FOUNDATION:
Ken Caryl Little League (KCLL) is a chartered Little League International program. We use the Little League rules and comply with the Little League requirements on playing time, pitch count limitations, and safe play.
Rules on this page should be followed exactly. While we understand various coaches have differing ideas on the developmentally appropriate time to introduce certain aspects of the game, handshake agreements from game to game only creates confusion for your players and the other teams. Any time a new rule is introduced, play will be sloppy and frustrating as the players learn, but that is an important step in learning the game so they are ready for the next level. Participation in KCLL asks assent to our determined rules per division.
QUICK DIVISIONAL RULE GUIDE:
IMPORTANT LITTLE LEAGUE RULES:Pitch Counts
League Age (age as of Aug 31):
13-16 95 pitches per day
11-12 85 pitches per day
9-10 75 pitches per day
7-8 50 pitches per day
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.
Days of rest are counted with day one being the day after the game pitched, and the final required rest day being the day before the next game pitched.
If a pitcher delivers 41 or more pitches in a game, the player cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
If a player position of catcher for more than 9 outs (i.e., receives a single pitch in the 4th inning having played catcher for the first three innings), the player may not pitch in the same day.
Any player to first play the position of catcher and then throws more than 20 pitches may not return to the position of catcher.
If the pitch threshold is reached while facing a batter, the pitcher may finish pitching to that batter until the at bat is resolved.
Official pitch count used to determine rest days/eligibility shall be the count of the first pitch thrown to the last batter faced.
Juniors/Seniors may pitch 30 or fewer pitches in the first game of a double header and remain eligible for the second game. No other division may permit a player to pitch in two games in one day.
PHILOSOPHY:
Beyond the Little League rules obligations, we urge all coaches to adhere to the following philosophy:
Equal bench time. We strive for approximately equal playing time for all players. This means that during the course of a game, all players will likely be on the bench at some point. The amount of time each player may spend on the bench varies depending on the roster size.
Recognize that all players and coaches on both teams are trying hard. The same respect that a coach or parent pays to players on their own team should be equally conveyed to the opposing team's players.
All players should get playing time in different positions, including both infield and outfield positions. While certain positions like pitcher, catcher, and first base may be somewhat limited to certain players, other positions should be rotated throughout the roster.
Coaches should strive to get pitching opportunities to all players. Each coach should have a goal to get at least two different pitching opportunities for each player on the roster.
Coaches should also strive to develop catchers. Each coach should have a goal to have at least 4 catchers with multiple innings of experience, and find opportunities for any player wanting to learn the position who can safely play there.
Wins are fun. But losses provide the greatest learning opportunity. Winning should never be the first priority of any team, parent, coach, or player. Our first priority is to have fun and enjoy the game. This doesn't mean we don't try to win. Rather, it means in-game choices between having fun and winning should heavily lean to the fun side.
Batting orders should change from game to game. Through the course of a season, all players should have opportunities to bat at the top of the line-up, in the middle of the line-up, and at the bottom of the line-up.
It is recognized that talent and skill levels vary between players. However, it is important that all players at all skill levels be given opportunities to succeed and fail. This will mean using lower skill players in challenging positions during key situations and not just "playing for the win."
The Positive Coaching Alliance "Double Goal" approach to coaching is a significant part of the KCLL culture. While winning shall remain a goal of any team, teaching life lessons through sport will remain our primary goal.
Each coach has a primary responsibility of ensuring that each player on their team wants to play baseball next year!
RULE CLARIFICATIONS:
Lead-offsFor Majors, AAA, and A, base runners cannot leave the base until the pitched ball reaches the front edge of the plate. Without this rule, a youth baseball game can quickly turn in to a track meet - a walk is as good as a triple or double as runners/coaches take advantage of a pitcher's slow delivery and the catcher's inexperience. With the no-lead off constraint, young pitchers can concentrate on the batter and their delivery mechanics, not the runner, complicated pick-off move or balks (there will be plenty of time to master the pick-off later). The no-lead off rule also delays the runner attempting to steal and gives the defense a decent chance of picking off the runner at second or third. This in-turn forces the offense to duly consider their chances of stealing a base and are more likely to try and earn their runs through hitting and not through defensive errors. Coach Pitch and Tee Ball run on hits. Intermediates and Juniors/Seniors can lead off.
