base runner can try to advance only one base, at their own risk. For example, a batter hits the ball to the short stop who fields the ball and makes the throw to 1st base attempting to make the force out; however, the throw was not accurate and sailed past the 1st base player who was unable to catch the ball. This is considered an overthrow. Overthrows can occur at any base as long as there is an attempt to make a force out at the base. The defense can attempt to make an out against the base runner(s) trying to advance on an overthrow. If no play is attempted on the base runner(s), the ball is declared dead and the batter can advance no further than the next base -- a player at 1st base when the ball is put into play can advance no further than 3rd base due to overthrows. Base runners may continue to advance one base if another overthrow is made while trying to make an out against a base runner. Base runners must tag up (be in contact with the base they were on at the start of the play) after a fly ball is caught, and can attempt to advance to the next base when the fly ball is first touched by the fielder. When tagging up, the base runner must re-trace their steps. If a base runner is hit by a fair batted ball, the base runner is out for interference, the batter is awarded 1st base and the ball is dead unless the following exceptions occur: o If a defensive player attempts to make a play on the ball, but fails to field the ball and then the ball hits the base runner, in the judgment of the umpire, Page 10

11 the base runner shall not be called out by the umpire, the play continues and the ball is live. o If the base runner is hit by a fair batted ball after a fielder first made contact with the ball, in the judgment of the umpire, the base runner shall not be called out by the umpire, the play also continues and the ball is live. Obstruction, in the judgment of the umpire, is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any base runner. When obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal "Obstruction." If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter/runner is obstructed before he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire s judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base he had last legally touched before the obstruction. Any preceding runners, forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction, shall advance without liability to be put out. o Exception: If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his position to receive the ball he may be considered in the act of fielding a ball. It is entirely up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of fielding a ball. After a fielder has made an attempt to field a ball and missed, he can no longer be in the act of fielding the ball. For example: If an infielder dives at a ground ball and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner. When the ball is in the possession of an infielder in the infield (arms in air not required), the umpire will call the ball dead when, in the umpire's judgment, a play will not be made on a base runner. Base runners (going from one base to the other) are allowed to advance at their own peril (risk of being put out). Once the ball is declared dead, placement of the base runners will be determined by the umpire. Runners that have made it at least half way to the next base will be awarded that base. o If a fielder attempts to make a play on a base runner, the play continues. If a play is attempted and the fielders make an error, the play continues and base runners can advance. o If an infielder does not attempt to make a play (maintaining possession of the ball in the infield), the umpire will call the ball dead. Any base runners that have not reached at least half way to the next base will be sent back to the last base reached safely. The ball is considered live as long as the ball is in the possession of an outfielder. When the ball is in the possession of an infielder and, in the umpire's judgment, all play on the base runner(s) has ceased, the umpire will call "Time". The ball is dead and will be returned to home plate. Base runners are not permitted to steal bases and will remain in contact with the base until the ball is hit. PENALTY: If a base runner is off the base when the ball is hit, the base runner is out and the ball is in play. Page 11

12 Defense: KATY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher. Nine players should be used defensively; six in the infield and three in the outfield. Free substitution. No player may sit on the bench more than one consecutive inning unless the player refuses to play or is unable to play. Good baseball fundamentals will be taught fielders should learn to throw to the proper base and should be discouraged from running down base runners to make an unassisted out. Every player must play at least two innings at an infield position each game. No infield fly rule. Infielders must catch fly balls. Outfielders must remain in the grass approximately half way between the infield dirt and the fence until the ball is put into play. Outfielders must throw or hand the ball to an infielder. Outfielders are not allowed to tag a base runner or run to a base to make an out. The catcher will be located in the catcher s box, no more than 8 feet directly behind home plate. The catcher may field the position defensively once the ball is in play, but must not interfere with the batter and/or base runner. The catcher must wear full catching equipment at all times. The player fielding the pitcher s position must have at least one foot inside of the pitcher s circle and be lined up no closer than the pitching rubber until the ball is hit. Balls fielded by the pitcher must be thrown to the base (or plate) in order to record an out. The pitcher can not charge home to make an unassisted out, or run down a runner to make an unassisted out. o Exception 1: Balls that are hit within 5 feet of the base path and fielded ahead of the runner. The pitcher is allowed to continue their momentum towards the runner to make a tag out. Their momentum must be moving towards the runner, and no more than 5 feet away from the base path when the ball is fielded. o Exception 2: If the defender is not the first defender to touch the ball, the pitcher becomes an eligible infielder able to make a play on any base runner. If another defensive player has touched the ball during the play the pitcher also becomes an eligible infielder. Infielders may not position themselves more than 5 feet inside the baselines. Please remember that this is 5 feet from the BASELINE, not the GRASSLINE. Coach Pitch 6 Division Page 12

