Woodbury Developmental Baseball Program - LeagueAthletics.com
American League Supplemental Rules U5, U6, U7, U8 VERSION 2.0 last revised: 4/1/2012
www.woodburybaseball.org
Woodbury Area Little League – American League Supplemental Rules – U5, U6, U7, U8
Welcome to the American League division of the Woodbury Area Little League (WALL)! Your Baseball Board has been working hard to make this an enjoyable season for all of our players. We hope your children have a good experience playing the great game of baseball in our program. As you prepare for the season, please keep in mind the goals of the WALL: • that ALL players have an opportunity to develop as baseball players and as individuals • that ALL players would learn about good sportsmanship, winning and losing in a safe environment • that all umpires would develop as umpires and as individuals • that parents, coaches, and other fans would have an opportunity to watch their players play and enjoy the great game of baseball Each coach has a responsibility to ALL of the players in the league. If we focus on fun, good sportsmanship, and competition (in that order) we’ll be doing our part to make this season one that our players will remember fondly for years to come. It seems that every year there are coaches and parents who lose their perspective…and taint the great game that we play. Competition is FUN and encouraged – but it’s imperative that we remember that winning at all costs is unacceptable and goes against what the program is all about. Let’s not let these problems happen this year. If we work together, RELAX, and focus on the kids, it will be a good experience for all involved. This document is intended to foster a common understanding of the program rules. Please read through it and if you have any questions on the rules, contact a member of the WALL Board.
LET’S PLAY BALL!!!!
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Version 2.0 – Published April 1, 2012 Summary of changes in this version
Clarified that the position play rule is based on the number of players as of the start of the game. See section 3.4.
Changed section 7.6 to exclude bunting at U8.
Clarified that WALL only provides alloy bats and that any composite material bat brought by a coach and/or player needs to adhere to “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball. See section 12.7.
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Table of Contents 1. 2. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 3. 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 4. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 5. 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. 6. 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 7. 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. 7.6. 8. 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 9. 9.1. 10. 10.1. 10.2. 10.3. 10.4. 11. 11.1. 11.2. 11.3. 12. 12.1. 12.2. 12.3. 12.4. 12.5. 12.6. 12.7.
General Approach to Supplemental Rules ...............................................................................................6 Weather ....................................................................................................................................................6 Determining if the game should be played............................................................................................6 Makeup Games .....................................................................................................................................6 Notifying the Umpires ..........................................................................................................................6 Roster rules ..............................................................................................................................................7 Legal players .........................................................................................................................................7 Minimum players required for a game ..................................................................................................7 Playing Time .........................................................................................................................................7 Position Play .........................................................................................................................................7 Game Lengths and Time Limits ...............................................................................................................7 Game Length.........................................................................................................................................7 Speed Up Rules .....................................................................................................................................8 10-run Rule ...........................................................................................................................................8 Playing the Game .....................................................................................................................................8 Coaches in the field – defense ...............................................................................................................8 Coaches in the field – offense ...............................................................................................................8 U5 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 U6 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 U7 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 U8 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 Officiating ................................................................................................................................................9 Umpires .................................................................................................................................................9 Protests ..................................................................................................................................................9 Conduct related to Umpires ..................................................................................................................9 Batting Rules ............................................................................................................................................9 Balls and Strikes ...................................................................................................................................9 Batting Order ........................................................................................................................................9 Infield Fly Rule .....................................................................................................................................9 Dropped Third Strike .......................................................................................................................... 10 Thrown Bats (on follow through) ....................................................................................................... 10 Bunting................................................................................................................................................ 10 Fielding Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 10 General Fielding Rules........................................................................................................................ 10 Defensive Players................................................................................................................................ 10 Special Rules Regarding Fielding from the Pitcher Position .............................................................. 10 Pitching .................................................................................................................................................. 10 Pitching Machines ............................................................................................................................... 10 Base Running Rules ............................................................................................................................... 11 Leading off and Stealing ..................................................................................................................... 11 Must slide rule..................................................................................................................................... 11 Over throws - ball goes out of play ..................................................................................................... 11 When do runners have to stop running? .............................................................................................. 11 Record Keeping and Reporting .............................................................................................................. 11 Score Keeping ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Score Reporting .................................................................................................................................. 11 Record Keeping .................................................................................................................................. 11 Equipment .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Field Preparation ................................................................................................................................. 12 Game Balls .......................................................................................................................................... 12 Footwear ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Protective Cups ................................................................................................................................... 12 Batting Helmets .................................................................................................................................. 12 Catcher’s Equipment ........................................................................................................................... 12 Legal Bats ........................................................................................................................................... 12
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13. Team Formation ..................................................................................................................................... 13 13.1. Policy on playing up / down ............................................................................................................... 13 13.2. Team size ............................................................................................................................................ 13 13.3. Team Formation Process ..................................................................................................................... 13 13.4. Coaching Match ups ........................................................................................................................... 13 13.5. Requests .............................................................................................................................................. 13
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U5-U8 Supplemental Rules continued… 1.
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GENERAL APPROACH TO SUPPLEMENTAL RULES In terms of playing rules, the intent of the American League division of the Woodbury Area Little League (WALL) program is to conform as closely as possible to the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball. A minimum number of variances of the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” are established for each level of play within WALL, designed and coordinated to allow a natural progression from one level of play to another. Each step up through the program requires the player to develop and use new skills. Many of these variances focus on skill progression while others relate to sportsmanship and safety. Below is summary of the levels of play in this rule book and corresponding grade levels. U5 = Pre-K U6 = Kindergarten U7 = 1st Grade U8 = 2nd Grade This document represents the sole set of supplemental rule differences from Little League Baseball’s “Official Regulations and Playing Rules.” These rules may NOT be modified by anyone except a majority vote of the WALL Board. This means that individual groups of coaches may not vote to change the rules unless it is brought to the Board.
2.
WEATHER 2.1. Determining if the game should be played 2.1.1. Coaches should sign up with the City of Woodbury’s InTouch program to stay up to date regarding field conditions. See http://www2.ci.woodbury.mn.us/InTouch/. 2.1.2. If the City has not closed the fields but weather is an issue, coaches will decide if the game should begin. Once play begins, if the coaches cannot agree whether play should continue it will be the home plate umpire’s decision. 2.1.3. Under no circumstances will players be allowed on a field during an approaching thunderstorm or if lightning has been spotted in the area. As a guideline, if lightning is seen and thunder is heard within a 10 second period, play should be halted and players removed from the field for a period of time to see if it will blow over. If lightning is seen and thunder is heard within a 5 second period, the game should be ended. Safety is paramount!!!! 2.2. Makeup Games 2.2.1. U5 – U7: Games called due to weather should be made up. To schedule a make-up game, work with the League Coordinator to determine an available field or do it during one of the participating team’s scheduled practices. 2.2.2. U8: Games called due to weather must be played again in their entirety on a date agreeable to both coaches. If the coaches cannot agree on a date, then a date will be set by the League Coordinator. The League Coordinator has the right (and the duty) to help set the time and date that the makeup game will be played. Play the game. Teams that do not reschedule may receive a forfeit loss (both teams could receive a forfeit). 2.3. Notifying the Umpires 2.3.1. At U8 (where there are umpires), the Umpire Coordinators can be reached as follows – in this priority order:
Contact the umps in this priority order!!!!!!
