6.00

THE BATTER

6.02(b)6.02(b)

THE BATTER SHALL NOT LEAVE THAT POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX AFTER THE PITCHER COMES TO THE SET POSITION OR STARTS A WINDUP.

PENALTY: IF THE PITCHER PITCHES, THE UMPIRE SHALL CALL “BALL” OR “STRIKE” AS THE CASE MAY BE.

6.02(c)6.02(c)

If THE BATTER REFUSES TO TAKE THEIR POSITION IN THE BATTER’S BOX DURING A TIME AT BAT, THE

UMPIRE SHALL ORDER THE PITCHER TO PITCH, AND SHALL CALL “STRIKE” ON EACH SUCH PITCH.

Batter U

p!!

Batter Up!!Batter U

p!!

Strike!!!

Rule 6.03The Batter’s legal position

shall be with both feet within the batter’s box

No

No

No

No

Yes

Yes

6.05(b)6.05(b)A batter is out when -(b) Little League (Majors)/Intermediate (50-70)/Junior/Senior/Big –(1) a third strike is legally caught by the catcher;(2) a third strike is not caught by the catcher when first base is occupied

before two are out. Minor League and Tee Ball: A third strike is caught or not caught by the catcher.

Summary and Implementation: As of the 2012 season, for the Major Baseball Division, players may advance on a third strike that is not caught in flight by the catcher.

6.05(e)6.05(e)

A BATTER IS OUT WHEN THAT BATTER ATTEMPTS TO HIT A THIRD STRIKE AND IS TOUCHED BY THE BALL.

6.05(f)6.05(f)

A BATTER IS OUT WHEN A FAIR BALL TOUCHES SAID BATTER BEFORE TOUCHING A FIELDER.

A batter is out when:

6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory.

The bat does the hitting ------- Ball is dead, Batter is out.

6.05 (g)

A batter is out when:

6.05(g) After hitting or bunting a fair ball, his bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory.

The ball does the hitting ---------- Balls alive and in play

6.05(g)

A batter is out when:

6.05 (j) In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, he runs outside the three foot line, or inside the foul line, and in the umpire’s judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking the throw at first base.

Two key elements:

(1) The ball must be thrown in order for the runner to

interfere with the “fielder taking the throw”

(2) The throw must be a reasonably catchable throw.

6.05 (j)

6.06 (d)A batter is out for illegal action when -(d) The batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground withan illegal bat (see bat specifications rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal

bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box.

If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s boxfollowing the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat:

1) The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the

penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end ofthe play.

2) For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach forthe duration of the game.

3) For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game.Any subsequent violation will result in the newly designated manager being ejected.

7.09(j) – Batter Interference1st

C

1st

BR

B

C

1st

BR

C

C

D

C

1st

BR

A

BR

A BATTER IS OUT WHEN A PRECEDING RUNNER SHALL, IN THE UMPIRE’S JUDGMENT, INTENTIONALLY INTERFERE WITH A

FIELDER WHO IS ATTEMPTING TO CATCH A THROWN BALL OR TO THROW A BALL IN AN ATTEMPT TO COMPLETE A PLAY.

6.05 (J)

A batter is out for illegal action when:

6.06(a) hitting the ball with one or both feet on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box.

Key Elements:

The ball is dead.

A foot must be on the ground outside the box when the ball is struck for this to be called.

Stepping on home plate is not an out, unless, the batter’s foot is on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box when making contact with the ball.

Regardless whether the ball is batted fair or foul.

6.06 (a)

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot must be

completely out of box.

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot is

completely out of box.

Legal or Illegal

The entire foot is

completely out of box.

6.06cA batter is out for illegal action when:

6.06(c) interfering with the catcher’s fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter’s box, or making any other movement that hinders the catcher’s play at home base.

Key Elements:

A swing, which carries the batter over home plate and

hinders the catcher’s play or attempted play.

Contact between the batter and catcher does not

necessarily have to occur for interference to be

ruled.

Need not get out of the box, unless batter has time.

While in the box, he must make some “other movement”

that is deemed a hindrance to the catcher.

Catcher’s Interference:

6.08(c) The catcher or any fielder interferes with the batter.

No Interference When:

Batter reaches first base AND

All other runners advance at least one base.

Key Elements:

Allow the play to continue:

Manager’s Option:

Runners not attempting to steal or not forced to advance remain on the base they occupied at the time of the interference.

6.08c

7.00

THE RUNNER

7.037.03

TWO RUNNERS MAY NOT OCCUPY THE SAME BASE, BUT IF, WHILE THE BALL IS ALIVE, TWO RUNNERS ARE TOUCHING THE SAME

BASE, THE PROCEEDING RUNNER IS ENTITLED TO THE BASE, AND THE FOLLOWING RUNNER SHALL BE OUT WHEN TAGGED.

