Where not otherwise provided herein, the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball 2023 apply. The rules provided here-in are intended to clarify and document League level rules based on rule options allowed under Little League Baseball and all references are to the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” of Little League Baseball 2023. In the event of any conflict between the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules” and the rules contained herein, the rules contained herein shall govern over Katy National Little League games.
GENERAL GROUND RULES
1. All players shall be listed on the lineup card and in the scorebook and a continuous
batting order will be used. A player not present by the plate meeting should be moved to
the bottom of the order. If a player must leave due to illness, they are skipped without an
out occurring.
2. Each team must have a minimum of 8 players to start a game. If additional players show
up during the game, they are to be inserted at the end of the batting order. If additional
players do not show up then the Manager of the team with 8 players may play with 8 in
the field, or, at his option (with the other team agreeing without involvement in the
decision), may request that the opposing team’s last batter of the previous inning play in
the field for his team. The field position will be an outfield position determined by the
Manager with 8 players. At the start of the game, the last batter in the opposing team’s
lineup is eligible for field play. This rule does not apply to Tee-ball or Coach Pitch 6
divisions.
3. KNLL upholds the Little League Standards for both Tournament and Regular Season
play as defined in Regulation VI. With regard to all pitchers’ league age 14 and under:
• If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest is
required.
• If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest is
required.
• If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest is
required.
• If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest is required.
• If a player pitches 0-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest is required.
Note: The continuation threshold applies for rest and for a pitcher going to
catcher. A catcher can catch 3 innings and still pitch. If they catch one warm up
pitch in the 4th, they cannot. For a pitcher, they can throw 40 pitches and still
catch with continuation threshold still allowed.
Ex—If a pitcher starts a batter with 33 pitches thrown, he can throw 5 pitchers and
go over the 35 pitch threshold. As long as he is pulled after that batter, he would
revert back to 35 pitches thrown and not 38 pitches total.
If the pitcher is not pulled, throws one pitch to the next batter, his count continues
towards the next threshold. IF he starts at 33, throws 5 pitches to first batter and
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then 1 to the next batter, he reverts to the 50 pitch count/rest threshold as
continuation is not met.
If a pitcher starts at 38 pitches, throws 4 to get to 42 and then is immediately
pulled to go to catch, he would be considered under 40 and allowed to transition.
If the pitcher starts at 38 pitches, throws 4 to get to 42 with the first batter and
then throws 1 or more pitches to the next batter, he is considered over the 40
pitch limit and the player cannot transition to catcher for that game.
If a catcher wants to pitch, he cannot catch into the 4th inning and still pitch. One
pitch in warm ups counts as catching into an inning
Maximum number of pitches vary by age
9/10 75
11 and 12 85
13 95
4. A player that becomes injured during the game and is unable to continue playing by
leaving the field of play, can be removed from the lineup without penalty (i.e. no
automatic out).
5. An injury report must be filled out for every injury no matter how minor. The manager is
responsible for following up with the player and notifying the board of an injury within 24
hours of the incident/departure from the game. Failing to do so impacts league
insurance requirements.
6. All runners shall slide feet-first or attempt to avoid contact with the defensive player while
that player is in the “process of making a play on the runner”, contingent that the
fielder is in possession or in the process of being in possession of the ball. In the
Intermediate division, all runners are allowed to slide head-first.
7. Teams shall change positions as rapidly as possible at the end of each inning. Play
should resume within 2 minutes of the last out. The home plate Umpire will monitor and
enforce this rule. Intermediate/Minor: A new pitcher may take 8 warm-up pitches in-
between each inning. Returning pitchers may take 6 warm-up pitches. In the event the
defensive team did not run for the catcher (or the catcher is not immediately available),
the pitcher will be afforded only three warm up pitches after 2 minutes have elapsed
from the last out.
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8. A ball that becomes lodged or goes under the fence in fair territory shall be considered a
ground rule double. The fielder must raise both arms in the air in order to stop play. If the
player attempts to retrieve the ball, play continues.
