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Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES INDEX
Accidents to Player or Umpire: 5.10 (c) & (h); 9.02 (d). Appeals:6.07(b), 7.10. Balk:Caused by Catcher 4.03 (a); Caused by Offensive Team 4.06 (3); Ball Dead 5.09(c), Ball:When Called 2.00,6.02(b), 6.08(b), 8.04,8.05-Penalty; When Dead 3.12,5.02, 5.09,5.10; When Live 3.12, 4.02, 5.01, 5.02, 5.11. Balls:Official Game 1.09, 3.01 (c) (d) (e); Defacing, Discoloring 2.00- Illegal Pitch, 3.02,8.02 (a). Base Coaches:Restrictions 4.05; Interference 4.05 (2 & 3), 7.09 (i-j), 5.08; Accidental Interference 5.08. Batter:Becomes Runner 6.08, 6.09; Interference by 6.05 (g-h-j), 6.06 (c), 7.08 (g), 7.09; Out 6.02 (c), 6.05. 6.06, 6.07, 7.09, 7.11 - Penalty; Interference with 6.08 (c). Batter's Box: 2.00,1.04,6.03,6.06(b). Batting Order: 4.01,4.04,6.01-6.04. Batting Out of Order: 6.07. Casts:1.11 (e). Catcher:Interference by 6.08 (c); Interference with 5.09 (b), 6.06 (c), 7.08 (g). Position of: 4.03 (a). Defacing, Discoloring Ball: 3.02 & 8.02 (a-5). Definitions: 2.00. Deflected Batted Ball: 6.09 (f-g), 7.05 (a-f). Delay of Game: by Batter 6.02 (c); by Pitcher 8.02 (b). 8.04; Forfeit for Delays 4.15. Discipline of Team Personnel: 3.02,3.14,4.05-4.08,4.15,8.02 (a-I). 8.02 (b-c). 9.01 (bd), 9.05. Double-Headers: 3.11,4,12,4.13. Equipment: Athletic Supporter/Cup 1.17; Ball 1.09; Bases 1.04, 1.06; Bats 1.10; Benches! Dugouts 1.08,2.00-Bench; Chest Protector 1.17; Gloves 1.12,1.13,1.14,1.15; Helmets 1 16 I 17 Home Base 104. 1 05 Masks 1 17: Removed from Game -4.19 (a). 1.10; Not Left Lying on field 314; Observance of all Rules Governing - 301 (a); Pitcher's Plate/Mound 1.04,1.07; Shoes & Toe Plates 1.11 (g-h), 9.06; Throat Protector 1.17; Thrown at Ball: 7.05 )a-c-e); Uniforms 1.11. Fair Ball: 2.00; Bounces Out of Play 6.09 (f-g), 7.05 (1). Fielder in Dead Ball Area: 5.10 (f), 7.04 (b). Fielder's Choice: 2.00. Forfeited Game: 2.00, 4.15, 4.16,4.17,4.18. Ground Rules: 3.13,9.04 (a-8) Illegal Pitch: 2.00, Caused by catcher 4.03 (a), Caused by Offensive Team 4.06 (3); Ball Dead 5.09 (c), 8.01 (d), 8.02 (a-6), 8.05: Penalty 8.05: Penalty Waived 8.05. Illegally Batted Ball: 2.00, 5.09 (d), 6.03. 6.06 (a). Infield Fly: 2.00, 6.05 (d) & (k) - Note. 7.08 (f) - Exception & Note. Intentionally Dropped Ball: 6.05 (k). Interference: Defensive 2.00 (b), 6.08 (c); Offensive 2.00 (a). 5.09 (f). 6.05 (g-h-j-l), 6.06 (cI. 6.08(d), 6.09 (b), 7.08 (b-f-g), 7.09, 7.11: Spectator 2.00(d), 3.16. 3.18: Umpire 2.00(c). 5.09 (b-f). 6.08 (d). 6.09 (b), 7.04 (8). Jewelry: 1.11 (i). Lights & Light Failure: 4.12. 4.14. 5.10 (b-h). Mandatory Play: Regulation IV (i). Missed Base: 7.02. 7.04 - Note, 7.08 )k). 7.10 (b). 7.12. 8.05 - Penalty - Approved Ruling 42. Obstruction: 2.00,7.06. Official Scorer: See 'What's the Score" publication. Overrunning First Base: 7.08 (c & j), 7.10 (c). Pitcher: May Not Re-enter Game as Pitcher 3.03 - Note 1; Shall Pitch to First Batter 3.05; Warming up 3.09; Pitching in Resumption of Game 4.11(e) - Note, 4.12; Legal Positions 8.01 (a) (b); Becomes Infielder 8.01 (e); Takes Signs While on Pitcher's plate 8.01; Throws out of play 7.05 (h); Throws to a Base 8.01 (c): Throws at Batter 8.02 (c); Preparatory Pitches 8.03; Visits by Manager or Coach to 8.06. Player's Position: 4.03. Playing Field: 1.04, See Diagrams of Field Layout and Batters Boxes. Postponement/Suspension Responsibilities: 3.10. 