Below are the rules for the Plainview Little League. These rules are specific for this league only. Whatever rules not covered here, refer to the Official Little League Rule Book.
- Forfeit time will be 20 minutes after the scheduled starting time.
- A team that cannot field eight players (seven in Minor Softball, I-8) at forfeit time will forfeit the game. Injury only after the start of a game causing seven players is permissible. Less than seven players is a forfeit.
- First-aid kits and ice are the home team's responsibility and must be present before a game may start. If not available by the scheduled forfeit time, the visitors will be credited with having won the game.
- Line-ups must be exchanged before the game starts and are "frozen" after the first pitch. A player must be "on the bench" in order to be in the submitted lineup. Late arriving players must be inserted at the end of the lineup. Score books must clearly indicate for each player the number of innings pitched, fielded, and times at bat.
- Minors (baseball and softball), I-8: The time limit for all games is two hours.
- Majors (baseball and softball): There is no time limit.
- Playoffs: There are no time limits for playoff games in any division.
- Up to and including May 16 no inning may start after 7:45 p.m. and no bottom of an inning may start after 8:00 p.m. Note: When playing on a lighted field, this rule does not apply, subject to a two hour time limit (excluding Majors Divisions).
- After May 16 no inning may start after 8:00 p.m. and no bottom of an inning may start after 8:15 p.m. Note: When playing on a lighted field, this rule does not apply, subject to a two hour time limit (excluding Majors Divisions).
- Any inning that has started prior to the time limit will be played to completion, if possible.
- The umpire should be notified as to the exact starting time of the game.
- If the score is tied after six innings (seven in Seniors), play will continue into extra innings subject to the above time limits. Note: The time limit shall be waived for extra innings in the Senior divisions.
- There are no time limits for evening playoff games. Evening games continue until darkness is declared by the umpire. Rules for suspended games apply if darkness prevents the official completion of a game.
- Seniors: Prior to Sat. May 16, a weekday (Mon. through Fri.) game shall be official after four innings (or three and a half if the home team is ahead).
- Major/Minor: Prior to Sat. May 16, a weekday (Mon. through Fri.) game shall be official after three innings (or two and a half if the home team is ahead).
- All Divisions: Starting May 16, rule books apply.
- Mercy Rule: Williamsport (minimum 4 innings) 10-run rule applies to all games in all divisions, except for Girl's Minors which are 15 runs (see Official Little League Rule Book).
- All such games must be arranged through your Division Director by the home team or you will forfeit the game. Games may be rescheduled only due to conflicts with school functions or inclement weather!
- The home team manager is responsible for obtaining umpires for any weather-related canceled or "rained-out" game. The manager must first ask the original umpire. If unavailable, then the alternate must be asked. After that, all umpires assigned to the particular division must be asked. If no umpire can be obtained, call the Umpire-in Chief or one of his assistants. (see umpire roster for telephone numbers).
- For all rescheduled games-unrelated to weather/wet field conditions-both the umpire and an ass't. Umpire-in-Chief must be notified, otherwise a substitute umpire will be sent to the field. This is the responsibility of the manager who initiated the rescheduling. Call the ass't. Umpire-in-Chief first to verify that the original umpire is still assigned. At least 3 hours notice must be given.
- The responsible team will forfeit any game for which the proper procedures as outlined above have not been strictly followed.
- All Divisions: If the first inning is not completed and the game is halted the game will be rescheduled and started over from the beginning.
- If a game is halted after one complete inning but before it is an official game this shall be declared a suspended game. Such games shall resume from the exact point of suspension as soon as practical or necessary. The batting order shall be the same except those players not present at the original game must be inserted at the end of the order. Suspended games shall be completed up until the game reaches official status even if the games ends in a tie.
- In an official game if the visiting team ties the game or takes the lead in their half of the inning and play is halted, this shall be declared a suspended game. Such games shall resume from the exact point of suspension as soon as practical or necessary. The batting order shall be the same except those players not present at the original game must be inserted at the end of the order. Only the unfinished inning shall be played, even if the game remains tied.
- In an official game if the home team is batting and they are either tied or losing and the game is halted, this shall be declared a suspended game. Such games shall resume from the exact point of suspension as soon as practical or necessary. The batting order shall be the same except those players not present at the original game must be inserted at the end of the order. Only the unfinished inning shall be played even if the game remains tied.
- In an official game if the home team is batting and leading and play is halted, the game ends and the home team is the winner.
- All Divisions: When the game becomes official (if the home team is ahead), and one team has a lead of 10 or more runs, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the opponent. Note: If the visiting team has a lead of 10 or more runs, the home team must bat in its half of the inning. Exception: Girls Minor's Softball, the lead must be 15 or more runs.
