San Jose American Little League Division Rules

X. DIVISION RULES

A. GENERAL
The local ground rules and regulations are intended to remain as constant as possible from year to year. Changes are to be made only when required by the Official Rules, or in order to improve the quality of playing conditions for the children involved in this program. Board approval is required for any changes.
• The team manager shall have their players at the designated field not less than forty five (45) minutes prior to the scheduled game time.
• Lineups shall be presented to the scorekeepers not less than ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled game time to assist the official scorekeeper in preparing for the game.
• Lineups will be exchanged with the umpire and opposing manager at the pregame meeting at home plate prior to the game and shall include the last name and uniform number of each player.
• The Home team manager, coach or team representative shall be responsible for the prep of the field and facilities before each game.  The visiting team manager, coach or team representative shall be responsible to take down the field and facilities after each game. Each team is required to clean their respective dugouts after the game. Visiting teams from interlock leagues are excused from this requirement.
• The League will adhere to and abide by Rule 4.10E of the Official Rules as they relate to the ten
(10) run rule.
• The home team shall occupy the first base side of the field on the Majors field and the third base side of the field on the Minors field.
• No players are permitted in an on-deck area prior to their at-bat.
• All gates to the playing field shall remain closed during games. The Official Rules will govern all play except where noted below.
• Rule 6.02 (c) (i.e., Player’s foot must stay in batter’s box once player enters the box) will be enforced at levels AAA and higher.  Warning will be given to AA, but there will be no penalty.
• Games may be played with 8 players on a team.  The 9th spot in the batting line up will pass without penalty.  If the 9th player subsequently enters the game they shall take the 9th spot in the batting lineup (and 10th player in the 10th spot, etc.).
 
B. DIVISION RULES - MAJORS
In addition to the general rules described above in Section X.A., the rules described below shall apply in the Majors division.

• In a complete 6-inning game, each player shall play at least three (3) innings and get at least one (1) at-bat in League and Interlock games that are played through the end of the regular season, not including League playoff games. The penalties affecting both player and manager shall be enforced as defined in Regulation IV(i) in the Official Rules. 
• If a team plays fewer than 6 defensive innings such as in a regulation game shortened by darkness, weather, or 10-run rule or if the visiting team loses in a complete game (5 ½ innings), each player on that team shall play at least two (2) innings and get at least one (1) at bat in League and Interlock games that are played through the end of the regular season, not including League playoff games. Note that the home team in a 5 ½-inning complete game is still subject to the full 3-inning requirement. 
• In the event that a player does not meet the shortened 2-inning requirement, he/she must make up the playing time as specified in Regulation IV(i) in the Official Rules, but there shall be no penalty for the manager unless the violation is deemed by the League Board to have been intentional. 
• Playing time for all League playoff and any tournament games shall be governed by the minimum standards as set forth in the Official Rules.  League playoffs follow the official regular season rules.
• Continuous batting order shall be used until April 1.  After April 1, managers may discuss and agree at least one hour prior to the game whether to play by a 9-hitter or continuous batting order.  Both teams shall play by the same method.  If managers cannot agree it shall be decided by a coin flip an hour before the game starts.  If a continuous batting order is used:
o “Married” players are not required in the batting order
o Minimum mandatory play per above shall still be met

C. DIVISION RULES – AAA MINORS
In addition to the general rules described above in Section X.A., the rules described below shall apply in the Minors (AAA) division.
• Any inning which starts after the one hour forty five minute mark (1:45) of the start of the game will be announced by the chief umpire as the final inning of the game.  No inning shall start after the two hour mark (2:00), regardless of whether or not the previous inning was declared the last inning.  It is understood that any inning starts as soon as the last out of the prior inning is recorded.
• Each player shall play in the field for at least one-half the number of defensive outs made by his/her team in League and Interlock games that are played through the end of the regular season, not including League playoff games. Any inning ending due to Rule 5.07 (5-run rule) or due to a walk off win by the home team shall be considered as 3 defensive outs regarding this rule. 
• Playing time for all League playoff and any tournament games shall be governed by the minimum standards as set forth in the Official Rules.   League playoffs follow the official regular season rules. The penalties affecting both player and manager shall be enforced as defined in Regulation IV(i) in the Official Rules.
• A maximum of 5 runs per inning can be scored by a team in any inning, with the exception of the final inning.  When the final inning can be declared prior to the start of that inning, it shall end upon the earliest of (1) three recorded outs or; (2) once all players have had one at bat in the inning (not applicable in League playoff games); or (3) the home team scoring the winning run. In games where the final inning cannot be declared prior to the start of the inning, the five run limit shall remain in effect.
• The team playing defense shall be limited to one coach or manager on the field at any time.  This coach shall remain within an arm’s length of their dugout while their team is in the field.
• All players on the roster will bat in rotation. Any player arriving to the field after the lineup has been given to the scorekeepers must be added to the last position of the batting order.

