updated 3/15/17

Summary of Local Rules

DARIEN LITTLE LEAGUE SOFTBA

LOCAL RULES – AAA, Minor, Major & Junior Leagues

All rules, except those listed in the Rules Grid and the text below, will be observed in accordance with the Official Little League Softball rule book, known as the “Williamsport Book..”

Summary -- Rules variations among different age groups

1.  Field, Pitching and Equipment variations

Base Path Bold

•  AAA:  52-foot base path 

•  Minors & Majors:  60-foot base path

Pitching variations - Strike Zone

•  AAA:  Extremely generous strike zone

•  Minors:  Generous strike zone

•  Majors:  Standard strike zone

AMENDMENTS TO REGULATION VI - PITCHERS

Regulation VI(d) (Amendment to include Minor and AAA Leagues):

Not more than five pitchers per team may be used in one game.

Exception: In case of illness or injury to a fifth pitcher, an additional pitcher may be used.

AMENDMENTS TO REGULATION VII - SCHEDULES

Regulation VII(j) (New)

Regulation VII(k) (New):

If a manager knows in advance that her/his team will be unable to field the minimum number of players required, she/he may:

1                    Contact the League Player Agent, who shall maintain a “Player Pool”, a list of players eligible to, and interested in, playing additional games within their own division. Any replacement player drawn from the “Player Pool” must have been drafted in the 6th round or lower, may not pitch or catch under any circumstances, and must bat after rostered players. Under the spirit of the rules, if a player from the 6th draft round or below cannot be found, then the Player Agent may draw a player from the 4th draft round or lower; or

2                    May draw a replacement player from a lower league.In this instance the player drawn can be from any draft round, but, again, may not pitch or catch and must bat after all rostered players; or

3                    With the agreement of the opposing manager, reschedule the game, but a decision to reschedule must be made and communicated to the Director of Scheduling and the Director of Umpires at least 48 hours in advance of the scheduled game time. This is the required notice the league must provide the umpires to avoid paying their fees; or

4                    Forfeit the game if replacement players cannot be obtained.  In the event of a forfeit, the teams can play an umpired scrimmage if the Managers agree.

AMENDMENTS TO RULE 1 –OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME

Rule 1.01 (Addition):

(a)    Juniors – If prior to the game scheduled, a team does not have enough players to field a team as required above, players may be substituted from any other Junior’s team in the league. Such player may not pitch under any circumstances and must bat after the rostered players. Under the spirit of the rules, the “replacement” player(s) should not catch, play shortstop or first base, unless you absolutely have no one else to play these positions. However, if the game is becoming clear as to the winning team, by mutual agreement of both teams, the “replaced” player(s) can be moved to any position except pitcher. While substituting is permitted for the playoffs, the substituted player(s) must be of comparable skill level to the missing player(s).  All rules related to substitute players apply to Play-off Games.

Rule 1.12(a) (New):

Catchers must wear chest protectors with neck collars, helmets and masks with throat guards and shin guards.  While teams are at bat, the catchers should keep their shin guards on, except when batting and running the bases.

Rule 1.15 (e)(New)(Pitchers):

All pitchers will be required to wear a mask while pitching. Masks will be provided to share among the players, but players are allowed to purchase their own masks.   It is required, that 1st and 3rd base players wear this mask as well.  It is recommended that all infield players wear masks.  At the junior level a mask must be worn at the first base & third base position as well as pitcher position.

Rule 1.18 (New):

(a)    Each team shall have a fully equipped First Aid Kit in its equipment bag before the beginning of each game.

(b)    In case of an injury to a player requiring medical attention that occurs during league-sponsored activity, the Manager must report the injury to the League Safety Officer without delay.

AMENDMENTS TO RULE 2 - DEFINITIONS

Rule 2.00 (Amends definition of “Inning”)

1  In AAA, all innings except the last inning shall end at the sooner of three put-outs by the defensive team or four runs scored by the offensive team. In the sixth or last inning (as called by the umpire or established by agreement of the managers), three put-outs by the defensive team are required to end the inning.



2  In the Minors, all innings except the last inning shall end at the sooner of three put-outs by the defensive team or five runs scored by the offensive team. 

3  In the Majors, all innings except the last inning shall end at the sooner of three put-outs by the defensive team or five runs scored by the offensive team.  In the event of an over-the-wall home run, all runs beyond the fifth shall also count.  In the sixth or last inning (as called by the umpire or established by agreement of the managers), three put-outs by the defensive team are required to end the inning. There is no maximum number of runs in the last inning.

AMENDMENTS TO RULE 3 – GAME PRELIMINARIES

Rule 3.03, Note 3 (New):

It is the policy of the league to encourage managers to allocate playing time fairly among all players on the team. The league recognizes the discretion of managers in assigning tasks, but requires managers to include an equitable amount of playing time for each player as one of their goals. Absent special circumstances, Managers should not allow any player to sit two innings until all other players have sat at least one.  Also, all players must have the opportunity to play two innings in the infield.

Nothing in this rule is intended to prevent a player from pitching a complete, six-inning game. If a starting pitcher is removed as pitcher, then she is no longer a pitcher pitching a whole game, and as such, is no longer exempted from this rule.

