Concord American 'Minor' Division Rules


 





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.)

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