4.01. Protested Games: 4.19. Regulation Games: 4.10,4.11. Resuming Play After Dead Ball: 5.11. Restrictions on Players: No Fraternizing 3.09; Barred from Stands 3.09: Confined to Bench 3.17. Runner: Advance of 7.04; 7.05; 7.06; Entitled to Base 7.01. 7.03: Base Touching Requirements 7.02; 7.04- Note, 7.08(d) (k), 7.10 (a) (b) (d), 7.12: Is Out 5.08. 5.09 (f), 7.08-7.11; Leaving Early 7.13; Reverse Run Prohibited 7.08 (i): Running Out of Baseline 7.08 (a-I). Score of Games: 4.09 (b), 4.11. Scoring Rules: See "What's the Score" Publication. Scoring Runs: 4.09, 4.11,5.02,5.06,5.10(c), 6.09 (c) (9), 7.02, 7.05 (a). 7.12. Spectators: Barred from Field 3.15, 3.18; Touching Batted or Thrown Ball 3.16; Actions Causing Dispute 4.19 Note 1; Not Mingling with 3.09.
Strike: 2.00. Strike Zone: 2.00, 6.02, 6.06 (b). Substitutions: 3.03-3.08; 4.04, 4.08, 4.12,5.10(c). Ten Run Rule: 4.10(e). Tie Games: 4.11(e), 4 12. Umpires: 9.00. Unsportsmanlike Conduct: 4.06,9.01(d). Wild Throws: 5.08, 7.05 (g-h-i)
COMMUNICABLE DISEASE PROCEDURES
While risk of one athlete infecting another with HIV/AIDS during competition is close to non-existent, there is a remote risk that other blood born infectious diseases can be transmitted. For example, Hepatitis B can be present in blood as well as in other body fluids. Procedures for reducing the potential for transmission of these infectious agents should include, but not be limited to, the following: 1.The bleeding must be stopped, the open wound covered and if there is an excessive amount of blood on the uniform it must be changed before the athlete may participate. 2.Routine use of gloves or other precautions to prevent skin and mucous-membrane exposure when contact with blood or other body fluids is anticipated. 3.Immediately wash hands and other skin surfaces if contaminated (in contact) with blood or other body fluids. Wash hands immediately after removing gloves. 4.Clean all contaminated surfaces and equipment with an appropriate disinfectant before competition resumes. 5.Practice proper disposal procedures to prevent injuries caused by needles, scalpels and other sharp instruments or devices. 6.Although saliva has not been implicated in HIV transmission, to minimize the need for emergency mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, mouthpieces, resuscitation bags, or other ventilation devices should be available for use. 7.Athletic trainers/coaches with bleeding or oozing skin conditions should refrain from all direct athletic care until the condition resolves. 8.Contaminated towels should be properly disposed of/disinfected. 9.Follow acceptable guidelines in the immediate control of bleeding and when handling bloody dressings, mouthguards and other articles containing body fluids.
Additional information is available from your state high school association and from the National Federation TARGET program.
SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE
·Responsibility for safety procedures should be that of an adult member of the local league. ·Arrangements should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services. ·Managers, coaches and umpires should have some training in first-aid. First-Aid Kit should be available at the field. ·No games or practice should be held when weather or field conditions are not good, particularly when lighting is inadequate. ·Play area should be inspected frequently for holes, damage. glass and other foreign objects. ·Dugouts and bat racks should be positioned behind screens. ·Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing field during play and practice sessions. ·Responsibility for keeping bats and loose equipment off the field of play should be that of a regular player assigned for this purpose. ·Procedure should be established for retrieving foul balls batted out of the playing area. During practice sessions and games, all players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch. ·During warm up drills, players should be spaced so that no one is endangered by errant balls. ·Equipment should be inspected regularly. Make sure it fits properly. ·Pitching machines, if used, must be in good working order (including extension cords, outlets, etc.) and must be operated only by adult managers and coaches. Batters must wear protective NOCSAE helmets during practice, as well as during games. ·Catchers must wear catcher's helmet (with face mask and throat guard), chest protector and shin guards. Male catchers must wear long-model chest protector (divisions below Junior/Senior League), protective supporter and cup at all times. ·Except when runner is returning to a base, head first slides are not permitted. During sliding practice bases should not be strapped down. ·At no time should "horse play' be permitted on the playing field. Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide 'Safety Glasses." ·Players must not wear watches, rings, pins, jewelry or other metallic items. Catchers must wear catcher's helmet, face mask and throat guard in warming up pitchers. This applies between innings and in bull pen practice. Skull caps are not permitted. ·Batting/catcher's helmets should not be painted unless approved by the manufacturer. Regulations prohibit on-deck batters. This means no player should handle a bat, even while in an enclosure, until if is his/her time at bat. ·Players who are ejected, ill or injured should remain under supervision until released to the parent or guardian.
2000 Tournament Rules and Guidelines for Little League Baseball 9-10 Year Old Division Baseball Junior League, Senior League and Big League Baseball Points of Emphasis in Bold Italics
Tournament play started in Little League in 1947. This year is its 54th anniversary. Conduct of tournament play by District Administrators began in 1956 following the first Little League International Congress. Today, responsibility for scheduling and supervising all district tournament games comes under jurisdiction of the District Administrator. Headquarters has the right to appoint Tournament Directors at other levels of tournament play. The Tournaments of Little League have grown year by year until today they have become the outstanding, in fact, the only exposure that the majority of the public sees. In many cases, they are the criterion by which Little League is judged. Proper conduct at tournament time imposes a large responsibility upon all concerned. Good judgment and exemplary disciplines are demanded it Little League tournaments of the future are to remain worthwhile in the public esteem. The Little League Baseball Tournament, 9-10 Year Old Division Baseball Tournament, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Baseball Tournaments are authorized by the Board of Directors. Leagues which exercise the option to participate in Tournament Play must pledge they will do so with full knowledge of the rules and in agreement that the rules will be upheld. In case of violations, tournament privileges may be revoked, but only by the Tournament Committee at Williamsport. Rules: Except where noted in these Tournament Rules and Guidelines, the Little League Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules will be used in the conduct of the 9-10 Year Old Division Tournament, the Little League Baseball Tournament, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Baseball Tournaments.
9-10 Year Old Division: The objective of the 9-10 Year Old Division Tournament is to provide nine and ten year old players the opportunity to participate in a baseball tournament at the District, Sectional, and State levels at the conclusion of the regular season. Leagues are strongly encouraged to place the maximum number of players (14) on the Tournament Affidavit, thereby giving more children the opportunity to participate.
Responsibility and Chain of Command
It should be clearly understood by Tournament Directors and league presidents that operation of the annual tournaments in Little League come under a different authority and jurisdiction from that normally observed during the playing season. It is, in fact, a whole new ball game. Once the tournament season starts, authority is vested solely in the Tournament Committee at Williamsport. There will be no waivers or resort to local rules or other variation unless granted explicitly from Williamsport. To administer the tournament properly and scale down thousands of teams to two finalists in the limited time afforded by the tournament season is an undertaking requiring considerable disciplines. Once the tournament starts, it must proceed without interruption. If protests or disputes occur which cannot be settled by the umpires or Tournament Director through immediate and concise application of the rules, appeal must be made through proper channels promptly to prevent a major blockage or loss of momentum. Revocation of tournament privileges or forfeiture of a tournament game may be decided only by the Tournament Committee at Williamsport. Should a problem arise that cannot be resolved while a game is in progress, the game must be suspended by the umpire-in-chief and the problem referred immediately to The Tournament Director, It not resolved, if must be referred to the Regional Director. If still unresolved, it will be referred to the Tournament Committee in Williamsport. Only this body is entitled to revoke a league's tournament privilege or decree the forfeiture of a tournament game. There must be no lawsuits. The Tournament Committee and the individual Regional Directors may appoint agents to act on their behalf, and any person so appointed shall have the authority to act as, and exercise the duties of, the Tournament Committee or the individual Regional Directors. Knowledge of the rules must be guaranteed before a Tournament Director is declared qualified. All Tournament Directors will undergo a thorough and instructive briefing session prior to taking on their duties, must signify that they understand the rules and regardless of personal feelings, they are in full agreement and can interpret them properly. At the time of the district tournament meeting, it will be required that each league president or the representative in attendance signify that the league and tournament team managing personnel are knowledgeable of Tournament Rules and are in full agreement with these conditions.