• email: [email protected]
(but not for last minute cancellations)
• Alec Kinsky: 651-261-8651 (for last minute cancellations) • Barry Schalkle: 651-222-3399 (for last minute cancellations when you can’t reach Alec) Note: For rule interpretation questions/issues, contact Barry Schalkle. Please be judicious in terms of when and how often you use Barry’s cell phone. This list is subject to change during the season – you will be notified of any changes through your League Coordinator.
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2.3.2. If coaches decide to cancel a game ahead of time, the Umpire Coordinators should be notified immediately. 2.3.3. The Umpire Coordinators should be contacted at least 3 days in advance of a makeup game to ensure that umpires will be scheduled. 3.
ROSTER RULES 3.1. Legal players 3.1.1. Only players on the team’s official roster, as supplied by the League Coordinator, are allowed to compete in a WALL game. 3.2. Minimum players required for a game 3.2.1. U5 - U7: There is no minimum of players required in order to play a game. If a team is short players it is acceptable to forego having a catcher or outfielders as needed. 3.2.2. U8: A game shall be forfeited by a team which cannot provide at least 8 players by 10 minutes after the scheduled game time (no exceptions), or which cannot provide at least 8 players to finish a game in progress (except as the result of injuries). If a team must forfeit before the game has started, the coaches should divide up the players who are present and play a practice game. 3.3. Playing Time 3.3.1. All Leagues: Equal playing time rule. There is equal playing time in the field for all players who regularly come to practice and games. For example, if there are 12 players on the team, each player should sit out at least one inning in a regulation game. This rule also is a season long rule which means that for the 10 or 11 player team, bench time should be allocated to every player. The equal playing time rule does not apply to those who skip practice without notice or to the habitual skipper without notice. If a coach does not plan to play a player for this reason, the player and the opposing coach should be notified before the game starts. Coaches are responsible for maintaining records showing compliance with this rule. 3.4. Position Play 3.4.1. U5 - U7: Players should be rotated to new positions each inning – each player should play both infield and outfield positions each game. 3.4.2. U8: All players must play at least 1 inning in the outfield and 1 inning in the infield prior to the 5th inning of the game (or by the completion of the 5th inning if you have 13 players). The number of players is determined as of the start of the game (i.e. if a team starts the game with 13 players and a player is injured in the 2nd inning and can no longer play, that coach does not need to adjust the player rotation to abide by the rule for a team of 12 players). Pitcher and catcher are infield positions. Use good faith here. The idea is not to condemn a weaker player to the outfield – develop him so he can play infield! This rule is to be enforced by coaches – it is not the responsibility of the umpires to enforce this. In some cases, there may be special circumstances that would call for this rule to be modified (e.g. in the case of a player with physical limitations). Those cases should be worked out with the League Coordinator ahead of time and the opposing coach should be discretely notified prior to each game. NOTE: Coaches, this is developmental baseball. DEVELOP YOUR PLAYERS! Give them opportunities to play a variety of both infield and outfield positions each game.
4.
GAME LENGTHS AND TIME LIMITS These rules apply to the regular season only. Specific time limits may be established for the seasonending tournament and will be communicated to coaches through league coordinators. Safety is the overriding factor! Umpires and coaches should work together to determine when it is too dark to begin a new inning. 4.1. Game Length 4.1.1. U5 - U7: The game will consist of six (6) complete innings in which 6 players of the batting lineup will bat. There is a 1hr 15m time limit from the start of the game. 4.1.2. U8: Complete games are considered to be six (6) innings (5 ½ if the home team is leading) or 1hr 15m from the start of the game. In the case of inclement weather, the game is considered
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official after the losing team bats 4 times. If six innings have been completed within the time limit and the score is tied, extra innings may be played. But no inning may begin after the time limit. Because of this rule, games may end in a tie. 4.2. Speed Up Rules 4.2.1. U5 - U7: A courtesy runner may be used for the next inning’s catcher. 4.2.2. U8: If there are two outs, a courtesy runner for the next inning catcher may be used. Runner will be the player who made last out. Catcher keeps pads on except when on deck or batting. 4.3. 10-run Rule 4.3.1. U5 - U7: Does not apply. 4.3.2. U8: The 10-run rule is in effect after 4 innings (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). The losing team must have batted five times. 5.
PLAYING THE GAME 5.1. Coaches in the field – defense 5.1.1. U5 - U7: Up to 3 coaches from the defensive team are permitted in the field. Coaches from both teams should help ensure the runners know where to go. A coach or parent may be stationed behind the catcher to aid in gathering up the baseballs when the pitcher runs out. 5.1.2. U8: In general, coaches should remain in the bench area when the team is in the field. However, it is permissible to station a coach or parent behind the catcher to help gather up baseballs that have been pitched but not hit to keep them out of the field of play and to facilitate refilling the bucket quickly when needed. That coach MUST NOT interfere with the game play in any way. 5.2. Coaches in the field – offense 5.2.1. U5 - U7: A coach should be stationed at 1st and 3rd base to assist runners. In addition, a coach is either pitching or helping batters with the tee. 5.2.2. U8: Base coaches may be stationed at 1st and 3rd base. One coach runs the pitching machine. No other offense coaches are permitted on the field of play. 5.3. U5 Game Flow Batter swings until the ball is hit off the Tee. Batter runs to first. Fielders throw the ball to 1st base regardless of how many runners on base. Runners advance one base a time. No advancing on overthrows. No outs recorded. No score is kept. Half of the batting order hits each ½ inning. The last batter each ½ inning is the home run hitter. 5.4. U6 Game Flow Coaches may choose to pitch or use the Tee based on player ability. If using the Tee, the Batter swings until the ball is hit. If hitting pitches, the batter is given 5 good pitches from his coach and if he has not yet hit the ball, the Tee should be used. Regardless, once the ball is hit, the Batter runs to first. Fielders should be encouraged to throw the ball to any base to which a runner is advancing. Runners typically advance one base a time but may take an extra base if the ball has not been fielded by the time he reaches 1st. No advancing on overthrows. Outs are not recorded but they should be acknowledged. However the player getting out does not come off base. No score is kept. Half of the batting order hits each ½ inning. The last batter each ½ inning is the home run hitter. 5.5. U7 Game Flow Batter is given 5 good pitches from the coach. If he has not hit the ball, then the Tee should be used. When the ball is hit, the batter runs to first. Fielders should be encouraged to throw the ball to any base to which a runner is advancing – preferably toward the lead runner. Runners typically advance one base a time but may take an extra base if the ball has not been fielded by the time he reaches 1st. No advancing on overthrows. Outs are recorded (the player getting out comes off the base) but the inning does not end until 6 offensive players have batted in that inning. No score is kept. 5.6. U8 Game Flow A pitching machine is used. No count is kept – the umpire either calls strike or no pitch. Each batter gets 5 strikes but his at-bat does not end on a foul ball. If he swings and misses on his last pitch, it is a strikeout. Batters and runners may advance at their own risk within the bounds of the overthrow rule. Outs are recorded as normal. Score is kept. Bat until 3 outs are made, 5 runs are scored, or the entire © Woodbury Area Little League. All rights reserved.
