GENERAL PLAYING RULES

Updated! 04/27/2010

Herriman Little League games will be played according to the rules of baseball and the modifications made by the Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth Association.  Coaches and umpires will be provided with rule books.

T-Ball (3-4) and Rookie (5-6) signups are going to be handled differently this year. It has become increasingly difficult to try and get everyone playing on a team of their choice. To help with the process this year the following will apply.

• If you wish to have your son/daughter play on a specific team or with a specific coach, you will need to have a minimum of 4 players AND a coach for the team. All players wanting to play on a team together will need to be turned in together, stapled with a minimum of 4 players and a willing coach. This can be done after registration online, by collecting all players receipts and mailing to Herriman Baseball as noted on registration form.
• If you make a request with less than 4 players and/or without a coach, your request will not be possible, and your child will be randomly assigned a team.
• Team requests will only be acknowledged when received in person at the league signups, or mailed and stapled together to the address listed on the registration forms.
• Individual requests through the website will not be honored, however the league encourages you to signup on the website, print out your registration form, staple together with other players list a coach and mail to the address listed on the registration forms.

We have made some important changes to the Minor League division, please see changes below.

GENERAL RULES

·         Bad sportsmanship, profanity and temper tantrums will not be tolerated from players, coaches or fans.  The league presidency/board reserves the right to impose suspensions, or other penalties on those not able to adhere to the rules of good sportsmanship and common sense.

·         Any Abuse towards an umpire, either physical or verbal, will not be tolerated and an immediate ejection may be made.

·         Each team will play at least 12 games.  This means each team may not play every other team in the league the same number of times. This change is necessary as the league numbers have grown, it has required a greater number of games per division. Given the available time on the fields we have needed to change to 12 games.

·         Make-up games will be played on the Saturday following the delayed game unless arrangements are made by both teams and the league presidency/board to complete it another time. If the make-up game cannot be played because of weather then it will be played the following Saturday, and so on. If a team as the result of a reschedule is required to play (3) games in a week the league will refer to tournament rules while keeping track of innings pitched. Please refer to the commissioner for more detail regarding this rule.

·         Regular league games may be scheduled on Saturday depending on the number of teams and field availability.

·         Games will begin promptly at the time posted on the schedule

·         Team size and distribution will be dictated by the number of players registered. The league presidency/board reserves the right to combine age groups in order to create the most functional organization possible.  Every effort will be made to keep the leagues as outlined by Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth.

DRAFT (Pee Wee, Minor, Major and Babe Ruth Leagues)

·         All Players previously placed on a team will be placed on the same team.  Try-outs will be held for those new to the league. Also, if desired a player can elect to go back into the draft.

·         Siblings will be placed on the same team within each league with no penalty to the team during the draft. 

·         The head coach’s children will be placed on the coach’s team with no penalty to the team during the draft.

·         The head coach may choose one official “assistant coach”.  If the assistant coach is chosen before the draft and assistant coach’s children are not already on the team, the assistant coach’s children will be placed on the team without penalty.

·         Children who do not show up for tryouts will be picked by drawing out of a hat. A hat pick may be selected at any time during a teams turn in the draft.

·         Additional clarification of the procedure for the draft can be found in the league By-Laws.

T-Ball League (3-4 year olds)     SEE NEW RULES PERTAINING TO TEAMS

·         No draft will be held for the Tee Ball Teams, players will be assigned by lot and placed with other players they indicated they wanted to play with on their registration forms. The league will try to limit teams to 6 to 8 players.

·         Parents requesting that players be grouped in teams, should be willing to volunteer for coaching.SEE NEW RULES AT TOP

·         No coach or machine pitch will be allowed. All players must hit from the tee.

·         Games will be limited by time therefore games will start promptly on time and end on time. We anticipate three full innings will be completed within the time allotted.

·         All players will play on defense, all players are included in the batting rotation.

