News and Announcements
Majors Division
MVLL Ground Rules - Spring 2012
SAFETY
1. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND! At no time will any player be left for a parent to pick up unless the Manager or an approved Volunteer is present. The Manager is responsible for all players from the start of practice to the time that they are picked up by their parent or guardian. Managers should encourage parents to stay at practice.
2. At no time will any player have a bat in their hand unless they are at bat or on their way to the batter’s box. Little League rules strictly forbid an on deck batter in all divisions lower than Juniors.
3. If at anytime a child is injured during a game, at practice, or while in the care of the Manager or volunteer, an incident form must be filled out immediately and the League must be notified via text, voicemail or email. Further, you must notify the Player Agent or any other board member if present and go over the incident report prior to turning into Safety Officer.
FIELD
1. Home team sets up the field. Visitors pick up the field. *Note: Works a lot better if both teams help with both.
2. Home team provides Scorekeeper.
3. Visitor team provides Official Pitch counter.
4. Home team supplies one “League provided NEW” baseball. Visitors provide one serviceable back-up baseball.
5. Managers are responsible for their own dugouts. Make sure they are picked up after each game.
PLAYING RULES
1. All Playing rules will be in accordance with the 2012 Little League Rule Book
2. Both teams will have their line-ups and pitching Logs completed and turned in to the scorekeeper 10 minutes PRIOR to the start of the game.
3. MVLL will be incorporating Rule 6.05.
4. All scores will be called into 57-Catch within 24 of the end of the game by the winning manager.
PITCHING
1. Pitching logs will be kept and up to date.
2. Pitching rules will be in accordance with the Little league Rule book.
3. In accordance with the pitching rules. The official scorekeeper and official pitch counter have the duty of calling time and notifying the umpire if any pitcher exceeds there total pitch count or is not eligible to pitch, prior to the next pitch. This does not exclude the Manager if using an illegal pitcher from liability.
GAME LENGTH
1. No new inning may start after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
2. The City of Moreno Valley or MVLL will determine rainouts. Generally, games will continue unless there is downpour, mud, or lightning.
3. The city of Moreno Valley field Hotline number is 413-3730. If you hear nothing, assume that the fields are playable
Farm Divisions
MVLL Spring 2012
SAFETY
1. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND! At no time will any player be left for a parent to pick up unless the Manager or an approved Volunteer is present. The Manager is responsible for all players from the start of practice to the time that they are picked up by their parent or guardian. Managers should encourage parents to stay at practice.
2. If at anytime a child is injured during a game, at practice, or while in the care of the Manager or volunteer, an incident form must be filled out immediately and the League must be notified via text, voicemail or email. Further, you must notify the Player Agent or any other board member if present and go over the incident report prior to turning into Safety Officer. 57-CATCH.
FIELD
1. Home team sets up the field. Visitors pick up the field. *Note: Works a lot better if both teams help with both.
2. Home team provides Scorekeeper.
3. Home team supplies one “League provided NEW” baseball. Visitors provide one serviceable back-up baseball.
4. Coaches are allowed on the field for instructional purposes only. Do not touch or interfere with any player or ball. You are allowed 2 defensive coaches on the field (out of the way, Foul territory) as long as there is an approved volunteer in the dugout.
PLAYING RULES
1. Both teams will have their line-ups completed and turned in to the scorekeeper 10 minutes PRIOR to the start of the game. Any player arriving after this will automatically be put at the bottom of the lineup.
2. If one team does not have 9 players to field a team the other team may lend them the players. If there are players from another team in the same age group present, the opposing manager may pick the kids he wants. Borrowed player are not permitted to pitch, catch, or play infield and must bat after the regular team players.
3. Both teams will line up on the foul line prior to the start of the game and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the Little League Pledge.
4. No player shall play the same defensive position in one game for more than 2 innings. *Note 1 pitch at any position counts as 1 inning played for that position. It is possible for a player to play multiple positions in one inning and all positions count as having played that position for that inning.
5. The Manager/coach shall rotate the line-up each game to ensure that the same players are not in the bottom 4 batting positions every game.
6. All defensive changes will take place in between innings. Once a player enters a game, he remains in the game until 3 outs or 5 runs have been scored. Changing positions of players in a game is allowed.
7. All other rules will be in accordance with the 2012 Little league Rule book.
GAME LENGTH
1. No new inning after 1 hour and 15 minutes. Dead Stop at 1hour and 30 minutes.
2. The City of Moreno Valley will determine rainouts.
3. The city of Moreno Valley field Hotline number is 413-3730. If you hear nothing, assume that the fields are playable.
COACH PITCH
1. Batters shall receive 4 pitches from coach.
- If batter misses or doesn’t swing on the 4th pitch then said batter shall be called out.