D. DIVISION RULES – AA MINORS
In addition to the general rules described above in Section X.A., the rules described below shall apply in the Minors (AA) division.
• Any inning which starts after the one hour thirty minute mark (1:30) of the start of the game will be announced by the chief umpire as the final inning of the game.  No inning shall start after the one hour forty five minute mark (1:45), regardless of whether or not the previous inning was declared the last inning.  It being understood that any inning starts as soon as the last out of the prior inning is recorded.
• A maximum of 5 runs per inning can be scored by a team in any inning, including the final inning. In addition, an inning will end once all players have had one at bat in any inning. For games under the time limit, if the home team is ahead after the top half of the final inning, they are permitted to take their at-bat for the bottom half of the inning if mutually agreed upon by both managers.
• Walk Rule – A walk is defined as a pitcher issuing 4 balls to a single batter, and the batter is entitled to first base.  If bases are loaded, the batter may not proceed to first base (a player/pitcher cannot walk home a run), the at-bat shall be completed by the Coach Pitch Rule below, and the Coach shall inherit the strike count of the current batter.  If the player/pitcher issued less than (3) walks and/or hit-by-pitch then they may resume pitching to the next batter.
• Hit by Pitch Rule – When a batter is hit by pitch from a player/pitcher, the batter is entitled to first base, and it will count as a walk per the walk rule above.  The player can opt to coach pitch instead of taking the walk.  If bases are loaded the batter may elect to advance to first base and a run will score.
• Coach Pitch Rule – After a player/pitcher issues (3) walks and/or hit-by-pitch, a coach for the offensive team will come in and pitch to the next batter and all subsequent batters for the remainder of the inning.  The coach has (5) total pitches per batter, including a batter with an inherited strike count.  The batter cannot reach first base as a result of a walk or being hit by a pitch while a coach is pitching, but the batter can strike out on (3) swings based on the Umpires call. If the last pitch is a foul ball the batter will receive another pitch. A player cannot be retired on a foul ball that is not caught. The coach shall pitch from within six feet of the permanent rubber.  The coach may pitch with his/her pivot foot six (6) feet from the pitching rubber as if it were a pitchers’ rubber.  While a coach is pitching, there will only be one adult base coach since the 3rd coach must remain near the dugout with the players.
• Coach Pitch will be utilized for the 5th and 6th innings of all games during the regular season. During Play-off games, player/pitchers shall pitch in the 5th and 6th innings and will follow the “Walk Rule” stated above.
• Base runners will not be able to advance from less than half-way to the next base when the ball is caught by the pitcher or ball passes the vicinity of the pitcher based on the umpire’s judgment that the throw was intended for the pitcher.  The pitcher must also be in the vicinity of the mound based on the umpire’s judgment.
• Base runner may only advance one base per overthrow.
• Base runners may advance one base on a passed ball or wild pitch per at-bat. A base runner on third base may not attempt to advance home on a wild pitch, passed ball, or foul tip. Base runners may not advance on a passed ball or wild pitch thrown by a coach.
o A pitch is defined as a passed ball or wild pitch if the catcher does not control the ball and must vacate their position to retrieve the ball as determined by the umpire.  
o An “at-bat” is defined as a single batter’s entire turn at the plate.
• Base runners may not advance on the throw from the catcher back to the pitcher.
• During any League game, including playoffs, runners may not steal bases on a pitch stopped by the catcher. These rules shall not be changed for end of season tournament play.
• Each player shall play in the field for at least one-half the number of defensive outs made by his/her team in League and Interlock games that are played through the end of the regular season, not including League playoff games. Any inning ending due to Rule 5.07 (5-run rule) or
due to a walk-off win by the home team shall be considered as 3 defensive outs regarding this rule. Playing time for all League playoff and any tournament games shall be governed by the minimum standards as set forth in the Official Rules. The penalties affecting both player and manager shall be enforced as defined in Regulation IV(i) in the Official Rules.
• All players on the roster will bat in rotation. Any player arriving to the field after the lineup has been given to the scorekeepers must be added to the last position of the batting order.
• Bunting is not allowed at any time.
• The infield fly rule shall not be enforced.
• The team playing defense shall be limited to one coach or manager on the field at any time. That shall remain within an arm’s length of their dugout while their team is in the field.

