Rules - 2005 Minors

1.    There is a universal batting lineup with all players on the team batting throughout the game with unlimited substitutions allowed.

2.    All players must play at least three (3) innings per game. Three (3) outs in the field constitutes an inning.

3.    There is a five (5) run rule per inning (except the last inning):

Once the team at bat scores five (5) runs in the inning, regardless of the number of outs, the team’s turn at-bat is over, and they will take the field.

4.    Ten (10) players play in the field with four (4) outfielders. (No short center fielder allowed)

5.    All players must be in full uniform with shirts tucked in, baseball caps on, and protective cup.

II. Batting:

1. Thrown bats:

The first thrown bat per team is a warning. For the second thrown bat, the batter is out. If the batter has hit the ball, the ball is dead and any runners on base must return to the base they were on prior to the hit.

2. Bunting is permitted.

3. The catcher does not have to hold on to the third strike for a strikeout.

III. Base running:

1.    Stealing

(a) Base-runners may not leave the base until the pitched ball crosses home plate. If the runner leaves early and he's thrown out, then he's out. If the runner leaves early and is safe then he must return to the base he was stealing from. If the runner leaves early and the ball is hit and the runner is out then he is out. If the runner leaves early and the ball is hit and the runner is safe then the play is nullified and the runner must return to the base he was stealing from.

(b) Each team can steal home only two (2) times per game.

(c) No double stealing is allowed (including wild pitches) and no advancement is allowed for any runner if there is an over-throw for the steal. As an example, if there are runners on 1^st and 2^nd and the runner on 2^nd steals 3^rd then the runner on 1^st can not advance to 2^nd unless the ball is hit. If there are runners on 1^st and 3^rd and either the runner on 1^st or 3^rd steals, then the other runner can not advance unless the ball is hit.

Also, there are two special situations which require clarification:

If there are runners on 1^st and 3^rd, neither runner can fake a steal to allow the other runner to steal.

If there's a runners on 3^rd, and there's a walk, and the batter advances to 2nd from home on the walk, it is considered a steal of 2^nd and the runner from 3^rd can not steal home.

(d) Only one steal per batter is allowed. (new in 2003)

2.     Leading

(a) All base runners must stay on the base at all times when the pitcher has the ball on the mound. Base runners are permitted to be off the base when the ball is in the hands of another fielder and when the pitched ball crosses home plate.

3.    Advancing

(a) When a fair ball is hit, the base runners may advance as many bases as they can until the play is under control and time out is called, or if the pitcher has the ball on the mound. Note: A base runner can steal a base as the catcher is throwing the ball back to the pitcher prior to the pitcher receiving the ball on the mound.

4.    Wild throws

(a) On a hit ball, any wild throw that goes outside the playing area causes play to be dead and the runners may advance to the base they were running to, plus one base.

5.    Infield Fly

(a) There is no infield fly rule at this level.

6.    Close Plays

(a) For close plays at any base, the runner must slide or give themselves up to be tagged out. Any player not sliding or giving themselves up will be called out if there is any contact with the fielder. At the discretion of the umpire, any player running into the fielder (or the catcher) may be thrown out of the game. Note: There is no warning for a violation of this rule.

IV. Pitching:

1.   A Pitcher may only pitch three (3) innings per game. One pitch in an inning constitutes a full inning pitched.

2.   A Pitcher may only pitch six (6) innings per week and may not pitch on consecutive days. The week starts on Monday and ends on Sunday.

3.   A pitcher that hits two (2) batters with a pitched ball in any one (1) inning or hits three (3) batters with a pitched ball during a game, must be removed as the pitcher. The removed pitcher may continue to play at a different position but may not re-enter the game as the pitcher.

4.   A pitcher who has pitched at least one (1) pitch during the game and been removed from the game for another pitcher may not re-enter the game as the pitcher.

5.   A coach can enter the field (to the foul line or to the mound) to talk to the pitcher only once per inning. A second trip to visit the pitcher would require the removal of the pitcher. A visit to the pitcher because of injury does not constitute an official visit.

6.   A coach must report innings pitched to the opposing manager and umpire prior to the start of each game.

V. Protests:

1.   Protests may only be filed for rules interpretations and not because of umpire judgment.

2.   Protests must be filed at the time of the incident with the umpire and the opposing manager. Protests filed after the incident will not be accepted.

3.   WPLL officials will rule on any protests before the two teams play again and after speaking to the parties involved.

VI. General:

1.   No intimidation of any team member or umpire by players, managers, coaches, parents or otherwise will be tolerated. Any such action may result in ejection, suspension, or dismissal from the WPLL. Note: This rule will be strictly enforced.

2.   No inning can start after two (2) hours from the start of the game.

3.   No inning shall start unless both managers and the umpire agree that an entire inning can be completed. The umpire, or if both coaches agree, can suspend a game due to weather or darkness. Note: Safety comes first. Under no circumstances should play continue when there is thunder and/or lightning.

4.   If there is significant rain while the game is in progress, play may stop for fifteen minutes. If the rain stops or reduces within fifteen minutes, then the game may resume provided that field conditions are playable. Safety first! The field must be playable.

5.   A game is official when the losing team has completed four (4) innings.

6.   If the home team does not complete its at bat prior to stopping the game due to weather or darkness then the score will revert to the score at the time of the inning's start.

7.   If a game is official, is stopped due to weather or darkness, and is tied after a completed inning, then the game will be completed at a later date, schedule permiting.

8.   Make-up games or completion of suspended games will be scheduled by WPLL officials.

9.   Interpretation of any rule along with the removal or modification of any rule listed above is at the sole discretion of the WPLL Board.

10.   Any rules not covered by the rules above shall be governed by the "Official Rules of Little League Baseball".