2012 Local Rules
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Ahwatukee Little League
2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarification & Additions
This document provides local Regulations, Playing Rules, Clarifications and guidelines that have been agreed upon
by the Ahwatukee Little League (
be in effect, except as noted by these local rules. Additional items have been included for clarification. Below are
league objectives and an overview of each division’s objectives to help commissioners, managers, coaches, parents
and umpires understand how the
baseball program. We strive for all players to enjoy and learn from their baseball experience with little league.
Objective
The objectives of
atmosphere of community participation and to help the young people of Ahwatukee become good and decent
citizens by establishing the values of character, courage and loyalty through teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play.
Another objective of the league will also try to develop all players for the next level of baseball.
Major Division
The Major Division is a player’s introduction to the complete game of Little League baseball. Major division
players receive live pitching, stealing, and situational baseball from the start. The season is divided into preseason
and regular season games, with preseason games being played during the first third of the season, and the regular
season games played in the remainder. The transition from preseason to regular season will be announced by the
league commissioner, and will occur on a Monday.
Players that are League Age 10,11, and 12 are eligible for participation in the Major Division. All 12 year olds
shall play in the Majors’ Division. Note: for 12 year olds to play minors or below, please see V(a). All players
must try out for this division.
Minor Division
The Minor Division is a player’s introduction to a more complete game of baseball and emphasizes the teaching of
fundamentals. However, it is still early in their physical development. This division strengthens their understanding
of teamwork, organization, and friendships with other players. Minor division players will receive live pitching for
the first time as well as base stealing. The physical skill of the players will begin to match the required
fundamentals of catching, throwing, batting and game situations to move to the next level.
The season is divided into preseason and regular season games, with preseason games being played during the first
third of the season, and the regular season games played in the remainder. The transition from preseason to regular
season will be announced by the league commissioner, and will occur on a Monday.
Players League Age 8, 9, 10, and 11 are eligible for participation in the Minor Division. Note: for 12 year olds to
play minors or below, please see V(a). Players League Age 8 and 9 that do not tryout are subject to assignment in
Farm division.
Farm Division
The Farm Division is still very early in a player’s development. This division is often a player’s first introduction to
teamwork, organization, and friendships with 12 other players. Managers and coaches will emphasize these areas as
they will influence the player beyond baseball. Farm division will emphasize fundamentals: Catching, throwing and
fielding the ball; Positional play; Base running fundamentals; Hitting (a machine is will be used to develop
consistency and place an emphasis on defense; Good sportsmanship and teamwork.
Players League Age 7, 8, and 9 are eligible for participation in the Farm division. Note: for 10 year olds to play
Farm please see V(a). Players League Age 7 that do not tryout are subject to assignment in the Coach Pitch
division.
Playing Rules may also sometimes restrict the offense from running since the defensive skills are still in the
development stages.
No league standings or win/loss records are kept during the regular season to encourage teams to utilize players in
each position for development purposes and prepare them for the next level of baseball. In Ahwatukee Farm
division, a pitching machine is used for consistent pitching to batters, and more defensive activity in the field.
Coach Pitch Division
The Coach Pitch Division is often a player’s first introduction to baseball. The division is dedicated to safety and
fun first, with a focus on very basic baseball skills: throwing, catching and batting. Most players at this age lack the
physical skills to play the complete game of baseball, so games are augmented to be fun, quick and instructional.
Local Regulations and Playing rules require the use of all players, in various positions, in a 3 inning, time limited
game.
No league standings or win/loss records are kept during the regular season to encourage teams to utilize players in
each position for development purposes and prepare them for the next level of baseball. In Ahwatukee Coach Pitch
division, coaches will pitch a limited number of pitches to batters with a tee used for the last at bat.
Tryouts
All 9, 10, 11, and 12 year-old players must try out according to the schedule provided by the league.
• 12-year-old players that do not try out may be subject to assignment at the league commissioner and player
agent’s discretion under Little League rules.
• 10 and 11 year-old players that want to be considered for the Major Division must try out according to the
schedule provided by the league.
Example: Able and Baker are League Age 10 and the players and parents think they are
ready to play majors. Able must try out with the majors according to the tryout schedule
during the drafting process as to division and team assignment.
• 10 and 11 year-old players that do not try out will be placed in the Minor Division.