Bat Size and Performance Standards
As of the 2018 Spring Season, all bats must either be completely made of wood OR bear the "USA BASEBALL" logo. Intermediates and Seniors may additionally use bats with the BBCOR logo. Bats bearing the "Approved for Little League" stamp on the bat are NO LONGER legal. Neither are the USSSA BF 1.15 bats formerly permitted in Intermediates.
Bats may be up to 2 5/8" barrel size. There are no "drop weight" limitations or restrictions.
Game Rules
All teams should bat all players in the line-up. There is no "bat 9" used in KCLL. Note: Intermediate and Senior Division may use "bat 9" for inter league play.
All players MUST play a minimum of 6 consecutive outs on defense and get at least 1 at bat. Please see additional minimum play requirements in the "Philosophy" section.
There is a "courtesy runner" permitted for a pitcher or catcher when there are two outs. There is no use of the "special pinch runner" due to the "full line-up batting order" used. The courtesy runner must be the player who was last put out.
Teams employ "free defensive substitution." That is, any team can switch any player to any defensive position at any time. There are restrictions regarding pitcher substitution and there are pitch and innings played limitations on the positions of pitcher and catcher that still apply. Once a pitcher leaves the position of pitcher, they may not return to the position of pitcher in that game.
The Infield Fly Rule applies to all "kid pitch" divisions.
The "dropped third strike" rule applies to the AAA and higher division levels.
Head first slides are NOT permitted in A, AA, AAA, or Majors. A head first slide in those divisions shall result in an "out" recorded for the offending runner. Players may head first dive back to a base already achieved. Head first slides are permitted in Intermediates and higher.
All males playing the position of catcher MUST wear a protective cup. ANY player assuming a crouch position ("catcher crouch") to receive throws from another player or coach MUST wear a catcher helmet and protective cup. All catchers MUST use a catcher's mitt (no field mitts permitted).
Both runner and fielder have an obligation to avoid collisions. In the event of a collision, the umpire may call defensive obstruction, offensive interference, or no penalty.1
For Majors, AAA, AA, and A there is a 15 run mercy rule after 3 innings and a 10 run mercy rule after 4 innings. For Seniors and Intermediates, there is a 15 run mercy rule after 4 innings and 10 run mercy rule after 5 innings.
Seniors will play on a field configuration with a pitching distance of 60'6" and base paths of 90'.
Intermediates will play on a field configuration with a pitching distance of 50' and base paths of 70'.
Majors and AAA will play a field configuration with a pitching distance of 46' and base paths of 60'.
AA will play a field configuration with a pitching distance of 42' and base paths of 60'.
A will play a field configuration with a pitching distance of 38' and base paths of 50'.
Coach Pitch and Tee Ball will play a field configuration with base paths of 50'.
Game start time shall be the scheduled time UNLESS the prior game delays the game start OR an umpire is late OR an umpire approves an alternative start time. Game start time is NOT "first pitch" - it is the scheduled time.
Game duration is not a hard stop. The duration is a "no new inning may start after duration." When the third out of a full inning is recorded, if the duration is met or exceeded, then the game is over. If there are still 1 or more minutes remaining before duration is reached, you will play another full inning.
Interference / Obstruction. Interference happens when a RUNNER interferes with a fielder trying to make a play on a batted ball or when a RUNNER initiates contact with a fielder who has possession of the ball, resulting in a failure to complete a play for an out. Interference is a “dead ball” situation. Interference usually means the runner is OUT.
Obstruction happens when a FIELDER, who does not have possession of the ball, obstructs the running lane of a base runner. Obstruction is a “delayed call” situation. Obstruction usually means the runner is SAFE.
