Holbrook 2022 FARM LEAGUE RULES

The Farm League will play by the “Little League 2022 Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules” book. This outline of clarifications and local ground rule exceptions has been agreed upon by local governing boards and must be shared with coordinators, umpires, and coaches prior to the start of the season.

1. OFFICIAL GAME RULES:

1. A regulation game consists of six (6) innings unless shortened because the umpire calls the game. Tie games are allowed and neither regulation nor non-regulation games maybe continued.
2. Games will have a time limit of NO new inning after 1hr 30min. Unless an umpire calls a game, finish the inning.
3. If a game is called prior to completing 6 innings by the umpire; it is a regulation game if:

• 4 full innings have been completed

• the home team has scored more runs after three and one-half innings than the visiting team has scored
• the home team scores one or more runs in its bottom half of the inning to take the lead in the game
• OR the time limit had been reached

4. If in a shortened game and a full inning has not been completed, then the score shall revert to the previous full inning (unless the home team has taken the lead in its bottom half of the inning). No stalling shall be allowed by any team.  Such cases should be reported to the Farm Coordinator.
5. If a game is called before it has become a regulation game, it may not be continued but rather should be rescheduled as a new game.

NOTE: For score keeping purposes – all batting and fielding records shall be discarded. However, the pitcher shall be charged with the number of innings which were pitched in the game.

6. Please remember that all teams make the playoffs.
7. “5 Run Rule” in effect Rule 5.07, 5 runs per inning or bat all players in lineup, whichever comes first. In the last declared inning this rule shall not be in effect.
8. “15 Run Rule” is in effect.
   1. If after four (3) innings (2 ½ if the home team is ahead), one team has a lead of ten (15) runs or more, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede victory to the opponent.
   2. If after four (4) innings (3 ½ if the home team is ahead), one team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede victory to the opponent.

2. REQUIREMENTS FOR PLAYERS DURING GAME:
   1. Fielding Requirements:

1. Maximum of ten (10) players may play in the field. 6 players may be stationed inside of the outfield grass. Any players beyond 6 must be stationed in outfield grass at time of pitch.
2. A minimum of seven (7) players must be on your game roster at the start of the game.  A 10-minute grace period will be granted in hopes to fill your roster.  If you are unable to field a team of 7, the game will be recorded as a 0-7 loss.  **time limit starts at the scheduled game time
3. Every player should play defensively for a minimum of three (3) innings per game.
4. All players on a team should play an approximate equal number of innings by the end of the season.  A record of innings played should be kept by the manager.
5. A missed game is counting as played six (6) innings to be fair to the players who showed up (A prolonged sickness or injury may be judged by the manager as “special” and in this case this rule may be waived).
6. Players may be FREELY SUBSTITUTED in or out of any defensive position the manager desires.
   2. Batting Requirements:
      1. All players on the roster are to be in the batting lineup regardless of the number of players. (Example: one team may have 11 players in the batting order and the other team may have 14 players in the batting order)
      2. The batting order must be exchanged between coaches prior to the game and must remain consistent through the game. **see batting rules for exceptions
      3. Rule 1.10 - The bat must be a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick, and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat).

