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Bylaws for Joplin Little League Baseball
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BYLAWS

EFFECTIVE FOR THE 2025 SEASON

The following rules do not replace or supersede any rules in the Little League Baseball Regulation and Rulebook as published by Little League Baseball, Inc., and are not considered part of the Joplin Little League Constitution.

This document expires annually at the end of the fiscal year (September 30th)
and must be renewed annually.

BYLAWS FOR
JOPLIN LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL, INC.
Hereinafter referred to as “Joplin Little League” or “JLL” or “the League”

1. PURPOSE AND OBJECT

Little League recommends that each Little League Board of Directors adopt its own bylaws, local rules, or ground rules (the terms are interchangeable).

The Board of Directors has the authority to change the bylaws without the general membership approval. No part of the bylaws, local rules, or ground rules can conflict with or supersede any Little League rules, regulations, or policy.

The bylaws, local rules, or ground rules are to be distinguished from the League’s Constitution. The Constitution spells out the duties and responsibilities of the officers of the board, definition of memberships, election procedures, meeting requirements such as quorum, etc. The Board of Directors must make a copy of the bylaws, local rules, or ground rules available to any member of the League for review and inspection if requested.

1.1 PURPOSE

Little League Baseball, Inc., is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball.” Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork, and physical well-being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage, and loyalty, the Little League Baseball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.

As a chartered member of Little League Baseball Inc., JLL is in full agreement with the above mission statement. Furthermore, JLL endeavors to provide a safe, affordable, and well-organized program through which boys and girls can learn and enjoy the game of baseball. In addition, we aspire towards an environment of community in which players, parents, and volunteers can participate freely and work towards our common goal of becoming responsible adults.

1.2 OBJECT

The object of JLL shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority, so that they may be well-adjusted, stronger, and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy, and trustworthy citizens.

To achieve this objective, JLL will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc. All Directors, Officers, and members shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and molding of future citizens is of prime importance.

2. BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND BOARD MEETINGS

2.1 BOARD NUMBERS

The number of Directors shall not be less than seven (7).  

Open seats and/or Vacancies on the Board shall be filled by applicants submitting a dated letter or email to the President or Secretary of the Board expressing their interest in becoming a Board Member and being deemed by a majority vote of the Board to be suitable Board members. When voting for approval of Board candidates, the Board shall consider prior contributions to the Little League, capacity to assist the Little League in its objectives, and other factors which have a bearing on suitability for the role of Director. Date of application itself does not qualify one applicant over another.

Board of Director seats are not transferable by individual board members or by majority vote of the Board at any duly constituted board meeting.

JLL does allow multiple Board members from a single household. However, the maximum number of votes from Board Members from any one household shall not exceed one (1).  Further, the maximum number of officers from any one household is limited to one (1) unless unanimously approved by the Board of Directors.

3.2 DUTIES AND POWERS

Members of the Board of Directors must recognize that they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a program that deals with a sensitive and formative period of a child’s development. It is required that board members have understanding, patience, and capacity to work with children. They should be able to inspire respect, and above all else, they must realize that they are helping to shape the physical, mental, and emotional development of young people.

Each year, all Board members must participate in a minimum number of major programs, fundraising or administrative activities associated with the Little League. These include but are not limited to, work days, opening and closing ceremonies, end-of-season tournaments, and special or fundraising events.

Board Members must attend each meeting. A board member who misses two (2) consecutive meetings will have their membership under review. If a board member misses three (3) consecutive meetings, their membership may be terminated.

3.3 REGULAR MONTHLY MEETING OF THE BOARD

The regular monthly board meeting of this league will be the second (2nd) Sunday of each month at 4:00pm.  

A notice of the meeting will be posted on the JLL website and/or Facebook page at least one (1) week in advance. Other methods to communicate the meeting may be utilized as well. The general public is invited to attend regularly held meetings.

3.4 QUORUM

The presence in person or by proxy of 50% of the board members shall be necessary to constitute a quorum.

3.5  VOTING

Votes can be made either in person, via use of video or audio meeting software, via voice or video conferencing during board meetings, or via an email vote. 

