DIVISION RULES – 2024
BATS: Effective on January 1, 2018, Little League Baseball® will adhere to the new USABat standard. No bats previously approved for use in Little League Play (Junior League Baseball and below) will be permitted to be used in any Little League game or practice, or other Little League function, event, or activity. For more information on the USABat standard and a complete list of bats approved through the USABat Standard, visit usabat.com.
JUNIORS (Ages 13-14) LEAGUE RULES
PITCHING:
1. Any player on a regular season team may pitch.
a. NOTE: There is no limit to the number of pitchers a team may use in a game.
2. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. Junior, Senior, and Big League Divisions only: A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.
3. The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position:
a. League Age 17-18: 105 pitches per day; 13-16: 95 pitches per day
i. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI (c) for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning.
ii. Note 1: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
b. Pitchers league age 15-18 must adhere to the following rest requirements:
i. If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
ii. If a player pitches 61 - 75 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
iii. If a player pitches 46 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
iv. If a player pitches 31 -45 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
v. If a player pitches 1-30 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
4. Pitcher may NOT bring pitching had to lips or mouth while in contact with the pitching rubber. They may bring pitching hand to mouth while on the mound as long as they are not touching the rubber and they wipe off the hand prior to contacting the ball.
5. A player who has played catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to pitcher, and throws 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position. EXCEPTION: If pitcher reached the 20-pitch limit while facing a batter, they may finish that batter.
6. If a pitcher reaches 40 pitches while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until they finish that batter, and maintain their eligibility to play catcher for the remained of that day as long as they are removed after finishing that batter.
7. When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change, it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager make the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive players.
MAJORS (Ages 11-12) LEAGUE RULES
PITCHING:
1. Any player on a regular season team may pitch. (NOTE: There is no limit to the numberof pitchers a team may use in a game.)
2. A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. Junior, Senior, and Big League Divisions only: A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.
3. The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position:
a. 11 -12: 85 pitches per day.
i. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI (c) for his/ her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base. 2. That batter is put out. 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning. 4. Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:
b. If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.
c. If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.
d. If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
e. If a player pitches 21 - 35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.
f. If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required
g. NOTE: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
4. Pitcher may NOT bring pitching had to lips or mouth while in contact with the pitching rubber. They may bring pitching hand to mouth while on the mound as long as they are not touching the rubber and they wipe off the hand prior to contacting the ball.
5. A player who has played catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to pitcher, and throws 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position. EXCEPTION: If pitcher reached the 20-pitch limit while facing a batter, they may finish that batter.
6. If a pitcher reaches 40 pitches while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until they finish that batter, and maintain their eligibility to play catcher for the remained of that day as long as they are removed after finishing that batter.
7. When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change, it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager make the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive players.
AAA BALL (Age 10) LEAGUE RULES
1. All Managers will bat the entire lineup during Little League games. In the event of an injury or a player needing to leave that player will be skipped in the batting order and shall not be recorded.
2. Managers are to stress fundamentals of baseball.
3. Managers will do their best to play all kids in the infield and outfield of each game unless they feel an injury is likely to occur.
4. There will be no stealing of home plate unless the ball is clearly passed the catcher or pitcher.
5. Once the pitcher has received and is in control of the ball from the catcher, all base runners will immediately return to their base.
6. There will be no mercy or “10 run rule” in AAA play during the regular season.
7. Teams may not score more than 5 runs in any inning except for the 6th inning. In the 6th inning, the team can score as many runs as they can with 10 at bats.
8. No new inning shall start after 1:50.
9. The umpire has the final authority as to when the 1:50 time limit is up and no more innings will be played.
10. Teams will have one minute in between innings before the ball is put back into play.
11. Pitcher will have a maximum of 5 pitches between innings and 8 pitches for any new pitcher.
12. There will be only 3 coaches allowed in the dugout at any time. This is a Little League rule.
13. Managers will follow all Bend North and Little League rules including pitch count/thresholds, pitcher to catcher and catcher to pitcher rules.
14. Any manager, coach, player or parent ejected from a BNLL game will not be allowed at their team’s next game. They will also be required to meet with the League President, Vice President or AAA Commissioner before being permitted to return.
15. A second ejection will result in a ban for the remainder of the season.
16. All Managers will be assigned to umpire games that are not their own team. If you are a “No show,” or do not have a replacement umpire, you will be suspended from participating as Manager/coach of your next scheduled game.
