RULES APPLY TO ALL DIVISIONS T-BALL THROUGH SENIORS
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ARTICLE IV- RULES OF PLAY
SECTION 1- REGULAR SEASON
1) All Divisions:
a) All teams are limited to four (4) SWLL activities per week (i.e. 2 practices and 2 games, or 1 practice, 2 games
and 1 team dinner). Any violation of this will result in a one game suspension of the manager per occasion.
b) Each player must play equal time between infield and outfield.
i) If there is a safety concern for the player(s) this should be discussed with the appropriate player agent as to
why a player is not being rotated appropriately
c) Teams must bat their entire roster. All players bat in the same order throughout the entire game.
(1) Players arriving late will be added to the end of the batting order.
d) Protective Helmets must be always worn while a player is batting or running bases
e) Defensive players, including the catcher, are NOT ALLOWED to CHATTER to the BATTER. They may chatter to
their teammates, as long as the intent is not to distract the batter.
f) All catching masks must have throat guards.
g) Helmets cannot have any offensive additions, and all safety stickers must be 100% visible
h) Home team will provide (2) game balls.
i) Coach discipline for violations of the players’ rights will follow LLB Inc. regulation
j) Pine-tar and similar adhesives will not be permitted on bats
2) T-Ball
a) T-Ball Games will begin at the designated time and will end after six (6) innings, or the 1 hour time limit, whichever
comes first.
b) Ten (10) defensive players will be allowed on the field, four (4) players must be positioned as outfielders.
c) Each player listed on the official team line-up must play at least four (4) defensive innings. (Only exception to this
rule is a game shortened for any reason.)
d) Bat until entire lineup, with the last batter runs all bases.
e) No stealing, leading off or bunting.
f) Sliding should only be used if there is a play at that base: 2nd, 3rd or home.
g) Base runners may only advance on a batted ball.
h) Base coaches cannot touch or physically assist a base runner at any time. Should this occur the runner is
automatically out.
i) No drop third strike rule. No running on the third strike if the catcher misses the ball.
j) Second base is the farthest a player may advance after hitting the ball. Other, base runners may continue
advancing until the baseball is controlled in the infield.
k) Should a ball be thrown to a defensive player and the ball goes beyond the backstop fence line, the ball is
considered dead, and the runner shall be awarded one (1) base.
l) There are no walks.
m) Each batter is entitled to swing until the ball is hit into play from the tee.
n) The player in the pitcher position must play forty (40) feet from home plate. No more than 3 feet to either side of
the rubber.
o) Base coaches will serve as umpires and will make all calls. Calls are NOT PROTESTABLE!
p) Distance from the back of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber is 40'
q) Bases will be set 50'
r) Catchers must wear an athletic supporter and cup during the game, as well as full catcher's equipment.
s) Four (4) coaches are allowed on the field during games. One (1) coach must be in the dugout during game play.
Two (2) coaches are allowed as base coaches; One (1) coach may be in the outfield.
t) All bats MUST have USA approved logo or be wood.
u) No on deck hitter allowed. Players cannot have bats in hand while in the dugout.
3) Farm / Coach Pitch
a) Games will begin at the designated time and will end at six (6) innings or after the home team takes the lead or
records their third out after the last inning played
i) No new innings can begin after ninety (90) minutes of game play
LOCAL POLICIES
b) The offensive manager or coach shall pitch to their own team.
c) There are no walks.
d) Each batter is entitled to five (5) pitched balls or three (3) swinging strikes.
i) Should the batter make no attempt to swing at any of the 5 pitched balls, on the 5th pitch, the batter will be
declared out.
ii) Should the batter foul off a pitched ball; it is counted as a strike. Until a third swing or fifth pitched ball
completely misses the bat, the batter is still alive and at bat. The batter can't be called out on a Foul Tip as the
last strike.
e) Ten (10) defensive players will be allowed on the field, four (4) players must be positioned as outfielders.
f) Each player listed on the official team line-up must play at least four (4) defensive innings. (Only exception to this
rule is a game shortened for any reason.)
g) An inning ends after three (3) outs or five (5) runs, whichever comes first.
h) Teams must bat their entire roster and then begin at the top of the roster once a cycle has occurred
i) No stealing, leading off or bunting.
j) Sliding should only be used if there is a play at that base: 2nd, 3rd or home.
k) Base runners may only advance on a batted ball.
l) Base coaches cannot touch or physically assist a base runner at any time. Should this occur the runner is
automatically out.
