The following is a list of questions a typical league might ask while preparing for the International Tournament. If you have additional questions regarding tournament play, please contact your District Administrator. Please visit our Rules and Regulations Page to review any regulation or rule revisions for the regular season and tournament rules.
1. With Team Eligibility Affidavits now available on-line, how does a D.A. know if the league actually submitted the required paperwork and payment to be allowed to participate in the Tournament prior to the D.A. signing the affidavit?
A. Prior to or during the review and sign-off of the Tournament Team Eligibility Affidavit, the D.A. needs to verify that the team/league is “eligible” for Tournament play by checking the information in the LL Data Center – LittleLeague.org/DataCenter.
2. How exactly is the “school exception” documented/calculated towards the 60 percent participation requirement?
A: Registered Little League players who are on the rosters of local school teams are given an exemption from participating in their Little League regular season games that are played while the player is a member of the school team. Many schools do not allow their players to participate in other programs while the school season is in progress. As such, the local league is allowed to only count those games played before and/or after completion of the school schedule towards the required participation percentage. This exception does not eliminate the requirement for teams to schedule and play a 12-game (Senior League: 10-game) schedule against other Little League teams within their respective division prior to the start of Tournament. Teams shall complete the School Participation Supplemental Tournament Affidavit sheet to carry with the team affidavit noting the school participation, games available, games played, etc.
For Example: A player registers at the start of the season to play Junior Baseball but prior to the start of local league play the player is placed on the roster of the high school Junior Varsity (JV) team. The JV team practices/plays through May 31. To be eligible for the Tournament team the player would need to play in 60 percent of the team’s scheduled games between June 1 and the start of Tournament within the District. However, if the player does not register until after the school season is over, the “school exemption” does not apply. The exemption only applies to the Little League games missed because of school play “while the player was a member” of a Little League team.
NOTE: As specified above, a player must be a registered player of the local Little League during his/her participation on the school baseball/softball team in order to take advantage of the “school exception.” The Tournament Committee in Williamsport will consider a request for a waiver of this requirement.
To request a waiver, the local league Board of Directors would be requesting to make a player eligible for selection to a Tournament team when such player failed to register for the league before he/she had a chance to meet the 60 percent requirement.
The request may only be submitted if the player:
- Was a member of the school team; and,
- Would otherwise have been able to take advantage of the “school exception” if he/she had registered in the league on time.
3. Are players who missed regular season games due to illness or injury given any kind of “exemption” towards the required eight (8) games-participation requirement?
A: The local league Board of Directors may waive the requirement for registered Little League players to participate in 8 (6 for Senior Division) of their teams’ Little League regular season games due to an illness or injury. However, for such a waiver to be granted, a physician’s note must be obtained that documents the period from which the player was prohibited from participation in games/practices and the note must also state that the player has been released for full participation as a player on the Tournament team. A copy of the note/justification must accompany the team to all Tournament levels.
4. What is the minimum number of players that is required on a team affidavit?
A: Little League encourages all local leagues to carry the maximum number of players allowed in order to give as many players as possible the opportunity to participate and experience the International Tournament. The minimum number of players on a tournament affidavit is twelve. EXCEPTION: If a team has less than twelve players listed on their affidavit, justification must be provided by the league and approved by that league’s District Administrator signified by his/her approval signature on the Affidavit. Teams carrying or playing with less than twelve players, should be aware of the additional restrictions concerning Manager and Coaches within the dugout.
5. Do games played as a Pool Player during the season count towards a player’s eight (8) games-participation requirement?
A: No. The only games that count towards the 8game participation requirement for a player are the games he/she played with his/her regular season team. The Tournament Affidavit documentation requires that the number of games played by each team be listed and that the number of games played by the player while playing for his/her team be recorded. The 8-games participation level (6 games for Senior Division) is based on these two numbers. If a dual-rostered player has 8-games participation in two divisions, they may only be selected to one Tournament team.
6. For Regulation II(d) and IV(h) waivers, what addresses are we required to verify or certify?
A: The League President must verify and document the eligibility of a child who is claimed under Regulation II(d) or IV(h) by producing documentation proving that the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian previously lived or the player previously attended school in the league’s boundaries during the specific dates required for eligibility. For a Regulation IV(h) waiver, the League President will be required to document that the parent(s) or legal guardian lived in the boundaries and was a board member, manager, or coach for the two years or more when they lived in the boundaries, and has remained so since that time without breaking service. For a Regulation II(d) waiver, the League President will be required to document that the parent(s) or legal guardian lived in the boundaries or the player attended school physically located within the league’s boundary while the participant was a rostered player in the league, then moved out of the boundaries, changed schools, or the boundaries changed, but the participant has maintained a rostered position in the league since that time.
7. What type of map (required to be carried by the Tournament team manager) is acceptable? Can it be hand-drawn?
A: The team manager must obtain and carry a map generated by the Little League Data Center affidavit system (www.LittleLeague.org/DataCenter), which is reflective of the official, approved league boundaries on file at the Regional office. Players’ residence or school attendance addresses must be plotted by the affidavit system on the Data Center-generated map. Prior to the start of Tournament, the map generated by the Data Center affidavit system must be signed and dated by the District Administrator and the League President. The map may no longer be hand drawn. A team without an approved map is subject to protest.
8. What forms or documents are required to be carried by the manager with the team while playing in Tournament games?
A: A completed affidavit, with pitching record, that has been generated via the Little League Data Center affidavit system (LittleLeague.org/DataCenter), with all required signatures, eligibility waivers for participants otherwise ineligible, Tournament Player Verification Form for every player with supporting eligibility documents – one form of residency documentation from each of the three Groups (all which must be dated or in force between February 1st of the previous year and February 1st of the current year) OR one proof of attendance at a school within league boundaries (proof of attendance must be dated prior to October 1 of the current school year), and a league boundary map, generated through the Little League Data Center, depicting the same boundaries on file at the Regional Center. NOTE: Players who established “residence” or “school attendance” for regular season and/or tournament in a prior season using the Player Verification Form, and can produce the form with proper proofs and signatures, will NOT need to complete a new Player Verification Form. It is strongly recommended that managers also carry Medical Release forms for every player.
9. May an opposing team request to see documentation for another team?
A: No. Each team must carry proper documentation such as copies used for residency/school documentation under Regulation II and league boundary maps, but this information should only be made available to the Tournament Director in the case of a protest, at the direction of the Tournament Committee.
10. Our Little League 10-12-year-old team is losing a player right after the third game of the Tournament. This player will not be back for any more Tournament games. Who can authorize the replacement player and what documentation do we have to produce to get the replacement player on the team’s Affidavit?
