Rules

Baseball – 2023 Rules

GENERAL RULES

  • Coaches cannot agree to change any rules without Board Approval
  • After each game the Coach and team needs to sweep the dugout and pick up any trash in the dugout (brooms are in the storage unit).
  • Home team: Listed second on the schedule. Must keep the official scorebook. Gets 3rd base dugout.
  • Visitor team: Listed first on the schedule. Must keep an official pitch count record. Gets 1st base dugout. 
  • Both the official score book and the official pitch count record needs to be signed by both coaches and the umpire at the end of each game.
  • The game of baseball is a great sport for the children, so let’s make sure that the game is played by the children, taught by the coaches, regulated by the umpires, and enjoyed by everyone.

PITCHING RULES

  • Pitching limits:
    • Age 13-15 – 95 pitches per day
    • Age 11-12 – 85 pitches per day
    • Age 9-10 – 75 pitches per day
    • Age 6-8 – 50 pitches per day
  • Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
    • 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest 
    • 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest 
    • 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest
    • 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest (45 pitches for 15 yr old)
    • 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required
  • Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
  • Any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day. The catcher receiving one pitch to a batter in an inning constitutes having caught that inning.
  • A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that calendar day.
  • If a player delivers 41 or more pitches, the player may not play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
  • A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. (Exception for Pony: A pitcher remaining on defense in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game).
  • Note: If a pitcher reaches any limits above while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch (and maintain eligibility) until any one of the following conditions occurs:
    • The batter reaches base;
    • The batter is put out;
    • The third out is made to complete the half-inning of the game;
    • The pitcher is removed from the mound prior to the batter completing his/her at bat.

PITCH COUNT

Max Pitches Per Day

Age7-8 Years Old9-10 Years Old11-12 Years Old13-16 Years Old
Max Pitches Per Day50758595
Max Per Day

Pitch Counts

Age0 Days Rest1 Day Rest2 Days Rest3 Days Rest4 Days Rest
14 Years Old and Younger1 – 2021 – 3536 – 5051 – 6566+
15-16 Years Old1 – 3031 – 4546 – 6061 – 7576+
With Rest
  • If a pitcher reaches 41 pitches they cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of the day.
  • If a pitcher reaches their limit imposed in regulations for MAX or DAILY pitches while facing a batter they may finish pitching until the batter reaches base or the batter is put out.
  • If a pitcher is removed from the mound they cannot return as a pitcher.

Examples

Days Rest
0If you pitch Monday you may not pitch again until Tuesday
1If you pitch Monday you may not pitch again until Wednesday
2If you pitch Monday you may not pitch again until Thursday
3If you pitch Monday you may not pitch again until Friday
4If you pitch Monday you may not pitch again until Saturday
Rest Definitions

MAJORS

(primarily play age 12 with some 11 & 10 year-olds that tryout and get drafted up [no 9 year-olds in this division])

All Major Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

  • An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
  • There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgement call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
  • All players must bat in the line-up and must play a minimum of 6 outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
  • A batter may advance on an uncaught third strike if 1st base is unoccupied or if 1st base is occupied with two outs. A batter forfeits his/her opportunity to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area. An uncaught pitch is a ball not caught in flight which means a pitch that bounces and then is caught is still considered an uncaught pitch. (See Rule 6.05/6.09)
  • No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
  • No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
  • The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
  • Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 45 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
  • A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
  • Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)

TRIPPLE A

(primarily play ages 11 & 10 with some 9 year-olds that tryout and get drafted up)

All Minor Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

  • An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
  • There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
  • All players must bat in the line-up and must play a minimum of 6 outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
  • A batter may advance on an uncaught third strike if 1st base is unoccupied or if 1st base is occupied with two outs. A batter forfeits his/her opportunity to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area. An uncaught pitch is a ball not caught in flight which means a pitch that bounces and then is caught is still considered an uncaught pitch. (See Rule 6.05/6.09)
  • No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
  • No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
  • The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
  • Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 45 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
  • A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs (+ 3 potential continuation runs) are scored. See Continuation Rule below. The last inning does NOT allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
  • Continuation Rule: Any player that crosses home base as part of the play after the 5th run has scored will count as a run until the ball is dead, with a max of 3 potential continuation runs for a total of 8 potential runs per half inning. Ball is dead when the pitcher returns to the mound, the defensive player has the ball at home plate, or the third out is made.
  • A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
  • Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)

