Game Rules

Little League Regular Season Pitcher Rules

(a) Any player on a regular season team may pitch.

Exception: Any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.

A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more (15- and 16-year-olds: 31 pitches or more) in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that calendar day. EXCEPTION: If the pitcher reaches the 20-pitch limit (15- and 16-year-olds: 30-pitch limit) while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch, and maintain their eligibility to return to the catcher position, until any one of the following conditions occur: (1) that batter reaches base; (2) that batter is retired; (3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game; or (4) the pitcher is removed from the mound prior to the batter completing his/her at-bat.

Approved Ruling: The catcher receiving one pitch to a batter in the fourth inning constitutes having caught four (4) innings. Warm-up pitches do not count, only when the ball is live will the pitches count toward innings caught.

(b) A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher.

(c) The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position:

LEAGUE AGE

AGE PITCHES PER DAY

6-8 50 Pitches (C-BALL)

9-10 75 Pitches (MINIORS)

11-12 85 Pitches (MAJORS)

Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI(c) for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs:

The batter reaches base;

The batter is put out;

The third out is made to complete the half-inning of the game;

The pitcher is removed from the mound prior to the batter completing his/her at bat.

NOTE: If a pitcher reaches 40 pitches while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch, and maintain their eligibility to play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day, until any one of the following conditions occurs:(1) that batter reaches base; (2) that batter is retired; (3) the third out is made to complete the half inning or the game; or (4) the pitcher is removed from the mound prior to the batter completing his/her at-bat. The pitcher would be allowed to play the catcher position provided that pitcher is moved, removed, or the game is completed before delivering a pitch to another batter. If a player delivers 41 or more pitches, and is not covered under the threshold exception, the player may not play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

(d) Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.

If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.

If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.

NOTE 1: Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days.

NOTE 2: A pitcher’s pitch count for the purposes of day(s) rest threshold is determined by the first pitch thrown to a batter. The pitcher may not start a new batter once the limit imposed in Regulation VI(c) has been met.

(d) The manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed.

(e) A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day.

NOTES:
The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is announced, or after a warm-up pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a violation. Little League officials are urged to take precautions to prevent protests. When a protest situation is imminent, the potential offender should be notified immediately.

Approved Ruling: (All levels): When warming up, if a pitcher is discovered to be ineligible, he/she must be removed and the previous pitcher of record may not return.

Pitches delivered in games declared “Regulation Tie Games” or “Suspended Games” shall be charged against pitcher’s eligibility.

In suspended games resumed on another day, the pitchers of record at the time the game was halted may continue to pitch to the extent of their eligibility for that day, provided said pitcher has observed the required days of rest.

Example 1: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on the following Thursday. The pitcher is not eligible to pitch in the resumption of the game because he/she has not observed the required days of rest.

Example 2: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on Saturday. The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game because he/she has observed the required days of rest.

Example 3: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes two weeks later. The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game, provided he/she is eligible based on his/her pitching record during the previous four days.

LITTLE LEAGUE BAT REGULATIONS

The bat must be a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick, and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat).

Non-wood and laminated bats used in the Little League (Majors) and below, Intermediate (50-70) Division, and Junior League divisions, shall bear the USA Baseball logo signifying that the bat meets the USABat – USA Baseball’s Youth Bat Performance Standard. All BPF – 1.15 bats are prohibited. The bat diameter shall not exceed 2⅝ inches for these divisions of play. Bats meeting the Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) standard may also be used in the Intermediate (50-70) Division and Junior League Division. Additional information is available at LittleLeague.org/batinfo.

T-Ball:

Under the USABat standard, certified Tee Ball bats (26″ and shorter) will feature the USA Baseball mark and text which reads ONLY FOR USE WITH APPROVED TEE BALLS.

C-Ball / Minor/ Major Divisions:

It shall not be more than 33 inches in length; nor more than 2⅝ 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. Wood bats taped or fitted with a sleeve may not exceed sixteen (16) inches from the small end.

NOTE 1: Solid one-piece wood barrel bats do not require a USA Baseball logo.