Player / fielder contact is not always interference or obstruction. And you can have interference or obstruction even without player contact. If you have runner / fielder contact, you must ask a few questions to determine if you have obstruction, interference, or simply incidental contact.
1) Was the fielder ACTIVELY making a play on a batted ball? "Making a play" includes a fielder moving toward a fielding position. The obligation to avoid contact with a fielder making a play on a batted ball is on the runner.
2) Was the fielder in possession of the ball? Waiting on a thrown ball is NOT making a play and does NOT grant a fielder a "right" to be in the path of a runner.
3) Did the fielder change directions and/or did the runner slow down in an effort to avoid a collision? Both players have an obligation to avoid contact. It's important to try to interpret the intentions of the fielder and runner, especially when contact is successfully avoided. Players should be rewarded for their efforts to avoid contact. Note that "intention" to commit interference or obstruction is not necessary for a call of interference or obstruction. In this case, we are asking if the intention of the fielder / runner was to avoid contact. Unintentionally running into someone can still be interference or obstruction.
Ball bouncing before crossing the plate. A BALL is a pitch which does not enter the strike zone in flight and is not struck at by the batter. If the pitch touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a “ball.” If such a pitch touches the batter, the batter shall be awarded first base. If the batter swings at such a pitch and misses, it is a strike. Majors/Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior League: If the batter swings at such a pitch after two strikes, the ball cannot be caught for the purposes of Rule 6.05(b)(2) and 6.09(b). If the batter hits such a pitch, the ensuing action shall be the same as if the batter hit the ball in flight.
Leaving Early (not applicable to Intermediate or Junior/Senior Division). When the pitcher’s foot is in contact with the rubber AND the catcher is in position to receive a pitch, the runners must be touching the base. A runner may depart the base AFTER a pitched ball reaches the front edge of the plate.
If the runner leaves early, the umpire will declare "runner left early" indicating early departure. This is NOT a dead ball.
If the pitched ball is NOT HIT (i.e., is a ball or a strike), then:
· If the violating runner is safe, time is called and ALL advancing runners are returned to their prior bases.
· If the violating runner is out, he remains out and ALL other advancing runners are returned to their prior bases.
If the pitched ball is HIT into play (i.e., ball is hit to a fielder), then:
· All advancing runners are permitted to attain the base they were forced by a trailing runner.
· In no circumstance many a run score on a single. If a runner is forced to home plate during the play, the run shall not be counted.
Infield Fly Rule. The objective of the Infield Fly Rule is to “protect the runners” from having to depart their current base when there is a pop fly in the infield. As such – the rule is ACTIVE when there are runners at first and second OR runners at first, second, and third – AND – there is less than two outs. In other words, the rule is active when there is a force at third and less than two outs.
NOTE: If there are runners at first and third only, the Infield Fly Rule does NOT APPLY.
When a play has ended and the conditions of the IFR are met, the umpires should signal to each other that the IFR is active.
If, while the IFR is active, a batter hits a fair ball that is “catchable by an infielder with normal effort,” then the IFR shall be called and the batter shall be immediately out. None of the base runners shall be obliged to advance.
Dropped Third Strike. IN AAA AND ABOVE, if the batter has two strikes AND the pitched ball that is determined by swing or umpire's call to be a strike is not cleanly caught by the catcher, then an out must be recorded either by tag or by force play.
EXCEPTION: If first base is occupied and there is fewer than 2 outs, then the dropped third strike rule does NOT apply. The batter is out upon the swinging strike.
Mechanics – the plate umpire should signal a strike and then step back to watch for the tag or to remain out of the way of a throw. The umpire may call “CATCH, BATTER IS OUT” if there is question whether the pitch was cleanly caught. If there is no catch, the umpire will NOT provide a verbal indication of “no catch.” If the plate umpire is unsure, he will immediately point at the field umpire who will either call “CATCH, BATTER IS OUT” or will point at the ground, thus indicating that the ball touched the ground before being caught.
