The following 'rules of the game' are presented to give you a basic understanding about how 'AA' Minor League operates. If you are a spectator in the stands and are not aware that our kids don't play by the Major League rules we are used to when watching games on television, you may not understand why an umpire has ruled a certain way. The following information is being presented to assist you with the 'AA' Division rules format.
General Rules
General Rules
1. Two (2 ½) hour-
time limit No inning shall start after two (2 ½) hours of
time have elapsed since the official starting time of the game. It
shall be held that an inning starts immediately when the third out is made,
or the fifth run is scored, ending the preceding inning. This rule
applies only when a game is scheduled following on the same field on the
same day. It does not apply to the last or only scheduled game of
that day. (Note: Time limit is elapsed time from when the game
officially began regardless of what time the game was scheduled to begin.
Scheduled start time is the time recorded in the official game scorebook
as noted by the official scorekeeper by the umpire and the time is kept
by the umpire only.)
2. Five (5) Run Rule - The
fifth run scored before three outs are recorded in
any half-inning, except
the sixth inning, ends that half-inning. No five run rule will be
in effect in the sixth inning or any subsequent inning.
(Note: Applies
to all innings before the sixth inning regardless of whether game is called
due to time limit, darkness, etc.)
3. Batters shall not fake a bunt, pull back and hit away in the 'AA' Division. Penalty: Batter shall be called out, whether or not contact was made with the pitch. (Batter must swing to be called out)
4. All players on the team roster will bat in order. Players coming to the game late will be added to the end of the batting order.
5. In case of injury to any
runner, the last player listed in the batting order at
that time shall be the substitute runner.
6. A line-up shall be presented
to the home plate umpire prior to the start of the game. Batters
must bat in order.
7. Base runners leaving
early: - a base runner who leaves a base early, that is prior the ball
crossing home plate shall be returned to the base from which they left.
If the batter does not strike the pitched ball, the umpire will declare
the play dead and send the runner back to the originating base. The
result of the pitch will stand as called.
If as a result of the pitch the batter strikes the ball and the ball is in play, the play will be allowed to continue. If the runner is put out as a result of the play the out will stand. If the batter is put out as a result of the play the out will stand and the runner who left early will return to the base of origin. If the pitched ball is put in play and no outs are made the runner who left early will only advance to the base to which they would have been forced as a result of the play.
If the runner who left early
reaches home safely that runner will be returned to third base, unless
occupied by the batter or other runners that were behind the runner that
left early.
A runner who leaves early
will only be allowed to score if following runners or the batter score
as a result of the play.
8. There will be no stealing of home - overthrows or passed balls however, are considered a live ball and runners may advance at their own risk. When the ball is in possession of a player in the infield and it appears no further play is possible the umpire will call 'TIME' and no further action will be possible on the playing field.
9. There will be no delayed
steals. A delayed steal is defined when the base runner does not
return to their base when the catcher receives a pitched ball. The
runner maintains a lead and then attempts to steal the next base when the
catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher. A runner can still advance
on overthrows or passed balls.
Pitchers
1. Pitchers shall only pitch
a maximum of three (3) innings per game and six
(6) Innings per calendar
week, Sunday through Saturday.
2. Pitchers will be removed from pitching after hitting two (2) batters in an inning or three (3) batters in a game. That player however, can remain in the game at a different position.
3. Pitchers who intentionally pitch at any batter shall be removed from the game immediately and also be suspended from the next game along with the manager.
4. Players who are league-playing age 11 are not allowed to pitch in the AA Division
(These rules are supplemental
to the, Minor and Little League rules published annually by Little
League Baseball, Inc.)