3.6 PROXIES

Each Board Member shall be entitled to one (1) vote in person or by proxy. All proxies must be in written form and may be withdrawn at any time. The written proxy vote can include digital or email, and must be submitted to the Secretary or President prior to or at the start of the meeting. A Board Member present at the meeting may only carry one proxy vote for an absent Board Member.  

4. FINANCIAL

4.1 FINANCIAL

All league funds will be held in accounts approved by the Board of Directors, and disbursements shall be made by check or League debit cards. All checks shall be signed by two approved board members.

Valid signatures for the checking account may be any board member authorized by the Board and registered with the bank. The valid check signers for the current season shall be:

  1. Nathan Horton, League President
  2. Klint Reading, Treasurer
  3. Laura Gullett

The Treasurer will receive account statements from the bank and will have access to the league’s Post Office Box. The President or other board members will receive and review the account statements independent of the Treasurer to ensure accuracy in reporting.

All expenditures must have President or Board approval. The President may authorize non-budgeted expenditure of up to $200 when it's impractical to wait for the next Board Meeting. All non-budgeted purchases, projects, and expenditures greater than $200 must have prior board approval. A new approval is required for any expenditure that exceeds 10% of the original estimate.

Itemized receipts shall be submitted to the Treasurer within 30 days. Those receipts must show the purpose, store, date, items purchased, and price paid.

Any board member who places an order or purchase in violation of this system shall be personally responsible for returning or paying for the purchase if not approved by the Board.

Funds collected for registration, concessions, donations, etc. should always be counted and verified in the presence of two (2) people. 

5. AFFILIATION 

The Local League shall annually apply for a charter from Little League Baseball, Inc., and shall do all things necessary to obtain and maintain such charter. JLL shall devote its entire energies to the activities authorized by such charter and it shall not be affiliated with any other program or organization or operate any other program.

The Official Playing Rules and Regulations as published by Little League Baseball, Inc., Williamsport, PA are binding on JLL.

6. MANAGERS AND COACHES

6.1 MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

The manager will be held accountable for their actions as well as the actions of their coaches and the parents/fans of their team, both on and off the field. Failure to follow Little League rules and/or JLL Bylaws and/or failure to manage/coach in the spirit of the League may result in reprimand, suspension, or dismissal by the JLL Board of Directors.

Infractions include, but are not limited to:

In the case of misconduct by parents/fans, the Manager is responsible for correcting the situation. If an umpire notifies a Manager of any situation regarding a parent, fan, or coach, the game shall be suspended until such time as the Manager corrects the situation to the satisfaction of the umpire. If the Manager fails to correct the situation to the satisfaction of the umpire, the umpire will end the game resulting in the ejection of the Manager from that game. Any Manager ejected from a game will be required to report the incident to the board to explain the situation. The Manger from the opposing team should also advise the board of what happened. Managers that cannot control their team, coaches, or parents/fans may be dismissed from JLL at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

6.2 MANAGER’S GENERAL RULES

It is the responsibility of the Manager to be sure they have read and understand the official regulations and playing rules (Official Little League Rule Book) for their respective league, and comply with all rules concerning minimum playing time, pitch counts, etc.

A Manager may not be the official assistant coach for a team in a different division. They may however be the third coach.

The Manager or Coach must keep all players inside the dugout, except for emergency restroom trips. (LL Rule 3.09)

If a Manager has a problem with an umpire’s call or a rule interpretation, only the Manager may request time, and only the Manager may quietly discuss the matter with the umpire. Any angry outbursts, foul language, confrontational behavior, or other inappropriate conduct from parents, coaches, or players will not be tolerated and may lead to ejection from the game and/or disciplinary action.

Any badgering of umpires is not permitted, however badgering of youth umpires is considered particularly offensive and will result in immediate ejection and subject the offending individual(s) to disciplinary action.

In the Minor-Player Pitch and Major Divisions, protests regarding proper interpretation of rules shall follow the procedures outlined in the Official Little League Rule Book.

JLL is a parent-led, 100% volunteer organization and everyone helps and works as scheduled. There is a parent from each team scheduled for concessions stand duty and the scorebook every game. The game will not begin until these areas are covered. The scheduled attendants for the game are included with the game schedule & it is recommended that the manager remind parents of their upcoming commitment so there are no surprises or delays in the game.