- Coaches must pitch from at least 35’ away.
KID PITCH
1. All above rules are to be followed
2. Kids Pitch will start after 25% of scheduled games have been played.
3. No walks allowed in Farm.
a. 4 balls, no strikes: Offensive coach may pitch up to 3 balls to their batter.
b. 4 balls, 1 or 2 strikes: Offensive coach may pitch up to 2 balls to their batter.
4. Coaches must pitch from at least 35’ away.
5. No stealing or running on passed balls or wild pitches.
PITCHING
1. Pitching logs will be kept and up to date.
2. Pitching rules will be in accordance with the Little league Rule book.
JR/SR Division
MVLL Ground Rules - Spring 2012
SAFETY
1. NO CHILD LEFT BEHIND! At no time will any player be left for a parent to pick up unless the Manager or an approved Volunteer is present. The Manager is responsible for all players from the start of practice to the time that they are picked up by their parent or guardian. Managers should encourage parents to stay at practice.
2. At no time will any player have a bat in their hand unless they are at bat or on their way to the batter’s box. Little League rules strictly forbid an on deck batter in all divisions lower than Juniors.
3. If at anytime a child is injured during a game, at practice, or while in the care of the Manager or volunteer, an incident form must be filled out immediately and the League must be notified via text, voicemail or email. Further, you must notify the Player Agent or any other board member if present and go over the incident report prior to turning into Safety Officer.
FIELD
1. Home team sets up the field. Visitors pick up the field. *Note: Works a lot better if both teams help with both.
2. Home team provides Scorekeeper.
3. Visitor team provides Official Pitch counter.
4. Home team supplies one “League provided NEW” baseball. Visitors provide one serviceable back-up baseball.
5. Managers are responsible for their own dugouts. Make sure they are picked up after each game.
PLAYING RULES
1. All Playing rules will be in accordance with the 2012 Little League Rule Book
2. Both teams will have their line-ups and pitching Logs completed and turned in to the scorekeeper 10 minutes PRIOR to
the start of the game.
3. All scores will be called into 57-Catch within 24 of the end of the game by the winning manager.
PITCHING
1. Pitching logs will be kept and up to date.
2. Pitching rules will be in accordance with the Little league Rule book.
3. In accordance with the pitching rules. The official scorekeeper and official pitch counter have the duty of calling time and notifying the umpire if any pitcher exceeds there total pitch count or is not eligible to pitch, prior to the next pitch. This does not exclude the Manager if using an illegal pitcher from liability.
GAME LENGTH
1. No new inning may start after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
2. The City of Moreno Valley or MVLL will determine rainouts. Generally, games will continue unless there is downpour, mud, or lightning.
3. The city of Moreno Valley field Hotline number is 413-3730. If you hear nothing, assume that the fields are playable.
MVLL is an all volunteer organization and cannot run without dedicated people. MVLL will need even more volunteers this year. Every parent should help any way they can. However, you don't have to be a parent to help! MVLL is calling for all Managers, Coaches, Team Moms, Umpires, ond others. Your local league needs you!
Anyone can apply to become a volunteer. Whatever talents or skills you have, we can use them! Across the country, volunteers are grandparents, siblings, aunts and uncles, retirees, community leaders, former Little Leaguers, friends, neighbors, and more. Any community member who wishes to become a volunteer may apply.
All parents of children involved in Little League Baseball and Softball are strongly encouraged to volunteer. As a parent volunteer, you have the opportunity to spend quality time with your child in a safe, fun-filled environment. Oftentimes, parent and child social lives parallel each other. Volunteering allows your life and your child's life to intersect on common ground, with shared interests and goals.
Can't attend all practices? Can only volunteer a couple days per week? Umpiring may be for you!
Often an overlooked aspect of the Little League program, umpiring is one of the most important. The volunteer umpire is as much a part of Little League as the volunteer manager, coach or concession stand worker.
Umpires are chosen by the president and Board of Directors from the application pool.
Anyone interested in being a Little League umpire should print and fill out a Volunteer Application and hand it to a Board member in person, and be willing to undergo a screening process that may include a background check, as well as interviews of those with personal knowledge of your qualifications.
MVLL will provide guidance to all umpires.
The Little League manager must be a leader. The manager must recognize that they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a program that deals with a sensitive and formative period of a child’s development.
Managers are chosen by the president and Board of Directors from the application pool.