Rule 3.04 (Replacement):

In the event that a player has a physical condition that restricts the amount of running she can do, the manager must notify the umpire prior to the start of the game. Any such player must run out her hit and, at that time, the player having made the last batted out shall become the pinch runner.  Such a pre-designated player will be allowed to re-enter the game and go back out on the field.

AMENDMENTS TO RULE 4 – STARTING AND ENDING THE GAME

Rule 4.01(a), (b), and (c) (Replacement):

Before any game commences, each manager shall submit a starting line-up that designates the batting order for each player. Only those players who are present at the start of the game may be in the starting line-up.  Players arriving later must be added to the end of the line-up.

Rule 4.01(e) (New):

Both teams shall line up on a base line (the home team on the 1st base line, the visiting team on the 3rd base line) ranging out from home plate and recite the Pledge of Allegiance and the Little League Pledge. No player shall be prohibited from playing for failure to comply with this rule.

Rule 4.04 (Replacement):

Rule 4.04 (Adoption of optional running batting order):

All players will bat in consecutive order, going through the entire team roster before the order starts over. Each team must maintain the batting order throughout the game. As players arrive late they must be added to the bottom of the batting order.

Rule 4.08A (New):

Hitters may not throw the bat. A warning will be issued to each bench the first time a bat is thrown. The next batter to throw a bat will be called out. It will be a dead ball out made by the catcher. This is a judgment call to be made by the umpire.

Rule 4.10 (Replacement):

Each game shall be six innings (7 innings for Juniors), except:

1     On Saturdays and Sundays, because of scheduling restrictions, no new inning shall commence later than one hour and forty minutes (one hour and thirty minutes for AAA) after the actual start of the game.


2     The game shall be called if one team has a lead as follows:

Minors & Majors:  15+ Runs after 4 innings

Juniors:  10+ Runs after 5 innings

AAA:  No mercy rule

3     In the event of adverse weather or for other reasons, at the sole discretion of the umpire, the game shall be deemed complete and official at the end of four innings (or 3½ innings, if the home team is ahead).

4     If any game during the regular season is tied at the end of six innings, the tie score will stand, unless the Time Limit has not been met.

5     During the playoffs, games tied at the end of six innings will go into extra innings to determine the winner.

AMENDMENTS TO RULE 6 – THE BATTER

Rule 6.01(c) (New):

The batter must wear a helmet with a league-approved face-protective cage. A player must wear such a helmet at all times when batting and when running the bases.

Minors: Batter must keep one foot within batter's box during her at bat (excluding during swing, passed ball, steal, play at base, foul, etc - see LL rule book).  Ump will issue a warning through May 5 for girls who leave batters box during at bat.  From May 6 on, a strike may be assessed at umpire's discretion. 

AMENDMENTS TO RULE 7 – THE RUNNER

Rule 7.08(a)(3) (Amendment):

Any runner is out when:

For all leagues, the runner does not avoid a collision (umpire’s discretion).

Rule 7.08(a)(3) (Amendment)

1  AAA -- Sliding is not required, but it is encouraged after coaches have provided proper instructions. In all cases, the runner must attempt to avoid contact with the defensive player.


2  Majors and Minors -- Sliding, while not required, is recommended as the best way to avoid a collision. Managers are required to teach sliding to every player on the roster. Failure to avoid a collision will result in a called out at the umpire’s sole discretion.

Rule 7.08(a)(5) (Amendment):

Any runner is out when:

The runner fails to keep contact with the base to which the runner is entitled until the ball has crossed the plate (AAA & Minors) or upon release of the ball by the pitcher (Majors & Juniors).

Rule 7.08(k) (New):

Spectator interference clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, whether fair or foul.

Rule 7.15 (New):

 In AAA a player may steal 3rd base only.  Gated 3rd base.

There will be no stealing of home in the Minors.  Gated 3rd.

In the Majors and Minors, the runner proceeds at her own risk and can be called out if tagged with the ball by a fielder when not safely on a base.

AMENDMENTS TO RULE 8 – THE PITCHER

Rule 8.08 (New):

(Majors and Minors only) Any pitcher who hits three batters in an inning or five batters in a game must be removed as pitcher.

MISCELLANEOUS

Local Ground Rule for venues without fixed bases:

If a player slides into a base and the bag moves, she must remain on the ground in the vicinity of where the base was. If she gets up and runs over to the dislodged bag, and is tagged, she will be called out.  If a bag is moved or kicked by a runner while rounding the bases, the following runner has to run to the approximate area of where the bag should be, not to where the bag ends up. If any runner runs to the bag, which has been kicked out of position, and is tagged, she is out. She must be in the vicinity of where the bag was supposed to be.

Juniors 2009 Rule Book Modifications & Clarifications

Juniors League Additional Rules (New):

The Juniors league shall adopt District Wide Rules which shall become part herein as if they were fully stated herein. Such rules shall be provided to the Juniors managers prior to the beginning of the season. Should any rule herein be in conflict with the Junior’s District Rules, the District rules shall supersede anything conflicting herein.
 