A: The District Administrator or Tournament Director can authorize the addition of the replacement player to the team’s Affidavit. The league is required to produce:
- An original birth certificate that meets the current criteria;
- Tournament Player Verification form with supporting eligibility documents – three forms of proof that meet residency requirement or one proof of school attendance within league boundaries;
- The league’s boundary map, annotated with residence/school attendance location of the new player, and;
- Verification by the league president that the player participated in at least 60 percent of the regular season games in the Major Division by the start of Tournament in their respective District.
1. If a league charters a regular season Senior League Baseball/Softball program of 12–16-year-olds, can the league offer a Junior League Baseball/Softball Tournament team?
A: Yes. The 12-14-year-old players’ participation in the Senior League qualifies them for the Junior League Tournament provided they meet the age, participation, and residency/school attendance requirements. (See Tournament League Eligibility and Player Eligibility)
NOTE: For Junior Tournament eligibility, Senior League players league age 13 and 14 must have played in a minimum of eight (8) regular season games. (See Tournament Player Eligibility)
1. Can a League President manage or coach a Tournament team, or would a waiver be required?
A: Any person who is currently the League President or any person who served as the League President after January 1st of the current year/season, may be eligible to be selected by the local league Board of Directors as a tournament team manager or coach with written approval from their respective District Administrator. A District Administrator (DA) or District Staff Member who wishes to coach a Tournament team is required to have a waiver approved by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport.
2. Can our league appoint a person to manage or coach a team in the International Tournament if that person was not a manager or coach in that division during the regular season?
A: No. The manager/coaches of the Tournament team must be rostered managers or coaches from that division, or an appropriate age division, during the regular season. It must be noted that a regular season coach can be a Tournament team manager and vice/versa.
For Example: A manager or coach of a Senior League Softball division regular season team, would be permitted to coach or manage the Junior League Softball Tournament team. However, that manager or coach could not be appointed as the manager or coach of the Little League (10-12) Softball Tournament team.
Exception: If none of the eligible division managers or coaches are interested in managing or coaching the team, then the local league Board of Directors may request a waiver from the Tournament Committee to name another individual as manager or coach. The waiver request must include the written statements from each of the eligible division managers and coaches, clearly documenting that they are not interested in the position.
3. How exactly is the “school exception” documented/calculated towards the 60 percent participation requirement?
A: Registered Little League players who are on the rosters of local school teams are given an exemption from participating in their Little League regular season games that are played while the player is a member of the school team. Many schools do not allow their players to participate in other programs while the school season is in progress. As such, the local league is allowed to only count those games played before and/or after completion of the school schedule towards the required participation percentage. This exception does not eliminate the requirement for teams to schedule and play a 12-game (Senior League: 10-game) schedule against other Little League teams within their respective division prior to the start of Tournament. Teams shall complete the School Participation Supplemental Tournament Affidavit sheet to carry with the team affidavit noting the school participation, games available, games played, etc.
For Example: A player registers at the start of the season to play Junior Baseball but prior to the start of local league play the player is placed on the roster of the high school Junior Varsity (JV) team. The JV team practices/plays through May 31. To be eligible for the Tournament team the player would need to play in 60 percent of the team’s scheduled games between June 1 and the start of Tournament within the District. However, if the player does not register until after the school season is over, the “school exemption” does not apply. The exemption only applies to the Little League games missed because of school play “while the player was a member” of a Little League team.
NOTE: As specified above, a player must be a registered player of the local Little League during his/her participation on the school baseball/softball team in order to take advantage of the “school exception.” The Tournament Committee in Williamsport will consider a request for a waiver of this requirement.
To request a waiver, the local league Board of Directors would be requesting to make a player eligible for selection to a Tournament team when such player failed to register for the league before he/she had a chance to meet the 60 percent requirement.
The request may only be submitted if the player:
- Was a member of the school team; and,
- Would otherwise have been able to take advantage of the “school exception” if he/she had registered in the league on time.
4. Do games played as a Pool Player during the season count towards a player’s 8-game participation requirement?
A: No. The only games that count towards the eight (8) games participation requirement for a player are the games he/she played with his/her regular season team. The Tournament Affidavit documentation requires that the number of games played by each team be listed and that the number of games played by the player while playing for his/her team be recorded. The eight (8) games (six for Senior League) participation level is based on these two numbers. If a dual-rostered player has eight (8) games (six for Senior League) of participation in two divisions, they may only be selected to one Tournament team.
5. Can Special Games be counted towards player participation and league schedule requirements?
Exception: Special Games against Little League teams may count towards player and league Tournament Participation requirements. Please reference Regulation IX and Tournament Player Eligibility for details.
6. If a league age eight (8) year-old participant played in a local league’s Minor Division, can that player play on the league’s 8-10 Tournament team?
A: Yes. Any player league age 8, 9, or 10, with amateur status, who has participated as an eligible player in eight (8) of the regular season games by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District in the Minor or Major division is eligible for selection. Players must be of the proper league age to participate on any Tournament team.
7. If a league age ten (10) year-old participant played in the Minor Division AAA, can that player participate on the league’s Little League (10-12) Tournament team?
A: Yes. Tournament participation is based on a player’s league age. A player league age 10, 11, or 12 must have participated for eight (8) regular season games by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District in the Major or Intermediate (50/70) Division (Baseball)/Junior League (Softball) to be eligible for selection to the Little League (10-12) Tournament team.
8. Under Residence Eligibility Requirements in the rulebooks, it says, “…Residence shall be established and supported by documents containing the full residence which includes parent(s) or guardian(s) name, street address, city, state and zip code information, dated or in force between February 1 of the previous year and February 1 of the current year from one or more documents from each of the three Groups outlines.” Does this also apply to players that are claimed under Regulation II(d) and Regulation IV(h)?
A: No. These waivers allow the players to participate while residing outside the league’s boundaries, but only under specific, documented, and verifiable situations. The II(d) and IV(h) residency documentation is that which supports the former residence within the league boundary and, as a result, may be several years old. II(d) and IV(h) documents established prior to the 2016-2017 season with proper documents and signatures may be accepted. II(d) and IV(h) documents established for the 2017-2018 season and after, must include proper documents from each of the three Groups and proper signatures to be accepted.
9. Under School Attendance Requirements in the rulebook it says “…A player will be deemed to attend school in the boundaries if: The physical location of the school where they attend classes is within the boundaries established by the local league.” Can a player utilize school attendance documentation to meet eligibility requirements for tournament play?
