Majors division baseball rules

Welcome to the Majors Division of our little league baseball program! As a Double Goal League, we have two primary objectives: player development and competitive success. These guidelines aim to strike a balance between these goals, ensuring that our players grow both on and off the field. Our guidelines are intended to help Managers navigate these two important goals.

Majors will follow the green book rules set forth by Little League International. The following is provided as clarification or exceptions.

Pitching & Catching

Pitch Count and Eligibility Rules

• All pitch count and catcher eligibility rules are defined by Little League and can be found in the Official Regulations and Playing Rules book provided to every manager.
• It’s essential for all managers to be aware of these rules and consider the league age of their pitchers.

Pitch Counts and Rest Days

• Refer to the official Baseball Pitch Count by League Age guidelines for specific pitch count limits based on player age.
• Additionally, review the Baseball Rest Day Thresholds to ensure proper rest between pitching appearances.

Scorekeeping Responsibility

• The home team serves as the official scorekeeper and maintains the pitch count record for both teams.
• As a best practice, scorekeepers and pitch counters from both teams should compare information at the end of each inning.

Pre-Game Meeting

• Managers should exchange information about pitcher eligibility during the pre-game meeting at the plate.
• Umpires may facilitate this exchange, but they are not responsible for addressing eligibility questions.

Catcher Limitations

• If a player plays catcher for more than three innings, they cannot pitch in that game.

Pitcher-Catcher Relationship

• If a pitcher throws 41 or more pitches, they are ineligible to play catcher in the same game.

Violations and Penalties

• Violations related to pitch count and pitching/catcher eligibility will be charged against the manager of the offending team.
• Penalties include:
• First violation: Warning
• Second violation: One-game suspension
• Third violation: Season suspension

Arm Safety and Innings Pitched

• Managers should consider not only pitches per game but also innings pitched per season for player safety.
• Direct communication with parents of players who participate in baseball for other organizations is crucial for making informed decisions about pitching availability.

Player Development

• Managers should strive to provide pitching and catching opportunities to as many players as possible, fostering their growth and skills.

Hitting

Batting Order

• All teams shall use a straight line-up (continuous batting) regardless of whether players are in the field or not.
• No substitutions or pinch hitting are allowed during the game.
• If a player is injured and cannot bat, they are scratched from the line-up.

Number of At Bats

• Managers should aim to get each player at least two at-bats during a game.
• We understand that achieving this goal can be challenging in pitching duel-type games or shorter 4 or 5 inning games.

Late Arrivals

• If a player arrives late to a game, they are inserted at the end of the batting lineup, regardless of the team’s current position in the order.

Throwing of Bats

• Players who throw the bat following an at-bat receive one warning.
• If a player throws the bat again after the warning, they are removed from the game for safety precautions.
• The umpire has discretion in issuing the warning and implementing removal.

Dropped Third Strike

• We follow Little League rule 6.05 (b)(2) when a third strike is not caught by the catcher.

Base Running

Stealing and Leading Off

• Stealing is allowed, but leading off is not permitted in Majors.
• Base runners cannot leave the base until the ball has crossed home plate.

Sliding

• Head-first slides are not allowed.
• Sliding into home plate is required.

Fielding

Player Rotations - At-Bats Requirement

• All players MUST have at least two at-bats during the game (as mentioned above).
• Managers should make every effort to ensure that everyone plays 9 outs in the field for a six-inning game.
• Players MUST participate in at least 6 outs in the field.

Substitution Rules - Freely Substituting Between Innings

• Managers are allowed to substitute freely between innings.
• Unlike the 6 continuous outs rule in the green book, there are no restrictions on substitutions during regular games.
• Note that this rule changes for tournament play (see below).

Umpire

Regular Season Umpires

• The league will provide a plate umpire during regular season games.

Playoff Umpires

• In addition to the plate umpire, during playoffs, a field umpire will also be provided.

Emergency Umpire Situation

• If an umpire is not available at game time, the home team will provide an umpire.
• If this guest umpire lacks protective gear, they will call the game from behind the pitching rubber.

Visiting Team Umpire

• The visiting team can provide a second field umpire if requested and approved by the home team Chief Umpire.
• The Chief Umpire has the final say on ALL calls.

Other considerations

Ball Type

We use an Official hard ball for our games.

Time Limit / Inning Limit

• Our games have a time limit of 2 hours or 6 innings, whichever comes first.
• Teams will have 15 minutes of field time to share before the game begins for warm-ups.
• For eager team members, consider having them move to the deep outfield to warm up before your field becomes available.

Mercy Rule

• A 10-run ‘mercy rule’ will be in effect for all games.
• If the game has completed four innings, and one team is ahead by 10 or more runs, the game is officially over, and the score is final.
• Managers may choose to play another inning or two of ‘exhibition’ if both teams are willing.

Dugout Assignment

• For all games in NCLL, the home team will take the 3rd base dugout, and the visiting team will take the 1st base dugout.

Pre-Game Warm-Ups

• Pending field availability, each team will receive 15 minutes to warm up before the 1st pitch.
• The visiting team will warm up first, followed by the home team.
• The home team will stay on the field to begin the game.
• If 30 minutes are not available prior to the scheduled game start time, teams will agree on a mutual number of minutes for warm-ups.
• The field is under the control of the umpire at the scheduled start time. If managers want to warm up after the scheduled start time, a request should be made to the umpire, who will have the final decision.
• A team that is not ready to warm up at their scheduled time will forfeit their warm-up.

Equipment checks

Bats

• Bats must meet Little League specifications as outlined in rule 1.10 and on littleleague.org/batlist.

Helmets

• Inspect helmets for cracks or missing pads.
• Note that there have been concerns regarding lice in shared helmets.
• If a player has such concerns, they can purchase their own helmet.
• Remember that the manager/coach has the final authority on anything safety-related, so any “player-owned” equipment must meet your satisfaction.

Catchers Gear

• Your equipment bags will include a complete set of catchers gear, including the glove.
• For safety, all catchers’ masks must have a “dangler” attached when used in a Little League game.
• If you’re missing a dangler, request a replacement or share the helmet with the dangler between teams until yours can be fixed.
• Catchers should use a catcher’s glove during all practices and games.

Interleague Play

• Majors teams play against teams from other leagues within District 8.
• During interleague play, the two managers will need to agree on the rules of play.
• It may be decided to revert to the green book rules for these games.
• Keep in mind that some exceptions (such as continuous batting and substitution) may not be allowed in interleague play.

End of Season Tournament

• As the regular season concludes, every team in the division will compete for the Majors Championship. The tournament follows a double elimination format, with initial seeding determined by a random draw.
• During tournament play, the same rules as the regular season apply. Good luck to all teams vying for the championship! ⚾🏆

Final Thoughts

As we navigate the competitive world of Little League, it’s essential to recognize that both individual and team successes and failures are inherent to sports. Whether you’re a parent, manager, or umpire, let’s always strive to find the positive or teachable moments in each play. A few important considerations:

Manager’s Leeway

• We cannot mandate “fairness” in every decision.
• Managers have the authority to make choices about player positions based on attendance, commitment, improvement, interest, and skill.
• Each coach will have their unique approach to improving individual players and the team as a whole.

Parent Support

• Parents are encouraged to cheer for their team during games.
• However, avoid coaching from the stands or being in the dugout area.
• Let’s maintain supportive cheering and positive regard for all kids and volunteers.

Background Checks

• Anyone regularly participating with the players must complete a background check and be cleared by NCLL.