7.04(b)7.04(b)

EACH RUNNER, OTHER THAN THE BATTER, MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE ONE BASE WHEN A FIELDER, AFTER

CATCHING A FLY BALL, FALLS INTO A BENCH OR STAND.

7.05(c)7.05(c)

EACH RUNNER INCLUDING THE BATTER-RUNNER MAY, WITHOUT LIABILITY OF BEING PUT OUT, ADVANCE

THREE BASES IF A FIELDER DELIBERATELY THROWS A GLOVE AT AND TOUCHES A FAIR BALL.

7.05 (g) & (h)• When a thrown ball enters a dead ball area

the umpire shall award -– Two Bases: If it’s the first throw by an

infielder, all runners and the batter runner advance two bases from where they were at the time of the pitch.

– Two Bases: On all other throws, all runners and the batter runner advance two bases from where they were at the time the ball was released.

– One Base: If thrown by the pitcher while on the pitcher’s plate.

7.06(a) OBSTRUCTION

When the obstruction occurs, the umpire shall call or signal “Obstruction”

a) If a play is being made on the obstructed runner or the batter-runner is obstructed:

1. “Time” called at the moment of obstruction,2. Batter-runner awarded first base, or runner is

awarded at least one base,3. Other runners;

a) Advance one base if forced,b) If not forced, advance or return according to

umpire’s judgment

7.06(b) OBSTRUCTION

b) If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible:

1. “Time” called when action is completed,2. Umpire imposes such penalties, if any, in that

umpire’s judgment nullifies that act of obstruction.

3. Other runners;a) Advance one base if forced,b) If not forced, advance or return according to

umpire’s judgment

7.08(a)(1)7.08(a)(1)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT IF, TO AVOID BEING TAGGED, THE RUNNER RUNS MORE THAN THREE FEET

FROM A DIRECT LINE BETWEEN BASES.

7.08(a) (3) (Any runner is out when) the runner does not slide or

attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is awaiting to

make the tag;

Comments:

1) There is NO “MUST SLIDE” rule.

2) The fielder must have the ball in his possession; AND

3) The fielder must be WAITING to make the tag;

7.08(a)(3)

Must have the ball in his possession ANDMust be WAITING to make the tag.

7.08 (a) (4)7.08 (a) (4) (Any runner is out when) the runner slides head

first while advancing (Tee Ball, Minors or Majors only)

Comment:This rule does not apply when a runner is returning

to a base, only when advancing to a base.

7.08(b)7.08(b)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THE RUNNER INTENTIONALLY INTERFERES WITH A THROWN BALL OR HINDERS A FIELDER

ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A PLAY ON A BATTED BALL.

7.08(c)7.08(c)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THAT RUNNER IS TAGGED, WHILE OFF THE BASE, WHEN THE BALL IS ALIVE.

EXCEPTION: A BATTER-RUNNER CANNOT BE TAGGED OUT AFTER OVER RUNNING FIRST BASE IF SAID

BATTER-RUNNER RETURNS IMMEDIATELY TO THE BASE.

7.08(f)7.08(f)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN TOUCHED BY A FAIR BALL IN FAIR

TERRITORY BEFORE THE BALL HAS TOUCHED OR

PASSED AN INFIELDER

7.08(h)7.08(h)

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN THAT RUNNER PASSES A PRECEDING RUNNER BEFORE THE

PRECEDING RUNNER IS OUT.

7.10APPEAL

(1) Missed base (7.10b,d)

(2) Failure to retouch properly (7.10a)

(3) Failure to return to first base (7.10c)

(4) Batting out of order (6.07)

There are four types of Appeal Plays:

Must be made before the next pitch

Must be made before next play or attempted play

Must be a live ball for appeals to be made

Must be made in a precise, unmistakable manner

Must be made before the defensive team leaves the field

APPEALRequirements for making a proper appeal:

Minors and Below: Base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached the batter.

Majors (Softball): Base runners shall not leave their bases until the pitched ball has been released by the pitcher.

7.13

The catcher is “Ready to receive delivery” of the pitch when he has his mask on and is facing the pitcher.

He/she does not have to be in a squat position.

Runners must return to the original base or to the one nearest to the one that was left early.

7.14SPECIAL PINCH-RUNNER• once each inning• player not in the current batting

order• a player can only be removed as a

runner once per game• does not apply with continuous

batting order

8.00

THE PITCHER

8.018.01

THERE ARE TWO LEGAL PITCHING DELIVERIES:THE WINDUP POSITION AND THE SET POSITION, AND

EITHER POSITION MAY BE USED AT ANY TIME.

8.01(a) WINDUP8.01(a) WINDUP

THE PITCHER SHALL NOT RAISE EITHER FOOT FROM THE GROUND EXCEPT THAT FOOT INVOLVED IN THE ACTUAL DELIVERY OF THE

BALL TO THE BATTER. THE PITCHER MAY TAKE ONE STEP BACKWARD AND ONE STEP FORWARD WITH THE FREE FOOT.