Selection of Tournament Teams (Recommended Method) Little League would gain immeasurably in esteem of the public if all tournament teams were selected by the players themselves. Players relish the challenge of competition, but their anxiety to excel is in balance with an intuitive respect and admiration for teammate and opponent alike who demonstrate superior ability and skill. 1.It is not required that players be selected for the position they occupy during the regular season. For example, a pitcher who is also a good outfielder or infielder may be placed on the roster and used in whatever position the manager deems to be of advantage. 2.Tournament team candidates should be selected upon their playing ability, eligibility and availability. The roster should include sufficient pitching strength to meet tournament schedules. 3.The following plan was presented to the International Congress. Washington, D.C . 1 965. as a guideline, taken from the experience of the International Advisory Council. The principle is to have all components of a league determine and participate in fair and democratic selection of the tournament team. This would eliminate many of the complaints, abuses, pressures and charges of favoritism which are directed toward the league president. The following groups should each select its tournament team.
Group 1 - Players Group 2- League Officers Group 3-Team Managers Group 4-Team Coaches Group 5-Volunteer Umpires
Every player on the eligible teams is entitled to vote. Each group submits its list of players at a meeting of the Board of Directors of the league. The names are to be read and counted from each of the groups, and the players in the order of total votes received will become eligible for the tournament team. Where more than one player has an equal number of votes to qualify for the last position or positions, final selection should be made by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at the time of the meeting. NOTE:Method of selection is to be determined by the Local League Board of Directors.
TOURNAMENT ORGANIZATION Teams Each chartered league shall be eligible to enter a team. Alternates are not authorized. (NOTE: In the 9-10 Year Old Division, a league may enter more than one tournament team with District Administrator approval.) Where two or more charters have combined to form a single program, a tournament team must be selected for each charter composed of players from within its own chartered area. Exceptions can only be made by the Charter Committee. Tournament teams and Eligibility Affidavit shall consist of, and must be limited to, a maximum of fourteen (14) players, one (1) manager and a maximum of two (2) coaches. Big League: Tournament teams may be selected from all league teams in a district or may be a regular season unit team. Teams and Eligibility Affidavit shall consist of, and must be limited to, a maximum of fifteen (15) players, one (1) manager and a maximum of two (2) coaches.
Managers and Coaches The president of the League, the District Administrator or District Staff shall not serve as manager or coach. Little League: The manager and coach(es) shall be regular season team managers and/or coaches from the Little League Baseball (Majors) Division. 9-10 Year Old Division: The manager and coach(es) shall be regular season team managers and/or coaches from the Little League Baseball (Majors) Division or Minor League Division.
Umpires The Tournament Director shall have full responsibility for providing volunteer Little League umpires for tournament play. Umpires from leagues involved in the game should not be assigned. The District Administrator shall not umpire. There should be at least two umpires in each game. More are recommended when available.
Tournament Eligibility Affidavit It shall be the league president's responsibility to review and certify the birth records (league age) and residence (as defined by Little League Baseball, Incorporated) of all players. When the league finally decides on the makeup of the team, names must be entered on the league's Eligibility Affidavit. Once the District Administrator certifies the Affidavit, there is no need to carry birth certificates. IMPORTANT Alternates are not authorized. They shall not accompany the team and shall not be listed on the Eligibility Affidavit. Eligibility Affidavit must be certified by the District Administrator or an authorized representative and presented by the team manager to the Tournament Director before every game. NOTE: The Eligibility Affidavit becomes official once the team plays its first tournament game.