LTLL T-BALL RULES

GENERAL NOTES
A) 14 Game regular season
B) There are no playoffs in T-Ball as score is not kept

SECTION 1: BASIC RULES SET FORTH BY LITTLE LEAGUE & IL DISTRICT 9
1.1) Base Distance: 60 Feet
1.2) Batting Order: Continuous
1.3) Innings Played: 3
1.4) Official Game: 3 innings

SECTION 2: LTLL SPECIFIC GAME RULES
2.1) All team members bat each inning. Once the player hits the ball off the tee, he or she will advance to first base. The player or players on base advance one base on each hit. There are no extra base hits or strikeouts.
2.2) When the last player in the lineup hits, they will hit a “grand slam” and clear the bases to end the inning.
2.3) No score is kept in T-Ball.
2.4) All team members play defense each inning. Coaches can align the players how they would like, but a pitcher may stand near the mound and a first baseman can play first.
2.5) When the ball is hit, the goal is to have the ball thrown to first to teach the players basic baseball skills.
2.5) The assigned pitcher and first baseman must wear batting helmets.
2.6) There is no catcher.
2.7) Near the end of the season, coaches may “coach” pitch to players are who capable and parents’ consent to it.

LTLL C-BALL RULES

UPDATED AND APPROVED RULES WILL BE POSTED AFTER ANNUAL LTLL BOARD MEETING

LTLL B-BALL RULES

GENERAL NOTES
A) 14 Game regular season with practices before and during the season. Coaches should consider two practices a week prior to games beginning and one practice during the week during the season. Interleague games between LaGrange LL and Western Springs LL will be mixed into the schedule.
B) LTLL follows all game rules determined by Little League International. Below are specific LTLL rules.

SECTION 1: BASIC RULES SET FORTH BY LITTLE LEAGUE & IL DISTRICT 9
1.1) Base Distance: 60 Feet
1.2) Mound Distance: 40 Feet
1.3) Batting Order: Continuous
1.4) Innings Played: 6
1.5) Official Game: 3 innings
1.6) Max Runs per Inning: 5 runs
1.7) Max Runs per FINAL Inning: Unlimited (PLAYOFFS ONLY)
1.8) Max Innings Pitched: 1 Inning, 3 continuous Outs, or 50 pitches
1.9) Bunting: No
1.10) Dropped 3rd Strike: No
1.11) Infield Fly Rule: No

SECTION 2: LTLL KID PITCH RULES
2.1) Each pitcher gets MAX 3 CONSECUTIVE OUTS pitched per game or 50 pitches, whichever comes first. Coaches must manage pitch counts, outs, and days' rest in-between games based on Little League rules. Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, they may not re-enter to pitch at any subsequent point in the game.
2.2) A pitcher must be removed after third hit batter.
2.3) Hit batters will take their base. It is strictly prohibited to “coach” players to lean into pitches to be awarded first base. Umpires may not award first base if batter is determined to be trying to get hit by a pitch.
2.4) All pitchers will throw from the mound at 40 feet.
2.5) For the first three games of the season, coaches will come into the game to pitch if 4 balls are thrown. There are no walks. After three games played in this manner, players will take their base after 4 balls. This is to encourage players to swing the bat early in the season.

