2018CCLL HOUSE RULES

ALL DIVISIONS

AmendedNov 20, 2018

CONTENTS

House Rules

  • Majors
  • AAA
  • AA
  • A-Ball
  • Instructional Divisions
  • Farm
  • T-ball

Code of Conduct

Equipment & Safety

Appendix A – Bat Guidelines and Approved Bats

Appendix B - Sample Practice Plan – Farm/A-Ball

CCLL MAJORS, AAA, & AA HOUSE RULES 2018

These house rules are a supplement to the Little League Green Book. It is the responsibility of each team’s Manager and Coach to read and be familiar with the regulations and the playing rules of the game. Any rules related questions should be directed to John Giffins ().

Juniors, Seniors, and Big League Divisions

  • Green Book rules only.

Majors, AAA & AA

  • Pre Daylight Savings/ weeknight only: Any inning starting after 1:40(1 hour, 40 minutes) is declared the last inning. Hard stop at 2 hours, at which point the game reverts back to the end of the last completed inning. Limit warm up pitches to 3/inning,
  • Post Daylight Savings/weeknight only: Any inning starting after 1:50 is declared last inning.
  • If a scheduled game follows on weekends, then the game must end 30 minutes prior to the next scheduled game. (Allows for field prep and infield for next teams). Hard stop, game reverts to last completed inning.
  • Other than time limits, once an inning begins it shall be completed unless the umpire determines the game needs to be called due to darkness, inclement weather, or any other unsafe conditions.
  • Continuous batting order will be used (Rule 4.04)
  • 10-run rule is in place (Rule 4.10e)
  • Max 35 pitches per game (Month of March)- supplementary to the pitch count rules. Pitcher is allowed to finish a count with a batter until, 1) batter reaches base, 2) batter is retired, 3) 3rd out is made to complete half inning.
  • Max 50 pitches per game (Month of April)- supplementary to the pitch count rules. Pitcher is allowed to finish a count with a batter until, 1) batter reaches base, 2) batter is retired, 3) 3rd out is made to complete half inning.
  • Max 65 pitches per game (Month of May- Regular Season Only: Green Book For Playoffs)- supplementary to the pitch count rules. Pitcher is allowed to finish a count with a batter until, 1) batter reaches base, 2) batter is retired, 3) 3rd out is made to complete half inning.

Majors Only

  • Dropped 3rd strike, allows batter to become runner (Rule 6.05b2). The batter becomes a runner when the third strikecalled by an umpire is not caught, providing that (1): first base is unoccupied or (2): first base is occupied with two outs.
  • 3-inning rule in effect for Majors, every player must (at a minimum) play 3 innings.
  • Under no circumstances shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days (Regulation VI(d). It doesn't matter if the pitcher stays below 20 pitches.
  • A manager or coach may come out twice in one inning to visit with the pitcher, but the second time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher.

AAA & AA

  • 5 runs per inning maximum
  • Under no circumstances shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days(Regulation VI(d). It doesn't matter if the pitcher stays below 20 pitches.
  • A manager or coach may come out twice in one inning to visit with the pitcher, but the second time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher.
  • Exception to the 5 run per inning rule: The 5 run per inning rule is waived in the last inning of the game.
  • The last inning is defined as:
  • The 6th inning, or any extra inning.
  • Any inning which begins after 1:50 (1:40 pre daylight savings) from the start of the game.
  • The last inning should be decided at the top of the inning; therefore, both teams have an opportunity to score unlimited runs.

AAA Only

  • Max 3 innings pitched per game – supplementary to the pitch rules. Three outs constitute an inning.
  • “4-2” rule is in effect in AAA, every player must (at a minimum) play 4 innings with 2inning in the infield

AA Only

  • Max 2 innings pitched per game – supplementary to the pitch count rules. Three outs constitute one inning.
  • Stealing (Rule 7.13) of home is not permitted on a wild pitch or passed ball, or overthrow from the catcher to the pitcher. A runner may advance to home on any play to an occupied base from a player other than the catcher.
  • The catcher is encouraged to attempt to throw all runners out if there is a legitimate chance of getting him/her out as we are trying to develop catchers for the next levels.
  • Example: Runners on first and third, runner on first steals, catcher overthrows second base, runner on third cannot score unless a play is made from the field to third base.
  • Example: Runner on second steals third, catcher overthrows 3rd base, runner cannot advance home on catcher’s throw.
  • A batter cannot advance past first base on a walk.
  • Delayed steals are not allowed in AA.
  • “4-2” rule is in effect in AA, every player must (at a minimum) play at least 4 innings with 1 inning in the infield (includes Pitcher and Catcher).
  • No infield fly rule

A BALL

GOALS

1)Learning the basic rules – force outs; tagging up; base running development; balls and strikes; getting runners out on bases

2)Throwing mechanics – introduce the four-seam grip; point the front shoulder, step, and throw; introduce the concept of generating momentum toward the target and following through.

