Gig Harbor Little League

Local Rules Manual

                                                  2007 – 2008                        (Draft Version)

 

Table of Contents:                                                                                Page

 

Introduction                                                                   2                                                         

Personnel                                                                     2

Disciplinary Actions                                                       3

Registration                                                                  4

League Structure                                                           5

American / National League Structure                             5

Little League Career                                                       5

Tryouts                                                                         6

Selection Of Players                                                      6

Options                                                                                    7

Majors Refusal                                                              7

Trades                                                                          7

Re-entering The Draft                                                     8

Releasing & Replacing Players                                       8

Starting & Ending the Game                                           9

GHLL Local League Rules                                              9

Junior / Senior / Big League Rules                                  10

Major League Rules                                                       10

Minor League 9-12 Rules                                                10

Minor League 7-9 Rules                                                 11

Pitching                                                                                    11

Ground Rules For Non-Fenced Fields                             11

Protests                                                                        12

Pre-Game Activities / Field Rules                                   12

Rainy Day Policies                                                        13

Field Usage                                                                  13

League Divisional Championships                                  14

City Championships                                                      14

All Stars                                                                        14

Post Season Evaluations                                               15

INTRODUCTION

 

It is the intent of Gig Harbor Little League (GHLL) to accommodate any youngster who wants to play Little League Baseball who lives within the registered boundaries, and meets the age requirements. No youngster will be turned away except:  1) for severe disciplinary reasons, or 2) because of roster limitations.

 

We believe that every child should be given an opportunity to play, and participate in all phases of the game. No child should be a permanent tail-end-of-the-batting-order, last-inning-right-fielder, base coach, etc.  We do not believe that any child should be exposed to abusive language, harassment, severe or injurious discipline, emotional outbursts, or storms of anger by coaches, spectators or teammates. In short, baseball should be a positive experience for our kids.

 

These rules and procedures are intended to cover those considerations that the GHLL Board of Directors has found necessary beyond those outlined in the Little League Baseball Rules. Cases of specific conflict should be brought before the GHLL Board of Directors.

 

Information is published in this manual to establish a level of consistency and common understanding across the league. This document can also be used to enhance communication between coaches, umpires and parents within Gig Harbor Little League.

 

Gig Harbor Little League Baseball is governed by regulations listed by priority as follows:

 

Official Little League Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules

Little League Operational Handbook

District 2 Administrator's Interpretations & Rules

GHLL Local Rules Manual

 

The GHLL Board of Directors is governed by the GHLL Constitution, which has been ratified by the general membership.

 

No rule or policy may be passed by GHLL which is in direct conflict with rules and regulations contained in publications of a higher priority as listed above.

 

Remember - Winning is not everything, but making the effort to win is!

 

PERSONNEL

 

1.  Executive Board of Directors:

Officers

The officers required to be elected from the membership are: President, Vice President - Players, Vice President - Operations, Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Manager and Chief Umpire.  In addition to the above, the GHLL Past President also serves as a member of the Executive Board.

 

Meetings

Board meetings are held monthly, or as called by the President or a majority of the board.  These meetings are generally open to all interested parties.

 

Election and Appointment

The Board of Directors are all elected annually, usually the third Tuesday in September.  The number of managers and coaches, including minor league representation, elected to the Board shall not exceed a minority of the total Board members.  All GHLL Members in good standing are eligible to vote for Board members.  Following the election, the Board of Directors will meet and appoint from the GHLL membership the

League Directors, Player Agents, and other volunteer positions as required. 


 

2.  Managers & Coaches:

The heart of Little League Baseball is what happens between the manager and player. It is the manager, more than any other single individual, who makes the program a success or a failure. He or she controls the situation in which the players may be benefited or harmed. The adult instructors have the responsibility of the overall welfare of all the player oriented activities in the GHLL Baseball program.  The Managers / Coaches have the total team responsibility, some of which include: 

 

·         Participate in League functions, i.e., Opening day ceremonies, fundraising, work party days, picture day and various clinics.

·         Teach players fair play, sportsmanship, team play and respect for the opponent and Umpires.

·         Managers and coaches need to be willing to attend League meetings when requested.

·         The Team Manager is responsible for drafting new players for his team and insuring each player plays at the level of ball that benefits the player's mental and physical development.

·         Handle the administrative requirements of the team, i.e., medical release forms, assisting with fundraisers, communicating with team members, etc.

·         Managers appoint Team Coordinators and other workers for their team. All such persons appointed by the Manager are his/her responsibility.