• 8 and 9 year-old players that do not try out will be placed in the Farm Division.
• 8 year-old players that want to be considered for the Minor Division must try out according to the schedule
provided by the league. Please note, 8 year olds that try-out are not guaranteed placement on Minor teams.
A larger percent will remain in the Farm division.
• 6 year-old players that want to be considered for the Farm division must try out according to the schedule
provided by the league. Please note, 6 year olds that try-out are not guaranteed placement on Farm teams. A
very small percentage of players will have the skills necessary to compete with some of the 9s in Farm and
recent Ahwatukee teams have shown fewer than 2 players per season at this age have the skills and/or social
development to move up.
• Players attempting to play up (i.e. a 9 playing minors or a 10 or 11 playing majors must try out for both
divisions to allow the managers and player agents to make appropriate recommendations.
Section 3.00, Game Preliminaries Line-up cards, pregame warm-ups, field conditions and scorekeeping
Line-up: With the exception of coach pitch, each manager shall prepare a team lineup card for each game to
include: Batting line up, starting pitcher (Major and Minor only), members of the team that may be arriving late and
may play, and managers and coaches names. Line-up cards delivered to the chief umpire, immediately followed by
team line ups, and the home team taking the field. Failure to finish a team warm up is not an excuse to delay the ontime
start the game
Pre-Game Tasks:
The home team shall take the third base dugout/bench and the visiting team shall take first base dugout/bench.
Both teams are responsible for field set-up
Except for Coach Pitch, the home team shall provide the official scorekeeper
For Minor and Major Divisions, the home team shall provide 2 new game balls.
For Minor and Major Divisions, both teams must provide pitching logs to the official scorekeeper.
For Minor and Major Divisions, both teams must provide line-up cards to the official scorekeeper and the chief
umpire.
Pre-Game Warm ups:
30 minutes prior to the start time: Visitor team warm ups
20 minutes prior to the start time: Home team warm ups
10 minutes prior to the start time
Post Game Tasks:
Both teams are responsible for field take down and all fields should be raked and watered after all games and
practices. Both team managers and the chief umpire shall sign the official game book and pitching logs.
Field Conditions: The Division Commissioner will notify
conditions. If the Commissioner has approved the field for use but the weather or field conditions are poor, the team
managers must both agree the field is acceptable. Once the game is turned over the Chief Umpire, only the Chief
Umpire may end a game for weather, darkness or time.
Scorekeeping:
1) Except for Coach Pitch, the home team shall be responsible for keeping the official scorebook.
2) The official scorebook shall be kept outside of the home team dugout by the home team scorekeeper.
3) The official scorekeeper is to record the names of the umpires and team managers of both teams.
4) For Minor and Major Divisions, all official scorebooks are to include the record of all pitchers and the number of
innings pitched.
5) For Minor and Major Divisions, score keepers must also maintain the pitching log and return the pitching log to
each team’s manager at the completion of the game.
Section 4.01 – The manager/coach who attends the plate meeting at the start of the game will be the designated
manager for that game.
Major Division
2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications & Additions
Section IV – The Players (i)
For preseason only, the Major Division utilizes a continuous batting order, and equal play defensive rules.
Preseason uses all player skill levels for equal defensive and offensive play. Open substitution is allowed, and team
experimentation is encouraged for this part of the season. No player shall sit on the bench more than one
consecutive inning. Managers must have a written defensive line-up card available before each game and hanging
in the dugout. The line-up may be altered during the game, but may be inspected by the opposing manager at any
time. Note (1) This does not apply to a pitcher coming back into pitch. During preseason a win/loss record will not
be kept.
Preseason is defined as the first 1/3rd of the season. In the case of an inconsistency among teams, the team that has
not reached its minimum number of preseason games shall prevail. The number of preseason games shall be the
same for each team.
Section VI Pitchers (c)
If a team has more than one game a week, a minimum of 35 pitches must be thrown by a player other than a 12 year
old. The 35 pitch count can be accumulated by any combination the manager deems appropriate to meet the
requirement.
During the regular season Win/loss records and standings are kept to establish tournament rankings.
Section X Night Games (d)
There will be a game time limit when a field does not have lights or if the field is required by another sporting
event. The sunset time game limit will be published weekly, determined on the prior Sunday and run through the
following calendar week. If another sporting event requires the field, the umpire shall communicate the game time
limit at the umpire manager meeting before the game. Note (1) For night games with lights subject to a time limit,
no inning shall begin after
Section 4.06
behavior will be disciplined according to Section 4.06.