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batting order has batted once in the inning. In situations where the two teams have a different number of players, bat the number of players equal to the larger team. The 5 run rule is suspended in the last half-inning for each team. 6.
OFFICIATING 6.1. Umpires 6.1.1. U5 - U7: No umpires are provided. Coaches are responsible for any officiating that is needed. 6.1.2. U8: WALL will supply the umpires. If the umpires do not show, the home team designates the home plate umpire and the visitor designates the base umpire. Play the game. 6.2. Protests 6.2.1. Protests are not allowed. All umpire decisions are final. 6.3. Conduct related to Umpires 6.3.1. Coaches, parents, players, fans: The umpires in the WALL program are often kids too and are part of the developmental aspect of the game. TREAT OUR UMPIRES WITH RESPECT! If there is a question about a rule interpretation, coaches may approach the umpires to discuss it in a civil manner. However, no badgering, arguing, or other disrespectful conduct toward an umpire will be tolerated. 6.3.2. Umpires are required to treat coaches, parents, players and fans with respect. If you feel that an umpire is acting in a disrespectful manner, please notify the Umpire Coordinators using the contact information in the “Notifying the Umpires” section above. 6.3.3. If an umpire feels threatened in any way by a coach, parent or fan, they have been instructed to pack up their umpire equipment and go home. The corresponding team will forfeit the game 9-0, regardless of the score at the time of the game was called. This includes, but in not limited to continual badgering about calls, etc. 6.3.4. Balls and Strikes and Safe and Out are judgment calls by the umpires and are NOT negotiable. Rule interpretation may be discussed with the umpires in a civil manner.
7.
BATTING RULES 7.1. Balls and Strikes 7.1.1. U5 - U7: Not applicable. Where coaches are pitching, if the player has not hit after 5 good pitches, use the Tee. 7.1.2. U8: Batters are given 5 strikes. Cannot strike out on a foul ball. 7.2. Batting Order 7.2.1. All Leagues: The batting order will consist of all the players on the roster and they will bat in rotation as set by the coach prior to the game regardless of whether they play in the field. Players arriving late bat at the end of the order. All players must stay in the same batting order through a game. Exception: If a player must leave early or is removed because of illness, injury, or discipline, simply skip that position - there is not an out as long as the opposing team is notified at the time of the removal. The umpire has the discretion to declare an out (in leagues that count outs) if the removal is not in good faith. 7.2.2. U5 – U6: Each team bats ½ their order each time up. Last batter is a “home run hitter.” All hits are one base only; runners advance one base at a time. 7.2.3. U7: Each team bats 6 players each time up. However, batters may advance more than one base while the ball is not controlled by a fielder. No running on overthrows. No “home run hitter” since outs now require players to come off the base. 7.2.4. U8: Bat until 3 outs are made, 5 runs are scored, or the entire batting order has batted once in the inning. In situations where the two teams have a different number of players, bat the number of players equal to the larger team. The 5 run rule is suspended in the last half-inning for each team. 7.3. Infield Fly Rule 7.3.1. U5 - U8: Not applicable. © Woodbury Area Little League. All rights reserved.
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7.4. Dropped Third Strike 7.4.1. U5 - U8: Not applicable. 7.5. Thrown Bats (on follow through) 7.5.1. U5 - U7: Give warning. If it happens a second time, the player must sit down. 7.5.2. U8: First two players on team get a warning, the next incident the batter is out. 7.6. Bunting 7.6.1. U5 - U8: Not allowed. 8.
FIELDING RULES 8.1. General Fielding Rules 8.1.1. There is free substitution. 8.1.2. The fielder always has the right of way when fielding a batted ball, whether he is in the base path or not. Base runners must avoid the infielder when that infielder is attempting to make a play on the ball. 8.1.3. The fielder may not block the base or home plate without the ball. 8.2. Defensive Players 8.2.1. All Leagues: There should be no more than six players in the infield – using traditional infield positions of pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and shortstop. 8.2.2. U5 - U6: All players play in the field. Those not playing infield positions should be arranged equally in the outfield. 8.2.3. U7 - U8: The defensive team will field a maximum of ten players in the field. In addition to the 6 infield positions mentioned above, there will be 4 outfielders: Left field, Left Center, Right Center, and Right field. 8.3. Special Rules Regarding Fielding from the Pitcher Position 8.3.1. U5 - U7: The “pitcher” player must be back in line with the pitcher’s plate. He can stand on either the right or left side. 8.3.2. U8: The “pitcher” player must be back in line with the pitcher’s plate and within 5 feet of it – either to the right or left.
9.
PITCHING 9.1. Pitching Machines 9.1.1. Pitching machines are used at U8 only. The machines should be set to 30 MPH for the first ½ of the season and then moved to 35 MPH. The League Coordinator is responsible for setting the date when this transition should occur. 9.1.2. A batted ball that strikes the pitching machine or bucket of balls is NOT necessarily a dead ball. If the ball lands in a dangerous position in relation to the machine, the umpire will immediately call a dead ball. The batter gets first base and other base runners advance one base only if necessary to allow the batter on base. The coach or umpire should retrieve the ball in this case. If the hit strikes the machine and the ball goes into foul territory without being touched, it is a foul ball. If the hit strikes the machine and the ball is fielded in fair territory, it is a live ball and should be played like any other infield hit.
