PA District 22

Umpires and Rules

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Go to Tournament Rules on this page.
Go to Game Directors on this page.

Umpires Meeting Schedule
Umpires Umpiring Tips
Umpires Game Situations
Umpires Crews and Assignments

Rules
(Updated 06.15.06)
Baseball Rule Changes 2006
Softball Rule Changes 2006

Tournament Rules

General Information: Team Arrival Time
- Team Arrival Time: One hour in advance of game time.
General Information: Infield Practice
- Infield Practice: At game site only.
General Information: No batting cages
- No Batting Cages: Are not allowed.
General Information: Inclement Weather
- Inclement Weather: Information pending.
General Information: Who Occupies First Base Dugout.
- First Base Dugout: Team that has their home field closest to the game location occupies the first base dugout.
General Information: Coin Toss
- Coin Toss: Team travelling the furthest to the game location calls the coin toss.
General Information: Who is Allowed on Field
- Allowed on Field: Only managers, coaches and players listed on the affidavit can be on the field before, during and after the game.
General Information: Communications During Game
- Communication During Game: No communications are allowed between players, managers, or coaches outside of the dugout during the game.
General Information: Warming Up Players
- Warming Up Players: No manager or coach may warm up pitchers or any player at any time.
General Information: Infield Warm Up
- Infield Warm Up: No manager or coach may catch Infield warm up.
General Information: Host Team Hospitality
- Host Team Hospitality: Please accept Host Team hospitality.
General Information: Player Permission to Leave Dugout
- Player Permission to Leave Dugout: Players please get permission to leave the dugout.
General Information: Team Check In
- Team Check In: Team Traveling Furthest.
  - Equipment check: 1 hour before game.
  - Infield practice: 45 minutes before game.
  - Introductions: 15 minutes before game.
- Team Check In: Team Traveling Least Distance
  - Equipment check: 45 minutes before game
  - Infield practice: 30 minutes before game
  - Introductions: 15 minutes before game
General Information: Verbal Abuse
- Verbal Abuse: Information Pending.
General Information: Manager Packet
- Manager Packet: Information Pending.
General Information: Replacement Players, Replacement Manager or Coach
- Replacement Players, Replacement Manager or Coach: Information Pending.
General Information: If Ejection Occurs
- Player sits out one game –cannot show up for game.
- If manager or coach, they must leave field area.
Rule 9: Mandatory Play
- MANDATORY PLAY: 9-10 Year Old Division, 11 Year Old Division, Little League, Junior League. Mandatory Play does not apply to the Senior Division for both softball and Baseball.
Rule 1.06: Disengaging Bases
- Beginning with the 2008 season, it will become mandatory that all leagues utilize bases that disengage their anchor. Leagues are encouraged to begin the process of implementing these types of base systems during the current season on all their fields so that the process is completed by the 2008 season.
Rule 1.10: Non-Wood Bats
- Note 3: Beginning with the 2009 season, non-wood bats used in Little League and below must have a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less marked on it. Note 4: Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that cannot pass through the approved LL bat ring must be removed from play.
Rule 1.11(a): Baseball Pitchers Shirts
- (3) Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color. A pitcher shall not wear any item on his/her hand, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter. Note: White long sleeve shirts are not permitted.
Rule 1.11(3): Softball Pitchers Shirts
- Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a uniform solid color. A pitcher shall not wear any item on his/her hand, wrists or arms which may be distracting to the batter.
Rule 3.17 Baseball and Softball
- Players and substitutes shall sit on their team’s bench or in the dugout unless participating in the game or preparing to enter the game. The use of electronic equipment during a game is restricted. No team shall use electronic equipment, including walkie-talkies, cellular telephones, etc. to communicate to or with any on-field personnel, including those in the dugout, bullpen, or field.
Rule 5.09 (b): Plate Umpire Interference
- The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s act of throwing (when the throw is in an attempt to retire a runner), runners return. If the catcher’s throw gets the runner out, the out stands. No umpire interference.