3. RULES FOR PITCHING:

1. Players pitch from 43’ feet, prior to May 14th player may pitch from 40’
2. Only fastballs and changeups are permitted. 
3. The pitching week will start on Monday and end on Sunday. A pitcher can throw a maximum of three (3) inning per game and a maximum of six (6) innings per pitching week.  Pitching ANY PORTION of an inning constitutes one (1) inning pitched.
4. The scorekeeper should keep record of innings pitched for both teams.
5. If a pitcher hits three (3) batters in a GAME, he/she must be removed from the mound. The player can be substituted into any other position but may not pitch the remainder of the game.  **The batter must attempt to avoid being hit by the ball (umpire’s judgement).
6. Coaches may visit the mound.  Three (3) trips in one inning to the same pitcher requires a pitching change. Four visits in a game to same pitcher requires a pitching change
7. Prior to May 14th  there will be no walks, but HBP will be in effect.
   1. Player pitcher shall pitch to each batter until a strikeout, a ball in play, or 4 balls pitched.
   2. If a player pitcher pitches 4 balls to a batter, then a coach of the offensive team shall pitch from the pitcher’s plate to the batter. The offensive coach pitcher shall avoid any interference in the field of play once the ball is put in play. The player pitcher shall be stationed behind the coach pitcher, and the coach shall do best to avoid effecting any defensive play. 
   3. The batter will strikeout if the batter has 3 strikes, from either player pitcher, coach pitcher or combined player/coach.
8. May 14th or later, there will be walks, and it will only be player pitchers for balance of season.

4. RULES FOR BATTING:
   1. Batters MUST wear a helmet (even in practice). 
   2. No free substitutions in the batting lineup. Once a batter has batted in a position, he/she must remain in the batting lineup at the same position. **unless the batter needs to leave or becomes ill
   3. If a batter is hit by a pitch and is unable to become a base runner, another runner may be substituted, and the injured batter may remain in the batting lineup at the same position. (use the last out as the pinch runner)
   4. If a player arrives to the game after the batting lineups have been exchanged and the game has started, then that player will be added to the end of the batting order.
   5. If a player is removed from the game due to injury or illness, the player may miss his/her at bat with NO PENALTY.  When the player is able to return, the player is inserted into the same position in the batting order as when the player left the game.
   6. THERE IS NO LIVE “ON DECK CIRCLE”!!! Players are NOT to swing a bat prior to their plate appearance.  Coaches on both teams are required to enforce this rule for BOTH teams. 
5. STEALING BASES (allowed May 14th and later):   
   1. Without taking a lead, runners may steal one base once the ball crosses home plate.
   2. NO DELAYED STEALING. If the runner does not take off when the ball crosses the plate, they will be asked to return to the base.
   3. No stealing will be allowed on wild pitches or passed balls that cross the “Dead Ball Line”.  The “Dead Ball Line” is a straight line that will be marked from left to right on the backstop behind the umpire, parallel with the pitching rubber.
   4. Stealing is station to station.  If there is an overthrow by the catcher during any steal attempt, the runner may not advance to the next base. **We are encouraging stealing, not turning walks into triples!!!
   5. Stealing home is not permitted, they can only score on an offensive play, or when forced home. (any player tagged off 3rd base will be out)
   6. Runners may not advance on overthrows or miscues of the ball being returned from the catcher to the pitcher. 
   7. Runners must slide OR avoid contact (read the LL rule book)
   8. If runners slide, it must be FEET FIRST or they will be called out.  NO HEAD-FIRST SLIDES!
   9. If a team is ahead by six (6) or more runs, that team is not allowed to steal.
6. STOPPED PLAY:
   1. Play stops once the pitcher has control of the ball on the mound or in the vicinity of the pitching rubber. A ball thrown over the pitcher’s head or which does not reach the pitcher is “live”. Runners who are less than halfway to the next base must return to the previous base when the pitcher has control of the ball on the mound or dirt area. The umpire’s discretion awards the advancement or non-advancement of the runners once play has stopped.
   2. Players are encouraged to make aggressive plays to 1st and 3rd base.  There will be an “imaginary” dead ball line approximately 12 feet from 1st and 3rd that runs parallel with the foul line.  A ball that passes that line is considered “DEAD” and the runner is awarded only the next base. 
   3. Dead Ball after a pass ball or a wild pitch.
7. RULES FOR CALLING PLAYERS UP:
   1. Players may only be called up from T-BALL and only WHEN NEEDED TO FIELD A ROSTER OF 10!!
   2. The “Called-Up player” must be identified to the opposing team prior to the start of the game.
   3. It is permissible for the Called-Up player to wear their T-Ball uniform.
   4. Called-Up players cannot be the pitcher or catcher in a Farm game.
   5. Called-Up players will bat last in the batting order.
   6. No rostered player sits out more defensive innings than the Called-Up player.
   7. Called-Up players will be allowed in the playoffs.
8. PLAYOFF RULES:
   1. Playoff Time limit will be no new inning after 1:45 minutes. All other rules will apply.
   2. Home field advantage is awarded to the team with the higher regular season seed.
   3. A trophy presentation for the championship team and runner up will immediately follow the completion of the championship game.
9. OTHER RULES:
   1. Pinch runners should be used for a player to get off the bases and into catcher’s gear or for injured players. (use the last out as the pinch runner)
   2. Only 1 coach may be on the field defensively. That coach can stand wherever he/she wants (NOT THE PITCHERS MOUND).  A second coach may only assist the catcher and umpire in front of the backstop.  **This coach MUST remain silent on all pitches and may not instruct any players other than the catcher.
   3. Intentional walks, bunting, and leading off are NOT permitted.
   4. Infield fly rule is NOT in effect.
   5. Coaches are encouraged to NOT run up the scores and any doing so will be noted.
   6. Arguing with umpires and/or any attempt to persuade a call on the field WILL NOT BE TOLERATED!! **Any such action may result in a disciplinary hearing. 
10. RE-SCHEDULING GAMES:
    1. HLL Scheduler will reschedule rainouts. No make-up games will be allowed after the last game of the season.
11. GAME ADMINISTRATION:
    1. Report all scores to the Farm Coordinator, Dan Mento ( ) immediately following the game.
    2. Report field concerns to Field Coordinator, Jon Caldwell ( )
    3. Immediately report all injuries to Safety Officer, Kate Barry ( )

