Barrington Little League
PO Box 33
Barrington, NJ 08007
LOCAL RULES (revised December 21, 2009)
The local rules of Barrington Little League are subject to adjustment each playing year. Rules should be amended and adopted each playing season for purposes of draft, league balance, and league benefit.
1. MAJOR LEAGUE
Major League players may be age ten (10) through twelve (12). Players of league age eleven (11) and above must play in the Major League.
1.A. A MINOR LEAGUE
A Minor players may be league age eight (8) through ten (10). Players of league age nine (9) and above must play in the A Minor or Major league as applicable.
1.B. B MINOR LEAGUE
B Minor players may be age seven (7) or eight (8). Players of league age seven (7) and above must play in the B Minor, A Minor or Major league as applicable.
1.C. C MINOR LEAGUE
C Minor players are age six (6). Depending on registration, the C Minor League may be incorporated into the B Minor League.
1.D. CLINIC
Clinic players must be league age five (5), or must attain the age of five (5) by December of the calendar year. Players of league age five (5) or less must play in Clinic.
1.E. EXCEPTIONS
For all ages. Exceptions to play "down" may be made for children with developmental, medical, or physical problems.
In years where national Little League rules are changed effecting player ages, there may be implemented exceptions to play up in that transition year only. Only the players affected by the rule change are eligible for the exception.
When an individual’s level of talent in Clinic, C Minor, or B Minor warrants advancing a level (i.e. a 7 year old plays in A Minor), or the talent level becomes of safety concern within that specific division, the player’s coach approaches that specific league representative. The league representative brings this proposal to the E Board. At least 4 members of the E Board will assess the talent level of said player and vote whether this advancing serves in the best interest of the player and the league.
LR 2 ROSTERS
2.A. MAJOR LEAGUE
The official roster of a Major League team shall consist of no more than twelve (12) players.
2.B. MINOR LEAGUES
Minor league rosters shall be determined based on the number of players at the level and the number of manager candidates. However, whenever possible, no more than twelve (12) players per team is the target roster size.
2.C. PLAYER RESIGNATION
Any player who resigns or quits shall not be eligible for the remainder of the season.
2.D. PLAYER REPLACEMENT
Major League
In the event a player is lost to injury, relocation, or resignation; he will not be permanently replaced on the Major League roster. However, a pool of potential replacement players will be identified from players in the A Minor League. On a rotating basis, and without interference with their A Minor scheduled games, they may be used as needed in Major League games.
The Player Agent will be responsible for establishing the replacement list and maintaining necessary records.
A Minor League
In the event a player is lost to injury, relocation, or resignation, if requested by the manager he/she may be replaced by a player from the B Minor League. Requests for replacement will be directed to the Player Agent, who will identify, based on input from the B Minor managers, potential replacements. The parents of the selected replacement player, and the losing and gaining managers, must agree to the promotion to the higher league.
Other Minor Leagues
In general, no replacements. However, in the event a player is lost, if a given player has the appropriate skills to benefit by playing in the higher league, consideration may be given to advancing the player to the higher league. The parents of the selected replacement player, and the losing and gaining managers, must agree to the promotion to the higher league.
LR 3 DRAFT
3.A. GENERAL
Major and A Minor leagues will conduct a player draft. B Minor, C Minor and Clinic leagues will simply choose players by whatever method the managers and Player Agent select.
The Player Agent shall keep a complete record of the draft. Also included must be the order of selection and who will receive the next pick.
Upon parental request, brothers/sisters may be accommodated on their sibling's team.
3.B. MAJOR LEAGUE DRAFT
· Teams remain intact from year to year. Players on a team from the preceding year will remain on that team.
· Draft order shall be determined by the previous year's regular season order of finish. The team finishing last will select first, the next to last will select second and continuing until the team finishing first selects. The team finishing last will then select again and the same order of selection will continue until all necessary players are selected.
· The Managers will conduct a round table discussion to determine a pool of eligible10 year olds for consideration to move up to Majors. The eligible pool of 10s shall be determined by consensus with the Player Agent Voting to break a tie vote.
· Manager's or current assistant's sons/daughters who are draft eligible will be drafted by their parent's team in the draft round determined by the Executive Board based on the child's ability (if the manager or assistant is on the Board, he/she may not participate in this determination).
· When, other than due to "graduation" to the next level, a player does not return to the system the following year, a supplemental draft will be held. If this occurs, the supplemental pick will be made at the end of the round in which the player had been drafted the previous year.
3.C. A MINOR LEAGUE DRAFT
· Teams may not remain intact from year to year (per Little League rule).