League issued equipment and keys will be signed out by the manager at the beginning of the season. Equipment bags and keys are the responsibility of the team manager and shall be returned, within seven (7) days of the team’s last game, to the division Commissioner, Vice President, or President. If something should happen to the equipment during the season, contact the Division Commissioner for a replacement immediately.  

Managers who fail to turn in equipment or keys will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including exclusion from managing a team in the future.

Managers of an All-Stars team will be required to turn in their equipment and keys within seven (7) days of their final Tournament game. 

7. LEAGUE AND PARK RULES

7.1 PARK RULES

No pets of any type allowed inside the park. Service and Assistance animals are permitted.

No smoking, vaping, or tobacco use allowed.

No foul language or excessive yelling allowed.

Respect the players, coaches, and umpires. Criticism is prohibited.

Any infraction may result in removal from the facility and include actions taken by the Board for future games or events.

7.2 FIELD OF PLAY

Only the team manager, coaches, players, and league officials are permitted inside the dugout during the game.

Only (3) three coaches are allowed in the dugout during games.  Rule 3.17

The on-deck position is not permitted. Rule 1.08

All umpires must be a minimum of 14 years of age and approved by the Umpire Coordinator and/or Board.  

There must be 2 umpires present for all Major, Junior, and Senior League games.

There must be 1 Umpire present for all Minor League - Player Pitch games.

There must be 1 Umpire present for all Farm Club games. If a pitching machine is used, the umpire will operate the pitching machine.

Rainouts will be posted on the league website (www.joplinlittleleague.org) and Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/joplinlittleleague), and communicated to the team managers.

7.3 UNIFORMS

Jerseys and hats will be issued by JLL.  

Pants, belts, and socks are to be furnished by the parents. Pants and belts colors will coordinate with the shirt colors and will be chosen by the coaches and/or parents of the respective teams.

No JLL uniform is to be altered in any capacity. This includes additions of names on any uniform.

7.4 GROUNDSKEEPER RULES

7.4.1 WHEN ONLY ONE GAME IS SCHEDULED:

It is the responsibility of both team managers and coaches to make sure that the field is lined and ready to play before game time.

After the game it is equally the responsibility of both teams’ managers and coaches to see that the field is raked, tarped, the dugouts cleaned up and the pitching machine is put away (Farm-Club). If the managers and coaches are unable to fulfill this duty they should arrange for a parent from the team to substitute in their place.

7.4.2 WHEN TWO GAMES ARE SCHEDULED:

It is the responsibility of the early game managers and coaches to see that the field is ready for play.

It is the responsibility of the second game managers and coaches to see that the field is raked, tarped, the dugouts cleaned up and the pitching machine is put away (Farm Club).  As mentioned above, if the managers and coaches cannot perform these duties a substitute must be found.  

Last one out is responsible for turning off the lights and locking up all doors and gates.

7.5 MANAGER/COACH PRE/POST-GAME PROCEDURES

7.5.1 EARLY GAME:

  1. Set out bases
  2. Chalk the foul lines and batter’s box (please fill chalk machine on the field)
  3. Set up pitching machine
  4. Get out the Scorebook and the Scoreboard controller
  5. Turn on Scoreboard
  6. Get game balls out

Note: Managers should plan on arriving 30-45 minutes before the game time to ensure everything gets done.

7.5.2 LATE GAME:

  1. Put away bases
  2. Put away pitching machine
  3. Rake the mound, baselines, and home plate area
  4. Rake the infield
  5. Put away the Scoreboard controller and Scorebook concession stand. Make sure the Scoreboard controller gets plugged in for charging.
  6. Put game balls back in concession stand, replace balls with new when needed
  7. Turn off field lights and scoreboard
  8. FRIDAY (Landreth) or WEDNESDAY (Sunny/Stan) or MONDAY (Bill Ray) NIGHTS: Roll the trash carts next to the dumpster at Landreth or outside the fence at Sunny Jim for Monday (Landreth) or Thursday (Sunny/Stan) pickup. Bill Ray cans should be emptied into the dumpster.
  9. Make sure all rakes, shovels etc. are in the shed and close and lock the shed.