17. PITCH COUNT:
0-20 pitches No days rest
21 – 35 1 day rest
36 – 50 2 days rest
51 – 65 3 days rest
66 – 75* 4 days rest
a. NOTE: Max pitch by age: 8 years old – 50 pitches; 9 years old – 75; 10 years old – 75; 76+ Manager ejected from the game. Any time a player pitches without the proper days’ rest, the manager is also ejected from the game.
b. Managers, assistant coaches, and bookkeepers should communicate to umpire and pitcher’s manager as ejection threshold is approached. Responsibility for pitch count, however, ultimately rests with the pitcher’s manager.
c. Pitcher may finish batter and not add to count. For example, a pitcher with 49 pitches faces a new batter. The first pitch against the new batter is pitch number 50. The pitcher may finish pitching to this same batter, retire from the pitching position, and his pitch count goes in the book as 50 pitches.
d. Note 1: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
18. Pitcher may NOT bring pitching had to lips or mouth while in contact with the pitching rubber. They may bring pitching hand to mouth while on the mound as long as they are not touching the rubber and they wipe off the hand prior to contacting the ball.
19. A player who has played catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to pitcher, and throws 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position. EXCEPTION: If pitcher reached the 20-pitch limit while facing a batter, they may finish that batter.
20. If a pitcher reaches 40 pitches while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until they finish that batter, and maintain their eligibility to play catcher for the remained of that day as long as they are removed after finishing that batter.
21. When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change, it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager make the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive players.
AA BALL (Age 9) LEAGUE RULES
1. All Managers will bat the entire lineup during Little League games. In the event of an injury or a player needing to leave that player will be skipped in the batting order and shall not be recorded.
2. Managers are to stress fundamentals of baseball.
3. Managers will do their best to play all kids in the infield and outfield of each game unless they feel an injury is likely to occur.
4. There will be no stealing of home plate from 3rd base on an overthrow of catcher or pitcher, following a pitch. Runners may advance to home on a walk, hit, or infield/outfield error. However if the catcher attempts to throw out a stealing runner the ball is in play and a runner from 3rd can advance.
5. Once the pitcher has received and is in control of the ball from the catcher or fielder, all base runners will immediately return to their base.
6. There will be no mercy or “10 run rule” in AA play during the regular season.
7. Teams may not score more than 3 runs in any inning except for the 6th inning. In the 6th inning, the team can score as many runs as they can with 9 at bats.
8. No new inning shall start after 1:50.
9. The umpire has the final authority as to when the 1:50 time limit is up and no more innings started.
10. Teams will have 1 minute in between innings before the ball is put back into play.
11. Pitcher will have a maximum of 5 pitches between innings and 8 pitches for any new pitcher.
12. There will be only 3 coaches allowed in the dugout at any time. One coach will be in the dugout at all times.
13. Managers will follow all Bend North and Little League rules including pitch count/thresholds, pitcher to catcher and catcher to pitcher rules.
14. Any manager, coach, player or parent ejected from a Bend North Little League game will not be allowed at their team’s next game. They will also be required to meet with the League President, Vice President or AA Commissioner before being permitted to return.
15. A second ejection will result in a ban for the remainder of the season.
16. All Managers will be assigned to umpire games that are not their own team. If you are a “No show” or do not have a replacement umpire you will be suspended from participating as Manager/coach of your next schedule team league game.
17. PITCH COUNT:
0-20 pitches No days rest
21 – 35 1 day rest
36 – 50 2 days rest
51 – 65 3 days rest
66 – 75* 4 days rest
a. Max pitch by age: 8 years old – 50 pitches; 9 years old – 75; 10 years old – 75; 76+ - Manager ejected from the game. Any time a player pitches without the proper days’ rest, the manager is also ejected from the game.
b. Managers, assistant coaches, and bookkeepers should communicate to umpire and pitcher’s manager as ejection threshold is approached. Responsibility for pitch count, however, ultimately rests with the pitcher’s manager.
c. Pitcher may finish batter and not add to count. For example, a pitcher with 49 pitches faces a new batter. The first pitch against the new batter is pitch number 50. The pitcher may finish pitching to this same batter, retire from the pitching position, and his pitch count goes in the book as 50 pitches.
d. NOTE: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
18. Pitcher may NOT bring pitching had to lips or mouth while in contact with the pitching rubber. They may bring pitching hand to mouth while on the mound as long as they are not touching the rubber and they wipe off the hand prior to contacting the ball.