·         One base on an infield hit, two bases on an outfield hit are allowed.

·         An inning will end after each batter in the rotation has hit.

·         Coaches must encourage players to hustle in and out and keep game moving at a relatively quick pace.

Rookie League (5-6 year olds)    SEE NEW RULES PERTAINING TO TEAMS

·         No draft will be held for the Rookie League Teams, players will be assigned by lot and placed with other players they indicated they wanted to play with on their registration forms.

·         Parents requesting that players be grouped in teams, should be willing to volunteer for coaching. SEE NEW RULES AT TOP

·         Games will be limited by time therefore games will start promptly on time and end on time. We anticipate three full innings will be completed within the time allotted.

·         All players will play on defense. Players must play positions.

·         Outs will be enforced and runner will return to their bench. However, a half inning cannot end on outs, every batter will have an opportunity to hit in each inning.

·         Three pitches from the pitching machine will be supplied to every batter. If the batter does not hit a fair ball from one of the three machine pitches, the ball will be placed on the tee.

·         One base on an infield hit, two bases on an outfield hit are allowed.

·         Coaches must encourage players to hustle in and out and keep game moving at a relatively quick pace.

Pee Wee League (7 year olds)

1. The 7 year old league will be an exclusive MACHINE PITCH league, this league will be managed to promote developing skills of Hitting, Throwing, and the rules of baseball. This league will continue to play by the rules of the league with the exception of the Machine Pitching.
2. Tryouts will be held in accordance with league rules, and a draft will be held.
3. 6 Year olds will be allowed to sign up and play in the 7 year old league. This practice is not encouraged by the league but is the parent’s decision, based on their assessment of skill. Please make sure your 6 year old is ready for the change in rules before signing up for this league.
4. No 8 year olds will be allowed to play in the 7 year old league.
5. Time restriction of an hour and a half on all games.

6. Game clock starts at game time. Have team there and warmed up early.

7. No new inning will start after one hour and fifteen minutes.

8. Games will be six innings unless terminated by time, darkness or ten run rule.

9. If ahead by ten or more runs after 3 1/2 innings game ends.

10. Innings end after three outs, nine batters or seven runs. Including the last inning.

11. 10 players on defense max; the tenth player is an outfielder. Must play the position beyond the dirt infield.

12. All players will be included in batting rotation.

13. Free substitution is allowed, however batting order will not change once game starts.

14. All players must play two innings or half the game on defense. THIS MEANS THAT NO PLAYER SHOULD SIT TWO INNINGS IN A ROW!

15. NO Coaches or parents on the field during play. NO EXCEPTIONS!

16. Only one base total on overthrow, even if there is more than one overthrow. The object of the game is to teach the kids to try and make a play. This rule minimized the results of an error.

17. Base advancement stops when ball is under control by a fielder inside the base path. Base runners must return to previously occupied base. Again, the object of the game is to teach players to attempt to make a play.

18. Base runner cannot advance to second on a walk.

19. Stealing is not allowed. The ball passing the catcher IS NOT an overthrow, nor the return throw to the pitcher.

20. Games will be played with real baseballs.

21. This is baseball four balls you walk three strikes your out. The object of the game however, is to get a hit. Teach your players to go to the plate looking for hit, not a walk. At this age, the strike zone WILL be larger to help facilitate the play of the game.

22. Each team will need to have an official scorer. Home team keeps official book. Both coaches need to contact Commissioner with results. If no call is made both teams will receive a loss.

23. There is NOT a must “slide rule”. There is a malicious contact, or intentional interference rule in baseball. This call is a judgment call on behalf of the umpire. Judgment calls cannot be protested or argued. No exceptions!

24. There is NOT a rule which dictates that the batter must get out of the batters box. However, this situation does imply to Rule 23 above. If the umpire judges the situation as intentional interference, the batter will be out AND the runner will return to his last occupied base.