Rule 8.03 Softball: Intentional Walk
- Junior/Senior/Big League Intentional Walk Rule: Before a pitch is delivered to the batter, the catcher must inform the umpire-in-chief that the defensive team wishes to give the batter an intentional base-on-balls. The umpire-in-chief waves the batter to first base. The ball is dead.
Rule 8.04 Baseball: Intentional Walk
- Junior/Senior/Big League Intentional Walk Rule: Before a pitch is delivered to the batter, the catcher must inform the umpire-in-chief that the defensive team wishes to give the batter an intentional base-on-balls. The umpire-in-chief waves the batter to first base. The ball is dead.
Rule 7.15: Double First Base
- Procedures for Use of a Double First Base: The double base may be used for first base only. The base must be rectangular, with two sides not less than 14 inches and not more than 15 inches, and the other two sides not less than 29 inches and not more than 30 inches. The longer sides shall face toward home plate and the right field corner. The other edges shall not be more than two and one-fourth (2 _) inches thick, filled with soft material, and covered with canvas or rubber. Half the base is white (entirely over fair territory) and half is orange or green (entirely over foul territory). When using the double first base, the following rules must be observed. A batted ball that hits the white section of the double base is declared fair. A batted ball hitting the colored (orange or green) section shall be declared foul. Whenever a play is being made on the batter-runner, the defense must use the white section of the double first base. A play is being made on the batter-runner when he or she is attempting to reach first base while the defense is attempting to retire him/her. The batter-runner must use the colored (orange or green) section on his/her first attempt to tag first base. Exception: On extra-base hits or other balls hit to the outfield when there is no chance for a play to be made at the double first base, the runner may touch either the white or colored (orange or green) section of the base. Should, however, the batter-runner reach and go beyond first base, he/she can only return to the white section of the base. When tagging up on a fly ball, the white section of the base must be used by the runner. One foot is permitted to extend behind the base into foul territory, as long as the front foot is touching the white section of the base. When leaving base on a pitched ball, the runner must maintain contact with the white section of the base until he/she is permitted to go. Runners may extend a foot behind the base, but must maintain contact with the white section until permitted to leave the base. On an attempted pick-off play, the runner must return to the white section of the base only. This includes a throw from the pitcher, catcher, or any other player, in an attempt to return the runner at the double first base. In Junior, Senior and Big League divisions, when the batter becomes a runner on a third strike not caught by the catcher, the batter-runner and the defensive player may use either the colored (orange or green) or the white section. Use of the double first base does not change any other rule concerning Interference or Obstruction at first base. (An errant throw into the three-foot lane could still result in an obstruction call. Also, the batter-runner must still avoid interference with the fielder attempting to field a batted ball.)
Tournament Organization
- Managers/Coaches in the Dugout – If a tournament team has thirteen (13) or more eligible players in uniform at a game, then the maximum of three (3) adults who are named on the affidavit (or authorized temporary replacements as noted on the affidavit) will be permitted to act as manager and coaches for that game. However, if a tournament team has twelve (12) or fewer eligible players in uniform at a game, then a maximum of two (2) adults must be named at the start of the game as manager and coach. The two named adults must be listed on the affidavit, or must be authorized temporary replacements as noted on the affidavit. If there is a third adult listed on the affidavit, that adult is not permitted to be in the dugout or on the field during that game.
Playing Equipment/Safety
- 6 NOCSAE approved safety helmets no cracks.
  
  Catchers must wear mask and throat guard (skull cap not acceptable) when: a. Practice.
  b. Infield warm-up.
  c. Pitcher warm-up.
  d. Game.
  For 9-12 Year Old Male catchers must wear long model chest protector. For all female and Junior/Senior program short model is permitted. Male catchers must wear athletic supporters and cups. Metal cleats allowed for Junior and senior players only. No batting rings.
Playing Equipment Softball
- Softball is 11 inches in diameter for 9 to 12 year old.
  Softball is 12 inches in diameter for Junior and Senior division.
  Pitching distance is 35 feet for 9/10 year old division.
  All softballs must meet Little League specifications.