SECTION 3: LTLL SPECIFC GAME RULES
3.1) Catcher in full gear. Please help the catcher get gear on promptly and safely. Ensure the throat guard is attached correctly. Male catchers must wear a protective cup. A coach from the pitcher’s team typically helps with passed balls to speed up play.
3.2) All players bat in continuous order. 9 play the field with 3 outfielders (Must play 3 outfielders in the grass). All players must play defense three of the six innings. Coaches are encouraged to set randomized batting orders during the regular season to allow players to hit in different spots. All players should play should play all positions.
EXCEPTIONS
a) Not all players should be considered for 1B and Catcher due to safety concerns
b) All players should be given the opportunity to pitch (at least in practice), if desired. It is up to the coach to determine when a player is ready and able to consistently throw strikes to keep the games moving.
3.3) No leadoffs, steals, or advancing on passed balls/wild pitches. Base runners must have a foot on the bag. Runners can leave the base if ball is hit by batter or the batter is walked, and the runner moves to next base.
3.4) The ball is "dead" and no runner may advance when any infielder has possession of the ball as determined by umpire's sole discretion. If a base runner is more than halfway to a base when the ball is determined to be "dead" then the base runner may advance to that base (umpire discretion). Otherwise, the base runner must return to the last base occupied.
3.5) Runners are not allowed to advance on overthrows at any base.
3.6) Baserunners shall slide into all bases (except 1st) to avoid contact. Headfirst slides are prohibited.
3.7) There is no “on-deck” circle. “On-Deck” batters must stay outside the fence, but with helmet on ready to bat. There is to be no swinging bats outside the fence/bench area.
3.8) Time limit is 1:30 minutes. A new inning cannot start after 1 hour and 30 minutes of play. Complete the bottom half of an inning if past time.
3.9) If the HOME TEAM is winning after the top of the 6th inning, the score is FINAL, but they may choose to bat if the time limit has not been reached.
3.10) REGULAR SEASON LATE ARRIVING PLAYER - If a player is going to arrive after the start of the game, they are placed at the bottom of the order. If the player is not present when it is their turn to bat, the players’ turn is forfeited for that inning without penalty. If they arrive in time for their turn to bat in the next inning, they can play.
3.11) TOURNAMENT GAME LATE ARRIVING PLAYER - If a player is on the lineup that is exchanged between the two managers before the tournament game and is not present at the start of the game, then that player is automatically out if not present when it is their turn to bat for innings 1, 2, & 3. A player that arrives after the start of the 4th inning is ineligible to play and there are no automatic outs in innings 4, 5, & 6. If a player arrives after the start of the game and is not on the original lineup exchanged with the opposing manager, they are ineligible to play at any point.
3.11) MINIMUM TO PLAY – Teams may play regular season games with a minimum of 8. During the playoffs, teams must play with a minimum of nine (9) players.
3.12) SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS – Teams may find a substitute player(s) if they will not have the minimum to play. The player must come from the B-Ball or C-Ball (1st Grader). The substitute player must be placed at the bottom of the order and cannot pitch. Substitutes during playoffs can only come from C-Ball (1st Grader).
3.13) BAT VIOLATION – If a bat used by a player at any point in the game is determined to be “illegal,” the game will continue, but the final result will be a 1-0 forfeit to the team not in violation of using an “illegal” bat. “Illegal Bat” is defined as any bat not stamped with the “USA BASEBALL” logo and/or having a barrel larger than 2 5/8 in diameter.

SECTION 4: B-BALL TOURNAMENT
4.1) The LTLL B-Ball tournament will be the week following the final regular season games. Trophies will be provided to 1st and 2nd place teams.
4.2) All tournament games will abide by the regular season rules. Time limit is extended 15 minutes in playoffs to 1:45.
4.3) The tournament will be seeded based on final win/loss percentage. If there are ties, tie breaker procedures are as follows...
a. Head-to-head (only applies when two teams are involved)
b. Runs Allowed – Fewest to most (KID PITCH GAMES ONLY)
c. Run Differential – Most to fewest (KID PITCH GAMES ONLY)
d. Coin Flip
4.4) Tournament Schedule –
a. GAME 1 – 1 Seed vs. 4 Seed – Monday at Ridgewood
b. GAME 2 – 2 Seed vs. 3 Seed – Monday at Countryside
c. GAME 3 – Game 1 Loser vs Game 2 Loser (3rd Place) – Wednesday at Countryside SW
d. GAME 4 – Game 1 Winner vs Game 2 Winner (Championship) – Wednesday at RW

LTLL MINORS RULES

GENERAL NOTES
1) 14 Game regular season
2) LTLL follows all game rules determined by Little League International. Below are specific LTLL rules.

SECTION 1: BASIC RULES SET FORTH BY LITTLE LEAGUE & IL DISTRICT 9
1.1) Base Distance: 60 Feet
1.2) Mound Distance: 46 Feet
1.3) Batting Order: Continuous
1.4) Innings Played: 6
1.5) Official Game: 4 innings
1.6) Max Runs per Inning: 5 runs
1.7) Max Runs per FINAL Inning: Unlimited
1.8) Max Innings Pitched: SEE LL Pitch Count Rules
1.9) Bunting: Yes
1.10) Dropped 3rd Strike: No
1.11) Infield Fly Rule: No
1.12) Leadoffs: No
1.13) Stealing Bases: Once ball crosses plate

SECTION 2: LTLL PLAYER PITCH RULES
2.1) Each pitcher gets MAX 6 CONSECUTIVE OUTS pitched per game or 75 pitches, whichever comes first. Coaches must manage pitch counts, outs, and days' rest in-between games based on Little League rules. Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, they may not re-enter to pitch at any subsequent point in the game.
2.2) A pitcher must be removed after third hit batter.
2.3) Hit batters will take their base. It is strictly prohibited to “coach” players to lean into pitches to be awarded first base. Umpires may not award first base if batter is determined to be trying to get hit by a pitch.

