Permits Tee Ball and Instructional Minor Divisions to utilize up to three coaches.

Tee Ball/Minor League Instructional Division is a game between two teams, under the direction of a manager and not more than three two coaches, played on a regulation Little League field in accordance with these rules, under the jurisdiction of one or more umpires.

Permits a local league to start and play games with eight (8) players on each team. If implemented, the local league will determine if teams will be charged an out for the ninth (9^th) position or skip over the ninth (9^th) position without penalty.

1.01 – Little League Baseball in all divisions is a game between two teams of nine players each, under the direction of a manager and not more than two rostered coaches, played on a regulation Little League field in accordance with these rules, under the jurisdiction of one or more umpires. NOTE: Competitive Minor Leagues and above may use no more than nine players on defense. Local League Option: A game may not be started with less than eight (8) players on each team. See Rules 4.16 and 4.17.

4.04 – The batting order shall be followed throughout the game unless a player is substituted for another. Substitutes must take the place of the replaced player’s position in the batting order except as covered by Rule 3.03. A league may adopt a policy of a continuous batting order that will include all players on the team roster present for the game batting in order. If this option is adopted, each player would be required to bat in his/her respective spot in the batting order. However, a player may be entered and/or re-entered defensively in the game anytime provided he/she meets the requirements of mandatory play. NOTE 1: The continuous batting order is mandatory for all Tee Ball and Minor League divisions. NOTE 2: For the Tee Ball and Minor League Divisions (and when the continuous batting order is adopted for other divisions), when a child is injured, becomes ill, or must leave the game site after the start of the game, the team will skip over him/her when his/her time at bat comes up without penalty. If the injured, ill, or absent player returns he/she is merely inserted into their original spot in the batting order and the game continues. Also, if a child arrives late to a game site, if the manager chooses to enter him/her in the lineup (see Rule 4.01 NOTE 2), he/she would be added to the end of the current lineup. NOTE 3: Local League Option: When a league permits teams to start and play games with eight (8) players, the Board of Directors will determine if an out is called for the ninth (9th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat or if the team may skip over the ninth (9th) position without penalty.

4.16 – This shall not be grounds for automatic forfeiture, but shall be referred to the Board of Directors for a decision. NOTE: A game may not be started with less than nine (9) players on each team, nor without at least one adult manager or substitute manager. Local League Option: A game may not be started with less than eight (8) players on each team.

4.17 – If during a game either team is unable to place nine (9) players on the field due to injury or ejection, the opposing manager shall select a player to re-enter the line-up. A player ejected from the game is not eligible for re-entry. If no players are available for re-entry, or if a team refuses to place nine (9) players on the field, this shall not be grounds for automatic forfeiture but shall be referred to the Board of Directors for a decision. NOTE: A game may not be continued with less than nine (9) players on each team. Local League Option: A game may not be continued with less than eight (8) players on each team.

6.05 – A batter is out when –

(m) Softball / (n) Baseball: Local League Option: When a league permits teams to start and play games with eight (8) players, an out is called for the ninth (9^th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat. NOTE: The Board of Directors may determine if teams may skip over the ninth (9^th) position without penalty;

For the Regular Season, allows a local league to implement a courtesy runner for the pitcher and/or catcher of record when there are two (2) outs during the Regular Season.

COURTESY RUNNER is a player not currently in the batting order who may become a base runner for the pitcher and/or catcher provided there are two (2) outs in the half inning. See Rules 3.04 and 7.14(b) for conditions if adopted by the local league during the regular season. NOTE: The same courtesy runner may not run for both the pitcher and the catcher at any time during the game.

3.04 – A player whose name is on the team’s batting order may not become a substitute runner for another member of the team. A local league may permit a “courtesy runner” not permitted for the catcher and/or pitcher of record when there are two (2) outs. Exception: If the continuous batting order is used, the “courtesy runner” may be in the team’s batting order and must be the player in the batting order who made the last out. See 7.14(b).

7.14 –

(a) Special Pinch Runner: Once each inning a team may utilize a player who is not in the batting order as a special pinch‑runner for any offensive player. A player may only be removed for a special pinch runner one time during a game. The player for whom the pinch runner runs is not subject to removal from the lineup. If the pinch runner remains in the game as a substitute defensive or offensive player, the player may not be used again as a pinch-runner while in the batting order. However, if removed for another substitute that player or any player not in the lineup, is again eligible to be used as a pinch runner. A local league may adopt Tournament Rule 3(e) for 7.14. NOTE: Does not apply if the local league adopts the continuous batting order. See Rule 4.04.

(b) Courtesy Runner: A local league may permit a “courtesy runner” for the catcher and/or pitcher of record when there are two (2) outs. A player whose name is on the team’s batting order may not become a substitute runner for another member of the team. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher is subject to removal from the lineup. The same courtesy runner may not run for both the pitcher and the catcher at any time during the game. A courtesy runner must be reported to the plate umpire. Exception: If the continuous batting order is used, the “courtesy runner” may be in the team’s batting order and must be the player in the batting order who made the last out.

Allows a defensive team to “intentionally walk” a batter at any time during the at-bat in the Minor and Major Divisions of Baseball.

