News and Announcements
Little League® International has assembled an online resource page dedicated to baseball bat information, that includes the latest bat information, current Little League Baseball® rules and regulations governing bats, and a series of frequently asked questions.
As of January 1, 2018, the new USA Baseball Bat Standard was implemented. USABat Standard bats must be used in the Little League Major Baseball Division and below. Either USABat Standard bats or BBCOR bats must be used at the Intermediate (50/70) Baseball and Junior League Baseball Divisions. At the Senior League Baseball Division, all bats must be meet the BBCOR standard. Little League-approved baseball bats that were approved for use for the 2017 season will no longer be acceptable for use in any Little League game or activity as of January 1, 2018. For more information on the USABat standard and a complete list of bats approved through the USABat Standard, visit usabat.com.
Important Note: These changes only affect baseball divisions and don’t affect any divisions of softball.
Regular Season / Tournament
Divisions: All divisions of Baseball, Softball, and Challenger
Synopsis: Defines Dead Ball Area
Rule 2.00
DEAD BALL AREA is the area beyond any intended physical boundary, such as a fence, rope, chalk line, any stands, bleachers, dugouts, player’s benches, or designated media areas, or any other boundary line as determined in the pregame conference. If a ball becomes lodged in a fence, backstop, umpire’s equipment, or catcher’s equipment, it is considered to be in a dead ball area.
Divisions: All divisions of Baseball, Softball, and Challenger
Synopsis: Intentionally deleted Rule 3.11. Rule 4.13 remains and provides the same guidance concerning number of games per day for teams.
Rule 3.11 – Double Headers
Little League (Major) Division: A team may play one (1) doubleheader in a calendar week. No team shall play three games in a day. (Exception under condition of Rule 4.12.)
Tee Ball and Minor League: No team shall be scheduled to play two games in one day. (See Rule 4.12).
Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior League: Doubleheaders are permitted.
Divisions: All divisions of Softball
Synopsis: Provides guidance on how a pitcher may remove himself/herself from the pitcher’s plate after the hands have been brought together while in contact with the pitcher’s plate.
Rule 8.01 (g)
A.R. 2 – For the pitcher to remove himself/herself from the pitching position after the hands have been brought together but prior to the start of the pitch as noted in 8.01(k), the pitcher must legally step back from the pitcher’s plate with the pivot foot first.
Divisions: All divisions of Baseball and Softball
Synopsis: Provides guidance on when the pitcher’s hand may come in contact with the pitcher’s mouth or lips.
Rule 8.02(a)(1)
Baseball:
(1) bring the pitching hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in contact with the pitcher’s plate. EXCEPTION: The pitcher may bring the hand in contact with the mouth or lips while in the 10-foot circle (Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior: 18-foot circle) surrounding the pitcher’s plate provided he/she distinctly wipes off the pitching hand before contacting the ball.
Softball:
(1) apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball, pitching hand, or fingers. The pitcher may bring the hand in contact with the mouth or lips provided he/she distinctly wipes off the pitching hand before contacting the ball. Under the supervision of the umpire, powder rosin may be used to dry the hands; NOTE: A pitcher may use a rosin bag for the purpose of applying rosin to the bare hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust the ball with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to their glove or dust any part of the uniform with the rosin bag.
PENALTY: Illegal Pitch – See 8.05(b).
Divisions: All divisions of Baseball and Softball
Synopsis: Provides guidance on what is considered a visit to the pitcher.
Rule 8.06
Baseball:
A.R. 1 – When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change, it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager makes the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive player. Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior: This applies when a pitcher moves to another position and returns as a pitcher later in the same game.
Softball:
A.R 1 – When a manager requests timeout to make a pitching change, it shall not be considered a visit to the pitcher provided the manager makes the pitching substitution prior to speaking to any defensive player. This applies when a pitcher moves to another position, Junior/Senior: or removed from the game, and returns as a pitcher later in the same game.
Tournament Rules and Guidelines
Divisions: All divisions of Baseball and Softball
Synopsis: Restricts the number of adults in the dugout or on the field to one manager and one coach when a tournament team has eleven (11) or fewer eligible players are at the game site at the start of a game.