Exception to Section 4.16
If the game cannot be played due to the inability of either team to place nine players on the field before or during a
game, this shall be grounds for forfeit and must be referred to the board of directors. Note (1) Little League
encourages teams to trade players if possible to field nine players and continue the game as a practice game with
the forfeit in place.
Section 7.14
Pinch runner may be used for the catcher. The pinch runner shall be the player in the previous inning making the
third out. If a pinch runner is used for a catcher, then the manager shall use the replaced runner as a catcher on
defense immediately following.
End of 2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications for Major Division
Minor Division
2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications & Additions
Section IV – The Players (i) Minimum Defensive Play and 4.04
The Minor Division utilizes a continuous batting order, and equal play defensive rules and uses all player skill
levels for equal defensive and offensive play. Open substitution is allowed, and team experimentation is encouraged
for this part of the season. No player shall sit on the bench more than one consecutive inning. However, managers
are encouraged to make every effort to give the players more than three (3) innings of defensive play. Managers
must have a written defensive line-up card available before each game and hanging in the dugout. The line-up may
be altered during the game, but may be inspected by the opposing manager at any time. Note (1) This does not
apply to a pitcher coming back into pitch. During preseason a win/loss record will not be kept.
Preseason is defined as the first 1/3rd of the season. In the case of an inconsistency among teams, the team that has
not reached its minimum number of preseason games shall prevail. The number of preseason games shall be the
same for each team.
During the regular season, win/loss records and standings are kept to establish tournament rankings
(i) Defensive Play and Key Positions
The Ahwatukee Board has determined that the children must play both infield and outfield during a game. The
defense is able to place a total of 10 players in the field, six infielders and four outfielders. A player must play at
least one inning at a “key position”, but no more than three innings per game. “Key Positions” are defined as: 3rd
base, shortstop, 2nd base, 1st base, pitcher and catcher. Managers must have a written defensive line-up card
available before each game. The line-up may be altered during the game, but may be inspected by the opposing
manager at any time.
Section X Night Games (c)
There will be a game time limit when a field does not have lights or if the field is required by another sporting
event. The sunset time game limit will be published weekly, determined on the prior Sunday and run through the
following calendar week. If another sporting event requires the field, the umpire shall communicate the game time
limit at the umpire manager meeting before the game. Note(1) For night games with lights subject to a time limit,
no inning shall begin after
Note(3)
(last pitch) at
pitch at
the game or
Section 2.00 Illegal Pitch
An Illegal pitch (Balk) shall not be called. Play should continue.
Section 2.0 Strike Zone
Strikes, the “space over the plate” can be expanded beyond the size of the plate at the discretion of the umpire. This
rule is in place to help young pitchers with a larger zone and encourage batters to swing instead of waiting for four
balls to become a runner. For consistency among the umpires, umpires have been asked to include up to four inches
(a fist) on either side of the plate, and two inches taller than the NLL strike zone. In general this means any pitch
below the shoulders and to the knees and one fist width on either side of the plate will be called a strike. Please
consult your home plate umpire prior to the game.
Section 2.0 and 5.07– Inning
In the first half inning of play, once the away team scores five (5) runs, the first half of the inning shall end. In each
subsequent half inning, the opposing team may score as many as five (5) runs above the opposition’s score which at
that time the half inning shall end.
Section 4.00 – Starting and Ending a Game Clarification to Section 4.01
The manager/coach who attends the plate meeting at the start of the game will be the designated manager for that
game.
Section 4.06
behavior will be disciplined according to Section 4.06.
Section 4.16
If the game cannot be played due to the inability of either team to place nine players on the field before or during a
game, this shall be grounds for forfeit and must be referred to the board of directors. Note (1) Little League
encourages teams to trade players if possible to field nine players and continue the game as a practice game with
the forfeit in place.
Section 6.02(e)
If the batter throws the bat, batter will receive warning on the fist occurrence. If the same batter throws the bat a
second time at bat, the umpire has the discretion to either issue a second warning or have the player removed from
the line up. On a third occurrence, the batter shall be removed from the line-up. Note (1) The batter is NOT called
out for a thrown bat and the batted ball is a live ball. Point of clarification: The batter should stop the momentum of
the swing and then drop the bat. Managers should train players to drop bat in a drawn circle 20 feet up the first base
line.
