 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
In AA ball, pitchers are generally not able to throw pitches in the strike zone on a consistent basis. As a result, there are many walks in AA and the GFLL believes that this overabundance of walks greatly reduces the actual “ball in play” experience. It also results in AA games becoming so-called walk-fests. As a result, the GFLL has adopted a local rule for its AA program, see the AA rules page.
Players who reach the Major League level who have not received the prior benefits of sound training and teaching generally do not enjoy this competitive level of play, receive limited playing time and often decide to discontinue playing baseball. The Major League Managers are expected to build upon the skills/talents of players and not necessarily teach the basic fundamentals of the game. While historically our Minor League level has proven to be competitive in nature (as it should be), too often players entering the Major League level are not familiar with the basics of the game of baseball. Said differently, they often do not understand "Why" they are making certain plays. In order to maximize the abilities of our players, Managers and Coaches at each level of play are being challenged to ensure that players on their teams in their respective levels of play receive certain instruction in various aspects of the game. Minor League Managers should ensure that throughout the season and certainly by the end of the season, players on their team receive instruction on and have demonstrated the following skills and knowledge:
1. Hitting
2. Base Running
3. Fielding
4. Throwing
5. Catching
6. Pitching
Number of Players There will be ten (10) defensive players on the field, of which four (4) shall be outfielders. The four outfielders must be positioned at least 15 feet beyond the edge of the outfield grass. Regular Season Time Limit Last Inning Two hours/Full Game Two-Hour-Twenty-five Minute Time Limits. For regular season weekend and weeknight games, no full inning will begin after two hours (2:00) have elapsed from the scheduled start time of the game unless, in the sole judgment of the umpire-in-charge, a delay in the start of the game is unavoidable. In the case of a delay in the start of the game, this time limit is extended to two hours and fifteen minutes (2:15) from the official "START TIME." A new inning begins immediately after the third out in the bottom of an inning occurs. Any inning starting prior to this time limit will be played in full subject to darkness or weather as determined by the umpire in charge. Once the game reaches two hours and twenty-five minutes (2:25), the game will be halted by the umpires and be considered completed at that time. If the teams have not completed the current inning, the final score reverts back to the last full inning completed. If that score is a tie, then a tie is recorded for both teams in their records. This limit will apply to all weekend and weekday games regardless of whether there is a game following. Playoffs Time Limit Two Hour -Fifteen Minute Time Limit. For playoff games, no full inning will begin after two hours and fifteen minutes (2:15) have elapsed from the scheduled start time of the game unless, in the sole judgment of the umpire in charge, a delay is unavoidable. In the case of a delay in the start of the game, this time limit is extended to two hours and thirty minutes (2:30) from the official "START TIME." A new inning begins immediately after the third out in the bottom of an inning occurs. Any inning starting prior to this time limit will be played in full subject to darkness or weather as determined by the umpire in charge. Five Run Innings Limit (Innings one thru four only) For innings one thru four, each half inning will end after the third recorded out or after five runs have scored, which ever occurs first. For the 5th, 6th, and any subsequent inning of each game this practice does not apply. Face Protection All Batting helmets (including personal helmets) MUST bear the NOCSAE stamp and be equipped with face protection of the cage type, and worn at all times while batting, on the base paths and by players coaching bases. The NOCSAE requirements of Rule 1.16 are explicitly associated with helmets provided by the league while this rule, for sound safety reasons, also includes and applies to "personal" helmets. Pitching Week The pitching week will be Monday thru Sunday. Batting Order The players will bat through the entire lineup (all players in attendance) before returning to the lead-off batter. A player who arrives after the start of the game shall be placed at the end of the batting order as presented to the opposing manager prior to the start of the game. Five Inning Minimum All attending players MUST play at least (5) defensive innings. However, if a player is removed from the game by the Manager for disciplinary reasons, it is the decision of the Manager as to whether that player shall return to the game. If a player is absent at the start of the game, the 5 inning minimum will be reduced for each inning started before the arrival of the player. If a game is terminated prior to the 6th inning as a result of darkness, inclement weather, or the slaughter rule, the 5 inning minimum will be reduced for each inning not played. If a player is absent at the start of the game, the 5 inning minimum will be reduced for each inning started before the arrival of the player. Late arriving players Shall be placed at the bottom of the batting order. No player will "sit out" on defense more than one inning in a row. Two Different Defensive Positions Each player must play at least 2 different defensive positions for a minimum of one inning each. If a game is terminated prior to the 6th inning as a result of darkness, inclement weather, or the slaughter rule, this rule is waived. AA Pitching Rules There is no pitching on consecutive calendar days.