Managers/Coaches in the Dugout
If a tournament team has twelve (12) or more eligible players in uniform at the game site at the start of a game, then the maximum of three (3) adults who are named on the affidavit (or authorized replacements as noted on the affidavit) will be permitted to act as manager/coaches for that game. However, if a tournament team has eleven (11) or fewer eligible players in uniform at the game site at the start of a game, then a maximum of two (2) adults must be named at the start of the game as manager and coach. The two named adults must be listed on the affidavit, or must be authorized temporary replacements as noted on the affidavit. If there is a third adult listed on the affidavit, that adult is not permitted to be in the dugout or on the field during that game. NOTE: Base coaches may be adults and/or players provided at least one adult manager or coach remains in the dugout. See 4.05(b).
Divisions: All divisions of Baseball and Softball
Synopsis: Revises the date for tournament schedule submission to be two (2) weeks prior to the start of tournament or June 15, whichever is earliest.
Schedules
Each District Administrator must finalize tournament schedules two (2) weeks prior to the start of the tournament or June 15 (whichever is earliest). Schedules for each level (District, Section, Division, State, Regional) must utilize Little League International approved single elimination brackets, double elimination brackets, modified double elimination brackets, or pool play/elimination format with pool play tie breaker format as noted in this section. All other tournament formats must be approved by the Tournament Committee. NOTE: Schedules shall not be altered once a tournament starts without Tournament Committee approval.
Divisions: All divisions of Baseball and Softball
Synopsis: Added a rule concerning tie games after 6 innings for 8- to 10-, 9- to 11-, and Major Division, and 7 innings for Intermediate (50-70) Division, Junior, and Senior League Divisions.
Tournament Rule 14
TIE GAME: When the completion of six innings [Intermediate (50-70) Division/ Junior/Senior League: seven innings] and the score is tied, the following tie-breaker will be played to determine a winning team:
a. The seventh inning [Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/Senior League: eighth inning] will be played as normal.
b. Starting in the top of the eighth inning [Intermediate (50-70) Division/Junior/ Senior League: ninth inning], and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half inning being placed on second base. EXAMPLE: If the number five batter is the lead-off batter, the number four batter in the batting order will be placed on second base. An eligible substitute or special pinch runner may be inserted for the runner.
The safety of all our participants is our utmost concern, and, like the vast majority of youth organizations, Little League® requires our batters to wear helmets that meet National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) specifications and bear the NOCSAE stamp.
As the popularity of helmet attachments (c-flap, etc.) increase throughout baseball and softball, Little League® International has begun to receive inquiries from our families, players, and volunteers as to whether or not they’re permitted in Little League play.
Altering a helmet in anyway (drilling holes, removing padding, etc.) may cause a manufacturer to void the NOCSAE certification of that helmet, making it illegal to use in Little League play. If you have altered your helmet or intend to, please contact the helmet manufacturer to determine if altering the helmet will void the NOCSAE certification.
What are helmet attachments?
Helmet attachments are products that are sold separately from helmet, that you, the consumer, are responsible for attaching to the helmet. They include the “c-flap,” and similar face guards which is a hard-plastic extension that attaches to the ear-flap of a batter’s helmet.
How is this different from a facemask?
A facemask is an attachment that covers the entire face and typically does not require the helmet to be altered by drilling holes into the helmet to attach the facemask. Many manufacturers sell helmets with a facemask already attached that are NOCSAE certified.
Can we use them?
In order to use a helmet attachment in Little League play, the helmet manufacturer must provide a notice indicating that affixing the protector to the helmet has not voided the helmet’s NOCSAE certification. That notice must be shown to the umpire prior to the game. Little League International has issued a letter to all youth batting helmet manufacturers for clarification on whether or not adding to their helmets voids their NOCSAE certification.
If the manufacturer’s response is not listed below and/or if you have not received a notice, or the notice is not available, helmets with an attachment are not permitted to be used.
What’s NOCSAE?
