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Menlo-Atherton Little League
Key Playing Rules & Procedures

While "Little League Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules" form the basis for conducting games at each level, there are standard procedures and some key playing rules at each level that warrant mention. Please note the following applies to all divisions.

Standard Procedures Common to All Levels

1. The home team is responsible for setting out the bases and dragging, watering and lining the field and the visiting team cleans up the field, including dragging, and trash pickups in the dugouts after the game.
2. When there are multiple games in one day (i.e., Saturdays) the home team of the first game will be responsible for setting up the field and the visiting team for the last game will be responsible for putting away bases and other field equipment and dragging the field.
3. The home team takes the dugout on the first-base side of the field, the visiting team takes the dugout on the third base side.
4. Players, managers, and coaches of the participating teams shall not mingle with spectators, nor sit in the stands during the game.
5. All players, managers and coaches shall remain in their respective dugouts unless they are batters, base runners, base coaches, or defensive players. No practice swings in or around dugouts are allowed.
6. Each team should be given the same amount of time to warm up prior to the beginning of the game. Visiting team takes the field 20 minutes before the game followed by the home team for 10 minutes.
7. All batters and base runners must wear helmets. All players must wear cups for protection.
8. All catchers must wear a catcher's mask with throat protectors, chest pad, and leg protectors.
9. Catchers warming up pitchers must wear a catchers mask. Coaches must not warm up pitchers.
10. Metal jewelry and watches are not to be worn during practices or games.
11. Long pants and socks are to be worn at all practices and games.
12. Pitchers shall not wear under shirts with long white sleeves, nor use a glove that is white or gray or non-uniform in stitching.
13. Team chatter is permissible; however, using abusive language, chiding an individual, and excessive haranguing will not be tolerated. This includes coaches, parents and other spectators. The lead umpire will issue a warning to the offending team on the first incident. Any additional warning may, at the discretion of the lead umpire, result in a forfeiture by the offending team.
14. Batting line ups are exchanged before the game begins. Ground rules are covered with coaches and umpires before the game.
15. Each team will provide a scorekeeper (except in T-Ball, A, and AA). Scorekeepers are to meet at the end of each inning to compare scores. Home teams are responsible for reporting scores to the Commissioner.
16. The umpire has the final word on all judgment calls. Coaches, players, and parents may not argue with the umpire over judgment calls, but managers may ask for clarification about the rules of the game, or an interpretation of a rule.
17. Clarification of rules are to be discussed by managers and umpires in a moderate and neutral environment, not in a public forum.
18. Managers, coaches, and players ejected from a game shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in the game, even as a spectator. Parents and other spectators can be asked to leave the field if they are considered disruptive or abusive. Failure of parents to leave the field when asked by the lead umpire may result in a forfeit of the team they support.
19. All players, managers, and coaches of each team are to line up and shake hands with the other team after the game.

Key Rules in T-Ball

1. Everyone who shows up plays each defensive inning.
2. Every player bats each inning. Each batter that makes an out should return to his/her team during the inning.
3. Games are limited to three innings.
4. No scores are kept.
5. Batters throwing the bat are automatically out. This rule is administered by the coaches.
6. Coaches may stay with the batter and may coach fielders from both sides of the field, not on the field.

Key Rules in Single A

1. The pitching machine will be set at a speed level of 4.0 at the start of the season and will increase to 5.0 over the course of the season.
2. Pitching machine adjustments can be made during an inning - height/direction only - pitch speed must remain constant through an inning.
   
3. The umpire loading the pitching machine must "show" the ball to the batter and defense before each pitch.
4. The "player pitcher" must have one foot within the circle surrounding the pitching machine, and not be closer to home plate than the machine, until the ball crosses the plate or is hit by the batter.
5. Coaches swap rosters before the game. Full rosters bat in the order players are listed.
6. An inning is 3 outs, or five runs, whichever happens first. There is no five run limit in the last inning of the game (both coaches must agree on the last inning before it starts). In the last inning, a team will bat until the defense gets 3 outs or the batting team goes through their entire lineup once, whichever comes first.
7. No scores are kept (until playoffs) and there are no regular season standings.
   
8. Defense fields 10 players, four of whom are stationed in the outfield beyond the base paths. The four outfield positions are LF (left fielder), LC (left center fielder), RC (right center fielder) and RF (right fielder). Outfielders must start each play at least 10 yards behind the dirt infield. Outfielders are not allowed to make outs at any base.
   
9. Each player must play at least two innings in the infield (catcher does NOT count as an infield position) by the end of the 5th inning. No child should play the same position in consecutive innings and should not play the same position more than twice in a game.
   
10. There is no base stealing and no leads. Runners cannot leave their bases before the ball is hit. There are no advances on a passed ball.
11. There is no sliding into first base and no head first sliding in to any base.
    