A strike that bounces to the catcher qualifies as a “dropped third strike" even if the catcher "cleanly catches" the ball off the bounce. For a ball to be "cleanly caught," it must not touch the ground or be trapped against the catcher's body.
If the runner does not immediately advance toward first and the catcher does not immediately attempt a tag or complete a force out, then NO OUT is recorded until:
1) The batter departs the playing field (e.g., steps onto dugout floor);
2) Sufficient time passes such that the runner could have entered the dugout.
DIVISION QUICK GUIDES
Tee Ball
Game Length
Games have a time limit of 1 hour. For this division, new innings can be started 5 minutes or more from the time limit. If you are within 5 minutes of the time limit, it is best to end the game, as at this age level going much over an hour will cause you to lose most players’ attention.
Innings
Each team will have every batter in the lineup bat in every inning. The inning will conclude when the last batter in the lineup hits and runs all four bases or is forced/tagged out. Coaches may opt to reverse or rotate the batting order each inning so that the same players do not have to wait until the end of each inning to hit.
At-Bats
When a player is up to bat, they will approach the tee as their coach places a tee ball on the tee and helps them to get in a correct stance to hit the tee ball. The coach will then step back while the player attempts to hit the ball off the tee.
The ball is in play when it is hit off the bat into fair territory, no matter how far. If the tee is hit and the ball falls forward into fair territory, it should be called foul and placed back on the tee.
The player may swing as many times as necessary to hit the tee ball, no strikeouts will occur.
Balls In Play
Once the ball is in play, the batter shall run to first base. Batters may only advance one base per hit in Tee Ball. We are teaching them the skill of stopping safely at a base, and often if a player continues forward they may run into another player who has stopped at that base.
Outs
While outs are not recorded for the purpose of ending a half inning, if an out is made defensively, the runner who was put out should return to the dugout. This achieves two things, it rewards and incentivizes good defensive play, and it teaches runners how outs work, while motivating them to try to beat the play.
Defensive Positions
Tee ball may have 10 players on the field defensively. Usually, no catcher is used, and 5 infielders and up to 5 outfielders may take the field on defense. Outfielders should be rotated each inning so that no player plays outfield two innings in a row.
Coaches may occupy the field to coach defensive players, but should make an effort to stand near the foul lines, or if midfield take care not to obstruct the sightline from any player to the batter.
Safety
It is a Little League rule across all divisions that the only player who may have a bat in their hand is the player who is up to bat. PLEASE be diligent in making sure that no players are holding their bats in the dugout area, this age group is particularly dangerous in this regard as they do not have a strong sense of spatial awareness or consequence, and seem to love the idea of going to battle with their bats.
There is no “on deck circle”, the only offensive players who may be on the field are the batter and any runners on base. All offensive players on the field must be wearing a batting helmet.
If a player is hitting the ball so hard off of the tee that defenders may not have time to react to it, please let a league official know so that we can discuss a move up in division with their family.
All male players are required to use an athletic cup. This is Little League policy; if no cup is worn, the player and their family assume liability for injuries that may occur due to lack of proper protection.
Soft “Tee Balls” must be used, no hard baseballs allowed.
COACH/MACHINE PITCH
Game Length
Games have a time limit of 1 hour and 15 minutes. For this division, new innings can be started when outside of 10 minutes from the time limit. If you are within 10 minutes of the time limit, it is best to end the game, as at this age level going much over the limit will cause you to lose most players’ attention.
Field Dimensions
Coach Pitch uses 50 foot base paths (on a field with markers, this should be the nearest marker). The coach throwing pitches should pitch from one knee at a distance of 25-30 feet from home plate.
Pitching Best Practices
It is important that coaches pitch from a knee to simulate the release point of the youth pitching they’ll see when they move up a division.
Pitches should be thrown overhand, and while not thrown “hard”, they should not be totally lobbed, as hitting a ball falling down across the plate is a different skill than hitting a ball that is traveling forward across the plate.
