Wallingford Little League

Local League Rules - Majors Division

1. The managers shall review field conditions prior to game and make the decision whether the field is playable or not and the game can be played. Once a game starts, the plate umpire will have the final word playing condition decisions. While every reasonable effort should be made to put fields in playing condition, the safety of the players is paramount.
2. Ground rules shall be discussed prior to every game. The person taking ground rules is assumed to be the acting manager for the duration of the game.
3. Every team is responsible for assisting in the maintenance of the field including but not limited to lining the baselines prior to play and upon the conclusion of the game raking the infield, putting away all equipment and picking up trash in their perspective dugouts and bleachers. It is the responsibility of the manager to see that these items are attended to. If they cannot do it themselves, they should appoint someone to do it.
4. Other than roster players, teams shall not have more than four (4) persons in the dugout area at any time. Only managers, roster coaches, league officials, umpires, and players are allowed in the dugout area or on the field. All persons in the dugout area must have completed a volunteer application and background check. Repeated violations will result in the suspension of the manager.
5. Batters, base runners, and player base coaches shall wear helmets with face guards on them. Catchers shall wear a protective cup and a helmet with a throat guard. All male players must wear an athletic supporter. (Rule 1.17).
6. Pitching: Any player on the roster is allowed to pitch.

  7. Pitch Counts: Each team must track the number of pitches thrown by pitchers.

A. Each team will be given a pitch counter and will need to designate one of the three persons in the dugout as the official counter.

B. The pitch count will be verified between both team managers at the end of every half inning.

C. The agreed upon number of pitches for each pitcher will be logged in a conspicuous and consistent manner in the scorebook.

D.  In the event of a discrepancy, the designated pitch counters are obliged to cooperatively arrive at an agreed upon pitch count before the next pitch is thrown.

E.    For the purpose of determining eligibility, all pitch counts must be entered into the online system within 24 hours from the completion of the game, or within 12 hours if a game is scheduled for the next calendar day. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action. If the on-line system is unavailable, this information should be emailed to the commissioner as per the timelines established above. Pitch counts should be entered consistent with the Regulation VI (d).

Example #1: if a pitcher starts a batter at 33 pitches and throws 4 pitches to the batter and is removed before pitching to the next batter, the pitcher would be required to observe 1 calendar day of rest and a pitch count of 35 should be entered in the online system.

Example #2: if a pitcher starts a batter at 33 pitches and throws 4 pitches to the current batter and 1 pitch to the next batter, the pitcher would be required to observe 2 calendar days of rest and a pitch count of 38 should be entered in the online system.

Please refer to Section VI – Pitchers for all other pitching rules and regulations.

Note: WLL acknowledges the many benefits of maintaining a collaborative relationship with the Cardinals travel baseball programs.  As such, WLL Managers will work collaboratively with Cardinals Managers in regards to pitch counts for double-rostered players. Pitch count information should be shared via text, Google Docs, or by other means as determined by the division commissioner.

8. Each team must keep score and reconcile the score with the opposing team at the end of each inning. Scorebook entries will include player first initial, last name, and associated player uniform number.
9. Managers will report scores (and pitch counts – see item 7) to the commissioner via the online system within 24 hours from the completion of their game, or within 12 hours if a game is scheduled for the next calendar day. Failure to do so can result in disciplinary action. If the on-line system is unavailable, this information should be emailed to the commissioner as per the timelines established above.
10. Only the manager or the acting manager (see item 2) shall discuss any situation with the umpire. Any discussion with the umpire shall include managers from each team.
11. Anyone ejected from a game will be subject to the discipline procedure outlined below. This discipline procedure represents the minimum penalty. The Majors Commissioner, Umpire-in-Chief, or President may impose additional or enhanced discipline if the situation warrants. There is no appeal process except to the President of the League.

First Ejection:          1 game suspension

Second Ejection:     3 game suspension

Third Ejection:         Suspended for the remainder of the season.

12. Managers and coaches are not allowed on the playing field without the permission of the umpire. Parents and other family members are not allowed in the dugout or on the playing field (see item #4).
13. Batting roster including first initial, last name, associated player uniform number, and pitching eligibility shall be presented to the umpire and the opposing team prior to the start of the game. It is the responsibility of the managers to review this information. Any pitching discrepancies should be brought to the commissioner’s attention immediately.
14. The first base dugout shall be designated for the home team.
15. In the event an umpire does not show up at the prescribed game time, teams will have 15 minutes in order to select replacement umpires from spectators at the field provided that these individuals have completed a volunteer application and background check if the league deems that there is repetitive access to children. If replacement umpires cannot be agreed to, the managers will be responsible for umpiring the game. Games WILL NOT be rescheduled due to the lack of umpires.
16. All players will play a minimum of three (3) defensive innings per game and bat at least once per game. If for any reason a player does not meet these minimum requirements, the player will start the next game and must fulfill their last games minimum requirements as well as their current games requirements before being substituted for. It is the responsibility of the managers to see that this rule is adhered to. Penalties will be in accordance with Little League rules for two (2) inning requirements (Section IV – The Player, Reg. (i)). If the opposing team is not following this rule, bring it to the commissioner’s attention. Player rotation is encouraged. Note. This rule will not be enforced when a player does not meet this requirement because their team is the home team and they are ahead going into the bottom of the last inning or in the event of a game that ends via the travesty rule (see item 19). It is up to the manager to see that this situation does not apply to the same player on a regular basis.
17. Rainouts / Make Ups

If for any reason a game is canceled because of weather, it will be rescheduled for the next available day that the fields are available. This may mean the playing of doubleheaders and the playing of games on Sunday. Many times a field can be made playable with a little effort. If a team does not show up for a game and the opposing team is ready to play after the umpire or any board member verifies the field as playable, the team will forfeit the game. All forfeits will be decided upon by the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the president.

19.  In cases where there are scheduled conflicts such as school or church functions that will result in a team not being able to field nine (9) players, it must be brought to the commissioners attention at least seven (7) days in advance in order to try and reschedule the game. This does not mean the game will automatically be rescheduled. There will be no scheduling of doubleheaders unless the other team involved is in agreement. If field availability does not warrant a makeup, the game will be considered a forfeit by the team not able to field enough players. Again, all forfeits will be decided upon by the Board of Directors or a committee designated by the president.

20.   In the event a team permanently loses a player to injury, moving, etc… during the regular season, the Player Agent shall be made aware within five (5) days. The team will receive a replacement player (league age 10-12) for the duration of the season from 3A division. The replacement player will be considered a permanent player on that roster for the remainder of the season and the duration of their Little League career. No player may be active for both divisions at the same time.

21. The Major league division utilizes a modified “travesty” or “mercy” rule. A 10 run lead after at least 4 complete innings, or at least 3 ½ innings with the home team in the lead, will end the game.

22.  Major league division players will consist of league age 10, 11 and 12 year olds ONLY.

23.  Fake bunt and swinging away (a/k/a “slashing”) will be considered illegal. The batter is out and the ball is dead even if contact is made. Runners may not advance.

All other rules, such as pitcher / manager conferences, illegal pitches, protests, interference/obstruction etc., will be taken from the Official Little League Rulebook. If there are any discrepancies between the Rulebook and the Local Rules, a Rule Interpretation Committee commissioned by the President will determine the correct interpretation.

Version 04/15