•  A game consists of 7 innings, but no new inning can start after 2 hours of play.
 

MERCY RULE (game):

•  No mercy rule will be in effect regardless of the score unless the losing team concedes. Ã¢€¨

NUMBER OF FIELDERS/MINIMUM ALLOWABLE PLAYERS:

•  No team may start a game with less than 8 players. Games may be continued in the event the minimum number of players drops to 7 however if a team is unable to play a game with 7 players than they automatically forfeit the game regardless of the score. Bottom line, you must have at least 7 players to continue a game otherwise you forfeit. Teams have the option of scrimmaging once a forfeit has been declared.

•  There is no grace period beyond the official start time to wait for an 8th player.

•  If a team is playing with 8 players, no automatic out is recorded in the 9th batting position. If a team drops to seven players a recorded out will be in effect for the 8th player that left. Bottom line, you have to have 8 players in your line up or take one recorded out.

•  Minimum playing time for each player is six defensive outs and one at bat.


PITCHING RULES:

•  No rest is required if a player pitches less than 5 innings per game.

•  If a player pitches 5 or more innings in a game, one calendar day of rest is required.

•  Throwing one pitch in an inning counts as an inning.

•  A player may pitch a maximum of 10 innings per game and 30 innings in a calendar week.

•  Pitching week runs Sunday through Saturday.

•  A pitcher remaining in the game (leaving the field of play, but remaining in the batting order is okay) can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as she was removed.
 Ã¢€¨Ã¢€¨Ã¢€¨

BATTING ORDER/SUBSTITUTE RUNNERS:

•  Teams are encouraged to use a running batting order or are permitted to use an extra hitter in the lineup. If both teams have the same number of players at the start of a game than all players should bat. Players arriving late will be substituted into the lineup according to LL rules. If the two teams have an uneven number of players at game time, than it is up to the coach with the most players to decide if they want a running batting order or they prefer to bat 10.

•  Players with injuries that limit their running abilities, but who are able to bat, may use pinch runners. The pinch runner will not enter the field of play until the play is over and time is granted by the umpire.

•  The pinch runner will be the player who made the last out. However, the game catcher or game pitcher can be skipped..

•  In order to speed up the game, with 2 outs, the catcher can be removed from the game for a pitch runner.
 Ã¢€¨

SLIDING:
 

•  It is not necessary to slide. However, if the runner chooses not to slide, the runner must avoid contact with the fielder. That is, if the runner makes contact with a fielder who has the ball and is making a play on that runner (at any base except first), the runner shall be declared out for not sliding.

•  On a play at any base, fielders may not be in the base path until they have the ball.




STEALING/LEADING: 

•  Stealing is allowed and the runners can leave the base when the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand.






RUNNERS ADVANCING BASES:

•  A runner may advance as long as the ball is in play and not in possession of the pitcher while in the 8 foot circle. If the ball is in possession of the pitcher, while in the 8 foot circle, the runner must immediately either:

â—¦                      Return to the previous base.

â—¦                      Advance to the next base.

•  If a runner pauses on the base path while the pitcher has possession of the ball in the 8 foot circle, the runner will be declared out (taunting).

•  If the pitcher makes a fake move, throws the ball out of the circle or gestures towards the runner; the runner may pause, and not be declared out and the play is again live.

•  If the pitcher is on the rubber and is set to pitch, the play is now dead, and the runner must commit to the previous base or the next base.


DRAFTING ADDITIONAL PLAYERS:

•  Drafting up from a lower league is prohibited.

•  Teams’ short players may “borrow” players from another Junior team in the league. Ideally the league should compile a list of all players interested in participating in the player pool and simply start at the top of the list and work their way down. The division director is responsible for the player pool list. Once a player from the pool plays their name is moved to the bottom of the list. Coaches should not be able to personally hand pick their pool player.

•  The “borrowed” player(s) can’t pitch under any circumstances and must bat at the end of the order. Under the spirit of the rules, the “borrowed” player(s) should not catch; play shortstop or first base unless no one else on the team is willing to play these positions. However, if the game is becoming a blowout, by mutual agreement of both teams, the “borrowed” player(s) can be moved to any position except pitcher.

•  The intent of borrowing players is to have enough to play and not to improve your lineup. That is, you should not borrow players if you expect to have 9 players for a game. If you borrow a player and your unexpected player shows you must play your player vs. the borrowed player.

•  Borrowing players is not permitted for the playoffs. If extenuating circumstances exist and a team cannot field nine players than the team must first get permission from their Junior Division Director and agree on the player from player pool. Again, especially for playoffs, the player from the pool should not improve the team lineup. If Division Director agrees then the Division Director will ask permission from the other division directors. Under no circumstances can the borrowed player(s) pitch.

LEAGUE STANDINGS / GAMES PLAYED:

While teams can add extra games with any other team(s) as desired, only the first game played with another team in the league will count towards playoff seeding.

•  The home team should contact Name TBD, and Name TBD, in order for the league standings to be maintained.

OTHER: 

• Any high school player who will be joining our league after her high school softball season ends, must register by the start of our regular little league season. The commissioners should circulate final rosters to all league commissioners by April 15th.
 All games will be played with a double first base.