DOUBLE A

(primarily play age 9 with some 8 & 7 year-olds that tryout and get drafted up)

All Minor Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

  • New Pitching Rule for 2023 Season: Each batter receives a max of 4 pitches from a kid pitcher from the opposing team. The batter strikes out after 3 strikes or advances to first base if hit by a pitch (while in flight). Otherwise, after the 4th pitch from the kid pitcher, the batter’s coach (or one designated adult per game) will pitch 1 more pitch if the batter has 2 strikes, or 2 more pitches if the batter has less than 2 strikes. The batter cannot strike out on a foul ball. There are no base on balls. The coach pitcher must pitch from the mound and must pitch overhand. The coach’s pitches do not count toward the kid pitcher’s pitch count but do count toward the catcher’s caught pitches for the day.
  • There is no stealing home, but stealing 2nd or 3rd base is allowed. The batter may not advance on an uncaught third strike. A player may only score from a hit or from being forced home on a hit by pitch.
  • A team plays with 4 outfielders (4th outfielder must be positioned at an equal depth to other outfielders). 
  • An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
  • There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
  • All players must bat in the line-up and must play a minimum of 6 outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
  • No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
  • No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
  • The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
  • Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 25 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 4 innings or 8 runs after 5 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
  • A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs are scored. No continuation runs. The last inning does not allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
  • A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
  • Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)

MACHINE PITCH

(primarily play ages 7 & 8 with some 6 year-olds depending on circumstances – no tryout)

All Minor Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

  • An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat at any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See Rule 1.08)
  • There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See Rule 7.08)
  • All players must bat in the line-up and all players play in the field each inning. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
  • Only one additional infielder is permitted. Infielders play normal positions with a pitcher on both sides of the pitching machine. All other extra players must play in the outfield.
  • A batter gets 6 pitches. There are no base on balls or strike outs. A batter is out on the 6th pitch even if it is fouled off. If a batter gets hits by a pitch form the pitching machine, the batter advances to first base. A coach should stand behind the catcher to pick up loose balls.
  • Runners can only advance on a hit ball. No stealing bases. 
  • Runners may choose to run on an overthrow, but not more than one base. (See Rule 7.05)
  • No leading off. Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has reached the batter. Runners are not called out for solely leaving early. (See Rule 7.13)
  • No metal cleats allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
  • The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
  • Maximum of 6 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 25 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. No mercy rule applies.
  • A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs are scored. No continuation runs. The last inning does not allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if the losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
  • A pitching machine will be used in place of a kid pitcher. Pitching machine to be set at 34 mph.
  • A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
  • Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. If a batter is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)
  • The home team or both teams need to set up the pitching machine before the game starts. Final machine pitch teams playing for the night need to put away the pitching machine in the storage unit.

PONY

(play age 13-16)

All Senior Division Official Little League Rules apply, plus any local league rules. Commonly questioned rules and local league rules listed below:

  • An “on-deck” batter IS allowed. (See Rule 1.08)
  • There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. A runner may slide head first. (See Rule 7.08)
  • All players must bat in the line-up and must play a minimum of 6 outs. Unlimited subs on defense are allowed as long as the player has played a minimum of 6 outs in the field. If a player leaves a game for any reason, an out does not have to be taken in that batter’s place. (See Regulation IV)
  • A batter may advance on an uncaught third strike if 1st base is unoccupied or if 1st base is occupied with two outs. A batter forfeits his/her opportunity to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area. An uncaught pitch is a ball not caught in flight which means a pitch that bounces and then is caught is still considered an uncaught pitch. (See Rule 6.05/6.09)
  • Runners can lead off and steal any base. (See Rule 7.13)
  • Balks by the pitcher will be called. (See Rule 7.04)
  • Metal cleats ARE allowed. (See Rule 1.11)
  • The dugout is for active players and coaches only. (See Rule 2.00)
  • A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 10 runs (+ 3 potential continuation runs) are scored. See Continuation Rule below. The last inning does NOT allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if the losing team cannot catch up. (See Rule 5.07)
  • Continuation Rule: Any player that crosses home base as part of the play after the 10th run has scored will count as a run until the ball is dead, with a max of 3 potential continuation runs for a total of 13 potential runs per half inning. Ball is dead when the pitcher returns to the mound, the defensive player has the ball at home plate, or the third out is made.
  • Maximum of 7 innings, but no new inning can begin after 1 hour 45 minutes, regardless of score. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior inning. Game can end in a tie. Mercy rule of 10 runs after 5 innings or 8 runs after 6 innings applies. (See Rule 4.10)
  • A team may start and play games with 8 players and the team may skip over the 9th position without penalty. (See Rule 4.04)
  • Each player must use a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) or Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution performance standard (BBCOR) as adopted by Little League. If a batter is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box, he/she is out and runners must return if they advanced on the play. (See Rule 1.10/6.06)

Softball – 2023

Major

  1. All Softball Major Division Little League International rules apply, plus the following local rules. Coaches cannot agree to change any rules without WLL Board approval.
  2. WLL is a recreational league whose primary focus is to provide a positive experience for the players and to help them develop a love for the game of softball. Coaches should be encouraging to players of all skill levels. Coaches should strive to find a balance between competition, skill development, and fun. 
  3. Only 2 coaches are allowed on the field. A 3rd coach or parent can be in the dugout helping with the batting order, but they must remain in the dugout.
  4. The in-field portion of the field should not be used to warm-up before games. Games should begin on time. The outfield can be used to warm-up. The dirt immediately in front of the dugout can be used to warm-up with ground balls. Coaches should have their teams in their dugouts 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  5. Minimum defensive playing requirements (coaches are responsible for monitoring this):
    1. A player can only sit out a maximum of 2 innings per game AND
    2. A player can only sit out a maximum of 3 innings per week.
    3. Every player who wants to play an infield position, must be allowed to play an infield position a minimum of 1 inning per week.
    4. Every player who wants to pitch, must be allowed to pitch to at least 2 batters sometime throughout the season.
    5. It should be assumed that all girls would like an opportunity to play infield and to pitch unless, when asked, they specifically say otherwise.
  6. All players must bat in the line-up per the Continuous Batting Order Rule. (See LL Rule 4.04). If a player leaves a game for ANY reason, an out does NOT have to be taken in that batter’s place. 
  7. A team plays with 9 defensive players (an extra rover or out-fielder, etc. is not allowed).