Anyone interested in being a Little League manager should print and fill out a Volunteer Application and hand it to a Board member in person, and be willing to undergo a screening process that may include a background check, as well as interviews of those with personal knowledge of your qualifications.
MVLL will provide guidance to all new and returning managers.
Coaches -
Little League coaches are chosen by the team manager and approved by the president and Board of Directors.
Anyone interested in being a Little League coach should print and fill out a Volunteer Application and hand it to the team manager, and be willing to undergo a screening process that may include a background check, as well as interviews of those with personal knowledge of your qualifications.
Team Mom -
The Team Mom coordinates all auxilliary functions of the team including fundraiser, opening day activities, banner, snack bar participation and other items.
Team Moms are chosen by the manager and approved by the president and Board of Directors.
Anyone interested in being a Little League team mom should print and fill out a Volunteer Application and hand it to the team manager, and be willing to undergo a screening process that may include a background check.
Other Opportunities -
Concessions
Auxilliary Committee
Join the Board of Directors and help guide your child's favorite activity!
Email info@MorenoValleyLittleLeague.com or call (951) 57-CATCH for more info!
Bulletin: Significant Policy, Rule, and Regulation Changes for 2012
Little League International today announced the full list of significant changes that will go into
effect on Jan. 1, 2012, to the policies, rules and regulations of the program.
In order to give timely information to parents and leagues, some of the changes were announced
several weeks ago. One change, in the bat regulations, has been further updated since the first
announcement. The update clarifies the penalty for using an illegal bat.
A list of all the significant changes, along with a summary and explanation of the changes, is below:
POLICY
Residence Eligibility Requirements for all divisions of play has been amended to read, in part:
Residence shall be established and supported by documents, dated or in force betweenFebruary 1, 2011 (previous year) and February 1, 2012 (current year), from THREE OR
MORE of the following categories to determine residency of such parent(s) or guardian:
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this requires players’ parents or guardians
to provide residency documentation dated or in force between February 1, 2011 (previous year) and
February 1, 2012 (current year). This means, for instance, that a Driver’s License that was issued a
number of years earlier, but was in force between the dates noted, is acceptable. However, a utility
bill that is dated outside of the dates noted, is not acceptable.
REGULATIONS
Regulation I(c)(9) for all divisions of play has been amended to read, in part:
Note 1: The United States Department of Justice National Sex Offender Public Registry
is free and available at www.nsopr.gov.
Note 2: Little League International currently provides each league with access to 125
free criminal background checks per year. Due to the refusal of the states of Hawaii,
Iowa, Michigan & Virginia to provide sex offender registry data to the records check
provider, the free criminal background checks no longer meet the minimum Little
League requirement of a nationwide search of the sex offender registry. Sex offender
registry data for the four states listed above are currently only available through the
Department of Justice National Sex Offender Registry (www.nsopr.gov) and/or through
the individual state’s sex offender registry website.
In addition to meeting the minimum requirement of checking the United States
Department of Justice National Sex Offender Registry, (www.nsopr.gov), Little League
strongly encourages all leagues to also utilize the national criminal records search
available through the Little League website. This additional criminal records check may
provide additional important information regarding the criminal records of individuals
whose crimes do not require that they be listed on a sex offender registry. For example,
convictions for assault, battery, theft or drug offenses would not result in a report to sex
offender registry.
Information on how to utilize this benefit, as well as how to conduct back ground checks,
can be found on the Little League website at
www.littleleague.org/learn/programs/childprotection.htm
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this modifies Note 1 and 2 in Regulation
I(c)(9) to highlight changes in the laws/procedures of four states with regard to sex offender
registries, and the free criminal background checks Little League strongly recommends.
Regulation I(a) – THE LEAGUE in the Baseball Rule Book has been amended in part, to read:
Senior League is an extension of the local Little League to accommodate youngsters
league ages 13, 14, 15 and 16; Big League is an extension of the local Little League to
accommodate youngsters league ages 15, 16, 17 and 18.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this expands the Senior Baseball Division
to include 13-year-olds, and expands the Big League Baseball Division to include 15-year-olds.
Regulation II(g) in the Challenger Division Rule Book has been amended to read:
A player may participate in the Challenger Division only in a league’s boundaries in
which he/she does not reside provided (1) the league he/ she wishes to participate in
accepts the player; (2) the league, if any, where the player resides provides a written
release of the player and (3) the district administrator provides written approval for the
player to participate. Copies of the releases must be maintained by the league in which the
player is participating.