8. BOARD MEMBER ON DUTY

Each Ballpark must have at least one designated Board Member on Duty (BMOD) at any time a game is being played. It is important that BMOD wears their JLL issued shirt or name badge.

8.1 BMOD Pre-Game Responsibilities include:

NOTE: Do not allow a game to start if they haven’t provided volunteers

8.2 BMOD During Games Responsibilities include:

8.3 BMOD Post-Game Responsibilities include:

9. REGISTRATION

9.1 REGISTRATION

Registration will take place on the JLL website: https://www.joplinlittleleague.org.

A medical release form must be completed and on file with JLL. No player will be allowed to participate in practice or game activities without a completed medical release.

Any parent willing to help Manage, Coach, etc. must complete an official Little League volunteer form so background investigations can be completed. No one will be allowed to manage/coach/umpire without it being filled out first.  

Original Birth Certificate is verified for correct age gathering. If original is not available, the parent needs to obtain one from the birth state prior to registration being completed.

School Enrollment OR Residency will first be confirmed - parent driver’s license, income tax record, voter ID card, (1) utility bill, and school report card are recommended acceptable methods of verification.

Respective fees for the league they are participating in are due at sign-up.

Players will be assigned to the league specific to their league age breakdown. Any player that has played at least 1 year of the preceding division has the option of moving up to Farm Club, Minors, or Majors with approval from the JLL Board.  

Players desiring or needing to be on a particular team or with a particular player also need to be noted during registration. The Player Agent will try to accommodate as many of these as possible, however not all requests can be met. Balance and equality of the league will come ahead of individual player requests (in other words, there are no guarantees).

Anyone that signs up at the scheduled sign-up and meets all the requirements will be assigned to a team upon completion of the draft. Players wishing to play that missed the sign-up cut off dates will be accepted if there is room available to balance a team in the division for which they are of age to participate. All reasonable accommodations will be made; however, if you miss the sign-up time, there is no guarantee we will have a place for the participant.

9.2 REFUNDS

Full refunds can be made until teams are drafted. After teams are formed, $20 will be withheld from each refund to cover administrative fees that are charged to the league.

No refunds will be granted after uniforms have been ordered or after April 15, whichever is earlier.

9.3 SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

JLL will not deny any player based on the inability to pay the registration fee. Scholarships will be granted on a case by case basis by the League President.

10. TEAM SELECTIONS

10.1  TEE BALL

Tee Ball division teams are established by the League or Player Agent based on a number of factors. Players in this division can request to play with certain players and/or certain Managers. Requests must be made at registration or prior to team selections. Other factors include:

We do our best to accommodate all requests, but cannot guarantee a specific team placement. There are no evaluations, tryouts, or drafts for the Tee Ball division.

10.2 FARM CLUB

The Minors - Machine Pitch (“Farm Club”) Division teams are established by the League or Player Agent based on a number of factors.

10.2.1 TEAM SELECTION

  1. The League President, Player Agent, and Farm Club Commissioner will coordinate a time to build the team rosters.
  2. The rosters will be built according to player ages to ensure balance and competitive fairness.
  3. Managers may choose one assistant coach, who may not be a manager of another Little League team, prior to teams being built.
  4. Late sign-ups, if allowed to come in, will be assigned to balance equal number of players on each team.

10.3 MINORS

The Minors - Player Pitch Division teams are formed using a draft. Evaluations will be held to gauge the skill level of players in this division under the direction of the Player Agent.

10.3.1 EVALUATIONS

  1. Players will be scored from 1-5 on 4 skills: batting, fielding, throwing, and running.
  2. All players must be evaluated each year. Two evaluation dates will be offered, and the player must attend one evaluation to be eligible to play.  
  3. Any player not able to make evaluation day for an approved reason will be placed into a “non-evaluation” group to be drawn from during the draft.