12. Bunting is not allowed. There are no walks. Umpires will call strikes after a warning (typically after 3 good pitches). Batters can strike out and after a warning be called out on strikes.
13. Play stops if the ball is thrown in to the pitcher's circle with the pitcher in the circle trying to make a play on the ball.
14. Overthrows at first base will not generate an extra base (this may change later in the season).
    
15. If a play is made on a child coming into 2nd or 3rd base, and an overthrow is made, an extra base is NOT taken. This encourages players to make appropriate plays rather than always throwing to the pitcher.
16. If a hit ball makes contact with the pitching machine, the batter is awarded a single and any runners are allowed to advance one base. Play is dead when the ball hits the machine. If a player throws the ball and hits the pitching machine during the normal course of play, play is called dead and runners are allowed to advance one base.
    
17. A regulation game consists of 6 innings. An inning may not start 75 minutes after the game begins. Any inning, once begun, must be completed. Coaches and umpires are to agree on the game start time prior to the first pitch.
    
18. Eight players are required to start and finish a game. Failure to field at least 8 players will result in a forfeit. If agreeable to both teams, once the game has been forfeited, non-roster players may be included to allow for a practice game. (non-league players cannot play.)
19. Players may not hit off of the pitching machine prior to the game (same day) unless all available players from both teams are given equal time.

Key Rules in AA 

1. Defense fields 10 players, four of whom are stationed in the outfield beyond the base paths. No buck short position and no fourth outfield position allowed to field a base. The four outfield positions are LF (left fielder), LC (left center fielder), RC (right center fielder) and RF (right fielder).
2. The umpire loading the pitching machine must "show" the ball to the batter and defense before each pitch.
3. The "player pitcher" must have one foot within the circle surrounding the pitching machine, and not be closer to home plate than the machine, until the ball crosses the plate or is hit by the batter.
4. Full rosters bat in the order players are listed.
5. An inning is 3 outs, or seven runs, whichever happens first. There is no seven run limit in the 6th inning and any extra innings.
6. Each player must play at least four (4) defensive innings or 12 outs and one (1) inning in the infield (i.e., pitcher, catcher, first base, second base, third base or shortstop). As many games are limited to 4-5 innings due to time limits, managers should commence player substitutions in the 2nd inning. If a team fails to comply with these minimum play requirements, it will result in a forfeit of that game unless it is due to a mathematical impossibility (i.e., a team having more than 12 players involved in a game of 4 innings or less).
7. There is no base stealing and no leads. Runners cannot leave their bases before the ball is hit. There are no advances on a passed ball.
8. Bunting is allowed. There are no walks. Umpires will call strikes after a warning (typically after 3 pitches). Batters can strike out and after a warning be called out on strikes.
9. Play stops when the ball is under control in the pitcher's circle, and the player with the ball does not attempt to put the ball back in play.
10. A regulation game consists of 6 innings. An inning may not begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes from actual starting time (except for the playoffs). Any inning, once begun, must be completed. A tie game will be extended extra innings, but no inning is to begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes (except for the playoffs). Games which remain tied after the 1 hour and 30 minute time limit shall be scored as a tie score (except for the playoffs). There is no time limit in the playoffs.
11. Eight players are required to start and finish a game. Failure to field at least 8 players will result in a forfeit. If agreeable to both teams, once the game has been forfeited, non-roster players may be included to allow for a practice game. (non-league players cannot play.)
12. Players may not hit off of the pitching machine prior to the game (same day) unless all available players from both teams are given equal time.

Key Rules in AAA

1. A regulation game consists of a maximum of 6 innings. An inning may not begin later than 1 hour and 50 minutes after the actual starting time (except in the playoffs). Any inning, once begun, must be completed. There is no time limit in the playoffs. With the exception of playoffs, games can end in a tie.
2. An inning is 3 outs, or five runs, whichever happens first. There is no five run limit in the last inning (as determined by the umpires) of the game.
3. If after four full innings of play, a team has a 12 run advantage they are declared the “winner.” If the game is continued, the end of game score shall be reported.
4. A team forfeits a game if it does not have 9 players and an official coach by 15 minutes after the umpires official start time.
5. All players present shall bat based on their position in the team’s batting order that is presented to the umpires at the beginning of the game.
6. Base runners are not allowed to take leadoffs.
7. Base runners may advance only after the ball passes home plate.
8. Base runners may only advance one base on an overthrow.
9. No blocking of bases or home plate by defensive players is allowed.
10. When a team is at bat, two adult base coaches are allowed on the field.
11. For games of 4, 5 or 6 innings, all players must play a total of three innings, two of which must be in the infield. If at the conclusion of the game it is pointed out that this rule has been violated a protest may be lodged. If after investigation of the protest by the AAA Player Rep the winning team is found in violation, a forfeit can be declared.
12. Bunting is allowed. Walks are allowed. Strikes are called.
13. Pitch Count Rules: Pitchers have specific pitch count limits for each game based on their league age. Twelve year olds are not allowed to pitch in AAA. The maximum number of pitches for other ages is as follows:

Minimum Play Rules in Pitching Machine, AAA and Majors.

