Roosevelt-University-Greenlake Little League
Major and Minor Division Rules - 2009

The following either quotes or paraphrases some of the more common issues. 

The only exceptions to the Official Playing Rules of LL (see Green Book), are those that have been applied for and approved by RUGLL (see last page.)

The Game

Playing Rule 4.01(d)

As soon as the home team's batting order is handed to the umpire-in-chief, the umpires are in charge of the playing field and from that moment have sole authority to determine when a game shall be called, halted, or resumed on account of weather or the conditions of the playing field.  (Tender the Game to the Umpire, do not try to control the Game.)

Playing Rule 4.05

Base Coaches are to remain in the dugout until the opposing pitcher has completed their preparatory pitches.

Playing Rule 4.05(1) & (2)

Base coaches may be Players or an adult (from the approved Coaching Staff.)  One adult (from the approved Coaching Staff) must remain in the dugout.

Playing Rule 4.10(a)

A regulation game consists of six innings.

Playing Rule 4.10(c)

If a game is called, it is a regulation game if four innings have been completed.

Playing Rule 4.10(d)

If a game is called before it has become a regulation game, but after one or more innings have been played, it shall be resumed exactly where it left off.  Note: all records including pitching and substitutions shall be counted.

NOTES:
Regular season games will have a two-hour time limit.  Playoff/tournament games will not have time limits.  Any time spent in a rain delay will not be added to the time limit.

 
It is possible for a regular season game can to end in a tie. Also,  If the home team is behind when time runs out and has not completed its half inning then the score will revert back to the previous inning.

Players

Regulation XIV(b)

Except for the batter, base runners, and base coaches, all players shall be on their benches in their dugout or in the bullpen when the team is at bat.  When the team is on defense, all reserve players shall be on their benches or in the bullpen.

Playing Rule 3.17

Players and substitutes shall sit on their team's bench or in the dugout unless participating in the game or preparing to enter the game.  No one except eligible players, manager and not more than two coaches shall occupy the bench or dugout.  When batters or base runners are retired, they must return to the bench or dugout at once.  Batboys and/or batgirls are not permitted.

Playing Rule 1.08

The on-deck position is not permitted.  On-deck batters must remain in the dugout without a bat. Only the first batter of each half-inning will be permitted outside the dugout between half-innings. All bats not in use by a player in the batting order are to remain in the dugout during the game.

Playing Rule 1.17

All male players must wear athletic supporters.  Male catchers must wear the metal, fiber, or plastic type cup.  Female catchers must wear long or short model chest protectors.  All catchers must wear chest protectors, throat guard, shin guards and catcher's helmet.  All catchers must wear a face mask, throat guard, and catcher's helmet during practice, pitcher warm-ups, and games.

The Base-Runner

Playing Rule 7.08 (a)

Any runner is out when . . . (3) the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag; (4) the runner slides head first while advancing [i.e., not when returning to a base in a run-down or pick-off play].

Playing Rule 7.13

When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher's plate (rubber) and in possession of the ball and the catcher is in the catcher's box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter.  Refer to RUGLL Local Minor League Rules for base stealing limitation.

Pitching

Pitch Count:

See page 35 option VI. 1 d. for pitch count rule. 2009 rule book

Playing Rule 1.11 (a)(3)

Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color.  A pitcher shall not wear anything on his/her hands, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter.  White long-sleeve shirts are not permitted.

Playing Rule 3.03 (3)

A pitcher may not re-enter the games as a pitcher.

Rule 8.06 and 8.06 (d)
This rule governs the visit of the manager or coach to the pitcher at the mound:

8.06 - This rule, which applies to each pitcher who enters a game, governs the visits of the manager or coach to the pitcher at the mound.

(a)  A manager or coach may come out twice in one inning to visit with the pitcher, but the third time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher.

(b)  A manager or coach may come out three times in one game to visit with the pitcher, but the fourth time out, the player must be removed as a pitcher.

