Baseball
Local Rules
Approved
for 2010 season
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.
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 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.
PERSONNEL
1. Executive Board of Directors:
Officers
The
officers required to be elected from the membership are: President, Vice
President - Baseball, Vice President - Softball, Vice President – Operations,
Secretary, Treasurer, Chief Manager and Chief Umpire. In addition to the above, the GHLL Past
President may serve as a member of the
Executive Board.
Volunteer Board
The
Volunteer Board of Directors shall consist of no less than 20 positions or as
many as needed to fill responsibility positions.
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 CheckPoint 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. Once
completed, an ID badge will be issued and must be worn at all times for League
functions where players are present. The ID’s are required to be in a dugout or
on the field for a game and will be enforced by the game’s Umpire.
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, telephone number, and team
(if known. The complaint shall either be
mailed or emailed 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 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 determineds that disciplinary
action may be merited, the committee shall give notice to the alleged violator
of the charge and provide an opportunity for that person to come forward to the
board and present any circumstances they see fit on their behalf. Failure to appear before the Board will be
taken as an admission of the conduct alleged in the complaint and the Board of
Directors will continue with the discipline as prescribed.
4. 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.
5. Ejection from a 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 three forms 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
April 30th of the current year (Baseball) & December 31st
of the previous year (Softball). Any
time age is mentioned, it refers to League Age.
The GHLL Baseball 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 League T-Ball |
5 - 6 |
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.
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 most 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.
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.
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.
RELEASING
& REPLACING PLAYERS
If a team loses a player, the following procedure will be
followed:
1. The
Manager shall notify the Player Agent 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 at the Majors level.
At the Minors level, replacements are normal practice but it is at the
discretion of the player agent if a replacement will take place. 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 at any level of play. 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. 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. 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 Time Limit for all games in the Major and Minor leagues. . 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 home 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.
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.
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, 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.
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”.
It is the
responsibility of the managers of both teams to report all scores and pitchers
used.
The
Mandatory Play Rule is always in effect. In the event of a violation of this
rule, the manager shall for the:
A. First Offense – receives a warning from the
league VP, and ensures that the players play time is made up during the next
game.
B. Second Offense – receive a suspension
for the next scheduled game
C. Third Offense – receive a suspension
for the remainder of the season according to regulation IV (i)
When warming up
pitchers, and at all times when in a catching position, catchers are to wear a
catcher's helmet, a mask equipped with throat protector, catcher’s mitt, and a
hard protective cup. This also applies
between innings and in the bullpen, as well as pre-game warm-ups and practices.
At
no time will an adult warm up a pitcher in any league.
As
per Little League Rules and Regulations, there is no on deck circle in Little
League Baseball. At no time can a batter
swing a bat unless he or she is on the field of play ready to bat.
There
will be no warm up on the central promenade at the Harbor Fields. All warm up activities are to take place on
the field of play or beyond the outfield fence of the Brentin Field. For batting cage use, the Brentin Field teams
get first priority, followed by Borgen field and then
Carpenter field. The higher divisions
have priority over the lower divisions (ie Majors
gets cages over minors divisions when more teams than cages).
JUNIOR / SENIOR / BIG LEAGUES
Gig
Harbor Little League follows all rules from the Regulations of Little League
Baseball as applies to Junior League, Senior League and Big League. There are no local rules at this time that
apply specifically to these leagues unless they are playing District 2
inter-league. If this is the case rules
are adopted by the participating leagues.
MAJOR LEAGUE
The
entire game roster shall be used as the batting order, regardless of defensive
position. If a player shows up after the
game has begun, he is added at the bottom of the batting order.
CAUTION:
Only the manager or acting manager may lodge a protest; however, the manager or
acting manager must receive permission from an umpire before leaving the dugout
or coach’s box.
The
league does not permit managers or coaches on the playing field during live
play except for adult base coaches.
Players
must start ½ of the games they attend and are eligible for.
MINOR LEAGUE AAA
The entire game
roster shall be used as the batting order, regardless of defensive
position. If a player shows up after the
game has begun, he is added at the bottom of the batting order.
Every
player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of nine (9)
defensive outs.
Infield fly rule is
in effect for Minors AAA play.
The distance from the
front side of the pitching plate to the rear point of home plate shall be the
regulation forty-six (46) feet. It may not be moved closer. The pitcher must have “push-off” foot in
contact with the pitching plate while delivering the pitch.