Pitching Rules 9 to 12 Year Old Baseball
- 6 innings in a game maximum. Every other game except if:
  a. Pitches in one inning.
  b. Change in level of play District to Section, Section to State, etc.
  Single pitch equal one inning.
  1 inning no rest required.
  If pitch in 4 or more innings two days of rest required and every other game.
  If pitch in 1 to 3 innings one day of rest required and every other game.
  Pitcher removed from game or from mound and stays in game cannot come back to pitch.
  Game continued the following day – no rest required – same pitcher can continue for a maximum of 6 innings in that game.
Pitching Rules 9 to 11 year Old Softball
- 6 innings in a game maximum.
  Every other game except if:
  a. Pitches in one inning.
  b. Change in level of play District to Section, Section to State, etc.
  Single pitch equal one inning.
  1 inning no rest required.
  One day of rest if pitch in two or more innings (this includes change in level of play).
  Pitcher removed from mound but stays in game may come back to pitch. Limited to once per inning.
  Game continued the following day – no rest required – same pitcher can continue for a maximum of 6 innings in that game.
Pitching Rules 12 Year Old Softball
- 9 innings in a game maximum.
  Every other game except if:
  a. Pitches in one inning.
  b. Change in level of play District to Section, Section to State, etc.
  Single pitch equal one inning.
  1 inning no rest required.
  One day of rest if pitch in two or more innings (this includes change in level of play).
  Pitcher removed from mound but stays in game may come back to pitch. Limited to once per inning.
  Game continued the following day – no rest required – same pitcher can continue for a maximum of 6 innings in that game>
Pitching Rules Junior and Senior Baseball
- 10 innings in a game maximum Every other game except if: a. Pitches in one inning b. Change in level of play District to Section, Section to State, etc. Single pitch equal one inning 1 inning no rest required Game continued the following day – no rest required – same pitcher can continue for a maximum of 10 innings in that game Pitcher removed from mound but stays in game may come back to pitch. Limited to once per inning.
Pitching Rules Junior and Senior Softball
- 10 innings in a calendar day maximum Single pitch equals 1 inning 1 to 4 innings no rest required 5 to 10 innings one day of rest required Pitcher removed from mound but stays in game may come back to pitch. Limited to once per inning. Game continued the following day – no rest required – same pitcher can continue for a maximum of 10 innings in that game or day whichever applies.
Mandatory Play Rule
- 9-10 Year Old Division, 11 Year Old Division, Little League, Junior League.
- Every player on the team shall participate in each game for a minimum of three (3) consecutive defensive outs and bat at least one time. Violation is forfeiture of the game. Must be protested before final out is declared and teams are still on playing field. Managers are responsible to see that rule is followed not umpires or game directors. This rule applies to losing team as well. Sanctions can be given. Exceptions to Rule: If game is shortened due to weather, darkness, or 10-run mercy rule. Does not apply to Senior or Big League divisions. If player at start of game is injured during game, player does not have to meet mandatory playing time requirement. Removed injured or ill player cannot re-enter game for substitute without meeting playing time requirements. Also, needs medical clearance Player that arrives after game has started does not have to meet playing time requirements. However, if player is inserted into game player must meet mandatory playing time requirements.
Substitutions/Re-Entry
- Any player who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game in the SAME position in the batting order, provided:
  1. the player being removed has played defensively for 3 consecutive defensive outs.
  2. completed one time at bat.
  (1 and 2 do not apply to Senior League and Big League Baseball and Softball.)
  - 3. Starter does not have to meet mandatory playing requirements before being removed. Must meet before game is completed.
Substitution/Re-Entry Rule All Divisions
- If injury, illness or ejection causes a team to use up all of their eligible players then the manager may insert a previously used player. If more than one player is eligible then the opposing team manager will select the player. Any players ejected is not eligible to re-enter. Any player removed for injury or illness is NOT eligible to re-enter unless cleared by medical personnel.