Here is a helpful video on pitching for coach pitch:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kr37vkNBzeo
Innings
Each team will have every batter in the lineup bat in every inning. The inning will conclude when the last batter in the lineup hits and runs all four bases or is forced/tagged out. Coaches may opt to reverse or rotate the batting order each inning so that the same players do not have to wait until the end of each inning to hit.
At-Bats
The batter will enter the batter’s box, and when ready, will receive up to 6 pitches from the coach. Coaches should not give extra pitches due to poor location, it is up to you as coaches to either practice throwing hittable pitches, or find someone amongst your team who can. We need to keep these games moving. After 6 pitches, a tee is brought out and the player may hit off of the tee. DO NOT FRUSTRATE FAMILIES BY CONTINUALLY THROWING "ONE MORE PITCH"
The ball is in play when it is hit off the bat into fair territory, no matter how far. When using the tee, if the tee is hit and the ball falls forward into fair territory, it should be called foul and placed back on the tee.
The player may swing as many times as necessary to hit the tee ball, no strikeouts will occur. A player may not strike out swinging at coach pitches.
Balls In Play
Once the ball is in play, the batter shall run to first base. On a ball stopped in the infield, runners may only advance one base. On a ball hit to the outfield, batters may advance another base until the ball reaches the infield. The goal here is to teach runners to listen to base coaches when a ball is in play.
Outs
While outs are not recorded for the purpose of ending a half inning, if an out is made defensively, the runner who was put out should return to the dugout. This achieves two things, it rewards and incentivizes good defensive play, and it teaches runners how outs work, while motivating them to try to beat the play.
Defensive Positions
Coach Pitch may have 10 players on the field defensively. No catcher is used (we do not provide gear, and it is a safety hazard to be behind the batter in any location with the potential for foul balls), and 5 infielders and up to 5 outfielders may take the field on defense. Outfielders should be rotated each inning so that no player plays outfield two innings in a row.
Coaches may occupy the field to coach defensive players, but should make an effort to stand near the foul lines, or if midfield take care not to obstruct the sightline from any player to the batter.
Safety
It is a Little League rule across all divisions that the only player who may have a bat in their hand is the player who is up to bat. PLEASE be diligent in making sure that no players are holding their bats in the dugout area, this age group is particularly dangerous in this regard as they do not have a strong sense of spatial awareness or consequence, and seem to love the idea of going to battle with their bats.
There is no “on deck circle”, the only offensive players who may be on the field are the batter and any runners on base.
All male players are required to use an athletic cup. This is Little League policy; if no cup is worn, the player and their family assume liability for injuries that may occur due to lack of proper protection.
A Division
PITCHING
The pitcher will begin each at bat versus the hitter of the opposing team. The pitcher will complete the at bat UNLESS:
1. They throw four balls before a strikeout or a ball in play, at which point the coach of the batter will throw pitches to the batter in order to resolve the at bat in either a strikeout or a ball in play. The pitching coach will call strikes looking.
2A. The batter is hit by a pitch, at which point the coach will resolve the at bat beginning with a no-strike count. (the idea here is to not punish a player who gets HBP on two strikes and then swings and misses at the next pitch. The reward for the HBP is a fresh start on strikes versus taking the base.)
Pitchers may throw a maximum of 1 inning per game.
BASERUNNING
There are no steals on a pitch in single A.
Runners may only advance one base on an overthrow of a ball in play. This includes home plate. (e.g. a player on their way to third may advance to home on an overthrown ball in play.)
If an infielder is in possession of the baseball, no runner may advance an additional base.
Players may not advance past second base (double) on a hit off of a coach pitch.
Maximum 4 runs scored per inning.
AA Division
No dropped 3rd strike.
Maximum 5 runs per inning.
No stealing on a throw back to the pitcher.
Can steal home on a past ball/overthrow.
AAA Division
Dropped 3rd strike in play.
Maximum 5 runs per inning.
Majors
No run limit per inning.
No time limit, play full 6 innings or to mercy rule. If game is called for weather/darkness, 4 completed innings constitutes a game of record.
Intermediates & Junior/Seniors
Leadoffs and Balks are in play.