Pelham Little League Rules

General Rules for All leagues          Top ↑

  1. Only the league commissioner can cancel and/or switch games – coaches cannot!
  2. Any questions regarding the cancellation of a game due to the weather will be noted on the PLL website, pllny.org, and on the PLL office phone (914 - 738-6644) by 4:30 pm on weekdays and as early as possible on weekends.
  3. PLL will inform coaches in a timely manner if a game is cancelled by either email, text, phone call, or there will be a RED FLAG is posted at the field. If a game is considered cancelled, teams may NOT play under any circumstances. It is very important that teams observe this rule. Violation will result in an automatic forfeit for both teams.
  4. All players in Minor, Major, and Senior Leagues are to be at their appropriate field at least 15 minutes prior to game start time to warm up and stretch.
  5. Game time is the game start time. Team warm-ups must take place before the official game start time.
  6. Teams have a grace period of 10 minutes after scheduled start time during weeknight games. Umpire has final say.
  7. Games may start and finish with a minimum of 8 players per team.
  8. Every player is in the batting order for the game – roster batting, in order.
  9. Two forfeits by a Manager and/or Coach will disqualify them from coaching the next season.
  10. No shorts and no jewelry may be worn by any player.
  11. No on deck batter/circle for T Ball, American, National or Girls International.
  12. No on deck batter/circle at Richie Bell or Spring Road fields for teams in any league.
  13. Helmets must be worn by all batters, base runners, and player base coaches.
  14. Players must slide to avoid imminent contact at any base.
  15. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated.
  16. Belittling of any kind is unacceptable. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their players.
  17. A player, coach or fan arguing with an Umpire is unacceptable. One warning will be given. Second time will result in an automatic ejection from the game, field and seating area. Failure to adhere to this will result in forfeiture by that person’s team.
  18. All teams must line up and shake hands at the end of every game.
  19. Parents and Coaches mush make sure fields and dugouts are clean after every game.
  20. Individual players must play in at least 60% of their teams regular season games in order to qualify to play in playoffs AND be considered for participation in summer and/or fall travel.
  21. Playoffs and all star games, if any, will be outlined and scheduled by the PLL Board of Directors – no exceptions.

League-specific Rules


T-Ball – 4-Star and Instructional Leagues (boys & girls)          Top ↑

GAME PARAMETERS:

  • Teams will have a total of 90 minutes field time.
  • The first 20 minutes (more if necessary) must be used for instruction/practice using structured drills.
  • Please try to keep players in small groups ( 3-4 per group ) with as many coaches as possible participating. Ideas on drills will be distributed.

The remaining time will be used to play a game of as many innings as possible under the following rules:

  1. Use batting Tee only – absolutely no pitching!
  2. All players must bat every inning.
  3. All players play defensively in the field.
  4. There are no outs, every player bats every inning to complete their half of the inning.
  5. Rotate players at different positions as much as possible.
  6. No on-deck batter/circle – players should be kept behind a fence or at a safe distance while teammates are at bat.
  7. Emphasize to batters that bat throwing will not be tolerated and that doing so in higher levels will result in an out.
  8. Teach players to run through first base.
  9. Teach runners to be aware of base runners in front of them.
  10. Teach fielders to field/retrieve balls hit in their immediate vicinity only. Multiple players should not be chasing the ball.
  11. Generally have baserunners only advance one base at a time. Allow players with an exceptional hit to run out the extra base(s).
  12. No score is kept. There are no wins or losses.


Girls International League ( 1st & 2nd grades )          Top ↑

GAME PARAMETERS:

  • Teams will have a total of 90 minutes field time.
  • First 20 minutes (more if necessary) should be used for instruction/practice using structured drills, keeping players in small groups ( 3-4 per group ) with as many coaches as possible participating. Ideas on drills will be distributed.

The remaining time will be used to play a game of as many innings as possible under the following rules:

  1. All players must bat in every inning.All players must play in the field defensively.
  2. Rotate players at different positions as much as possible.
  3. Use the batting Tee for first 2 weeks of the season, after which coaches pitch for rest of season.
  4. You may use the Tee at any time if the player needs it.
  5. Infielders should only play to the the edge of the infield only. Outfielders should be on outfield grass.
  6. Teams should use normal positioning with 1 player at the pitchers mound, and other players in the usual infield and outfield positions as much as possible.
  7. If there are enough players, coaches should try to dress a catcher.
  8. A player is allowed 5 swings. If she does not hit ball move to next batter.
  9. If a batter or baserunner makes an out -- at bat or on the bases -- they come off the field as per normal baseball rules.
  10. Keep the game moving – get the players on and off the field as quickly as possible.
  11. No score is kept. There are no wins or losses


American League (boys)          Top ↑

GAME PARAMETERS:

  • Teams will have a total of 90 minutes field time.
  • The first 20 minutes (more if necessary) must be used for instruction/practice using structured drills, keeping players in small groups ( 3-4 per group ) with as many coaches as possible participating. Ideas on drills will be distributed.

