The following are RCELL's amended local rules.
ROSE CAPITAL EAST AMERICAN/NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUES
(REVISED MARCH 2007)
I. LEAGUE DESCRIPTION
The League shall be known as the Rose Capital East American/National Little League (hereinafter referred to as “RCEALL/RCENLL” or the “League”) and shall consist of:
1. T-Ball
2. 5-Pitch
3. Minor League
4. Major League
5. Junior League
6. Senior League
7. Big League
8. Challenger Division
II. ROSTERS, BIRTH CERTIFICATES AND INSURANCE
Team rosters will be verified by the Player Agent prior to the first scheduled game. The League must have a copy of the certified birth certificate (not a hospital certificate) for each player before said player participates in any practices or games. The manager or coach shall notify the Player Agent of any and all injuries to any player while participating in sanctioned practices, games, scrimmages, etc. which require medical attention.
III. TEAMS
Depending upon the availability of players, it is desirable for all teams to begin the season with a roster consisting of the following:
1. Big League: 13 maximum, 12 minimum
2. Senior League: 13 maximum
3. Junior League: 13 maximum, 10 minimum
4. Major League: 13 maximum
5. Minor League: 13 maximum, 10 minimum
6. 5-Pitch: 14 maximum
7. T-Ball: 14 maximum
If all teams are at maximum players after the draft and a player registers late, he/she will be put on a waiting list for placement on a team as soon as possible. The Board of Directors reserves the right to form an additional team if the number of late registering players justifies such action.
IV. TEAM ORGANIZATION AND CONTROL
A. Prior to the start of the regular season, each team is encouraged to practice a minimum of twice each week. After the season starts, each team is encouraged to practice at least once a week. Practice shall not be held unless one adult Manager or Coach is present.
B. Long pants must be worn by all players for practices. This is a stipulation in insurance coverage policies. Players are to be advised of this policy. Players wearing short pants will be considered to have waived the League insurance coverage for that practice.
C. Players missing practice must advise their manager or coach if at all possible. Unexcused absence and/or horseplay at practice may be cause for a player to be declared ineligible for the next scheduled game. The manager will inform the League President and the player’s parents in writing as to specific reason the player is declared ineligible prior to the start of the game.
V. REPLACEMENT OF PLAYERS, MANAGERS AND COACHES
A. When a player’s services are lost for the year due to injury, moving and/or other situations as approved by the Board of Directors, the manager shall notify the Player Agent immediately. The Player Agent will verify the vacancy with the player’s parents and doctor, if necessary. The Player Agent will assign the next available player to the team having lost a player. Every effort will be made for the replacement player to be of the same League age as the player who was lost.
B. A replacement player may be appointed by the Board of Directors if five (5) or more games remain in the regular season from the date the Player Agent verifies the vacancy. No replacements will be made because a player went on vacation, went to camp, etc. Replacements will be made if a player is unable to play because of injury, the player moves out of town, etc. No replacements will be made with four (4) games or less remaining in the regular season and the team must complete the season with a “short” roster, except by appeal of the manager to League Board of Directors.
C. The only player allowed to be “frozen” during the draft shall be the son/daughter of the manager.
D. All managers shall be reviewed by the Managers Committee and approved by the President.
E. Any manager, coach or player removed from a game for disciplinary reasons shall leave the complex immediately and shall be barred from participation in the next physically played game and must not appear at the field. Such information shall be indicated in the official scorebook. Said manager, coach or player may appeal his suspension to the League President who may, at his discretion, reinstate said manager, coach, or player.
VI. SANCTIONS, SUSPENSIONS AND DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS.
A. The purpose of the Little League is to help boys and girls become good and decent citizens. It strives to inspire them with specific goals and to enrich their lives toward the day when they must take their places in society. It establishes for them the fundamentals of teamwork and fair play. The Board of Directors will look with utmost disfavor upon activities such as instructing batters to deliberately strikeout, instructing pitchers to deliberately walk batters, or calling time out to talk to players, etc. all in an effort to affect the outcome of a game when time becomes a factor. The principles of Little League involve much more than just winning and the Board expects those principles to be adhered to by all managers, coaches and parents at all times.