25. Umpires will be provided for each game. They will be teenage boys who have volunteered to help.

26. Any abuse of the umpire, whether verbal or physical is NOT tolerated. Coaches or Parents will be subject to discipline or penalty. All instances will be brought to the board for review.

27. The pitching machine will be used for the entire season. The league reserves the right to introduce kid pitch during the season to provide a well rounded experience.

28. Must have eight players to start game or it will be a forfeit. You get five minutes past game time to field a team. In the event of 8 players, the game will continue, with the missing player filling the 9th batters position. Each time the 9th batter come up it will be an automatic out.

Pee Wee League (8 year olds)

1. The 8 year old league will be a KID PITCH league, this league will be managed to promote developing skills of Hitting, Throwing, Pitching, and the rules of baseball. This league will continue to play by the rules of the league.
2. Tryouts will be held in accordance with league rules, and a draft will be held.
3. 7 Year olds will be allowed to sign up and TRYOUT for the 8 year old league. This practice is not encouraged by the league but is the parents decision, however, there will be a limited number of positions available, based on coaches and the number of 8 year olds that have signed up. There is NO GUARANTEE that your 7 year old will play in the 8 year old league it will be based on availability and their performance at tryouts. All 8 year old WILL be drafted before any 7 year olds will make a team. The only exception to this will be siblings if that circumstance presents itself.
4. No 9 year olds will be allowed to play in the 8 year old league.

5. Time restriction of an hour and a half on all games.

6. Game clock starts at game time. Have team there and warmed up early.

7. No new inning will start after one hour and fiftteen minutes.

8. Games will be six innings unless terminated by time, darkness or ten run rule.

9. If ahead by ten or more runs after 3 1/2 innings game ends.

10. Innings end after three outs, nine batters or seven runs. Including the last inning.

11. 10 players on defense max; the tenth player is an outfielder. Must play the position beyond the dirt infield.

12. All players will be included in batting rotation.

13. Free substitution is allowed, however batting order will not change once game starts.

14. All players must play two innings or half the game on defense. THIS MEANS THAT NO PLAYER SHOULD SIT TWO INNINGS IN A ROW!

15. NO Coaches or parents on the field during play. NO EXCEPTIONS!

16. Only one base total on overthrow, even if there is more than one overthrow. The object of the game is to teach the kids to try and make a play. This rule minimized the results of an error.

17. Base advancement stops when ball is under control by the pitcher and he is on the rubber. Base runners must return to previously occupied base. Again, the object of the game is to teach players to attempt to make a play, not to run the ball to the mound.

18. Base runner cannot advance to second on a walk.

19. Stealing is allowed. Runner cannot leave base until ball crosses home plate.

20. Games will be played with real baseballs.

21. This is baseball four balls you walk three strikes your out. The object of the game however, is to get a hit. Teach your players to go to the plate looking for hit, not a walk. At this age, the strike zone WILL be larger to help facilitate the play of the game, both aiding the pitcher and the batter.

22. Each team will need to have an official scorer. Home team keeps official book. Both coaches need to contact Commissioner with results. If no call is made both teams will receive a loss.

23. There is NOT a must “slide rule”. There is a malicious contact, or intentional interference rule in baseball. This call is a judgment call on behalf of the umpire. Judgment calls cannot be protested or argued. No exceptions!

24. There is NOT a rule which dictates that the batter must get out of the batters box. However, this situation does imply to Rule 23 above. If the umpire judges the situation as intentional interference, the batter will be out AND the runner will return to his last occupied base.

25. Pitchers get six innings a week, any part of an inning counts as an inning.

26. Umpires will be provided for each game. They will be teenage boys who have volunteered to help.

27. Any abuse of the umpire, whether verbal or physical is NOT tolerated. Coaches or Parents will be subject to discipline or penalty. All instances will be brought to the board for review.

