Local Rules
Majors 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 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.
1.4 If a player arrives late, he or she should be played within two innings of arriving.
1.5 The 10-run rule will be a voluntary rule allowing the concession of a game by the losing team after official game status has been reached.
1.6 All regular season games will end by 9:45PM local time.
1.7 Field lights must be out by 10:00PM local time.
1.8 Double Header: When teams participate in an immediate double header or back-to-back games against the same opponent, each game shall last 4 innings. No specific lineup rules are in effect.
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 There is no maximum runs per inning limit.
3.0 Pitching
3.1 All pitchers must adhere to the pitch count rules set forth by Little League Baseball.
3.2 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.
3.3 Before the game begins, both coaches, in consultation with the umpire, should agree on how balks will be called and when warnings will be issued.
4.0 Game responsibilities and safety issues
4.1 Home team is responsible for lining and grooming the field. Both teams are encouraged to work together to accomplish this.
4.2 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.
4.3 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.
4.4 Home team is responsible for providing game balls to the umpire and for confirming the umpire 2-3 days prior to the game.
4.5 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.
4.6 Both teams should clear the dugouts of all trash and debris.
5.0 Miscellaneous Rules
5.1 When situations arise that are not covered in this addendum, the little league rulebook will govern all play.
5.2 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.
5.3 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.
5.4 These are the official house rules of Whitemarsh Little League Majors Division. Any other existing copy without the version and date listed below are deemed invalid
6.0 Whitemarsh Little League Summer Travel and Tournament Teams
6.1 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 6.6.
6.2 There are no tryouts at the 12U 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.
6.3 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.
6.4 A Team (District Team) Formation: After the ranking meeting, the Player Agent will formally announce the head coach for the 12UA 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.
6.5 B Team Formation: Once the 12UA team roster has been finalized, the formation of the 12UB 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.
6.6 The same process as outlined in sections 6.1 through 6.5 will be repeated for the 11U age group.
6.7 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.
· District Teams subject to additional rules per Little League of America.