The remaining time will be used to play a game of as many innings as possible under the following rules:

  1. All players are in the betting lineup and play in the field – no one on bench
  2. There are no counted outs -- everyone bats to complete an inning.
  3. Rotate players at different positions as much as possible.
  4. There is no on-deck circle. Your team should be in a safe place (behind a fence or kept at a safe distance) when others are at bat.
  5. Coaches pitch. Each batter is given 5 pitches. If they are unable to get a hit in those 5 pitches then the batting Tee is brought out.
  6. Remind players not to throw bats after a hit.
  7. Generally have players only advance one base at a time. If a player gets an exceptional hit, allow them to go on to the next base(s).
  8. Teach players to run through 1st base.
  9. If a batter or baserunner makes an out on a play, remove them from the base as per normal baseball rules.
  10. No score is kept. There are no wins or losses. 


National League (boys)          Top ↑

  • Teams will have a total of 90 minutes field time.
  • The first 20 minutes (more if necessary) must be used for instruction/practice using structured drills, keeping players in small groups ( 3-4 per group ) with as many coaches as possible participating. Ideas on drills will be distributed.

The remaining time will be used to play a game of as many innings as possible under the following rules:

  1. An inning consists of 3 outs or batting through the order, whichever comes first.
  2. There are no walks.
  3. All players play in the field &emdash; no one on bench. Have the kids play the regular positions. If there are too many, you can use 4 outfielders, and one player on either side of pitchers mound.
  4. Dress a catcher if you have enough players.
  5. Players must be moved around defensively. Don't leave kids in one set position.
  6. There is no on deck area. Players should be in a safe place, behind fence, or a safe distance from the batter's box when teammates are at bat.
  7. No bat throwing after a batted ball. Warn a player if they do so and make it clear that they will be called out if they continue to do so.
  8. Coaches will pitch for the first half of the season. Players pitch in the second half. League commissioners will set date and parameters for player pitching. Coaches will throw 5 pitches per batter. If the batter does not get a hit, the batter is out (coaches can exercise some discretion here and allow more).
  9. Generally advance one base at a time. If a ball is hit exceptionally well, allow players to advance to additional bases.
  10. Base runners may steal 2nd base 2 times per inning. There is no advancing to 3rd on an overthrow to second base. Stealing is permitted after pitch crosses home plate.
  11. Teach players to run through1st base.
  12. Teach players to be aware of players in front of them on bases.
  13. If a player makes an out, the player leaves the field.
  14. When players begin pitching:
    • Coach should be next to/behind player pitching.
    • Pitchers throw 4-5 pitches to a batter.
    • If no hit, coach steps in to pitch to batter. Repeat process for next batter.
    • Allow player to pitch to several consecutive batters or one full inning–coach’s discretion.
    • No one should pitch more than 1 inning in a game.
    • Coach has option of taking over all pitching of last inning of game.


Minor League Girls Softball         Top ↑

  1. All players bat – roster batting.
  2. 10 players play on the field defensively using an extra outfielder (RF, RCF, LCF, LF)
  3. All outfielders must be on the outfield grass when ball is pitched. Infielders must start on infield dirt.
  4. Free substitutions throughout the game. Every player must play at least 3 innings in the field defensively.
  5. Players must use SBC – 11 ball or equivalent.
  6. Game consists of 6 innings or 90 minute time limit, whichever comes first.
  7. There is no stealing.
  8. Leading from bases permitted only after a pitch passes home plate. Baserunners must return to base when the ball returns to pitcher on mound.
  9. Pitchers mound is 30 feet from home plate.
  10. Bunting is permitted, but there is NO SLASH BUNTING allowed (faking a bunt then hitting away).
  11. There is a 6-run limit per inning (except for 6th inning when an unlimited number of runs is allowed)
  12. 3 consecutive walks, or 4 in one inning, results in an AUTOMATIC pitching change. The next pitcher is allowed one walk in that inning then all players must hit or make an out.
  13. Pitchers are limited to 2 innings per game and 6 overall for the week (Sunday – Saturday).
  14. On a batted ball there is no advancing to the next base on an overthrow.
  15. No base is awarded to a player hit by a pitch
  16. 3 batters hit by a pitch in an inning by the same pitcher results in a pitching change