SECTION 3: LTLL SPECIFC GAME RULES
3.1) Catcher in full gear. Please help the catcher get gear on promptly and safely. Ensure the throat guard is attached correctly. Male catchers must wear a protective cup.
3.2) A pinch-runner may replace the catcher for the next half inning with 2 outs. The pinch-runner is the batter that made the last out.
3.3) All players bat in continuous order. All players must play defense three of the six innings.
3.4) No leadoffs, but base runners may steal once ball crosses plate and on overthrows to bases.
3.5) There are no INTENTIONAL WALKS.
3.6) WALL AT THIRD – The only way a runner at third base can make it home is by a ball batted in play or a bases loaded walk. An overthrow from the catcher to third does not advance the runner from third to home. If a runner occupies first base, they may steal second on an overthrow to third.
3.7) There is no “on-deck” circle. “On-Deck” batters must stay outside the fence, but with helmet on ready to bat. There is to be no swinging bats outside the fence/bench area.
3.8) After 4 or more complete innings, if a team is up by 12 or more runs, the game is over and complete.
3.9) Time limit is 1:40 minutes. A new inning cannot start after 1 hour and 40 minutes of play. Complete the bottom half of an inning if past time.
3.10) A team may play a game with a minimum of 8 players during the regular season.
3.11) REGULAR SEASON LATE ARRIVING PLAYER - If a player is going to arrive after the start of the game, they are placed at the bottom of the order. If the player is not present when it is their turn to bat, the players’ turn is forfeited for that inning without penalty. If they arrive in time for their turn to bat in the next inning, they can play.
3.12) TOURNAMENT GAME LATE ARRIVING PLAYER - If a player is on the lineup that is exchanged between the two managers before the tournament game and is not present at the start of the game, then that player is automatically out if not present when it is their turn to bat for innings 1, 2, & 3. A player that arrives after the start of the 4th inning is ineligible to play and there are no automatic outs in innings 4, 5, & 6. If a player arrives after the start of the game and is not on the original lineup exchanged with the opposing manager, they are ineligible to play at any point.
3.13) MINIMUM TO PLAY – Teams may play regular season games with a minimum of 8. During the playoffs, teams must play with a minimum of nine (9) players.
3.14) SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS – Teams may find a substitute player(s) if they will not have the minimum to play. The player must come from the Minors or B-Ball divisions. The substitute player must be placed at the bottom of the order and cannot pitch. Substitutes during the playoffs can only come from B-Ball.
3.15) BAT VIOLATION – If a bat used by a player at any point in the game is determined to be “illegal,” the game will continue, but the final result will be a 1-0 forfeit to the team not in violation of using an “illegal” bat. “Illegal Bat” is defined as any bat not stamped with the “USA BASEBALL” logo and/or having a barrel larger than 2 5/8 in diameter.

SECTION 4: MINORS TOURNAMENT
4.1) The LTLL Minors tournament will be the week following the final regular season games. Trophies will be provided to 1st and 2nd place teams.
4.2) Tournament games must be played with a minimum of 9 players. A substitute player must be a second-grade B-Ball player (No Minors aged subs).
4.3) All tournament games will abide by the regular season rules. Time limit is extended 20 minutes in playoffs to 2:00.
4.4) Tournament game lineups must be exchanged during the pre-game meeting with the umpire.
4.5) The tournament will be seeded based on final win/loss percentage. If there are ties, tie breaker procedures are as follows...
a. Head-to-head (only applies when two teams are involved)
b. Runs Allowed – Fewest to most
c. Run Differential – Most to fewest
d. Coin Flip
4.6) Tournament Schedule – 1 Seed gets a 1st Round Bye / Friday is rain date
a. GAME 1 – 4 Seed vs. 5 Seed – Monday at Hodgkins
b. GAME 2 – 2 Seed vs. 3 Seed – Monday at Timber Trails
c. GAME 3 – 1 Seed vs 4/5 Winner – Tuesday at Timber Trails
d. GAME 4 – Winner of Game 2 vs Winner of Game 3 – Thursday at Timber Trails

LTLL MAJORS RULES

GENERAL NOTES
A) 14 Game regular season
B) LTLL follows all game rules determined by Little League International. Below are specific LTLL rules.