28. Must have eight players to start game or it will be a forfeit. You get five minutes past game time to field a team. In the event of 8 players, the game will continue, with the missing player filling the 9th batters position. Each time the 9th batter come up it will be an automatic out.

Minor League (9-10 year olds)

IMPORTANT NEW CHANGES FOR MINOR LEAGUE PLAYERS

Click here for more details

Minor National League

1. Time restriction of an hour and forty minutes on all games.

2. Game clock starts at game time. Have team there and warmed up early.

3. No new inning will start after one hour and twenty five minutes.

4. Games will be 6 innings unless terminated by time, darkness or ten run rule.

5. If ahead by ten or more runs after 3 1/2 innings game ends.

6. Innings end after three outs, nine batters or seven runs. Including the last inning

7. 9 players on defense.

8. All players will be included in batting rotation.

9. Free substitution is allowed, however batting order will not change once game starts.

10. All players must play two innings or half the game on defense. THIS MEANS THAT NO PLAYER SHOULD SIT TWO INNINGS IN A ROW!

11. NO Coaches or parents on the field during play. NO EXCEPTIONS!

12. Base advancement stops when ball is under control by the pitcher and he is on the rubber. Base runners must return to previously occupied base. The object of the game is to teach players to attempt to make a play, not to run the ball to the mound.

13. Base runner cannot advance to second on a walk.

14. Stealing is allowed. Runner cannot leave base until ball crosses home plate.

15. Games will be played with real baseballs.

16. This is baseball four balls you walk three strikes your out. The object of the game however, is to get a hit. Teach your players to go to the plate looking for hit, not a walk. At this age, the strike zone may be larger to help facilitate the play of the game, both aiding the pitcher and the batter.

17. Each team will need to have an official scorer. Home team keeps official book. Both coaches need to contact Commissioner with results. If no call is made both teams will receive a loss.

18. There is NOT a must “slide rule”. There is a malicious contact, or intentional interference rule in baseball. This call is a judgment call on behalf of the umpire. Judgment calls cannot be protested or argued. No exceptions!

19. There is NOT a rule which dictates that the batter must get out of the batters box. However, this situation does imply to Rule 18 above. If the umpire judges the situation as intentional interference, the batter will be out AND the runner will return to his last occupied base.

20. Pitchers get six innings a week, any part of an inning counts as an inning.

21. Umpires will be provided for each game. They will be teenage boys who have volunteered to help.

22. Any abuse of the umpire, whether verbal or physical is NOT tolerated. Coaches or Parents will be subject to discipline or penalty. All instances will be brought to the board for review.

23. Must have eight players to start game or it will be a forfeit. You get five minutes past game time to field a team. In the event of 8 players, the game will continue, with the missing player filling the 9th batters position. Each time the 9th batter come up it will be an automatic out.

Minor American League

1. Time restriction of an hour and forty minutes on all games.

2. Game clock starts at game time. Have team there and warmed up early.

3. No new inning will start after one hour and twenty five minutes.

4. Games will be 6 innings unless terminated by time, darkness or ten run rule.

5. If ahead by ten or more runs after 3 1/2 innings game ends.

6. Innings end after three outs, or seven runs. Including the last inning

7. 9 players on defense.

8. All players will be included in batting rotation.

9. Free substitution is allowed, however batting order will not change once game starts.

10. All players must play two innings or half the game on defense. THIS MEANS THAT NO PLAYER SHOULD SIT TWO INNINGS IN A ROW!

11. NO Coaches or parents on the field during play. NO EXCEPTIONS!

12. Base advancement stops when ball is under control by the pitcher and he is on the rubber. Base runners must return to previously occupied base. The object of the game is to teach players to attempt to make a play, not to run the ball to the mound.

13. Base runner cannot advance to second on a walk.

14. Stealing is allowed. Runner cannot leave base until ball crosses home plate.

15. Games will be played with real baseballs.

16. This is baseball four balls you walk three strikes your out. The object of the game however, is to get a hit. Teach your players to go to the plate looking for hit, not a walk. At this age, the strike zone may be larger to help facilitate the play of the game, both aiding the pitcher and the batter.