B. The actions of players, managers, coaches and spectators must be above reproach. The Umpire-in-Chief will report to the League President, in writing, within twenty-four (24) hours after the game of all violations of the rules, including reasons for removal of a player, manager or coach from a game.
C. Managers are not to argue with other managers, coaches, umpires or spectators prior to, during or after a game. If a problem arises, a manager or coach should notify a League official. Please keep in mind that some of the youths will conduct themselves just like their manager or coach. Managers, coaches, players and spectators are subject to the control of the Umpire-in-Chief or Board member. Managers MUST be above reproach.
D. The actions of a player’s parents at the game can be cause for a player to be removed from a game. Umpire-baiting by players, managers, or parents will not be tolerated. Players may not yell at opponents.
E. The Board of Directors of RCENLL shall not tolerate fighting, physical aggression or the threat of violence by any player, manager, coach, umpire or spectator under ANY CIRCUMSTANCES at any RCENLL sanctioned practice, game or event. Any person or persons involved in such behavior shall be subject to the following:
1. Shall be suspended for the next two (2) physically played games of the team with which said person or persons are associated, and
2. Shall not appear at the field or fields for the term of the suspension, subject to immediate forfeiture of the game by the team with which said person or persons are associated should this provision be violated, and
3. Shall appear before the Board of Directors together with the Manager of the team with which said person or persons are associated prior to the expiration of the automatic two (2) physically played game suspension. The Board of Directors reserves the right to impose more severe penalties if, in the opinion of the Board of Directors, the incident warrants such action.
F. In the event any team does not show up for its scheduled umpire duty, the next scheduled game for such team will be recorded as a loss regardless of the actual outcome of the game.
G. The League President and/or Board of Directors will decide what action will be taken in the case of a player, manager, coach or spectator being removed from a game. A permanent suspension may result. A permanent suspension must be approved by the Board of Directors with its decision being final.
VII. CANCELLED, SUSPENDED, INCOMPLETE AND TIE GAMES
A. Games will not be cancelled until it is apparent that the fields cannot be made ready for play. This decision will be made by the League President, or his designee. Normally, this decision will be made by 4:00 PM on the day of the game. Information regarding cancelled games will be available from the League Commissioners and the League website. Umpires and League officials will decide on the fitness of fields after the game starts.
B. All cancelled, suspended, incomplete or tie games scheduled during the week will be re-scheduled for the following Saturday or the next available time, whichever is sooner. A team will not be required to play more than three (3) games during any calendar week unless required to finish the season.
C. The League Commissioner has the authority to re-schedule all cancelled, suspended, incomplete or tie games and forward this schedule to the President. Games not played within fourteen (14) days of the original game date will be brought to the attention of the Board of Directors for review.
D. All the games will be played to the point of being considered a regulation game if time allows; otherwise, it will be re-scheduled pursuant to the Rules and Regulations as promulgated by Little League Baseball, Inc.
VIII. GAME TIMES & TIME LIMITS
A. Warm-up times
1. On-field warm-ups shall be permitted only if time allows in order for games to begin at scheduled times.
2. Visiting team has use of field first for ten (10) minutes.
3. Home team uses field last for ten (10) minutes.
B. T-Ball and 5-Pitch
1. First game shall start at 5:45 PM.
2. Second game shall start at 7:15 PM.
3. No inning is to start after one hour and ten minutes (1:10) of play, unless the game is tied and time permits further play.
4. The time limit for the last game of the day will be extended to the time designated as the “curfew” in the Little League Rule Book only if necessary for the game to be declared a regulation game. All games will play under a time limit except for championships, those will be 5 innings. Play-Offs will play with time limits
C. Minor and Major League
1. The first game shall start at 5:45 PM.
2. The second game shall start at 8:00 PM.
3. No inning is to start after one hour and forty-five minutes (1:45) of play, unless the game is tied and time permits further play.