A: Yes – provided school attendance is established and supported by a document indicating enrollment for the current academic year, dated prior to October 1 of the current school year and with the physical location of the school. Any ONE of the following documents can be used to verify school attendance by such player:
- Official/Certified school enrollment record dated prior to October 1, 2021;
- A Little League issued school attendance form completed by the principal, assistant principal, or administrator authorized to sign on behalf of the school.
10. Can a player on a Tournament team be moved up to play with a different Tournament team providing he/she is eligible? For example, can a league age eleven (11) player who played Majors during the season and was on the 9-11 Tournament team be moved up to the 10-12 Tournament team if there is an injury to one of the 10-12 players?
A: Yes. A player may be named to the roster of, and practice with, only ONE Little League International Tournament Team at a time. Once the affidavit is signed by the local league president, player agent, and District Administrator, the players listed on the affidavit shall not be eligible to participate on any other Little League International Tournament Team until the team is eliminated from tournament. (See Tournament Player Eligibility CONDITION 3)
11. A tournament team coach in unable to attend games during the Section tournament. Can the league appoint a temporary coach replacement?
A: Yes. Temporary replacement (single game only) of a Manager/Coach must be entered. However, after the first time an individual is used as a temporary replacement for a manager or coach at any level of tournament play, that individual cannot be used again in the tournament until a Little League Volunteer Application is completed and a background check is completed in accordance with Little League Regulations and their respective state law by the league president or Tournament Director. If approved, the individual must be listed on the affidavit. Violations of these requirements are subject to action by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport.
1. The manager of the Tournament team files a protest with the Tournament Director that the other team has an ineligible player. The manager provides some documentation that a player is ineligible. What happens at this point?
A: The Tournament Director, after reviewing the documentation, contacts the Regional Office, who then contacts the Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee would consider the protest and provide direction to the Regional Office and Tournament Director.
2. All Divisions: If a manager lodges a protest and he/she does not agree with the ruling of the umpire(s), can the manager refuse to allow his/her team to continue to play?
A: A manager may lodge a protest in accordance with the Tournament Rules and Guidelines. If the manager does not agree with the ruling of the umpire(s), his/her team can refuse to continue playing until such protest has been resolved, (A) to the satisfaction of the manager, or, (B) by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding. However, if the manager, FOR ANY REASON, allows the game to continue without having the matter referred to the Regional Office or the Tournament Committee in Williamsport, the manager has accepted the decision that was made at the local level.
3. A team wins a game, and the other team had a player who did not meet Little League’s Mandatory Play Requirement (MPR). The winning team manager does not protest the MPR prior to the umpires leaving the field. What, if anything, can be done?
A. If a MPR Violation, which was not protested by the opposing manager before the umpires leave the field, is identified after the game by the opposing manager, by the Official Scorer, or by the District Administrator/Tournament Director reviewing the scorebook and/or pitching affidavit, it should be reported to the Little League International Tournament Committee in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The manager will be removed from the remainder of the International Tournament and additional penalties may be imposed. As such, it is particularly important that scorebooks are kept correctly/accurately to determine if an MPR Violation occurred. (See Tournament Rule 9: Mandatory Play)
4. What happens when one team is at the Tournament site with enough players to start the game, and the other team does not show up for the game, or does not have at least nine players present at scheduled start time?
A: First, it is NOT an automatic forfeiture. Only the Tournament Committee can decree a forfeit, and ONLY AFTER the circumstances of the situation are known. The District Administrator or Tournament Director should determine why the team cannot field nine players. The DA/TD shall then call in the information to the applicable Regional Office for instruction and direction. (Tournament Rule 5: Forfeits)
5. Can a District Administrator or Tournament Director forfeit a tournament game?
A: No. Only the Tournament Committee in Williamsport can decree a forfeit. (Tournament Rule 5: Forfeits)
6. The manager of a Tournament team is ejected from the first game of the Tournament. Again, in the third game of the Tournament, the same manager is ejected. This second ejection, however, is for physically contacting an umpire during a verbal altercation. Can the Tournament Director remove the manager from the team for the rest of the Tournament?
A: No. Rule 4.07 disqualifies any manager, coach, or player from the next physically played game if he/she is ejected from a game. Tournament Rule 17 – Altercations allows the District Administrator or Tournament Director to refer physical or verbal altercations at the game site to the Little League International Tournament Committee.
The Tournament Committee may remove or suspend any individual from Tournament play, and its decision is final and binding. However, in this situation, the manager’s own local league Board of Directors also could remove the manager from the team. (See Tournament Rule 17: Altercations)
1. All Divisions of Softball: What are the Softball Pitching Distances?
A: (1) 8-10 year old division: 35 feet; (2) 9-11 year old division and Little League (10-12): 40 feet; (3) Junior and Senior League: 43 feet. (Tournament Rule 2: Fields)
2. Major (10-12) Baseball and below: Our team has a doubleheader, can my pitcher deliver five pitches in the first game and then come back to pitch in the second game?
A: No. A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
3. Junior Baseball Divisions and below: Player A catches the 1st, 2nd, and one pitch in the 3rd inning. Player A is moved to pitcher and pitches a total of 23 pitches in the 3rd and 4th innings and is removed. The pitcher started the final batter at pitch 20. Can Player A be moved back to catcher for the remainder of the game?
A: Yes. Player A only caught for three (3) innings prior to moving to pitcher (which is legal). Player A then threw 23 pitches, starting his/her final batter at pitch 19 before being removed (which allows the pitcher to still be moved to catcher). As such, the player is eligible to be moved back to catcher for the remainder of the game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
Junior Baseball and below: Any player on a tournament team may pitch. Exception: Any player, who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that calendar day. Exception: If the pitcher reaches the 20-pitch limit while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch, and maintain their eligibility to return to the catcher position, until one of the following conditions occur: 1) that batter reaches base; 2) that batter is retired; or 3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game.
4. My baseball team has a doubleheader scheduled. I have a player who catches and pitches. If he/she does not pitch in the first game, can he/she catch in three innings in the first game and three more in the second game and then be moved from catcher to pitcher?
A. Yes, the restriction on moving from catcher to pitcher is if the player catches in four or more innings in a game, which did not happen here. As such, the player would be eligible to pitch in the second game after catching three innings in both the first and second game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
5. Junior and Senior Baseball: What are the pitching requirements for a league age 14-year-old?
A: Fourteen-year-olds on a Junior team are subject to the pitching requirements for the Junior League. Fourteen-year-olds on a Senior team are subject to the pitching requirements for the Senior League. A 14-year-old is limited to 95 pitches per day in either division of play. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
6. All Divisions: If our team wins our District Tournament on a Wednesday and our Sectional Tournament starts on that Friday can a pitcher who pitched Wednesday in the District Tournament pitch on Friday in the Sectional Tournament?