Home Team is responsible for reporting scores, providing two (2) game balls, placing, and removing bases, and installing base plugs for that game.

Please keep in mind that this is a kid’s game and should be treated as such. The board has stated that any misconduct will not be tolerated, and coaches will be summarily dismissed from the coaching position.

THANKS FOR VOLUNTEERING AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON

                            ______________________________________________________________________

Holbrook 2022 MINOR LEAGUE RULES 

“Little League 2022Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules” shall be used for all games unless stated 
here. These rules in their entirety shall apply for regular season AND playoffs.
Little League Local Options approved accepted by Holbrook:
1. 1hour and 45 minutes time limit is in effect.
2. A team may begin or continue play with 8 players. No out will be declared for a skipped batter at any time.
3. Courtesy Runners are allowed for injured players, or if there are 2 outs the pitcher or catcher in the following inning. 
The last out shall be the courtesy runner.  
4. Continuous lineup is in effect. ALL players present at start of game must appear in the lineup. If a player arrives 
after the game has begun, they will be added to the end of the batting order.
5. “Run Rule” is in effect (4.10.e) (15 after 3 innings,10 after 4 innings)
6. “5 Run Rule” in effect Rule 5.07, 5 runs per inning or bat all players in lineup, whichever comes first. In the last 
declared inning thus rule shall not be in effect.
7. Infield Fly is in effect
Rules added by Holbrook that supersede the LL rule book:
1. No Slashing! Slashing is defined as showing a bunt then swinging on the same pitch. Batter’s first occurrence they 
are out. Second occurrence in a game batter is ejected.
2. Rule 1.12 Shall NOT be in effect. The catcher shall be allowed to use any glove or mitt.
3. Overrides 7.13When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s plateANDin possession of the ball in their 
hand or glove, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached 
the batter.
a. When a runner is legitimately off his/her base when the pitcher attains possession of the ball in their 
hand or glove and in contact with the pitcher’s plate, the runner(s) must immediately proceed to a 
base (forward or backward), with liability to be put out. The runner may not change direction 
unless the pitcher loses possession of the ball or makes an attempt on any runner, including a feint
throw, the runner(s) may then stop and/or change directions.
4. Permitted Stealing of Home:
a. Teams may attempt to steal home ONCEper inning.
b. There is UNLIMITEDstealing of home in the final declared inningof the game. 
c. When above rules a. & b. are not in play the following rules apply.
i. A base runner starting on 3rd base may only advance home as the result of an offensive play (base hit, 
fly ball, bunt) by the batter or by being forced to home base. The base runner is ‘locked’ on 3rd base 
until such offensive play occurs allowing the runner to advance.  
ii. If after a legal pitch the catcher or pitcher may make an attempt on the runner at 3rd base, the base 
runner at 3rdmay not advance home. The runner can be called out if legally tagged.  
iii. The base runner may advance only as a far as 3rd base when advancing via stealing and/or a pass ball.  
iv. If after a legal pitch the catcher or pitcher make an attempt on a runner at 1st or 2nd base, the base runner 
may advance as far as 3rd base. The runner is out if legally tagged.  
GAME ADMINISTRATION:
1. Both teams shall report scores and pitching counts for BOTH teams to HolbrookLittleLeagueMA@gmail.com
2. Report field concerns to Field Coordinator, Jon Caldwell (Nubs0929@gmail.com)
3. Immediately report all injuries to Safety Officer, Kate Barry (Kbar05@gmail.comandLeague email.
The Home Teamis responsible for prepping the field, lining the field, placing/removing bases, and installingbase 
plugs for that game.
Please keep in mind that this is a kid’s game and should be treated as such. The Holbrook Little League Board has stated 
that any misconduct will not be tolerated, and coaches may be summarily dismissed from the coaching position.
THANKS FOR VOLUNTEERINGAND HAVE A GREAT SEASON.
______________________________________________________________________                               