4. The time limit for the last game of the day will be extended to the time designated as the “curfew” in the Little League Rule Book only if necessary for the game to be declared a regulation game. All games will play under a time limit except for championships, those will be 6 innings. Play-Offs will play with time limits
D. Senior and Junior League
1. The first game shall start at 6:00 PM.
2. The second game shall start at 8:15 PM.
3. No inning is to start after two hours and five minutes (2:05) of play, unless the game is tied and time permits further play.
4. The time limit for the last game of the day will be extended to the time designated as the “curfew” in the Little League Rule Book only if necessary for the game to be declared a regulation game. All games will play under a time limit except for championships, those will be 7 innings. Play-Offs will play with time limits
E. Big League
1. The first game shall start at 6:00 PM.
2. The second game shall start at 8:30 PM.
3. No inning is to start after two hours and fifteen minutes (2:15) of play, unless game is tied and time permits further play.
4. The time limit for the last game of the day will be extended to the time designated as the “curfew” in the Little League Rule Book only if necessary for the game to be declared a regulation game.
IX. GAMES
A. Games will be played in accordance with the most current Little League Rule Book and Amendments as approved by the League Board.
B. All Leagues will play a schedule of no less than twelve (12) games.
C. A ten (10) run rule will be in effect for all Leagues after a game is declared a regulation game, as allowed by the Little League Rule Book.
D. Suspended or tie games will resume where they left off with all players in the same position except the pitcher, if in violation of the pitching rule. This rule only applies to those games re-scheduled after reaching the point of being considered a regulation game.
X. DUGOUTS
A. Only uniformed players, managers and coaches on the roster, authorized photographers and umpires shall be permitted within the confines of the playing field prior to and during games. Players shall be in their respective dugouts or in the bullpens during games. Batboys/batgirls are not allowed.
B. Other adults in the dugout must be approved by the President, Vice-President or Umpire-in-Chief. This approval will be for one game only and must be brought to the attention of the opposing Manager prior to the start of play.
C. Managers and coaches will be responsible for keeping equipment in order.
XI. BASE COACHES
A. As allowed by the Little League Rule Book.
B. An adult manager and/or coach will be permitted to occupy the first and third base coaches box if there is at least one other adult manager and/or coach in the dug out.
C. Base coaches must stay within the confines of the Coaches Box.
D. All players acting as base coaches must wear a Little League approved batting helmet and be in full uniform.
XII. INTERRUPTION OF PLAY
In the event a ball from an area outside of the playing field comes onto the playing field, it shall be the umpire’s judgment to stop or continue play.
XIII. SCOREKEEPERS
A. The home team will furnish the official scorekeeper for each game. The home team will be responsible for securing and returning the scoreboard controls, the public address system and the official scorebook for each game.
B. The scorekeeper shall be considered neutral and shall not advise either manager of any rule violation during the course of the game. Violation of this provision may result in the removal of the scorekeeper.
C. The scorekeeper’s integrity must be above reproach and not exhibit prejudice or show favorable treatment toward a certain player(s) or team’s performance on the field.
D. Each manager will furnish lineups/rosters to the scorekeeper and opposing manager fifteen (15) minutes prior to the beginning of each game. Lineups/rosters must be filled out completely (full name, position, number, substitutes, etc.).
E. No correction or alteration may be made in the scorebook by a manager, coach or the scorekeeper without consulting a League Official. If the problem cannot be resolved at that time, the official shall note the requested correction in the official scorebook and refer the matter to the President, and set a date, time and place at which to meet in an attempt to resolve the problem. If the meeting does not result in an agreed and acceptable correction, the matter will be turned over to the Board of Directors for their review and decision.
F. Both managers must sign the scorebook immediately after each game. Signed books constitute acceptance of the game and no appeal will be accepted after the official scorebook is signed except for situations noted in Paragraph XVIII herein.