A: In order for a pitcher to pitch in any game in the Tournament, he/she must meet the days rest requirement based on his/her league age, and/or division, and the number of pitches (baseball) or innings (softball) pitched in his/her last game pitched. For baseball, the answer to the above would be “Yes” if the pitcher requires one or no days rest and “No” if two or more days rest is required. For 8-10, 9-11 and 10-12 Softball, since there is a day between levels, all pitchers would be eligible. For Junior and Senior League Softball, no pitching restrictions apply and all pitchers would be eligible. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
7. Junior Baseball and below: While a pitcher is pitching to a batter, the pitcher reaches 20 pitches. On the next pitch (pitch #21) the batter strikes out. The pitcher is replaced before he/she throws a pitch to the next batter. Does the pitcher need a day of rest?
A: No, the pitcher reached the 20-pitch threshold while pitching to his/her last batter. The batter was put out and the pitcher did not pitch to another batter. According to the Pitching Threshold Exception, the days rest is based on 1-20 pitches so no rest is required. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
8. Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and all divisions of Softball: In the second inning the manager of the defensive team moves the pitcher into left field and brings the left fielder in to pitch. Then in the fifth inning the manager wants to reverse the procedure and bring back the original pitcher. Can this be done?
A: A pitcher could pitch to the first batter in the third inning, then be moved to left field for the rest of that inning and two more innings, then return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the sixth inning. It is not necessary that the pitcher return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the same inning in which he/she was removed.
Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and 8-10/9-11/10-12 Softball: Provided he/she is not removed from the game defensively for a substitute, he/she could return to the mound/plate any time, but not more than once per game for baseball and once per inning for softball. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
Junior/Senior League Softball: A player may be removed from the defensive lineup as pitcher, when her team is on offense or defense, and return as pitcher only once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s). (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
9. Junior Baseball and above: A pitcher is at a days of rest threshold (example: 35 pitches in Juniors or 45 pitches in Senior League) when the batter strikes out. The next batter comes to the plate. Prior to throwing a pitch to that batter the pitcher picks off the runner on first for the third out, ending that half inning. A new pitcher is placed on the mound at the start of the next inning. Does the previous pitcher need one or two days rest?
A: The pitcher reached the pitch threshold while pitching to a batter. The batter was put out and the pitcher did not pitch to another batter. According to the Pitching Threshold Exception the pitcher, in this example, would need ONE day of rest. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
10. Little League (10-12) Baseball: A team manager is keeping the pitch count for his/her pitcher. According to his/her pitch count the pitcher is at 20 pitches. On the second pitch to that batter the batter flies out. The manager requests time and comes out to replace the pitcher stating the pitcher does not need a day of rest. The official pitch counter says the pitcher does need a day of rest because he/she had passed the threshold by one pitch (pitch count was 21 pitches) prior to pitching to the batter in question. What happens?
A: The pitch count is kept by the official pitch counter appointed by the Tournament Director. As such, in this case, the pitcher would need a day of rest. Managers’ or coaches’ pitch counts are NOT official. They should periodically check with the official pitch counter to make sure their count is correct. (See Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
11. All Divisions of Baseball: A pitcher starts pitching to his/her last batter at pitch number 35. The batter eventually strikes out on pitch number 42. The pitcher’s days rest is based on the pitch threshold reached during the at bat. Does this mean the pitcher can be used as a catcher that day since pitch number 42 was thrown while pitching to the last batter?
A: Yes. The Pitch Count Threshold Exception now applies to pitchers moving to the catcher position. If the pitcher starts the last batter at 40 pitches or less, he/she would be covered by the threshold exception. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
12. 9-11 Softball Division: If a player pitches in six (6) innings or less and the game is suspended for rain, lightning, or other causes and the game is resumed the next day, what are the pitching limits for the next day 1) if the only game is the resumed game and 2) if the team has another game after the resumed game?
A: 1) The resumption of the game is treated like it was being played on the same day so the player is allowed to pitch up to twelve (12) innings in a day for the 8-10, 9-11, and 10-12 Divisions.
Example: The player pitched in five (5) innings before the game was suspended. The player could pitch up to seven (7) additional innings in that game.
A: 2) The player is allowed to pitch up to twelve (12) innings in a day and may pitch up to the maximum number of innings allowed per day. In the example, if the player pitched in five (5) innings in the initial game, returned to pitch one (1) inning in the resumption, the player could pitch in up to six (6) innings in the second game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
13. 8-10, 9-11, and 10-12 Softball: If the pitcher of record pitches in seven (7) or more total innings in a doubleheader and the second game is suspended for rain, lightning, or other causes and the second game is resumed the next day, what are the pitching limits for the next day 1) if only the second game is resumed and 2) if the team has another game after the resumed game?
A: 1) The resumption of the game is treated like it was being played on the same day so the player is allowed to pitch up to twelve (12) innings in a day.
Example: If the player pitched five (5) innings in the first game and two (2) innings in the second game (for a total of seven (7) innings in the two games), the player could pitch up to five (5) innings in the resumption of game two the next day.
A: 2) The pitcher is not allowed to pitch in the second game since the player pitched seven (7) or more innings the previous day, which requires a day of rest. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
14. All Divisions of Baseball: If a game is suspended and resumed at a later date (next day or later) what are the restrictions on the: 1) pitcher going in to catch and 2) catcher going in to pitch?
A: 1) The pitcher moving to catcher limit is for safety. The basis is that if a pitcher throws 41 or more pitches in a game, that player cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. This is meant to apply to a normal game played in one day.
Example: A pitcher throwing 21 pitches Monday when the game suspended. It is resumed on Tuesday or a later date and the player throws 21 more pitches, for a total of 42 in the game. However, the 41-pitch limit applies to the day, not the combination of pitches thrown on different days. The player could throw 40 pitches in the resumption game and still move to the catcher position.
A: 2) The catcher moving to pitcher limit is for safety. Similar to the above answer, the rule is really meant to apply to a game played in one day.
Example: If a player catches 3 innings in a game on Monday that was suspended and resumed on Tuesday or Wednesday, the number of inning caught would reset to zero. The player would have to catch in four or more innings in the resumption game before being restricted from pitching. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
15. All Divisions of Baseball: If a game is suspended and resumed the next day how does the pitch count work if the pitcher of record continues to pitch in the resumed game?
A: Juniors and Below: If the pitcher, when the game was suspended, had thrown 40 or fewer pitches the player can continue to pitch in the resumed game the next day. If the pitcher had thrown 20 or less pitches when the game resumes, the pitch count re-sets to zero and days rest will be based on the resumed portion of the game. If the pitcher had thrown between 21 and 40 pitches, the pitch count will begin with the number of pitches thrown. Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
Example: Player throws 34 pitches and the game is resumed the next day. The first pitch thrown will be pitch number 35. In this example, the days rest will be based on the total combined pitch count of that game.