Major League Girls Softball         Top ↑

  1. Games consist of 6 innings- No NEW inning may start after 1 hour and 40 minutes from game start.
  2. 10 players on the field defensively – 4 outfielders must be on outfield grass when ball is pitched, not directly behind a base as back-up.
  3. Games may be played with as few as 7 players. Players from others teams maybe borrowed. Borrowed players cannot pitch and must bat at the end of the order.
  4. Coaches MAY NOT be on the field during live play at any time. This includes catching for their team when short players.
  5. Substitutions may be made at any time before or after a complete inning – except for an injured player – which can be made immediately.
  6. There is a 6 run limit per inning (except for 6th inning – unlimited). In the event of a time constraint teams must agree prior to the start of the inning that it will be the final inning of the game. If not game will revert back to the score at the end of the previous inning.
  7. 60 foot base paths
  8. Players must use SBC – 12 softball or equivalent.
  9. Every player must be in the batting order – roster batting. If a player leaves during any inning of the game, his/her batting spot is replaced with the next player in the line up. An out is not recorded because that player has left. If a player arrives after a game has started, they are placed in the next spot – at the end – of the batting order.
  10. Infield fly rule is enforced.
  11. Slide to avoid imminent contact at any base.
  12. No head first slides – except when returning to a base on a pick off attempt from the catcher.
  13. Leading and stealing are allowed only after ball has left the pitchers hand- no advancement on overthrows.
  14. No stealing of home is permitted. This includes overthrows on attempted stealing of any base.
  15. No stealing once ball has returned to the pitchers mound, play is dead. Do not look for the “circle” because it is not always there.
  16. Pitching rubber is 40 feet from home plate. If agreed upon pitcher may move up but no closer than 32 feet. Both Coaches must agree on pitchers moving up to 32 feet and if agreed upon pitchers from both teams will pitch from the same distance. ANY pitcher that has or is taking pitching lessons may NOT move up. If there is a question on this please call me.
  17. Pitchers are limited to 3 innings per game - regular season & 6 innings per week (Sunday – Saturday). In playoffs, limit is 6 innings per week however coach deems appropriate.
  18. Use as many pitchers as possible and don't just rely on two or three of the best players -- it pays off at playoff time when you need many pitchers. You might find some pleasant surprises.
  19. Players may only play a max of 4 innings in the infield. This includes any innings at pitcher or catcher.
  20. After a pitcher walks 4 batters in an inning, consider a pitching change.
  21. Batters hit by pitch are awarded first base, others advance.
  22. Pitcher hits 3 batters in the same inning, a pitching change is recommended.
  23. Pitchers must start with toe on the rubber, per A.S.A rules
  24. Pitchers must wear face masks in the field, and highly suggested players wear at 3rd and the rest of the infield.
  25. Bunting is permitted – NO SLASH BUNTING (faking bunt then hitting away).
  26. All batters must wear helmet with face mask
  27. No on deck batter permitted if exposed to home plate.
  28. Scores must be reported to the League Commissioner by both teams at end of each game, Email is the preferred method of reporting, and via website when available.
  29. Pitchers and number of innings pitched must be part of report.


Boys Minor League Baseball         Top ↑

Pitching regulations can be found below in the Pitching Regulations Section.

Pelham Little League follows a modified version of the 2009 official rules and regulations of Little League Baseball. The following are amendments to those rules:

  1. We do roster batting in PLL, meaning that every player must be in the batting order.
  2. If a player leaves during any inning of the game, his/her batting spot is replaced with the next player in the line up. An out is not recorded because that player has left.
  3. If a player arrives after a game has started, they are placed at the end of the batting order.
  4. Every player must have at least 3 innings of defensive play in the field.
  5. Teams may use 4 outfielders – all must be on the outfield grass.
  6. A team may play a game if it only has 8 players.
  7. Borrowing players: If a team only has 7 players to suit up for a game, it may “borrow” an 8th player from another team in that league. The league commissioner may disapprove a team’s selection of a borrowed player. Please use discretion, borrow a player of similar ability to one that is missing. * see below for further clarification of this rule.
  8. We want kids to get a chance to play in different positions. With this in mind, players MUST be moved around to different positions. We are trying to get each player at least 2 innings of infield play per game. If the commissioner has doubts about whether or not this is being done by every team, the league may impose very specific and stringent minimum play requirements. The catcher and pitcher positions are exceptions to this rule and should only be played by players who volunteer to play them. However, if a player requests to play in those positions, the coaches must find a way to get them time at those spots.
  9. Use as many pitchers as possible and don't just rely on two or three of the best players -- it pays off at playoff time when you need many pitchers. You might find some pleasant surprises.
  10. There is a limit of 6 runs per inning (except 6th inning, which is unlimited). * See below for further clarification of this rule.
  11. See below for pitching limitations.
  12. Unlimited stealing of 2nd and 3rd in an inning, however players may only advance one base at a time. Players may not steal home. They may only advance home on a batted ball.
  13. All bats used must have "USA Bat" printed on them, otherwise they will be considered illegal. This is for player safety. For a list of approved bats that adhere to the USA Bat standard, please look here.