E. DIVISION RULES – A MINORS (COACH PITCH)
The local ground rules and regulations are intended to remain as constant as possible from year to year. Changes are to be made only when by the Official Rules, or in order to improve the quality of playing conditions for the children involved in this program. Board approval is required for any changes.
• Official Rules of Little League Baseball will govern all play except where noted below. All games will be four (4) complete innings, or one hour thirty (1:30) minutes in length. It is the responsibility of the managers and coaches to keep the games moving. There will be no record of the score of the game.
• The ball will be a Little League approved Safety “T” ball.  There are no umpires at the A Minor level. Safe and out calls will be made by the coaches on the field.
1. Offense
a. Batting order
● A continuous batting order will be used.
● Each team, regardless of outs, will bat through their entire roster in the first inning.
● Outs are played and the runners retired if thrown out, but outs do not count toward ending the first inning.
● In the second and subsequent innings the offensive team bats through the entire roster or for three outs, whichever occurs first.
● It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure that he rotates his batting order each game so that every player has a chance to bat in different parts of the lineup.
b. Batting
● The manager or one of the coaches of the team on offense will pitch to their players.
● A batter is declared out after 8 pitches are delivered by the coach.
● A batter will not be called out on any foul. 
● There are no called strikes.
c. Base Runners
● Runners are not permitted to steal and shall remain in contact with the base until the ball is hit.
● Runners are permitted to tag up on a fly ball.
● Runners are not permitted to slide at any time.
● Runners will not advance on any overthrow.
● Any player who is batting or running the bases must have a batting helmet on at all times.
2. Defense
● There may be a maximum of four outfielders, four infielders, a pitcher and a catcher.
● Fielders must be rotated every two innings on defense. No player is to play the same position twice in any game. Every player must play at least one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield.
● Only two coaches are allowed on the field with the defensive team at any time. They must stay positioned behind the infielders and may not purposefully interfere with the players or the ball during game play.

F. DIVISION RULES - TEE-BALL
The local ground rules and regulations are intended to remain as constant as possible from year to year. Changes are to be made only when by the Official Rules, or in order to improve the quality of playing conditions for the children involved in this program. Board approval is required for any changes. The Official Rules will govern all play expect where noted below.  All games will be three (3) complete innings, or one hour and fifteen (1:15) minutes in length. It is the responsibility of the managers and coaches to keep the games moving. There will be no record of the score of the game.
• A Little League approved safety “T” ball will be used.  Each player on SJALL Tee ball teams will bat off of the tee for every at bat during the season. Coaches are not permitted to pitch to any players in any game. The tee is to be placed directly in front of the in-ground home plate for batting. The batter will still line up in the normal batter box position next to the in-ground home plate for batting.
• Batting order – Each team will bat through their entire roster each ½ inning. It is the responsibility of the manager to ensure that he rotates his batting order each game so that every player has a chance to bat in different parts of the lineup. The last batter will touch all of the bases and then the teams will switch sides, regardless if an out is recorded or not.
• No player may have a bat in his/her hand unless batting, including before and after a game.
• Any player who is batting or running the bases must have a batting helmet on at all times.
1. Offense
a. Batting Order
• A Batter gets 5 swings to hit the ball. After five swings the batter is retired.
• Any bat hitting the tee is a foul ball.
• A batted ball must reach the infield grass to be fair.
b. Base Runners
• Base runners may only advance one base on a ball that stays in the field of play.
• Base runners may not advance on an overthrow.
2. Defense
• Fielders must be rotated every inning on defense. No player is to play the same position twice in any game. Every player must play at least one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield.
• There is a limit of 2 coaches on the field with the defensive team at any time. They must stay positioned behind the infielders and may not purposefully interfere with the players or the ball during game play.