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· The Managers will conduct a round table discussion to determine a pool of eligible 8 year olds for consideration to move up to A Minors. The eligible pool of 8s shall be determined by consensus with the Player Agent Voting to break a tie vote.
· . Draft order is determined during the round table discussion as to the talent level of each coach/assistant coach’s child. Once draft order is determined, the first team goes, followed by second, etc. The same order of selection will continue until all necessary players are selected. (Note: every additional coach or assistant coach’s child will be the next rounds selection, consecutively. For example if a coach has one child and the assistant coach has two, that team will not draft until the fourth round regardless of age/talent of the second child)
LR 4 TOURNAMENTS
4.A. TOURNAMENTS GENERAL
As a league, our primary focus for tournament competition is the District Little League Tournament, which leads up to the World Series for the Major League (ages 11 and 12) and State Championship for Minor League (ages 9 and 10). We will also enter other tournaments to enable participation for as many children as possible.
The Executive Board, with input solicited from the general membership, will determine which tournaments the League will participate in.
In participating in these tournaments, our goal is dependent on the level of play and age of the players. For the District Tournament teams, our approach is to select the best and most deserving players who are eligible for the applicable team, based primarily on ability and secondarily on age. For other tournaments, our approach again is to select the best and most deserving players who are eligible for the applicable team, and to enable participation for as many children as possible. To accomplish this, Barrington Little League may enter 2 teams into a tournament (i.e. Gloucester City 8U coach pitch tournament) when feasible. The methodology of team structure will be to assemble the “best” team first with eligible players and then the second “best” team with eligible players. This allows for most participation by players. The tournament selection order shall go: 11-12 year old, 9-10 year old, 10-11 year old, 8-9 year old, 7-8 year old.
4.B. TOURNAMENT TEAM MANAGER SELECTION
All those Coaches & Managers who wish to manage a Tournament Team must submit a written request to the E Board by May 1st each year. Prospective Managers will be selected by a vote. The vote to be made up of the E Board and those managers involved in the tournament age group pool.
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11-12 District Tournament Team |
Major & E Board |
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9-10 District Tournament Team |
A Minor & E Board |
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11 District Tournament Team |
Major, A Minor (when applicable ) & E Board |
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8-9 Tournament Team |
A Minor E Board |
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7-8 Tournament Team |
A Minor, B Minor & E Board |
4.C. TOURNAMENT TEAM PLAYER SELECTION
4.C.1. DISTRICT TOURNAMENT TEAM (11-12 TEAM)
Voting for the team will be conducted as follows:
· Each Major League Manager will choose a total of (up to15) players from the other teams in the division, ranked in order, who he/she believes are the best District Team representatives.
· The Managers will conduct a round table discussion highlighting the talents of the Players from their teams. All Managers MUST be present at both the round table discussion and vote. Absentee voting will not be accepted. However with the approval of the Player Agent and/or Tournament Director a Manager may appoint one of his assistant Coaches to vote on his behalf.
· [Example 12 player roster] The player ranked as "best" by each manager will receive twelve (12) points, the second "best" will receive eleven (11) points, down to the twelfth "best" who will receive one (1) point.
· Voting will be tabulated with the ten (10) highest scores forming the basic team. The Player agent will then form a list of the top 10 vote recipients. Present this list to the All Star Team Manager in alphabetical order.
· A second list of alternates will be presented to fill the last 2-5 slots.The All- Star manager may then choose the remainder of the team from those players who received at least one vote.
· Should the player agent have a child in the eligible pool he/she shall step down and pass the responsibility of over seeing these proceedings to the [1] tournament director [2] League President. An alternate draft coordinator can be appointed by the League President if needed.
· The player agent will contact each Team Member to get a commitment from the family for practice commitment & volunteer commitment. The All Star Manager Does Not release the Team Roster until all of the All Star Nominees commit.
4.C.2. DISTRICT TOURNAMENT TEAM (9-10 TEAM)
Voting for the team will be conducted as follows:
· Each A Minor Manager will choose a total of (up to15) players from the other teams in the division, ranked in order, who he/she believes are the best District Team representatives. 10-year-olds who are pulled up to play in Majors automatically will be selected to play on the 10- year-old District team
· The Managers will conduct a round table discussion highlighting the talents of the Players from their teams. All Managers MUST be present at both the round table discussion and vote. Absentee voting will not be accepted. However with the approval of the Player Agent and/or Tournament Director a Manager may appoint one of his assistant Coaches to vote on his behalf.