8.01(b) Set Position8.01(b) Set Position

BEFORE ASSUMING SET POSITION THE PITCHER MAY ELECT TO MAKE ANY NATURAL PRELIMINARY MOTION SUCH AS THAT

KNOWN AS “THE STRETCH.” BUT IF THE PITCHER SO ELECTS THAT PITCHER SHALL COME TO SET POSITION BEFORE

DELIVERING THE BALL TO THE BATTER. NOTE: Majors and Below. The pitcher need not come to a complete stop.

Intermediate/Junior/Senior. The pitcher must come to a complete and discernible stop.

8.01

Pitchers shall take signs from the catcher while

standing on the pitchers plate!!!

What’s the penalty???

8.02(a)The pitcher shall not –

1. Bring the pitching hand to the mouth

2. Apply a foreign substance to the ball

3. Expectorate on the ball, hand or glove

4. Rub the ball on the glove or clothing

5. Deface the ball in any manner

6. Deliver a shine, spit, mud, emery ball

8.02(a)

PENALTY: Call the pitch a ball and warn the pitcher

• If a play occurs on the violation, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of acceptance of the play. (See 8.05 Penalty)

8.03

• When a pitcher takes a position at the beginning of each inning, that pitcher shall be permitted to pitch not to exceed eight (8) preparatory pitches to a catcher or teammate acting as catcher.

• These pitches shall not consume more than one minute.• A substitute pitcher, due to an injury, has the

opportunity to throw as many pitches as the umpire deems necessary.

8.05 – Illegal Pitch / Balk8.05 – With a runner or runners on base, it is an illegal pitch (Majors/Minors) or Balk (Intermediate/Junior/Senior) when –

(a) the pitcher, while touching the plate, makes any motion naturally associated with the pitch and fails to make such delivery;

(b) the pitcher, while touching the plate, feints a throw to first base and fails to complete the throw;

(c) the pitcher, while touching the plate, fails to step directly toward a base before throwing to that base;

(d) the pitcher, while touching the plate, throws, or feints a throw to an unoccupied base, except for the purpose of making a play;

(e) the pitcher makes a quick pitch (judgment)

8.05 – Illegal Pitch / Balk8.05 – With a runner or runners on base, it is an illegal pitch (Majors/Minors) or Balk (Intermediate/Junior/Senior) when –

(f) the pitcher delivers the ball while not facing the batter;

(g) the pitcher makes any naturally motion with the pitch while not touching the pitcher’s plate;

(h) the pitcher unnecessarily delays the game;

(i) the pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or astride the pitcher’s plate or while off feints a pitch;

(j) the pitcher, while touching the plate, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball;

(k) the pitcher, while giving an intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is not in the catcher’s box;

(l) Intermediate/UP: Not coming to a stop or removing one hand from the ball other than in an actual pitch.

8.05 – Illegal Pitch / Balk8.05 - PENALTY: Majors/Minors: The ball is dead and no runners will advance. The pitch shall be called a ball even if the pitch is not actually thrown and counted towards pitch count. (Exception: if the pitch is delivered and a play follows the illegal pitch, the play shall be allowed to continue as a delayed dead ball.

Intermediate/UP: The ball is dead, and each runner shall advance one base without liability to be put out unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk.

NOTE: Intent of balk call is to prevent the pitcher from deliberately deceiving the base runner

8.06

Manager/Coach visits to the mound –a) Allowed two visits to the same pitcher in

an inning, third visit the pitcher is removed

b) Allowed three visits to the same pitcher in a game, fourth visit the pitcher is removed.

c) Prohibited from making a third visit while the same batter is at bat

d) May confer with any other players. If granted time out to visit any defensive player, he is charged with a visit to the mound.

9.01(a)Note: Plate umpire must wear a mask, shin

guards and chest protector. Male umpires must wear a protective cup.

Note: It is highly recommended all umpires attach a “dangling” type throat protector to their mask.

9.06 - Umpires shall not wear shoes with metal spikes or cleats

9.01(b)

Each umpire is the representative of the League and of Little League Baseball, and is authorized and required to enforce all of these rules. Each umpire has authority to order a player, coach, manager or league officer to do or refrain from doing anything which affects the administering of these rules and to enforce the prescribed penalties.

9.01(c)

EACH UMPIRE HAS THE AUTHORITY TO RULE ON ANY

POINT NOT SPECIFICALLY COVERED IN THESE RULES

9.02a) Any umpire’s decision which involves

judgment, ball, strike, fair, foul, safe, out is

FINALNo player, manager or coach shall object to

any such judgment decisions.

c) If a decision is appealed, the umpire making the decision may ask another umpire for information. No umpire shall criticize, seek to reverse or interfere with another umpire’s decision unless asked to do so by the umpire making it.

“If players are mediocre, the result is mediocre baseball.

If umpires are mediocre, the result is chaos.”

• George Will, Newsweek February 17, 2004