Maricopa Little League
House Rules

Maricopa Little League House Rules
Revised August 16, 2023

All playing rules for the normal season games and end of season playoffs will be in accordance with the Official Little League Rule Book provided by Maricopa Little League with the following exceptions, additions and clarifications that have been approved by the Maricopa Little League Board of Directors.

Division Definitions
  1. All Ages listed are League Ages as defined by Little League International.
  2. Tee Ball and Coach Pitch/Machine Pitch divisions are defined by age.
  3. Tee ball is for league age 4 and 5 year olds.
  4. Machine Pitch Baseball and Coach Pitch Softball divisions are for league age 6 and 7 year olds.
  5. Children that are league age 7 years old will have the opportunity to play Minors Baseball or Softball. All children that are league age seven years old that wish to play up in minors must attend tryouts.
  6. Children that are league ages 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12 years old will be evaluated and drafted as defined in the Draft section of this document. If there are exceptions, they will be considered by the Executive Board on a case-by-case basis. Exceptions to these definitions are discouraged and will be rare.
  7. Safety Officer to evaluate any league age 4, 5, 6 and 7 year old who wish to move up a division. Safety Officer is authorized to make final decision on player placement.
Practices
  1. All teams practicing at the Copper Sky or Pacana ball fields must use the green mats on the batters boxes, catcher's box and pitching plate.
  2. Cages at Pacana and Copper Sky must remain locked when not in use. If you unlock the cage you are responsible for locking it back up.
  3. Equipment must be stored properly and neatly in the cages. If you remove equipment from the cage you must return it neatly to where you found it.
  4. Lights at Pacana, if you are the last team on the field you are required to turn the lights off before you leave.
Umpire Interaction
  1. Only Managers shall interact with Adult Umpires per Little League Regulations.
  2. No person, including a Manager, shall interact with Junior Umpires without an Adult Umpire or Board Member Present. It is not the role of Managers to coach Junior Umpires.
  3. Each game should have at least 1 ADULT Umpire. If no Adult Umpire is available, and neither team can produce an umpire, a board member must be present at the game for the entirety of the game. If no board member is available the game shall be canceled, and will not be rescheduled.
Pre Game
  1. Home team must drag the field and chalk the lines before their game begins.
  2. When available, temporary fencing must be put up for divisions of minors and above.
  3. Umpires must check helmets, bats and a verbal check that all males are wearing a cup.
  4. Both teams official scorekeepers are required to sit at the scorekeepers table behind home plate.
  5. Managers shall turn in one copy of their line up to the official score table or scorekeeper, no less than ten minutes prior to the scheduled game time.
  6. Managers will bring the remaining copies of their line up to the plate meeting to be given to the plate umpire and opposing team manager.
  7. The Manager or coach that is at the plate meeting shall be considered the Manager for that game and will be the only member of the coaching staff allowed to appeal to the umpires and make changes.
  8. Each team must physically identify their CPR-trained adult before the start of each game.
Time Limits
  1. There is a 1-hour limit on all games in the T-ball division, this is a hard stop time.
  2. There is a 1 hour and 15 minute time limit for Machine Pitch Baseball and Coach Pitch Softball, this is a hard stop.
  3. The Minors and Majors Baseball and Softball shall start no new inning after 1 hour and 45 minutes of play.
  4. An inning starts the moment the third out is made. One minute is allowed in between innings. If either team exceeds 1 minute the offending manager will be given a warning and on the second occurrence the manager will be removed from the game.
  5. MOU with city requires lights out at Pacana at 10:00pm and Copper Sky at 9:00pm
  6. Exceptions:

a. Majors Softball and Majors Baseball games may have a time limit if the game is followed by another regularly scheduled game. The Scheduler shall make a best effort to allow these games to complete under normal terms.

b. In the Majors Baseball, Majors Softball, Junior and Senior Leagues regular season and tournament games there is no time limit. Exception: A game that is terminated by weather, lack of light or curfew(see above) will not be continued if it has become a regulation game per Rule 4.10(c) unless the game is tied. See Rule 4.11(d) for reverting to previous inning.