9. When a ball is hit over the outfield fence in fair territory it is declared a Home Run. If the
ball hits the “yellow” tubing and does not leave the playing field, the ball is live. The
Manager and Coach may congratulate the player as he circles the bases, but the rest of
the team must remain in the dugout until the batter returns to the dugout from home
plate.
10. Protests are only allowed in the Intermediate division as it is allowed for that division
during tournament play. All disputes must be settled within 5 minutes by the Lead
Umpire. The Manager may, with permission from the LEAD UMPIRE, and with rule book
in hand, question a call or ruling. The Umpire’s decision at the end of the 5 minutes is
final. JUDGEMENT CALLS CANNOT BE PROTESTED.
11. Judgement Calls are defined as follows
• Ball or strike
• Safe or out
• Fair or foul
• Obstruction/Interference
12. Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who
has the ball and is waiting to make the tag."
It shall be the umpire's judgment, not subject to appeal, whether the runner made an
attempt to avoid direct contact in this situation. In the event the fielder does not have the
ball or is not in the act of fielding the ball, the umpire may judge that an obstruction has
occurred in which case the runner may be judged to be safe. In both instances, however,
the runner may be ejected (not subject to appeal) by the umpire if in his/hers opinion the
contact made by not sliding was both flagrant and intentional.
13. Rules 4.06-4.08 and 9.01(c)-(e) governing misconduct shall be extended to include the
team's spectators and/or parents (i.e. Managers, YOU may be held responsible by the
umpires for the actions of ALL those involved with your team.)
14. Alcohol is prohibited in Katy Park. Any manager that suspects a parent, on either team
or an official, on either team, is under the influence must report this concern to the board
member on duty. Failing to do so will fall to the manager being responsible and
accepting of illegal behavior.
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15. Parent behavior. No coach should be verbally abused at the park by any parents for any
reason. No coach should be abused or harassed at home, on the personal phone, by
text or by call. Any parent that demonstrates this behavior will be warned and then
suspended from the league and park for the remainder of the season. This ejection will
not apply to the player in the current season but could result in the player/parent being
banned from continuing to play within the league.
GAME TIMES
To insure the games start on time, the Manager of the home team shall have his players
ready to take the field at least 5 minutes prior to the actual Game Time. The meeting
between the Managers and Umpires should take place 10 minutes before Game Time.
The start of the game clock shall be announced by the Umpire when the home team is
placed on the field. In the Tee-Ball division, where an Umpire is not involved, all games
shall start no later than five (5) minutes after the posted Game Time.
1. Games scheduled to start after another game will start on time unless the proceeding
game concludes less than 10 minutes before the scheduled Start Time. If this occurs,
then the official Start Time will be no more than 10 minutes after the completion of the
preceding game. On-field warm up, including pre-game outfield practice, will be limited
to the time available. Areas are available adjacent to each field for pre-game warm up.
These areas must be used to ensure games start on time.
2. Except to assure that a “regulation game” is played, no inning in the Fall shall start after:
• Tee-Ball: 50 minutes (Regulation Game not required)
• Coach Pitch 6: 50 minutes (Regulation Game not required)
• Coach Pitch 7/8: 1 hour, 20 minutes (or 6 Innings, whichever is quicker)
• Minor: 1 hour, 30 minutes (or 6 Innings, whichever is quicker)
• Intermediate: 1 hours, 30 minutes (or 7 innings, whichever is quicker)—FALL
ONLY. Spring must follow rule book of 1 hour, 45 minutes.
No inning shall begin after 9:30 pm and no game can continue past 9:45 pm.
Any inning in progress shall be completed. A game that has been played to the end of
the allotted time shall be considered a regulation game.
In the Fall, ties will be allowed and considered a regulation game in all divisions. In the
Spring, a tie is not allowed in the Intermediate division and if one occurs due to park
curfew, both teams are to return at the first agreed upon date.
3. Pre-game warm up cannot take place on any lined field, for any activity.
4. Rain out games shall be rescheduled ASAP by the Scheduling Manager. The Manager.
shall coordinate with the two teams’ managers and report a mutually agreeable date to
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the Board. In the event a team cannot field at least 8 players on the initial makeup date,
a second date will be set, and that team must play or forfeit the game.