·         Be responsible for proper safeguarding and use of all League equipment, facilities and uniforms.  Be responsible to turn in all League equipment and uniforms at the end of the season.

·         Establishing team rules and discipline. 

·         Spend the time necessary with the team at practices and games.  If there are rainouts, tied or suspended games, then it is probable that there will be more than two games in one week.

·         Conducting any necessary parents meetings.

·         Oversee work parties which involve the parents.

·         Insure the adherence to all the League rules and regulations and policies. 

·         Work with all League personnel and assist in providing an Umpire core for the League.

·         The coaches have the responsibility of the players in instruction, safety, sportsmanship and development of team play.

 

3.  Applications:

All managers and coaches must fill out an application for their position desired on a year-to-year basis.  As per Little League, Inc. rules, the GHLL President has the responsibility to then make the appointment subject to approval by the Board of Directors.  If the GHLL President does not appoint an individual as a manager, then that person is simply not approved and no Board of Directors action is needed. All managers, coaches, umpires, volunteers with direct /continual contact with the players and League officials will undergo a records check through the Washington State Patrol to determine if any criminal convictions involving child abuse, child molestation or other crimes against people have been proven against them.  The purpose of such a check is to assist in protecting the health and welfare of the youth under their care.

 

DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS

 

Disciplinary action may be commenced against any person involved in the Gig Harbor Little League program, including, but not limited to GHLL officers, umpires, managers, coaches, parents, players and spectators.  Activities that may be subject to disciplinary action include violation of Little League Baseball rules or regulations, GHLL Local League rules or policies, or anyone displaying activity or conduct which is unbecoming of an individual who is involved in GHLL.  The following section is intended as a guideline.  Under some circumstances, the Board of Directors may modify the procedures to suit the specific circumstances.

 

1.  Filing of Charges

To initiate consideration by the Board of Directors of disciplinary action, a written complaint shall be filed with the GHLL stating grounds for the complaint.  This complaint shall contain a brief statement including the alleged violator's name, and the date, time and location of the alleged violation.  The complaint shall set forth the complainant's name, address, telephone number, team (if known) and shall be signed.  The complaint shall either be mailed to the GHLL Board, or hand delivered to a GHLL officer or Board member within a reasonable time following occurrence of the alleged violation (within 7 calendar days.)

 

2.  Initial Hearing

Immediately following receipt of a complaint a preliminary committee of the GHLL Board Executive Committee (League President/Secretary/Treasurer/Safety Officer and the appropriate League Director shall discuss the complaint and determine whether disciplinary action should be initiated.  In the event that the GHLL Board member is the complainant, he/she shall not be present at this initial determination phase.  The preliminary committee will review the complaint and make a determination by majority vote on whether there is reasonable cause to believe that there has been a violation requiring disciplinary action.  If so, the committee shall proceed with disciplinary action; if not then it shall advise the complainant with a brief statement of the Board's reasons for its determination not to initiate disciplinary action.

 

3.  Hearing Procedure:

When the GHLL Executive Committee determines that disciplinary action may be merited, the committee shall give written notice to the alleged violator detailing the charge, and requesting their presence before a full Board of Directors as soon as possible.  The Executive Committee will then convene this full meeting of the Board of Directors.  Failure to appear before the Board will be taken as an admission of the conduct alleged in the complaint, and the Board of Directors may discipline the alleged violator as it sees fit.

The GHLL President shall regulate the course of the proceedings.  To initiate the hearing, the president shall introduce the Board, and read the complaint.  The accused shall have a right to appear personally, and to take part in the proceedings.  The president shall afford all parties the opportunity to make opening statements, present evidence and argument, and to conduct cross-examination.  The hearing need not be conducted in accordance with legal rules of evidence, and any relevant evidence, whether or not admissible in a court of law, shall be admissible at the disciplinary hearing.  At the discretion of the president, the hearing may be recorded by written and/or voice recording.

 

4.  Decision of Hearing Committee

At the conclusion of this hearing, the Board of Directors shall adjourn for deliberation.  Unless a 2/3 majority of the Board finds that adequate grounds exist for disciplinary action, the complaint shall be dismissed.  If the 2/3 majority of the Board finds the need for disciplinary action, then the committee shall issue a written decision setting forth the rule, regulation or policy violated, and the sanction ordered as a result of the violation.  Sanctions may include reprimand or censor, dismissal or suspension from any further GHLL activities.  The decision may also contain conditions for continued involvement in GHLL activities and may contain steps to be completed to remedy the problem which gave rise to the violation.  The decision of the 2/3 majority of the Board shall be final, and shall not be subject to appeal.