Participation in Other Programs Players may participate in other programs during the tournament so long as such participation does not disrupt the tournament program in which such player participates. NOTE: Consistent with a manager's ability to conduct the affairs of his or her team, a manager may disqualify a player from the team for the current season, subject to Board of Directors approval, if the player repeatedly misses practice or games.
Release of Names Little League: The release of names of players selected for the tournament team shall not be made before June 15 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 announcement of Tournament Team members, whichever is later). 9-10 Year Old Division: 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). Violation of this rule may be cause for revocation of tournament privilege by the Tournament Committee.
Eligibility Players are eligible for Tournament Play, provided they meet the criteria established by Little League for residence and the following: Little League (Majors Division) - Any player League Age 11 or 12, who has participated as an eligible player in one-half the regular season games as of June 15 on a Little League Baseball (Majors Division) team, with the exception of the school baseball season. 9-10 Year Old Division - Any player League Age 9 or 10, who has participated as an eligible player in one-half the regular season as of June 15. with the exception the school baseball season, on a: 1.Little League Baseball (Majors Division) team, or; 2.Minor League Baseball team. Big League - Any player League Age 16,17 or 18, with amateur status, who has participated as an eligible player in one-half the regular season games by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District, with the exception of the high school or college baseball season, on a: 1. Big League Baseball Team, or; 2. Senior League Baseball Team. Senior League - Any player League Age 14, 15 or 16, with amateur status, who has participated as an eligible player in one-half the regular season games as of June 15, with the exception of the middle school, junior high school or high school baseball season, on a: 1. Big League Baseball Team, or; 2. Senior League Baseball Team, or; 3. Junior League Baseball Team. Junior League - Any player League Age 13 or 14, who has participated as an eligible player in one-half the regular season games as of June 15, with the exception of the middle school, junior high school or high school baseball season, on a: 1. Senior League Baseball Team, or; 2. Junior League Baseball Team. NOTE: The Big League Baseball, Senior League Baseball and Junior League Baseball Tournaments are divided by age, without regard to the regular season division in which a player participates, as noted above. CONDITION 1: Participation must be within the chartered league named on the Eligibility Affidavit. CONDITION 2: A player may be named to the roster of, and practice with, only ONE Little League International Tournament Team. Once the affidavit is signed by the local league president and District Administrator (Or their representatives), the players listed on the affidavit shall not be eligible to participate on any other Little League International Tournament Team for the current year. CONDITION 3: A player who is not able to participate in a number of local league regular season games because of participation in a school baseball program will receive an adjustment on the minimum participation in games required under this rule. Example:If, for any given division, Little League Baseball Team A played 20 regular season games before June 15, and a player missed 10 games because of participation in a school baseball program, that player is required to have participated in only five (5) regular season Little League Baseball games to be eligible for the Little League Baseball Tournament Team. Violation of this rule may be cause for revocation of tournament privilege by the Tournament Committee.
Insurance Accident:A league shall not be accepted for tournament play unless covered by accident insurance, which includes tournament play. It is strongly recommended that a medical release for each player on the Affidavit be carried by the team manager. Liability: Liability Insurance must be carried by the league on whose field tournaments are played as well as all leagues who participate in the tournament. Minimum coverage of $1,000,000 single limit, bodily injury and property damage. The policy must include coverage for claims arising out of athletic participants. If insurance is purchased locally, a copy of the policy must be on file at Little League Baseball International Headquarters.
Replacement of Player, Manager or Coach Any player, manager or coach listed on the Eligibility Affidavit who is unable to participate because of injury, illness, vacation or other justifiable reason may be replaced by another eligible person. Its player, manager or coach is replaced, that person may not be returned to the Tournament Affidavit. Permanent replacements must be from the league's regular season teams and shall be recorded and approved by the District Administrator or Tournament Director in the space provided on the back of the Eligibility Affidavit. Exception: It a manager or coach is unable to attend a game for a justifiable reason, a Tournament Director could approve a temporary replacement. Temporary replacement of a manager or coach need not be entered on the Eligibility Affidavit.