17. Each team will need to have an official scorer. Home team keeps official book. Both coaches need to contact Commissioner with results. If no call is made both teams will receive a loss.

18. There is NOT a must “slide rule”. There is a malicious contact, or intentional interference rule in baseball. This call is a judgment call on behalf of the umpire. Judgment calls cannot be protested or argued. No exceptions!

19. There is NOT a rule which dictates that the batter must get out of the batters box. However, this situation does imply to Rule 18 above. If the umpire judges the situation as intentional interference, the batter will be out AND the runner will return to his last occupied base.

20. Pitchers get six innings a week, any part of an inning counts as an inning.

21. Umpires will be provided for each game. They will be teenage boys who have volunteered to help.

22. Any abuse of the umpire, whether verbal or physical is NOT tolerated. Coaches or Parents will be subject to discipline or penalty. All instances will be brought to the board for review.

23. Must have eight players to start game or it will be a forfeit. You get five minutes past game time to field a team. In the event of 8 players, the game will continue, with the missing player filling the 9th batters position. Each time the 9th batter come up it will be an automatic out.

Major League (11-12 year olds)

1. Game clock starts at game time. Have team there and warmed up early.

2. No new inning will start after one hour and forty five minutes.

3. Games will be a minimum of 6 innings unless terminated by time, darkness or ten run rule. The objective is to play 6 innings.

4. If ahead by ten or more runs after 3 1/2 innings game ends.

5. Innings end after three outs, or eight runs. Including the last inning

6. 9 players on defense.

7. All players will be included in batting rotation.

8. Free substitution is allowed, however batting order will not change once game starts.

9. All players must play two innings or half the game on defense. THIS MEANS THAT NO PLAYER SHOULD SIT TWO INNINGS IN A ROW!

10. NO Coaches or parents on the field during play. NO EXCEPTIONS!

11. Pitching mound will be located 50 feet from home and bases will be spaced 70 feet apart.

12. Stealing is allowed.

13. Base runners may lead off and steal therefore pitchers will be required to pitch from the stretch to hold runners on base

14. Each team will need to have an official scorer. Home team keeps official book. Both coaches need to contact Commissioner with results. If no call is made both teams will receive a loss.

15. There is NOT a must “slide rule”. There is a malicious contact, or intentional interference rule in baseball. This call is a judgment call on behalf of the umpire. Judgment calls cannot be protested or argued. No exceptions!

16. There is NOT a rule which dictates that the batter must get out of the batters box. However, this situation does imply to Rule 16 above. If the umpire judges the situation as intentional interference, the batter will be out AND the runner will return to his last occupied base.

17. Pitchers get six innings a week, any part of an inning counts as an inning.

18. Umpires will be provided for each game. They will be teenage boys who have volunteered to help.

19. Any abuse of the umpire, whether verbal or physical is NOT tolerated. Coaches or Parents will be subject to discipline or penalty. All instances will be brought to the board for review.

20. Must have eight players to start game or it will be a forfeit. You get five minutes past game time to field a team. In the event of 8 players, the game will continue, with the missing player filling the 9th batters position. Each time the 9th batter come up it will be an automatic out.

Babe Ruth League (13-18 year olds)

·         Games will be six full innings unless terminated by time, darkness, or the ten run rule.

·         9 players on defense max, all players will be included in the batting rotation

·         Free substitution is allowed, however the batting order will not change once the game has started. THIS MEANS THAT NO PLAYER SHOULD SIT TWO INNINGS IN A ROW!

·         Pitchers can pitch a maximum of 7 innings per week.

·         Umpires will be provided for each game.

·         Inning ends after 3 outs.

·         13 year olds will play in prep-league and 14-15 year olds (as of April 30) will play in Babe Ruth League.