MAJORS DIVISION RULES

Spring 2024

Official Game:         6 innings or Time Limit (whichever comes first). 

Time Limit:         Weekdays/Weekends: No new inning can start after 1 hour, 50 minutes.  An inning ends when the last out of that inning is recorded.  

Field:        Games should generally be played on the ELL Majors field or other field set up for 46/60 (i.e. 46 feet from pitching rubber to home plate and bases 60 feet apart).  

Pitching:         SEE PITCHING LIMITS BELOW.

Batting:         Every player bats in the batting order submitted to the opposing team by the manager.

        Prior to the start of each game, managers must provide his/her team’s batting order to one another. If a team bats out of order, the opposing manager may inform the umpire at the completion of that at bat (but before the first pitch of the next batter), and such will result in the proper batter in the lineup being called “out” and to nullify the results of the play.  There are no limits to the number of outs a team can receive for batting out of order.  See LL Baseball Rule 6.07 for further details.  

Substitution:         9 defensive players.   See below for substitution rule.

Minimum Players:         8 rostered players are needed to start a game.  One eligible player may be called up from Minors to make 9.  

Mercy Rule:         The game is officially over if: (1) the Visiting team is down by 12 or more runs at the conclusion of the top of the 4th inning (or any subsequent inning), or (2) the Home team is down by 12 runs or more at the end of the 4th inning (or any subsequent inning).

Scorekeeping:         Please refer to Pitch Count Tracking/Enforcement Procedures below.

Field Maintenance:         Both teams are responsible for raking the infield, mound, bullpens, home plate area and base paths.  Both teams are responsible for cleaning (and, or last game, closing) the score booth and dugouts.

Offense

• No limit to extra bases on an overthrow.

• Bunting is allowed, as is “slash bunting.”
• No leadoffs or stealing until the pitch crosses the plate:

• 1). In the event the umpire(s) decide(s) a runner leaves the base early, the play will continue as normal. After the play ends (or pitch if no play occurs), time is called and the umpire will offer to the manager of the team on defense the choice of either: (A) No Play - The batter and runner(s) return to their respective places from before the pitch, and the pitch thrown does not count towards the pitcher’s pitch count nor against the batter; or (B) The Play (or Pitch) Stands - The result of the play or pitch stands. 
• 2). Once a team on offense has been called for leaving early, regardless of the decision of the opposing team's manager, the team on offense will have been considered to have received a warning for the remainder of that game. For the second and any subsequent infractions the manager of the team on defense has the choice of either: (A) Dead Ball and Automatic Out for the runner that committed the infraction, and the batter and other runner(s) return to their respective places from before the pitch (unless the third out is the result of the infraction, whereby the half inning will be over), and the pitch thrown does not count towards the pitcher's pitch count nor against the batter; or (B) The Play (or Pitch) Stands - The result of the play (or pitch) stands.

• Infield fly rule is in effect.
• If there are two outs and the catcher is on base, the catcher MUST be substituted by the player who was previously called out to maximize playing time. If a catcher is on base with 2 outs and is removed for a courtesy runner, that player (that was removed for the courtesy runner) must play the position of catcher for the entire following half- inning (unless injury forces player from the game).

• One offensive time-out per inning will be strictly enforced.

• If a player leaves for any reason during the game, the next time that the player is up in the batting order, he/she will be called out. An out will be recorded only one time no matter how many subsequent times that player’s spot comes up in batting order.  An injured player may reenter the game if able to do so.  An out will only be recorded once in the game so long as that player does not reenter and leave the game again.

• Dropped third strike rule is in effect. A batter is out when:

• A third strike is legally caught by the catcher,
• A third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied before two are out.

• If a runner does not slide and runs through a base (including home plate), the runner is not allowed to push or forcibly move the defensive player out of the way.  Examples of such conduct includes, but is not limited to: pushing a player with one’s arms, shoulders, or any party of the body. If this occurs, the player will be called out. It is within the umpire’s discretion to immediately remove the player from the game. It is within the Board’s discretion to suspend the player from further games.

• If a player/coach/manager steals signs from the opposing team, this will result in an immediate ejection and possible suspension to all parties involved, including players and coaches.  The umpire may warn the offensive team but is not obliged to give any warning.  The umpire can eject a player/coach/manager without warning if he/she feels the stealing of signs has transpired.