10.3.2 DRAFT

  1. The draft will be led and coordinated by the League President, Division Commissioner, and Player Agent using a blind draft system to ensure balance and competitive fairness.
  2. Only managers may participate in the draft.
  3. All eligible players will be divided into groups corresponding to their Age, and Evaluation Rating.
  4. The draft will be conducted as follows:
  1. Players will be distributed to each team, by rating and age, from the highest ranked players.
  2. Approved non-evaluated players will be drawn at the end of their draft and will not be eligible to be traded.
  3. Each round of the draft will begin with the previous team (snaking).
  1. At the completion of the draft, players may be traded between teams for a player of the same rating under the following circumstances:
  1. Siblings/family members may be placed on the same team as requested by parents
  2. Players who need to share rides
  3. Multiple sponsors’ children who ended up on the same team
  4. A manager may trade for the child of one approved assistant coach if they have an evaluation rating
  5. Competitive Balance
  1. Once this first round of trades has been completed, teams will be numbered and managers will draw their team from a hat. They may then trade their child and their assistant’s child for a player of the same rating.
  2. Once the draft is completed, Managers will agree to the balance of the teams and leave the Player Agent their contact information so that their roster can be emailed to them within three days.
  3. Late sign-ups, if allowed to come in, will be assigned to balance an equal number of players on each team.

10.4 MAJORS

The Majors (“Little League”) Division teams are formed using a draft. Evaluations will be held to gauge the skill level of players in this division under the direction of the Player Agent.

10.4.1 EVALUATIONS

  1. Players will be scored from 1-5 on 4 skills: batting, fielding, throwing, and running.
  2. All players must be evaluated each year. Two evaluation dates will be offered, and the player must attend one evaluation to be eligible to play.  
  3. Any player not able to make evaluation day for an approved reason will be placed into a “non-evaluation” group to be drawn from during the draft.

10.4.2 DRAFT

  1. JLL will use Draft Plan “C” per Little League Baseball guidelines. This is a redraft option whereby all teams are redrafted in entirety every year using a “blind draft” method.
  2. Only managers may participate in the draft.
  3. All eligible players will be divided into groups corresponding to their age and Evaluation Rating.
  4. The draft will be conducted as follows:
  1. Players will be distributed to each team, by rating and age, from the highest ranked players.
  2. Approved non-evaluated players will be drawn at the end of their draft and will not be eligible to be traded.
  3. Each round of the draft will begin with the previous team (snaking).
  1. At the completion of the draft, players may be traded between teams for a player of the same rating under the following circumstances:
  1. Siblings/family members may be placed on the same team as requested by parents
  2. Players who have a legitimate need to share rides
  3. Multiple sponsors’ children who ended up on the same team
  4. A manager may trade for the child of one approved assistant coach if they have an evaluation rating
  5. Competitive Balance
  1. Once the first round of trades has been completed, teams will be numbered and managers will draw their team from a hat. They may then trade their child and their assistant’s child for a player of the same rating.
  2. Once the draft is completed, Managers will agree to the balance of the teams and leave the Player Agent their contact information so that their roster can be emailed out to them within three days.
  3. Late sign-ups, if allowed to come in, will be assigned to balance an equal number of players on each team (lowest point value first).

10.5 BOARD APPROVAL OF TEAMS

All drafts and teams are subject to approval by the JLL board before being final.

11. ALL STARS SELECTIONS

11.1 NUMBER OF TEAMS

JLL will normally field six (6) All-Star teams:

  1. One 12-year-old team consisting of league ages
    12 and 11
  2. One 11-year-old team consisting of league ages 11 and 10
  3. One 10-year-old team consisting of league ages
    10 and 9
  4. One 9-year-old team consisting of league ages 9 and 8
  5. One (1) Junior League; consisting of ages 13-14
  6. One (1) Senior League; consisting of ages 13-16

11.2 SELECTION PROCESS.

The details of the selection process are outlined in the “Joplin Little League All Stars Selection Process” packet to be distributed no later than April 15.

11.3 BOARD APPROVAL.

All selections are subject to review and approval by JLL Board

11.4 ANNOUNCEMENT OF TEAMS.

No announcement of Tournament team selections can be made, nor can Tournament team tryouts or practices be held until May 15, as stipulated by Little League rules.