7. Rainout games may be rescheduled for the Minor divisions and above if time permits and fields are available. Whether or not to reschedule will be determined on a case-by-case basis by the Board of Directors based on the recommendation of the Protest committee and Scheduling Coordinator. Rainout games for Machine Pitch Baseball, Coach Pitch Softball, and Tee Ball will not be rescheduled.

All Divisions, Hardball and Softball
(See each division for division specific rules.)
  1. The 15, 10, 8 run rule will be in effect for all divisions. (See Rule 4.10 (e))
  2. Only Managers and assistant coaches with approved volunteer form that have been approved by the Board of Directors can be on the field during practices and games, including the dugout during games. (Rule 3.15)
  3. In order to maintain a strong league and provide the best experience for the kids all managers and coaches must complete league approved training prior to season start.
  4. CPR training for at least one coach on each team is required to be certified per Little League International.
  5. During a game, there can be two adult base coaches on the field in all divisions providing that there is at least one other adult coach in the dugout. Rule 4.05
  6. All protests must be in accordance with Rule 4.19 in the Official Regulations and Playing rules handbook. (See Rule 4.19(g)) Complaints should be communicated to the UIC and will be addressed by the Board of Directors if necessary. Protests should be avoided as much as possible. There are no protests in Tee Ball. 4.19 (h), Machine Pitch Baseball, Coach Pitch Softball, or the Minors divisions; the umpire’s decision will stand. The focus should be more on player skills development than rules at the Minors division.
  7. The possession of firearms and the use of tobacco, marijuana and alcoholic beverages in any form is prohibited on the playing field, benches, stands, or dugouts. Vaping in or around the dugouts is also prohibited. Parents and players may not attend any event while under the influence of any drugs or alcohol. Anyone found to be in violation, by either sight, smell or actions, will be asked to adhere to this rule or will be required to leave the field and may face suspension from future events. Regulation XIV(e) at any time during games and practices.
  8. Managers must inform the Player Agent if any player misses more than seven consecutive days for any reason (See Regulation III (d)).
  9. Maricopa Little League will not use the Major Division rule for uncaught third strike in the Minors Division baseball and softball. (See rule 6.09b)
  10. A batter who, in the umpire’s judgment, throws their bat during their at bat, shall be given a warning. If it happens a second time the batter will be called out. In the event the batter hits the ball, the play shall finish, then the umpire shall call Time, then declare “Batter threw the bat. The batter is out”.
  11. Lightning Strike Rule - If lightning strikes within 10 miles of your game or practice the field must be cleared for 30 minutes. The 30 minute starts once the last lightning moves because electrical charges can linger in clouds after a thunderstorm has passed. Experts agree people should wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before play resumes. Please use any weather app to track the distance of the lightning strikes.
Sportsmanship
  1. All Players, managers and coaches will shake hands with the opposing team after each game. Failure to do so will result in disciplinary action from the Board of Directors.
  2. Foul language (including the word suck) or any negative remarks at any time may result in a disciplinary action from the Board of Directors.
  3. Negative cheering is not allowed in Maricopa Little League. Cheer for your team, not against or about your opponents. Negative cheers or chants referring to the other team will not be permitted. Once the pitcher takes a position on the plate all chanting must stop. Exception of softball, where chants may continue throughout the pitcher’s pitch as long as the volume remains constant. The use of the word swing is prohibited after the release of the pitch. Reference to the opposing player’s name or number in an attempt to distract or disrupt that player is prohibited. Offenders will be warned and/or removed by an Umpire on the field or by any board member. (See Rule 4.06(2 and 3) & Rule 9.01(d))
  4. Any act of non-sportsmanship may result in a disciplinary action from the Board of Directors, up to expulsion from the league for the remainder of the year.
Tee Ball
  1. There will be no umpires officiating Tee Ball Games.
  2. The offensive team may have two adult base coaches in the coach’s boxes, one adult in the dugout and one behind the tee in Tee Ball.
  3. The defensive teams are permitted 2 coaches on the field for the development purposes of the players, but must avoid interfering with the play.
  4. The batting order will be the entire roster at the game.
  5. Each half inning will end when the offensive team bats through its entire roster in its half-inning.
  6. All players may play on defense. (See Note on Rule 401d Note 1)
  7. There is a minimum of 6 players required to start the game. A player pool will be kept by the player agent. If a pool player is needed the Manager will contact the Player Agent and the Player Agent will contact the pool players. Double Headers are not permitted for players in this division.
  8. All players shall hit off the tee for the first 6 games of the season. All batters will be given four swings to hit the ball. If the batter does not hit the ball after four swings they will be awarded first base, same as a base on balls..
  9. For all games after the first 6 games, Players may have a coach pitch, at the manager’s discretion. Managers are strongly encouraged to reserve coach pitching for those players developmentally ready. The Manager may pitch from wherever they are comfortable. Players utilizing coach pitch will get three pitches irrespective of the quality of pitches. If the batter does not put the ball into play, the batter reverts to the tee and will be given three more swings. If the batter does not put the ball into play the batter shall be awarded first base same as a base on balls. There are no strikes in Tee Ball.
  10. After the first 6 games, OUTS will be called at each base. The First Base Runner’s Coach shall call the plays at 1st Base. The Field Coaches shall call the plays at 2nd Base. The Third Base Runner’s Coach shall call the plays at 3rd Base. The Tee Coach shall call the plays at Home Plate.