Defense 

• Maximum of nine (9) players.
• Substitution Rule: No child may sit out twice until everyone on the team has sat out once. This rule will not be enforced if it would require the starting pitcher to be removed from the game before the pitcher has exceeded his/her maximum pitch limitations for the game.
• Three (3) outfielders are used on defense.
• There are 6 infield positions (P, C, 1B, 2B, 3B, SS).
• The catcher is NOT allowed to block home plate without holding the ball.  There is no mandatory slide rule.  If the catcher does not have the ball and is not blocking the plate, the runner does not have to slide.
• If a runner does not slide and runs through a base (including home plate), the defensive player is not allowed to push or forcibly move the runner out of the way. Should this occur, the runner will be called safe.  Examples of such conduct includes, but is not limited to: pushing a player with one’s arms, shoulders, or any party of the body. It is within the umpire’s discretion to immediately remove the player from the game. It is within the Board’s discretion to suspend the player from further games

• RULES for Pitchers/Catchers:

• If a pitcher reaches 40 pitches while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch, and maintain his/her eligibility to play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day, until any one of the following occurs:

• (1) that batter reaches base;
• (2) that batter is retired (called out); or
• (3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game. The pitcher would be allowed to play the catcher position provided that pitcher is moved, removed, or the game is completed before delivering a pitch to another batter.

• If a player delivers 41 or more pitches and does not meet one of the 3 conditions outlined above, the player may not play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
• Any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.

• Note: The catcher receiving one pitch from a batter in ANY inning constitutes having caught for that entire inning.

• A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that calendar day.

• EXCEPTION: If the pitcher reaches the 20-pitch limit while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch, and maintain their eligibility to return to the catcher position, until any one of the following conditions occur:

• (1) that batter reaches base,
• (2) that batter is retired, or
• (3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game.

• Illegal Pitch is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s rubber; or (2) a quick return pitch (i.e. a “quick pitch”); or (3) the pitcher fails to complete the delivery of the pitch after such delivery has commenced.  The first violation or illegal pitch by the pitcher is a warning by the umpire.  Subsequent violations will be ruled as a dead ball and the pitch shall be called a “ball”.  But if a play follows the illegal pitch, the play continues as a delayed dead ball and the manager on offense can choose the results of the play and decline the illegal pitch penalty.   An illegal pitch still gets recorded as a pitch towards the pitchers pitch count.  

Coaches/Maintenance 

• Maximum of four (4) coaches are allowed in the dugout.  At least one adult coach must be in the dugout at all times during a game.
• All coaches must stay in the dugout during defensive half of the inning.
• On offense coaches and players alike are not allowed to steal signs. Failure to adhere to this rule may result in a warning, ejection of the manager/coach/player, and/or suspension of the manager/coach/player.
• Only managers may talk to the umpires.  Managers may not argue or question an umpire's judgment call; however, may ask for time to discuss a rule interpretation.  A ZERO tolerance policy exists with respect to manager interactions with the umpires.  Managers must not raise his/her voice when speaking to an umpire.
• Any manager, coach, player or spectator who is ejected from a game must leave the ELL complex immediately, and will also be suspended from participating and/or attending the team's next game.
• At the conclusion of the game, please gather your equipment, clean and vacate the dugout immediately. Thereafter, please prepare the field for the next game.  If you choose to hold a post-game team meeting, please do so off the field so the next teams can get ready for their game.
• Both teams are obligated to jointly handle post-game maintenance duties.  See the ELL Handbook on the ELL website for instructions.  Children/players shall not participate in field maintenance; however should pick up all trash.

Safety/Illegal Bat Rules 

• No on-deck batters allowed.
• No child may hold a bat unless he/she is at the plate.  Players may not take swings in the bullpen areas.
• All batters and runners must wear a batting helmet with a NOCSAE-approved face mask.
• Batting donuts, hitting sticks and other weight devices are not permitted at the complex.
• Players must use a USA Baseball stamp/approved bat or a wood bat.  Refer to the complete bat rule (LL Baseball Rule 1.10) which can be found on the ELL website for further information.  
• A challenge to a bat's legality may not be initiated until the at-bat is complete.  Only the opposing manager may challenge the legality of the bat. The umpire may not initiate any challenge. The challenge must occur before the next pitch; otherwise the play stands.

• If the batter reaches base (whether by walk, error, hit, hit by pitch, dropped third strike, etc.,) the opposing manager may call time and challenge the legality of the bat.  If the bat is determined to be illegal, then the bat is removed from the game and the batter is called out.  In addition, if runners advanced (including a home run), all runners will be ordered to return to the base occupied prior to the at-bat.
• If the batter puts the ball in play but does not reach base (including but not limited to: being tagged out, a caught fly-ball, sacrifice bunt., after the play has concluded, the opposing manager may call time and challenge the legality of the bat.  If the bat is determined to be illegal, then the bat is removed from the game, and all runners who advanced as a result of the at bat will be ordered to return to the base(s) occupied prior to the at bat.  The batter still will be deemed out.