Minimum Number of Players to Start a Game (Regular season)

8th player rule:

When a team has 7 players, it may borrow 1 player from another team in that league to make an 8 player batting/fielding order. The borrowed player must be from the other teams in that league, not the opposing team in that game. The borrowed player should be of similar ability to the missing players – we know this can be difficult but please make your best good-faith effort to adhere to this. The 8th player bats 8th in the batting order and plays either right or left field only for the entire game and may not pitch. You may not borrow 2 players to get 9 in the batting order and on the field.

If a team can only get to 7 players to show up, it is considered a forfeit. Once the forfeit has occurred, you may use the field time you have for a practice or exhibition game.

9th player rule:

Once a team has 8 players to start a game, that team may borrow a player ("the 9th player") from the opposing team in that game to play the field only. The 9th player should be the person who made the last out in the opposing team's batting order during their last time up. In the first inning, it is the last batter in the opposing team's order.

The 9th player should not be the opposing team’s pitcher or catcher – defer to the player who made the prior out. The 9th player must play right or left field but will not bat for the team he is "loaned" to. Once requested, the opposing team must comply and provide the 9th fielder. Note: If you're a coach and the opposing team requests a player under these circumstances, please encourage your player to try their best and play as if they were playing for their own team.

These rules do not apply during the playoffs. Players may not be borrowed at that time unless specific approval is given by the league and both coaches.

Time Limits

Weeknights or Impending darkness ( final game of the day ): The umpire has complete discretion over this and their decision shall rule. No NEW inning should start if an Umpire feels a FULL FINAL INNING (top and bottom) cannot be completed due to darkness.

If a game is stopped before the FINAL INNING is completed, the score at the end of the PRIOR full inning shall be the final score. Safety is first priority.

Saturdays - except last game of the day:

At game start, both teams should establish the game start time. No NEW inning may start after 1 hour and 45 minutes from game start. Once started, the full final inning should be completed.

The 6 run max rule is waived for the 6th inning of games. It may be waived earlier in a game if both coaches and the umpire agree that they are starting a FINAL inning for that game.

Game Scoring

Please confirm and agree upon the score at the beginning of every inning with the umpire and the opposing coach.

Coaches must each report their scores to the league commissioner after the game.

Coach's Game Reports

After a game, the head coach must send a game report to the league commissioner. This report must include the following:

  • game score
  • names of pitchers who pitched; the number of innings they were on the mound; how many pitches they threw

Please make sure to send in these reports in a timely manner.


Boys Major League Baseball         Top ↑

Pitching regulations can be found below in the Pitching Regulations Section.

Pelham Little League follows a modified version of the 2009 official rules and regulations of Little League Baseball. The following are amendments to those rules:

  1. We do roster batting in PLL, meaning that every player must be in the batting order.
  2. If a player leaves during any inning of the game, his/her batting spot is replaced with the next player in the line up. An out is not recorded because that player has left.
  3. If a player arrives after a game has started, they are placed at the end of the batting order.
  4. Every player must have at least 3 innings of defensive play in the field.
  5. Teams will play the traditional 9 players in the field. Outfielders must play on the outfield grass.
  6. A team may play a game if it only has 8 players.
  7. Borrowing players: If a team only has 7 players to suit up for a game, it may “borrow” an 8th player from another team in that league. The league commissioner may disapprove a team’s selection of a borrowed player. Please use discretion, borrow a player of similar ability to one that is missing. * see below for further clarification of this rule.
  8. We want kids to get a chance to play in different positions. With this in mind, players MUST be moved around to different positions. We are trying to get each player at least 2 innings of infield play per game. If the commissioner has doubts about whether or not this is being done by every team, the league may impose very specific and stringent minimum play requirements. The catcher and pitcher positions are exceptions to this rule and should only be played by players who volunteer to play them.
  9. Use as many pitchers as possible and don't just rely on two or three of the best players -- it pays off at playoff time when you need many pitchers. You might find some pleasant surprises.
  10. There is a limit of 6 runs per inning (except 6th inning, which is unlimited). * See below for further clarification of this rule.
  11. See below for pitching limitations.
  12. There is unlimited stealing of 2nd, 3rd and Home (within limits of #10 above ) in an inning. The pitched ball must pass the batter before the baserunner can steal. There is no leading.
  13. All bats used must have "USA Bat" printed on them, otherwise they will be considered illegal. This is for player safety. For a list of approved bats that adhere to the USA Bat standard, please look here. Wood bats are also allowed.