XIV. MINIMUM PLAYING RULE
A. All teams are required to strictly adhere to the minimum playing rule. Each player is to play six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time in each scheduled game.
B. Special notations shall be made in the official scorebook by the official scorekeeper concerning adherence to the minimum playing rule of all eligible players.
C. If a game is called because of the time limit, ten (10) run rule, etc. and a player has not met the minimum playing requirements, it shall not be considered a violation of the minimum playing rule. If a regulation game is completed and a player has not met the minimum playing rule requirements, the player must start the subsequent game to fulfill the requirements of the previous game, as well as the minimum playing requirements of the subsequent game.
D. Any manager violating the minimum playing rule is subject to the following disciplinary action from the League Board of Directors.
1. First offense – Letter of reprimand.
2. Second offense – Suspension from one game.
3. Third offense – Suspension for the season.
E. If any Manager violates the minimum playing rule, the opposing Manager may elect to protest the game under the prescribed procedures as stated in the Little League Rule Book. The protest shall be made in writing to the League President within twenty-four (24) hours from the time the game was completed. If the violation is deemed to have been intentional on the part of the Manager and/or Coach, by the Rules Committee, the entire game will be replayed and the matter referred to the Board of Directors for consideration of more severe penalties being assessed the Manager and/or Coach.
F. For the purpose of this rule, if the last half of the last inning is not played due to the home team having the lead, such half inning will count as three (3) defensive outs for the visiting team and the next three (3) scheduled batters will be considered as having batted.
XV. T-BALL, 5-PITCH, MINOR AND JUNIOR LEAGUE
A. Batting orders for T-Ball, 5-Pitch, Minor, & Major Leagues will consist of a complete roster of all players present for each game. All players present will bat in consecutive order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field.
B. All players must play a minimum of six (6) defensive outs in each game. All other provisions of the minimum playing rule as stated in the Little League Rule Book and Paragraph XIV herein shall apply.
C. T-Ball and 5-Pitch teams will observe a “six (6) run” rule per inning, i.e., a team’s time at bat will be over when six (6) runs have been scored or three (3) outs have been made, whichever occurs first.
D. Minor League teams will adhere to a “five (5) run” rule per inning, i.e., a team’s time at bat will be over when five (5) runs have been scored or three (3) outs have been made, whichever comes first.
E. Junior League teams will observe a “four (4) run” rule per inning for the first four (4) innings of each game, i.e., a team’s at bat will be over when four (4) runs have been scored or three (3) outs have been made, whichever occurs first. There is no run limit after four (4) innings.
F. All other rules contained in the Little League Rule Book shall govern play in all Leagues.
XVI. CATCHERS
Male catchers must wear a protective cup and will not be allowed to play without it. Catchers must wear protective helmets in all divisions.
XVII. USE OF TOBACCO
The use of tobacco, in any form, by managers, coaches, umpires and/or players will not be permitted on the fields or in the dugout. This also applies to all spectator areas around the playing fields.
XVIII. PROTESTS
A. No protest will last more than five (5) minutes.
B. Each protest will be ruled and settled on the field if at all possible. The protest must be at the point and time of the infraction and play must not have proceeded beyond that point. The Umpire-in-Chief and the opposing managers will attempt to resolve the protest to mutual agreement. If additional advice is needed, the Umpire-in-Chief may ask the help of the President of the League, Chief Umpire, or any other authorized RCENLL official. Protests must be registered in accordance with the official Little League Rules. In no event may a protest be entered after the completion of a game. Unresolved protests will be submitted to the League President, in writing, within twenty-four (24) hours of the incident and subsequently, the President will submit the protest to the Rules Committee for adjudication.
C. Upon notification that a game is being played under protest, the Umpire-in-Chief will have the official scorebook annotated as to the exact point of the protest (inning, number of outs, existing score, name of scorekeeper, names of umpires, protesting team, plus any other information deemed necessary). Further, the Umpire-in-Chief will insure that the official scorebook and the team game line-ups from which the scorebook line-up was created are impounded immediately following the game and delivered to the League President or other RCENLL official.
