The following 'rules of the game' are presented to give you a basic understanding about how the 'Minor' Division 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 'Minor' Division rules format.
2005 Minor Division Rules
General Rules
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.)
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 fifth 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.)
Mandatory Play -All players must play a minimum of nine (9) outs on defense per six (6) -inning game and must include at least one (1) at bat. Free substitutions shall be allowed between innings however player substitutions shall be reported to the official scorekeeper and innings played for each player will be noted in the official scorebook. Post game each manager shall examine the official scorebook and sign the opposing teams score page if in agreement that the opposing team has achieved the minimum play requirements.
Base Coaches Managers & Coaches must remain inside the dugout when not coaching a base; dugout gate must be kept closed & latched.
4.05 - The offensive team
shall station two base coaches on the field during its time at bat, one
near first base and one near third base. The coaches shall not leave their
respective dugouts until the pitcher has completed his/her preparatory
pitches to the catcher.
(1) Base coaches shall be
eligible players in the uniform of their team; an adult manager and/or
coach. Both base coaches may be adult managers or coaches.
(2) Both base coaches may
be an adult manager or coach only if there is at least one other adult
manager or coach in the dugout.
(3) Base coaches shall remain
within the base coaches’ boxes at all times, except as provided in Rule
7.11;
(4) Base coaches shall talk
to members of their own team only. An offending base coach shall be removed
from coach’s box.
2005 Minor Division Rules Batters
1. 1. A line-up shall
be presented to the home plate umpire prior to the start of the game. Batters
must bat in order. On Deck Batters are not permitted on the field or in
the caged area next to the bullpen.
2. 2. All players
on a team’s roster present for a game will bat in a continuous order. Batting
order substitution or pitch hitting are not allowed Exceptions: see rule
4.04
4.04 -. The CALL Minor Division
has adopted a policy of a continuous batting order that will include all
players on the team roster present for a game bat in order. Each player
is required to bat in his/her respective spot in the batting order. NOTE:
If child is injured, becomes ill or must leave the game site after the
start of the game, the team will skip over him/her when his/her time at
bat comes up without penalty. If the injured, ill or absent player returns
he/she is merely inserted into their original spot in the batting order
and the game continues. Also, if a child arrives late to a game site, if
the manager chooses to enter him/her in the lineup (see Rule 4.01 NOTE),
he/she would be added to the end of the current lineup.
3. Batters shall not
fake a bunt, pull back and hit away in the Minor Division. Penalty:
Batter shall be called out, whether or not contact was made with the pitch.
(Batter must swing to be called out)
Runners
1. 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.
2. In case of injury
to any runner, the last player listed in the batting order at that time
shall be the substitute runner
2005 Minor Division Rules Pitchers
1. 1. Players who are
league-playing age nine (9) shall only pitch a maximum of three (3) innings
per game and six (6) innings per calendar week, Sunday through Saturday.
2. 2. Delivery of
a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning.
3. 3. 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.
4. 4. 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.
5. 5. Players who
are league-playing age Twelve (12) are not allowed to pitch in the Minor
Division
6. 6. 1.15 (a) The
pitcher’s glove shall be of one solid color other than white or gray, or
if multi-colored, white and light gray shall not be included in the colors.
1.15 (C) No pitcher shall wear sweatbands on his/her wrists.
(These rules are supplemental to the, Minor and Little League rules published annually by Little League Baseball, Inc.)