Streamwood Little League
AA Division – Fall Ball Rules (2025)

These rules are designed to support an instructional, low-pressure Fall Ball season for the AA Division.

Fall Ball emphasizes skill development, safety, confidence, and sportsmanship, particularly for players pitching and using a hard baseball for the first time.

Unless otherwise noted, standard Little League rules apply. When conflicts arise, the rules below shall govern.

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1. Game Format

Innings

• Games are scheduled for four (4) innings.

• The intent is to play up to six (6) innings if time allows.

Time Limit

• 1 hour and 45 minutes total game time.

• No new inning may begin once the time limit has been reached.

Scorekeeping

• Score will be kept during the game.

• Scores are not reported and do not affect standings.

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2. Mercy / Slaughter Rule

To prevent overly long or lopsided games, a game may end early if a team is leading by:

• 15 runs after 3 innings

• 10 runs after 4 innings

• 8 runs after 5 innings

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3. Batting Rules

Batting Order

• A continuous batting order will be used.

Runs Per Inning

• Maximum of five (5) runs per inning, or

• One complete time through the batting order, whichever occurs first.

Batting Mechanics: Player Pitch → Coach Pitch

• Every at-bat begins with player pitch.

• If the player pitcher:

  • Strikes out the batter, the batter is out.

  • Walks the batter, the coach will enter to pitch.

Coach Pitch Details

• After a walk, the coach will throw three (3) pitches.

• Coach pitch is intended to put the ball in play, not overpower hitters.

• If the batter fouls off the third coach pitch, additional pitches are allowed.

• No strikeouts are recorded on foul balls during coach pitch.

Walks & Strikeouts

• No walks are awarded.

• Strikeouts are in effect during player pitch only.

Bunting

• Not permitted.

On-Deck Batter

• Not allowed for safety reasons.

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4. Base Running Rules

Stealing

• No stealing before Memorial Day (Spring) or September 15 (Fall).

• After those dates:

  • Stealing is allowed only with two (2) outs

  • Not allowed during coach pitch

  • No stealing home

  • No limit on steals per inning

Leads

• No lead-offs are allowed.

• Secondary leads are permitted once the ball crosses home plate.

• This rule is intended to help players begin learning skills needed at higher levels.

Sliding

• Feet-first slides only.

• No sliding into first base.

Advancing on Overthrows

• Runners may not advance on overthrows.

Base Running on Hits

• Runners may advance when a ball is hit to the outfield or gap.

• Runners must stop advancing once the ball reaches the infield.

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5. Pitching Rules

Pitch Count & Distance

• Maximum of 50 pitches per pitcher per game.

• Pitching distance is 42 feet.

Hit Batter Rule

• A pitcher must be removed if they hit:

  • Three (3) batters in one inning, or

  • Four (4) batters in a game.

Pitching Usage

• Pitchers are limited to two (2) innings or six (6) defensive outs per game.

• A new pitcher each inning is strongly recommended.

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6. Defense & Fielding

Number of Fielders

• Teams may field up to ten (10) defensive players.

• Four (4) outfielders are permitted.

Coaches on the Field

• During the Fall instructional season, teams may have up to two (2) coaches on the field at all times.

Infield Fly Rule

• Not in effect at the AA level.

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7. Player Participation & Rotation

Defensive Rotation

• No player may play the same position for more than four (4) innings.

Mandatory Infield / Outfield Play

• Every player must play:

  • At least one inning in the infield, and

  • At least one inning in the outfield by the end of the 4th inning.

Minimum Play Time

• Each player must receive a minimum of six (6) defensive outs per game.

Player Rotation

• Defensive rotation is encouraged every inning.

• Rotation is required by the end of the 3rd inning.

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8. Pool Players

• Up to two (2) pool players are permitted.

• Pool players may not pitch.

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9. Dugout Conduct

• Only authorized players and coaches are permitted in the dugout.

• Coaches are responsible for dugout organization, safety, and behavior.

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10. Sportsmanship & Instructional Emphasis

• Fall Ball is designed to be instructional.

• Sportsmanship is strongly emphasized.

• Players, coaches, and parents are expected to show respect at all times.

• All participating leagues recognize that learning and development take priority over competition.

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Fall Ball Goal:
Create a safe, positive environment where players can learn, gain confidence, and prepare for the next level.