a. A runner called OUT shall return to the dugout.

b. There is no Tracking of Outs.

  1. All Players must change defensive positions every inning.
  2. There are no game results recorded to determine a winner/loser of scheduled games.
Machine Pitch Baseball
  1. The defensive team is permitted up to 2 coaches on the field; for the development purposes of the players, but must avoid interfering with the play. See Rule 4.05(a)
  2. The offensive pitching coach may coach the batter for positioning but may not coach runners on base at any time. Exception: If there is a possible safety issue.
  3. The Manager shall use the Louisville Slugger Blue Flame pitching machine provided by the league. The Pitching Machine will be set at 35 feet. Standard settings will be determined and maintained for the pitching machine used for games.
  4. Any batted or thrown ball that hits the pitching machine or pitching coach shall be a dead ball and the runners may not advance beyond the next base. The batter shall be awarded first base.
  5. The batting order will be the entire roster.This does not mean the inning is your entire roster batted.
  6. Each half inning will end after 3 outs or the roster has batted. There is a 5 run rule.
  7. Managers are required to change their player’s defensive positions every other inning.
  8. Managers are encouraged to make every effort to play each player in all the defensive positions during the season, with exception of the catcher.
  9. All players may play on defense. All extra players must play in the outfield grass.
  10. Advancing on a passed ball is NOT permitted. Once a pitch passes the catcher or is caught by the catcher, any runner on base must remain; unless a defensive play is made against a runner.
  11. If a play is made against the runner and an overthrow results, the runner may attempt to reach the next base. This will be allowed one time during a play. Any consecutive overthrows will result in a dead ball and no additional advancements will be made.
  12. Teams may play with a minimum of six players. A player pool will be kept by the player agent. If a pool player is needed the Manager will contact the Player Agent and the Player Agent will contact the pool players. Double Headers are not permitted for players in this division.
  13. The infield fly rule will not be called (see rule definition 2.00).
  14. Once the ball crosses the base path from the outfield the play shall be dead.
  15. The pitching coach shall issue a strike out when the batter is clearly not attempting to swing at 5 “strike-zone” pitches. If a batter is attempting to swing at “good pitches”, they may continue to hit until they strike out or put a ball in play. A “Good Pitch” is defined by the perspective of the pitching coach. Each batter shall receive seven pitches and if the ball is not put into play the batter is called out.
  16. A batter may strike out after 7 pitches, there will be no walks.
  17. A batter hit by pitch shall be awarded a base.
  18. Score and game results will not be recorded for any scheduled games.
  19. The player at the pitching position must play behind the pitching machine and pitching coach.
  20. The rule for leaving early will follow the baseball rule, which will result in the player being returned to the base left from
  21. Teams must have a player play catcher. No exceptions.
  22. There will be no umpires officiating Machine Pitch Games.
Coach Pitch Softball
  1. There can be 2 adult base coaches on the field. See Rule 4.05(a)
  2. The offensive pitching coach may coach the batter for positioning but may not coach runners on base at any time. Exception: If there is a possible safety issue.
  3. The pitching circle and pitching plate are required to be on the field. The coach may pitch from wherever comfortable, but the girl must play within the pitching position within the circle.
  4. Any batted or thrown ball that hits the pitching machine or pitching coach shall be a dead ball and the runners may not advance beyond the next base. The batter shall be awarded first base.
  5. The defensive team is permitted up to 2 coaches on the field; for the development purposes of the players, but must avoid interfering with the play.
  6. The batting order will be the entire roster. This does not mean the inning is your entire roster batted.
  7. Each half inning will end after 3 outs or the roster has batted. There is a 5 run rule.
  8. Managers are required to change their player’s defensive positions every other inning.
  9. Managers are encouraged to make every effort to play each player in all the defensive positions during the season, with exception of the catcher.