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10. BASE RUNNING RULES 10.1. Leading off and Stealing 10.1.1. U5 - U7: No leading off or stealing. Runners must remain on base until the ball is hit. If a runner leads off he should be sent back to the base. 10.1.2. U8: No leading off or stealing. Runners must remain on base until the ball is hit. Each team will receive only one warning per game. In the case of a warning, play stops, no runner may advance, and there is no pitch. After one team warning, a runner who leaves early shall be called out. Only one (1) out per play. 10.2. Must slide rule 10.2.1. All Leagues: Although there truly is no “must slide” rule in baseball, WALL has implemented such a rule for the safety of our players. The runner must avoid contact (except by sliding) on any play on which the defensive player is making a play. In the event the runner does not slide, the umpire may call the runner out. This is a judgment call by the umpire. This rule applies to all leagues regardless of age. Encourage players to slide. 10.2.2. The base runner must slide or attempt to avoid body contact when a tag is being attempted. 10.2.3. Violation results in the player being called out. 10.2.4. If the base or plate is blocked without the ball, the runner is safe. 10.2.5. Infielders are not allowed to “fake” a tag to induce a slide. The infielder guilty of faking the tag may be removed from the game. 10.2.6. No head first slides are allowed. 10.3. Over throws - ball goes out of play 10.3.1. U5 - U7: Runners may not advance on an over throw. 10.3.2. U8: When fielding the ball in the infield or outfield – one (1) base from the start of the play. 10.4. When do runners have to stop running? 10.4.1. U5 - U7: See the “Playing the Game” section above. 10.4.2. U8: Runners must stop running when the ball is in the control of any defensive player in the infield. The definition of “the infield” is understood to be the "fair ball" area of the field defined by the baselines between 1st, 2nd, 3rd and home plate. Understanding that this is not a black and white line, the interpretation shall be a sole judgment call by the umpire. The intent of this rule is to teach the players one of the fundamentals of baseball - that is to get the ball into a position where it's a credible threat to the runners. 11. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING 11.1. Score Keeping 11.1.1. U5 - U7: No score is kept. 11.1.2. U8: The home team is the official scorer and recorder including use of pitchers and compliance with the equal playing time rule. 11.2. Score Reporting 11.2.1. U5 - U7: Not applicable. 11.2.2. U8: Both teams should call or email the League Coordinator and report the game scores. The League Coordinator is responsible for maintaining standings. 11.3. Record Keeping 11.3.1. U5 - U7: No special record keeping is required. 11.3.2. U8: An equal playing time record will only be required to be maintained if the Director, League Coordinator or one of the coaches request before a game that an official compliance record be maintained.
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12. EQUIPMENT 12.1. Field Preparation 12.1.1. All Leagues: Coaches are responsible for field preparation. This means placing the bases for fields that do not have permanent bases, placing portable pitching mounds where applicable, chalking the baselines if chalk is provided, etc. 12.2. Game Balls 12.2.1. U5 - U7: Incredi-ball or other soft, safety balls are used. Each team shall supply one game ball from the stock provided at the beginning of the season. 12.2.2. U8: Regular (hard) baseballs are used. Balls are stored in buckets in the locked box at the field. The League Coordinator will take responsibility for keeping decent balls in the buckets. 12.2.3. All teams (except U8) are supplied with game balls at the beginning of the season. If you are running low, please contact your League Coordinator. 12.3. Footwear 12.3.1. All Leagues: Adequate footwear must be worn (e.g., no sandals). 12.3.2. All Leagues: Rubber cleats may be worn but are not required. 12.4. Protective Cups 12.4.1. U5 - U7: Not required. 12.4.2. U8: Boys must wear a protective cup. 12.5. Batting Helmets 12.5.1. All Leagues: Batting helmets must be worn by all offensive players standing in the field of play (includes batters, runners, on-deck batters, players coaching bases, etc.). Face masks are not required but may be worn. 12.5.2. U5 - U6: Batting helmets must also be worn by any defensive players at the catcher position. 12.6. Catcher’s Equipment 12.6.1. U7 - U8: Catcher’s must wear all equipment provided including helmet, mask, chest protector and shin guards. 12.6.2. U8: A catcher’s mitt is provided. Catchers are strongly encouraged to use this mitt for the extra protection that it offers. 12.7. Legal Bats Bat differential is referred to in this section. Differential is calculated by taking the length minus the weight. So a 30”/19oz bat has a -11 (or drop 11) differential. Note: WALL only provides alloy bats. Any composite-barreled bat brought by a coach and/or player needs to adhere to “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball. 12.7.1. U8: Penalty for using an illegal bat is: 1st occurrence is a warning. 2nd occurrence is an out. 12.7.2. U5 - U6: • Any bat that has a “T-Ball” label and is less than 17 ounces in weight may be used. • Wooden bats are acceptable. 12.7.3. U7: • Any bat that has a “T-Ball” label and is less than 20 ounces in weight may be used. • Wooden bats are acceptable. 12.7.4. U8: • Maximum bat length is 33 inches. • Maximum bat barrel is 2¼ inches (no “big barrel” bats) • Unlimited differential. • Wooden bats are acceptable as long as they do not have a Tee Ball label on the bat
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13. TEAM FORMATION 13.1. Policy on playing up / down 13.1.1. Players must register for the grade they are currently in at registrations. There are no exceptions. There is NO playing up or playing down in in-house baseball. 13.1.2. For U5, the WALL Board will publish a date before which all players registering for that grade must be born in order to be eligible to play. 13.2. Team size 13.2.1. All Leagues: Maximum of 13 players per team. 13.3. Team Formation Process 13.3.1. U5 - U7: The grade coordinator for that grade will create the teams. 13.3.2. U8: The team formation process shall be administered by a WALL Board member. Grade coordinators will still have input in the team creation process, but will not be the sole decision makers in how the teams are formed. The goal is to make the teams as balanced and fair as possible. Player ratings from the previous year will form the basis for team formation but may be adjusted to account for differences in how coaches rate players. 13.4. Coaching Match ups 13.4.1. U5 - U7: There is no limit to the number of coaches that can be pre-assigned to a team prior to team formation outside of making sure that there are enough coaches for each team. 13.4.2. U8: WALL can only guarantee to honor the pairing of 2 coaches prior to team formation. If additional coaches desire to be matched up with a pre-assigned pair, that can be requested but is not guaranteed. If all teams have both a head and an assistant coach assigned, then the Board may honor such requests in accordance with request policies listed below. 13.5. Requests 13.5.1. All Leagues: Requests place a tremendous administrative burden on those making up the teams. However, we understand that there are reasons why parents feel the need to make requests. It is important to understand that these requests are just that…requests. The WALL Board CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT PLAYER REQUESTS WILL BE HONORED! At U8, the #1 goal for team formation is to make fair and balanced teams. In all cases, balanced teams will trump player requests except in very rare, and special cases. For such situations, please talk with a WALL Board member (preferably the grade coordinator) prior to team formation. The one exception is for siblings playing in the same league. If desired, we will always place siblings on the same team. This only applies to twins or mixed grade leagues. 13.5.2. All Leagues: We do not place players on teams based on any of the following:
Where they live.
What school they go to.
Who they “signed up” to play with (i.e., you can’t “sign up” to play with anyone).
An agreement made with a coach.
Personal scheduling preferences/needs related to practice / game times.