- Each manager must receive an umpire roster.
- Each manager must receive a schedule indicating the assigned umpire(s).
- Umpires must be notified of weather-related cancellations at least 30 minutes prior to game time, if possible, or a "travel fee" is incurred.
- If no umpire appears by game time, wait 5 minutes and then start the game using any mutually acceptable adult who may umpire from behind the pitcher. If all the umpire gear fits, he may choose to work behind the catcher. Please make sure that the volunteer umpire is willing to work the entire game before he starts! If the assigned umpire appears late, then he should assume his duties at the beginning of an inning. If no volunteer is available, then the game must be rescheduled.
- All serious complaints about an umpire should be reported to the respective Director who should then notify the Umpire-in-Chief.
- No family member is allowed to umpire any game in which a relative is participating.
- If no umpire is present, managers must agree on an umpire or the game must be rescheduled.
- "On-Deck" batter-rule violation: No On-Deck batter is permitted. After a warning to the manager, each subsequent violation by that particular team shall result in a "team out" being assessed by the umpire. The batter/batting order does not change.
- "Crowd-Control"—the manager is responsible for his/her team's" spectators' behavior. After a warning to the manager, the umpire may eject the spectator, eject the manager or forfeit the game.
- Division Directors, upon advice from the affected manager and confirmed by the umpire, may declare a suspended game or forfeit if "unsportsmanlike" tactics are employed. Examples include (but are not limited to) stalling tactics, bench-jockeying, and intentional or unintentional wild pitching in the final being played which the umpire deems as stalling tactics.
- Teams will combine helmets. Batters, runners, and player-coaches must wear helmets at all times. All equipment will be kept off the playing field in an area near the bench. Personal equipment need not be shared with team members.
- The "Pete Rose Rule" will be enforced when a runner does not slide and contact is made with a fielder attempting to make a tag. The fielder must have possession of the ball to attempt a tag. The runner will be called out and if, in the umpire's opinion, such action prevented a double play, the umpire shall call a second out on the other player involved. A runner who deliberately runs into a fielder holding the ball will also be ejected from the game.
- If the umpire feels that a batter has "thrown" his or her bat as he or she leaves the batter's box in such a manner that it has, or could have caused injury had it made contact with another player, coach, umpire, or spectator, he shall issue a warning to the team at bat at the conclusion of the play. Each subsequent similar offense by that team in that game will result in the offending batter being immediately called out and the ball dead. All runners must return to their bases. Approved ruling: If a catcher or other fielder hit by a "thrown" bat is unable to make a play on a batted b all or throw because he or she has been injured, the batter is immediately called out for interference, even if this was the first offense. The ball is dead and runners return to their bases.
- No Batting Donuts are allowed. Only approved Little League Batting Sleeves are permitted.
- Violation of any pitching rule (incl. per game, week, or days of rest) shall result in automatic forfeiture of the regular season game(s) if the infraction is discovered before any playoffs begin. See Pitching Rules in the Little League Rule Book.
- During the playoffs, forfeiture shall result if discovered before the presentation of trophies following the championship game.
- Umpire or Division Director may remove an excessively wild pitcher at their discretion.
- T-Ball/Clinic/Softball-Clinic: Players will be awarded a participation trophy.
- All other Little League divisions: Division winners of the regular season will receive trophies. Trophies will be awarded to the winner and the runner-up of the Championship game.
The following divisions may "draft up" players to prevent the likelihood of a forfeit:
Boys Minor B, Minor A, Majors and Girls Softball Majors
- Once a player is drafted up, he/she must be allowed to play in the game subject to the draft-up rules.
- Note: Drafted players must be chosen from a list created by the Division Director prior to the start of the season.
- A manager may draft up only when he expects 7,8 or 9 players of his own at game time.
- A maximum of 2 players may be drafted for a game and the Director must be notified.
- A team may not draft and, in any way, use the same player more than once during the season and no drafts are allowed for any playoff or championship game.
- Drafted players must bat at the end of the lineup.
- Drafted players must play any scheduled or make-up game that day with their regular team from start to completion.
- No drafted player shall pitch nor play more innings than regular team players present at game time. Violations of any drafting rules will result in a forfeit and the manager may be suspended by the Board of Directors.
- T-Ball, Boys and Girls Clinic, I-8 and Girls Minors are not permitted to draft up any players.
- One-division leagues: All teams shall participate based on regular season final standings. The structure will be as follows:
- 10-team division: 7 vs. 10, the winner becoming the 7th seed; 8 vs. 9, the winner becoming the 8th seed. Then follow rules for 8 team division below.