m) No drop third strike rule. No running on the third strike if the catcher misses the ball.
n) Second base is the farthest a player may advance after hitting the ball. Other, base runners may continue
advancing until the baseball is controlled in the infield.
o) Should a ball be thrown to a defensive player and the ball goes beyond the backstop fence line, the ball is
considered dead, and the runner shall be awarded one (1) base.
p) There are no walks.
q) The player in the pitcher position must play forty (40) feet from home plate. No more than 3 feet to either side of
the rubber.
r) Base coaches will serve as umpires and will make all calls. Calls are NOT PROTESTABLE!
s) Distance from the back of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber is 40'
t) Bases will be set 50'
u) Catchers must wear an athletic supporter and cup during the game, as well as full catcher's equipment.
v) Four (4) coaches are allowed on the field during games. One (1) coach must be in the dugout during game play.
Two (2) coaches are allowed as base coaches; One (1) coach may be in the outfield.
w) No on deck hitter allowed. Players cannot have bats in hand while in the dugout.
x) Run Rule 4.10 (e) will apply after three (3) innings, 2- and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team
has a lead of fifteen (15) runs or more, the coach of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent. If after four (4) innings, three and one half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of
ten (10) runs or more, the coach shall concede the victory to the opponent.
y) All bats MUST have USA approved logo or be wood.
4) AA / First Level Kid Pitch
a) Games will begin at the designated time and will end at six (6) innings or after the home team takes the lead or
records their third out after the last inning played
i) No new innings can begin after ninety (90) minutes of game play
ii) If a new inning has begun, the inning will be finished if the HOME team is losing or within the 5 run rule.
b) The inning changes after 3 outs or 5 runs have scored.
c) Emphasis of this division is to teach proper form and fundamental baseball skills to all players to prepare these
players to move into the Minor Division. Coaches will swap all players around so each player gets both infield and
outfield experience.
i) Each player must play an infield position 1x per game unless it is a safety precaution.
ii) Keeping your best players in the infield or at the same infield positions while other players play nothing but
outfield will not be tolerated.
d) Every player on a team line-up for each game will participate in the game for at least half (1⁄2) of the game.
i) Free substitution of players is allowed
LOCAL POLICIES
ii) No player may sit for more than two (2) consecutive innings (only exception to this rule is game shortened for
any reason)
e) A team must have a minimum of nine (9) players to begin or continue a game. If short, borrowing players from the
other team (defensively) to make 9 is allowed.
f) Teams must bat their entire roster and then begin at the top of the roster once a cycle has occurred. Late arriving
players must be added to the end of the roster. Should a player arrive after the game has started, the manager
shall notify the umpire and opposing team of the player's arrival and add the player to the bottom of the line-up.
i) Should a player leave in the middle of the game, the player is simply "skipped over" for the remainder of the
game.
(1) Coach must notify the opposing team and the umpire
g) Batter must keep (1) foot in batter’s box after every pitch, unless pass ball or a play cause hitter to leave box. If
hitter continues to step out causing delay, umpire can call a STRIKE regardless of the count.
h) Two adults are allowed as base coaches; provided an adult coach is in the dugout. If no adult coach is available,
a player must be used as a base coach.
i) If a player is a base coach, they must wear a helmet at all times
ii) If a player is designated as a base coach, they must be easily identifiable and clearly differentiated from other
players on the team.
i) Leading off is prohibited. A player may not leave the base until the pitched ball has reached the batter.
i) A runner that leaves the base prior to the ball reaching the batter will have to return to their original base
j) Players may steal 2nd or 3rd base once the ball has reached the batter. A player may take home, if the catcher
attempts to make an out on another base runner OR makes an errant throw to the pitcher. A player may also
advance home on a passed ball/wild pitch.
k) All Pitchers will use the pitch count option designated by LL. A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch
again in the same game. Pitching distance shall be LL standard 46' from the plate. Max 3 visits to the mound per
pitcher. If 2 visits are made in the same inning, pitcher must be removed.
l) Pitch counts should be confirmed at the end of each inning by each coach for each pitcher. At the end of the
game, Coaches should confirm name, age, and total pitch counts. All pitch counts need to be recorded by each
Coach after every game. Before the beginning of each game, Coaches and scorekeepers must check the "official
scorebook (Pitching Log)" and verify the pitcher's eligibility. LLB Regulation VI “Pitchers” rules apply
m) All precautions must be taken to avoid game protests. If a game protest is imminent, then the potential offender
should be notified immediately. PROTESTS (REF: Official Regulations and Playing Rules 4.19, pg. 90-91). You
may not protest judgment calls.
n) Catchers must wear an athletic supporter and cup during the game, as well as full catcher's equipment.
o) No on deck hitter allowed. Players cannot have bats in hand while in the dugout.
p) Run Rule 4.10 (e) will apply after three (3) innings, 2- and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team
has a lead of fifteen (15) runs or more, the coach of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent. If after four (4) innings, three and one half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of
ten (10) runs or more, the coach shall concede the victory to the opponent.
q) All bats MUST have USA approved logo or be wood.