· [Example 12 player roster] The player ranked as "best" by each manager will receive twelve (12) points, the second "best" will receive eleven (11) points, down to the twelfth "best" who will receive one (1) point. NOTE: 10-year olds who play in Majors will automatically be on the District team, if 5 10-year-olds play in majors the last 7 spots will only be voted on.
· Voting will be tabulated with the ten (10) highest scores forming the basic team. The Player agent will then form a list of the top 10 vote recipients. Present this list to the All Star Team Manager in alphabetical order.
· A second list of alternates will be presented to fill the last 2-5 slots. The All- Star manager may then choose the remainder of the team from those players who received at least one vote.
· Should the player agent have a child in the eligible pool he/she shall step down and pass the responsibility of over seeing these proceedings to the [1] tournament director [2] League President. An alternate draft coordinator can be appointed by the League President if needed.
· The player agent will contact each Team Member to get a commitment from the family for practice commitment & volunteer commitment. The All Star Manager Does Not release the Team Roster until all of the All Star Nominees commit.
4.C.3. DISTRICT TOURNAMENT TEAM (10-11TEAM)
Voting for the team will be conducted as follows:
· After the 11-12 & 9-10 Teams are contacted & finalized, The Player Agent/Tournament Director will prepare a list of available Players age 10 & 11.
· The Player Agent will convene a meeting of the Major League and A Minor League managers (A Minor will vote only if applicable meaning if there are any A Minor players appropriate for the team; this should be extremely rare). The Major & A Minor Managers (A Minor only if applicable) will conduct a round table discussion highlighting the talents of the Players they feel qualified for the 10-11 All Star Team.
· All Managers MUST be present at both the round table discussion and vote. Absentee voting will not be accepted. However with the approval of the Player Agent and/or Tournament Director a Manager may appoint one of his assistant Coaches to vote on his behalf.
· The Vote: The Major & A Minor Managers (A Minor will only vote if applicable) will rank the players as outlined in the 11-12 Team Selection.
· Should the player agent have a child in the eligible pool he/she shall step down and pass the responsibility of over seeing these proceedings to the [1] tournament director [2] League President. An alternate draft coordinator can be appointed by the League President if needed.
· The player agent will contact each Team Member to get a commitment from the family for practice commitment & volunteer commitment. The All Star Manager Does Not release the Team Roster until all of the All Star Nominees commit.
4.D. OTHER TOURNAMENT TEAMS
Selection of participants for all other tournaments will be conducted in a manner similar to that noted above for the District teams. The Player Agent, or designee, will conduct the voting, with all managers responsible for the applicable age group participating.
Players may be selected for only one "other" tournament team. However, until the applicable District Tournament team is eliminated, players on that team may not play in other tournaments, even if the schedules don't conflict. Once the District Tournament team is eliminated, players on that District team will become eligible to participate on the other tournament team for which they were selected.
In situations where there is limited number of players in a given age group, or where players are unable to commit to the practice and game requirements necessary, the Executive Board may decide to deviate from these rules.
LR 5 MANAGERS
Managers will be reviewed and selected each year by the Executive Board. Each candidate must submit written interest for a managerial position, designating which level of play, by the first general membership meeting in February. Candidates will be chosen based upon the following criteria:
· League service
· Availability
· Sportsmanship
· Coaching experience
· Coaching performance
· Meeting attendance
Managers must participate in league activities, such as: work parties, project leadership, etc. Failure to participate in sufficient activities may result in suspension by the vote of the Executive Board.
Managers should arrange for an assistant or representative to attend meetings in his/her place, especially meetings of importance, such as: draft, elections, equipment distribution, etc.
LR 6 LOCAL PLAYING RULES
6.A. PLAYING TIME
Little League rules govern (six consecutive outs on defense, at least one at bat in a six inning game). However, these rules are not applicable when a player being disciplined by the Manager (see Discipline, 7B, below).
6.B. FIELD DECORUM
General
The actions of players, managers, assistants, umpires, and league officials during games must be beyond reproach. In addition, spectators are also expected to maintain appropriate decorum.
Discipline, Actions Requiring Immediate Suspension/Removal
Certain actions necessitate immediate response by the umpire(s) handling the game. Such actions include: throwing of equipment, whether on the field or in the dugout; abusive language or behavior directed toward umpires, other players, managers, or assistants; fighting; foul language; etc.
Umpires must report these incidents to the Umpire in Chief who will record and maintain the necessary records and report all incidents to the Executive Board.