A. Seniors League: If the pitcher, when the game was suspended, had thrown 60 or fewer pitches, the player can continue to pitch in the resumed game the next day. If the pitcher had thrown 30 or less pitches when the game resumes, the pitch count resets to zero. If the player had thrown between 31 and 60 pitches, the pitch count will begin with the number of pitches thrown. Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
Example: Player throws 44 pitches and game is resumed the next day. The first pitch thrown will be pitch
number 45. Days rest will be based on the total pitch count at the end of the game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
16. Junior Baseball and below/Major Softball and below: If my starting pitcher (“Player A”) is due to bat, can I replace him/her with another player (“Player B”), only for the purpose of batting, then bring “Player A” back in to pitch in the next half-inning?
A: The answer to this question depends on the number of players present at the start of the game.
If a team has thirteen (13) or more players in uniform at the start of a game and is the visiting team, they may substitute a batter for the starting pitcher listed in the lineup prior to the pitcher facing a batter without violating Rule 3.03(c) provided that the pitcher of record pitches to the first batter in the bottom of the first inning in accordance with Rule 3.05. All other rules governing the pitcher are still in effect.
If there were 12 or fewer players present at the start of the game the answer is ‘No.’ The substitute (Player B) must complete one at-bat and play in the field for six consecutive defensive outs before being removed. In such a case, the starting pitcher (Player A) could re-enter the game, in the same position in the batting order once the substitute (Player B) has met MPR but could not return to the pitcher’s mound/plate. [See Tournament Rule 10(c)]
1. All Divisions: In the third inning, the defensive manager enters #35 into the game for #10. In the fifth inning, the same manager re-enters #10 back into the game for #35. Then in the sixth inning the manager now wants to enter #35 into the game for #55 at second base. Can he/she legally do this?
A: This would be considered an improper substitution and cannot be allowed to happen. The umpires, scorekeepers, and game officials all should not allow this to happen. Player #35 cannot re-enter in a different batting spot in the lineup, he/she is “tied” to his/her original spot in the order. Remember that an improper substitution is basis for a protest, but will not result in a forfeit. The solution is to correct the situation, and play on. All actions by the substitute up to that point are legal. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry) This is different from an ineligible pitcher, which can result in forfeiture. ALL Little League personnel, including all managers, coaches, the Tournament Director, scorekeeper, and umpires, should PREVENT such a situation before it happens.
NOTE 1: Batting out of order, which can result in an “out” being declared on the proper batter, the batter- runner being removed from the base, and the next batter in order coming up to bat, should NOT be reported by any Little League official to either team’s managers or coaches.
NOTE 2: It is possible to have an improper substitution AND batting out of order, if a batter (who is already in the batting order elsewhere) is sent to the plate as an improper substitution for another player. In this event, the batting out of order penalty is applied, but the protest should be avoided, if possible, before the batter takes a pitch.
2. Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and all divisions of Softball: In the second inning the manager of the defensive team moves the pitcher into left field and brings the left fielder in to pitch. Then in the fifth inning the manager wants to reverse the procedure and bring back the original pitcher. Can this be done?
A: A pitcher could pitch to the first batter in the third inning, then be moved to left field for the rest of that inning and two more innings, then return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the sixth inning. It is not necessary that the pitcher return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the same inning in which he/she was removed.
Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and 8-10/9-11/10-12 Softball: Provided he/she is not removed from the game defensively for a substitute, he/she could return to the mound/plate any time, but not more than once per game for baseball and once per inning for softball. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
Junior/Senior League Softball: A player may be removed from the defensive lineup as pitcher, when her team is on offense or defense, and return as pitcher only once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s). (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
3. All Divisions of Baseball: A pitcher starts pitching to his/her last batter at pitch number 35. The batter eventually strikes out on pitch number 42. The pitcher’s days rest is based on the pitch threshold reached during the at bat. Does this mean the pitcher can be used as a catcher that day since pitch number 42 was thrown while pitching to the last batter?
A: Yes. The Pitch Count Threshold Exception now applies to pitchers moving to the catcher position. If the pitcher starts the last batter at 40 pitches or less, he/she would be covered by the threshold exception. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
4. All Divisions of Baseball: If a game is suspended and resumed at a later date (next day or later) what are the restrictions on the: 1) pitcher going in to catch and 2) catcher going in to pitch?
A: 1) The pitcher moving to catcher limit is for safety. The basis is that if a pitcher throws 41 or more pitches in a game, that player cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. This is meant to apply to a normal game played in one day.
Example: A pitcher throwing 21 pitches Monday when the game suspended. It is resumed on Tuesday or a later date and the player throws 21 more pitches, for a total of 42 in the game. However, the 41 pitch limit applies to the day, not the combination of pitches thrown on different days. The player could throw 40 pitches in the resumption game and still move to the catcher position.
A: 2) The catcher moving to pitcher limit is for safety. Similar to the above answer, the rule is really meant to apply to a game played in one day.
Example: If a player catches 3 innings in a game on Monday that was suspended and resumed on Tuesday or Wednesday, the number of inning caught would reset to zero. The player would have to catch in four or more innings in the resumption game before being restricted from pitching. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
5. What is the Mandatory Play requirement (MPR) for the Tournament?
A: For the 8-10 Year Old Division, 9-11 Year Old Division, 10-12 Year Old Division (Majors), Intermediate (50-70) Baseball Division, and Junior League Divisions, if a tournament team has thirteen or more eligible players in uniform at the start of a game, then every player shall participate in that game for a minimum of one at bat. If a tournament team has twelve or fewer eligible players in uniform at the start of a game, then every player shall participate in that game for a minimum of six (6) consecutive defensive outs and bat at least one time. There is no Mandatory Play in Senior League Divisions. Managers are required to insert all players who have not completed their mandatory play as outlined Tournament Rule 9 or he/she shall be ejected from the game immediately and removed from the remainder of the International Tournament. (Tournament Rule 9: Mandatory Play)
6. In Juniors and below, if Downtown Little League has 13 players on its affidavit but only 12 are present at the start of the game does that mean MPR is only one at-bat? What happens if the 13th player shows up late and the manager puts the player in the game, is MPR then reduced to just and one at-bat?
A: No. If an 8-10, 9-11, 10-12, Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, or Junior League team has 12 or fewer players present at the start of the game, then MPR is six (6) consecutive defensive outs and one (1) at-bat for that game. If a player or players arrive late so that the team then has 13 or more players, the MPR for that team for that game remains at six consecutive defensive outs and one at-bat.