(c)  The manager of coach is prohibited from making a third visit while the same batter is at bat.

APPROVED RULING 1: At the time a pitcher is removed, a visit shall not be charged to the new pitcher.

APPROVED RULING 2: A conference with the pitcher or any other fielder to evaluate the player’s condition after an injury shall not be considered a visit for the purposes of this rule. The manager or coach should advise the umpire of such a conference, and the umpire should monitor the conference.

A Manager or Coach may confer with any other player(s), including the catcher, during the visit with the pitcher.  A Manager or Coach who is granted a time out to talk to any defensive player will be charged with a visit to the pitcher.

Local League Rules Adopted by RUGLL

1. (MINORS) The infield fly rule will not be in effect.  Exemption to 2.00, 6.05(d), and 6.05(k).
2. (MINORS) During approximately the first half of the season (determined by the Division Commissioner), base runners may not advance unless the batter hits the ball into fair territory, or unless the runner tags up after the catch of a foul fly ball.
3. Players may enter and/or re-enter defensively into the game at any time, as long as mandatory play requirements are met.  Playing Rule 4.04, with continuous batting order option.
4. (MINORS)  Any runner that has obtained 3rd base and stops advancing to home plate and then begins retreating back to 3rd base due to defensive actions by the catcher shall not be allowed to advance to home after the catcher releases the ball to the pitcher unless the ball is overthrown.  Such a runner will be considered to have left early and would be sent back if not put out by the defense.
5. A continuous batting order (all players) will be used. Local option under Playing Rule 4.04.
6. (MINORS)  All must play at 3 defensive innings (one of which shall be infield play) each game.  The Commissioner may allow exceptions for written requests for safety, or discipline reasons.  In the event of a shortened game; 1 infield inning of 2 defensive innings required MPR.
7. (MAJORS) Continuous batting order – see green book for minimum defensive plays.
8. 10 run rule is in affect. (4.10 e. green book) Home team up by 10 runs after 4 complete innings the game is over. 
9. During all but the last inning, an inning will be considered completed when five runs have been scored.       Continuation runs are allowed (MAJORS.)
10. During the 6th inning and extra innings, unlimited runs may be scored. If at the start of an earlier inning, both managers and umpire agree that time limits or darkness likely will make that inning the last, that inning shall be the “last inning,” and unlimited runs shall be allowed for that inning, and NO more innings shall be played.
11. When a team cannot field 9 players at 15 minutes past the starting time, the game will be forfeit.  Exemption to 4.16.  With Commissioner approval, a team may postpone or reschedule a game on seventy-two hours (72) notice.  (this is a Board decision during Tournament Play.)
12. Home run lines shall be marked with cones if fencing is not installed, at: (MAJORS) 190’ / (MINORS) 165’, from home plate.  Fair fly balls landing or caught beyond the line are home runs; fair balls bouncing or rolling beyond the line, whether touched or not, are 2-base awards.  A fielder may catch a fly ball in live ball territory and allow his/her momentum to carry him/her across the line.  See Playing Rule 5.10(f).

Length of Games: Major/Minor Division

1. Regular season games will have a two-hour time limit.  Playoff/tournament games will not have time limits.  Any time spent in a rain delay will not be added to the time limit.
2. It is possible for a regular season game can to end in a tie. Also,  If the home team is behind when time runs out and has not completed its half inning then the score will revert back to the previous inning.

Pre-game warm up schedule: Major/Minor Division

1. The VISITOR team shall have use of the ENTIRE FIELD beginning 40 minutes before game time, until 25 minutes before Game time.
2. The HOME team shall have use of the ENTIRE FIELD beginning 25 minutes before Game time, and ending 10 minutes before Game time.
3. During these times, the field may be used for all aspects of pre-game warm up, including batting, outfield, and infield practice.
4. (The other team may warm up and throw on its side of the outfield so long as the team entitled to the field, in its judgment, does not need the entire field.)
5. The last 10 minutes are for dressing the field, the plate conference, exchange of line-ups, etc.