 

5.  Emergency Discipline Action

Under emergency circumstances, when immediate action must be taken to protect the welfare of any individual involved in any way in GHLL programs any GHLL Board Member may summarily suspend an individual from further participation in GHLL activities.  Such emergency suspension may be made orally or in writing at their discretion.  Following emergency suspension, a complaint shall be issued, and an immediate hearing shall take place as set forth above.

 

6.  Ejection from Game

Parents, fans, coaches and managers are reminded that a person ejected from a game/ball park will leave the ball park, to include the surrounding park area, within two minutes.  Failure to do so could result in a possible forfeiture to one of the teams playing.  GHLL will absolutely not tolerate uncontrolled or unsportsmanlike conduct.  If a parent or fan is ejected from a game / ball park, for whatever reason, twice in one season, they will be banned from Little League activities for the remainder of the season.

 

REGISTRATION

 

Every administrator, coach, and manager must register as a GHLL Member.  The player registration process is scheduled by the Board of Directors.  Returning players may register on-line at the GHLL website to avoid long lines at the walk-in registration date.  Generally, announcement of GHLL registration is distributed to all returning players, and schools within our boundaries.  Every player must sign up by the scheduled walk-up date or risk being placed on a waiting list if enrolling after the time designated for registration.  A valid original birth certificate and one form of proof of residency within league boundaries should accompany each child new to the program.

 

A player who is eligible by age and boundary rules will have an opportunity to register to play in GHLL, unless physically or mentally incapable based on safety considerations.  There are certain constraints on the number of teams and number of players GHLL can field per division, and once these are filled, certain programs will close when full.  A player must reside within GHLL league boundaries and not merely attend a school within GHLL league boundaries to qualify to play in GHLL.  This rule is a Little League, Inc. rule and must be followed; there are some exceptions in regards to players moving outside the GHLL boundary after they have been placed on a Major level or higher level team, or if a sibling to such a player.  If any doubt exists about eligibility, contact your program Player Agent or the GHLL President.

 

Refunds of paid registration fees will be accommodated up to one week prior to the opening game of the season.  After this time, refunds are not available.

 

LEAGUE STRUCTURE

 

GHLL supports divisions for both boys and girls that range from 5 years to 18 years in age.  Little League operates its age groups on the principle of “League Age,” which is the age the player will be on May 1st of the current year.  Any time age is mentioned, it refers to League Age.  The GHLL divisions are shown in the following table:

 

 

Division

Age

Big League

17 – 18

Senior League

14 – 16

Junior League

13 – 14

Major League

10 – 12

Minor League AAA

9 – 12

Minor League AA

8 - 9

Minor League A

6 - 7

Minor LeagueTee Ball

5 - 6

 

 

Minor League Tee Ball teams will be formed such that all of the available 5 and 6 year olds will be placed on these teams.  All efforts will be made to hold these teams to 14 players or less.  Teams are chosen by draft at the beginning of each season.

 

Minor League A teams will be formed such that all of the available 7 year olds will be placed on these teams.  Also, any 6 year old that played Tee Ball the previous season will be eligible to play in this division.  All efforts will be made to hold these teams to 14 players or less.  Teams are chosen by draft at the beginning of each season.

 

Minor League AA teams will be formed such that all of the available 8 and 9 year olds will be placed on these teams.  All efforts will be made to hold these teams to 14 players or less.  Teams are chosen by draft at the beginning of each season. 

 

All 10 and 11 year olds who are not chosen during the Major League draft will be placed on Minor League AAA teams.  The Minors AAA teams are dissolved at the end of each season, and redrafted at the beginning of the next.  These teams will consist of no more than 14 players, as established at the beginning of the season. In the event of a player loss during the season, at the Player Agent’s discretion a 9 year old player will be chosen from the Minors AA division to fill the position.

 

Major League teams stay consistent from year to year, and only draft to fill their vacancies left from departing players.  These teams have first draft rights on all players age 10 through 12 who attend tryouts.  Teams in this league will consist of twelve players per team.  Teams shall consist of no more than eight players of any one age and no more than two 10 year olds per team. The Team Managers must keep this in mind as they build their teams.  The Player Agent has to monitor the situation during the draft.  Major League teams will be selected through a draft procedure following player evaluations. In the event of a player loss during the year, a player will be chosen from the Minors AAA division to fill the position.