All Star team rosters will not be announced publicly before player eligibility and commitments have been verified and rosters, Managers, and Coaches have been approved by the Board of Directors

12. AGE DIVISION SPECIAL RULES

12.1 MAJOR DIVISION

12.1.1 GAME DURATION

  1. Regular season games shall be six (6) innings or one hour and 45 minutes. No new inning shall start after 1 hour and 40 minutes. An inning started before the time expires must be completed.
  2. Only the umpire-in-chief may call a game, though this may be done in coordination with the Board Member on Duty.

12.1.2 CONTINUOUS BATTING ORDER

  1. All players will be in the batting order for the duration of the game. Players must still comply with the minimum playing time as outlined in the Little League rule book.

All other playing rules will follow the Little League rule book at the Major Division.

12.2  MINOR - PLAYER PITCH DIVISION

12.2.1 GAME DURATION

  1. Regular season games shall be six (6) innings or one hour and 30 minutes. No new inning shall start after 1 hour and 25 minutes. An inning started before the time expires must be completed.
  2. Only the umpire-in-chief may call a game, though this may be done in coordination with the Board Member on Duty.

12.2.2 CONTINUOUS BATTING ORDER

  1. All players will be in the batting order for the duration of the game. Players must still comply with the minimum playing time as outlined in the Little League rule book.

12.2.3 LENGTH OF AN INNING

  1. The side is retired when three offensive players are legally put out, called out by an umpire, or when all players on the roster have batted one time in the half-inning, or when the offensive team has scored five (5) runs.
  2. Each team will be allowed to score unlimited runs in the last inning only (6th inning only). Their half inning at bat will end upon the completion of one of the following: (1) The defensive team records three outs. (2) The offensive team bats their entire lineup.
  3. Each team will bat the same number of players in the last inning if the game reaches the 6th inning (i.e. if Team A has 12 players and Team B has 10 players, Team B will bat once through the lineup and then 2 additional batters will hit in order). This only occurs if the defensive team does not record 3 outs.

All other playing rules will follow the Little League rule book for the Minor Division.

12.3 MINOR - COACH PITCH “FARM CLUB” DIVISION.

12.3.1 GAME DURATION

  1. Regular season games shall be five (5) innings or one hour and 15 minutes, whichever comes first.
  2. If tied after 5 innings, the game is considered complete. No extra innings.
  3. No drop dead, but if time does not allow for a game to be completed, the score will revert to the last completed inning.
  4. Each team will be allowed to score unlimited runs in the last inning only (5th inning only). Their half inning at bat will end upon the completion of one of the following:
    (1) The defensive team records three outs. (2) The offensive team bats their entire lineup.
  5. Each team will bat the same number of players in the last inning (i.e. if Team A has 12 players and Team B has 10 players, Team B will bat once through the lineup and then 2 additional batters will hit in order). This only occurs if the defensive team does not record 3 outs.
  6. Only the head umpire may call a game complete, though this may be done in coordination with the Board Member on Duty.

12.3.2 LENGTH OF AN INNING

  1. The side is retired when three offensive players are legally put out, called out by an umpire, or when all players on the roster have batted one time in the half-inning, or when the offensive team has scored five (5) runs.

12.3.3 DEAD BALL RULE

  1. A batted/thrown ball that hits the ball bucket or pitching coach shall be ruled a dead ball. The batter is awarded 1st base. All other runners will be awarded one base only if they are forced.