Playing Equipment The dimensions and other specifications of all playing equipment used must conform to those set forth in the Official Little League Playing Rules except for those noted below: Every member of the team must wear a conventional uniform which includes shirt, pants, stockings and cap. This may be a regular season uniform. Each team must provide at least six (6) (7 for Junior/Senior/Big League Baseball) NOCSAE approved safety helmets with warning labels. The batter, all base runners, (who batter for Junior/Senior/Big League baseball) and player base coaches must wear approved helmets. All male players must wear athletic supporters. Catchers (male) must wear the metal, fibre or plastic type cup. Catchers must wears mask with (NOCSAE) approved catchers helmet (skull cap type not acceptable) and "dangling" type throat guard during practice, infield, pitcher warm-up and games. All catchers must wear approved chest protector and shin guards. Male catchers must wear long model chest protector with neck collar. Shoes with metal cleats or spikes shall not be worn by players. managers, coaches or umpires.
Schedules Tournament schedules must be submitted prior to the start of the tournament or June 15 (whichever is earliest), by the District Administrator to the Regional Director for approval. ALL BYES must be scheduled in the first round. No tournament may start until approval has been given. Schedules for each level (District, Section, Division, State, Regional) must be single or double elimination, or a format approved by the Regional Director. 9-10 Year Old Division/Little League: A team may play two games in one day with the approval of the Regional Director. NOTE 1: Inclement weather may be justification to revert to single elimination in order to complete a tournament on schedule, with the approval of the Regional Director. NOTE 2: The 9-10 Year Old Division advances to state level only. NOTE 3: Consult approved schedules for specific dates. Tournament dates may vary.
Tournament Team Practice Little League Baseball: Try-outs or practices by tournament teams shall not be held before June 15. Tournament team practice may only take place against other players in the same league, 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 later). 9-10 Year Old Division: Try-outs or practices by tournament teams shall not be held before June 15, or two weeks prior to the start of the tournament, whichever is earlier. Tournament team practice may only take place against other players in the same league, 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). Violation of this rule may be cause for revocation of tournament privileges by the Tournament Committee.
Selection of Fields All games shall be played upon Little League fields approved by the Tournament Director. Exception to this rule can only be made with the consent of the Regional Director. Fields must be enclosed with an outfield fence. The distance to the outfield fence should be 200 feet (300 feet for Junior/Senior/Big League Baseball) from home plate. Tournament Directors should not permit portable outfield fences to exceed 200 feet (300 feet for Junior/Senior/Big League Baseball). The Tournament Director or assistant shall judge fitness of the playing field before the game starts. 9-10 Year Old Division, Little League: The on-deck batter's position is not permitted.
Games Under Lights Games under lights may be scheduled at all levels of tournament play. The District Administrator having jurisdiction must determine that lighting installations meet minimum standards approved by Little League Headquarters.
Curfew No inning shall start after 11:00p.m. (11:30p.m. for Junior/Senior League Baseball; midnight for Big League Baseball) prevailing time. NOTE: An inning starts the moment the third out is made completing the previous inning.
Starting Time of Games A game shall not be started unless the Tournament Director or assistant judges there is adequate time to complete the game before darkness or curfew.
Admission Charge There shall be no charge for admission to Little League Tournament or 9-10 Year Old Division Tournament games. Admission charge is permitted for Junior/Senior/Big League Baseball.
