Newton SouthEast Little League (NSELL)
Fall Major League Rules: 2015 (last revised 9/1/15)
Rules in the Williamsport Rule Book shall apply to play in Newton SouthEast Little League except where there is a conflict with the specific rules set forth below. In case of such a conflict, the following Newton SouthEast rules shall govern (regardless of where the game is played). The commissioner’s interpretation of these Rules shall be final. Intentional violation of one or more Rules may result in game forfeiture and/or ineligibility to participate in subsequent seasons.
1. Any player who arrives before the first pitch of the game must play at least three (3) innings in the field and any player who arrives before the final out of the third inning must play at least one inning in the field, except in those cases where a full six inning game cannot be played because of darkness or rain, or where a player on the visiting team cannot play his final inning because the home team wins without having to bat in the bottom of the sixth, or where a player is unable to continue playing because of an injury.
2. The 3 innings in the field referenced above do not need to be consecutive. Players will bat in rotation (continuous batting order) whether playing in the field or not. There are free substitutions in the field, with the exception of the pitcher.
3. No pitcher may pitch more than 3 innings in a game. Once recorded as a pitcher, the player may not return as a pitcher in that game. The pitcher may return to the game in any position.
4. If a pitcher pitches, one full calendar day of rest is mandatory (even if pitcher throws less than 20 pitches). No pitcher may pitch more than 6 innings in a Sunday to Saturday pitching week. The pitching week resets on Sunday, although the calendar day of rest referenced above still applies (i.e. one cannot pitch on Saturday and again with a new week on Sunday).
a. While no “official” pitch counts will be kept, coaches are encouraged to adhere to Little League pitch counts and days rest at all times.
5. One pitch constitutes an inning for rules 3 and 4.
6. Managers must give opposing managers line-ups prior to each game.
7. Nine players are allowed in the field. A game can be played with as few as 8 players. Games should be delayed for up to 15 minutes to allow each team to field 8 players. After that time, if a team still cannot field 8 players the opposing team will win by forfeiture provided that team has at least 8 players. If a team plays with 8 players, it does not automatically take an out in the 9th spot.
8. The infield fly rule applies.
9. Managers are allowed 2 trips to the mound per pitcher per inning. A pitcher is automatically removed on the second visit, injuries not inclusive.
a. A visit is defined as a manager crossing into fair territory. Coaches are allowed to warm up pitchers so long as they stay behind home plate. If a coach, even before an inning starts, goes to the mound it counts as a visit.
10. Home teams will use the 3rd base bench and visitors the 1st base bench.
11. The manager of the home team has the authority to cancel a game because of inclement weather. To do so, he must call the opposing manager and the appropriate head umpire. After the start of the game, only the umpire may call the game.
12. Cancelled games must be rescheduled as soon as possible.
13. To protest a game, the manager must inform the umpire and the opposing manager before the next pitch is thrown. The protesting manager must also send a letter or call the commissioner within 24 hours. Protests can only be filed if a rule is broken. Protests do not apply in cases of judgment calls, weather, or behavior.
14. Home team is responsible for providing two adults umpires. If no umpires show up for a game, the managers should agree to play with a substitute umpire(s) acceptable to both.
15. In the event that a game must be suspended because of darkness or inclement weather, the game will be considered official and completed if the team with fewer runes has completed its at-bat in the fourth inning. In such situations, the score will revert back to the prior fully completed inning as outlined above. With this in mind, innings should not be started unless there is a reasonable chance they can be completed.
16. A game that has not reached the point at which the team with fewer runes has completed its at-bat in the fourth inning is not considered completed or official. Those games will be continued on another date from the point at which it left off.
17. The Little League Mercy Rule WILL APPLY. If a team is winning by 10 or more runs and the losing team has batted four times, the game will be called.
18. Any game tied after 6 innings will end in a tie, with each team getting 1 point in the standings. Any game that is tied and called for inclement weather or darkness by the umpires, that meets the rules of definition of being a regulation game (3.5 or 4 innings) will end in a tie, with each team getting 1 point in the standings. Any game that is tied and called for inclement weather or darkness by the umpires that does NOT meet the rules definition of being a regulation game (3.5 or 4 innings) will be resumed at a later date from the point the game was called per green book.
19. Extra innings will be played in all playoff games.
20. Full uniforms should be worn at all games, if available. Shirts should be tucked in. Baseball pants are strongly recommended. No metal spikes or shorts allowed.
21. Batting helmets must be worn by all batters, base runners, and player coaching bases.
22. Catchers must wear full protective equipment including a cup (provided by the player) and use a catcher’s mitt (use of fielder’s glove gives the catcher an unfair advantage). Any player warming up a pitcher must wear a mask. This rule also applies to practices. Left-handed catchers must supply their own catcher’s mitt.
23. All equipment should be kept behind the screen at all times.
24. Home team supplies baseballs. Baseballs should not be given to players until after the completion of the game.
25. Wood or metal bats may be used and must conform to current Little League regulations. Use of an illegal bat results in batter being called out. A second infraction will result in manager being ejected.
26. Adults may serve as coaches at both bases.
27. There is no leading from bases in Little League. Players may leave the bag after the ball crosses the plate. Little League rules for leaving early apply. A pitcher cannot fake a pitch. This will result in a ball being called.
28. NO SLASHING! (Show bunt, pull back and swing). Slashing will result in the batter being called out.
29. Dropped third strike rule applies.
30. Runners must slide or avoid when taking a base. Fielders not in possession of the ball need to be out of base lines. No head first slides except back into bases.
31. All scores shall be recorded by the winning team the same evening via the NSELL website. Failure to report scores shall result in a loss by both teams WITHOUT EXCEPTION.
32. Zero Tolerance Policy: NSELL and the Fall Baseball Program have a zero tolerance policy related to participants, including umpires. Managers and coaches should not complain, make comments, or in anyway criticize the umpires. As a Manager, you are responsible for the conduct of your players and parents. If you have a complaint about an umpire, please contact league commissioner. Policy: All persons associated with the team, including players, coaches, and spectators shall support the umpires. No one is to address the umpire during the game with the following exceptions:
a. Coaches or players responding to the umpire-umpire must ask for your opinion
b. Coaches making substitutions.
c. Coaches, players, or spectators pointing out emergency or safety issues. In between innings or after a game, a manager may ask an umpire to explain a rule (balls and strikes and other judgment calls can never be questioned) in a polite and constructive way. Absolutely no demonstrative behavior, sarcasm, harassment, or intimidation by coaches, players or parents will be tolerated. Umpires will report such behavior to League Commissioners. Any player/coach who is ejected will be subject to a mandatory one-game suspension-NO EXCEPTIONS.
33. The playoff format will be determined by the commissioner and sent out at a later date.
NSELL Fall Baseball League:
Alex Ebling, Commissioner
617-610-4459