13 1. Player Pitcher MUST wear helmet with faceguard. 2. Each batter will get 5 pitches. If both coaches agree, after 5 th pitch, hitter may use a tee. 3. If a batted ball hits one of the defensive team s coaches on the field before hitting any of the players, this is a dead ball. The batter and all runners will be awarded one base. 4. There is no leading off of a base. There is no base stealing. 5. If the runners are past the midline when the ball becomes dead they may advance to the next base. 6. Runners can only advance 1 base on an overthrown ball. 7. A 5 Run Rule limit per inning is in effect. Once the 5th run has crossed the plate, the half inning is over. 8. Teams will have 90 seconds to switch sides between innings. 9. All players on the team shall play a defensive position every inning. There will be one player assigned to each infield position. The remainder of the players will be positioned in the outfield. Each player will play an infield position at least one (1) inning per game. 10. No player may play the same position on defense for more than 2 innings. 11. While on defense, each team is allowed up to four coaches or parents on the field to help position the players. The adults may not touch any of the players or the ball while the ball is in play, except where player safety may be compromised. Coaches or parents must be positioned in grass areas not including infield or in foul territory. 12. The defense can stop play by getting all of the base runners out or getting the ball back into the pitchers circle. The ball only has to enter the pitching circle. It does not have to be controlled by the defensive team. 13. The defensive team must throw the ball to get an out instead of running to tag a player out except where running the player out would be the normal play. This is a judgment call. 14. Until the ball is hit, all infielders should play at normal depth and no closer than four feet in front of the baseline. The pitcher must have one foot inside pitcher s circle until the ball is hit. All outfielders must be positioned on outfield grass. 15. Four (4) outfielders may be used; however, all outfielders must remain in the outfield until the ball is struck. No rovers will be allowed (i.e., outfielders must be equally placed from left to right field and be at least one third of the way from the back of the infield dirt to the fence). It is illegal to play an outfielder just outside of the infield dirt areas. Page 13

14 Tee-Ball Division (No Coach Pitch) 16. No official score will be kept. KATY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE 17. Player Pitcher MUST wear helmet with faceguard. 18. Each batter will get 5 swings. a. 6-Year Olds: i. During the first four games of the season, all 6-year old players will hit off the batting tee. ii. Starting with a team s fifth game of the season, and at Manager s discretion, a batter may receive 3 pitches from a coach or parent (that has at least one foot in the pitcher s mound dirt). After these initial 3 pitches, the batter must hit from the batting tee. Two missed swings from the tee will be an out. b. 4 & 5-Year Olds: i. Throughout the full season, 4 and 5-year-old players cannot receive any coach pitching and must hit all balls off of the batting tee. 19. The batted ball must travel at least 15 feet. Any batted ball traveling less than 15 feet is a foul ball. If the batting tee is knocked over during a swing, this is considered a foul ball. 20. If a batted ball hits one of the defensive team s coaches on the field before hitting any of the players, this is a dead ball. The batter and all runners will be awarded one base. 21. There is no leading off of a base. There is no base stealing. 22. If the runners are past the midline when the ball becomes dead they may advance to the next base. 23. Runners can only advance 1 base on an overthrown ball. 24. A 5 Run Rule limit per inning is in effect regardless of the number of outs. Once the 5th run has crossed the plate, the half inning is over. 25. All players on the team shall play a defensive position every inning. There will be one player assigned to each infield position. The remainder of the players will be positioned in the outfield. Each player will play an infield position at least one (1) inning per game. 26. No player may play the same position on defense for more than 2 innings. Page 14

15 27. While on defense, each team is allowed up to four coaches or parents on the field to help position the players. The adults may not touch any of the players or the ball while the ball is in play, except where player safety may be compromised. Coaches or parents must be positioned in grass areas not including infield or in foul territory. 28. The defense can stop play by getting all of the base runners out or getting the ball back into the pitchers circle. The ball only has to enter the pitching circle. It does not have to be controlled by the defensive team. 29. The defensive team must throw the ball to get an out instead of running to tag a player out except where running the player out would be the normal play. This is a judgment call. 30. Until the ball is hit, all infielders should play at normal depth and no closer than four feet in front of the baseline. The pitcher must have one foot inside pitcher s circle until the ball is hit. All outfielders must be positioned on outfield grass. Tee-Ball Division (with Coach Pitch) 1. No official score will be kept. 2. Player Pitcher MUST wear helmet with faceguard. 3. The batted ball must travel at least 15 feet. Any batted ball traveling less than 15 feet is a foul ball. If the batting tee is knocked over during a swing, this is considered a foul ball. 4. If a batted ball hits one of the defensive team s coaches on the field before hitting any of the players, this is a dead ball. The batter and all runners will be awarded one base. 5. There is no leading off of a base. There is no base stealing. 6. If the runners are past the midline when the ball becomes dead they may advance to the next base. 7. Runners can only advance 1 base on an overthrown ball. 8. A 5 Run Rule limit per inning is in effect regardless of the number of outs. Once the 5th run has crossed the plate, the half inning is over. 9. All players on the team shall play a defensive position every inning. There will be one player assigned to each infield position. The remainder of the players will be positioned in the outfield. Each player will play an infield position at least one (1) inning per game. 10. No player may play the same position on defense for more than 2 innings. Page 15