If an 8-10, 9-11, 10-12, Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, or Junior League team has 13 players present at the start of the game then MPR is reduced to one at-bat for that game even if one of the 13 players is subsequently injured, becomes ill, or is ejected such that the number of players is reduced to 12 or less. (Tournament Rule 9: Mandatory Play)
NOTE: The defensive outs must be consecutive, so for example, if a team only has 12 players present at the start of a game and a starter is removed during the first inning (after one or two defensive outs) the starter is still required to play six consecutive defensive outs later in the game and have at least one at-bat.
7. A team wins the game and the other team had a player who did not meet MPR. The winning team manager does not protest the MPR prior to the umpires leaving the field. What, if anything, can be done?
A. If a MPR Violation, that was not protested by the opposing manager before the umpires leave the field, is identified after the game by the opposing manager, by the Official Scorer, or by the District Administrator/Tournament Director reviewing the scorebook and/or pitching affidavit, it should be reported to the Tournament Committee in Williamspo The manager will be removed from the remainder of the International Tournament and additional penalties may be imposed. As such, it is very important that scorebooks are kept correctly/accurately in order to determine if an MPR Violation occurred. (Tournament Rule 9: Mandatory Play)
8. In 8-10, 9-11, Majors (10-12), Intermediate (50/70) Baseball, and Junior League, is each child on a Tournament Team Eligibility Affidavit required to participate in each game during tournament play? What about a player who is not at the game?
A: Every eligible player on a team roster/affidavit that is present at the start of a game must meet the mandatory play requirement applicable for that game. Depending on the number of rostered players present at the start of game, mandatory play is either six (6) consecutive defensive outs and one at-bat or just one at bat (if there are 13 or more rostered players present at the start of the game). [(See Tournament Rule 9: Mandatory Play)]
Definition: Every rostered player present at the start of a game will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time. For the purposes of this rule, “six (6) defensive outs” is defined as: A player enters the field in one of the nine defensive positions when his/her team is on defense and occupies a defensive position while six outs are made; “bat at least one (1) time” is defined as: A player enters the batter’s box with no count and completes that time at bat by being retired, retired as a batter-runner or runner, scores, reaches base safely, or, after reaching base safely, the inning or game ends. For the purposes of meeting the requirements of Mandatory Play, is when a player assumes the position of a batter with no count and one of the following occurs:
- He/she is retired as a batter; or
- He/she is retired as a batter-runner; or
- He/she reaches base and scores; or
- After he/she reaches base, the inning or game ends.
9. Junior League and below: Can a starter be removed from a game before he/she completes his/her mandatory play requirements.
A: A starter may be removed before he/she meets the mandatory play requirements. However, that starter still must meet the mandatory play requirement applicable for that game. This is the responsibility of the manager. However, a substitute may not be removed prior to completion of his/her mandatory play requirements. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
10. All Divisions: A player is injured and is removed from the game. There is no doctor or medical personnel at the game site. Can the player be re-entered into the game later?
A: Yes, provided the player who replaced the injured player has met the Mandatory Play requirement before being removed and the injured player is being re-entered into the same place in the batting order. If there is no doctor/medical personnel available, the decision on whether or not an injured player is able to return to the game is up to the team manager. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
Exception: If the injury is a concussion or suspected concussion the player must be, at a minimum, removed from the game and/or practice for the remainder of that day. The league/team/manager must also be aware of the respective state/provincial/municipal laws with regards to concussions and impose any additional requirements as necessary. His/her return to full participation is subject to:
- Adherence to the applicable state/provincial/municipal laws,
- An evaluation and a written clearance from a physician or other accredited medical provider, and
- Written acknowledgement of the paren (Regulation III(d) Note 3)
11. All Divisions: In the third inning the defensive manager enters #35 into the game for #10. In the fifth inning the same manager enters #12 into the game for #35. That would result in three players in the same spot in the batting order, is that allowed?
A: Yes, this is allowed. There is no restriction on how many players can legally be tied to the same place in the batting order. Depending on the number of players on a roster and each meeting the Mandatory Play requirement, it is possible to have three or more players tied to the same spot in the batting order. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
12. ALL Divisions: Going into the bottom of the 4th, #24, #16, and #11 are scheduled to bat. The manager informs the plate umpire/official scorekeeper at the start of the half inning that when #11 comes to bat, #8 will be entering for #11. #24 bats and singles. The manager wants to use #11 as a Special Pinch Runner. Can he/she do that?
A: No. Offensive substitutions must be made at the time the offensive player has his/her turn at bat or is on base. #11 is still in the line-up as his/her turn to bat has yet to come up. Therefore, he/she cannot be utilized as a Special Pinch Runner. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry and Regular Season Special Pinch Runner Rule 7.14)
13. #14 was in the starting line-up (not a pitcher) and completed the mandatory play requirement before being removed for #36 in the third inning. #36 is moved to the pitcher’s mound/plate and pitches the third and fourth innings, and bats in the fourth as well. In the fifth inning, it is #36’s turn at bat. Could #14 be inserted as a batter, and could #36 then return to the pitcher’s mound/plate as pitcher in the next half-inning?
A: Junior Baseball and below/Major Softball and below: Yes. #14 could re-enter as a batter (or pinch-runner) for #36 because #36 was not physically replaced on the pitcher’s mound/plate, and because both #14 and #36 had previously met the requirements of mandatory play during the game. This can only be done ONCE. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
Junior League Softball: Yes. A player may be removed as a pitcher, offensively or defensively, and return as pitcher only once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s).
Senior League Softball: No. A substitute (non-starter) may not re-enter the game in any position once they are removed from the lineup.
Senior League Baseball: No. A substitute (non-starter) may not re-enter the game in any position once they are removed from the lineup. Additionally, if a pitcher is removed for a batter, the pitcher cannot return to the mound to pitch.
14. Juniors and below: “Player A” is the starting shortstop and completes the mandatory play requirement before being removed for “Player B” in the third inning. “Player B” completes his/her mandatory play. In the fourth inning, the manager uses Rule 7.14 (Special Pinch Runner) to replace “Player B” on the base paths with “Player C,” which can only happen once for “Player B” in the game. Now in the sixth inning, could “Player A” again run for “Player B” without having to remain in the game defensively?
A: Yes, although it is very limiting because it allows only “Player A” to run for “Player B” as a substitute. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
15. Senior League: A substitute is sent up to bat for the starting pitcher. When the team goes back on defense can the pitcher go back in to pitch since he/she was never removed from the pitcher’s mound/plate?