The
side retires when there are three outs, or when five (5) runs score, whichever
comes first.
Players
must start ½ of the games they attend and are eligible for.
Note: 12 year olds cannot pitch in the Minor
League.
The
League does not permit managers or coaches on the playing field during live
play except for adult base coaches.
MINOR LEAGUE AA
The
entire game roster shall be used as the batting order, regardless of defensive
position. If a player shows up after the
game has begun, he is added at the bottom of the batting order.
Every
player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of nine (9)
defensive outs.
The
side retires when there are three outs, or when five runs score, whichever
comes first.
The
distance from the front side of the pitching plate to the rear of home plate
shall be forty-six feet.
The
pitcher must have “push-off” foot in contact with the pitching plate while
delivering pitch.
All
protests will be resolved before play resumes.
There will be no formal protests heard at Minors AA level.
Each
team will be allowed to use ten defensive players, four of which will be in the
outfield. A “rover” position is not allowed. Note: No minimum number of players
is required to play a AA minors and lower divisions game.
The
Minors AA league allows one coach or manager on the playing field during
defensive live play. This coach may not
interfere with any play in progress.
Players
must start ½ of the games they attend and are eligible for.
All
batters must wear batting helmets with face guards
The
“infield fly” rule shall not apply in Minors AA play.
There
shall be no base stealing at the Minors AA level.
MINOR
LEAGUE A and T-Ball
No
official score or league standings will be kept. Emphasis is on LEARNING THE GAME,
PARTICIPATION, SPORTSMANSHIP AND FUN.
Score will be kept only to determine the end of each inning (5 run limit
per inning). Home team is responsible
for “scorekeeping”.
Games
will be 5 innings (T-Ball 4 innings), time permitting. No new inning will start after one (1) hour
and fifteen (15) minutes of play. Umpire
is responsible for official time. Game
time officially begins at game time listed on the schedule.
OFFICIAL
GAME: If time or weather does not permit
a full game, 3 innings shall constitute a game.
Home
team is responsible for supplying the game ball, visiting team supplies the
back up ball. The 9-inch Leather Softouch ball will be used for all games.
Home
team will supply the plate umpire.
The
entire game roster shall be used as the batting order, regardless of defensive
position. If a player shows up after the
game has begun, he/she is added at the bottom of the batting order.
The
side retires when there are three outs, or when five runs score, whichever
comes first. In the case of the five run
rule, the inning is automatically terminated when the 5th run is
scored. This rule is also applicable to
the last inning.
All
protests will be resolved before play resumes.
There will be no formal protests heard at Minors A level.
A
team will have ten (10) players on the field at a time: catcher, first baseman,
second baseman, third baseman, shortstop, pitcher, and four outfielders. Outfielders
will not be allowed to play in the infield and must remain at least ten yards
behind the baseline until the ball is hit.
If
only one (1) player is sitting on the bench defensively, that player may play
as the 5th outfielder (11 player roster only).
If allowed, the opposing team is also allowed to play five (5)
outfielders, regardless if they have more than 11 players.
Each
child should play at least 3 innings in the field. Coaches are encouraged to rotate player’s
positions so that each child has a chance to play a variety of positions.
One
coach or manager is allowed on the playing field during defensive live
play. This coach may not interfere with
any play in progress.
All
batters must wear batting helmets with face guards.
T-Ball: After the defensive team is set, the umpire
places the ball on the “Tee” to begin play.
The batter cannot strike out. The
ball must travel 15 feet from home plate in order to have a fair ball. The field is to have an arc marked off at a
point 15 feet back from the back of home plate.
T-Ball: Base distance is 50 or 60 feet (50 feet if
field design allows for it).
Coach
Pitch: The ADULT COACH pitcher will
throw EITHER overhand or underhand to his/her own team. Each batter will have a maximum of five (5) pitches
to swing and hit the ball. There will be
no walks or strikeouts. If the batter
does not hit the ball into fair territory after five (5) pitches, an “Out” will
be recorded and the batter will advance to first base and become a runner. Exception: If the “Out” becomes the third “Out”, the
inning will be over.
Coach
Pitch: DEFENSIVE pitcher will stand near
the COACH pitcher to play the ball defensively.