Tournament Rules: Fields and Dugouts
- All fields are considered neutral. Home team determined by a flip of a coin No one except manager and coaches are allowed in playing area and the dugout. This applies during the game and practice Please do not leave dugout during game without getting permission from the umpire. May be removed from game.
Tournament Rules: Pitcher Visits
- a. 2 times in an inning – 3rd time removed.
  b. 3 times in a game – 4th time removed.
  c. Starts over with each new pitcher.
  One offensive time out per inning. Get permission.
Tournament Rules: 9 to 12 Year Old Baseball and Softball
- Runner is out if slides head first into a base while advancing. Does not apply when returning back to a base. Rule 7.08 applies. No on deck batters are allowed. There are no balks – they are illegal pitches.
Tournament Rules: Legal Games
- All games that do not go the legal limit or are tied and one complete inning has been play must be continued from the point of stoppage. Records do not apply if a game goes less that one inning. No game can be replayed without the permission of the Regional Director.
Tournament Rules: Managing and Coaching
- An individual that manages or coaches in another youth baseball program cannot manage or coach a tournament team unless a waiver has been granted by the Regional Director.
Tournament Rules: Special Pinch Runner
Rule (7.14) “a Player may be removed only once for a Special Pinch Runner during a game” applies.
Tournament Rules: Manager and Coach Consultation
- Manager or coach allowed on the field to consult with the pitcher. 10 Run Rule.
Tournament Rules: Regulation Game
- If at the end of a regulation game a team is ahead by 10 or more runs the must be conceded. If visiting team has lead of 10 or more runs than the home team must be given an opportunity to bat. Regulation game is 3 or 4 innings for 9 to 12 year old divisions and 4 or 5 innings for Junior and Senior divisions.
Tournament Rules: Chain of Command
- Should a problem arise that can’t be resolved while the game is in progress, the game must be suspended by the Umpire-in-Chief and referred immediately to the Tournament Director. If the problem is still unresolved, the game must remain suspended and the issue must be referred to the Regional Director by the Tournament Director. If the problem is still unresolved, the game must remain suspended and the issue must be referred to the Tournament Committee by the Regional Director.
Tournament Rules: Tournament Eligibility Affidavit
- League President’s responsibility to review and certify birth records and residency documents. Tournament team to have in its possession:
  Affidavit.
  Copies (originals not required) of records used to verify date of birth.
  Map of actual boundaries of the league with locations noted for residences of the parent or legal guardian of each player.
  Three or more residency documents of the parent or guardian for each player.
  Waivers (i.e.: II(d), IV (h), Charter Committee)
  Important:
  Alternates are not authorized. They shall not accompany the team and shall not be listed on the affidavit. Affidavit must be certified by the District Administrator or his / her designated appointee Affidavit must be presented by the team manager to Tournament Director before every game. Affidavit becomes official once the team plays its first tournament game.
Tournament Rules: Participation in Other Programs (9-10, 11 year old divisions and Little League)
- A player may participate in other youth baseball/softball programs prior to the first scheduled game involving that player’s team. Once play begins for a tournament team, players named on the affidavit may not participate in any other youth baseball / softball program until that team is eliminated from tournament play.
Tournament Rules: Participation Participation in Other Programs (Junior Division, Senior Division and Big League Division)
- Participation in other programs during the International Tournament is permitted, subject to Regulation IV (a) Note .
Tournament Rules: Participation Release of Names Little League, Junior/ Senior/ Big League
- The release of players selected for the tournament team shall not be made before June 15 and not until the availability and eligibility of prospective team members have been established. Violation of this rule may be cause for revocation of tournament privilege by the Tournament Committee. (Little League accident insurance for tournament teams will not go into effect until June 15 or the announcement of tournament teams, whichever is later.)
Tournament Rules: Release of Names 9-10, 11 year old Divisions
- The release of players selected for the tournament team shall not be made before June 15, or two weeks prior to the start of the tournament (whichever is earlier) and not until the availability and eligibility of prospective team members have been established. Violation of this rule may be cause for revocation of tournament privilege by the Tournament Committee (Little League accident insurance for tournament teams will not go into effect until June 15 or the date of release of names, whichever is earlier).