                                                                                                                                                                       

Junior League consists of 13 and 14 year old players, and is designed to introduce players to the larger field.  Players new to this league attend tryouts, and are placed on teams by draft.  The Junior League may play inter-league with other leagues in District 2.

 

Senior League consists of 14, 15 and 16 year old players.  Players new to this league attend tryouts, and are placed on teams by draft.  The Senior League may play inter-league with other leagues in District 2.

 

Big League consists of 17 and 18 year old players.  Players new to this league attend tryouts, and are placed on teams by draft.  GHLL Big League teams play inter-league with other area Little League Big League teams.

AMERICAN LEAGUE / NATIONAL LEAGUE DIVISION

 

Gig Harbor Little League selects teams for the American and National Leagues through utilization of the Common Pool Draft Method.  This method places all eligible players into one common pool from which American and National Managers select players for their teams.  Once these teams are drafted, the leagues are run as separate entities for the remainder of the season.

 

The player pools are made up of new players to Gig Harbor Little League as well as all players who played on a Gig Harbor Little League minor team the previous year.  Tryouts will be scheduled by age groups, with no distinction between leagues.  All managers from both leagues will evaluate these players.

 

 


LITTLE LEAGUE CAREER

 

Each player acquired by a Major League, Junior League or Senior League team shall, for the duration of his or her league career, remain a member of the team making the acquisition unless subsequently traded or released. The Board of Directors shall reserve the right to continue as a player any child whose residence changes after becoming a member of GHLL as provided for in the Official Rules.  Under some circumstances, the Board of Directors may direct that all teams on a league may be dissolved and redrafted.

 

TRYOUTS

 

The purpose of tryouts is the assignment of each player to the level for which they are best suited, and to distribute talent to make teams competitive. To accomplish this, tryouts are held each year during the month of February. The tryouts are conducted under the management of the Tryouts Coordinator and League Player Agents, with assistance from the Board of Directors. Each player who has properly registered will be given the opportunity to participate. It is the responsibility of the Player Agent to see to it that each team Manager has adequate knowledge of players to be drafted. If not, a knowledgeable person should be appointed to assist a Manager during the drafting of players.

 

At the time of registration, all new players, League age 7 through 12 for Little League and ages 13 to 18 for Junior, Senior and Big Leagues, will be notified of the tryout dates, times and locations.  These evaluations are used to assess each player as to ability and skill so that Managers may draft them into the proper level of play.  This applies to players who are not returning to their previous year’s team (Major, Junior, or Senior Teams.)

 

Coaches will evaluate each player in running, throwing, fielding, and handling a bat and overall coordination.  Each player must attend tryouts to be eligible to be drafted to any team.  If any player does not attend tryouts, player shall forfeit eligibility, unless an excuse is presented in advance of the tryouts that is accepted by a majority of the Board of Directors.  Any player who does not attend tryouts also forfeits the ability to be “called up” to a higher league during the year.  Managers’ and coaches’ children, as well as brother and sister option players, are required to go through evaluations just like any other player.  All players are normally placed on a team if registered before the predetermined number of League spaces have been filled.  Under certain circumstances where GHLL is limited by field availability or other factors in the number of teams which can be fielded, a tryout / draft process may be used.  Players who do not make the cut under these circumstances will have their registration money refunded in full.

 

SELECTION OF PLAYERS

 

Gig Harbor Little League uses a draft system in all leagues to ensure a balanced distribution of player talent throughout the teams in a league.  All drafts are run by the league’s Player Agent.  Participation at the draft is limited to only team Managers.  Any other participants must be approved by the GHLL President.

 

1.  Little League Major League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Drafts

 

GHLL will follow the draft procedures from the current year’s Operating Manual.  Information on draft procedures, as well as options can be found in the Draft System section of that publication.  GHLL utilizes draft plan "A" modified to accommodate a common draft pool.  During the draft, only the team Manager will be allowed to be present.  No other people will be admitted to the draft.

 

Each league's team standings from the end of the prior season will determine the draft order (in reverse.) The leagues will alternate which drafts first, the National League will draft first in odd numbered years, the American League will draft first in even numbered years.  Subsequent choices will alternate back and forth between leagues.

 

The Player Agent shall announce prior to the start of the draft any changes in player eligibility, and the number of players each team will select.  Under no circumstances should a player be told where in the draft they were chosen.