The above rules are only a minimum requirement and coaches are encouraged to offer each player the same quality playing time as all others regardless of ability. If a coach has a player or parent inform them that they do not want the player to play in the infield due to safety or other issues, then upon notice to and approval of the appropriate Commissioner this requirement will be waived for this particular player.

Key Rules in Juniors

1. Each team shall be comprised of at least 10 players.
2. Every player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of 6 defensive outs and bat at least one time.
3. Pitching
• All 13 and 14 year old players on a team roster are eligible to pitch. No 15 year old player may pitch.
• A player may pitch in a maximum of 9 innings in a calendar week. A week begins on Sunday and ends the following Saturday.
• If a player pitches in less than 5 innings one calendar day of rest is mandatory.
• If a player pitches in 5 or more innings, 3 calendar days of rest must be observed.
• Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched in an inning.
• A player shall not be returned to the mound after once having been removed as a pitcher, even if that player is placed in another position.
• Not more than 5 pitchers per team shall be used in one game, unless a fifth pitcher is injured.

1. Players can participate in one of three levels: Tee Ball, Coach-Pitch or Player-Pitch.
2. Players may use the "Buddy" system, but it is not mandatory.
3. Every player on the roster is in the batting order and shall play defensively for the entire game.
4. The side is retired when the offense has batted through the roster.
5. Players wear the same uniform and safety equipment as other Little Leaguers.
6. Games are limited to two innings.

Key Rules in Minors Softball

1. Games will be at least 4 and no more than 6 innings in length and limited to 1 1/2 hours. An inning will be completed if time has expired but no new inning will start.
2. A half inning will end after 6 runs except in the final inning if the losing team can tie the game.
3. The batting order will be continuous for all girls on the team that day.
4. Every player available on the team that day must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs.
5. No stealing or sliding is allowed.
6. Pitching distance will be 35 feet from home plate.
7. Runner can advance only 1 base on overthrow.

Key Rules in Majors Softball

1. Games will be at least 4 and no more than 6 innings in length and limited to 1 1/2 hours. An inning will be completed if time has expired but no new inning will start.
2. A half inning will end after 6 runs except in the final inning if the losing team can tie the game.
3. The batting order will be continuous for all girls on the team that day.
4. Every player available on the team that day must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs.
5. Bunting is allowed. A base runner shall not leave their base until the pitched ball has been batted or reaches the batter.
6. Sliding is permissible.
7. The umpire shall call balls and strikes (4 balls equals a walk, 3 strikes an out).
8. There will be 10 fielders, and the tenth allowed to play anywhere.
9. Play will stop when the pitcher has control of the ball within an 8 foot circle around the pitcher's mound.
10. A pitcher may not pitch more than 6 innings per week.
11. Pitching distance will be 35 feet from home plate.
12. The infield fly rule will be in effect at all times (Sec. 2.00).
13. On overthrows, the runner can advance only 1 base at their own risk if the ball goes out of play.
14. On a dropped third strike, the batter may run to first base if it is open, or if there are two outs.
15. Coaches may substitute players freely as long as they comply with the (a) everyone plays at least 2 defensive innings and (b) a pitcher may not pitch more than 6 innings per week rules. However, a coach may not substitute a specific pitcher just to get a specific batter out.
16. No more than 2 coaches are allowed on the field at one time.
17. The home team supplies 3 bases, home plate, balls, two umpires, and establishes base lines.
18. In the event of rain, the home field coach will determine if the game should be called due to rain at least 1 hour prior to game starting time. The coach will call both the visiting team coach and head umpire and notify them of the cancellation. Rained out games do not have to be rescheduled.

Key Rules in Seniors Softball

1. Games will be 7 innings in length.
2. There will be 9 fielders.
3. The batting order will be continuous for all girls on the team that day.
4. Every player on the team that day must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs.
5. Stealing, bunting, and sliding are permissible.
6. The runner cannot leave the base until the pitched ball has left the pitcher's hand.
7. The ball is live on a walk (runners may steal).
8. If a called strike three is dropped by the catcher, the batter may run to first base if it is not occupied, or if it is occupied and there are 2 outs.
9. Play will stop when the pitcher has control of the ball within an eight foot circle around the pitcher's mound.
10. The infield fly rule will be in effect at all times.
11. No more than two coaches are allowed on the field at one time.
12. The home team supplies 3 bases, home plate, balls, two umpires, and establishes base lines.
13. The same rain procedures, as stated for Senior Majors, apply.