- 9 team division: 8th vs. 9th in round one. Winner of this game is now the 8th place team. 8th vs. 1st, 7th vs. 2nd, 6th vs. 3rd, 5th vs. 4th. in round two. The lowest-seed winner from round two will play the highest-seed winner from round two. The other two winners will also similarly play each other and these games will constitute round three. The winners from round three will play for the championship with the highest seed team always being the home team.
- 8 team division: 8th vs. 1st, 7th vs. 2nd, 6th vs. 3rd, 5th vs. 4th. in round 1. The lowest-seed winner from Rd.1 will play the highest-seed winner from Rd.1. The other two winners will also similarly play each other and these games will constitute round 2. The winners from Rd.2 will play for the championship with the highest seed team always being the home team.
- 7 team division: 1st place team draws a bye in round 1. Other teams play each other as follows: 7th vs. 2nd, 6th vs. 3rd, 5th vs. 4th. In round 2, the lowest-seed winner from Rd.1 plays the 1st place team and the other winners similarly play each other . Championship same as in 8-team procedure.
- 6 team division: All teams play in round 1 as follows: 6th vs. 1st, 5th vs. 2nd, 4th vs. 3rd. The highest-seed winner from Rd.1 draws a bye for Rd.2. Round 2 and championship same as in above procedures
- 5 team divisions: 5th vs. 4th in round 1. Winner of game is now 4th place team. Then proceed as in 4 team division.
- 4 team division: 4th vs. 1st, 3rd vs. 2nd .Championship as above.
- All Divisions: All team members shall follow a continuous batting order and shall play in the field at least every other complete inning.
- If a player is removed due to injury or sickness while at bat then the next player in the order assumes the "count." If he reaches base, the order continues. If not, then the player bats again before the order continues.
- If a player is not present for his at-bat (including having been ejected from the game) it is an automatic "out" (one time only), unless it was announced at the start of the game by the manager to the umpire and opposing manager that the player must leave at a designated time. Under these conditions, no penalty will be assessed.
All Divisions: Two points will be awarded for a win and one point for a tie.
STANDINGS TIE-BREAKER SEQUENCES
- First: The team with the better record against the other ("head-to-head") will be declared the winner. Best records in games played against each other will separate "three-way" ties.
- Second: If still tied, the teams will then compare records against the team with the best record in the division (not including themselves). If still tied, the same process will continue- comparing records against teams-one at a time-with the next best records in the division. "Skip" any comparison if uneven numbers of games were played with the tied teams. Ties between teams not in playoff/trophy contention will be broken (only if needed) according to the tie-breaker sequences. Do not compare records against the "playoff" tied teams in the second sequence.
- Third: If still tied, a coin toss will be the deciding factor.
ALL-STAR TEAMS PROCEDURES - Competitive Divisions Only
(Memorial Day Weekend)
- Each division shall field two teams. Each team shall consist of 12-16 players. They shall be selected from a pool consisting of up to 4 players from each regular season team. The Mgrs. of the regular season teams shall nominate the best (and available) 4 or fewer players from his team. Each Mgr. shall nominate the same number of players. The appointed All-Star Mgrs./Coaches shall select the players. Each regular season team must have at least one player selected to an All-Star team and final approval of the teams by the division head/VP and President is required. All-Star Mgrs./Coaches: Shall be appointed by the division head and approved by the VP and President.
T-Ball and Boys & Girls Clinic
These are non-competitive divisions.
STEALING
- Stealing is not permitted.
TROPHIES
- Players will be awarded a participation trophy.
MINIMUM PLAY
- All team members shall follow a continuous batting order and shall play in the field at least every other complete inning.
- The batting order shall be reversed each inning.
- No more than 10 players on the field at any given time.
PLAYOFF STRUCTURE
- Tee-Ball/Clinic: No playoffs.
Instructional 8 (I-8) Baseball
RULES
- After 2 walks occur in an inning, there will be an 8-ball walk count. A hit by pitch is not counted as a walk yet the batter is awarded first base. No player may pitch more than 3 innings in a game.
- Stealing is not permitted.
- The outfielders must play at least 30 feet past the bases. All infielders must be 60 feet from home plate until the pitcher releases the ball. Maximum of 4 infielders (excluding the pitcher and catcher).
- On Sat./Sun. the top of an inning may start 15 minutes prior to the next game otherwise the game will be called. This is the exclusive decision of the umpire who will determine the correct time.
- No balks will be called but the pitcher must start with his pivot foot "on" the rubber and take only one step back and/or forward with his free foot. (No "running" starts).