5) Minors
a) Games will begin at the designated time and will end at six (6) innings or after the home team takes the lead or
records their third out after the last inning played
i) No new innings can begin after ninety (90) minutes of game play
ii) If a new inning has begun, the inning will be finished if the HOME team is losing or within the 5 run rule.
b) The inning changes after 3 outs or 5 runs have scored.
c) Every player on a team line-up for each game will participate in the game for at least half (1⁄2) of the game.
i) Free substitution of players is allowed
ii) No player may sit for more than two (2) consecutive innings (only exception to this rule is game shortened for
any reason)
iii) courtesy runners for pitcher/catcher, the runner shall be the last batted out or the last batter in the lineup at
the beginning of the game
LOCAL POLICIES
d) A team must have a minimum of nine (9) players to begin or continue a game. If short, borrowing players from the
other team (defensively) to make 9 is allowed.
e) Teams must bat their entire roster and then begin at the top of the roster once a cycle has occurred. Late arriving
players must be added to the end of the roster. Should a player arrive after the game has started, the manager
shall notify the umpire and opposing team of the player's arrival and add the player to the bottom of the line-up.
i) Should a player leave in the middle of the game, the player is simply "skipped over" for the remainder of the
game.
(1) Coach must notify the opposing team and the umpire
f) Batter must keep (1) foot in batter’s box after every pitch, unless pass ball or a play cause hitter to leave box. If
hitter continues to step out causing delay, umpire can call a STRIKE regardless of the count.
g) Two adults are allowed as base coaches; provided an adult coach is in the dugout. If no adult coach is available,
a player must be used as a base coach.
i) If a player is a base coach, they must wear a helmet at all times
ii) If a player is designated as a base coach, they must be easily identifiable and clearly differentiated from other
players on the team.
h) Leading off is prohibited. A player may not leave the base until the pitched ball has reached the batter.
i) A runner that leaves the base prior to the ball reaching the batter will have to return to their original base
i) Players may steal 2nd or 3rd base once the ball has reached the batter. A player may take home, if the catcher
attempts to make an out on another base runner OR makes an errant throw to the pitcher. A player may also
advance home on a passed ball/wild pitch.
j) All Pitchers will use the pitch count option designated by LL. A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch
again in the same game. Pitching distance shall be LL standard 46' from the plate. Max 3 visits to the mound per
pitcher. If 2 visits are made in the same inning, pitcher must be removed.
k) Pitch counts should be confirmed at the end of each inning by each coach for each pitcher. At the end of the
game, Coaches should confirm name, age, and total pitch counts. All pitch counts need to be recorded by each
Coach after every game. Before the beginning of each game, Coaches and scorekeepers must check the "official
scorebook (Pitching Log)" and verify the pitcher's eligibility. LLB Regulation VI “Pitchers” rules apply
l) All precautions must be taken to avoid game protests. If a game protest is imminent, then the potential offender
should be notified immediately. PROTESTS (REF: Official Regulations and Playing Rules 4.19, pg. 90-91). You
may not protest judgment calls.
m) No on deck hitter allowed. Players cannot have bats in hand while in the dugout.
n) Run Rule 4.10 (e) will apply after three (3) innings, 2- and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team
has a lead of fifteen (15) runs or more, the coach of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent. If after four (4) innings, three and one half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of
ten (10) runs or more, the coach shall concede the victory to the opponent.
o) Catchers must wear an athletic supporter and cup during the game, as well as full catcher's equipment.
p) All bats MUST have USA approved logo or be wood.