19. A player who has played catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to pitcher, and throws 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position. EXCEPTION: If pitcher reached the 20-pitch limit while facing a batter, they may finish that batter.
20. If a pitcher reaches 40 pitches while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until they finish that batter, and maintain their eligibility to play catcher for the remained of that day as long as they are removed after finishing that batter.
21. When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change, it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager make the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive players.
A BALL (Age 8) LEAGUE RULES
The league uses a combination of pitching machine, player pitch, and coach pitch. Pitching machines significantly increase hits and the fun of the game.
Here is the mix: Games 1 – 12: First 3 innings kid pitch, last 3 innings machine pitch.
MACHINE RULES:
1. 4 pitches per batter regardless of strikes – this encourage players to swing at all pitches.
- A foul on 4th pitch earns the batter one extra, and final 5th pitch.
2. Pitching machine will be operated by the manager of the batting team.
3. Pitching Machine is set with the forward pins placed against the front of the pitching rubber. Please do not adjust.
4. Player will play pitcher position with one foot on the pitcher’s mound dirt.
PITCHING RULES:
1. Batters make a hit or strike out. There are no walks.
2. Pitcher throws 4 pitches per batter (batter strikes out if 3 strikes are thrown)
- After 4th pitch, coach of batting team enters and completes pitching.
- Batter strike count is reduced by 1. (This gives batter and coach time to adjust.)
- Example: batter has 2 strikes and 2 balls.
- Coach enters. Strike count reduced to 1.
- Coach pitches until player strikes out or makes a hit.
3. Manager (or coach) of defensive team calls balls and strikes.
4. Pitcher will have one foot on rubber or be at least 40 feet from plate if pitcher can’t pitch across the plate.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Three outs or 5 run limit per inning.
2. Six inning games.
3. Advancement limited to one base on overthrow. Runners hold if additional overthrows made during same play.
4. Managers and coaches must be off of field of play during game (exception: coach operating pitching machine or coach calling balls/strikes).
5. Weekday games start at 5:30 PM and must end at or before 7 PM. Remember parents have other responsibilities (work, dinner, other kids). You must stop the game at 7 PM.
6. Saturday games: no new inning can start two hours after game start time.
7. Encourage kids to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the game to warm-up.
8. Defensive coach calls strikes from behind home plate. Use wide strike zone to keep game moving. If ball passes through the strike zone, it is a strike even if the batter fails to swing at it.
9. PITCH COUNT:
8 year olds:
0-20 pitches No days rest
21 – 35 1 day rest
36+ Manager ejected from the game. Any time a player pitches without the proper days’ rest, the manager is also ejected from the game. Managers, assistant coaches, and bookkeepers should communicate to umpire and pitcher’s manager as ejection threshold is approached. Responsibility for pitch count, however, ultimately rests with the pitcher’s manager.
ROOKIE BALL (Age 7) LEAGUE RULES
The league uses a combination of pitching machine, player pitch, and coach pitch. Pitching machines significantly increase hits and the fun of the game.
Here is the mix:
Games 1 – 4: Machine pitch only.
Games 5 – 12: Last inning kid pitch.
MACHINE RULES:
1. Four pitches per batter regardless of strikes – this encourage players to swing at all pitches.
2. A foul on 4th pitch earns the batter one extra, and final 5th pitch.
3. Pitching machine will be operated by the manager of the batting team.
4. Pitching machine is set with the forward pins placed against the front of the pitching rubber. Please do not adjust.
5. Player will play pitcher position with one foot on the pitcher’s mound dirt
PITCHING RULES:
1. Batters make a hit or strike out. There are no walks.
2. Pitcher throws 4 pitches per batter (batter strikes out if 3 strikes are thrown)
3. After 4th pitch, coach of batting team enters and completes pitching.
i. Batter strike count is reduced by 1. (This gives batter and coach time to adjust). Example: batter has 2 strikes and 2 balls. Coach enters. Strike count reduced to 1. Coach pitches until player strikes out or makes a hit.
4.Manager (or assistant coach) of batting team calls balls and strikes on his own players.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Three outs or 5 run limit per inning.