SECTION 1: BASIC RULES SET FORTH BY LITTLE LEAGUE & IL DISTRICT 9
1.1) Base Distance: 60 Feet
1.2) Mound Distance: 46 Feet
1.3) Batting Order: Continuous
1.4) Innings Played: 6
1.5) Official Game: 4 innings
1.6) Max Runs per Inning: 5 runs
1.7) Max Runs per FINAL Inning: Unlimited
1.8) Max Innings Pitched: SEE LL Pitch Count Rules
1.9) Bunting: Yes
1.10) Dropped 3rd Strike: Yyes
1.11) Infield Fly Rule: Yes
1.12) Leadoffs: No
1.13) Stealing Bases: Once ball crosses plate

SECTION 2: LTLL PLAYER PITCH RULES
2.1) Each pitcher gets MAX 6 CONSECUTIVE OUTS pitched per game or 85 pitches, whichever comes first. Coaches must manage pitch counts, outs, and days' rest in-between games based on Little League rules. Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, they may not re-enter to pitch at any subsequent point in the game.
2.2) A pitcher must be removed after third hit batter.

SECTION 3: LTLL SPECIFC GAME RULES
3.1) Catcher in full gear. Please help the catcher get gear on promptly and safely. Ensure the throat guard is attached correctly. Male catchers must wear a protective cup.
3.2) A pinch-runner may replace the catcher for the next half inning with 2 outs. The pinch-runner is the batter that made the last out.
3.3) All players bat in continuous order. All players must play defense three of the six innings.
3.4) No leadoffs, but base runners may steal once ball crosses plate and on overthrows to bases.
3.5) There is no “on-deck” circle. “On-Deck” batters must stay outside the fence, but with helmet on ready to bat. There is to be no swinging bats outside the fence/bench area.
3.6) After 4 or more complete innings, if a team is up by 12 or more runs, the game is over and complete.
3.7) Time limit is 1:40 minutes. A new inning cannot start after 1 hour and 40 minutes of play. Complete the bottom half of an inning if past time.
3.8) A team may play a game with a minimum of 8 players during the regular season.
3.9) REGULAR SEASON LATE ARRIVING PLAYER - If a player is going to arrive after the start of the game, they are placed at the bottom of the order. If the player is not present when it is their turn to bat, the players’ turn is forfeited for that inning without penalty. If they arrive in time for their turn to bat in the next inning, they can play.
3.10) TOURNAMENT GAME LATE ARRIVING PLAYER - If a player is on the lineup that is exchanged between the two managers before the tournament game and is not present at the start of the game, then that player is automatically out if not present when it is their turn to bat for innings 1, 2, & 3. A player that arrives after the start of the 4th inning is ineligible to play and there are no automatic outs in innings 4, 5, & 6. If a player arrives after the start of the game and is not on the original lineup exchanged with the opposing manager, they are ineligible to play at any point.
3.11) MINIMUM TO PLAY – Teams may play regular season games with a minimum of 8. During the playoffs, teams must play with a minimum of nine (9) players.
3.12) SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS – Teams may find a substitute player(s) if they will not have the minimum to play. The player must come from the Majors or Minors division. The substitute player must be placed at the bottom of the order and cannot pitch. Substitutes during the playoffs can be a current fourth-grade Minors player, but not a Majors player.
3.13) BAT VIOLATION – If a bat used by a player at any point in the game is determined to be “illegal,” the game will continue, but the final result will be a 1-0 forfeit to the team not in violation of using an “illegal” bat. “Illegal Bat” is defined as any bat not stamped with the “USA BASEBALL” logo and/or having a barrel larger than 2 5/8 in diameter.

SECTION 4: MAJORS TOURNAMENT
4.1) The LTLL Majors tournament will be the week following the final regular season games. Trophies will be provided for 1st and 2nd place teams. The winner will also participate in the Overholt Tournament in Brookfield at the end of August.
4.2) Tournament games must be played with a minimum of 9 players. A substitute player must be a fourth-grade Minors player (No Majors aged subs).
4.3) All tournament games will abide by the regular season rules. Time limit is extended 20 minutes in playoffs to 2:00.
4.4) Tournament game lineups must be exchanged during the pre-game meeting with the umpire.
4.5) The tournament will be seeded based on final win/loss percentage. If there are ties, tie breaker procedures are as follows...
a. Head-to-head (only applies when two teams are involved)
b. Runs Allowed – Fewest to most
c. Run Differential – Most to fewest
d. Coin Flip
4.6) Tournament Schedule – Friday is rain date
a. GAME 1 – 1 Seed vs. 4 Seed – Monday at City Field
b. GAME 2 – 2 Seed vs. 3 Seed – Monday at Hodgkins
c. GAME 3 – Game 1 Loser vs Game 2 Loser (3rd Place) – Wednesday at City Field
d. GAME 4 – Game 1 Winner vs Game 2 Winner (Championship) – Thursday Night at
Walker Park A-Field (7:45pm)

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Lyons Township Little League