Local Rules
AA Division
1.0 Playing Time – Length of Game
1.1 No player may sit for two consecutive innings.
1.2 No player may sit more than two total innings per regulation game.
1.3 Each player shall play at least one inning in the infield per regulation game.
1.4 A maximum of nine defensive players will take the field per inning.
1.5 Free substitution: there is no limit as to how many times a player enters or
leaves the game. The time of substitution is not determined by position in
the batting order.
1.6 If a player arrives late, he or she should be played within two innings of
Arriving.
1.7 The 10-run rule is not in effect for any game, regular season, playoffs or
championship.
1.8 No new inning shall start after 1 hour and 50 minutes of playing time. When that deadline is reached, the game will conclude when the current inning is completed. If the score is tied at the conclusion of that final inning, then the game will be recorded as a tie. Playoff games that are tied in the final inning will be permitted to go beyond the time limit.
1.9 Pitchers may throw five warmup pitches between innings after the game starts. The only exception is when a new pitcher is brought into the game, in which case he may throw 8 warmup pitches when entering the game.
1.10Double Header: When teams participate in an immediate double header or back-to-back games against the same opponent, each game shall last 4 innings. The batting order for Game 2 must be the reverse of Game 1. This means the player who occupied the last lineup spot in Game 1 will bat first in Game 2. Due to the shortened nature of the games, this rule promotes a balanced approach for plate appearances.
2.0 Batting
2.1 The lineup consists of all players present whether playing in the field or not. Batting order will extend beyond nine to include all players present.
2.2 If a player arrives late, he or she is added to the bottom of the lineup.
2.3 All innings, except the last, have a four-run rule. Once the fourth run scores, the inning is over regardless of the type of hit or other runners score after the fourth run. The last inning in uncapped.
2.4 The umpire will announce at the top of the inning, this is the last inning. If the 1 hour and 50 minute “no new inning rule” is approaching and coaches/umpires call last inning prior to making it to the sixth inning, the last inning will be uncapped. Coaches concerned about the sundown time should discuss the possibility with the umpire before the start of the top of the inning.
3.0 Baserunning
3.1 Stealing is permitted and encouraged. Runners cannot leave until after the ball has crossed the plate. Runners who leave early, must return to the base just left. The team will be warned twice. The third violation will result in the runner being called out.
3.2 In order to encourage catchers to throw out potential base stealers and to teach infielders how to catch/tag/backup on stolen bases, runners cannot advance on an overthrow on a steal. Runners may only advance one base per steal attempt. The baserunner may only attempt to steal the next bag on the next pitch.
3.3 Stealing of home is not allowed. Baserunners who have advanced to 3rd base must stay on 3rd base until a ball is batted live and in play or the runner is forced home by a bases loaded walk or HBP.
3.4 There is no “slide or surrender rule.” However, no player can deliberately run into a defensive player who has possession of the ball with the intention of jarring the ball loose. The penalty is dead ball, runner is out.
3.5 On a dropped third strike, batter is out and no advancement of batter is allowed; however, runners may advance.
3.6 Once the pitcher returns to the vicinity of the mound with established possession of the ball, including after a pitch, runners must return to the base previously occupied, unless they have already committed to the next base. Runners cannot start to break towards the next base once the pitcher has returned to the vicinity of the mound.
3.7 No infield fly rule.
3.8 Overthrows: Baserunners may only advance one base per overthrow. Example, if a ground ball is batted and the force out attempt at first base is an errant throw, the baserunner may only advance to second base. The baserunner must remain at second unless a fielder attempts another throw with the intention to get the baserunner out. In that event, if the throw or catch is errant, the baserunner may then attempt for the next base. Baserunners may not advance on an overthrow or errant catch during the process of returning the ball to the Pitcher.
3.9 Back pick: After a pitch is made, if the catcher attempts to back pick a baserunner who is taking a running lead off of a bag, and the throw or catch is errant, the runner is not permitted to advance to the next base. Runners may take a running lead once the ball crosses the plate, but they do so at their own risk.
4.0 Pitching
4.1 All pitchers in the AA division must adhere to the following rest requirements:
· Maximum number of pitches, per player, per game is 75.
· If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four calendar days of rest must be observed.
· If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three calendar days of rest must be observed.
· If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two calendar days of rest must be observed.
· If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one calendar day of rest must be observed.
· If a player pitches 1 to 20 pitches in a day, no day of rest must be observed.