A. Senior League Baseball: No. In Senior League if the pitcher is removed for a batter, the pitcher can immediately return to the game (since there is no MPR in Senior League) but the pitcher cannot return to the mound/plate to pitch. (Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry).
A. Senior League Softball: A player may be removed as a pitcher, offensively or defensively, and return as pitcher only once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s).
16. Junior Baseball and below and Major Softball and below: If my starting pitcher (“Player A”) is due to bat, can I replace him/her with another player (“Player B”), only for the purpose of batting, then bring “Player A” back in to pitch in the next half-inning?
A: The answer to this question depends on the number of players present at the start of the game.
If a team has thirteen (13) or more players in uniform at the start of a game and is the visiting team, they may substitute a batter for the starting pitcher listed in the lineup prior to the pitcher facing a batter without violating Rule 3.03(c) provided that the pitcher of record pitches to the first batter in the bottom of the first inning in accordance with Rule 3.05. All other rules governing the pitcher are still in effect.
If there were 12 or fewer players present at the start of the game the answer is ‘No.’ The substitute (Player B) must complete one at-bat and play in the field for six consecutive defensive outs before being removed. In such a case, the starting pitcher (Player A) could re-enter the game, in the same position in the batting order once the substitute (Player B) has met MPR but could not return to the pitcher’s mound/plate. [(See Tournament Rule 10(c)]
17. Can a starter be removed before fulfilling Mandatory Play under the running requirement?
A: No. In order to comply with the Mandatory Play Rule the starting players must play six consecutive defensive outs and bat once. If they come to plate, and reach base, they may not be removed (for a substitute or a SPR) until the base running portion of the rule is fulfilled, regardless of re-entry capability.
18. A player steps in for their one and only at-bat, to satisfy Mandatory Play, in the game, but before a pitch is delivered to the batter, a runner gets picked off ending the inning. Would this count as the official At Bat?
A: No. For the purposes of meeting the requirements of Mandatory Play (if applicable), is when a batter assumes the position of a batter with no count and is retired or reaches base.
An AT-BAT, for the purposes of meeting the requirements of Mandatory Play (if applicable), is when a player assumes the position of a batter with no count and one of the following occurs:
- He/she is retired as a batter; or
- He/she is retired as a batter-runner; or
- He/she reaches base and scores; or
- After he/she reaches base, the inning or game ends.
19. If the starter can fulfill the requirement at some time before the game is over, can that starter be removed before Mandatory Play since he/she can be reinserted?
A.: Yes, however, their first at bat (as outlined above and in the current version of the Rulebook) must be completed as outlined, and they must fulfill all requirements as outlined in Tournament Rule 9.
1. All Divisions: Rule 1.10 was rewritten for both baseball and softball to include the wording “The bat must be a baseball bat…” or “The bat must be a softball bat…” What should the umpires be looking for when they check equipment prior to the start of the game?
A: The umpire should be looking for the words “baseball” on a bat being used in a baseball game and “softball” or “fastpitch” on a bat being used in a softball game. The umpires will have to use their judgment on bats with no designation (baseball/softball); however, the bat must meet all specifications including markings as outlined in Rule 1.10. Bats that say “baseball” must not be used in a softball game, and bats marked “softball” must not be used in a baseball game. (Regular Season Rules 1.10 and 4.19)
1. What are the curfews for the various age groups?
A: Little League (10-12) and below – 12 a.m. (midnight); Intermediate (50/70) and Juniors – 12:30 a.m.; and Senior League – 1:00 a.m.
2. In the 8-10 Baseball/Softball Tournament, can a batter attempt to reach first base on an uncaught third strike?
A: No. A batter attempting to advance to first on an uncaught third strike does not apply in 8-10 Baseball/Softball. (Tournament Rule 3)
3. All Divisions: The manager of the offensive team has requested a “time out” to discuss strategy with the batter. Two batters later in the same inning, he/she again wants “time out” to discuss strategy with a base runner.
A: This should not be permitted. Only ONE offensive time out is permitted each half inning. However, a manager could have more than one time out in an inning for offensive substitutions, or to tend to an injured player. The rule’s intent is to limit time spent in offensive conferences. (Tournament Rule 7: Visits)
4. All Divisions: The defensive manager requests and is granted a time out to talk to his/her pitcher. Can the offensive manager, talk to the batter or runner during this time out?
A: If one team calls for and receives a time out to confer with a player, it will be charged with a time out or visit. At this time, the opposing team may also confer without being charged with a time out or visit, provided the team is ready when the opponent concludes the time out or visit. (Tournament Rule 7: Visits)
5. All Divisions: It is the bottom of the fifth inning when the skies open up and a torrential downpour prevents the game from continuing. What do we do now?
A: If a natural occurrence (rain, darkness if no lights are available, etc.) halts a game, and it cannot be restarted that day, and it has reached the point of a regulation game when a winner can be determined, the game is over. However, if the game is halted by light failure, a locally imposed curfew on the lights, sprinkler malfunction, or some other human-error condition, it must be suspended and resumed the next available day. Tournament Directors should be advised to allow enough time to complete all games by the curfew imposed locally, if earlier than Little League’s curfew, but that such local curfew will not end the game. (Tournament Curfew and Tournament Rule 13: Regulation Game)
Example 1: Team A is winning 9-0 after five full innings on a lighted field at night, and because of a locally imposed curfew, the lights must be turned out. In this case, the teams must return the next available day to complete the game.
Example 2: Team A is winning at dusk 9-0 after five full innings on a field that has lights, which were presumed to be working and available for the game but the lights cannot be turned on because lightning hit them earlier in the day (a malfunction). In this case, the teams must return the next available day to complete the game.
6. All Divisions: At the end of the fifth inning, the home team is leading 5-4. The visiting team scores three runs to take the lead, 7-5 in the top of the sixth. The umpire calls the game because of darkness before the home team completes its turn at bat in the bottom of the sixth, and the home team has not retaken the lead. What is the outcome of the game?
A: The game must be resumed if the visiting team ties the game or takes the lead in their half of the inning and the home team does not complete their at bat or take the lead in an incomplete inning. (Tournament Rule 13: Regulation Game)
7. All Divisions: A team lists 13 players on the affidavit, but only 11 players are present at the start of a game. The 12th player is on his/her way to the game, but will not arrive until the second inning. How many manager/coaches can the team have in the dugout at the beginning of the game? After the 12th player arrives?
A: According to the 2019 Tournament rule, the number of coaches/manager permitted in the dugout is based on the number of eligible players at the game site at the start of the game. If the team starts the game with only 11 players, the team will only be permitted to have one manager and one coach in the dugout and/or on the field for that game. While three coaches (manager and two coaches) are listed on the affidavit, two adults must be named at the start of the game as manager and coach. The third individual listed on the affidavit will not be permitted to be in the dugout or on the field during the game.