If the batted ball hits the COACH pitcher, the ball becomes dead
immediately and the batter advances to first base. All other base runners will advance one (1)
base. Also, once the ball comes back to
either the DEFENSIVE or OFFENSIVE pitcher from the outfield on a base hit, play
becomes dead and all base runners cannot advance unless they are already
halfway to the next base (umpire’s judgment).
Coach
Pitch: The batter does not strike out
regardless if they swing and miss three (3) or more of their five (5)
attempts. If they do not hit the ball
after five (5) pitches, player will bat off the tee and ball will be live. This rule will be in place for the first 3
games of the year. Starting with the 4th
game, the batter will be counted as an out after the 5th pitch. Batter will be allowed to go to first base to
run unless they are the 3rd out. If
batter reaches base after being an “Out”, he/she can be another “Out” if tagged
or forced out at another base during further play. The inning is over after three (3) “Outs”.
Coach
Pitch: A batter will not take their base
if they are hit by a pitch.
The
“infield fly” rule shall not apply.
There
shall be no base stealing or sliding.
Runners must stay on base until the batter has hit the ball.
OVERTHROW
RULE: Only one (1) base will be taken
for an overthrown ball to a fielding baseman.
This includes all bases and is not determined by out-of-play or in-play
status of the ball. When a runner
advances to a base and the ball is thrown to that base, if the ball gets by,
“TIME” will be called and all runners advance one (1) base only.
BASERUNNING
RULE: Runners can advance only one base
if the ball does not go over the heads of all infielders before reaching the
outfield. Runners may advance two bases on a ball hit beyond the infield, as
long as the hit was over the heads of the infielders.
PITCHING
It
is the responsibility of the managers of both teams to report in all scores and
pitchers used. Managers must also have
their pitching record forms filled in and signed by the opposing manager .
GHLL
follows all pitching rules directly from Little League’s Official Playing Rules
and Regulations. Please read this
carefully, and be familiar with the rules. Pitch counts and mandatory days of
rest are to protect the youth. Any violations
of these rules will be considered serious violations.
GROUND RULES FOR
NON-FENCED FIELDS
1. The
home run line will be marked by a chalked line. Minimum distance from plate to
line should be 165 feet, but 200 feet is recommended when space allows. At
2. A
batted ball that passes over the marked home run line on the fly shall be a
home run.
3. A
batted ball that passes the home run line after first touching the ground shall
be a ground-rule double, regardless of whether a fielder touched it or not.
4. A batted
ball that touches a fielder’s glove, or any other part of said fielder, and
passes over the home run line on the fly (without ever touching the ground
prior to passing the line) shall be a home run.
5. The
OUT-OF-PLAY lines shall be considered an extension of the backstop lines down
the first and third base lines. In the interest of safety, any ball going past
these lines shall be called dead, whether caught or not caught, batted, or
thrown.
6. If
a thrown ball passes over the out-of-play line; then the ball is called dead,
and base runners will be awarded one base beyond the last legally touched base
at the time the ball went out-of-play.
PROTESTS
Protest
cannot be made on an umpire's judgment call: balls, strikes, safe, out, etc.
Every
effort should be made to settle a dispute before a protest is lodged.
The
protesting manager must announce his protest to the home plate umpire, who must
enter the protest immediately – not after the game – on the official score
sheet. The time of the protest, inning, out and runner position should be
entered. The protesting manager must sign the protest at the conclusion of the
game.
At
the time of protest, the Official Scorekeeper shall verify the inning, outs,
runner position, etc., with both Team Managers before play resumes.
The
game is to continue.
In
addition to the procedures set forth above, all protests must be in writing and
presented to a GHLL Board member or member of the Protest Committee within 24
hours of the disputed call causing the protest.
Any violation of these procedures will result in the protest
automatically being disallowed.
The
Protest Committee shall consist of the Umpire-in-Chief, the President, a League
Director and the Player Agent. The President may appoint additional members of
the Board to the Protest Committee if that is deemed advisable. Another Board
Member may be substituted by the President for any member of the protest
committee except the Umpire-in-Chief.
Protest
Committee shall review the facts with the umpire of record, and shall notify
the appropriate League Director of the outcome.
Protests will be settled as soon as is possible. The maximum settlement time will be two
weeks.
PRE-GAME ACTIVITIES & FIELD RULES
Home Team Responsibilities
·
Provide two new game balls.