3)Catching and Fielding – thrown and hit balls; see the glove and the ball; forehands and backhands; introduce the underhand flip; first-base fundamentals; crossover and drop steps

4)Hitting – choosing the right bat; proper grip; hitting pitched balls; introduce drill work (tee, soft toss, short toss, etc); knowing the strike zone

5)Learning positional play – learn the positions and areas each player should cover; cover the nearest base when the ball is not hit to you; cutoffs and relays

RULES SUMMARY – please see the Green Book for additional information.

1)Number of Players – 10 maximum (4 outfielders) and minimum of 7 to play

2)Substitutions - Managers should substitute players evenly throughout the game, however there is a continuous batting order regardless of which players are in the field last.

3)Rotation of players - All players must rotate between infield and outfield evenly and have a chance to play outfield and infield equally.

4)Innings End - A team’s turn at bat ends after 3 outs or 5 runs in an inning.

5)Pitching – a pitching machine will be used and loaded by the manager of the team that’s batting. One fielder can play at the pitcher position but cannot ahead of the pitching machine and no more than 2 feet to either side. The manager feeds the machine and should present the ball in the air visible to the batter so see the ball fed into the machine.

6)Strikes – each at bat will consist of 4pitches or three swinging strikes. On the 5thpitch, 2 strike rules apply. Foul balls get another pitch. Most pitches should be consistently in the strike zone with the pitching machine.

7)Walks – no walks or HBP

8)Ending Plays – the play comes to an end and runners cannot advance once the ball is in the pitcher’s hands. If a runner is less than half way by the time it gets to the pitcher, the runner returns to the last base acquired.

9)Overthrows – 1 extra base on an overthrow including home. There cannot be more than one overthrow in a play. Overthrows that are still in the field of play are still overthrows.

10)Drawing Throws – If the ball is in the infield, a runner cannot attempt to take an additional base in the hopes of drawing an overthrow. Drawing throws is not allowed. For example, a runner on 1st cannot take 3rd base unless the play has an over throw.

11)No bunting, stealing, or head first sliding.

12)Dugouts - Home Team will occupy the 3rd base side.

13)Bats – all bats must be Little League approved with USA BAT logo

14)Coach & Pitching Machine Interference - If a manager inadvertently, catches a line-drive hit while pitching, the ball is dead and the pitch is thrown again. The play does not count. If the ball hits the pitching machine, the play is completed, and runners are limited to 1 base.

15)Umpiring – Unless provided by the league, each team will provide one adult umpire. If only one umpire is available, the game can still be played.

16)Field Instruction: all coaches must be either in the base coaches box or in the dugout.

17)Safety - No on deck circle and no warm up swings. Players must wear a helmet when playing the pitcher position.

18)Balls - Regulation Little League hard balls will be used and provided by the league.

19)Scoring – all runs are counted by a Scorekeeper supplied by the Home team. 5 runs per inning max and an unlimited in the final inning.

20)Game length – games are not to exceed 6 innings (unless extra innings are required in a tie and time is available). Any inning starting after 70 minutes (1 hour, 10 minutes) is declared the last inning (before the inning starts so both sides know there are unlimited runs). Hard stop at 90 minutes, at which point the game reverts back to the end of the last completed inning. Limit infield/outfield warm-up’s to ensure the game keeps moving. Scorekeeper should track game start time and final inning status.

INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISIONS

The Instructional Divisions (Lower Divisions) are those divisions in which no score or win or loss records are kept. There are no official umpires and the coaches are expected to uphold the rules of the game. The intent of these divisions is to gradually introduce age appropriate skills development, rules and gameplay comprehension, and sportsmanship that prepare them for competitive division play. Managers and Coaches are allowed on the field to explain rule violations and for brief in-game instruction.

Instruction begins with T-Ball where the youngest 5-6 year old players are introduced to the very basic elements of the game – most importantly, that this is a game and it is fun. Coaches are very active on the field. On field safety and ensuring all players are paying attention are critical components. A bench coach is very useful at this level to keep kids organized.

Farm is the next division (formerly Rookie and parts of Farm-A). This is where we begin to introduce the idea of outs, extra bases, and attempting to get home. Hitting coach pitched balls and fielding situations are the core of this level.

For the 2017 season, A-ball is moving to the competitive division. Score will be kept during the season and will have umpires and an official scorekeeper. However, we removed the kid pitch option for A-ball to ensure competitive play. Pitching coaching will be encouraged during the season in practice. We believe this will be a more enjoyable experience for players (and parents).

FARM

GOALS

1)Learning the basic rules – force outs and open base situations; how to record outs (catch the ball in the air, throw to first, or tag the runners); running past first base; baserunning (when you don’t have to run; not running into or past teammates on the base paths)

2)Throwing mechanics – turn the body so the front shoulder points towards the target; keep the elbow above the shoulder; step to the target with the nonthrowing foot and release the ball.