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www.woodburybaseball.org
Woodbury Area Little League – American League Supplemental Rules – U5, U6, U7, U8
Welcome to the American League division of the Woodbury Area Little League (WALL)! Your Baseball Board has been working hard to make this an enjoyable season for all of our players. We hope your children have a good experience playing the great game of baseball in our program. As you prepare for the season, please keep in mind the goals of the WALL: • that ALL players have an opportunity to develop as baseball players and as individuals • that ALL players would learn about good sportsmanship, winning and losing in a safe environment • that all umpires would develop as umpires and as individuals • that parents, coaches, and other fans would have an opportunity to watch their players play and enjoy the great game of baseball Each coach has a responsibility to ALL of the players in the league. If we focus on fun, good sportsmanship, and competition (in that order) we’ll be doing our part to make this season one that our players will remember fondly for years to come. It seems that every year there are coaches and parents who lose their perspective…and taint the great game that we play. Competition is FUN and encouraged – but it’s imperative that we remember that winning at all costs is unacceptable and goes against what the program is all about. Let’s not let these problems happen this year. If we work together, RELAX, and focus on the kids, it will be a good experience for all involved. This document is intended to foster a common understanding of the program rules. Please read through it and if you have any questions on the rules, contact a member of the WALL Board.
LET’S PLAY BALL!!!!
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Version 2.0 – Published April 1, 2012 Summary of changes in this version
Clarified that the position play rule is based on the number of players as of the start of the game. See section 3.4.
Changed section 7.6 to exclude bunting at U8.
Clarified that WALL only provides alloy bats and that any composite material bat brought by a coach and/or player needs to adhere to “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball. See section 12.7.
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Table of Contents 1. 2. 2.1. 2.2. 2.3. 3. 3.1. 3.2. 3.3. 3.4. 4. 4.1. 4.2. 4.3. 5. 5.1. 5.2. 5.3. 5.4. 5.5. 5.6. 6. 6.1. 6.2. 6.3. 7. 7.1. 7.2. 7.3. 7.4. 7.5. 7.6. 8. 8.1. 8.2. 8.3. 9. 9.1. 10. 10.1. 10.2. 10.3. 10.4. 11. 11.1. 11.2. 11.3. 12. 12.1. 12.2. 12.3. 12.4. 12.5. 12.6. 12.7.
General Approach to Supplemental Rules ...............................................................................................6 Weather ....................................................................................................................................................6 Determining if the game should be played............................................................................................6 Makeup Games .....................................................................................................................................6 Notifying the Umpires ..........................................................................................................................6 Roster rules ..............................................................................................................................................7 Legal players .........................................................................................................................................7 Minimum players required for a game ..................................................................................................7 Playing Time .........................................................................................................................................7 Position Play .........................................................................................................................................7 Game Lengths and Time Limits ...............................................................................................................7 Game Length.........................................................................................................................................7 Speed Up Rules .....................................................................................................................................8 10-run Rule ...........................................................................................................................................8 Playing the Game .....................................................................................................................................8 Coaches in the field – defense ...............................................................................................................8 Coaches in the field – offense ...............................................................................................................8 U5 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 U6 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 U7 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 U8 Game Flow ......................................................................................................................................8 Officiating ................................................................................................................................................9 Umpires .................................................................................................................................................9 Protests ..................................................................................................................................................9 Conduct related to Umpires ..................................................................................................................9 Batting Rules ............................................................................................................................................9 Balls and Strikes ...................................................................................................................................9 Batting Order ........................................................................................................................................9 Infield Fly Rule .....................................................................................................................................9 Dropped Third Strike .......................................................................................................................... 10 Thrown Bats (on follow through) ....................................................................................................... 10 Bunting................................................................................................................................................ 10 Fielding Rules ........................................................................................................................................ 10 General Fielding Rules........................................................................................................................ 10 Defensive Players................................................................................................................................ 10 Special Rules Regarding Fielding from the Pitcher Position .............................................................. 10 Pitching .................................................................................................................................................. 10 Pitching Machines ............................................................................................................................... 10 Base Running Rules ............................................................................................................................... 11 Leading off and Stealing ..................................................................................................................... 11 Must slide rule..................................................................................................................................... 11 Over throws - ball goes out of play ..................................................................................................... 11 When do runners have to stop running? .............................................................................................. 11 Record Keeping and Reporting .............................................................................................................. 11 Score Keeping ..................................................................................................................................... 11 Score Reporting .................................................................................................................................. 11 Record Keeping .................................................................................................................................. 11 Equipment .............................................................................................................................................. 12 Field Preparation ................................................................................................................................. 12 Game Balls .......................................................................................................................................... 12 Footwear ............................................................................................................................................. 12 Protective Cups ................................................................................................................................... 12 Batting Helmets .................................................................................................................................. 12 Catcher’s Equipment ........................................................................................................................... 12 Legal Bats ........................................................................................................................................... 12
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13. Team Formation ..................................................................................................................................... 13 13.1. Policy on playing up / down ............................................................................................................... 13 13.2. Team size ............................................................................................................................................ 13 13.3. Team Formation Process ..................................................................................................................... 13 13.4. Coaching Match ups ........................................................................................................................... 13 13.5. Requests .............................................................................................................................................. 13
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U5-U8 Supplemental Rules continued… 1.
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GENERAL APPROACH TO SUPPLEMENTAL RULES In terms of playing rules, the intent of the American League division of the Woodbury Area Little League (WALL) program is to conform as closely as possible to the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball. A minimum number of variances of the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” are established for each level of play within WALL, designed and coordinated to allow a natural progression from one level of play to another. Each step up through the program requires the player to develop and use new skills. Many of these variances focus on skill progression while others relate to sportsmanship and safety. Below is summary of the levels of play in this rule book and corresponding grade levels. U5 = Pre-K U6 = Kindergarten U7 = 1st Grade U8 = 2nd Grade This document represents the sole set of supplemental rule differences from Little League Baseball’s “Official Regulations and Playing Rules.” These rules may NOT be modified by anyone except a majority vote of the WALL Board. This means that individual groups of coaches may not vote to change the rules unless it is brought to the Board.
2.
WEATHER 2.1. Determining if the game should be played 2.1.1. Coaches should sign up with the City of Woodbury’s InTouch program to stay up to date regarding field conditions. See http://www2.ci.woodbury.mn.us/InTouch/. 2.1.2. If the City has not closed the fields but weather is an issue, coaches will decide if the game should begin. Once play begins, if the coaches cannot agree whether play should continue it will be the home plate umpire’s decision. 2.1.3. Under no circumstances will players be allowed on a field during an approaching thunderstorm or if lightning has been spotted in the area. As a guideline, if lightning is seen and thunder is heard within a 10 second period, play should be halted and players removed from the field for a period of time to see if it will blow over. If lightning is seen and thunder is heard within a 5 second period, the game should be ended. Safety is paramount!!!! 2.2. Makeup Games 2.2.1. U5 – U7: Games called due to weather should be made up. To schedule a make-up game, work with the League Coordinator to determine an available field or do it during one of the participating team’s scheduled practices. 2.2.2. U8: Games called due to weather must be played again in their entirety on a date agreeable to both coaches. If the coaches cannot agree on a date, then a date will be set by the League Coordinator. The League Coordinator has the right (and the duty) to help set the time and date that the makeup game will be played. Play the game. Teams that do not reschedule may receive a forfeit loss (both teams could receive a forfeit). 2.3. Notifying the Umpires 2.3.1. At U8 (where there are umpires), the Umpire Coordinators can be reached as follows – in this priority order:
Contact the umps in this priority order!!!!!!