Tournament Rules: Player Eligibility
- Players are eligible provided they meet:
  Residency Eligibility Requirements. Participation in Other Programs as well as Little League (Majors) – Players league age 11 or 12, who has participated in one half the regular season games as of June 15, with the exception of school baseball/softball season.
  9-10 year old division - Players league age 9 or 10, who has participated in one half the regular season games on a:
  Little League Majors team.
  Minor League team as of June 15, with the exception of school baseball/softball season. 11 Year Old Division - Players league age 11, who have participated in one half the regular season games on a:
  Little League Majors team
  Minor League team as of June 15, with the exception of school baseball/softball season.
  Senior League Division - Players league age 14, 15 or 16, who have participated in one-half the regular season games as of June 15, with the exception of school baseball/softball season or;
  Big League Team or;
  Senior League Team or;
  Junior Team;
  Junior League Division - Players league age 12,13 or 14 who have participated in one-half the regular season games as of June 15, with the exception of school baseball / softball season on a: Senior League Team or;
  Junior Team.
  NOTE 1: Consistent with a manager’s ability to conduct the affairs of his or her team, a manager may disqualify a player from the team for the current season, with Board of Directors approval, if a player repeatedly misses practices or games.
  NOTE 2: Big League, Senior League and Junior League Tournaments are divided by age, without regard to regular season division in which a player participates.
- Condition 1: Participation must be within the chartered league named on the eligibility affidavit.
  Condition 2: A player who is not able to participate in a number of local league regular season games because of participation in a school baseball program will receive an adjustment on the minimum participation in games required under this rule.
  Condition 3: A player may be named to the roster of, and practice with, only ONE Little League International Tournament Team.
  Once the affidavit is verified and signed, the players listed shall not be eligible to participate on any other International Tournament Team for the current year. An 11 year old regular season major player, a 14 year old player and a 16 year old player may be eligible for one of two tournament teams. Players may not be chosen, practice or participate with both teams. Violation of this rule may be cause for revocation of tournament privilege by the Tournament Committee.
Tournament Rules: Protests
- Replaces rule 4.19. Considered only when based on:
  Violation or misinterpretation of playing rule.
  Use of ineligible pitcher.
  Use of ineligible player.
Tournament Rules: Protests - Misinterpretation of Playing Rule
- A formal verbal protest must be made to Umpire-in-Chief before next pitch or play. Umpire-in-chief to call conference with umpires. If unresolved, must consult with Tournament Director If still unresolved, a call must be made to Regional Director If still unresolved, Regional Director must call Tournament Committee for a decision.
Tournament Rules: Protests - Use of Ineligible Pitcher
- Verbal protest must be made before umpire (s) leave the playing field. Umpire-in-chief must consult with Tournament Director or District Administrator. Call must be made to Regional Director. Regional Director must call the Tournament Committee in Williamsport.
Tournament Rules: Protests - Use of Ineligible Player (Prior to Game)
- Complainant presents matter to Tournament Director Matter may be resolved with Regional Director and Tournament Committee before the first pitch of the game.
Tournament Rules: Protests - Use of Ineligible Player (During the Game)
- Protest may be lodged by the manager or coach with Umpire-in-Chief who shall consult with Tournament Director or District Administrator. Tournament Director shall contact Regional Director, who shall contact the Tournament Committee in Williamsport for a decision. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding.
Tournament Rules: Protests - Use of Ineligible Player (After the Game)
- Protest may be lodged by the manager or coach with the Tournament Director or District Administrator. Such protest must be before either team affected begins another game. Tournament Director must contact Regional Director, who shall contact the Tournament Committee for a decision. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding. NOTE: Disqualification of teams, players and/or forfeiture of games is the decision of only the Tournament Committee.
Game Directors
Why A Game Director?