  10. All players may play on defense. All extra players must play in the outfield grass.
  11. Advancing on a passed ball is NOT permitted. Once a pitch passes the catcher or is caught by the catcher, any runner on base must remain; unless a defensive play is made against a runner.
  12. If a play is made against the runner and an overthrow results, the runner may attempt to reach the next base. THis will be allowed one time during a play. Any consecutive overthrows will result in a dead ball and no additional advancements will be made.
  13. Teams may play with a minimum of six players. A player pool will be kept by the player agent. If a pool player is needed the Manager will contact the Player Agent and the Player Agent will contact the pool players. Double Headers are not permitted for players in this division.
  14. The infield fly rule will not be called. (See rule definition 2.00)
  15. Once the ball crosses the base path from the outfield the play shall be dead and the team manager or pitching coach will award bases accordingly.
  16. A batter may strike out after 7 pitches, there will be no walks.
  17. The pitching coach shall issue a strike out when the batter is clearly not attempting to swing at 5 “strike-zone” pitches. If a batter is attempting to swing at “good pitches”, they may continue to hit until they strike out or put a ball in play. A “Good Pitch” is defined by the perspective of the pitching coach. Each batter shall receive seven pitches and if the ball is not put into play the batter is called out.
  18. A batter hit by pitch shall be awarded a base.
  19. Score and game results will not be recorded for any scheduled games.
  20. The player at the pitching position must play behind the pitching coach and within the circle.
  21. Circle violation will not be called. Player must return immediately to the base once the ball is held by the pitching coach.
  22. Teams must have a player play catcher. No exceptions.
  23. The rule for leaving early will follow the baseball rule, which will result in the player being returned to the baseleft from.
  24. Teams must have a player play catcher. No exceptions.
  25. There will be no umpires officiating Coach Pitch Games.
Minor Division
  1. Mandatory playing time: Every player must have at least one complete at bat and play two innings on the field. Any player not receiving their mandatory playing time will play the entire next played game and will be put on top of the batting order.
  2. Each half inning will end when three (3) offensive players are legally put out or when the offensive team scores five (5) runs or when the offensive team goes up by five runs.
  3. The batting lineup shall be the entire roster.
  4. Standings will be kept for Minor League.
  5. If a pitcher hits three batters in a game, they must be removed from the game as a pitcher.
  6. Pitchers may not throw breaking balls (umpires judgment) Penalty: First time warning second time removal from the game as a pitcher. A breaking ball will be treated as an illegal pitch. A “Change Up” is not considered a breaking ball.
  7. To minimize forfeitures, a player pool may be utilized as outlined in these House Rules. A player pool will be kept by the player agent. If a pool player is needed the Manager will contact the Player Agent and the Player Agent will contact the pool players. Double Headers are not permitted for players in this division. If all minor’s teams are playing on a given day, then the pool player’s must come from the opposing team. If there are no players available from the opposing team, then the game will be rescheduled or forfeited at the Executive Board’s discretion. (Per 4.16.1)
  8. Pool Players are not allowed to pitch (Per Reg V.c.4)
  9. Players may perform the duties as a base coach but are required to wear a helmet.
  10. Rule 6.08a2 shall be adopted to allow a Manager to declare an intentional walk.
  11. Rule 6.02c shall be adopted requiring a Batter to keep one foot in the batter’s box during their At-bat.
  12. Coaches claimed at draft must be the same coaches used in dugout. No substitutions will be allowed.
  13. Each team shall provide a coach to umpire in 2 games during the season at their availability. Failure to do so will result in loss of eligibility for coaches to coach during all stars.
  14. Scorecards will be kept for every game and returned to the snack bar after each game. They will include line-ups, any substitutions, and all pitchers with innings noted. Both teams are responsible for the official game scorecard.
Major Division