TEAM RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Each team is responsible for cleaning their dugouts and stands after each game.
Managers, Coaches and Players
Any action against the Code of Conduct by a Manager, Coach, Parent or Player shall
result in a verbal warning from the Umpire. If the action continues, the Plate or Field
Umpire shall eject said offender for the remainder of the game.
a. That ejection will affect that individual’s ability to participate in Post Season
Play (All-Stars). KNLL Board must approve the ineligibility.
b. Any Manager, Coach and/or Player who is ejected from a game will be
suspended for his/her next game, per Little League International rules. The
KNLL board adds an additional game to that with the possibility of more
sanctions, per review and board vote. Ex-You lose the game that you are
being ejected from plus one more without discussion.
c. Any further misconduct on the part of said Manager or Coach shall result in
suspension for the remainder of the season.
d. Use of improper language by Managers or Coaches on the field or in the
dugouts may be grounds for permanent suspension by the KNLL Board of
Directors.
Parents & Spectators
It is the Manager’s responsibility to control the Parents and spectators of their team. Any
action against the Code of Conduct by a Parent or Spectator shall result in a verbal
warning from the Umpire or KNLL Board Member to both the Manager and the
Parent/Spectator. If the action continues, the Manager and the Parent or Spectator
will be ejected from the game.
a. In the event said individual is ejected for a second time at any KNLL function,
that individual shall be BANNED from all remaining KNLL activities.
b. Managers: an ejection for not controlling the behavior of the parent and/or
spectator during any given game does not constitute a suspension for any
subsequent game.
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Any individual ejected from a game by an Umpire or suspended from a game(s) by the
KNLL Board may not stay in the stands or in an area where he may be seen or heard
from the fields.
DIVISION RULES
In addition to the Section above (General Rules, Game Time, Team Responsibilities and Code
of Conduct), the following rules are specific to each Division:
Intermediate Division
1. Infield play: No minimum requirements.
2. The “Infield Fly Rule” is in effect.
3. Metal Spikes are allowed.
4. Mercy Rule is in effect –
5. If the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of fifteen (15) runs or more, after 3
innings the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent.
If after four (4) innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of ten (10) runs
or more, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent.
If after five (5) innings if the home team is ahead, one team has a lead of eight (8) runs
or more, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the
opponent.
6. On Deck batters are allowed and for safety, should be at the batter’s back.
7. Legal bats are defined on Little League’s website for this division.
8. Special pinch runners are allowed in case of injury.
9. Teams must field at least 8 players no later than ten (15) minutes after the scheduled
game time or a forfeit may exist. If a team loses a player during the game, they must
borrow a player from the opponent to field 8 positions.
10. If the third strike called by the Umpire is not caught by the catcher, providing (1) first
base is unoccupied, or (2) first base is occupied with two out, then the batter can run to
first base. In the event the batter does not realize his situation on a third strike not
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caught, and who is not in the process of running to first base, shall be declared out once
enters the dugout/bench area.
11. Each team will be allowed to have 3 coaches. 2 will coach the bases from the coach’s
boxes, and 1 adult coach must remain in the dugout. If a team has only 1 coach, a
player will coach one of the bases while wearing a helmet. While on defense, all
coaches must remain in the dugout until granted time out by the Umpire, not on the
field.
12. Protests are allowed.
13. Courtesy runner is REQUIRED for the catcher with 2 outs in each inning. The last
player, who is not the pitcher of record, to make an out should be used.
Minors Division
1. Intentional walks are allowed. Those pitches will count towards the pitcher’s pitch limit.
2. The “Infield Fly Rule” IS in effect. Runners may advance at their own risk.
3. A “5 Run Rule” limit per inning is in effect regardless of the number of outs. Once the 5th
run has crossed the plate, the half inning is over.
4. If after (3) innings In the Minor Division, one team has a lead of 15 runs or more, the
manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory. If after (4) innings in
the Minors Division, if one team has a lead of 10 runs or more, the manager of the team
with the least runs shall concede the victory. If after (5) innings, if the home team is
ahead by 8 runs or more, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the
victory.
