Overview and Rules

We follow the Little League Rulebook unless otherwise noted by Charlestown specific rules below. 

Tee Ball

  • Each week there is an hour-long skills session, which can follow the Little League Program or the coaches’ preferences. Depending on the progress of the players, they may be divided up into groups for a scrimmage.
    • If you see lightning, stop playing.

Rookie ball (Coach Pitch)

  • Each team will have one hour-long practice per week, and then a game on Saturday.
  • The practices can follow the Little League Program or the coaches’ preferences.
  • During games, every player in the lineup bats each inning, no matter how many outs are made that inning. If a player is made “out,” then he returns to the bench as usual, but the inning continues until everyone bats no matter how many outs are made.
  • Generally, 2-3 innings are played, depending on time (90 min maximum).
  • Scores are not kept
  • The coaches will encourage proper base running (i.e. stopping at the nearest base when the ball is returned to the infield) and proper defensive play (i.e. returning the ball to the pitcher or to the base in front of the runner) vs having the kids throw the ball around and creating nonstop inside the park homeruns.
  • If you see lightning, stop playing.
  • Little League Program: https://www.littleleague.org/play-little-league/coach-pitch/


AAA

  • Games are expected to be 90min long or 6 innnings.  Last inning should NOT start after 75min, but the coaches & umpire should generally agree before the 75min mark on when the last inning will be. 
  • Lights go on at dusk and off at 8pm on your field
  • Scores will be kept, pitch counts will be monitored as per Little League rules, and certified umpires will officiate the games.
  • Inning is over when 3 outs occur
  • Minimum 7 players per team to play an official game without forfeiting (take an automatic out after the 7th batter if there are only 7 players).
  • We will NOT bat around the order, so if you get to your last batter and still don't have 3 outs then the inning is over.  We let all kids hits and are ok having 10 kids in the field.  Kids are still learning the game at this age, so there is no minimum requirement for # of innings.
    • There is NO on deck circle. No one should be holding a bat except the batter at home plate. 
    • Catchers must wear athletic cups and neck guard
    • If you see lightning, stop playing.
  • At the end of the regular season, a playoff schedule will be created to determine a Division champion.
  • At the end of the season, some of the AAA and Majors players may be selected to participate in the summer tournaments, which is why we are focusing on skills development vs team records.
  • Both team head coaches please enter pitch counts after the game and winning coach enter the score.
    Each team will have a team practice on Mon or Wed, and a game on Mon or Wed, as well as a game on Saturday.
  • Every Friday there will be a combined skills practice in which two teams are paired together on one field. The coaches from both teams will work together, divide the two teams up into smaller groups, and rotate them through specific skills stations.
    • Individual skills development is more important than the overall team records. Coaches will make sure that everyone gets adequate playing time. Our league is instructional and recreational! The kids may take it very seriously though, so please help us keep everything in perspective by encouraging your kids to practice their skills and show good sportsmanship.


    • Majors

  • Each team will have 1-2 team practices per week, and 2-3 games per week.
  • The schedule varies considerably, so refer to your on line schedule or contact your coach for details.  
  • Scores will be kept, pitch counts will be monitored as per Little League rules, and certified umpires will officiate the games.
  • Minimum 7 players per team to play an official game without forfeiting (take an automatic out after the 7th batter if there are only 7 players).  
  • Catchers must wear athletic cups.  
    • If you see lightning, stop playing.
  • At the end of the regular season, a playoff schedule will be created to determine a Division champion.
  • At the end of the season, some of the AAA and Majors players may be selected to participate in the summer tournaments, which is why we are focusing on skills development vs team records.
  • Both team head coaches please enter pitch counts after the game and winning coach enter the score.
  • Individual skills development is more important than the overall team records. Coaches will make sure that everyone gets adequate playing time. Our league is instructional and recreational! The kids may take it very seriously though, so please help us keep everything in perspective by encouraging your kids to practice their skills and show good sportsmanship.

Scoring and Pitch Counts

Below are instructions for how to enter scores and pitch counts:

  • Scores - Via the website, go to Schedules->Scores and enter the score for the game and post the results
  • Pitch counts - Via the website, go to Schedules->Scores and select Players.  Update the pitch count(s) for the pitcher(s) that pitched in the game.  Post the results.
  • Pitch count report - On your team calendar page there is a Pitch Count button you can select to run a report which shows your pitch counts by player.
In addition, here are some of the rule highlights around pitch counts as well as a link to the detailed Little League website for pitching rules.