NOTE: If the player does not reside in any league’s boundaries, only the written approval
of the district administrator is required.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this allows Challenger Division players
residing outside a league’s boundaries to participate in the league if the specific noted requirements
are met.
Regulation IV(i) in the Baseball and Softball Rule Books, applying only to the Senior League
Division and below, has been amended to read:
Every rostered player present at the start of a game will participate in each game for a
minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time. For the purposes of thisrule, “six (6) defensive outs” is defined as: A player enters the field in one of the nine
defensive positions when his/her team is on defense and occupies such position while six
outs are made; “bat at least one (1) time” is defined as: A player enters the batter’s box
with no count and completes that time at bat by being put out, called out by an umpire or
by reaching base safely.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this modification defines the requirements
of mandatory play.
PLAYING RULES
Rule 1.10 in the Baseball and Challenger Division Rule Books has been amended to read:
The bat must be a baseball bat which meets Little League specifications and standards as
noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or of material and
color tested and proved acceptable to Little League standards.
Little League (Majors) and below: it shall not be more than thirty-three (33) inches in
length nor more than two and one-quarter (2¼) inches in diameter. Non-wood bats shall be
labeled with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less.
EXCEPTION: For the 2011-2012 Little League (Majors) and below, for regular
season play and Tournament, composite bats are prohibited unless approved by Little
League International. A list of approved and licensed composite bats can be found on
the Little League website at www.littleleague.org.
Junior League: it shall not be more than 34 inches in length; nor more than 2 5/8 inches
in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8
inch for bats less than 30”) at its smallest part. All composite bats shall meet the BattedBall Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall be so
labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. The certification mark
shall be rectangular, a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the barrel of
the bat in any contrasting color.
Senior/Big League: it shall not be more than 36 inches in length, nor more than 2 5/8
inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenths (15/16) inches in diameter
(7/8 inch for bats less than 30”) at its smallest part. The bat shall not weigh, numerically,
more than three ounces less than the length of the bat (e.g., a 33-inch-long bat cannot
weigh less than 30 ounces). All bats not made of a single piece of wood shall meet theBatted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) performance standard, and such bats shall
be so labeled with a silkscreen or other permanent certification mark. The certification
mark shall be rectangular, a minimum of a half-inch on each side and located on the
barrel of the bat in any contrasting color. Aluminum and composite bats shall be marked
as to their material makeup being aluminum or composite. This marking shall be
silkscreen or other permanent certification mark, a minimum of one-half-inch on each side
and located on the barrel of the bat in any contrasting color.
In all divisions, wood bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not
exceeding sixteen (16) inches (18 inches for Junior/Senior/Big League baseball) from the
small end. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and
must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. Slippery tape or similar material
is prohibited.
NOTE 1: Junior/Senior/Big League: The 2¾ inch in diameter bat is not allowed in any
division.
NOTE 2: The traditional batting donut is not permissible.
NOTE 3: The bat may carry the mark “Little League Tee Ball.”
NOTE 4: Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that cannot pass
through the approved Little League bat ring for the appropriate division must be removed
from play. The 2¼ inch bat ring must be used for bats in the Tee Ball, Minor League and
Little League Baseball divisions. The 2 5/8 inch bat ring must be used for bats in the Junior,
Senior and Big League divisions of baseball.
Note 5: An illegal bat must be removed. Any bat that has been altered shall be removed
from play. Penalty – See Rule – 6.06(d).
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, language was added prohibiting the use of
composite bats for the Major division unless approved and licensed by Little League International
and modified the Junior, Senior and Big League bats regulation noting the new BBCOR bat
standard.
Rule 1.11(j) in all rule books has been amended to read:
Players must not wear jewelry such as, but not limited to, rings, watches, earrings,bracelets, necklaces, nor any hard cosmetic/decorative items. This rule applies regardless
of the composition of such jewelry, hard cosmetic item or hard decorative item.
(EXCEPTION: Jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition is
permissible.)
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, the added language prohibits players from
wearing any jewelry, regardless of composition.
Rule 2.00 in all rule books has been amended to read, in part:
An AT-BAT, for the purposes of meeting the requirements of Mandatory Play (if
applicable), is when a batter assumes the position of a batter with no count and is put out,
called out by an umpire or reaches base. An at-bat for scorekeeping/ statistical purposes is
defined in the publication, “What’s the Score?”
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this defines an at-bat for the purpose of
mandatory play.
Rule 2.00 in the Baseball Rule Book has been amended to read, in part:
An ILLEGAL BAT is a bat that has been altered or a bat that is not approved for play
because it does not meet specifications with regard to length, weight, barrel diameter,
labeling or performance standard for the division in which it is used.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this defines an illegal bat for the purpose of
rule 6.06(d). As a result, a bat that is, for instance, cracked or damaged because of normal use,
would not be considered “illegal” and could not result in the batter being called out for using it, but
it still must be removed from play.