6.08 – The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided said runner advances to and touches first base) when –

(a)

(1) four “balls” have been called by the umpire; ball is live and base runners may advance; or,

(2) Minor/Major Division: Prior to a pitch being thrown, The defense elects to “Intentionally Walk” the batter by announcing such decision to the plate umpire. The request may be made prior to or during the at-bat.

NOTE 1: Such notification must be made by the defensive manager. The manager must request and be granted “time” by the umpire and then inform the umpire of the defense’s intent to walk the batter.

NOTE 2: The ball is dead and no other runners may advance unless forced by the batter’s award. Four (4) The appropriate number of “balls” needed based on the count on the batter at the time of the manager’s request to complete the Intentional Walk pitches will be added to the pitch count.

Permits a defensive team to “intentionally walk” a batter in all divisions of softball.

6.08 – The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided said runner advances to and touches first base) when –

(a)

(1) four “balls” have been called by the umpire; the ball is live and in play. Base runners may advance;

(2) The defense elects to “Intentionally Walk” the batter by announcing such decision to the plate umpire. The request may be made prior to or during the at-bat.

NOTE 1: Such notification must be made by the defensive manager. The manager must request and be granted “time” by the umpire and then inform the umpire of the defense’s intent to walk the batter.

NOTE 2: The ball is dead and no other runners may advance unless forced by the batter’s award.

Permits the pitcher to remove him/herself from the pitcher’s plate with either foot first prior to the hands being brought together.

A.R. 2 – For the pitcher to remove himself/herself from the pitching position 1) before the hands have been brought together as noted in 8.01(f), the pitcher may legally step back from the pitcher’s plate with either foot;

Revises the penalty for an illegal pitch within the Junior and Senior Softball Divisions to be a ball on the batter and no effect on any base runners.

PENALTY: The penalty imposed for violation of all subsections of rule 8.01, with the exception of subsection (i), is an illegal pitch. Violation of (i) is ruled as a No Pitch. Minor/Major Divisions: The pitch shall be called a ball. If a play follows the illegal pitch, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the illegal pitch penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and if all base runners advance at least one base on the action resulting from the batted ball, the play proceeds without reference to the illegal pitch. Junior/Senior League: The pitch shall be called a ball and all base runners advance one base without liability to be put out. If a play follows the illegal pitch, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the illegal pitch penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the batter hits the ball and reaches first base safely, and if all base runners advance at least one base on the action resulting from the batted ball, the play proceeds without reference to the illegal pitch.

Permits the plate umpire to stand behind the catcher or pitcher during the Regular Season.

(a) The plate umpire shall stand behind the catcher. Exception: Local League Option: The plate umpire may stand behind the pitcher. This umpire usually is designated as the Umpire-in-Chief.

Permits leagues to enter more than one tournament team, provided the teams are deemed fair and balanced, with District Administrator approval.

Each chartered league shall be eligible to enter a team. Alternates are not authorized.

NOTE: A league may enter more than one tournament team, provided the teams are deemed fair and balanced, with the District Administrator’s approval.

Permits Little League Baseball (Major) Division managers and/or coaches to be eligible for selection to manage/coach an Intermediate (50-70) Baseball Division Tournament team.

Intermediate (50-70) Division: The manager and coach(es) shall be regular season team managers and/or coaches from the Little League Baseball (Major) Division or Intermediate (50-70) Division.

Permits leagues to release the names of players selected to a tournament team on or after May 15.

The release of names of players selected for the tournament team shall not be made before May 15, and not until the availability and eligibility of all prospective team members have been established. (The AIG group accident insurance program for Little League tournament team try-out and practice will not go into effect until May 15.)

Tournament Player Eligibility – Allows players to be eligible for selection to a Tournament team based on age, not division of play during the Regular Season.

Tournament Player Eligibility – Revises Tournament Participation to be a set number of games a player must participate within to be eligible for selection to a Tournament team. Revisions have been made to the Tournament Injury Exception and Middle School/High School Condition 2.

Tournament Player Eligibility – Permits 12-year-olds, who have been assessed capable and meet Tournament Eligibility requirements, to be selected to a Senior Division Tournament team.

Tournament Player Eligibility – All Divisions of Baseball and Softball

Players are eligible for Tournament Play, provided they meet the criteria established by the Little League “Residency and School Attendance Player Eligibility Requirement,” “Player Participation In Other Programs,” and the following:

8-to 10-Year-Old Division – Any player League Age 8, 9 or 10, with amateur status, who has participated as required by Mandatory Play as an eligible player in 8 60 percent (60%) of the regular season games (Special Games may be counted toward this requirement – See Regulation IX) by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District, with the exception of the school baseball/softball season., on a:

1. Little League Baseball/Softball (Major Division) team, or;
2. Minor League Baseball/Softball team.

9-to 11-Year-Old Division – Any player League Age 9, 10, or 11, with amateur status, who has participated as required by Mandatory Play as an eligible player in 8 60 percent (60%) of the regular season games (Special Games may be counted toward this requirement – See Regulation IX) by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District, with the exception of the school baseball/softball season., on a:

1. Little League Baseball/Softball (Major Division) team, or;
2. Minor League Baseball/Softball team.

Little League (Major Division) – Any player League Age 10, 11, or 12, with amateur status, who has participated as required by Mandatory Play as an eligible player in 8 60 percent (60%) of the regular season games (Special Games may be counted toward this requirement) by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District, with the exception of the school baseball/softball season., on a:

1. Little League Baseball/Softball (Major Division) team, or;
2. Intermediate Baseball/Junior Softball team.

Intermediate (50-70) Division – Any player League Age 11, 12, or 13, with amateur status, who has participated as required by Mandatory Play as an eligible player in 8 60 percent (60%) of the regular season games (Special Games may be counted toward this requirement – See Regulation IX) in the Intermediate (50-70) Division by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District, with the exception of the school baseball season.

Junior League – Any player League Age 12, 13, or 14, with amateur status, who has participated as required by Mandatory Play as an eligible player in 8 60 percent (60%) of the regular season games (Special Games may be counted toward this requirement – See Regulation IX) by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District, with the exception of the middle school, junior high school, or high school baseball/softball season., on a:

1. Junior League Baseball/Softball team, or;
2. Senior League Baseball/Softball team. [For Junior Tournament eligibility, Senior League players must have played in a minimum of eight (8) regular season games or 60 percent (60%) of the regular season games, whichever is greater.]

Senior League – Any player League Age 12, 13, 14, 15, or 16, with amateur status, who has participated as required by Mandatory Play as an eligible player in 6 60 percent (60%) of the regular season games (Special Games may be counted toward this requirement – See Regulation IX) by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District, with the exception of the middle school, junior high school, or high school baseball/softball season., on a:

1. Junior League Baseball/Softball team, or;
2. Senior League Baseball/Softball team.

Permits a player to be selected to a second tournament team once their tournament team is eliminated from the Little League International Tournament. The player must meet the requirements as outlined and be selected to a tournament team.

CONDITION 3: A player may be named to the roster of, and practice with, only ONE Little League International Tournament Team at a time. Once the affidavit is signed by the local league president, player agent, and District Administrator (or their representatives), the players listed on the affidavit shall not be eligible to participate on any other Little League International Tournament Team until the team is eliminated from the Tournament. for the current year. Once the team is eliminated from the Little League International Tournament, players from that team may be added to the affidavit of a second team so long as 1. The player meets all eligibility requirements as outlined in Tournament Player Eligibility; 2. There is space on the team affidavit for an additional player; 3. The player is not replacing another eligible and available player currently named on the affidavit; 4. The player is named to a team within an older division of play; and 5. The player must be assessed capable to play within the older division of play. The addition must be certified by the District Administrator or his/her appointee prior to playing with the second team.

Baseball/Softball players league age 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, and 14 may be eligible for selection to multiple tournament teams. These players may only be selected to one tournament team at a time. Under no circumstances may these players be chosen for, practice with, or participate with more than one tournament team at a time. Only under the circumstances listed in Condition 3 may a player be selected to a second tournament team.

Revises the date when schedules must be finalized to be June 20 or two (2) weeks prior to the start of tournament (whichever is earliest).

Each District Administrator must finalize tournament schedules two (2) weeks prior to the start of the tournament or by June 20 (whichever is earliest). Schedules for each level (District, Section, Division, State, Regional) must utilize Little League International approved single elimination brackets, double elimination brackets, modified double elimination brackets, or pool play/elimination format with pool play tie breaker format as noted in this section. All other tournament formats must be approved by the Tournament Committee. NOTE: Schedules shall not be altered once a tournament starts without Tournament Committee approval.

Sanctions one (1) doubleheader per Tournament level for 8- to 10-Year-Old, 9- to 11-Year-Old, and Little League Baseball Divisions.

8- to 10-Year-Old, 9- to 11-Year-Old, and Little League Divisions: A team may play one (1) doubleheader two games in one day during each level of Tournament (District, Section, Division, State, Regional) without a waiver. with the approval of the Regional Director.

Revises the date when leagues may hold tournament try-outs and when tournament teams may hold practices to be May 15.

Try-outs and practices by tournament teams shall not be held before May 15. Tournament team practice may only take place against other Little League teams within the same or contiguous districts in the same division, providing such practice is done out of uniform. (The AIG group accident insurance program for Little League tournament team try-out and practice will not go into effect until May 15.)

Special Games by tournament teams shall not be held before June 1. (The AIG group accident insurance program for Little League tournament teams participating in Special Games will not go into effect until June 1.)

Requires leagues hosting a District tournament to have an approved ASAP safety plan.

Local leagues selected to host a District, Section, State, Division, Region, or World Series tournament must have an approved ASAP safety plan.

Requires District Administrators to approve any tournament team advancing from one level to a higher level without play.

A team shall not advance from one level of Tournament to a higher level of tournament play without first having competed against and defeated a scheduled opponent at the tournament level from which it is seeking to advance. Any team advancing without play must do so with the approval of the District Administrator, who must certify that the advancing team has participated in a Little League regular season schedule of games against other Little League teams and has met all other requirements to establish eligibility for tournament play.