Minor League Baseball Division


2012 GROUND RULES PLAYER/COACH/MACHINE PITCH

The Minor division of Taconic Little League will follow the playing rules described below. At no time should winning or losing a game take priority in this program!

1.    Game will be played with a Level 5 (Reduced Injury Force) ball.

 

2.    Games shall consist of six (6) innings OR a Time Limit of 120 minutes whichever comes first.

 

3.    Individual Game Scores may be kept, with the emphasis on playing hard and having fun, instead of win/lose. NO Win/Loss records will be maintained.

 

4.    Continuous Batting Order – All players on the team roster present for the game shall bat.

 

5.    Each half inning shall consist of three (3) outs or 5 runs. The Manager shall rotate (change) the batting orders from game to game.

 

6.    Minimum Play Rule – 4 outfielders may be on the field defensively, six total infielders maximum (3B, SS, 2B, 1B, P, C) – When substitutions are used, the coach must make sure the players get “fair” playing time.

 

a.    All Players will be limited to two (2) innings per game at the same defensive position.

 

b.    The pitcher and catcher positions will be played. The pitch count limits are (Refer to LL Rule Book to verify accuracy):

 

a.    7-8 years: 50 pitches per day

b.    9-10 years: 75 pitches per day

c.    11-12 years: 85 pitches per day

 

c.    The Catcher must be in the “league supplied” protective catcher’s gear, including a protective cup (supplied by the player) and throat protector.

 

d.    Managers should rotate the players defensively and attempt to balance innings between infield and outfield positions.

 

7.    Stealing, Leading, Bunting, and Walks are not part of this program. During the 2nd half of the season, Leading (base runners cannot leave the base until the pitch has passed the batter or the ball is put in to play), Bunting & Walks may be allowed.

 

8.    Proper Sliding is permitted provided that the Manager has instructed all players in the proper sliding techniques. However, a runner sliding into a base “head first” is automatically out. Do Not Teach “Head First” Sliding.

 

9.    Runners may advance more than one base on a good hit. E.g., if a batted ball is hit into the outfield, batter/ runners may continue to advance until the ball is returned to the infield. Runners should be held to the base they were attempting once the ball reaches the infield. Keep players in control while running the bases; be aware of the location of the baseball at all times.

 

10. There will be NO base advancements allowed on an overthrow. The intent is to encourage the children to learn how and where the proper throw should be made.

 

11. Defensive outs will be counted. All runners will advance at their own risk.

 

12.  NO ONE SHOULD HAVE A BAT OTHER THAN THE BATTER.

 

13. All Volunteers (on the field or in the dugout) must be “Registered Volunteers” and approved by the League.