Minimum Number of Players to Start a Game (Regular season)

8th player rule:

When a team has 7 players, it may borrow 1 player from another team in that league to make an 8 player batting/fielding order. The borrowed player must be from the other teams in that league, not the opposing team in that game. The borrowed player should be of similar ability to the missing players – we know this can be difficult but please make your best good-faith effort to adhere to this. The 8th player bats 8th in the batting order and plays either right or left field only for the entire game and may not pitch. You may not borrow 2 players to get 9 in the batting order and on the field.

If a team can only get to 7 players to show up, it is considered a forfeit. Once the forfeit has occurred, you may use the field time you have for a practice or exhibition game.

9th player rule:

Once a team has 8 players to start a game, that team may borrow a player ("the 9th player") from the opposing team in that game to play the field only. The 9th player should be the person who made the last out in the opposing team's batting order during their last time up. In the first inning, it is the last batter in the opposing team's order.

The 9th player should not be the opposing team’s pitcher or catcher – defer to the player who made the prior out. The 9th player must play right or left field but will not bat for the team he is "loaned" to. Once requested, the opposing team must comply and provide the 9th fielder. Note: If you're a coach and the opposing team requests a player under these circumstances, please encourage your player to try their best and play as if they were playing for their own team.

These rules do not apply during the playoffs. Players may not be borrowed at that time unless specific approval is given by the league and both coaches.

Time Limits

Weeknights or Impending darkness ( final game of the day ): The umpire has complete discretion over this and their decision shall rule. No NEW inning should start if an Umpire feels a FULL FINAL INNING (top and bottom) cannot be completed due to darkness.

If a game is stopped before the FINAL INNING is completed, the score at the end of the PRIOR full inning shall be the final score. Safety is first priority.

Saturdays - except last game of the day:

At game start, both teams should establish the game start time. No NEW inning may start after 1 hour and 45 minutes from game start. Once started, the full final inning should be completed.

The 6 run max rule is waived for the 6th inning of games. It may be waived earlier in a game if both coaches and the umpire agree that they are starting a FINAL inning for that game.

Game Scoring

Please confirm and agree upon the score at the beginning of every inning with the umpire and the opposing coach.

Coaches must each report their scores to the league commissioner after the game.

Coach's Game Reports

After a game, the head coach must send a game report to the league commissioner. This report must include the following:

  • game score
  • names of pitchers who pitched; the number of innings they were on the mound; how many pitches they threw

Please make sure to send in these reports in a timely manner.


Pitching Regulations for Boys Minors and Majors         Top ↑

Pitching regulations are put in-place to protect kids' arms. The rules are as follows:

Boys Minor League

  • Pitchers are limited to 60 pitches per game, per day. The pitcher may finish pitching to a batter batter if his 60-pitch limit comes up in the middle of an the bat.
  • If a player pitches 45-60 pitches in a day, 3 days of rest must be observed before pitching again.
  • If a player pitches 30-44 pitches in a day, 2 days of rest must be observed before pitching again. 
  • If a player pitches 16-29 pitches in a day, 1 day of rest must be observed before pitching again.
  • If a player pitches 1-15 pitches in a day, there are 0 days of rest required before pitching again. 

Note: Under no circumstances shall a player pitch in three consecutive days

Boys Major League

  • 70 Pitches max per pitcher, per day. If pitching to a batter and the pitcher hits his 70 pitches in the middle of the at-bat, the pitcher may finish pitching to the batter.
  • If a player pitches 51-70 pitches in a day, 3 days of rest must be observed before pitching again.
  • If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, 2 days of rest must be observed before pitching again.
  • If a player pitches 16-35 pitches in a day, 1 day of rest must be observed before pitching again.
  • If a player pitches 1-15 pitches in a day, there are 0 days of rest required before pitching again.

Note: Under no circumstance shall a player pitch on three (3) consecutive days.