- A pitcher must be removed from the game as a pitcher after hitting a third batter during a game.
- No infield-fly rule.
- Batter and runners may advance only 1 extra base on any wild throw even if ball is still in fair territory. Batter and runners may advance only 1 base on an out if no error was committed. Exception: If the batter is out trying to "stretch" a clean hit into the outfield then the runners may advance 1 extra base.
- Teams shall field four outfielders. All outfielders must be at least 30 feet from the closest point on the baseline.
- The pitching distance shall be 38 ft. from the front of the rubber to the rear of home plate during the "1st half" of the season. During the "2nd half" of the season, the distance shall be 40 ft.
- Pitcher may pitch a maximum of three innings in a game. See pitching rules for mandatory rest requirements in Official Little League Rule Book.
STEALING
- No stealing during the first half of the season. Limited stealing as follows will be permitted in 2nd half:
- Only steals of second and third base are permitted.
- Only one base may be stolen during a steal attempt and no player may proceed to the next base on an overthrow by the catcher. The ball is dead.
- Double steals are not permitted.
- No player may score during any steal situation.
- No runner may advance on a pick-off attempt of any runner by the catcher or pitcher but will be called out if tagged before returning to his base.
- No "delayed" steals. A "delayed" steal is on the return throw from the catcher to the pitcher.
- On all steal attempts, the runner must not "hesitate" after he breaks for the next base. If he does and is "safe", the runner must be returned by the umpire. If "out", then the runner is out.
- If any unauthorized steal is successful then ALL runners must be returned. If any such runner is "out", then he will be called out and all the other runners must return to their original bases.
- The penalty for an illegal "lead" shall be the return of the runner to the original base if the steal was successful.
- A "walked" batter may not steal 2nd base until after the next pitch.
RULES
- The pitching distance shall be 42 ft. from the front of the rubber to the rear of home plate.
- After 2 walks occur in an inning, there will be an 8-ball walk count. A hit by pitch is not counted as a walk yet the batter is awarded first base. No player may pitch more than 3 innings in a game.
- The outfielders must play at least 30 feet past the bases. All infielders must be 60 feet from home plate until the pitcher releases the ball. Maximum of 4 infielders (excluding the pitcher and catcher).
- On Sat./Sun. the top of an inning may start 15 minutes prior to the next game otherwise the game will be called. This is the exclusive decision of the umpire who will determine the correct time.
- No balks will be called but the pitcher must start with his pivot foot "on" the rubber and take only one step back and/or forward with his free foot. (No "running" starts).
- A pitcher must be removed from the game as a pitcher after hitting a third batter during a game.
- No infield-fly rule.
- Batter and runners may advance only 1 extra base on any wild throw even if ball is still in fair territory. Batter and runners may advance only 1 base on an out if no error was committed. Exception: If the batter is out trying to "stretch" a clean hit into the outfield then the runners may advance 1 extra base.
- Teams shall field four outfielders. All outfielders must be at least 30 feet from the closest point on the baseline.
- Extra innings are allowed subject to time limits.
- Pitcher may pitch a maximum of three innings in a game. See pitching rules for mandatory rest requirements in Official Little League Rule Book.
GENERAL RULES
- After 3 walks occur in an inning, there will be an 8-ball walk count. A hit-by-pitch is not counted as a walk yet the batter is still awarded first base. Unlimited walks during 2nd half of season. A player may pitch 6 innings in a game or calendar week. See pitching rules for mandatory rest requirements in Official Little League Rule Book.
- Extra innings are allowed subject to time limits.
- Infield-fly rule applies
- On Sat./Sun. the top of an inning may start 15 minutes prior to the next game otherwise the game will be called. This is the exclusive decision of the umpire who will determine the correct time.
STEALING
- Unlimited stealing, but a "walked" batter may not steal 2nd base until after the next pitch.
- Delayed steals are allowed.
- Double Steals are allowed.
STEALING
- Unlimited stealing, but a "walked" batter may not steal 2nd base until after the next pitch.
- Delayed steals are allowed.
- Double Steals are allowed.
- Stealing home is allowed.
GENERAL RULES
- Extra innings are allowed, but the pitching rules must be followed.
- No time limits on games.
- Pitching distance is 46 feet.
- Infield-fly rule applies
- Pitcher may pitch a maximum six innings in a game or calendar week. See pitching rules for mandatory rest requirements in Official Little League Rule Book.
STEALING
- Stealing is prohibited.
GENERAL RULES
- The time limit on games is two hours.
- After two walks occur in an inning, an 8-ball walk count shall be in effect, even if the pitcher has been changed. A hit batter is not counted as a walk, however the batter is still awarded first base.