  8. Pitchers must pitch from the white rubber mound.
    1. Pitching distance is 40 feet.
    2. Pitcher gets 1 minute to warm up on the mound or up to 8 warm-up pitches (whichever comes first) as the umpire should keep the game up to speed. 
    3. No pitching regulations for league play other than a pitcher cannot pitch more than 12 innings in one day.
  9. There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire. 
  10. An “on-deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat an any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See LL Rule 1.08)
  11. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See LL Rule 7.08).
  12. A batter may advance on an uncaught third strike if 1st base is unoccupied or if 1st base is occupied with 2 outs.  An uncaught pitch is a pitch not caught in flight. A pitch that bounces and then is caught is still considered an uncaught pitch and the batter may advance if the conditions listed above exist. A batter forfeits her opportunity to advance to 1st base when she enters the dugout or other dead ball area. (See LL Rules 6.05 & 6.09 & 2.00).
  13. A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs (plus 3 potential continuation runs) are scored. See Continuation Rule below. The last inning does NOT allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if the losing team cannot catch up. (See LL Rule 5.07).
  14. Continuation Rule: Any player that crosses home base as part of the play after the 5th run has scored will count as a run until the ball is dead, with a max of 3 potential continuation runs for a total of 8 potential runs per half inning. Ball is dead when the pitcher returns to the mound with the ball, a defensive player has the ball at home plate, or the third out is made.
  15. No new inning after 1 hour 30 minutes of play, regardless of score. Game can end in a tie. Maximum innings per game is 6. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the third out from the prior full-inning. (Example: When the 3rd out occurs to end a full-inning, if there is 1 minute remaining on the clock, a new full-inning should be played. Once that new full-inning has been played, the game would end). The home-team gets “last bats” regardless of time remaining unless the home team is winning and time has expired, then the game is over.
  16. 10-Run Mercy rule applies after 4 innings. (See LL Rule 4.10) 
  17. Bunting is allowed. Stealing bases is allowed; however, the runner may not leave their base until the pitched ball has been released by the pitcher. If a runner leaves sooner, the runner is out. (See LL Rules 7.08 & 7.13).
  18. No forfeits or outs for less than 9 players.
  19. No metal cleats allowed and batters are required to wear helmets during all batting practice either at games or at practices. If a player serves as a base coach, they must wear a helmet.
  20. The plate umpire should be wearing a face mask, chest protector, and shin guards. As coaches, if you see an official without these things please help us remind them that all those items are required to continue the game.
  21. Coaches cannot require girls to wear a specific color of pants. The league will provide a jersey, a belt, and socks for each girl. Coaches can suggest a certain color of pants, but cannot require it.
  22. The first team listed on the schedule is the Visitor team. The Visitor team bats first and takes the 1st base dugout. The Visitor team must provide a scorekeeper.
  23. The second team listed on the schedule is the Home team. The Home team bats last and takes the 3rd  base dugout. The Home team must provide a scorekeeper.
  24. To be eligible for All-Stars, a player must play in at least 8 regular season games. Regular season coaches will be involved in the nomination and potential selection of players for the All-Star team.
  25. Field practice times are for WLL registered players only. Practices cannot be held at private residences. Little League practice times cannot be combined with club or travel team practice times.
  26. WLL players can only play on teams and divisions they are registered for unless they are part of the substitution-pool established by the WLL Board. 
  27. Un-sportsmanship behavior between players, coaches, and spectators will result in being asked to leave the ballpark.  Additionally, berating of umpires will not be tolerated. Appropriate discipline will be administrated by the WLL Board.

