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LOCAL RULES
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The followng local rules have been passed by the Board for 2008 and may differ from those in the green book. Unless otherwise noted, the actual rule is as stated in the 2008 Umpire Manual, a copy of which has been provided to all coaches and umpires, and is also in theumpire equipment bag at each field:
Local Rules for All Competitive Leagues
The home team sits in the first-base dugout, except for the Junior and Senior Leagues, where the home team has the choice of dugout.
The visiting team provides the official scorekeeper/pitchcounter and is allowed an additional adult in the dugout for this purpose.
Two adult base coaches are permitted, except in Little League Majors, where at least one base coach must be a player.
The Penalty for bat-throwing - whether warning, removal or ejection - rests in the discretion of the plate umpire.
A team may start or continue a game with one player fewer than the minimum required (i.e. 9 in AA and 8 in all others). There is no automatic out for a team playing shorthanded.
In Majors, Juniors, Seniors: the mercy rule is applied to a regulation game when one team is 12 runs ahead *and* the game has lasted 2 hours. Before the 2 hour mark, if the game is regulation and one team is 12 runs ahead, the losing coach has the right but not the obligation to concede.
In AA and AAA: Since there is a 2 hour time limit on games, there is no forced mercy rule, however if one team is trailing by 12 runs after a regulation game, the losing coach has the right but not the obligation to concede.
If a game ends due to the 12-run rule, the umpires may leave, but the coaches of the 2 teams have control of the field (and may continue the game, organize a practice, etc) until warmups for the next game (typically 1 hr before game time) begin.
Local Rules for AA
The minimum play rule is 9 defensive outs and 1 at-bat. The rule does not apply to a player who arrives late (i.e., after the first pitch) or leaves early. In the post-season, if the minimum play rule is not met, the game is forfeit.
Continuous batting order and free defensive substitutions.
A team must play 10 players in the field, unless they have fewer than 10 eligible players.
Curve balls are not allowed.
Regardless of game length, no new inning may start more than 2 hours after the first pitch. An inning starts immediately after the third out by the home team in the preceding inning.
Throughout the season, there is no advancing to any base other than on a batted ball (including continuous action following a batted ball) or where the runner is forced to advance (for example, by a walk, the batter being hit by a pitch, or catcher’s interference). Thus, a runner cannot advance on a steal, passed ball, wild pitch, or throw by the catcher to the pitcher or a base, even if the ball goes out of play. Any outs recorded in action involving attempts to advance in violation of this rule stand.
Throughout the season, bases on balls will be awarded after five balls, not four.
The 5-run per half-inning limit is not applied in the 6th inning, or any inning after the 6th
Local Rules for AAA
The minimum play rule is 9 defensive outs and 1 at-bat. The rule does not apply to a player who arrives late (i.e., after the first pitch) or leaves early. In the post-season, if the minimum play rule is not met, the game is forfeit.
Continuous batting order and free defensive substitutions.
Curve balls are not allowed.
Regardless of game length, no new inning may start more than 2 hours after the first pitch. An inning starts immediately after the third out by the home team in the preceding inning.
Before the second Saturday in April (Apr 12, 2008), there is no advancing to home other than on a batted ball (including continuous action following a batted ball) or where the runner is forced to advance (for example, by a walk, the batter being hit by a pitch, or catcher’s interference, all with the bases loaded). Thus, a runner on third cannot advance on a steal, passed ball, wild pitch, or throw by the catcher to the pitcher or a base, even if the ball goes out of play. Any outs recorded in action involving attempts to advance in violation of this rule stand.
Before the second Saturday in April (Apr 12, 2008), bases on balls will be awarded after five balls, not four.
The 5-run per inning limit is not applied in the 6th inning, or any inning after the 6th
Local Rules for Majors
The minimum-play rule is nine defensive outs and one at-bat.
Continuous batting order and free defensive substitutions.
No nine-year-olds may play in the Majors.
Local Rules for Juniors
Home team has the choice of dugouts.
Before a pitch has been delivered to a batter, the defensive team may announce a no-pitch intentional walk; the pitcher is charged 4 pitches.
Once removed, non-starters may re-enter the game provided their replacements have completed mandatory play (2 defensive innings and 1 at bat).
Players age 14 who play for any HS team (Frosh, JV, Varsity) are moved to Seniors for the regular season.
Local Rules for Seniors
Home team has the choice of dugouts.
Before a pitch has been delivered to a batter, the defensive team may announce a no-pitch intentional walk; the pitcher is charged 4 pitches.
Local Rules for Big League
Big League is a District program and therefore is not subject to NOLL/SOLL Boundary limitations or Local/Special League Rules.
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