CONDITIONS OF TOURNAMENT PLAY
Protests This rule replaces Rule 4.19 No protest shall be considered on a decision involving an umpire's judgment. Equipment which does not meet specifications must be removed from the game. Protest shall be considered only when based on: A.The violation or interpretation of a playing rule: When a manager claims that a decision is in violation of playing rules, the following steps must be taken: 1.A formal (verbal) protest must be made to the umpire-in-chief at once by the manager or coach. 2.The umpire-in-chief must immediately call a conference of all umpires working the game. 3.If the problem cannot be resolved to the satisfaction of the managers, the umpire-in-chief shall be required to consult with the Tournament Director or District Administrator. 4.If the managers do not accept the decision of the Tournament Director, either manager may elect, without penalty, to discontinue play until the matter is referred to the Regional Headquarters. Either the umpire-in-chief, Tournament Director or District Administrator will call the Regional Headquarters at this time. 5.If the managers do not accept the decision of the Regional Director (or his/her designated agent), either may insist that the matter be referred to the Tournament Committee in Williamsport. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding. NOTE 1 - PROTEST INVOLVING PLAYING RULES NOT RESOLVED BEFORE THE NEXT PITCH OR PLAY SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED. NOTE 2- UMPIRES, TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS AND DISTRICT ADMINISTRATORS DO NOT HAVE AUTHORITY TO DECLARE A FORFEITURE UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. NOTE 3- PROTESTS BECAUSE OF A TEAM'S FAILURE TO MEET THE MANDATORY PLAY REQUIREMENTS (SEE TOURNAMENT RULE 9) MUST BE MADE BEFORE THE UMPIRE(S) LEAVE THE PLAYING FIELD. TOURNAMENT RULE CORRECTIONS FOR 2002 SOFTBALL RULEBOOK NOTE: MANDATORY PLAY DOES NOT APPLY TO THE BIG LEAGUE DIVISION. B.The use of an ineligible pitcher; Ineligibility under this rule applies to violations of Tournament Playing Rule 4. If an ineligible pitcher delivers one or more pitches to a batter, that team may be required to forfeit the game in question, subject to the following conditions: 1.At any time before the umpire(s) leave the playing field, a formal (verbal) protest must be made to the umpire-in-chief by the manager or coach. 2.The umpire-in-chief must immediately consult with the Tournament Director or District Administrator. 3.Either the umpire-in-chief, Tournament Director or District Administrator will call the Regional Headquarters at this time. 4.The Regional Director (or his/her designated agent) will contact the Tournament Committee in Williamsport. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding. Only the Tournament Committee can declare a forfeit.
C.The use of an ineligible player.
Ineligibility under this rule applies to league age, residence (as defined by Little League Baseball, Incorporated), and participation as an eligible player for one-half of the regular season in the proper division.
1.If the facts establishing or verifying the ineligibility of a player are known to the complainant PRIOR TO the game, the following steps must be taken: (a)The complainant shall present the matter to the Tournament Director and/or District Administrator. (b)The matter SHALL be resolved with the Regional Director and, through the Regional Director and the Tournament Committee BEFORE the first pitch of the game. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding. TOURNAMENT RULE CORRECTIONS FOR 2002 SOFTBALL RULEBOOK REMOVE & DISREGARD (NOTE: In the 9-10 Year Old Division Tournament, once a game starts, protests of ineligible player(s) will not be considered.)
2.Little League: If the facts establishing or verifying the ineligibility of a player become known DURING a game, and the ineligible player participates in the game, that team shall forfeit the game in question, subject to the following conditions:
(a)A protest may be lodged by the manager or coach with the umpire-in-chief, who shall consult with the Tournament Director or District Administrator. (b)Tournament Director or District Administrator must contact the Regional Director (Or his/her appointed agent), who shall contact the Tournament Committee for a decision. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding.
3.Little League: If the facts establishing or verifying the ineligibility of a player become known AFTER a game, and the ineligible player participated in the game, that team shall forfeit the game in question, subject to the following conditions: (a)A protest may be lodged by the manager or coach with the Tournament Director or District Administrator. Such protest must be made before either team affected by the protest begins another game. (b)Tournament Director or District Administrator must contact the Regional Director (or his/her appointed agent), who shall contact the Tournament Committee for a decision. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding. NOTE 1: Disqualification of steam or player(s) and/or forfeiture of a game must be the decision of the Tournament Committee at Williamsport, and such decisions will be made prior to the continuation of the affected team(s) or player(s) in further tournament play.
NOTE 2: All officials, including all managers, coaches, scorekeepers, umpires, Tournament Directors, District Administrators, etc., should make every effort to prevent a situation that may result in the forfeiture of a game or suspension of tournament privileges. However, failure by any party to prevent such situations shall not affect the validity of a protest.
Must Play To Advance A team shall not advance from one level of Tournament to a higher level of tournament play without first having competed against and detested a scheduled opponent at the tournament level from which it is seeking to advance. Any team advancing without play must do so with the approval of the Regional Director.
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The
term "Little League" and the Little League logo are
trademarks of Little League Baseball, Inc., Williamsport, Pa.,
extended only to local chartered leagues for purposes of
identification and publicity
