Announcement
FALL BALL RULES 2013
These rules are meant to be a guideline and not the exclusive rules for our Fall Ball League. Consult the Official Little League Rule Book for the majority of rules.
The Specific Rules are as follows:
1. No player may play more than (2) innings in any position, except Catcher. If possible have at least (2) catchers per game. The (2) inning rule includes pitchers; however, coaches do not need to monitor or record pitch counts. The innings must be consecutive and a pitcher may not pitch in more than (1) game per day.
2. All teams should utilize a continuous batting order (all players are in the batting order regardless of whether they are playing in the field that inning).
3. All players that are on the team and are uninjured or not ill must play in each game. We are not using specific inning requirements but are encouraging the equalization of playing time among all players to the extent possible.
4. Bunting is permitted. Stealing of second and third is permitted, however there is no stealing of home base either on a passed ball or an attempt to throw another runner out at another base. The runner can only score from third on a ball that is put into play by the batter hitting it or on a base on balls with the bases loaded. Remember, no leading, the runner cannot leave until the ball crosses the plate. There are consequently no balks.
5. There is a (5) run per inning mercy rule. This rule does not apply to the last inning of play. Remember that as it gets dark the managers may have to shorten games. The decision on whether to shorten a game or not should be made in a timely fashion by the coaches with the emphasis on safety and not winning and losing. This is a decision that must be made before the start of an inning so the “mercy” rule can be properly applied. Whether the last inning is the 6th or the 4th there is no mercy rule in the last inning for either side. Games must complete (4) innings to be a complete game. There is NO continuation rule. Once 5 runs are scored in the teams at bat the inning is over no matter where the ball is or where the other base runners are. The umpire should be informed and should stop play at that point.
6. Since this is instructional, managers can call time out to show a player something, but we should be careful how often this is done when limited daylight is available.
7. Please remember a number of the umpires are typically teenagers and they’re going to make mistakes. This league is instructional for both players and umpires.
8. The manager is responsible for keeping parents and fans for his/her team under control and respectful.
9. These rules should be agreed upon by all the coaches; there are no local rules that prevail. If the rule is not here then we defer to the Official Little League Rule Book.