7.01 The Runner
With the opportunity to be put out, runners may advance only one base on a passed ball, back pick or overthrow. It
is not considered an overthrow when a catcher is attempting to throw a player out stealing/advancing to the next
base. If the stealing runner is safe then the runner cannot advance on a passed ball.
Section 7.14
Pinch runner may be used for the catcher. The pinch runner shall be the player in the previous inning making the
third out. If a pinch runner is used for a catcher, then the manager shall use the replaced runner as a catcher on
defense immediately following.
Section 7.17
The batter runner may only advance to second base, with the opportunity to be put out, if a batted ball touches the
ground before the Outfield Line and travels past the Outfield Line. The outfield line is chalked (cones) 150 feet
from home plate and should be marked prior to the game. Runners are limited to advancing two (2) bases with the
opportunity to be put out. Once the ball advances past the outfield line, the defensive outfielder must raise on arm
to indicate. If the baseball travels past the outfield line without touching the ground first, the ball is treated as a
normal batted ball and no special considerations considered. Note (1) this rule is not use at
should be used for all other fields. During these situations, the ball is always "live".
End of 2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications for Minor Division
Farm Division
2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications & Additions
Section IV – The Players (i) Minimum Defensive Play
The Farm Division utilizes a continuous batting order, and equal play defensive rules and uses all player skill levels
for equal defensive and offensive play. Open substitution is allowed, and team experimentation is encouraged.
Minimum defensive play for each player shall be four (4) defensive innings per six (6) inning game, three (3)
defensive innings per five (5) inning game, and 3 (three) defensive innings per four (4) inning game. No player
shall sit on the bench more than one consecutive inning. Managers must have a written defensive line-up card
available before each game. The lineup may be altered during the game, but may be inspected by the opposing
manager at any time. If defensive play rules are not followed, the game will be forfeited.
(i) Defensive Play and Key Positions
The Ahwatukee Board has determined that the children must play both infield and outfield during a game. The defense
is able to place a total of 10 players in the field, six infielders and four outfielders. A player must play at least two innings at a
“key position”, but no more than three (3) innings per game. “Key Positions” are defined as: 3rd base, shortstop, 2nd base,
1st base and pitcher. Managers must have a written defensive line-up card available before each game. The line-up may be altered
during the game, but may be inspected by the opposing manager at any time.
(i) Defensive Field Coach
In order to further provide defensive instruction, the defense may place a defensive coach in the field. The coach
must stay behind 2nd base and may not leave their assigned position during play. The coach may talk to individual
players during dead ball periods, but are not to cause a delay of the game.
Section X (c)
There will be a game time limit when a field does not have lights or if the field is required by another sporting
event. If another sporting event requires the field, the umpire shall communicate the game time limit at the umpire
manager meeting before the game. Note(1) For night games with lights subject to a time limit, no inning shall begin
after
farm games with
PM. No inning shall begin after
Section 2.00
Bunting is not allowed
Section 2.0
Inning A half inning is over when 5 runs are scored.
Section 4.06
disciplined according to Section 4.06.
Section 4.10 (e) Note (2)
No Mercy Rule will be used in
Section 4.16
If the game cannot be played due to the inability of either team to place nine players on the field before or during a
game, the League encourages teams to trade players if possible to field nine players and continue the game as a
practice game.
Option chosen for Rule 5.07
Section 5.10 (i) (dead ball)
When a batted ball hits the pitching machine, ball bucket or pitching coach, the batter runner SHALL advance to
first. A thrown ball that hits the pitching machine, ball bucket or pitching coach is also a dead ball, and runners
positioning should be treated as a dead ball situation.
Section 6.05
A batter is out when seven (7) pitches have been provided to the batter, not including foul balls on the seventh
pitch. Note (1) The batter may continually foul off the seventh pitch. Note (2) There are no called strikes or walks,
only swinging strikes or foul balls. Note (3) If the seventh pitch is unhittable and the batter does not swing as
viewed by the coach pitcher, the batter will receive another pitch.
