7-8 YEAR-OLD
LEAGUE
RULES: Official
Little League with the below exceptions and classifications. The following may be exception or
clarification to the official rules:
1.
SPORTMANSHIP: Unsportsmanlike Conduct: It
is agreed that each council should monitor for unsportsmanlike conduct and
handle accordingly. The umpires are
empowered to confront anyone behaving in an unacceptable manner. Still, coaches must also take a part in the
control not only of the players, but also of the spectators. If unacceptable behavior is exhibited by
anyone a warning should be given. If the
behavior continues, the game will be suspended and the team responsible will
forfeit the game. We must make everyone
know that unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Our children should NEVER have to put up with
derogatory statements of any kind!
2.
DIMENSIONS: 60 ft. base distances with a
35’ pitching distance.
3.
LENGTH OF GAME: 6
innings. If tied at the end of 6
innings, game shall remain a tie. Prior
to May 10th, no inning should start after 7:45pm. After May 10th, innings should not
start after 8:00pm. It is at the
umpire’s discretion that either of these times be adjusted due to weather,
darkness or late start time. Games
suspended after 4 completed innings shall revert back to the last complete
inning. Team ahead shall be declared the
winner.
4.
PARTICIPATION: All players
showing up prior to the game in uniform (For safety, a uniform is to include a
hat, shirt and long pants) shall be in the batting order for the entire
game. All players must play at least 2
innings in the field. No more than 6
players may be in the infield. These positions are catcher, pitcher, 1st
base, 2nd base, 3rd base, and shortstop. Infielders must be on the edge of the dirt
and the grass. Outfielders must be on
the outfield grass at the time the ball is hit, with a maximum of 5
outfielders. The only coach allowed on
the field is the pitcher. If a player
must leave the game, he must take an out for each time he would later be up to
bat.
5.
PITCHING: Pitching shall be done by a
non-player, i.e. adult, older brother or sister, etc. Each pitcher will pitch to his/her own
team. This pitcher must make every
effort to not interfere with a batted or thrown ball, allowing the other team’s
player in the pitcher’s position to make a play. They cannot field a ball in play. Pitching shall be overhand. Pitching should be from a distance of 35
feet. The player pitcher must stand
behind the coach pitcher within 3-5 feet on either side.
6.
FORFEIT: A team must have 6
players dressed and ready to play.
Forfeit time is 15 minutes after the scheduled start time.
7.
BUNTING: Bunting IS NOT allowed.
8.
DROPPED THIRD STRIKE: Batter is
out.
9.
CATCHER POP UP: As determined by the
umpire, if
the catcher catches a foul ball that goes over the batter’s head the batter is
OUT.
10.
STEALING: Stealing IS NOT allowed.
11.
SLIDING: Sliding allowed at all bases
except first.
12.
STRIKES: Umpire shall call swinging
strikes only. Three strikes is an “out”.
All foul tips are considered strikes. If a foul tip is caught by the catcher on the
third strike the batter is out. There shall be no walks.
13.
LEADING OFF: There is no leading off
allowed.
14.
BASE RUNNING: Once a runner makes a motion
back to base, last touched during play (such as a batted ball and stops running
and turns to go back to base, walks back to base) play for that runner shall be
considered complete, runner must return to base.
15.
FIVE-RUN RULE: For the team at bat, when the
5th run of the inning scores, once a play is considered completed,
team at bat shall move to the field, regardless of the number of outs. It is possible, however, to score more than
five runs in an inning. Example: Bases are loaded and batter hits an apparent
home run. All runs count that score
before in judgment of umpire play was complete.
Five-run rule is in effect only during the first 5 innings. It is not in effect during the sixth or extra
innings.
16.
INFIELD FLY RULE: Infield fly rule does NOT apply.
17.
OVER THROW RULE: ASA rules apply
18.
END OF PLAY: Play stops when ball is returned to (coach) pitcher. The coach pitcher MUST stay within 2 feet of
the dirt around the mound. If the ball
is hit to the outfield, as soon as it is returned to ANY infielder the play is
dead. Any runner more than ½ way between
bases may continue to the next base.
19.
BASEBALL EQUIPMENT:
-
Balls: An RIF Level 5 ball shall be used. Home team shall supply one new ball, and one
good used ball.
-
Gloves: There are no restrictions as to
the size or type of glove a player may wear at any position.
-
Bats: Any baseball bat will be allowed.
-
Catchers: Catchers must wear masks, shin
guards, cup, and chest protectors. Any
player warming up a pitcher must wear a catcher’s mask.
-
Runners: Runners and batters must wear
helmets.
15.
AWARDS: Each council shall determine
awards for their teams.
16.
RAINOUTS/POSTPONEMENTS: Managers
shall try to call opposing manager by 5:00pm if game is not to be played. If you do not hear from the opposing manager,
then go to the field. Make-up games
shall be at the discretion of opposing managers. Local Baseball Commissioner must clear dates
for make-up games. If during a game,
lightning should appear in the area, it is the umpire/field attendant’s
responsibility to suspend or terminate the game. A representative from the Baltimore County
Department of Recreation and Parks can make the final determination on all
weather and darkness decisions.
Games suspended after 4 completed innings shall revert back to the last
complete inning. Team ahead shall be
declared the winner.
17.
DEADLINES: Any Recreation Council that
does not adhere to the schedule due dates for program information will have
their respective staff person and Rec. Council notified, and will have 24 hours
to forward information to the appropriate commissioner. Failure to comply within 24 hours results in
removal from program.
18.
SMOKING: NO SMOKING is allowed on school
premises.
19.
OFFICIALS: One umpire will be assigned to
each game.
COMMISSIONERS AND COACHES – IF YOU MUST CANCEL A GAME, YOU HAVE 24 HOURS TO DO SO, IN AN EMERGENCY ONLY! IF YOU DO NOT NOTIFY YOUR COMMISSIONER TO CANCEL A GAME, OR YOUR TEAM DOES NOT SHOW UP AT THE FIELD, YOU STILL MUST PAY FOR THE UMPIRE. COMMISSIONERS ARE THE ONLY PEOPLE TO CONTACT UMPIRE COORDINATORS!!! GAMES SHOULD ONLY BE CANCELLED DUE TO SCHOOL FUNTIONS OR WEATHER.