·
Provide league appointed umpire
·
Provide Official Scorekeeper (including electronic scoreboard)
·
At
the league-assigned umpire’s request, the home team may provide the base
umpire. If there is no league assigned umpire present the home team shall provide
the base umpire
·
Home team must report game scores and pitching information as
required.
·
Ensure that the field is properly raked and lined, and that bases
are in place.
·
Sweep Home Team’s dugout after the game, and empty garbage cans.
·
Dump garbage cans from dugouts into dumpsters.
Visitor Responsibilities
·
Rake the field after the game, including the base paths and
pitchers mound.
·
If
the home team fails in their responsibility and there is no league assigned
umpire present, the visiting team shall have the option to provide the home
plate umpire.
·
After the game, rake, repair and cover field. If yours is the last game of the day, put
equipment away including electronic scoreboard equipment and turn out the field
lights.
·
Sweep Visitor Team’s dugout after the game, and empty garbage
cans.
·
Field prep needs to be completed 30 minutes before the scheduled
game starting time to enable time for infield warm-ups. If it has been raining or the field is in
poor condition, field prep should start early enough to finish on time. Both the Visitor team and the Home team
should work together to help prepare the fields during rainy days.
·
Dump garbage cans from dugouts into dumpsters.
Warm Up and Pre-Game Field Use
·
Visiting Team infield practice commences at 25 minutes prior to
start of game for 10 minutes.
·
Home Team infield practice commences at 15 minutes prior to start
of game for 10 minutes.
·
If normal infield practice time is not available, the teams shall
equally split whatever time is available.
Field Rules
·
No
drills are allowed that allow baseballs to be struck against any part of the
fencing. (Tennis balls are ok.)
·
Never
sweep water off the base paths onto the grass – this will only lead to more
problems later. Water must be swept down
the base paths over a larger area and allowed to dissipate.
·
No
glass containers are allowed in the dugouts.
·
Remember,
these fields are run and cared for by Volunteers like you. Do not leave your trash for someone else to
pick up!
RAINY DAY POLICIES
Unless
there are extenuating circumstances, games are called off "at the
field.” Let’s face it – we live in
If
for any reason a game cannot be played, the managers need to contact their
league Vice President to reschedule the game immediately. Whenever possible, rain-outs will be made up
at the next scheduled practice field for either team. The league VP will notify the umpire crew of
game time and place.
Under
some circumstances, it will be obvious that showing up for a game is pointless. If this is the case, both managers may agree
2 hours prior to game time that the game should be cancelled. If both managers agree or if the field is
closed for the day by a board member or the Chief Umpire, the game is
cancelled, scheduled umpires and league VP should be notified, and a make up
game will be scheduled. If both managers
do not agree to cancel at least 2 hours prior, both teams must show up at the
field. If one team does not show up or
is unable to field a team of nine players, that team forfeits the game. If both managers show up at the field able to
field teams, then both managers must agree to start the game. Once the game starts, it is the umpire’s call
as to whether or when to call for weather conditions. If no league scheduled umpire is present,
once the game has started, both managers must agree to stop the game or the
game proceeds.
The
Umpire shall be the sole judge as to whether and when play shall be suspended
during a game because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit condition
of the playing field, as well as whether and when play shall be resumed after
such suspension or whether the game should be terminated. The umpire shall not call the game until at
least 30 minutes after play has been suspended. The umpire may continue
suspension as long as there is any chance to resume play.
When
games are rescheduled, the first available rain-out date on the schedule will
be used without regard for back-to-back games or multiple-game weeks.
Rescheduled games (to include rain-outs, incomplete and tie games) may not
cause any team to play more than four games in any Little League week.
FIELD USAGE
The coaching staff has the full responsibility of a practice area
and may not conduct a practice on any field not registered with the League for
insurance coverage purposes. Safety
standards are to be strictly observed, i.e., catcher's gear and protective
helmets to be used, care in swinging the bats, supervising the players at all
times, etc. If there is a requirement
for materials or an additional practice area, contact the official
scheduler. Remember, the success of the
team at game time is directly the product of their conduct at practice.
Use of school and city facilities is a privilege not a right. Adhere to facility rules, park in authorized
areas and coordinate field use with your league Scheduler. Any manager caught using a school or city
field for team practice for which they do not have scheduled rights is subject
to disciplinary actions.
A. First Offense - receive a written warning.
B. Second Offense - a suspension for the next
scheduled game.
C. Third Offense - a suspension for the
remainder of the season.
