A-Division: Rules of Play

Following are guidelines on conducting games at the A Division level of play. Please keep in mind we are a development league and our primary goal is to prepare our players to move up the Little League ladder and eventually play in the Majors.

Pitching & Catching

In North Central Little League’s A Division, pitching is facilitated using spring-arm mechanical pitching machines (PMs). Here are the key details:

Pitching Machine Operation:

• During gameplay and practices, a coach or parent from the team at bat operates the PM.
• The PM uses a foot pedal to release a spring-loaded arm, propelling the ball toward home plate.
• Coaches adjust (only coaches or parents should be operating the pitching machines!) the controls (velocity and trajectory) based on player skill levels.

Placement of the Pitching Machine

• The PM is set up just in front of the closest pitching rubber to home plate.
• Adjustments may be needed depending on the specific machine’s functionality.

Pitching Machine Setup

• Before a game, the home-team manager configures the PM.
• Typically, the PM is set to slower pitching speeds with a moderate trajectory.
• The goal is to achieve a slight arc, landing just behind home plate.

Catching

• The defensive team provides a catcher.
• Catchers wear protective gear (helmet with neck guard, chest protector, shin guards, and a protective cup).
• Blocking skills are developed through practice.

Catcher Position

• Coaches ensure the catcher is in a squatting position, facing the PM before each pitch.

Batted Ball Off the Pitching Machine

• If a batted ball strikes the PM during a game, the ball remains in play.

Extended Rules for PM Issues

• If the PM is broken or unavailable, coaches or parents pitch to their own team.
• The substitute pitcher stands in front of the closest pitching rubber and throws at an appropriate speed.

Hitting

Balls and Strikes

• We play with a modified count.
• The specific count may vary based on league rules.

Walks

• There are no walks in the A Division.
• Batters do not automatically advance to first base due to ball count.

Strikeouts

• Three strikes (swinging) result in an out.
• Batters must swing at the third strike.

Courtesy Strike

• The courtesy strike is used for players who need more time to develop their offensive skills.
• Initially, consider playing with a 4-strike count for the whole team.
• As the season progresses, transition to a 3-strike count.
• Discuss strike calls with the opposing manager before each game.

Discontinuing Courtesy Strikes

• Stop using courtesy strikes under the following conditions:
• Your team significantly outperforms the opponent offensively or defensively.
• Your team builds a lead of 6 runs or more.

Outs

• Three outs (either through fielding or strikeouts) switch sides.

Foul Tips

• Foul tips do not count as a third strike.
• The batter remains at bat after a foul tip.

Bat Throwing

• If a player throws the bat after an at-bat
• The player receives one warning.
• If the behavior continues, the player is removed from the game for safety reasons.
• Umpires and managers use discretion in enforcing this rule.

Base Running

Single or More

• In the A Division, we focus on teaching base running skills.
• Not every hit is a single, as it was in Tee Ball.
• Players who hit a legitimate double should take two bases, and three on a triple.
• The main point is to emphasize getting out of the batter’s box quickly and looking to the base coach for instructions.
• Encourage players to break the habit of watching the ball roll and instead focus on their base coach.

Advancing on an Error

• Errors are common in the A Division.
• Help your opposing manager by taking just one base on an error.
• Although a player may be able to advance further, limit this type of play to maintain fairness.

Base Coaches

• For player development, always have a 1st and 3rd base coach.
• Parents in the stands can take on this role.
• Teach base coaches hand signals and how to guide players effectively.

Stealing and Leading Off

• There is no stealing or leading off at the A level.
• Focus on fundamental base running skills without these advanced tactics.

Fielding

Number of Players in the Field

• To maximize playing time, you can have 10 fielders.
• The extra player should play only in the outfield (left, left-center, right, and right-center).
• It’s acceptable to play with 10 defensive players even if your opponent has only 9; this ensures more playing time without significantly affecting competitiveness.

Infield Positions

• Stick to the standard baseball lineup with 6 players in the infield.

Outfield Positions

• Assign 3 or 4 players to the outfield.
• Remind outfielders to keep their feet on the grass.

Encroachment

• While there’s no specific rule about encroachment, it’s best to avoid it.
• Even players who need more development deserve opportunities to make plays.

Player Rotations

• Aim for equal innings in both the outfield and infield for all team members.
• At the A Division level, there’s no need for position specialization.

Umpire

Field Umpire

• The defensive (fielding) team provides a field umpire, who can be a coach or parent.
• The field umpire positions themselves around 2nd base.
• They have the final say on any calls made in the field.

Coach/Pitcher’s Role

• The coach pitcher is responsible for keeping track of strikes during play.
• Both the coach pitcher and the field umpire should confer on any disputed calls.

Other considerations

Ball Type

• We use the Official RIF5 safety ball, which is designed to be squishy and safe for young players.

Bats

• Bats must have a 2 ¼ inch barrel and be Little League approved.
• Ensuring proper bat size and safety is essential.

Bat Storage

• During a game, keep bats under your control.
• Since there’s no warm-up circle in Little League, the on-deck batter should be in the dugout.
• Place the bats on the fence OUTSIDE the dugout.

Bench Players

• Bench players can:
• Organize the dugout during warm-ups.
• Serve as enthusiastic cheerleaders for their teammates.
• Learn and teach baseball chants to create team spirit.

Inning Run Rule

• We play with a 5-run rule per inning.
• Once five runs are scored, the inning ends, and the batting team returns to the field.

Time Limit and Inning Limit

• Games have a time limit of 75 minutes or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
• For warm-ups before your field time, have team members warm up in the deep outfield.

Dugout Assignment

• In NCLL games, the home team takes the 3rd base dugout, and the visiting team takes the 1st base dugout.

Pre-Game Warm-Ups

• Each team receives 10 minutes to warm up before the 1st pitch.
• The visiting team warms up first, followed by the home team.
• If 20 minutes isn’t available before the scheduled start time, teams can agree on a shorter warm-up period.

Equipment Checks

Gloves

• Gloves for this level of player should be between 9-11 inches.
• Ensure that players’ names and phone numbers are on their gloves.
• Advise parents if their child is using inappropriate equipment.
• While specialty gloves (e.g., 1st base, catcher) can be used, discourage their use as they are often too large for A level players.

Bats

• Bats should be approximately 24-27 inches long and weigh around 13-17 oz.
• A batter should be able to hold the bat with only their left hand (if right-handed) and move it across their body without dipping.
• Watch out for cool-looking bats that may be too big for the player.
• Limit the use of oversized bats to the owner.

Helmets

• Check helmets for cracks or missing pads.
• Some players may have concerns about lice; they can purchase their own helmet.
• As the manager, ensure that all player-owned equipment meets safety standards.

Catchers Gear

• Your equipment bags will include a complete set of catchers gear, including a glove.
• Encourage players to try catching; some will enjoy it, while others may avoid it.
• Safety tip: All catchers’ masks must have a dangler attached for use in Little League games.
• If a dangler is missing, request a replacement or share a helmet with a dangler between teams until yours can be fixed.

Final thoughts

Focus on the Positive

• Even though we don’t keep score, there will always be individual and team moments.
• Celebrate the good in each play, whether it’s a strong throw or a batter’s effort.

Be an Advocate and Cheerleader

• As coaches and parents, we’re the team’s advocates and cheerleaders.
• Encourage players, celebrate their efforts, and keep the spirit high.

Parent Participation

• Parents are welcome to participate in practices and game days.
• Ensure that anyone involved with players regularly completes a background check and is cleared by NCLL.
• Involve willing parents—they are our future managers and coaches.