12.3.4 DEFENSE AND BATTING

  1. Each batter will receive a maximum of five (5) pitches unless there is a foul ball on the third strike or the umpire calls "no pitch.”
  2. A  “bad pitch” caused by a pitching coach on the 5th pitch does not count in the pitch count (e.g. pitches head high and shoe low), and shall be called, at the umpire’s discretion, a “no pitch.” If no league-assigned umpire is calling the game, then a “no pitch” must be identified at the time of the pitch by the pitching coach. It must also be agreed upon by the opposing coach. Please do not be excessive with these calls; rather have your batters adjust their position in the batter’s box.
  3. Defensive teams are allowed up to 10 players on the field. Pitcher, Catcher,
    4 infielders and 4 outfielders. If you are short players, you may play with fewer outfielders.
  4. All players must play one inning in the infield before the fourth inning.
  5. The pitcher position must start with one foot within 3 feet of the pitching coach, and may not leave his or her position until the ball comes out of the pitching coach’s hand.
  6. Infielders may not play any closer to the batter than the pitcher.
  7. All outfield positions must start in the grass in the outfield and in fair territory. They may move once the ball is through the machine.
  8. No defensive player may reach into or enter into the pitcher's circle. If a player reaches into or enters into the pitcher's circle, a dead ball will be called. The batter-runner will advance to 1st base, and all other runners will be awarded one base only if they are forced.
  9. The ball shall be dead immediately any time the pitching coach/umpire touches a ball thrown to him/her at the end of a play, whether or not they catch it, and all runners will return to the last base touched.
  10. Managers should supervise a warm-up before each practice/game, but no infield practice is permitted prior to the start of the game or in between games.
  11. Players should not sit out two (2) consecutive innings, and no player shall sit out a second inning until all other players have sat out one inning.
  12. Players may only play a defensive position for a maximum of two (2) consecutive innings per game with the exception of catcher. A player may play a position for only one inning, but cannot return to that position for the remainder of the game.
  13. The offensive team is allowed to advance a maximum of one base on an overthrow by a fielder, and only on the first overthrow. Runners may not advance on subsequent overthrows during the same play.
  1. A throw that is coming to the pitcher is not considered an overthrow.
  2. It will be the umpire’s judgment whether to return a player to the previous base, and the decision of the umpire is final.
  1. Once the ball has returned or is on the way to the pitcher’s circle, the play is dead.
  2. Catchers must catch or retrieve the ball and throw it back to the pitcher on every pitch. The pitcher will then hand the ball to the umpire for the next pitch.
  3. It is recommended that players sit on the bench in their batting order. This will aid in organization and keep the game moving.
  4. Bunting is not allowed. A batter must take a full swing
  5. Pitchers must wear a helmet.

12.3.4 NUMBER OF PLAYERS

  1. At the Farm Club level, games CAN be played with less than 9 players on either side. There are no forfeits. Managers should use the Player Pool if they know they will be short on players, but may only use pool players to bring their team to a maximum of 10 players.

12.3.5 MANAGERS AND COACHES

  1. A maximum of three coaches may be on the field during the game, when their team is on defense, positioned in the outfield, to allow for in-game instruction.
  2. A batted ball that hits a defensive coach, before a defensive player touches it, is declared dead. The batter is awarded one base and all other runners advance 1 base
  3. When their team is batting, Managers and Coaches must be in the 1st or 3rd base coach box or in the dugout. There must always be an adult coach in the dugout when there are players in the dugout.
  4. Defensive coaches may not be positioned in the infield or behind home plate at any time.
  5. All other playing rules will follow the Little League rule book for the Minor “Coach Pitch/Machine Pitch” Division.
  6. No protests. The umpire is the final decision maker in all cases.

12.4 TEE BALL DIVISION

12.4.1 GAME DURATION.

  1. A regulation game consists of 45 minutes or two (2) innings unless time permits a third. Under no circumstances shall the score of a Tee Ball game be kept.

12.4.2 LENGTH OF AN INNING

  1. Every player on the roster shall bat each inning. No player may bat twice in one inning.

12.4.3 DEFENSE

  1. Each team shall have a pitcher, catcher, and five infielders. The remainder of the team shall play in the outfield.
  2. Every inning, players shall be rotated so that the same player does not play the same position two consecutive innings during a game. Infielders and outfielders must rotate every new inning. A player may only play pitcher or first base once per game.

12.4.4 MANAGERS AND COACHES

  1. Managers and/or coaches are allowed on the playing field during games.
  2. The manager or coach who is stationed at home plate for setting the ball on the tee is considered the "umpire" and is responsible for calling foul balls, dead balls, timeouts, etc.
  3. All other playing rules will follow the Little League rule book for the Tee Ball Division. 

12.5 SENIOR LEAGUE

12.5.1 GAME DURATION

  1. Regular season games shall be seven (7) innings or 1 hour and 45 minutes. No new inning shall start after 1 hour and 40 minutes. An inning started before the time expires must be completed.
  2. Only the umpire-in-chief may call a game, though this may be done in coordination with the Board Member on Duty.

All other playing rules will follow the Little League rule book for the Senior League Division.

 

END BYLAWS