- Batter and runners may advance only 1 extra base on any wild throw even if the ball is still in fair territory. The ball is dead.
- A runner may advance only one base on a ground out.
- When the game is deemed official, a 15-run mercy rule is in effect.
- The infield-fly rule does not apply.
- All teams shall use safety bases at first base. Fielders shall use the white base, runners shall use the orange base.
- Teams shall field four outfielders. All outfielders must be at least 30 feet from the closest point on the baseline.
- On Sat./Sun. the top of an inning may start 15 minutes prior to the next game otherwise the game will be called. This is the exclusive decision of the umpire who will determine the correct time.
PITCHING RULES
- Pitching distance is 36 feet.
Note: See Official Little League Rule Book for specific rules regarding pitching.
STEALING
- Stealing is permitted at all times.
- Only steals of second and third base are permitted.
- Only one base may be stolen during a steal attempt and no player may proceed to the next base on an overthrow by the catcher. The ball is dead.
- Double steals are not permitted.
- No player may score during any steal situation.
- No runner may advance on a pick-off attempt of any runner by the catcher or pitcher but will be called out if tagged before returning to his base.
- No "delayed" steals. A "delayed" steal is on the return throw from the catcher to the pitcher.
- On all steal attempts, the runner must not "hesitate" after he breaks for the next base. If he does and is "safe", the runner must be returned by the umpire. If "out", then the runner is out.
- If any unauthorized steal is successful then ALL runners must be returned. If any such runner is "out", then he will be called out and all the other runners must return to their original bases.
- The penalty for an illegal "lead" shall be the return of the runner to the original base if the steal was successful.
- A "walked" batter may not steal 2nd base until after the next pitch.
GENERAL RULES
- After three walks occur in an inning, an 6-ball walk count shall be in effect. A hit batter is not counted as a walk yet the batter is awarded first base.
- Infield-fly rule applies.
- All teams shall use safety bases at first base. Fielders shall use the white base, runners shall use the orange base.
PITCHING RULES
Note: See Official Little League Rule Book for specific rules regarding pitching.
PHIPPS LANE
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence to end of fence in foul territory
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence to telephone pole in foul territory
Misc: Any ball going onto the basketball court shall be considered dead. The batter shall be awarded a Ground rule double…runners on base shall advance 2 bases. Any ball going into the outfield shrubbery shall be considered in play.
HOLLYWOOD
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence to the base of the tree closest to the foul line. Draw a line from the base of the tree straight out The trees overhang into both fair and foul territory on the left field side. A ball touching any part of the trees shall be declared dead. If ball is foul, it shall count as a strike. If ball is fair, it shall be considered no pitch (a do over). A ball cannot be caught after striking a tree.
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence to the telephone pole in foul territory
SALLY LANE
Everything inside the fences is in play.
POOL FIELD (LL)
Everything inside the fences is in play.
The ball can leave the playing field through a gate in centerfield. The gate is not movable…the sides are open and a ball can get out. Any ball going out either the right or left opening shall be considered dead. The umpire shall award the batter the base he/she is going to…plus another base, depending on said batter's position when the ball becomes dead. Runners shall advance the same number of bases as the batter.
LINCOLN ROAD
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
MATTLIN (SB)
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence to the fence bordering the parking lot
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence diagonally in front of players bench to point where hill begins to slope down downward. Any ball on the hill shall be dead.
Misc: The lines are usually marked by chalk.
MATTLIN (BB)
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
Right side of field:Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
JFK (SB)
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out to pavement/blacktop. Any ball on the pavement/blacktop shall be dead. A ball entering the pavement/blacktop area and then coming out shall not be playable. The batter shall be awarded a ground rule triple.
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence diagonally in front of player's bench to walkway. (This line is usually marked by chalk). Draw a line along the walkway straight out however, the walkway itself is dead.
Misc: A ball striking any part of the trees on the right side of the field shall be considered foul and dead.
OLD BETHPAGE ELEMENTARY (Both fields)
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
Right side of fence: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
HAYPATH (Both fields)
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
FERN PLACE
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
Right side of fence: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
Misc: NO CARS ALLOWED ON ANY PART OF THE GRASS
Game shall be stopped until cars are removed
STRATFORD RD (SB)
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence straight out
STRATFORD RD (BB)
Left side of field: Line shall be drawn from end of backstop fence to far end of bleachers. Line from bleachers shall extend straight out.
Right side of field: Line shall be drawn form end of backstop fence to left side of gate located approximately 30 feet from home plate (gate opening is in dead area)