5. Each team will be allowed to have 3 coaches. 2 will coach the bases from the coach’s
boxes, and 1 adult coach must remain in the dugout. If a 3rd coach is not available, a
player must coach one of the bases while wearing a helmet. While on defense, all
coaches must remain in the dugout until granted time out by the Umpire, not on the
field.
6. On Deck batters are not allowed on the field. Hitters must remain in the dugout until it is
their turn at bat. No players will swing a bat inside the dugout or equipment area for
safety reasons.
7. Teams will use a continuous batting order.
8. Teams must field at least 8 players no later than ten (15) minutes after the scheduled
game time or a forfeit may exist. If a team loses a player during the game, they must
borrow a player from the opponent to field 8 positions.
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9. Courtesy runner for the catcher is REQUIRED with 2 outs or 4 runs in each inning. The
last player to make an out should be used.
Coach Pitch 7/8 Division
• Score shall be kept, and there will be a winning team and losing team. Standings
will also be kept, and this division will have an end of the season tournament (SPRING
only).
• Games are 6 innings, but no inning will start beyond 1 hour and 20 minutes after
the official starting time. If the game is tied at the end of regulation, it will remain a tie
(except in post season tournament play)
• The umpire is the sole judge of time. Managers should present a full line up,
with positions, at the plate meeting to exchange with the other manager.
• The game is completed when the time limit is reached, and additional play will
not change the outcome. This rule is intended to be a drop dead rule. IE. The visiting
team is at bat when time limited is reached and the home team is ahead by more runs
than the visiting team can score in that inning. Time will be called and the game is over.
• The offensive team can have three coaches on the field. 2 base coaches
(positioned at 1st and 3rd base) and a coach pitcher positioned at the pitcher’s mound
pitching to the batter.
• Coaches for the defensive team should remain in the dugout, in preparation for
the next division where that is required. One coach can be in front of the dugout if
needed but must make every effort to avoid interaction with play.
• The Home team will provide a scorekeeping volunteer. The Home team
maintains the official scorebook.
• Scores will be posted, and standings will be maintained on the league’s website
during the season to allow for proper seeding for post season play (SPRING only).
• Prior to starting the game, Team Managers will exchange copies of the game
lineup, including player names, uniform numbers, defensive positions, and batting order.
• Every player present for the game is in the batting order for the duration of the
game.
• Any late arriving player will assume the last position in the batting order.
• A maximum of 5 runs allowed per inning per team (3 outs or 5 runs will constitute
an inning for the offensive team).
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• The game shall be called when it is mathematically impossible for one team to
catch up in 6 innings. This rule is intended to be a drop dead rule. Once one team can
not catch up in 6 innings the game is over regardless of if the winning team is home or
visitor. As soon as it is mathematically impossible for one team to catch up, the game
will be over.
• An adult coach or manager is expected to pitch.
• The coach pitcher must remain in contact with the pitching rubber while
pitching. The ball must be thrown overhand. No kneeling or pitching from the knee at
all.
• There is no set speed for pitches. Pitchers should be consistent from first to last
batter of the game. The coach pitcher must make every effort to avoid the ball when in
play, when possible.
• Coaching from the pitcher’s mound is to be limited to movement of the batter in
the batter’s box, as the coach pitcher is in the best position to view batter’s alignment
and recommend adjustments for safety reasons. Coaching once the pitch has been
delivered or any coaching of the runners will result in one warning followed by a removal
from the role of pitcher.
Batting
• Each batter will be allowed a maximum of 5 pitches. If a foul ball is hit on the fifth
pitch; then, the player will be allowed to continue batting until he or she does not contact
the ball or puts the ball in play.
• 5 pitches or 3 strikes = 1 out.
• Batters are not permitted to bunt or soft swing at the ball. If, in the umpire’s
judgment, a batter soft swings or bunts, the pitch is ruled a strike and the ball is dead.
• There will be no base on balls or base awarded for a batter hit by a pitch. It is
considered no pitch.