6) Majors
a) Games will begin at the designated time and will end at six (6) innings or after the home team takes the lead or
records their third out after the last inning played
i) No new innings can begin after ninety (90) minutes of game play
ii) If a new inning has begun, the inning will be finished if the HOME team is losing or within the 5 run rule.
b) The inning changes after 3 outs.
c) Every player on a team line-up for each game will participate in the game for at least half (1⁄2) of the game.
i) Free substitution of players is allowed
ii) No player may sit for more than two (2) consecutive innings (only exception to this rule is game shortened for
any reason)
iii) courtesy runners for pitcher/catcher, the runner shall be the last batted out or the last batter in the lineup at
the beginning of the game
d) A team must have a minimum of nine (9) players to begin or continue a game. If short, borrowing players from the
other team (defensively) to make 9 is allowed.
LOCAL POLICIES
e) Teams must bat their entire roster and then begin at the top of the roster once a cycle has occurred. Late arriving
players must be added to the end of the roster. Should a player arrive after the game has started, the manager
shall notify the umpire and opposing team of the player's arrival and add the player to the bottom of the line-up.
i) Should a player leave in the middle of the game, the player is simply "skipped over" for the remainder of the
game.
(1) Coach must notify the opposing team and the umpire
f) Batter must keep (1) foot in batter’s box after every pitch, unless pass ball or a play cause hitter to leave box. If
hitter continues to step out causing delay, umpire can call a STRIKE regardless of the count.
g) Two adults are allowed as base coaches; provided an adult coach is in the dugout. If no adult coach is available,
a player must be used as a base coach.
i) If a player is a base coach, they must wear a helmet at all times
ii) If a player is designated as a base coach, they must be easily identifiable and clearly differentiated from other
players on the team.
h) Leading off is prohibited. A player may not leave the base until the pitched ball has reached the batter.
i) A runner that leaves the base prior to the ball reaching the batter will have to return to their original base
i) Players may steal 2nd or 3rd base once the ball has reached the batter. A player may take home, if the catcher
attempts to make an out on another base runner OR makes an errant throw to the pitcher. A player may also
advance home on a passed ball/wild pitch.
j) All Pitchers will use the pitch count option designated by LL. A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch
again in the same game. Pitching distance shall be LL standard 46' from the plate. Max 3 visits to the mound per
pitcher. If 2 visits are made in the same inning, pitcher must be removed.
k) Pitch counts should be confirmed at the end of each inning by each coach for each pitcher. At the end of the
game, Coaches should confirm name, age, and total pitch counts. All pitch counts need to be recorded by each
Coach after every game. Before the beginning of each game, Coaches and scorekeepers must check the "official
scorebook (Pitching Log)" and verify the pitcher's eligibility. LLB Regulation VI “Pitchers” rules apply
l) All precautions must be taken to avoid game protests. If a game protest is imminent, then the potential offender
should be notified immediately. PROTESTS (REF: Official Regulations and Playing Rules 4.19, pg. 90-91). You
may not protest judgment calls.
m) No on deck hitter allowed. Players cannot have bats in hand while in the dugout.
n) Run Rule 4.10 (e) will apply after three (3) innings, 2- and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team
has a lead of fifteen (15) runs or more, the coach of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent. If after four (4) innings, three and one half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of
ten (10) runs or more, the coach shall concede the victory to the opponent.
o) Catchers must wear an athletic supporter and cup during the game, as well as full catcher's equipment.
p) All bats MUST have USA approved logo or be wood.
7) Juniors
a) Games will begin at the designated time and will end at six (6) innings or after the home team takes the lead or
records their third out after the last inning played
i) No new innings can begin after 1 hour and 45min of game play
ii) If a new inning has begun, the inning will be finished if the HOME team is losing or within the 5 run rule.
b) The inning changes after 3 outs.
c) Every player on a team line-up for each game will participate in the game for at least half (1⁄2) of the game.
i) Free substitution of players is allowed
ii) No player may sit for more than two (2) consecutive innings (only exception to this rule is game shortened for
any reason)
iii) courtesy runners for pitcher/catcher, the runner shall be the last batted out or the last batter in the lineup at
the beginning of the game
d) A team must have a minimum of nine (8) players to begin or continue a game. If short, borrowing players from the
other team (defensively) to make 9 is allowed.
e) Teams must bat their entire roster and then begin at the top of the roster once a cycle has occurred. Late arriving
players must be added to the end of the roster. Should a player arrive after the game has started, the manager
shall notify the umpire and opposing team of the player's arrival and add the player to the bottom of the line-up.
LOCAL POLICIES
i) Should a player leave in the middle of the game, the player is simply "skipped over" for the remainder of the
game.