Minor

  1. All Softball Minor Division Little League International rules apply, plus the following local rules. Coaches cannot agree to change any rules without WLL Board approval.
  2. WLL is a recreational league whose primary focus is to provide a positive experience for the players and to help them develop a love for the game of softball. Coaches should be encouraging to players of all skill levels. Coaches should strive to find a balance between competition, skill development, and fun.
  3. Only 2 coaches are allowed on the field. A 3rd coach or parent can be in the dugout helping with the batting order, but they must remain in the dugout.
  4. This division plays with 11” softballs.
  5. The in‐field portion of the field should not be used to warm‐up before games. Games should begin on time. The outfield can be used to warm‐up. The dirt immediately in front of the dugout can be used to warm‐up with ground balls. Coaches should have their teams in their dugouts 5 minutes before the scheduled start time.
  6. Minimum defensive playing requirements (coaches are responsible for monitoring this):
    1. A player can’t sit out more than 2 innings per game (it is preferred that a player only sit out 1 inning per game). Please try to give all players equal playing time.
    2. Every player who wants to play an infield position, must be allowed to play an infield position at least 1 inning per every 2 games.
    3. Players need to be rotated and can’t play the same position for more than 2 innings in a row (with the exception of the catcher, pitcher or first base position). This means a player can play any of those three positions more than 2 innings in a row.
    4. Every player who wants to pitch, must be allowed to pitch to at least 1 batter sometime throughout the season.
    5. It should be assumed that all girls would like an opportunity to play infield and to pitch unless, when asked, they specifically say otherwise.
  7. A team plays with 4 outfielders (4th outfielder must be positioned at an equal depth to the other outfielders). All 4 outfielders must play on the grass or ONE FOOT in front of the grass (no closer).
  8. All players must bat in the line‐up per the Continuous Batting Order Rule. (See LL Rule 4.04). If a player leaves a game for ANY reason, an out does NOT have to be taken in that batter’s place.
  9. Batting (also see batting rule below for 1st & 2nd graders). Each batter will receive a maximum of 4 pitches from a kid pitcher from the opposing team. If 3 of those pitches are strikes, the batter strikes out. If the batter doesn’t strike out, then after the 4th pitch from the kid pitcher, the batter’s coach will pitch. The coach will get either 1 or 2 more pitches depending on the batter’s current count.
    1. If the batter has 2 strikes when the coach comes in, the coach only gets 1 more pitch (regardless of whether it’s a good pitch or bad pitch).
    2. If the batter has less than 2 strikes when the coach comes in, the coach gets 2 more pitches (regardless of whether it’s a good pitch or bad pitch).
    3. Batters can continue to foul ball the last pitch from the coach. If a foul ball is caught by the opposing team, the batter is out.
    4. THERE ARE NO WALKS. ALSO NO INTENTIONAL BUNTING.
    5. If a batter is hit by a kid pitcher with an IN‐FLIGHT pitch, then the batter advances to 1st base. If the pitch touches the ground before it hits the batter, the batter does not advance to 1st base.
    6. If a pitcher hits 3 batters per inning or 5 batters per game (whichever comes first) with IN‐FLIGHT pitches, the pitcher needs to be moved to a different position.
  10. Batting for 1st & 2nd graders. We are trying something new this year for the 1st and 2nd graders in this division. This rule will be re‐evaluated half‐way through the season. Based on the coach’s decision, each 1st and 2nd grader on the team has the option of only being pitched to by their coach. That decision will need to be made by the coach per player at the beginning of each game and the decision will need to stand for the entire game for that player.
    1. If this option is chosen, each batter will receive 6 pitches from their own coach.
    2. Batters can continue to foul ball the last pitch from the coach. If a foul ball is caught by the opposing team, the batter is out.
    3. THERE ARE NO WALKS. ALSO NO BUNTING.
    4. If a batter is hit with a pitch from their coach, they DO NOT get to advance to 1st base.
  11. Kid pitchers. Kid pitchers must pitch from the white rubber mound except as stated in number “1” below.
    1. If a kid pitcher continually can’t get it to the catcher AND they are in 1st, 2nd or 3rd grade, they can move up ONE FOOT from the white rubber mound. Once they are strong enough to get it to the catcher, they should move back to the white rubber mound.
    2. 4th and 5th graders must pitch from the white rubber mound.
    3. If the pitcher’s foot crosses the white pitching circle line when the ball is released then they are too close and must move back on future pitches.
    4. Kid pitchers can either pitch with an underhand motion or a windmill motion. As this is a fast pitch league, pitches with a high arc will not be called as strikes (this is a judgement call by the umpire).
    5. If a pitcher hits 3 batters per inning or 5 batters per game (whichever comes first) with IN FLIGHT pitches, the pitcher needs to be moved to a different position.
    6. Pitching distance is 35 feet. Pitcher gets 3 warm‐up pitches.
  12. Coach/Adult Pitchers. Coach/adult pitchers must pitch from the white rubber mound except as stated in number “1”. below.
    1. If an adult pitcher continually can’t get it to the catcher they can move up ONE FOOT from the white rubber mound.
    2. If the adult pitcher’s foot crosses the white pitching circle line when the ball is released then they are too close and must move back on future pitches.