• A fair ball hitting a coach pitcher will be declared a foul ball. If, in the umpire's
judgment a coach interferes with a fielder's attempt to make a play, the ball is dead and
the lead runner is out.
• The penalty for a batter throwing a bat is umpire’s discretion and can result in a
warning, an out and/or ejection.
Base Running
• When an out is made on a base runner, the base runner must leave the field of
play and return to the dugout.
• If an infielder is attempting to tag a runner, the runner is out if they move, in the
umpire’s judgement, more than 3 feet direction from the base path they have
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established. The base path is measured from where the runner is, not from a direct line
between bases, so a runner can round 1st base and make a huge arc toward 2nd with
no penalty. For purposes of this rule, the base path is basically 6 feet wide but it’s not
always directly between the bases -- it’s from where the runner is.
• An "overthrow" is defined as a thrown ball which is not controlled by the base
player. On an overthrow to any base, a base runner can try to advance only one base, at
their own risk. For example, a batter hits the ball to the short stop who fields the ball and
makes the throw to 1st base attempting to make the force out; however, the throw was
not accurate and sailed past the 1st base player who was unable to catch the ball. This
is considered an overthrow. Overthrows can occur at any base as long as there is an
attempt to make an out at the base.
• The defense can attempt to make an out against the base runner(s) trying to
advance on an overthrow. If no play is attempted on the base runner(s), the ball is
declared dead and the batter can advance no further than the next base
• Base runners must “tag up” (be in contact with the base they were on at the start
of the play) after a fly ball is caught and can attempt to advance to the next base when
the fly ball is first touched by the fielder. When tagging up, the base runner must re-
trace their steps.
• If a base runner is hit by a fair batted ball, the base runner is out for interference,
the batter is awarded 1st base and the ball is dead unless the following exceptions
occur:
o If a defensive player attempts to make a play on the ball but fails to field
the ball and then the ball hits the base runner, in the judgment of the umpire, the
base runner shall not be called out by the umpire, the play continues and the ball
is live.
o If the base runner is hit by a fair batted ball after a fielder first made
contact with the ball, in the judgment of the umpire, the base runner shall not be
called out by the umpire, the play also continues, and the ball is live.
• Obstruction, in the judgment of the umpire, is the act of a fielder who, while not in
possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any
base runner. When obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal "Obstruction." If a
play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter/runner is obstructed before
he touches first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance, without liability to
be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire’s judgment, if there had
been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond
the base he had last legally touched before the obstruction. Any preceding runners,
forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstruction, shall advance
without liability to be put out.
o Exception: If a fielder is about to receive a thrown ball and if the ball is in
flight directly toward and near enough to the fielder so he must occupy his
position to receive the ball he may be considered in the act of fielding a ball. It is
entirely up to the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder is in the act of
fielding a ball. After a fielder has tried to field a ball and missed, he can no longer
be in the act of fielding the ball. For example: If an infielder dives at a ground ball
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and the ball passes him and he continues to lie on the ground and delays the
progress of the runner, he very likely has obstructed the runner.
• When the ball is in the possession of the pitcher, and they are in the pitcher’s
circle, the umpire will call the ball dead when, in the umpire's judgment, a play will not be
made on a base runner. Base runners (going from one base to the other) are allowed to
advance at their own peril (risk of being put out). Once the ball is declared dead,
placement of the base runners will be determined by the umpire. Runners that have
rounded the previous base and in the umpire’s judgement are attempting to advance to
the next base will be awarded that base.
o If the pitcher attempts to make a play on a base runner, the play
continues. If a play is attempted and the fielders make an error, the play
continues and base runners can advance, in accordance with overthrow rule.
o If the pitcher does not attempt to make a play (maintaining possession of
the ball in the pitcher’s circle), the umpire will call the ball dead. Any base
runners that have rounded the previous base and in the umpire’s judgement are
attempting to advance to the next base, will be awarded that base. This is a
judgement call by the umpire and cannot be argued by a coach. Arguing the
judgement of an umpire on whether a runner is making an attempt for the next
base, will result in one warning followed by an ejection on the second instance.