Holbrook 2022 Intermediate LEAGUE RULES

 “Little League 2022 Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules” shall be used for all games unless stated here. These rules in their entirety shall apply for regular season AND playoffs.

Little League Local Options approved accepted by Holbrook:

1. 1 hour and 45 minutes time limit is in effect.   
2. A team may begin or continue play with 8 players.
3. No out will be declared for a skipped batter, or 9th position in lineup if unfilled.
4. Courtesy Runners are allowed for injured players, or if there are 2 outs the pitcher or catcher in the following inning. The last out shall be the courtesy runner. 
5. Continuous lineup is in effect. ALL players present at start of game must appear in the lineup. If a player arrives after the game has begun, they will be added to the end of the batting order.
6. “Run Rule” is in effect (4.10.e) (15 after 4 innings,10 after 5 innings)

Rules added by Holbrook that supersede the LL rule book:

1. BBCOR Bats are Allowed
2. NO Metal Cleats
3. NO ON Deck Circle. Do not pick up bat until your turn at bat.
4. No Slashing! Slashing is defined as showing a bunt then swinging on the same pitch. Batter’s first occurrence they are out. Second occurrence in a game batter is ejected.
5. NO Stealing home WHILE the pitcher is in the act of delivering a pitch to a batter. If a steal home is attempted while the pitcher is in the act of pitching to a batter it is a Dead ball. Warning issued to BOTH teams. Second offense, by either team, the R3 is out, ejected from the game and confined to the dugout.  
6. BALK WARNING. EACH Pitcher shall be given ONE Balk warning PER game. A second balk by the SAME pitcher in the SAME game will result in a balk and enforcement per LL rule book.
7. Any Player who has pitched in any other game in the same day (High School, Club, etc.) shall not be allowed to pitch that day. Managers should use proper judgement to ensure pitchers are following LL guidelines for day’s rest, irrespective of what program the player may be pitching in.
8. Rule 1.12 Shall NOT be in effect. The catcher shall be allowed to use any glove or mitt.