This restriction will continue to be imposed for the entirety of the game, even after the 12th player arrives at the game site.
NOTE: Base coaches may be adults and/or players provided at least one adult manager or coach remains in the dugout.
8. Major Baseball/Softball and below: The score is tied after six complete innings, what happens in the seventh inning? Eighth inning?
A: Both teams will continue to play the seventh inning as they did with the first six innings of play. If the game is still tied after seven complete innings, the visiting team will start the eighth inning with a runner on second base. The runner at second shall be the batter scheduled to bat last in that inning or an eligible substitute or pinch runner. After three defensive outs, the home team will start the bottom of the eighth inning with their last scheduled batter as a runner on second. This scenario would continue in every subsequent inning until one team is ahead of the other after a complete inning.
Example: Score is tied 2-2 after seven complete innings. The visiting team is slated to start the top of the eighth inning with their No. 7 batter. The No. 6 batter, or an eligible substitute or special pinch runner, will start the inning at second base. The visiting team ends their half inning without scoring a run. The home team is schedule to start with their No. 2 batter, therefore their No. 1 batter, or an eligible substitute or special pinch runner, will start at second base during their respective half inning. The home team scores a run during their half inning, so the game would end with a score of 2-3.
1. What is the minimum number of players that is required on a team affidavit?
A: Little League encourages all local leagues to carry the maximum number of players allowed in order to give as many players as possible the opportunity to participate and experience the International Tournament. The minimum number of players on a tournament affidavit is twelve. EXCEPTION: If a team has less than twelve players listed on their affidavit, justification must be provided by the league and approved by that league’s District Administrator signified by his/her approval signature on the Affidavit. Teams carrying or playing with less than twelve players, should be aware of the additional restrictions concerning Manager and Coaches within the dugout.
2. If a league age eight (8) year-old participant played in a local league’s Minor Division, can that player play on the league’s 8-10 Tournament team?
A: Yes. Any player league age 8, 9, or 10, with amateur status, who has participated as an eligible player in eight (8) regular season games by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District in the Minor or Major division is eligible for selection. Players must be of the proper league age to participate on any Tournament team.
3. If a league age ten (10) year-old participant played in the Minor Division AAA, can that player participate on the league’s Little League (10-12) Tournament team?
A: Yes. A player league age 10, 11, or 12 must have participated for eight (8) regular season games by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District in the Minor, Major or Intermediate (50/70) Division (Baseball)/Junior League (Softball) to be eligible for selection to the Little League (10-12) Tournament team.
4. After the Team Announcement Date (May 15) but before their first tournament game, our 8-10 Tournament team wants to practice/scrimmage with a team of the same age group from a neighboring Little League. Is that legal?
A: Yes, that would be permitted provided it is done out of uniform.
Release of tournament teams and tryouts or practices by tournament teams shall not be made before May 15. Teams shall not be released until the availability and eligibility of all prospective team members has been established. The Little League group accident insurance underwritten by an AIG member company for tournament teams will not go into effect until May 15.
5. Is it possible to qualify an intact regular-season team for the Little League International Tournament?
A: Yes. If a local league has only one team in a given division (using the Little League Baseball Major Division team as the example), and the population supports the league only fielding one team, then the regular-season team may also serve as the league’s tournament representative.
All of the teams that you see in the Little League International Tournament are composed of players who qualify to participate in their local Little League program based on residency or school enrollment. Those players then register, tryout, and are drafted to a regular-season team(s), which plays a regular-season schedule against other Little League teams. The league then selects a tournament team from the players who participated in the regular season and meet all other tournament eligibility requirements.
That tournament team must play and win to advance through various levels of the tournament that culminates with the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Lastly, the Little League Baseball division is for players ages 10-12. The same process is in place for Little League’s other divisions of tournament play.
1. All Divisions: It is the bottom of the fifth inning when the skies open up and a torrential downpour prevents the game from continuing. What do we do now?
A: If a natural occurrence (rain, darkness if no lights are available, etc.) halts a game, and it cannot be restarted that day, and it has reached the point of a regulation game when a winner can be determined, the game is over. However, if the game is halted by light failure, a locally imposed curfew on the lights, sprinkler malfunction, or some other human-error condition, it must be suspended and resumed the next available day. Tournament Directors should be advised to allow enough time to complete all games by the curfew imposed locally, if earlier than Little League’s curfew, but that such local curfew will not end the game. (Tournament Curfew and Tournament Rule 13: Regulation Game)
Example 1: Team A is winning 9-0 after five full innings on a lighted field at night, and because of a locally imposed curfew, the lights must be turned out. In this case, the teams must return the next available day to complete the game.
Example 2: Team A is winning at dusk 9-0 after five full innings on a field that has lights, which were presumed to be working and available for the game but the lights cannot be turned on because lightning hit them earlier in the day (a malfunction). In this case, the teams must return the next available day to complete the game.
2. The manager of a Tournament team is ejected from the first game of the Tournament. Again, in the third game of the Tournament, the same manager is ejected. This second ejection, however, is for making contact with an umpire during a verbal altercation. Can the Tournament Director remove the manager from the team for the rest of the Tournament?
A: No. Rule 4.07 disqualifies any manager, coach, or player from the next physically played game if he/she is ejected from a game. Tournament Rule 16 – Altercations allows the District Administrator or Tournament
Director to refer physical or verbal altercations at the game site to the Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee may remove or suspend any individual from Tournament play, and its decision is final and binding. However, in this situation, the manager’s own local league Board of Directors also could remove the manager from the team. (Tournament Rule 16: Altercations)
3. All Divisions: A team lists 13 players on the affidavit, but only 11 players are present at the start of a game. The 12th player is on his/her way to the game, but will not arrive until the second inning. How many manager/coaches can the team have in the dugout at the beginning of the game? After the 12th player arrives?
A: According to the 2019 Tournament rule, the number of coaches/manager permitted in the dugout is based on the number of eligible players at the game site at the start of the game. If the team starts the game with only 11 players, the team will only be permitted to have one manager and one coach in the dugout and/or on the field for that game. While three coaches (manager and two coaches) are listed on the affidavit, two adults must be named at the start of the game as manager and coach. The third individual listed on the affidavit will not be permitted to be in the dugout or on the field during the game.
This restriction will continue to be imposed for the entirety of the game, even after the 12th player arrives at the game site.
NOTE: Base coaches may be adults and/or players provided at least one adult manager or coach remains in the dugout.