For players:
A first offense involving the above actions will require immediate ejection from the game. The player is required to remain on the bench, but may not return to the game. If the offense occurs in the fourth or later inning, in addition to the ejection, the player will serve a three inning suspension in the next game that the offender is present.
A second offense will require immediate ejection from the game, as above, and a one game suspension, served in uniform, in the next game that the offender is present.
Third offenses will result in immediate removal from the game and field, and an indefinite suspension. The player, parent(s), and manager must resolve the problem with the Executive Board before that player may continue in the league.
Repeated offenses in subsequent games could result in permanent forfeiture to participate in any future league games or activities during that season.
For Managers/Assistants/Spectators:
A first offense will require the offender to leave the premises for the remainder of the game in which the offense occurs, and a one game suspension for the next game that is played by the team. The offender may not attend or be on the premises for that next game.
Second offenses will result in immediate removal from the game and premises, and an indefinite suspension. The manager/assistant must resolve the problem with the Executive Board before that he/she may continue in the league.
Repeated offenses in subsequent games could result in permanent forfeiture to participate in or attend any future league games or activities during that or the following season.
Warnings
Any other language or behavior, not specifically noted above, by a player, manager, or assistant, that is deemed inappropriate by the Umpire(s) will evoke a warning to that individual.
Umpires must report these incidents to the Umpire in Chief who will record and maintain the necessary records and report all incidents to the Executive Board.
Subsequent incidents involving the same player, manager, or assistant will be treated like the first offense under 7B.
6.C. PITCHING RULES
Twelve Year Old Pitchers
Rule VI(c) is waived. Any number of pitchers of league age 12 may be used during a calendar week.
Postponed/Suspended Games
Little League rules apply. However, when a rained out, or otherwise postponed or suspended, game is made up or completed on the first Sunday following the originally scheduled date of the game, the pitchers' inning count will be applied to the originally scheduled (previous) week. The "rest" rule, however, will apply per Little League rule. Pitching rules for games made up or completed after the first Sunday following the originally scheduled date of the game will be governed by Little League rules.
LR 7 ELIGIBILITY
Players of league age five (5) through seven (7) from other towns that do not have a baseball program for their age group are eligible to play in Barrington Little League. Players of league age eight (8) and above are not eligible unless they meet the conditions stated in Official Regulations and Playing Rules, II.d. (Generally, this addresses residence changes after becoming a member of a major league team). Any other exceptions MUST be approved by the E Board.
Local Rules Addendum
Minor League and Clinic Playing Guidelines
A-Minor Playing Guidelines
Objective
The objective at this level is to ensure that every player have a safe and enjoyable playing experience. Competition is expected, but not at the expense of good will and sportsmanship.
Method of Play
To maximize player development, the league recommends that all players play at least one (1) inning in the outfield during a regular six inning game. While this is only a guideline, non-compliance may result in the manager not being able to manage a team in the future.
All children must play at least 4 innings, and bat at least once during a regular six inning game.
1. Five (5) runs per inning max. Continuation Rule is in effect -- runs in excess of the limit shall count until the ball is in possession of the catcher or a player at home plate. Once this occurs the play will be considered dead. This rule applies to a batted ball only - no extra bases due to a throwing error once the fifth run has crossed the plate. The last inning will be unlimited runs. Players may bat until 3 outs are made or the game has been decided by the Home team. A ten-run rule will be in effect after 4 innings. If the visiting team is ahead by ten or more runs after 4 innings or the Home team after 3 1/2 innings, that team shall be declared the winner and the game over.
2. Bat the lineup
3. Two (2) hit batters in one inning, the pitcher must be removed from pitching
4. Each game will be six innings or 2 hours. The umpire shall keep the game clock and shall start with the call of "Play Ball". Start time will be noted in both team’s scorebooks. The score at the time limit shall be the final score regardless of innings played.
- The last inning will be declared at the one hour, forty-five minute mark and the inning must be completed (home team bats if applicable). The last inning shall require three outs. For the purpose of time limits, the umpire may declare "Last Inning" at the beginning of an inning.
· Note: There are 9 position players playing 6 innings for a total of 54 player innings. A 12 player roster would mean 6 players would play 4 innings and 6 players would play 5 innings totaling 54 innings.
B-Minor Playing Guidelines
Objective
The objective at this level is to ensure that every player have a safe and enjoyable playing experience. The emphasis is placed on developing players for the next level. While the score maybe kept, winning is not an ultimate goal.
Managers and coaches from both teams are required to work together during games, with the goal of providing the best possible learning environment.
Method of Play
All players shall be listed in the batting order and the line up is batted through consecutively.