 
G. DIVISION RULES – 8U Softball 
• Game time will be five innings or no new innings after 75 minutes. No drop dead. Ties are allowed.
• There is a 4-run per inning maximum 
• No stealing is permitted. 
• A 10” low compression softball must be used. 
• Lead offs are permitted on release, runner can be put out by catcher throw with no risk of player taking next base even on overthrow, so if having runners lead teach them to get back.
• Overthrows:
 On a throw to first base the following occurs. No batter may advance to second base as a result of an errant throw to first base. All other Runners may only advance one base past the base they are going to on an errant throw to first base with liability of being put out if the ball stays in live ball territory.
 On a throw to any other base or position. If on a throw to any other base an errant throw occurs all runners and batter/runner may advance one base past the base they are going to with liability of being put out.
 The umpire will only award a base to the runners if the ball has been thrown out of play. No bases will be awarded on errant throws when the ball stays in play.
 Runner and batter/runner may be put out if they advance beyond the base they are entitled to on the errant throw. At the end of play the umpire will return all runners to the base they are entitled to if they have not been put out.
• Fielding:
 10 players may be allowed on defense in the field at any one time, four of which are outfielders. Outfielders must position themselves at least 10 feet behind the baseline.
 No Infield Fly Rule.
 Play stops when ball hit to outfield gets in the control of the pitcher.
• Batting:
 Everyone bats and free defensive substitutions.
 No dropped 3rd strike.
• Pitching:
 Players will pitch to opposing team. 2 inning limit for pitchers, plus 1 additional if the game goes more than 4 innings. One pitch in an inning constitutes a complete inning.
 Players and coaches at 30 feet. 
 No walks.
 A coach/pitcher will enter the circle when 4 balls have been called by the umpire. 8U Coach can deliver pitch from inside the circle, however it is recommended that a coach pitch from one foot on the pitching plate.
 The coach/pitcher will resume the player/pitcher strike count and will throw no more than four pitches with the umpire calling balls/strikes (if coach enters to pitch as a result of HBP, there will be no strikes on the batter)
 If the pitch is not put into play by the last pitch, the batter is out. Exception: If the last pitch is a foul ball, pitching continues until the ball is hit and put in play or the batter is called out.
 Batter will NOT be awarded a base on a Hit by Pitch from the coach/pitcher, Players will remain up to hit with a 0 strike count after being hit by a pitch, there is no 1B option, if a player is injured, they can be replaced and come to bat when ready (remember it’s 8U)
 If a batted ball hits the coach/pitcher the ball is LIVE. At no time shall the coach/pitcher obstruct play, if it is determined the coach/pitcher intentionally interfered with the play the batter will be out.
 Player/Pitcher must have one foot in the circle at the time of coach/pitcher is pitching.
 Coach/Pitcher must stay in the circle during play and MAY NOT provide Coaching assistance.
 After the third batter of an inning where the pitcher throws four balls to a batter, the remainder of that inning will be coach pitch so no more player pitch for the remainder of that inning.

H. DIVISION RULES – 6U Softball 
• Field/Equipment
 A 10” low compression softball must be used. 
 Base distance is 50 feet. Use throw-down rubber bases, if regular bases at 50ft are not available.
• Game Play
 Time Limits: 60 minutes, finish the inning. Use discretion if there are teams waiting to play the next game.
 Score is not recorded.
 The basic rules of conduct in 6U are to let the girls play and play fairly. If one team does not have a full team, play the game anyway.
 There are no umpires for 6U play. Base coaches make all calls, e.g., out-of-play balls, foul balls, caught fly balls, forced-out at a base and tagged-out plays. Avoid disputes.
 Each side bats its entire line-up during each half inning. The last batter in the lineup after hitting the ball runs all bases until they reach home (Home Run).
 No outs are taken, if an out is made the player shall remain on base. Coaches are encouraged to keep track of outs made for talking points after the game.
 If a player is injured in the course of a live ball and requires immediate attention, the coaches shall call “time”, the ball is dead and the coaches should direct runners to the bases they would have achieved.
 Infield fly rule does not apply to this division.
• Pitching:
 Coaches from the batting team pitch to their own players. Pitching distance is as close as needed to get a flat level slow pitch to the batter. Each batter gets four pitches (including foul balls) to hit the ball fairly. After four pitches, bring back the tee for the batter to use. There are no strikeouts in 6U.
 A ball not hit cleanly off the tee (batter hits the tee and it shakes the ball into play) will be called a foul ball. Otherwise, use USA Softball rules for calling a hit ball fair or foul.
• Offense
 In general, runners advance one base at a time.
 Runners may not advance on any overthrown ball.
 No Stealing - Runners should not leave the base until the ball is hit. If a runner leaves early they should be sent back without penalty. Since hits may not occur consistently, please do not nullify the batter’s hit due to a runner leaving early.
 No sliding is allowed; no sliding protection gear is expected.
 If additional players arrive at the field after the game starts, add them to the bottom of the batting line-up.
 On-deck batter is not allowed in 6U Division.
• Defense
 The catcher position is optional in the 6U division. If a catcher is used, the catchers must wear catcher gear including helmet with mask. The catcher should be placed behind home plate far enough back to avoid being hit with a bat.
 Defensive coaches stand in the field behind all players to coach and encourage players between plays. Do not interfere with the play nor touch players during the course of any play.
• Coach/Manager Guidelines:
 Be aware that players are developing skills at this level. 1st base players, in particular, should be ready and aware that a throw from the infield will be coming to them.
 Make sure infielders don’t stand on bases. Watch out for possible collisions.
 Players should have equal participation between infield and outfield assignments. Rotate defensive players to new positions, regularly. Players should have equal playing time over the course of the season.
 Players with concussion symptoms will not be allowed to return to the game.