• email: [email protected]
(but not for last minute cancellations)
• Alec Kinsky: 651-261-8651 (for last minute cancellations) • Barry Schalkle: 651-222-3399 (for last minute cancellations when you can’t reach Alec) Note: For rule interpretation questions/issues, contact Barry Schalkle. Please be judicious in terms of when and how often you use Barry’s cell phone. This list is subject to change during the season – you will be notified of any changes through your League Coordinator.
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2.3.2. If coaches decide to cancel a game ahead of time, the Umpire Coordinators should be notified immediately. 2.3.3. The Umpire Coordinators should be contacted at least 3 days in advance of a makeup game to ensure that umpires will be scheduled. 3.
ROSTER RULES 3.1. Legal players 3.1.1. Only players on the team’s official roster, as supplied by the League Coordinator, are allowed to compete in a WALL game. 3.2. Minimum players required for a game 3.2.1. U5 - U7: There is no minimum of players required in order to play a game. If a team is short players it is acceptable to forego having a catcher or outfielders as needed. 3.2.2. U8: A game shall be forfeited by a team which cannot provide at least 8 players by 10 minutes after the scheduled game time (no exceptions), or which cannot provide at least 8 players to finish a game in progress (except as the result of injuries). If a team must forfeit before the game has started, the coaches should divide up the players who are present and play a practice game. 3.3. Playing Time 3.3.1. All Leagues: Equal playing time rule. There is equal playing time in the field for all players who regularly come to practice and games. For example, if there are 12 players on the team, each player should sit out at least one inning in a regulation game. This rule also is a season long rule which means that for the 10 or 11 player team, bench time should be allocated to every player. The equal playing time rule does not apply to those who skip practice without notice or to the habitual skipper without notice. If a coach does not plan to play a player for this reason, the player and the opposing coach should be notified before the game starts. Coaches are responsible for maintaining records showing compliance with this rule. 3.4. Position Play 3.4.1. U5 - U7: Players should be rotated to new positions each inning – each player should play both infield and outfield positions each game. 3.4.2. U8: All players must play at least 1 inning in the outfield and 1 inning in the infield prior to the 5th inning of the game (or by the completion of the 5th inning if you have 13 players). The number of players is determined as of the start of the game (i.e. if a team starts the game with 13 players and a player is injured in the 2nd inning and can no longer play, that coach does not need to adjust the player rotation to abide by the rule for a team of 12 players). Pitcher and catcher are infield positions. Use good faith here. The idea is not to condemn a weaker player to the outfield – develop him so he can play infield! This rule is to be enforced by coaches – it is not the responsibility of the umpires to enforce this. In some cases, there may be special circumstances that would call for this rule to be modified (e.g. in the case of a player with physical limitations). Those cases should be worked out with the League Coordinator ahead of time and the opposing coach should be discretely notified prior to each game. NOTE: Coaches, this is developmental baseball. DEVELOP YOUR PLAYERS! Give them opportunities to play a variety of both infield and outfield positions each game.
4.
GAME LENGTHS AND TIME LIMITS These rules apply to the regular season only. Specific time limits may be established for the seasonending tournament and will be communicated to coaches through league coordinators. Safety is the overriding factor! Umpires and coaches should work together to determine when it is too dark to begin a new inning. 4.1. Game Length 4.1.1. U5 - U7: The game will consist of six (6) complete innings in which 6 players of the batting lineup will bat. There is a 1hr 15m time limit from the start of the game. 4.1.2. U8: Complete games are considered to be six (6) innings (5 ½ if the home team is leading) or 1hr 15m from the start of the game. In the case of inclement weather, the game is considered
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official after the losing team bats 4 times. If six innings have been completed within the time limit and the score is tied, extra innings may be played. But no inning may begin after the time limit. Because of this rule, games may end in a tie. 4.2. Speed Up Rules 4.2.1. U5 - U7: A courtesy runner may be used for the next inning’s catcher. 4.2.2. U8: If there are two outs, a courtesy runner for the next inning catcher may be used. Runner will be the player who made last out. Catcher keeps pads on except when on deck or batting. 4.3. 10-run Rule 4.3.1. U5 - U7: Does not apply. 4.3.2. U8: The 10-run rule is in effect after 4 innings (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead). The losing team must have batted five times. 5.
PLAYING THE GAME 5.1. Coaches in the field – defense 5.1.1. U5 - U7: Up to 3 coaches from the defensive team are permitted in the field. Coaches from both teams should help ensure the runners know where to go. A coach or parent may be stationed behind the catcher to aid in gathering up the baseballs when the pitcher runs out. 5.1.2. U8: In general, coaches should remain in the bench area when the team is in the field. However, it is permissible to station a coach or parent behind the catcher to help gather up baseballs that have been pitched but not hit to keep them out of the field of play and to facilitate refilling the bucket quickly when needed. That coach MUST NOT interfere with the game play in any way. 5.2. Coaches in the field – offense 5.2.1. U5 - U7: A coach should be stationed at 1st and 3rd base to assist runners. In addition, a coach is either pitching or helping batters with the tee. 5.2.2. U8: Base coaches may be stationed at 1st and 3rd base. One coach runs the pitching machine. No other offense coaches are permitted on the field of play. 5.3. U5 Game Flow Batter swings until the ball is hit off the Tee. Batter runs to first. Fielders throw the ball to 1st base regardless of how many runners on base. Runners advance one base a time. No advancing on overthrows. No outs recorded. No score is kept. Half of the batting order hits each ½ inning. The last batter each ½ inning is the home run hitter. 5.4. U6 Game Flow Coaches may choose to pitch or use the Tee based on player ability. If using the Tee, the Batter swings until the ball is hit. If hitting pitches, the batter is given 5 good pitches from his coach and if he has not yet hit the ball, the Tee should be used. Regardless, once the ball is hit, the Batter runs to first. Fielders should be encouraged to throw the ball to any base to which a runner is advancing. Runners typically advance one base a time but may take an extra base if the ball has not been fielded by the time he reaches 1st. No advancing on overthrows. Outs are not recorded but they should be acknowledged. However the player getting out does not come off base. No score is kept. Half of the batting order hits each ½ inning. The last batter each ½ inning is the home run hitter. 5.5. U7 Game Flow Batter is given 5 good pitches from the coach. If he has not hit the ball, then the Tee should be used. When the ball is hit, the batter runs to first. Fielders should be encouraged to throw the ball to any base to which a runner is advancing – preferably toward the lead runner. Runners typically advance one base a time but may take an extra base if the ball has not been fielded by the time he reaches 1st. No advancing on overthrows. Outs are recorded (the player getting out comes off the base) but the inning does not end until 6 offensive players have batted in that inning. No score is kept. 5.6. U8 Game Flow A pitching machine is used. No count is kept – the umpire either calls strike or no pitch. Each batter gets 5 strikes but his at-bat does not end on a foul ball. If he swings and misses on his last pitch, it is a strikeout. Batters and runners may advance at their own risk within the bounds of the overthrow rule. Outs are recorded as normal. Score is kept. Bat until 3 outs are made, 5 runs are scored, or the entire © Woodbury Area Little League. All rights reserved.