· A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
· Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limits imposed above while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until one of the following occurs: that batter reaches base, the batter is put out, the third out is made to complete the half inning.
· If a player catches three innings, he shall not be permitted to pitch the remainder of the game
4.2 If a pitcher hits three batters in one inning, they will be relieved from pitching for the duration of the game. If a pitcher hits four batters over the course of two consecutive innings, they will be relieved from pitching the duration of the game.
4.3 A pitcher may pitch in only one game per day. In the unlikely event that a team is playing a doubleheader, a pitcher may not pitch in both games, even if they only throw 20 pitches or less in the first game.
4.4 Please confirm pitch count totals with your opposing team every half-inning so that both teams are on the same page with the pitch count and to avoid disputes at the end of the game.
4.5 Intentional walks are not permitted.
4.6 Coaches should be mindful that players may also be members of other baseball teams. When deciding whether to have a player pitch in a Whitemarsh Little League game, coaches should consider the player's pitch count from any other games they have participated in.
5.0 Game responsibilities and safety issues
5.1 Home team is responsible for lining and grooming the field. Both teams are encouraged to work together to accomplish this.
5.2 Adults will coach at first and third base, provided an approved third coach is in the dugout at all times. The dugout will not be left without adult supervision.
5.3 All male catchers must wear a protective cup while catching. The chest protector is worn with the protective flap down. Throat guards are required on all catcher’s equipment.
5.4 Home team is responsible for providing game balls to the umpire and for confirming the umpire 2-3 days prior to the game.
5.5 Home team is responsible for dragging the field after the game and putting tarps on the mound/plate if rain is expected. Both teams are encouraged to work together to accomplish this.
5.6 Both teams should clear the dugouts of all trash and debris.
6.0 Miscellaneous Rules
6.1 When situations arise that are not covered in this addendum, the little league rulebook will govern all play.
6.2 Please review and familiarize yourselves with Rules 4.11, 4.12 and 4.13 in the little league rule book regarding partially completed and suspended games.
6.3 If a team is short players, the head coach must first seek to call up a player from a younger division within the same team. The call-up player may not pitch or catch and will be placed in the last spot of the lineup.
6.4 These are the official house rules of Whitemarsh Little League AA Division. Any other existing copy without the version and date listed below are deemed invalid.
7.0 Whitemarsh Little League Summer Travel and Tournament Teams
7.1 At the conclusion of the spring in-house season, Whitemarsh Little League encourages the formation of summer tournament and/or travel teams for each age group. Eligibility for these teams will adhere to the criteria outlined in Section 7.6.
7.2 There are no tryouts at the 9U level. Coaches are required to keep baseball statistics for their team and individual players. All games shall be scored in the GameChanger app to ensure full transparency and consistency.
7.3 At a time and date set by the Player Agent, the head coaches shall convene for a "ranking meeting." Each head coach will provide an anonymous ranking of the top 10 players, ordered from 1 to 10, to the Player Agent prior to the start of the meeting. These rankings will be compiled by the Player Agent and will serve as the starting point for discussions among the coaches. After the top 10 players are ranked, all other players in the division shall be ranked in order as well. Rankings should not be based solely on individual statistics; coaches should evaluate each player’s overall performance and abilities when determining their rank. Statistics may be used as a reference but should not be the primary factor.
7.4 A Team Formation: After the ranking meeting, the Player Agent will formally announce the head coach for the 9UA team. The head coach shall have a child ranked between #1 - 5. An exception to this may be granted by the Player Agent. Players ranked 1 through 10 will automatically be invited to join the A team. The head coach will then select two additional players, regardless of their ranking, to complete the roster. The Player Agent retains the sole authority to veto a coach’s selection if the player’s ranking is deemed to be significantly outside a reasonable range. If a player declines their invitation, the head coach, in consultation with the Player Agent, may select an alternative player.
7.5 B Team Formation: Once the 9UA team roster has been finalized, the formation of the 9UB team may proceed. The Player Agent or Board will approve the head coach of the B team. The head coach of the B team shall use the player rankings as a reference, but they are not required to select players strictly according to the ranking order. The Player Agent must approve the roster of the B team.
7.6 Eligibility for Whitemarsh Summer Teams. To be eligible for selection to a Whitemarsh Summer Travel or Tournament team, players must meet the following criteria:
· Players must be registered in the Whitemarsh Little League spring recreational season.
· Players must have participated in at least 8 games during the season. In cases of injury or other extenuating circumstances, the Player Agent may, at their sole discretion, waive this requirement.