Rule 6.05(b) in the Baseball Rule Book has been amended to read:
6.05 - A batter is out when -
(b) Little League (Majors)/Junior/Senior/Big League –
(1) a third strike is legally caught by the catcher;
(2) a third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two
are out. Minor League and Tee Ball: A third strike is caught or not caught by the
catcher. Option: A local league may elect to apply the Minor League and Tee Ballrule for the Little League (Major Division) for the regular season.
Summary and Implementation: During the 2012 season, for the Major Baseball Division, players
may advance on a third strike that is not caught in flight by the catcher. However, local leagues may
opt to use the Minor League and Tee Ball rule noted above, for the Major Baseball Division, instead.
This option applies only for the regular season. In Tournament play, the rule will be implemented as
noted above for the Majors Division. The rule for tournament play in 10-11 is noted below.
Rule 6.06(d) in the Baseball Rule Book has been amended to read:
A batter is out for illegal action when -
(d) The batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with
an illegal bat (see bat specifications rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat
prior to the next player entering the batter’s box.
Note: If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s box
following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat:
1) The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the
penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of
the play.
2) For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for
the duration of the game.
3) For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game.
Any subsequent violation will result in the newly designated manager being ejected.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 season, this imposes penalties for the use of an
illegal bat in a game.
TOURNAMENT RULES AND GUIDELINES
Responsibility and Chain of Command in the Baseball and Softball Rule Book has been
amended to read, in part:
The Tournament Committee also reserves the right in its sole discretion to impose
any of the above penalties if, in its judgment, any player, manager or coach displays
unsportsmanlike conduct or repeatedly/willfully violates any rules, regulations orpolicies contained herein during the game, at the game site, or at any event related to
the International Tournament. The decision of the Tournament Committee is final
and binding. The committee also reserves the right to impose any penalty the
committee deems appropriate if the committee determines action is necessary to
correct a situation brought to its attention, regardless of the source of that
information. The decision of the Tournament Committee is final and binding.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 International Tournament, this allows the
Tournament Committee to impose penalties if a player, manager or coach repeatedly/willfully
violates any Little League rules, regulations or policies.
Release of Names in the Softball Rule Book has been amended to read, in part:
9-10 Year Old Division/10-11 Year Old Division/Little League: The release of names of
players selected for the tournament team shall not be made before June 15, or two weeks
prior to the start of the tournament (whichever is earlier), and not until the availability and
eligibility of all prospective team members have been established. (Little League accident
insurance for tournament teams will not go into effect until June 15, or the date of the
release of the names of Tournament Team members, whichever is earlier).
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 International Tournament, this permits the Little
League (Majors) Softball division to release names on June 15, or two weeks prior to the start of the
tournament, whichever is earlier.
Tournament Team Practice in the Softball Rule Book has been amended to read, in part:
9-10 Year Old Division/10-11 Year Old Division/Little League: Try-outs or practices by
tournament teams shall not be held before June 15 or two weeks prior to the start of the
tournament. Tournament team practice may only take place against other teams within the
same or contiguous districts in the same division, providing such practice is done out of
uniform. (Little League accident insurance for tournament teams will not go into effect
until June 15, or the date of the release of the names of tournament Team members,
whichever is earlier).
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 International Tournament, this permits the Little
League (Majors) Softball division to conducts try-outs and begin practice on June 15, or two weeks
prior to the start of the tournament, whichever is earlier.
Curfew in the Baseball Rule Book has been amended to read, in part:
No inning shall start after midnight prevailing time (12:30 a.m. prevailing time for JuniorLeague; 1:00 a.m. prevailing time for Senior/Big League). NOTE: An inning starts the
moment the third out is made completing the previous inning. NOTE: NeitherTournament Directors and officials nor tournament teams are permitted to circumvent the
curfews established above by continuing, suspending and restarting or starting a game
after curfew has been reached and play is required to be terminated.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 International Tournament, this prohibits suspended
games to be continued after curfew.
Tournament Rule 3 in the Baseball Rule Book has been amended to read, in part:
NOTE: In the 10-11 Tournament Division, the batter may advance on a dropped third strike(6.09(b)). These rules will not apply for the 9-10 Tournament Division.
Summary and Implementation: For the 2012 International Tournament, the 10-11 Year OldTournament Division players may advance on a dropped third strike.