3)Tracking – follow the ball with the eyes into the glove, whether on the ground or in the air; use two hands to catch and field; try to catch the ball in front of the body.

4)Hitting – how to hold and swing the bat; batting safety (when not to swing; wearing helmets); hitting coach pitched balls

5)Learning positional play – open base situations vs force outs; introducing the catcher position

RULES SUMMARY – please see the Green Book for additional information.

1)Number of Players – All Players will be in the field. Only 1 pitcher position. Catcher allowed.

2)Rotation of players - All players must rotate between infield and outfield evenly and have a chance to play all fielding positions. 1st base should be based on ability with safety in mind.

3)Innings End – All players hit through the line-up. Standard outs apply and runners will be retired from the bases. After 3 outs, the bases will be cleared, but the team will continue to bat until they are through the whole line-up.

4)Coach Pitch – Each batter will get 7 overhand pitches with up to 3 takes regardless of balls or strikes. On the last ball, 2 strike foul ball rules apply.

5)Hit by Pitch – no extra bases are allowed in coach pitch. The batter will receive an extra pitch.

6)Ending Plays – the play comes to an end and runners cannot advance once the ball is in the pitchers hands. If a runner is less than half way by the time it gets to the pitcher, the runner returns to the last base acquired.

7)Overthrows – no extra bases on overthrows including balls still in-play.

8)Drawing Throws – If the ball is in the infield, a runner cannot attempt to take an additional base in the hopes of drawing an overthrow. Drawing throws is not allowed.

9)Extra Bases – batter can attempt 2nd base if the ball reaches the grass outfield when hit. An uncaught fly-ball that lands on the grass outfield is a home run. No bunting, stealing, or sliding.

10)Dugouts - Home Team will occupy the 3rd base side.

11)Bats – all bats must be Little League approved (only 2 1/4 inch barrels; none longer than 32’). Check all composite barreled bats against the approved list.

12)Coach Interference - If a manager inadvertently catches a line-drive hit while pitching, the ball is dead and the pitch is thrown again. The play does not count.

13)Game Length - Games will be 6 innings or 90 minutes, whichever comes first.

14)Umpiring – The batting team’s base coaches act as umpires

15)Field Instruction - one defensive coach may be in the outfield during play for instruction

16)Safety - All players must wear athletic support and protection, batters and runners must wear helmets at all times, and bats cannot be thrown. No on deck circle and no warm up swings.

17)Balls - Regulation TRANSITION Little League soft-core balls will be used and provided by the league

T-BALL

GOALS

1)Learning the basic rules – the right direction to run when the ball is hit; runners must touch bases; scoring a run.

2)Throwing mechanics – turn the body so the front shoulder points towards the target; keep the elbow above the shoulder; step to the target with the non-throwing foot and release the ball.

3)Tracking – follow the ball with the eyes into the glove, whether on the ground or in the air; use two hands to catch and field; try to catch the ball in front of the body.

4)Hitting – how to hold and swing the bat; batting safety (when not to swing; wearing helmets); hitting off a tee; hitting soft tossed balls

5)Learning positional play - - if the ball is hit to your buddy; let him or her field it (note to coach: try not to put more than one pitcher and 4 infielders in the infield at a time and rotate regularly)

RULES SUMMARY – please see the Green Book for additional information.

1)Number of Players – All Players will be in the field. Recommend putting excess players as extra outfielders.

2)Rotation of players - All players must rotate between infield and outfield evenly and have a chance to play all fielding positions. 1st base should be based on ability with safety in mind.

3)Innings End – All players hit through the line-up. Runners will not be retired on outs. There are too few put-outs in the field at this level where players would feel singled out. The fielding team should still encourage players to get the ball to the bases before the runner gets there. Counting outs is ok; but do not retire the base runners.

4)Coach Pitch – at the mid-way point in the season, coaches have the option to switch from tee hitting to coach pitch. Eachbatter will get 5 over or underhand pitches. On the last ball, 2 strike foul ball rules apply. If the ball is not in play after 5 pitches, switch to tee.

5)Hit by Pitch – no extra bases are allowed on HBP by coach

6)Ending Plays – one base per at bat

7)Overthrows – no extra bases on overthrows.

8)Drawing Throws – If the ball is in the infield, a runner cannot attempt to take an additional base in the hopes of drawing an overthrow. Drawing throws is not allowed.

9)No bunting, stealing, or sliding.

10)Dugouts - Home Team will occupy the 3rd base side.

11)Bats – all bats must be Little League approved (only 2 1/4 inch barrels; none longer than 32’). Check all composite barreled bats against the approved list.

12)Game Length - Games will be 6 innings or 90 minutes, whichever comes first.

13)Field Instruction - one defensive coach may be in the outfield during play for instruction