D. The League President will immediately request the Rules Committee to investigate the protest.
E. The Rules Committee will convene to resolve protests and return their decision to the League President no later than five (5) days from the time they were notified of the protest.
F. All League officials should and will assist each manager in order to avoid a protest of a game.
XIX. ALL STARS
A. All-Star selection procedures shall be determined by the Board of Directors.
B. Under no circumstances will the names of the All-Stars be made public before the date specified by Little League.
C. Replacement players and/or coaches on the All-Star teams must be coordinated through the Player Agent and approved by the Board of Directors.
XX. TIME OUT
A. Managers and coaches wishing to come onto the playing field during the game must request and receive time out from the Umpire-in-Chief prior to exiting the dugout.
B. Excessive use of time outs may result in rule violations and penalties being exercised in accordance with Playing Rule No. 4 as contained in the Little League Rule Book.
XXI. PLAY OFFS
A. Play offs will be at the end of the regular season. The teams with the best records will participate. Teams with tie records will break the tie with the formula in place.
B. The number of teams in the play offs will be 4 for leagues with 10 or less teams, 6 teams for leagues with 11 or more teams.
C. Play off format will be in a 4 team match up 4v1, 3v2. The winners of those 2 games will play each other for the championship.In a 6 team match team 6v3, 5v4. The winners of 6v3 will play team 1, the winner of 4v5 will play team 2. The winners of those games will play the championship game.
D. Team with the best record will be home.
XXII. AMENDMENTS TO PLAYING RULES
A. Amendments can be made to any of these rules at any regular Board meeting or at a special Board meeting called for that purpose.
B. Amendments, deletions, and/or additions to these rules require a quorum of the Board of Directors to be present. A quorum shall consist of at least one-half (1/2) of all Board members.
C. An affirmative vote by a majority of the Board members present will be required in order for any proposed changes to be implemented.
MODIFIED PLAYING RULES
T-BALL AND FIVE-PITCH
ROSE CAPITAL EAST NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE
(REVISED FEBRUARY 2006)
1. Game schedules will be furnished to each manager.
2. No child will participate in practice or games until a copy of the birth certificate is on file with the Player Agent.
3. Each game will be a maximum of five (5) innings with no inning starting after one hour and ten minutes (1:10) of play.
4. 5-Pitch: There will be no tie games. If there is no winner after one hour and ten minutes (1:10), and the final inning has been completed, the game will be re-scheduled for completion at the next available date as determined by the League Commissioner. Players will resume the same positions and batting order with the game commencing from the exact point at which game was suspended and continuing until a winner is determined.
T-Ball: We will not break ties in T-Ball. All completed games (five innings or 1:10 time limit) are final regardless of score.
5. All teams will observe a “six (6) run” rule per inning, i.e., a team’s at bat will be over when six (6) runs have scored or three (3) outs have been made, whichever occurs first.
6. Only two (2) base coaches will be allowed on the field. Base coaches to be positioned in the first and third base coaches boxes. In 5-Pitch, a third adult will be allowed to pitch.
7. Two (2) defensive coaches may position themselves at least ten (10) feet down the line from the coaches boxes.
8. Changes in the defensive line-up must be given to the scorekeeper.
9. Each manager must furnish the scorekeeper and opposing manager with their batting order fifteen (15) minutes prior to the start of the game.
10. The team batting order will consist of a complete roster of all players present for each game. All players present will bat in consecutive order regardless of whether or not they are playing in the field.
11. Each player must play at least six (6) defensive outs or two (2) defensive innings.
16. T-Ball: Each batter has three (3) chances to hit the ball from the batting “Tee”. A foul ball on the third (3rd) swing will allow the batter one (1) additional swing to hit the ball into fair territory. If the ball is not hit into fair territory on the fourth (4th) swing, the batter will be called out. Striking the batting “Tee” constitutes a foul ball, if the ball does not reach fair territory.