Section 6.02(e)
If the batter throws, the bat batter will receive warning on the fist occurrence. If the same batter throws the bat a
second time at bat, the umpire has the discretion to either issue a second warning or have the player removed from
the line up. On a third occurrence, the batter shall be removed from the line-up. Note (1) the batter is NOT called
out for a thrown bat and the batted ball is a live ball. Point of clarification: The batter should stop the momentum of
the swing and then drop the bat. Managers should train players to drop bat in a drawn circle 20 feet up the first base
line.
Section 6.05
Note (1) the infield fly rule is not enforced the Farm Division.
7.01 The Runner
The runner shall not advance to next base unless the ball is batted by the batter.
Section 7.14
Pinch runner may be used for the catcher. The pinch runner shall be the player in the previous inning making the
third out. If a pinch runner is used for a catcher, then the manager shall use the replaced runner as a catcher on
defense immediately following.
Section 7.16
All runners should proceed or return to the closest base and “hold” when an infield defensive player possesses the
ball in the infield. Infield includes a ball in foul territory in the infield area. If a player is more than half way to a
base, the runner may attempt to reach the next base. When a runner is less than half way to the next base when
possession occurs, the runner should return to the previous base. If the defensive player possessing the ball throws
the ball to another defensive player to make a play, the runners may attempt to advance on the throw. Note(1) It is
the umpire’s judgment , or agreement between managers if umpire is not present, to return runner(s) to the previous
base(s) if possession is obtained by an infielder and the runner has not advanced more than half way to the next
base.
Section 7.17
The batter runner may only advance to second base, with the opportunity to be put out, if a batted ball touches the
ground before the Outfield Line and travels past the Outfield Line. The outfield line is chalked (cones) 150 feet
from home plate and should be marked prior to the game. Runners are limited to advancing two (2) bases with the
opportunity to be put out. Once the ball advances past the outfield line, the defensive outfielder must raise on arm
to indicate. If the baseball travels past the outfield line without touching the ground first, the ball is treated as a
normal batted ball and no special considerations apply. Note: (1) this rule is not use at Ahwatukee Park, but should
be used for all other fields. During these situations, the ball is always "live".
End of 2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications for Farm Division
Coach Pitch Division
2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications & Additions
Game Length
Three full innings will be played for all games--three innings at bat and in the field. No new inning shall start after
50 minutes into the game and shall stop at 1 hour.
Number of Players
No minimum number of players are needed to play a game. Everyone plays all innings. However, there shall be a
maximum of six infielders with the remaining players dispersed throughout the outfield.
Defensive Play
Defensive team puts all players in the field, with preferably 4-5 outfielders. It is encouraged that players be moved
to different positions each inning. Preferably, a child who can catch the ball safely should be positioned at first
base. If a child is thrown out at a base, the child moves off the base and returns to his/her team bench. This way
both teams understand that their goal is to throw out the batter or runner. If a fielder overthrows first, second, or
third base, the runner(s) must return to their respective base(s) prior to the overthrow.
Offensive Play
Everyone bats regardless of the number of outs per inning. The batting order should be rotated from game to game
such that no player bats last more than 2 games and that everyone gets to bat leadoff at least once. No scores or
standings are kept. The last batter is the clean-up batter. The defense should attempt to get an out as on any other
play. Having the defense run to home for the out is not recommended due to safety concerns. Coach Pitching and or
the T may be used for all offensive at bats in accordance with Official Little League rules. Pitches may be thrown
underhand or overhand ~ 20 feet from the batter or from the official pitcher mound. Each batter may be given the
choice of the T or coach pitch. For Coach Pitch, the batter will be given a maximum of 4 pitches from the offensive
coach. Balls or strikes will not be called. If the batter does not put the ball in play within 4 pitches he/she will use
the T to put the ball in play. Be very careful to make sure players are not throwing the bat. This is an important
safety habit to form at these young ages. A good technique is to place a hula hoop (or equivalent) near home on the
first base side and teach the players to lay the bat in the hoop after hitting. If the ball is hit beyond an outfielder, the
runner may advance until the ball is in the infield. Runners should remain on base until the ball is hit.
Coaches
Defensive coaches may coach at any position. Offensive coaches should be at first and third bases. A coach should
be at the catcher position so that he/she can place the ball on the tee and adjust the height of the tee for each player.
End of 2012 Local Regulations and Playing Rules/Clarifications for Coach Pitch Division
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