RULES FOR CALLING PLAYERS UP:

1. 11yr old and up minor players may ONLY be called up WHEN NEEDED TO FIELD A ROSTER OF 9!!
2. The “Called-Up player” must be identified to the opposing team prior to the start of the game.
3. It is permissible for the Called-Up player to wear their Minor team uniform.
4. Called-Up players cannot be the pitcher or catcher in an Intermediate game.
5. Called-Up players will bat last in the batting order.
6. No rostered player sit out more defensive innings than the Called-Up player.
7. Called-Up players will be allowed in the playoffs.

GAME ADMINISTRATION:

1. Both teams shall report scores and pitching counts for BOTH teams to HolbrookLittleLeagueMA@gmail.com  
2. Report field concerns to Field Coordinator, Jon Caldwell ( )
3. Immediately report all injuries to Safety Officer, Kate Barry (Kbar05@gmail.com and League email.

The Home Team is responsible for prepping the field, lining the field, placing/removing bases, and installing base plugs for that game.

Please keep in mind that this is a kid’s game and should be treated as such. The Holbrook Little League Board has stated that any misconduct will not be tolerated, and coaches may be summarily dismissed from the coaching position.

THANKS FOR VOLUNTEERING AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON.

______________________________________________________________________                               

2021 Clover League Rules  (Softball)

GENERAL LEAGUE RULES:   

∙ Home Team Responsibilities:   

o Brings two new, yellow, raised stitch, approved game balls (For 2021 Each team shall  bring their own 2 games balls and maintain possession of those balls when on offense,  balls shall NOT be restricted flight.)  

o Supplies Double First Base   

o Provides secured pitching rubber at division required distance.   

o Preps and lines field prior to game   

∙ NO Metal Cleats  

∙ No jewelry (medical alert jewelry must be taped to body)   

∙ Minimum of eight players to start game (Majors is an automatic out for 9th position in lineup,  Minors is no Automatic out)  

∙ Free substitution for all players   

∙ Continuous batting order.   

∙ Courtesy runners are allowed for the pitcher and catcher, and shall be the last out.   ∙ If a player arrives late for a game she will be inserted into the END of the batting order,  regardless of what point in game she arrives.   

∙ If a player is injured or ill and cannot take her scheduled turn at bat, she may be skipped with  NO OUT recorded.   

∙ Appropriate language and conduct will be displayed by players, coaches, parents, and spectators  at all times   

∙ Caged helmets required of all batters & baserunners.   

∙ No new inning to start after 7:30pm (or 1:30 if game starts later than 6pm)   ∙ Game results should be reported to Division director within 24 hours of completion.   ∙ Standings Tie‐Breakers: 1‐Head‐to‐Head record, 2‐ run differential in head‐to‐head games, 3‐  least runs allowed for season, 4‐coin flip   

COVID SPECIFIC RULES:   

* ‐ ALL COACHES, PLAYERS, OFFICIALS & SPECTATORS MUST ADHERE TO ANY AND ALL STATE, CLOVER  LEAGUE, AND LOCAL COVID‐19 SAFETY GUIDELINES. ANYONE NOT FOLLOWING THESE GUIDELINES MAY  BE EJECTED FROM A GAME OR EXPELLED FROM THE LEAGUE.  

∙ Dugouts shall be extended to allow for teams to have all players remain 6’ separated.   ∙ No spectators shall be allowed in the extended dugout or field. 

∙ All coaches must have face coverings over their nose and mouth at all times, unless actively  drinking.  

∙ All players must have a face covering at all time while in the field of play, both offense and  defense.  

∙ Players must keep face coverings on while entering and exiting the field of play and in dugout  area. While in dugout and socially distant a player may take a mask break for a short period.   ∙ Hand sanitizer shall be available and used regularly. 

Updated 3/25/2021  

∙ Each team will maintain their balls for pitching, make sure time is called if switching balls.  ∙ Sharing of equipment must be limited as much as possible, but if shared, it must be sanitized  before/after each use.  

∙ Umpires will be allowed to be stationed behind the catcher, but must maintain a face covering  over their mouth and nose.  Between plays the umpire shall do their best to remain socially  distant.  