    3. A coach may allow an assistant coach or parent to pitch in their place.
  13. There is NOT a “must slide” rule in Little League. The runner can choose to slide OR can choose to attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. If the runner doesn’t do either of these things, the runner is out. An ‘attempt’ is a judgment call by the umpire.
  14. A runner is automatically out when the runner slides head first while advancing to a base. (See LL Rule 7.08).
  15. An “on‐deck” batter is NOT allowed. Only one player (the batter) is allowed to handle the bat an any time. All other players must remain in the dugout both in between innings and while their team is batting. This means no practice swings by anyone other than the batter. Coaches are responsible for ensuring their team is following this rule. Continual disregard of this rule will result in potential removal of the coach from the game and/or their coaching position. (See LL Rule 1.08)
  16. A half inning is complete after 3 outs or 5 runs have scored. (No Continuation Rule in this division). The last inning does NOT allow scoring of unlimited runs, but should be played even if the losing team cannot catch up.
  17. No new inning after 1 hour 30 minutes of play, regardless of score. Game can end in a tie. Maximum innings per game is 6. A new inning is considered to begin immediately after the 3rd out from the prior full‐inning. (Example: When the 3rd out occurs to end a full‐inning, if there is 1 minute remaining on the clock, a new full‐ inning should be played. Once that new full‐inning has been played, the game would end). The home‐team gets “last bats” regardless of time remaining unless the home team is winning and time has expired, then the game is over.
  18. The batter may NOT advance on an uncaught 3rd strike.
  19. 10‐Run Mercy rule applies after 4 innings. (See LL Rule 4.10)
  20. No stealing bases. No leading off bases. Players cannot leave the base until the pitched ball reaches the plate.
  21. Runner may only advance 1 base on an overthrow.
  22. Runner cannot continue to run on a dead ball. If the ball is hit into the outfield, once the ball is then thrown into the infield and crosses the baseline (even if the ball is not caught or in control), the ball is dead and runners can only continue to the base they are currently advancing to and then must stop.
  23. No forfeits or outs for less than 9 players.
  24. No metal cleats allowed and batters are required to wear helmets during all batting practice either at games or at practices. If a player serves as a base coach, they must wear a helmet.
  25. The plate umpire should be wearing a face mask and chest protector. As coaches, if you see an official without these things please help us remind them that all those items are required to continue the game.
  26. Coaches cannot require girls to wear a specific color of pants. The league will provide a jersey, a belt, and socks for each girl. Coaches can suggest a certain color of pants, but cannot require it.
  27. The 1st team listed on the schedule is the Visitor team. The Visitor team bats first and takes the 1st base dugout. The Visitor team must provide a scorekeeper.
  28. The 2nd team listed on the schedule is the Home team. The Home team bats last and takes the 3rd base dugout. The Home team must provide a scorekeeper.
  29. To be eligible for 10 year old All‐Stars, a player must play in at least 8 regular season games. Regular season coaches will be involved in the nomination and potential selection of players for the All‐Star team.
  30. Field practice times are for WLL registered players only. Practices cannot be held at private residences. Little League practice times cannot be combined with club or travel team practice times.
  31. WLL players can only play on teams and divisions they are registered for unless they are part of the substitution‐pool established by the WLL Board.
  32. Un‐sportsmanship behavior between players, coaches, and spectators will result in being asked to leave the ballpark. Additionally, berating of umpires will not be tolerated. Appropriate discipline will be administrated by the WLL Board.
  33. A coach of the defensive team can stand behind the catcher/umpire to help with passed balls and keep the game moving along. However, that coach cannot call balls or strikes or make comments to the umpire. The umpire reserves the right to not allow a coach to stand behind the catcher/umpire.

Slide Rule Explanation

Have you ever been confused about whether a runner has to slide when approaching a base when a tag may be made?  Truth is, they don’t have to slide if they make an attempt to get around a fielder.  This FAQ will help clear up things for you.

Rule 7.08 (3) for both baseball and softball reads:

“Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag.”

Rule 7.08 (3)

A few points of emphasis:

  • The runner has a choice; he/she may slide or he/she may attempt to get around a fielder.  So it’s not mandatory for the runner to slide in these situations.
  • If runner’s choice is not to slide and instead attempts to get around the fielder who has the ball, it does not mean runner must avoid contact — contact alone does not make the runner out if in the umpire’s judgement they made an attempt to get around.
  • The fielder must have possession of ball and be waiting to make the tag for either choice to matter — if NOT, the baseline and the base belong to runner.

Our youth umpires are trained to apply this rule correctly, but sometimes we see disagreements on what constitutes an “attempt.”  The attempt is a judgment call by the umpire.  If the umpire says the runner made an attempt then their decision stands (and should not be debated or influenced by managers, coaches, players, parents, etc.).

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