16 11. While on defense, each team is allowed up to four coaches or parents on the field to help position the players. The adults may not touch any of the players or the ball while the ball is in play, except where player safety may be compromised. Coaches or parents must be positioned in grass areas not including infield or in foul territory. 12. The defense can stop play by getting all of the base runners out or getting the ball back into the pitchers circle. The ball only has to enter the pitching circle. It does not have to be controlled by the defensive team. 13. The defensive team must throw the ball to get an out instead of running to tag a player out except where running the player out would be the normal play. This is a judgment call. 14. Until the ball is hit, all infielders should play at normal depth and no closer than four feet in front of the baseline. The pitcher must have one foot inside pitcher s circle until the ball is hit. All outfielders must be positioned on outfield grass. POST SEASON TOURNAMENTS 1. Post season tournaments will be double-elimination. Once two teams have advanced to the Championship Game, the winner of that game will determine the Champion. This is to clarify that one team will enter that game with one loss, and the other will be undefeated through tournament play. There will be no if necessary game played if the undefeated team loses. 2. Seeding for the tournament will be based on won/loss record during the year (winning %). Should there be a tie in the standings, the following will be used as tiebreakers: 1st Tiebreaker: 2nd Tiebreaker: 3rd Tiebreaker: head-to-head number of total wins coin flip 3. Tournament Rules. Unless otherwise stated below, the General and Division Ground Rules still apply. 4. The Home Team during tournament games will be the higher seeded team, except for the Championship Game, where the Home Team will be the team that advanced through the winner s bracket (without a loss). 5. Game Tiebreakers. Ties will be played out using the International Tiebreaker rules. During the first extra inning: the offensive team s last out from the previous inning is placed on 2nd base and the inning starts with 1 out. If still tied after the first extra inning, each additional inning will begin with the offensive team s last out placed on 3rd base and the inning starts with 2 outs. This format will be played until there is a winner. Page 16

17 6. Championship Game. Championship games are played the full 6 innings (Intermediate: 7 full innings) without any time limits. In the event of a tie at the end of six innings, one additional full inning will be played. If there is still a tie after 7 innings, the International Tiebreaker rules will apply. Tournament Divisional Rule Changes Pitching (Intermediate & Minors) KNLL upholds the Little League Standards for both Tournament and Regular Season play. With regard to all pitchers league age 14 and under: If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest is required. If a player pitches pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest is required. If a player pitches pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest is required. If a player pitches pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest is required. If a player pitches 0-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest is required Note: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. Intermediate Division Each team shall have a minimum of 9 outs (3 innings) pitched by one or more players that is league age 11 in the first two games of the Tournament. Thereafter, no minimum innings by a league age 11 player is required. Minor Division Each team shall have a minimum of 6 outs (2 innings) pitched by one or more players that is league age 9 in the first two games of the Tournament. Thereafter, no minimum innings by a league age 9 player is required. PRACTICES Page 17

18 1. During the preseason, teams can conduct up to two field practices per week. Managers will sign up for these practice times during the Draft. 2. Practice time-slots are for two hours. At the end of each practice, you are required to: rake the fields pick up trash in the dugout and on the field put away equipment and lock the shed If you are the last practice during the evening, you must turn off the lights Failure to comply with these simple rules may result in suspension from reserving the fields for future practices. 3. During the preseason and/or after games have started, teams may also schedule two additional practices in advance. Open time-slots will be available on the website (under the Practice Schedule page). Please submit requests from that page. Teams can only have two upcoming practices on the schedule at once. Once one of the scheduled practices has been completed, another practice can be scheduled. 4. Batting cages can be reserved as well. On nights where there are only 6:30pm games, the cages are available starting at 6:30pm. On nights where there are 6:00pm and 8:00pm games, the cages are not available. Batting cage practices count toward the two additional practices as described above. Page 18