∙ Bleachers may only be used if family units can remain socially distant  

∙ Foul Ball Retrieval shall be done by offensive team players/coaches. If a spectator does retrieve  a ball make sure to sanitize it before returning to play   

MAJORS DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES:   

∙ 12 inch, yellow , raised stitch, ASA/USA approved game ball will be used   

∙ 40 foot pitching distance (player can pitch from 43’)   

∙ Dropped third strike rule is in effect  

∙ Infield Fly rule is in effect   

∙ Stealing on the release of the pitch   

∙ No limit on runners advancing bases on overthrow in play.   

∙ If ball ends up out of play umpire will award proper base advancement.   

∙ Bunting is allowed “Show Bunt, Then Swing” (punching/slashing) is prohibited. 1st offense  batter is out, 2nd offense same batter, she is ejected   

∙ 7 inning games 5 run per inning limit.   

∙ No run limit for last scheduled inning (7th inning, unless clarified by both coaches prior to first  pitch of inning, due to time).   

∙ No Slaughter rule.   

∙ If game is tied after 7 innings, use International tie‐breaker for 8th and additional innings. Last  recorded out of the team’s 7th inning starts on 2nd base.   

∙ Pitcher must be removed from pitching position after hitting three batters in an inning or four  batters in a game.   

∙ 9 Fielders, 3 must be positioned in the OF. OF’s must start with feet in OF grass (or declared OF  line)   

∙ All other rules refer to USA rules   

MINOR DIVISION SPECIFIC RULES:   

∙ 11 inch, yellow , raised stitch, ASA/USA approved game ball   

∙ will be used 35 foot pitching distance  

∙ No metal cleats   

∙ No dropped third strike rule   

∙ No Infield Fly rule   

∙ Runners can advance only one base on a steal, regardless of wild throw, etc   ∙ Stealing on the release of the pitch   

∙ No Stealing of home, player may be put out if off the base, but may only score on an offensive  hit, or being forced home ie a walk with bases loaded.   

∙ No limit on runners advancing bases on overthrow in play.   

∙ If ball ends up out of play umpire will award proper base advancement.  

Updated 3/25/2021  

∙ Bunting is allowed “Show Bunt, Then Swing” (punching/slashing) is prohibited. 1st offense  batter is out, 2nd offense same batter, she is ejected   

∙ No continuation on walks   

∙ 6 inning games 4 run per inning limit.   

∙ No run limit for last scheduled inning (6th inning, unless clarified by both coaches prior to 1st pitch of inning, due to time)   

∙ No Slaughter rule.   

∙ If game is tied after 6 innings, use International tie‐breaker for 7th and additional innings. Last  recorded out of the team’s 6th inning starts on 2nd base.   

∙ Pitcher must be removed from pitching position after hitting three batters in an inning or four  batters in a game.   

∙ 10 Fielders, 4 must be positioned in the OF. OF’s must start with feet in OF grass (or declared OF  line)   

∙ All other rules refer to USA rules   

∙ Pitching – Pitchers may only pitch a maximum of 3 innings per game. One pitch delivered in an  inning shall constitute an inning pitched. Per USA rule 6.9 There is no limit on the number of  times a player may return to the pitching position as long as they remain eligible otherwise. If  returning to the pitching mound in the same half‐inning, then no warm‐up pitches are allowed.  

MINORS UMPIRES  

We use Junior umpires for Minor games  

Mistakes are going to be made by these umpires. If both coaches agree then a  call can be changed, if not the call made stands. Only the head coaches is  allowed to speak with the umpire at any time. We are trying to keep  these umpires and not scare them away. 

No spectators are allowed to talk to or yell at the umpire. Each coach is  responsible for their spectators. If they hear anything they should calmly and  quietly approach the spectator and inform them to be quite or to go home. THIS  IS VERY IMPORTANT, due to the fact that these umpires will be new and we  do not want to scare them off because without them we would be in a wicked  jam. 

Updated 3/25/2021