5-Pitch: Each batter will get five (5) balls pitched to him/her by their Coach. The batter gets three (3) strikes to hit the ball. Foul balls on the third (3rd) strike are considered strike two (2). If the ball is not hit by the fifth (5th) pitch into fair territory, the batter is out.
17. A ball coming to rest inside the ten (10) foot foul circle is considered a foul ball. The line drawn on the playing field and forming the (10) foot foul circle is considered fair territory. A ball coming to rest on the foul circle or any base line is a fair ball.
18. Every offensive player must wear a helmet when batting or running the bases. The defensive catcher in 5-Pitch must wear a mask, shin guards and chest protector. The defensive catcher in T-Ball must wear a batting helmet with a mask. The defensive catcher in T-Ball and 5-Pitch may wear a fielders glove. Protective equipment must be worn in all practice sessions.
19. The home team will be responsible for securing and returning the scoreboard controls, the public address system and the official scorebook for each game and for furnishing the umpire two (2) game balls for each game. The equipment may be picked up from a League Official at the concession stand.
20. A batter slinging the bat, in the judgement of the umpire, constitutes an illegal action. A bat coming to rest outside of the ten (10) foot foul circle does not automatically constitute slinging the bat. For the first (1st) offense, the batter will receive a warning. The umpire shall notify the scorekeeper and both managers of the warning. For the second (2nd) offense, the batter will be called out.
21. The Little League Pledge will be recited prior to the start of all games by the teams. The players and coaches will line up on the first (1st) and third (3rd) base lines. The umpire will lead the Pledge.
22. On overthrows inside the foul lines, runners may advance at the risk of being put out. On overthrows going outside of the foul lines but inside the playing field, runners are entitled to the base to which they are going with liability of being put out, plus a maximum of one (1) additional base if the runner elects to advance at their own risk. If the runner attempts to take the additional base on overthrows going outside of the foul lines, said runner is at risk of being put out. Runners will not advance more than two (2) bases on overthrows going outside of the foul lines. No compound overthrows (being more than one overthrow) will be allowed when the first overthrow goes outside the foul lines.
23. 5-Pitch only:
(a) The manager/coach/pitcher will position himself in the pitcher’s circle with one (1) foot on the pitching rubber at the time the ball is pitched. The defensive pitcher will then position himself to either side (not in front or behind) of the manager/coach/pitcher with both feet in the circle.
(b) If a batted ball hits the manager/coach/pitcher and is judged unintentional interference by the umpire, the ball is dead and the batter gets that swing over. If the batted ball hits the manager/coach/pitcher and is judged intentional interference by the umpire, the batter is out. If, in the umpire’s judgement, the manager/coach/pitcher interferes with the defensive pitcher, then the batter is out.
(c) The manager/coach/pitcher shall not interfere with any defensive player attempting to make a play. If the umpire judges such interference intentional by the manager/coach/pitcher, the runner shall be called out.
(d) If the manager/coach/pitcher touches a live ball, play will be halted and all runners shall return to the previous base. If the ball is batted, Rule 23 (b) above shall apply. No runs may be scored once the manager/coach/pitcher has touched a live ball.
25. Runners cannot advance when the ball is in possession of the pitcher while inside the pitcher’s circle. If, in the judgement of the umpire, the runner has not advanced one-half (1/2) of the distance to the base to which he/she is running at the time of possession by the pitcher, the runner must return to the base last occupied.
26. Managers, coaches, players and spectators must show respect for the umpires at all times during the course of the game. Managers are responsible for the actions of the coaches, players and spectators of their respective teams and are subject to ejection from the game for such actions deemed inappropriate by the umpire.
27. Each player will receive a plaque/trophy for participation in T-Ball.
28. TBall: There will be no playoffs or championship games.
29. All other rules as contained in the official regulations and playing rules for all divisions of Little League baseball shall apply.
30. Little League T-Ball rules shall apply to 5-Pitch.