Call Ups

• Players from Minors cannot be called up for any game where a team has 9 or more team members playing in a game.
• Only one player may be called up from Minors per game.  Only players who are League Age 10 or older may be called up from Minors.  League Age 9s may not be called up to Majors.
• A called-up player must bat last, but may play any position other than pitcher or catcher.
• During the regular season, a team may call up the same player twice.    During the playoffs, a team may call up a player only once.  Each time a player is called up, it is the manager's responsibility to notify the Commissioner immediately.
• Any player who has been called up to make a game roster of 9 players (Majors and Minors) or 10 players (Farm) and is listed on the official line-up card must be allowed to play even if a rostered player shows up in time for the game or within the late arrival period allowed below.  In those situations, the manager must play that game according the substitution and minimum play rules based on the total number of eligible players, including the player called up.  Any player who is called up cannot sit twice until every other player has sat at least once.  

Player Eligibility, Late Arrivals

Preseason and Regular Season  

• A player must be listed on the official line-up card submitted to the umpire at the beginning of the game in order to be eligible to play.  Any player not listed on the official lineup card at the time the game begins (i.e., the first pitch is thrown) is ineligible and will not be allowed to play.
• Any player who is listed on the official line-up card and arrives late to the game will be allowed to play so long as that player is on the field or in the dugout before his/her spot comes up in the lineup.
• If a player who is listed on the official line-up card is not on the field or in the dugout at the time his/her spot comes up in the lineup, then that player will be deemed ineligible and an out will be recorded.  The ineligible player will be removed from the lineup and no further outs will be recorded when his/her spot comes up again.
• The start of the game shall not be delayed for the arrival of any player.
• If you think a player will arrive late to a game, him/her at the bottom of the official line-up card to maximize his/her ability to play.

Postseason 

• To be eligible to play in a postseason game, the player must

• (1) be listed on the official line-up card submitted to the umpire at the beginning of the game, and  
• (2) be on the field or in the dugout at the time the game begins (i.e., the first pitch is thrown).

• If a player is listed on the official line-up card submitted to the umpire at the beginning of the game but is not on the field or in the dugout when the game begins, that player will be deemed ineligible and an out will be recorded the first time that player's spot comes up in the batting order.  The ineligible player then will be removed from the lineup and no further outs will be recorded when his/her spot comes up again.
• No late arrivals will be allowed and the start of the game shall not be delayed for the arrival of any player.
• Do not be late to a playoff game.  Any child who is late will not play.  

Pitching

• Intentional walks are NOT allowed.
• Illegal Pitch is (1) a pitch delivered to the batter when the pitcher does not have the pivot foot in contact with the pitcher’s rubber; or (2) a quick return pitch (i.e. a “quick pitch”); or (3) the pitcher fails to complete the delivery of the pitch after such delivery has commenced.  The first violation or illegal pitch by the pitcher is a warning by the umpire.  Subsequent violations will be ruled as a dead ball and the pitch shall be called a “ball”.  But if a play follows the illegal pitch, the play continues as a delayed dead ball and the manager on offense can choose the results of the play and decline the illegal pitch penalty.   An illegal pitch still gets recorded as a pitch towards the pitchers pitch count.  

• A pitcher must be removed on the 2nd visit in an inning or a 3rd combined visit in a game.

• Example: If a manager visits a pitcher once in the first inning and once in the second inning the next visit, regardless of what inning it takes place in will result in the removal of that pitcher.

• Eight (8) warm up pitches prior to each inning or for a relief pitcher during an inning.
• Pitching limits are based on the number of pitches thrown during a game.  The limits and rest requirements are as follows:  

ELL MAJORS PITCHING LIMITS (COMBINED W/LLI REST REQS., below)

• ELL MAJORS REST REQUIREMENTS

Important Note:  The pitcher may complete an at-bat without exceeding the pitch limitation.  For example, a pitcher commences an at bat with 49 pitches, throws 7 pitches during the at bat, and then is immediately removed after the at bat.  The pitcher will be eligible to pitch after two (2) days of rest because he started the at bat with less than 50 pitches.  

Pitch Count Tracking/Enforcement Procedures

• The HOME team is responsible for designating a scorekeeper to track pitch counts for both teams in addition to an OFFICIAL scorekeeper to keep score on GameChanger.  The AWAY team is recommended (but not required) to also keep score on GameChanger to help with any discrepancies in score and/or pitch count.  

• Umpires will NOT count pitches.

• The AWAY team must designate an operator for the electronic scoreboard on the field. The keys to the score booth must be checked out at the Snack Stand prior to the start of the game and returned immediately after completely closing/locking up the score booth.
• A written form will be used to track pitch counts.  Blank forms are posted on the ELL website.
• At the end of each half-inning, the scorekeeper will advise both managers of the pitch count for the last pitcher.
• At the end of the game, both managers are required to sign the written pitch count form. The home team manager will be responsible for sending the signed pitch count form to the Division commissioner promptly after the conclusion of the game.
• The home team manager is responsible for reporting pitch counts and score for both teams on the ELL website the same day as the game occurred.  
• Baseball Operations will resolve disputes concerning pitch counts.