  1. Any player not receiving their mandatory playing time will play the entire next played game and be put on top of the batting order.
  2. The batting lineup may be the entire roster.
  3. To minimize forfeitures, a player pool may be utilized as outlined in these House Rules. A player pool will be kept by the player agent. If a pool player is needed the Manager will contact the Player Agent and the PlayerAgent will contact the pool players. If there are no pool players available, then the pool player’s must come from the opposing team. If there are no players available from the opposing team, then the game will be rescheduled or forfeited at the Executive Board’s discretion. (Per 4.16.1)
  4. Rule 6.08a2 shall be adopted to allow a Manager to declare an intentional walk.
  5. Rule 6.02c shall be adopted requiring a Batter to keep one foot in the batter’s box during their At-bat.
  6. Coaches claimed at draft must be the same coaches used in dugout. No substitutions will be allowed.
  7. Each team shall provide a coach to umpire in 2 games during the season at their availability. Failure to do so will result in loss of eligibility for coaches to coach during all stars
  8. Scorecards will be kept for every game and returned to the snack bar after each game. They will include line-ups, any substitutions, and all pitchers with innings noted. Both teams are responsible for the official game scorecard.
Junior/Senior Division
  1. To minimize forfeitures, a player pool may be utilized for Junior and Senior Leagues as outlined in V(c) of the Playing Rules manual. List Rotation: When the next player on the list is not available to play, the player will be skipped and the next player on the list will be called until an available player is found. The next time a pool player is needed, the player on the list after the last player utilized will be the next player called. Managers are encouraged to utilize the player pool to minimize forfeitures.
  2. Scorecards will be kept for every game and returned to the snack bar after each game. They will include line-ups, any substitutions, and all pitchers with innings noted. Both teams are responsible for the official game scorecard.
  3. League age 15 year olds may pitch in Juniors
Draft Process
  1. All League Age 9 year old players and older shall participate in the Evaluation process. League age 8 year olds may participate if they would like to move up to the minors division.
  2. Managers must submit their Assistant Coach options and Manager and Coach players options to the Player Agent at least 48 hours before the draft.
  3. Once a thorough evaluation of players has been completed, players will be drafted to teams.
  4. Parents of League Age 10 players may request League Age 10 players NOT be drafted to the Major Division. Such a request must be submitted PRIOR the Evaluation process.
  5. Once the Major Draft is complete, all remaining players shall be drafted to the Minor Division.
  6. Parents may request to not have their player play for a certain Manager. This request must be submitted to the Player Agent before the evaluation.
  7. Managers must use draft option coaches during games
Amending the House Rules
  1. The Maricopa Little League House Rules may be amended at any time during the regular season.
  2. Any member of Maricopa Little League can ask for an amendment.
  3. An amendment can be, but not limited to, a rule addition, a rule subtraction, and modification of a rule.Corrections of typos and or spelling mistakes do not require board approval.
  4. The president, with board approval, shall appoint a Rules Committee at the start of each spring season.
  5. To request an amendment.

a. Ask the Rules Committee in writing to review or consider a rule amendment. Must give justification for amendment.

b. If accepted by the Rules Committee the amendment must be recommended to the board of directors by the Rules Committee

c. The board of directors must then approve the amendment.

Disciplinary action for any misconduct or house rules violations
  1. First offense

a. Conversation to review code of conduct and request a change of behavior. In the event the behavior does not change offender will be asked to leave property.

i. Second offense

b. Removal from the property

i. Denial to leave property

  1. Local law enforcement will be called to remove the offender.
  1. As a result of an offender being removed from the property, a written letter is required from the offense to explain what they will do differently before re-entry is granted. Board of directors to make decision for re-entry
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B 104-337
Maricopa, Arizona 85138