Streamwood Little League
A Ball Rules
These rules are designed to promote safety, fair play, and a positive experience for all A Ball players. Parents and coaches are encouraged to review them carefully before the season.
Equipment & Uniforms
All baseball bats must have the USA Baseball label.
League-provided baseball pants, team shirts, and caps must be worn at every game.
All male players are required to wear a hard protective cup supporter.
Batting Rules
When a coach is pitching, the batter receives 5 pitches.
If the 5th pitch is fouled off, the batter receives another pitch.
If the ball is not hit fair into play after the final pitch, the batter will take 2 swings off the tee.
If no fair ball is hit on those two tee swings, the batter is out (strikeout).
When hitting off the tee, all base runners may advance only one base.
When hitting off the coach, all base runners and the hitter may advance multiple bases on a ball hit to the outfield but must stop advancing once the ball has been thrown into the infield. This can be any hit to the outfield (groundball, line drive, pop up).
If a batter throws the bat, they receive one warning. Any additional bat throwing during the game results in the batter being called out.
No on-deck hitters are allowed.
Bats should be kept in one designated area.
Players should not pick up a bat until it is their turn.
Batters should not stand at the dugout entrance during gameplay.
Base Running & Fielding
Base runners must remain in contact with the base until the ball is hit.
Runners on 1st or 2nd base may not score on an infield hit.
Runners may advance more than one base only when hitting a pitched ball that reaches the outfield.
No overthrow rule is used in A Ball.
The 15-foot arc is in play at all times.
Defensive Position Rules
The defensive pitcher must remain in contact with the pitching rubber until the ball is hit.
The catcher must wear full protective gear (helmet, chest protector, shin guards).
The pitcher or catcher may stop the ball before it reaches the 15-foot arc.
Pitchers and outfielders may not run to a base to record a force out.
A player may not play pitcher or first base more than once in a game.
If a player makes a "baseball play" that contradicts the above rules it will be allowed
A "baseball play" is defined as something you would expect a baseball player to action normally in a game
Examples of a baseball play:
The shortstop backs up the third basemen, and the third basemen misses the ground ball. If the shortstop fields the ground ball while backing up the third basemen, they can step on 3rd base for an out.
If the pitcher and first basemen both charge a ball hit up the first base foul line and the pitcher recovers it and there is no one covering 1st base, they can attempt to tag the base for an out. Same applies for the third base foul line for the pitcher and third basemen.
Examples not allowed as a baseball play:
An outfielder cannot field a baseball and run to tag a base. They must throw the ball in.
The coach pitching will make the final determination on "baseball play". If questions or concerns are presented due to this rule the Player Agent should be contacted to discuss potential amendments moving forward.
Playing Time & Positions
Each player must play at least two innings in the infield.
By the end of the 3rd inning, all players must have met this requirement.
Before any player plays four innings in the infield, all other players must have played three innings in the infield.
Game Length & Scoring
A regulation game consists of 4 innings with a 2-hour time limit.
The 4th inning is considered open baseball: either 3 outs or 12 batters, whichever comes first.
An offensive half-inning ends when 3 outs are made or 5 runs are scored, whichever occurs first.
Coaches & Field Setup
On defense, teams may have:
To help speed up play, the coach at home plate should stand behind the catcher to retrieve missed balls and return them to the adult pitcher.
A coach or manager should arrive 45 minutes before game time to help set up the field.
Players should arrive 30 minutes before game time to warm up.
If it has rained heavily that day or the day before, a coach or parent should arrive at least one hour early to help prepare the field.
Sportsmanship & League Support
There are no umpires in A Ball. The coach pitching is responsible for making calls on the field. Discussions after innings between coaches are encouraged when not in agreement on a call but there is to be no arguing calls. This is about fun and sportsmanship at this stage, and coaches and parents need to set the example for the players.
On foul balls that are close to the field of play, wait until the players touch the ball before making the foul call. Players need to learn to hustle on every play and how to properly action a foul ball.
Players should not pound the plate with their bats. Tapping the plate is only for adjusting stance.
Teams are expected to order team treats after the game. This is an important league fundraiser that helps keep registration fees affordable.
Thank you for helping make Streamwood Little League A Ball a safe, fun, and positive experience for all players!