- Ensure that a Fair Game is Played
- Provide communications between Managers, DA, Umpires, and Host league
- Prevent and correct problems
- Make sure rules are followed
Communications
- Day before the Game -Call both managers and inform them of schedule -Call president if game was not scheduled on their field
- After the Game -Call Score to DA -Problem situations report verbally and if serious document problem -Thank Host league
Pre-Game Duties
- Walk the field and introduce yourself
- Get Affidavits and line-ups
- Check for non-eligible pitchers and make a list of these
- Check equipment
- Talk to Players
- Conduct a coin flip in order to determine home team
- Talk to scorer and announcer
- Conduct Pre-game ceremonies
- Get game started on time
Arriving at field
- No batting practice allowed
- Check and make sure catcher has mask on
- Walk playing field and ask for corrections
- Make sure the team traveling the furthest distance is at 3rd base
- You along with the umpires are responsible for field suitability
- Call either DA or Tournament Director if not sure
Affidavits
- Players replacement or addition
  -Need valid birth certificate or player ID number
  -Game director fills out affidavit
  -Call DA if any problems
- Checking Affidavits
  -Check for ineligible pitchers
  -Keep Affidavits in your possession or turn over to score keeper
  -make sure results are correct and then sign them and return them to manager
Equipment Check
- Get players to help you line up all equipment
- Make sure all player personal equipment is takes out of bags
- Check -Bats (use bat ring)
  -Batting helmets – Padding and cracks
  -Catchers helmet
  -Catchers equipment
  -Jewelry
  -No Spikes for 9 to 12 or Softball
  -No batting rings
Talk to Players
- Different ages different talk
- Decorum (Sit on bench and Root for team)
- Leaving the Dugout
- Jewelry
- Spikes
- Catcher
- Head First Slides ( 9 to 12)
- On-Deck Batters ( 9 to 12)
Pre-Game Ceremonies
- Coin Flip any time – Team traveling furthest gets to call
- Check line up before turning them over to score keeper and other team
- Where should players line up – Your call –go to positions or baseline
- Talk to score keeper
Pre-Game Conference
- Pitcher eligibility
- Getting a Time Out
- Relief Pitcher warm up with 3rd player
- Protest of Rules procedure
- Field ground rules
- Special Pinch Runner
- Substitutions
- Mandatory Playing time
Duties During Game
- Get good position to watch dugouts and fans
- Authorized personnel in dugouts and field
- Communicate with score keeper
- Rowdy Fans
- Manager, Coach, Player ejection
- Injuries
- Help umpires
- Refreshments after game
After The Game
- Return Affidavits
- Call in Scores
- Make out Game Report
- Thank Host League
- If Game is tied, incomplete or less than one inning -Call Peter Vardakas at 610-331-1282 – Do not let teams leave
Problem Situations
- No Umpire present 20 minutes before game time -Call Jim Cuozzo, Rick Gimble, or Crew Chief if that fails call Sam La Rosa or peter Vardakas
- One Umpire present -Need two make same calls or get someone to help that is qualified
- No Affidavit -Get teams scorebook and as much info as possible -Call DA -Game should not have to be postponed
- On-Deck Batter -No holding bats in dugout – Be firm and nasty if you have to
- Problem Situations
- Player with Catchers Glove -must have mask with throat guard – No exceptions
- Rules Protest -Do not give a ruling -Call Tournament Director
- Player Eligibility Protest -Call DA if before or after game -If during game wait until games is finished before accepting protest
- Replacement Player -Need Valid birth certificate or Player ID Number -If roster is less than 14 players no player has to be dropped -Game Director must fill in and sign -Call DA if problems
- Team shows up with 12 players -Only one manager and Coach permitted once game starts -Either manager or coach must be in dugout at all times – Player must coach -Once game starts no one else allowed in dugout even if a player shows up late
- Manager or coach ejected Injured or Ill -If this leaves only one in dugout the team can replace the ejected, Injured or ill manager or Coach
- Substitute Manager or Coach is permitted for each game
- Team shows up with 8 or less players -find out problem and call Tournament Director -Only Eastern Region can forfeit a game
- Forfeited Game -Forfeited game is not counted as a game played and no pitching records will be recorded
Revised 06.28.06

Little League