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batting order has batted once in the inning. In situations where the two teams have a different number of players, bat the number of players equal to the larger team. The 5 run rule is suspended in the last half-inning for each team. 6.
OFFICIATING 6.1. Umpires 6.1.1. U5 - U7: No umpires are provided. Coaches are responsible for any officiating that is needed. 6.1.2. U8: WALL will supply the umpires. If the umpires do not show, the home team designates the home plate umpire and the visitor designates the base umpire. Play the game. 6.2. Protests 6.2.1. Protests are not allowed. All umpire decisions are final. 6.3. Conduct related to Umpires 6.3.1. Coaches, parents, players, fans: The umpires in the WALL program are often kids too and are part of the developmental aspect of the game. TREAT OUR UMPIRES WITH RESPECT! If there is a question about a rule interpretation, coaches may approach the umpires to discuss it in a civil manner. However, no badgering, arguing, or other disrespectful conduct toward an umpire will be tolerated. 6.3.2. Umpires are required to treat coaches, parents, players and fans with respect. If you feel that an umpire is acting in a disrespectful manner, please notify the Umpire Coordinators using the contact information in the “Notifying the Umpires” section above. 6.3.3. If an umpire feels threatened in any way by a coach, parent or fan, they have been instructed to pack up their umpire equipment and go home. The corresponding team will forfeit the game 9-0, regardless of the score at the time of the game was called. This includes, but in not limited to continual badgering about calls, etc. 6.3.4. Balls and Strikes and Safe and Out are judgment calls by the umpires and are NOT negotiable. Rule interpretation may be discussed with the umpires in a civil manner.
7.
BATTING RULES 7.1. Balls and Strikes 7.1.1. U5 - U7: Not applicable. Where coaches are pitching, if the player has not hit after 5 good pitches, use the Tee. 7.1.2. U8: Batters are given 5 strikes. Cannot strike out on a foul ball. 7.2. Batting Order 7.2.1. All Leagues: The batting order will consist of all the players on the roster and they will bat in rotation as set by the coach prior to the game regardless of whether they play in the field. Players arriving late bat at the end of the order. All players must stay in the same batting order through a game. Exception: If a player must leave early or is removed because of illness, injury, or discipline, simply skip that position - there is not an out as long as the opposing team is notified at the time of the removal. The umpire has the discretion to declare an out (in leagues that count outs) if the removal is not in good faith. 7.2.2. U5 – U6: Each team bats ½ their order each time up. Last batter is a “home run hitter.” All hits are one base only; runners advance one base at a time. 7.2.3. U7: Each team bats 6 players each time up. However, batters may advance more than one base while the ball is not controlled by a fielder. No running on overthrows. No “home run hitter” since outs now require players to come off the base. 7.2.4. U8: Bat until 3 outs are made, 5 runs are scored, or the entire batting order has batted once in the inning. In situations where the two teams have a different number of players, bat the number of players equal to the larger team. The 5 run rule is suspended in the last half-inning for each team. 7.3. Infield Fly Rule 7.3.1. U5 - U8: Not applicable. © Woodbury Area Little League. All rights reserved.
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7.4. Dropped Third Strike 7.4.1. U5 - U8: Not applicable. 7.5. Thrown Bats (on follow through) 7.5.1. U5 - U7: Give warning. If it happens a second time, the player must sit down. 7.5.2. U8: First two players on team get a warning, the next incident the batter is out. 7.6. Bunting 7.6.1. U5 - U8: Not allowed. 8.
FIELDING RULES 8.1. General Fielding Rules 8.1.1. There is free substitution. 8.1.2. The fielder always has the right of way when fielding a batted ball, whether he is in the base path or not. Base runners must avoid the infielder when that infielder is attempting to make a play on the ball. 8.1.3. The fielder may not block the base or home plate without the ball. 8.2. Defensive Players 8.2.1. All Leagues: There should be no more than six players in the infield – using traditional infield positions of pitcher, catcher, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and shortstop. 8.2.2. U5 - U6: All players play in the field. Those not playing infield positions should be arranged equally in the outfield. 8.2.3. U7 - U8: The defensive team will field a maximum of ten players in the field. In addition to the 6 infield positions mentioned above, there will be 4 outfielders: Left field, Left Center, Right Center, and Right field. 8.3. Special Rules Regarding Fielding from the Pitcher Position 8.3.1. U5 - U7: The “pitcher” player must be back in line with the pitcher’s plate. He can stand on either the right or left side. 8.3.2. U8: The “pitcher” player must be back in line with the pitcher’s plate and within 5 feet of it – either to the right or left.
9.
PITCHING 9.1. Pitching Machines 9.1.1. Pitching machines are used at U8 only. The machines should be set to 30 MPH for the first ½ of the season and then moved to 35 MPH. The League Coordinator is responsible for setting the date when this transition should occur. 9.1.2. A batted ball that strikes the pitching machine or bucket of balls is NOT necessarily a dead ball. If the ball lands in a dangerous position in relation to the machine, the umpire will immediately call a dead ball. The batter gets first base and other base runners advance one base only if necessary to allow the batter on base. The coach or umpire should retrieve the ball in this case. If the hit strikes the machine and the ball goes into foul territory without being touched, it is a foul ball. If the hit strikes the machine and the ball is fielded in fair territory, it is a live ball and should be played like any other infield hit.