• When the ball is in the possession of an infielder and, in the umpire's judgment,
the lead runner has been stopped by the defense, the umpire will call "Time". The ball is
dead and will be returned to coach pitcher. Any other runner that has rounded a previous
base and in the umpire’s judgement is attempting to advance to the next base, will be
awarded that base, if it is unoccupied.
• The ball is considered live if the ball is in the possession of an outfielder. They
must get the ball into the infield for play to be stopped.
• Base runners are not permitted to steal bases and will remain in contact with the
base until the ball is hit. PENALTY: If a base runner is off the base when the ball is hit,
the base runner is out and the ball is in play.
• A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher. Coaches should make every
attempt to use a courtesy runner for the next innings catcher when there are two outs
recorded.
Defense:
• Nine players should be used defensively; six in the infield and three in the
outfield. Free substitution.
• Good baseball fundamentals will be taught – fielders should learn to throw to the
proper base and should be discouraged from running down base runners to make an
unassisted out. Ex---If the ball is hit to the pitcher on the 3rd base side, they should
throw to first. If the ball is hit to the first base and their momentum takes them towards
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the runner, a tag can be done. A significant change of direction is not considered
momentum towards the runner.
• Every player must play at least two innings at an infield (C, P, 1B, 2B, SS, or
3B) position each game.
• Any player that plays the position of pitcher or 1st base, or any combination of the
two positions for two consecutive innings (any portion of an inning counts as an inning)
in a game must play an outfield position or bench for 1 complete inning (3 outs or 5 runs)
prior to returning to the positions of pitcher or 1st base. This rule is in effect for every time
a player plays two innings.
• No infield fly rule. Infielders must catch fly balls.
• Outfielders must remain in the grass approximately half way between the infield
dirt and the fence until the ball is put into play.
• Outfielders must throw or hand the ball to an infielder. Outfielders are not
allowed to tag a base runner or run to a base to make an out.
• The catcher will be in the catcher’s box, no more than 8 feet directly behind home
plate.
• The catcher may field the position defensively once the ball is in play but must
not interfere with the batter and/or base runner. Plays at the plate shall be fielded by the
catcher. The catcher should be expected to catch pitches, and field passed balls and
return them back to the pitcher. If the plate umpire determines the catcher returning
pitches is detrimentally slowing down the game, the umpire (and only the umpire) may
make the decision to limit the catcher to returning the first three pitches for every batter.
• The catcher must always wear full catching equipment.
• The player fielding the pitcher’s position must have at least one foot inside of the
pitcher’s circle and be lined up no closer than the pitching rubber until the ball is hit.
• The player fielding pitcher position can only run an out to first base if the ball
takes them in the direction of the runner/base. If the ball is hit in any location that would
require a change of direction and momentum change, the pitcher must throw the ball to
get the runner out.
• Infielders may not position themselves more than 5 feet inside the baselines.
Please remember that this is 5 feet from the BASELINE, not the GRASSLINE.
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Coach Pitch 6 Division
1. Each batter will get 5 pitches. After 3rd pitch where a swing and miss occurs, hitter must
use a tee.
2. If a batted ball hits one of the defensive team’s coaches on the field before hitting any of
the players, this is a dead ball. The batter and all runners will be awarded one base.
3. If the runners are past the midline when the ball becomes dead they may advance to the
next base.
4. Runners can only advance 1 base on an overthrown ball.
5. A “5 Run Rule” limit per inning is in effect. Once the 5th run has crossed the plate, the
half inning is over.
6. Teams will have 90 seconds to switch sides between innings.
7. All players on the team shall play a defensive position every inning. There will be one
player assigned to each infield position. The remainder of the players will be positioned
in the outfield. Each player will play an infield position at least one (1) inning per game.
8. While on defense, each team is allowed up to four coaches or parents on the field to
help position the players. The adults may not touch any of the players or the ball while
the ball is in play, except where player safety may be compromised. Coaches or parents
must be positioned in grass areas not including infield or in foul territory.