NOTE: Managers and coaches are reminded that no
team practice can be conducted until after equipment pickup, generally the
middle of March. Prior practice is a
violation of GHLL policy and players are NOT covered by insurance. Only GHLL league sponsored events such as the
pitchers’ clinic, tryouts and other GHLL clinics are covered to some extent by
Little League insurance.
LEAGUE DIVISIONAL
CHAMPIONSHIPS
1.
Each
League’s Divisional champion will be determined by the Division’s overall
win-loss record.
2.
In
the event two or more teams have identical win/loss records, the tie shall be
broken using the following factors, in descending order:
Games head to head
Games within their
division
Runs allowed (head
to head)
Runs scored (head
to head)
Coin toss
3. In the event two or more major
league teams have identical overall win/loss records and are tied for second
place (or below) within their division their draft order for the following year
will be determined using the following factors, in descending order:
Games head to head
Games within their division
Runs allowed (head to head)
Runs scored (head to head)
Coin toss
CITY CHAMPIONSHIPS
At
the end of the season, the American League and National League teams will
compete in a City Championship.
Permission for this game must be in accordance with Regulation IX of the
Little League Operating Manual and the game will not be considered part of the
regular season record.
ALL-STARS
Selection
of Managers / Coaches:
1. An All-Stars steering
committee will be formed consisting of the league President, the Chief Umpire
and at least three other board members.
This committee will have the responsibility of accumulating and
assessing all the information they feel is needed to choose the All-Star team
managers, and to oversee the process.
2. Managers or Coaches
who wish to be considered as an All-Star team manager should submit a letter of
interest to the committee.
3. The steering
committee will review the applications received, and will make recommendations
to the president. The president has the
responsibility of reviewing All-Stars manager recommendations, revising
if so desired, and then presenting to the Board of Directors for approval.
4. The All-Star Manager
may select his own coaching staff. This
staff must be submitted to the president for review. The President is to review the recommended
staff, make any desired recommendations and submit to the Board of Directors
for approval.
Selection
of Players:
A written commitment letter must be submitted to your
regular season Manager before May 22nd, 2010 in order to be on the
ballot to receive votes.
All
league-age 11 and 12 year old Major League players are eligible for the 11 / 12
All-Star Team.
All
league-age 10 and 11 year old players are eligible for the 10 / 11 All-Star
Team.
All
league-age 9 and 10 year old players are eligible for the 9 / 10 All-Star Team.
All
league-age 13 and 14 year olds are eligible for Junior League All-Star
selection.
All
league-age 15 and 16 year olds are eligible for Senior League All-Star
selection.
Big
League All-Star program will be structured by District 2 representatives.
American
League and National League will field two separate All Star teams. Under special circumstances, the League
President may elect to request that the American League and National League be allowed
to form a combined team and this is subject to approval from District 2
Selection
to the all star team is based on a process of players and managers voting from
a list of Eligible players whom have completed their commitment letter.
POST-SEASON
EVALUATION
Feedback
from parents and players is essential in our efforts to maintain and improve
the quality of our league. To facilitate
this process, a Manager / Coach Evaluation Report Card form is provided at the
end of each season on the GHLL website.
It
is strongly recommended that managers take a proactive role in managing the
process of ensuring that all parents complete this form and return it to the
league.
All
suggestions to improve Gig Harbor Little League are appreciated. In addition to evaluation of managers by
parents, we would also like feedback from players about their season and input
from parents about the league in general.
Please take a few moments at the end of the season to complete and
return these forms.
To
assist the Board in reviewing managers, parents are encouraged to indicate on
the evaluation form whether or not they believe that their child’s manager
developed a program in accordance with Little League philosophy. The tendency is to respond only if one is
angry; parents should also consider that those managers who are trying hard and
are doing a good job would like to hear that parents recognize and appreciate
their efforts. Although responses will
be held confidential, unsigned forms will not be considered for review.
It
is the responsibility of the President, with Board approval, to appoint all
managers and coaches in our program.
Because neither the President or the Board of Directors is able to see
each of the managers in action, it is very difficult for us to determine which
managers are doing a good job and which ones need assistance in directing their
efforts toward the goals that Little League has established. Feedback from parents is critical!
All managers must be
appointed by the President and reviewed and approved by the Board of Directors
before each season. Managers and coaches
who fail to support our League Policies and Objectives may be asked to resign
or simply may not be invited back the following year.