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10. BASE RUNNING RULES 10.1. Leading off and Stealing 10.1.1. U5 - U7: No leading off or stealing. Runners must remain on base until the ball is hit. If a runner leads off he should be sent back to the base. 10.1.2. U8: No leading off or stealing. Runners must remain on base until the ball is hit. Each team will receive only one warning per game. In the case of a warning, play stops, no runner may advance, and there is no pitch. After one team warning, a runner who leaves early shall be called out. Only one (1) out per play. 10.2. Must slide rule 10.2.1. All Leagues: Although there truly is no “must slide” rule in baseball, WALL has implemented such a rule for the safety of our players. The runner must avoid contact (except by sliding) on any play on which the defensive player is making a play. In the event the runner does not slide, the umpire may call the runner out. This is a judgment call by the umpire. This rule applies to all leagues regardless of age. Encourage players to slide. 10.2.2. The base runner must slide or attempt to avoid body contact when a tag is being attempted. 10.2.3. Violation results in the player being called out. 10.2.4. If the base or plate is blocked without the ball, the runner is safe. 10.2.5. Infielders are not allowed to “fake” a tag to induce a slide. The infielder guilty of faking the tag may be removed from the game. 10.2.6. No head first slides are allowed. 10.3. Over throws - ball goes out of play 10.3.1. U5 - U7: Runners may not advance on an over throw. 10.3.2. U8: When fielding the ball in the infield or outfield – one (1) base from the start of the play. 10.4. When do runners have to stop running? 10.4.1. U5 - U7: See the “Playing the Game” section above. 10.4.2. U8: Runners must stop running when the ball is in the control of any defensive player in the infield. The definition of “the infield” is understood to be the "fair ball" area of the field defined by the baselines between 1st, 2nd, 3rd and home plate. Understanding that this is not a black and white line, the interpretation shall be a sole judgment call by the umpire. The intent of this rule is to teach the players one of the fundamentals of baseball - that is to get the ball into a position where it's a credible threat to the runners. 11. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING 11.1. Score Keeping 11.1.1. U5 - U7: No score is kept. 11.1.2. U8: The home team is the official scorer and recorder including use of pitchers and compliance with the equal playing time rule. 11.2. Score Reporting 11.2.1. U5 - U7: Not applicable. 11.2.2. U8: Both teams should call or email the League Coordinator and report the game scores. The League Coordinator is responsible for maintaining standings. 11.3. Record Keeping 11.3.1. U5 - U7: No special record keeping is required. 11.3.2. U8: An equal playing time record will only be required to be maintained if the Director, League Coordinator or one of the coaches request before a game that an official compliance record be maintained.
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U5-U8 Supplemental Rules continued…
last revised: 4/1/2012
12. EQUIPMENT 12.1. Field Preparation 12.1.1. All Leagues: Coaches are responsible for field preparation. This means placing the bases for fields that do not have permanent bases, placing portable pitching mounds where applicable, chalking the baselines if chalk is provided, etc. 12.2. Game Balls 12.2.1. U5 - U7: Incredi-ball or other soft, safety balls are used. Each team shall supply one game ball from the stock provided at the beginning of the season. 12.2.2. U8: Regular (hard) baseballs are used. Balls are stored in buckets in the locked box at the field. The League Coordinator will take responsibility for keeping decent balls in the buckets. 12.2.3. All teams (except U8) are supplied with game balls at the beginning of the season. If you are running low, please contact your League Coordinator. 12.3. Footwear 12.3.1. All Leagues: Adequate footwear must be worn (e.g., no sandals). 12.3.2. All Leagues: Rubber cleats may be worn but are not required. 12.4. Protective Cups 12.4.1. U5 - U7: Not required. 12.4.2. U8: Boys must wear a protective cup. 12.5. Batting Helmets 12.5.1. All Leagues: Batting helmets must be worn by all offensive players standing in the field of play (includes batters, runners, on-deck batters, players coaching bases, etc.). Face masks are not required but may be worn. 12.5.2. U5 - U6: Batting helmets must also be worn by any defensive players at the catcher position. 12.6. Catcher’s Equipment 12.6.1. U7 - U8: Catcher’s must wear all equipment provided including helmet, mask, chest protector and shin guards. 12.6.2. U8: A catcher’s mitt is provided. Catchers are strongly encouraged to use this mitt for the extra protection that it offers. 12.7. Legal Bats Bat differential is referred to in this section. Differential is calculated by taking the length minus the weight. So a 30”/19oz bat has a -11 (or drop 11) differential. Note: WALL only provides alloy bats. Any composite-barreled bat brought by a coach and/or player needs to adhere to “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball. 12.7.1. U8: Penalty for using an illegal bat is: 1st occurrence is a warning. 2nd occurrence is an out. 12.7.2. U5 - U6: • Any bat that has a “T-Ball” label and is less than 17 ounces in weight may be used. • Wooden bats are acceptable. 12.7.3. U7: • Any bat that has a “T-Ball” label and is less than 20 ounces in weight may be used. • Wooden bats are acceptable. 12.7.4. U8: • Maximum bat length is 33 inches. • Maximum bat barrel is 2¼ inches (no “big barrel” bats) • Unlimited differential. • Wooden bats are acceptable as long as they do not have a Tee Ball label on the bat
© Woodbury Area Little League. All rights reserved.
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U5-U8 Supplemental Rules continued…
last revised: 4/1/2012
13. TEAM FORMATION 13.1. Policy on playing up / down 13.1.1. Players must register for the grade they are currently in at registrations. There are no exceptions. There is NO playing up or playing down in in-house baseball. 13.1.2. For U5, the WALL Board will publish a date before which all players registering for that grade must be born in order to be eligible to play. 13.2. Team size 13.2.1. All Leagues: Maximum of 13 players per team. 13.3. Team Formation Process 13.3.1. U5 - U7: The grade coordinator for that grade will create the teams. 13.3.2. U8: The team formation process shall be administered by a WALL Board member. Grade coordinators will still have input in the team creation process, but will not be the sole decision makers in how the teams are formed. The goal is to make the teams as balanced and fair as possible. Player ratings from the previous year will form the basis for team formation but may be adjusted to account for differences in how coaches rate players. 13.4. Coaching Match ups 13.4.1. U5 - U7: There is no limit to the number of coaches that can be pre-assigned to a team prior to team formation outside of making sure that there are enough coaches for each team. 13.4.2. U8: WALL can only guarantee to honor the pairing of 2 coaches prior to team formation. If additional coaches desire to be matched up with a pre-assigned pair, that can be requested but is not guaranteed. If all teams have both a head and an assistant coach assigned, then the Board may honor such requests in accordance with request policies listed below. 13.5. Requests 13.5.1. All Leagues: Requests place a tremendous administrative burden on those making up the teams. However, we understand that there are reasons why parents feel the need to make requests. It is important to understand that these requests are just that…requests. The WALL Board CANNOT GUARANTEE THAT PLAYER REQUESTS WILL BE HONORED! At U8, the #1 goal for team formation is to make fair and balanced teams. In all cases, balanced teams will trump player requests except in very rare, and special cases. For such situations, please talk with a WALL Board member (preferably the grade coordinator) prior to team formation. The one exception is for siblings playing in the same league. If desired, we will always place siblings on the same team. This only applies to twins or mixed grade leagues. 13.5.2. All Leagues: We do not place players on teams based on any of the following:
Where they live.
What school they go to.
Who they “signed up” to play with (i.e., you can’t “sign up” to play with anyone).
An agreement made with a coach.
Personal scheduling preferences/needs related to practice / game times.
© Woodbury Area Little League. All rights reserved.
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