Pitch count totals

  • 11-12yrs old – 85 pitches per day
    • 9-10yrs old – 75 pitches per day
    • 7-8yrs old – 50 pitches per day
    • Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI (c) for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning. 
    • Note 1: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. 
    • Note 2: Any player who has played the position of catcher in four or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.


Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

  • If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
  • If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
  • If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
  • If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
  • If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
  • Exception: If a pitcher reaches a day(s) of rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: (1) that batter reaches base; (2) that batter is retired; or (3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game. The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, provided that pitcher is removed or the game is completed before delivering a pitch to another batter.”

 

Details here: https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/pitch-count/

COVID 19 Information

Practices and Games 

  • Hand sanitizer will be placed in all common areas off-field for easy use.  Players are encouraged to bring their own hand sanitizer for personal use.
    • If possible, players should bring their own helmet, glove, bat, and catcher’s equipment labeled with their name for each game.  Equipment will be made available for players who need it. Coaches are responsible for cleaning and sanitizing equipment after each session. 
    • Helmets - assigned for each practice / game and cleaned at the end of each session.
    • Bats and Balls - shared and cleaned at the end of each session.
      • Catcher’s equipment - cleaned when the gear changes players.  
    • Players should stay 3ft apart from each other when in the dugout.  If the dugout cannot fit all players, then players can stand outside/behind the dugout and OFF the field of play.  For Majors, players that can’t fit in the dugout will need to be outside the fenced-in area.
    • Players should bring their own personal drinks labeled with their name, no sharing.
    • Players will wear a face mask (no gaiters) at all times.
    • All participants will abide by current CDC social distancing guidelines when possible.
    • All players and coaches are to refrain from spitting at all times, including in dugout areas and on the playing field. 
    • Refrain from handshakes, high fives, fist/elbow bumps, chest bumps, group celebrations, etc..
    • After the game, players will line up outside the dugout and tip caps to the opposing team as a sign of good sportsmanship. 
    • Catchers should retrieve foul balls and passed balls where possible to limit contact with Umpires and Spectators.
    • Practices will be limited to the managers/coaches and players except for T-ball.


Officials and Administrators

    • Coaches, umpires, volunteers will wear face masks at all times.
    • Umpires should limit their contact with the ball, and catchers should retrieve foul balls and passed balls where possible.
    • Plate meetings will only consist of one manager or coach from each team, and game umpires, no players.  Meetings on the pitcher's mound are allowed.  Again, masks required at all times.
    • Umpires will avoid direct contact with equipment where possible but, when required, use hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol after the inspection of each individual piece of equipment. 
    • For each game, only the required team managers/coaches, umpires, and one (1) league administrator (i.e. Safety Officer, player agent, etc.) should attend.
    • Scorekeeping should be done by team coaches and updated to website by winning coach after the game.
    • Press boxes should not be utilized unless there is ample room for social distancing to occur within them. 
    • Fields will be mowed, raked, and lined prior to teams and spectators arriving at the complex and after they depart. It is encouraged that volunteers already participating in the game (managers/coaches, umpires, and league administrator) perform these tasks to limit individuals at the site.
    • League administrators should schedule sufficient time between practices and games to facilitate the complete cleaning, evacuation of individuals from a previous practice or game from the premises before the next group enters.  
    • One-in, one-out policy for public restrooms.  If bathrooms are occupied please wait outside the building.
    • Public water fountains should be avoided if possible.


Spectators

    • All spectators should follow best social distancing practices — stay six feet away from individuals outside their household and wear a cloth face covering at all times.
    • Families and spectators are encouraged to stay in their vehicles or at recommended social distances until 10 minutes prior to the start of their game to prevent overcrowding of spectator spaces and walkways. 
    • Practices will be limited to the managers/coaches and players for all age groups, with the exception of Tee-ball.  Tee-ball parents can help support their child during practices/games.
    • Foul balls landing outside the field of play will be retrieved by participating players, coaches, and umpires. No spectators should retrieve the ball.
    • Players and families should vacate the field within 10 minutes of the conclusion of their game to minimize unnecessary contact with participants of the next game. 


All Participants - Players, Coaches, Officials and Administrators 

  • Individuals with the following conditions should not attend a practice or game until evaluated by a medical provider and given clearance to do so: 
    • Active COVID-19 infection 
      • Known direct contact with an individual testing positive for COVID-19
      • Fever 
    • Cough
    • Any confirmed Covid cases with players, coaches or league officials, the league will follow CDC guidelines to prevent exposure to others. Any person that has come into close contact will need to quarantine per CDC guidelines.
  • We will follow LL and CDC protocols: https://www.littleleague.org/help-center/coronavirus-covid-19-local-league-and-district-support-faqs/

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