An inning consists of 3 defensive outs, or 5 runs, whichever occurs first.
The defense shall field ten (10) players. The extra player must be positioned in the outfield. All outfield players shall be positioned at least 15 feet beyond the outfield grass cut.
Players arriving after the start of the game will be added to the end of the batting order.
All players must play at least two (2) innings in the infield during a regular six inning game.
All children must play at least 5 innings during a regular six inning game.
All runners will wear helmets.
Thrown Bat: If a batter throws a bat, both teams will receive a warning from any coach. A second incident by a batter results in player being called out.
The batter will face a maximum of 7 hittable pitches from the coach-pitcher, continuing only if the 7th pitch is foul. If the batter does not make fair contact after the 7th pitch, the batter shall be declared out. Three swinging strikes is an out.
2 coaches may be used on-field for defensive instruction, as well as a coach to pick-up the three missed pitches of the previous batter.
Bunting is not allowed. Stealing is not allowed.
There is no advance on an overthrow of 1st and 3rd base. For balls hit to the outfield, base runners may advance until the ball has been thrown into the infield and an infielder gains possession of the ball while in fair territory. If a base runner is more than half way to the next base, the base runner may attempt to reach the next base at the risk at being tagged out.
Runners can not advance when the ball has been returned to the pitcher.
A game should consist of 4 innings minimum, with six being the expected norm. Each game will be 2 hours maximum.
C-Minor Playing Guidelines
Objective
The objective at this level is to ensure that every player have a safe and enjoyable playing experience. The emphasis is placed on developing a basic understanding of the game. This is a non-competitive program. While the score maybe kept, winning is the least important item.
Managers and coaches from both teams are required to work together during the games, with the goal of providing the best possible learning environment.
The ball used at this level is a soft version of a regulation baseball, which greatly reduces the potential for serious injury.
Method of Play
All players shall be listed in the batting order and shall bat at least once every inning.
Players may be called out and removed from a base in a defensive out is accomplished.
Players arriving after the game the start of the game will be added to the end of the batting order.
All players shall play in the field every inning.
All players must play at least one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield.
All runners must wear helmets.
The batter has the option of swing at a maximum of 3 live pitches before completing the at-bat off the tee.
2 coaches may be used on-field for defensive instruction, as well a coach to pick-up the three missed pitches of the previous batter.
Each manager or coach is responsible for calling foul balls and setting up the ball on the tee or pitching.
Bunting is not allowed. Stealing is not allowed.
The runner is removed from the base when the runner is put out.
The last runner may only run as far as their hit allows. At that point all play, and runners, shall stop and the half inning shall end. At no point is the last/runner allowed to run all the bases merely because they are the last batter.
There is no advance on an overthrow. For balls hit to the outfield, base runners may advance until the ball has been thrown into the infield and an infielder gains possession of it while in fair territory. If a base runner is more than half way to the next base, the base runner may attempt to reach the next base at the risk of being tagged out.
A game should consist of 3 innings minimum, with a fourth allowed with agreement of the coaches.
Clinic Playing Guidelines
Objective
The objective at this level is to ensure that every player have a safe and enjoyable playing experience. The emphasis is placed on developing a basic understanding of the game. This is a non-competitive program. Winning is positively the least important item. There is no losing in clinic.
Managers and coaches from both teams are required to work together during the games/practices, with the goal of providing the best possible learning environment.
The ball used at this level is a softer version of a regulation baseball, which greatly reduces the potential for serious injury.
Scores
If anyone was actually keeping score (which gets old after a while), all games should end in a tie, whatever you may want to say the score is.
Method of Play
It at the discretion of the Clinic Managers on how to conduct play based on talent level. However, the league recommends that each game/practice start with a series of instructional “stations” followed by a brief game (1-2 innings).
All players shall be listed in the batting order and shall bat at least once every inning.
Players arriving after the game the start of the game will be added to the end of the batting order.
All players shall play in the field every inning.
All players shall play in the field each inning.
All runners must wear helmets.
All players must play at least one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield.
Players, coaches and parents of the fielding team placed next to their players to provide protection in the case of hard hit balls.
Each manager or coach is responsible for calling foul balls and setting up the ball on the tee or pitching.
No bases are awarded on any overthrow, even when the ball remains in play.
Stealing is not allowed.
Players are not called out even if a play is actually made to put them out.
The last batter is allowed to get a home run, so all players on base keep running after the last batter has hit. It is customary for the batting team’s manager to yell the last batter so that the outfield team knows that there is about to be a homerun. It is customary to play two full innings, then gauge the time after completion of the second inning.