(1) Coach must notify the opposing team and the umpire
f) Batter must keep (1) foot in batter’s box after every pitch, unless pass ball or a play cause hitter to leave box. If
hitter continues to step out causing delay, umpire can call a STRIKE regardless of the count.
g) Two adults are allowed as base coaches; provided an adult coach is in the dugout. If no adult coach is available,
a player must be used as a base coach.
i) If a player is a base coach, they must wear a helmet at all times
ii) If a player is designated as a base coach, they must be easily identifiable and clearly differentiated from other
players on the team.
h) Leading off is permitted.
i) Stealing bases is permitted.
j) Feetfirst and headfirst sliding is permitted.
k) All Pitchers will use the pitch count option designated by LL. A player once removed from the mound may not
pitch again in the same game unless they have remained in the game as a defensive player. In such case the
player can return to the mound providing they have not reached their pitch count limit. Pitching distance shall be
LL standard 60'6” from the plate. Max 3 visits to the mound per pitcher. If 2 visits are made in the same inning,
pitcher must be removed.
l) Pitch counts should be confirmed at the end of each inning by each coach for each pitcher. At the end of the
game, Coaches should confirm name, age, and total pitch counts. All pitch counts need to be recorded by each
Coach after every game. Before the beginning of each game, Coaches and scorekeepers must check the "official
scorebook (Pitching Log)" and verify the pitcher's eligibility. LLB Regulation VI “Pitchers” rules apply
m) All precautions must be taken to avoid game protests. If a game protest is imminent, then the potential offender
should be notified immediately. PROTESTS (REF: Official Regulations and Playing Rules 4.19, pg. 90-91). You
may not protest judgment calls.
n) One deck hitter allowed.
o) Run Rule 4.10 (e) will apply after three (4) innings, 3- and one-half innings if the home team is ahead, one team
has a lead of fifteen (15) runs or more, the coach of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent. If after four (5) innings, 4 and one half innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of ten
(10) runs or more, the coach shall concede the victory to the opponent.
p) Catchers must wear an athletic supporter and cup during the game, as well as full catcher's equipment.
q) All bats MUST have USA or BBCOR approved logo or be a solid wood core bat.
SECTION 2- PLAYER DISCIPLINE AND CONDUCT
1) All players must be in full uniform (matching hat, jersey, belt/socks, and pants).
2) Any player willfully destroying or stealing SWLL property, as well as game and practice fields, may be suspended for
the balance of the season.
3) Players shall not use foul language, obscene gestures, or instigate disruptions among other players or teammates.
Fighting will not be tolerated. Players are required to actively participate in all Official practices and games scheduled
by their managers and SWLL. In the event that a player is unable to participate because of prior commitments,
vacations, or illness or injury, it is the player or his parents' responsibility to notify the manager, coach or Player Agent
of their inability to participate.
4) Players will report to the field for scheduled games in full uniform. No unauthorized uniforms will be allowed for league
players without prior approval of the SWLL Board of directors. For tournament play all uniforms must bear the Little
League patch at the left shoulder.
5) No customized jerseys and/or pants, jackets, or undershirts not recognized as baseball undershirts, will be allowed.
6) Players shall not report for a scheduled game in excessively dirty or torn uniforms, damaged hats. The manager shall
notify the Divisional Player Agent 24 hours in advance of game time regarding any player to be disciplined. This
notification will be in the form of a letter from the Manager or Coach to the Divisional Player Agent, A copy of the
notice will be forwarded to the parents of the player.
7) Actions resulting from notice of discipline are as follows:
a) First Notice- Player to play only minimum requirement time.
LOCAL POLICIES
b) Second Notice - Player will not play the next scheduled game.
c) Third Notice- A referral to the SWLL Board of Directors will be made to determine the player's eligibility to
continue participation in the program.
SECTION 3-FORFEITURES AND CANCELATIONS
1) Forfeitures due to limited field availability and scheduling conflicts’ games will not be rescheduled due to the inability
of a team to field 9 players for the start of a game. Should a team be unable to field a team of at least 8 for the entire
game the team will forfeit the game.
2) Games cancelled due to weather are determined by the City of Peoria, or the respective owner of the field of play.
a) SWLL with utilize all resources to reschedule games cancelled due to weather
b) Cancellations will be announced via the website, social media and email
3) If a field is unplayable 15 minutes past game time or becomes unplayable for over 15 minutes during a game the
umpire has the authority to suspend the game. Suspended games will be resumed at a later date/time and the game
will continue at the same point where it was suspended. Only position impacted may be the pitcher, depending on
days rest tule based on rescheduled date.