2. Six inning games.
3. Advancement limited to one base on overthrow. Runners hold if additional overthrows made during same play.
4.Weekday games start at 5:30 PM and must end at or before 7 PM. Remember, parents have other responsibilities (work, dinner, other kids). You must stop the game at 7 PM.
5. Saturday games: no new inning can start two hours after game start time.
6. Encourage kids to arrive at least 30 minutes prior to the game to warm-up.
7. Defensive coach calls strikes/balls from behind home plate. Use wide strike zone to keep game moving. If ball passes through the strike zone, it is a strike even if the batter fails to swing at it.
PITCH COUNT:
7 year olds:
0-20 pitches No days rest
21+ Manager ejected from the game. Managers, assistant coaches, and bookkeepers should communicate to umpire and pitcher’s manager as ejection threshold is approached. Responsibility for pitch count, however, ultimately rests with the pitcher’s manager.
PEE WEE (Age 6) LEAGUE RULES
1. Pitching Machine will be used for all games.
2. Four pitches max per batter – encourage the kids to swing at all pitches
i. Fouls are strikes on 4th pitch.
ii. One more pitch (5) only if the pitching machine is way out of the strike zone and both coaches agree to the 5th pitch.
3. Pitching Machine will be operated by the Manager or Coach of the batting team.
4. Pitching Machine is set for the forward pins to be placed against the front of the pitching rubber. Please do not adjust course adjustment ranges painted red. Ball sit higher or lower is the only adjustment.
5. Teams will field a pitcher with one foot on the pitcher’s mound dirt or grass.
6. Teams to field a catcher in full gear, including a cup for boys. Defensive Manager or Coach will be behind the plate.
GENERAL RULES:
1. Games start at 5:30 PM during the week and no new inning can start after 7 PM. On Saturday no new inning can start 90 minutes after game start time.
i. Encourage kids to arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the game to warm up.
ii. Players line up on the foul lines from home plate to recite the Little League Pledge before every game.
2. 3 outs or 5 runs per inning.
3. 6 innings games if possible.
4. Utilize 4 outfielders if possible.
5. Two buckets of balls. One empty behind the catcher to pick up pitched balls and one full out at the pitching machine. Use safety 5 balls only. T-balls are too soft for the pitching machine.
6. Batting team coaches: Pitch Machine, 1st base, 3rd base, and bench coach.
7. Defensive team coaches: Behind home plate, in infield and outfield to direct players if available, and bench coach.
8. The home plate and field coaches call safes and outs during the half inning.
9. A coach will be with players in the dugout at all times. Bench coach keeps book and lineup in order (team parent works great here).
10. Advancement limited to one base on overthrow. Runners hold if additional overthrows made during same play.
T-BALL (Age 5) RULES
1. Practice will occur for the first 30 minutes of every game time
2. The Little League Pledge must be stated with both teams on one field before each game.
3. After the pledge, the two teams will split in to 2 separate games
4. All games should last about one hour and never less than 3 innings unless canceled due to weather
5. Kids will play on a traditional Little League sized field with 60’ between base paths. NOTE: Please do not try to shrink the field just because the kids are naturally smaller. It is important for safety reasons and so that kids get used to playing on a normal size field.
6. Every player shall hit once per inning.
7. Each base runner is allowed one base per batter unless it is the last batter and all runners and batter should run all the way around the bases.
8. There is no scorekeeping. However, outs are awarded to the fielders and the base runner should head back to the “dugout area” if they hit in to an out. There are no limits to outs per inning.
9. Fielders may attempt to achieve and out with the last batter, but no more than one out and the batter and the runners should continue to run all the way around the bases. In no case should a fielder try to run around and tag multiple base runners with the last batter.
10. No child should attempt to play a position that is not a traditional baseball position. However, it is ok to “stack” players at the same position and have them rotate playing with each batter. This is preferred vs. placing multiple players in outfield.
11. Batting tees should be used for all batters for the first 4 games. For the 5th game and beyond, coaches may elect to pitch or soft toss the ball to each child. If the child does not hit the ball with the first 3 pitches, then the tee must be used. If the child misses the ball (by either the coach or off the tee) on the first 6 attempts, then child should take a “walk” and occupy first base.
12. Before players switch sides between innings, fielders must gather at the pitcher’s mound area. Once the hitters have generally vacated the area, then the fielders should break and hustle to their hitting line up area.
13. Whichever teams finish first should gather their equipment and walk over to watch the end of the other game. At the end of the second game, both teams should huddle to break and shake hands.