9. The defense can stop play by getting all of the base runners out or getting the ball back
into the pitchers circle. The ball only has to enter the pitching circle. It does not have to
be controlled by the defensive team.
10. The defensive team must throw the ball to get an out instead of running to tag a player
out except where running the player out would be the directional play. This is a judgment
call.
11. Until the ball is hit, all infielders should play at normal depth and no closer than four feet
in front of the baseline. The pitcher must have one foot inside pitcher’s circle until the
ball is hit. All outfielders must be positioned on outfield grass.
12. Four (4) outfielders may be used; however, all outfielders must remain in the outfield
until the ball is struck. No rovers will be allowed (i.e., outfielders must be equally placed
from left to right field and be at least one third of the way from the back of the infield dirt
to the fence). It is illegal to play an outfielder just outside of the infield dirt areas.
KATY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE
RULES AND GUIDELINES
Page 15
Tee-Ball Division (No Coach Pitch)
• No official score will be kept.
• “Player” Pitcher MUST wear helmet
• Each batter will get 5 swings.
• Throughout the full season, all players cannot receive any coach pitching and must
hit all balls off of the batting tee.
• The batted ball must travel at least 15 feet. Any batted ball traveling less than 15 feet
is a foul ball. If the batting tee is knocked over during a swing, this is considered a
foul ball.
• If a batted ball hits one of the defensive team’s coaches on the field before hitting
any of the players, this is a dead ball. The batter and all runners will be awarded one
base.
• If the runners are past the midline when the ball becomes dead they may advance to
the next base.
• All players in the line up will bat until inning is over.
• All players on the team shall play a defensive position every inning. There will be one
player assigned to each infield position. The remainder of the players will be
positioned in the outfield. Each player will play an infield position at least one (1)
inning per game.
• While on defense, each team is allowed up to four coaches or parents on the field to
help position the players. The adults may not touch any of the players or the ball
while the ball is in play, except where player safety may be compromised. Coaches
or parents must be positioned in grass areas not including infield or in foul territory.
• The defense can stop play by getting all of the base runners out or getting the ball
back into the pitchers circle. The ball only has to enter the pitching circle. It does not
have to be controlled by the defensive team.
• Until the ball is hit, all infielders should play at normal depth and no closer than four
feet in front of the baseline. The pitcher must have one foot inside pitcher’s circle
until the ball is hit. All outfielders must be positioned on outfield grass.
KATY NATIONAL LITTLE LEAGUE
RULES AND GUIDELINES
Page 16
PRACTICES
1. During the preseason, teams can conduct up to three field practices per week.
Managers will sign up for these practice times during the Draft.
2. Practice time-slots vary by division. At the end of each practice, you are required to:
Pick up trash in the dugout and on the field
Failure to comply with these simple rules may result in suspension from reserving the
fields for future practices.
3. After games have started, teams may also schedule practices up to the three event per
week maximum. Please contact scheduler and/or player agents for those requests.
4. Prior to registration closing, any events by coaches/players must be coordinated through
the league if field usage is required. Any event on a LL field requires coordination for
insurance purposes as LL season has not started and insurance/liability must be
understood.
POST SEASON TOURNAMENTS
1. Post season tournaments will be single-elimination. They can be double loss
elimination with approval of the President, Vice President, and Head Player Agent
only.
2. Seeding for the tournament will be based on won/loss record during the year
(winning %). Should there be a tie in the standings, the following will be used as
tiebreakers:
1st Tiebreaker: head to head
2nd Tiebreaker: run differential between all teams
3rd Tie breaker: coin flip
3. Unless otherwise state below, the General and Division Ground Rules still apply.
4. The Home Team during tournament games will be the higher seeded team. The only
exception will be in the event of a two-loss elimination tournament. In that case the
home team for the Championship Game will be the team that advanced through the
winner’s bracket (without a loss).
5. Championship Game: Championship Games are played a full 6 innings.
(intermediate: 7 full innings) without any time limits.
6. All games in all divisions will be played out to a winner. If the score is tied at the end
of regulation play, and additional inning will be played with a maximum of 10 runs
allowed per team (except Intermediate Division).