 

2.       Minor League Drafts

 

In the Minors divisions, all teams are dissolved at the end of each season, and are reformed each spring.  All new or returning players go through player evaluations each year and those not drafted to the Majors will be placed into the general player pool for selection to Minors divisions.  Each appointed team Manager will be allowed to protect their son(s) or daughter(s) from the general draft by choosing them on or before the round specified in the Operating Manual.  (6, 7 and 8 year olds will be treated the same as 9 year olds.) 

 

After the close of the Major League draft, handouts will be given to each Minors AAA team manager listing the players removed from their available list and taken by major league teams. The Player Agent shall also announce prior to the start of the draft the number of players each team will select. The rotational or "serpentine" draft system will be utilized.  American League and National League teams will select players from the same common pool, and selections will alternate between the two.  A coin flip will determine which league takes first draw, and the Managers on each league will draw numbers to determine the draft order.

 

At parental request, siblings are to be kept together.  This information will be announced at the beginning of the draft.  If you draft one sibling, you take the other on the next turn.  This will be considered mandatory at this level.  Manager’s children must attend tryouts. Any child who does not attend tryouts will not be available for draft into any league, but will be randomly placed on a team at the close of the draft.

 

Minors AAA teams will first draft all available 10 and 11 year olds.  After this the draft will continue by random assignment of any 10, 11 or 12 year old that did not attend tryouts.  When this is completed, the process will continue with draft of available 9 year olds until team limits are reached.

 

After the close of the Minors AAA draft, handouts will be given to each Minors AA team Manager listing the players removed from their available list and taken by Minors AAA teams.  The rotational or "serpentine" draft system will be utilized.  American League and National League teams will select players from the same common pool, and selections will alternate between the two.  A coin flip will determine which league takes first draw, and the managers on each league will draw numbers to determine the draft order.  It is probable that Minors AA teams will play with unequal numbers of players.

 

Minors  AA teams will draft the remaining 8 and 9 year olds until all players who attended tryouts are taken.  The remainder will be allocated randomly.  Players should under no circumstances be informed where in the draft they were chosen.

 

At the Minor League level, manager’s sons or daughters are protected from draft by other teams, provide that the parent-manager claims their son or daughter by the round specified.  At the beginning of the season, a Minor League manager may elect to not have his son or daughter move up to the next level of play.  If the manager declares this at the beginning of the season, the child cannot be moved up to the next level of play at any point during the season.

 

OPTIONS

 

An option is an agreement between a Manager and the Player Agent covering a special condition.  All options must be in writing and be submitted to the Player Agent prior to the draft.  Player options will be monitored closely by the Player Agent. 

 

Examples of options are Siblings in the current draft, Siblings of current Major League player, Son / Daughter of Managers and Son / Daughter of Coaches.  For full rules and explanations of all options, please see the current year’s Operating Manual.

 

REFUSAL OF A CALL TO MINORS AAA AND MAJORS

 

Any 9 or 10 year old player has the right to refuse a draft call up to a higher league, provided that this desire is made known to the Player Agent prior to the draft.  If a player once refuses a draft call to a Major League team, that player is ineligible for any advancement to the Major League during that season.  If an 11 or 12 year old player requests not to be drafted to the Major Leagues they give up their eligibility to be nominated to the 11 - 12 Year Old All Star team.

 

TRADES

 

Upon the completion of each draft, the Player Agent shall announce a 15-minute period for trades for that draft only.  There shall be no trades between levels of play (i.e., trades from Majors to Minors, etc.) nor between leagues (American and National) once a player has been initially selected.  All trades must be submitted to and approved by the Player Agent.  If approved, the President must then approve the trade.  Under special circumstances, the Player Agent will consider and approve trades up to 14 days into the season.

 

 

RE-ENTERING THE DRAFT

 

Upon entering into the Major, Junior, Senior or Big League levels, it is assumed that the player will remain with that team for the remainder of his or her Little League career with that age group.  Under certain circumstances, allowance will be made for a player to re-enter the draft, even after they have been acquired.  This will only be granted under extreme circumstances, and for due cause.  Application must be made to the league Player Agent no later than 14 days prior to scheduled try-outs, and must be approved by a majority of the Board of Directors.  No exceptions will be made to this rule.

 

RELEASING & REPLACING PLAYERS

 

If a team loses a player, the following procedure will be followed:

 

1.       The Manager shall notify the Player Agent that a replacement is needed and the information regarding the vacancy.  Player Agent must be notified of injuries, move-outs or player resignations within 2 days of the event.

 

2.       Players must be replaced.  This is not at the discretion of the manager – playing with fewer than the specified number of players would in many cases give this team a competitive advantage.  Exception: Players may not be called up during the last two weeks of the regular season.  The Player Agent will still be notified of the vacancy.