Max pitches for any player is 75. When he reaches that he may finish that batter, but then must be moved to another position. A pitcher may only pitch 2 innings maximum per game, and 4 innings maximum per week (Monday-Sunday).
No Walks Each at-bat will begin normally and strikes and balls will be called by the umpire as normal. If the batter is hit by a pitch before the count reaches ball four, the batter will be awarded first base as usual. Similarly, if strike three is called before the count reaches ball four, the batter will be called out. However, if the count reaches ball four and the batter has not been hit by a pitch or called out, the batter will not be awarded a base on balls.
Base Stealing During the first half of the season there will be no stealing of any base (including passed balls). During the second half of the season base runners may steal second and/or third base. However, the base stealer may not advance from the stolen base on an overthrow by the catcher. Other runners may advance at their own risk. Under no circumstances may a base runner steal home. A base runner on third base may only advance to home under three conditions:
Overthrows by the Catcher to the Pitcher or mishandled balls by the Pitcher from the Catcher do not permit a runner on third to advance to or steal home. Managers must follow these rules as written. Overthrows Advance at the Batter’s own risk is allowed on an overthrow at first base all season. If the ball goes off the playing field (outside the fence or fence line), the runner may advance only one base. Slaughter Rule - 10 runs This rule is in force in our league as described in Rule 4.10(e). In the event the slaughter rule takes effect, the 4 inning minimum participation rule will be reduced for each inning not played. On-field Coaches The offensive team shall station two base coaches on the field during its time at bat, one occupying the first base coach’s box and one occupying the third base coach’s box. One or both coaches may be roster team members, or they may be the manager and/or roster coaches – as long as one roster adult manager or coach is in the dugout at all times. On-field coaches will not leave the dugout and occupy their positions until all warm-ups are fully completed. The defensive team’s manager and coaches must remain in the dugout at all times unless time is out and they are invited to leave the dugout by an umpire. No defensive team coaches will be on the field while the ball is in play. Base Coaches Making "Safe" Call on a Play A Base Coach (adult or player) making a "safe" call in an attempt to influence the outcome of a play is considered by Little League Rules to be in violation of the Unsportsmanlike Conduct rule and therefore is subject to ejection. It is the objective this local rule modification to create awareness among the Coaches, so that this behavior is eliminated. An Umpire witnessing this act will provide one warning to that Base Coach. On the second offense during that game, the Umpire will require that Coach be replaced. The offending Coach must perform their coaching responsibilities from the bench for the remainder of that game. All 2nd offenses will be reported to the Board of Directors for review. Field Preparation Diligence in field maintenance by all those involved with Little League is critical to the safety of the children and playability of the fields. The home team is responsible for pre-game field preparation. This consists of raking the dirt portions of the infield, filling in any holes (especially the pitcher's rubber, mound, and batters box areas), and lining the batters box and foul lines. Following the game, the visiting team is responsible for filling in any holes (especially the pitcher's rubber, mound, and batters box areas) and raking the dirt off the grass lip of the infield back onto the infield. Official Scorebook The scorebook kept by the designated home team shall be the official book. Exchange of Pitching Information Prior to the start of the game, Managers will exchange pitcher information, detailing who has used eligible innings in that pitching week and who has eligible innings remaining. Catcher Head/Face Protection on Field At any time a Catcher is practicing or playing their defensive position (including during pre-game warm-ups and Bullpen) the Catcher must wear their Helmut/Mask, to include the "dangling" type throat protector. Pitching Bull Pen Warm-ups During Game If a Pitcher is to warm up in the Bull-Pen during a game, only another Roster player wearing proper protection may catch. Additionally, a Roster Player with a glove and wearing a Batting Helmut must be stationed as a "protector" to prevent batted or thrown balls from accidentally hitting the Pitcher/Catcher in the Bull Pen. On-Deck Batters Between Innings, the offensive team is allowed only ONE Batter with a Bat to be outside the dugout preparing to Bat. Operation of Field Lights In the event, the Timer is not functioning properly at Nike Field and the field lights do not come on, it is the responsibility of the Home Team to turn on the Lights and the Visiting Team to turn the lights off.
 © 2006 Great Falls Little League, All Rights Reserved
|