 

3.       Date and time of notification to the Player Agent that a replacement is needed shall establish the order in which replacements shall be selected when more than one vacancy occurs at the same time.

 

4.       Call-ups during the season may be made only from Minors AAA teams within the same league.  (i.e. A National League major league team cannot call up a player from the American League Minors AAA team.)

 

5.       Once the Manager makes his selection known to the Player Agent, the Player Agent shall contact the player's parents for approval or denial of the proposed move-up.  If both the parents and the player approve the move, the Player Agent shall inform both teams' managers.  Managers and Coaches shall not have any contact with a potential or desired replacement or their families whatsoever.  All communication will be to and by the Player Agent.

 

6.       A Manager shall have 7 days from the date of notification to the Player Agent to select a replacement candidate. 

 

7.       Majors Level replacements shall come from Minors AAA level only within the same league.  Minors AAA Level replacements shall come from the Minors AAA Level waiting list, or shall be selected from Minors AA level at the Player Agent’s discretion.  Generally, if a waiting list exists, replacement players will be assigned from the waiting list during the first two weeks of the season.

 

8.       If a team has an injured player that will miss over 1/3 of the season’s games, that player will be replaced.  Before a player returns to either a practice or a regular game following an injury, he must present a doctor's release to the Team Manager, who in turn will give the release to the League President or Player Agent.

 

9.       Returning Players:  If a player is released from a team and replaced due to injury, that player is ineligible for further play during that season.  In addition, that player must participate in the next season’s tryouts and become part of the draft process for selection to any team.

 

10.    A player who misses three consecutive regularly scheduled games without notice or permission will be considered to have quit. This will be subject to the judgment of the Board and Player Agent who will consult with the player's parents.

 

 

STARTING AND ENDING THE GAME

 

There is a two hour and ten minute Time Limit for all games in the Major and Minor leagues.  No new inning shall start after two hours of play, and at the two hour and ten minute Time Limit, play will stop altogether. This is not an optional requirement that can be changed prior to a game by the Managers or Umpires.  Game time commences at the scheduled start time when umpires are present.  If no umpire is present, the visiting team shall provide one.

 

Regardless of the time limit, for days with successive games, no inning shall start less than 30 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the next game, and play will stop altogether at 20 minutes prior.  For example:  If the next game is scheduled for 4pm, then no new (top) inning shall begin after 3:29.  No exceptions will be made by either the umpire or the manager.  In accordance with official rule 4.10(d) if a game is called before it has become a regulation game, but after one (1) or more innings have been played, it shall be resumed exactly where is left off.  All records, including pitching, shall be counted.

 

Tie games -- see Little League Rule 4.11.  It is the responsibility of the home team Manager to reschedule tie games as soon as the game is over; he must take the first available game slot.  All rules regarding pitchers and innings pitched remains in full force and effect.

 

A game that is not started due to weather shall be rescheduled.  Each team Manager is responsible to contact the league VP or official scheduler to get the game rescheduled, and to coordinate the revised game time with the Umpire Crew.

 

Batting orders and lineups will be exchanged 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the game.

 

GHLL LOCAL LEAGUE RULES

 

The following rules apply to all levels of Gig Harbor Little League.

 

The home team is responsible for the preparation of the field prior to the game. The field must be ready in order for the game to start on time. The visiting team in the last game of the day is responsible for proper storage of field equipment (bases, electronic scoreboard equipment, etc.), policing the field, dugouts, and stands before leaving, and locking the gates and resetting the field alarm system. If you are unsure about whether or not your game is the last game of the day, put all equipment away.  Both teams are responsible for sweeping out their dugouts, and emptying their trash into the dumpster after each practice or game.

 

It is the responsibility of the home team to provide a league-assigned umpire.  If only one league-assigned umpire is at the game, that umpire will take the plate position.  At the league-assigned umpire’s request, the home team may provide the base umpire. If the home team fails to provide a league-assigned umpire, the visiting team shall have the option of providing the home plate umpire and the home team shall provide the base umpire.

 

The plate umpire is in charge of the game from the first pitch to the last pitch.  Managers, coaches, players and spectators must adhere to the umpire’s decisions.  For protests, refer to the Section entitled “Protests”.

 

All games for all leagues are subject to the time limit in the previous section.  This is not an optional rule, and cannot be waived by the managers or the umpire.

 

It is the responsibility of the managers of both teams to report all scores, and pitchers used to the appropri