The mission of the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) is to commission research in sports medicine and science and establish standards for athletic equipment, where feasible, this includes batters’ helmets. Little League International regulations mandate that helmets meet NOCSAE specifications and bear the NOCSAE stamp.
Why can’t we use them without manufacturer approval?
According to NOCSAE, adding “products to a helmet previously certified as meeting the appropriate NOCSAE standard will make the certification voidable by the helmet manufacturer. Such additions to the helmet create a new and untested model, as defined in the NOCSAE standards.” You can read their release at NOCSAE.org. Little League is asking manufacturers to clarify whether or not their helmets with an added attachment are still NOCSAE certified, and therefore, permitted for Little League use.
Below is a full list of manufacturer responses and guidance on whether or not their helmets are still NOCSAE certified if an attachment has been added to the helmet:
The League Age Determination Date, Age Charts Decides a Player’s Division
Using detailed participation research, interviews, and real-world common sense, Little League® International learned that parents, players, and volunteers wanted to see Little League become, as a whole, a younger program, and give children an easier way to play Little League with their friends and classmates.
Since the research concluded, Little League revamped its Tee Ball program, established a Coach Pitch Program, restructured its teenage divisions, and changed its residency requirements to allow children from four years old to 16 to play in the league where their school is located.
Within Little League Baseball® and Little League Challenger Division®, Little League also adjusted the League Age Determination Date helped to achieve the goal of making Little League younger. The league age of a Little Leaguer® for these divisions is based on the player’s age as of August 31 of the current year. This date is the same that many schools in many states use for student registration, which allows Little Leaguers to play with their classmates.
Little League structures its divisions to allow children to participate in various divisions based on their league age, so that players and parents can have an enjoyable Little League experience. This provides flexibility to play on more than one regular season team at the Major division or above (e.g. rostered on a Major League Division and Junior League Division team), as well as being tournament eligible based on league age. Learn more about tournament eligibility.
All divisions of Little League Softball® will continue to use January 1 as its Age Determination Date
Age Charts and League-Age Calculator
Before players can put on their Little League uniform, they need to determine their league age.
Little League International publishes official age charts that are the best way to determine a player’s League Age. The Little League Softball age chart and the Little League Baseball age chart can be found on LittleLeague.org. This is a great, easy-to-use resource, but all League Ages should also be confirmed using the appropriate age chart.
Another way to find a child’s age for the upcoming season is to use the League-Age Calculator.
Players in the Little League Challenger Division® and Senior Challenger Division also are placed according to their League Age using the Little League Challenger Division age chart. The Senior Challenger Division offers any physically or intellectually challenged child over the age of 15 the opportunity to enjoy the Little League experience.
Divisions of Little League and League Finder
Little League’s baseball and softball divisions do have slight differences regarding the age classification of players that overlap, allowing players to play at the division of play based on their age and experience. Often, the number of players registering to play in a given season allows each local league to structure their offerings based on the age groupings of the players in their league, in accordance with Little League rules and regulations. This allows all participants, from Tee Ball and Coach Pitch through Majors and Senior League, to have the ability to create their own fun, meaningful memories.
Once you find out your Little Leaguer’s current league age, the next step is to find out if there is a Little League program near you home. To locate a local Little League, use the League Finder tool. A quick search of the League Finder can put you in contact with a League President or Administrator in your area.
Question: How do I know what league my child will play in?
Answer: When a local Little League® program is formed, it must submit a league boundary map. The boundary map serves several purposes within the Little League program, including maintaining a community environment within the league. Streets and areas are specifically outlined, and no local league boundary can overlap or encroach on another chartered Little League’s boundary. To find the league that you can participate in, use Little League’s League Finder tool. Enter your zip code or that of your child’s school to find out the league territory where your Little Leaguer should play. Once you get to your registration, check the league’s boundary map to make sure you’re registering your child for the correct league.
Question: What are boundaries?
Answer: When a local Little League program is formed, it must submit a league boundary map. The boundary map serves several purposes within the Little League program, including maintaining a community environment within the league. Streets and areas are specifically outlined, and no local league boundary can overlap or encroach on another chartered Little League’s boundary. This ensures that community feel parents want.
There are three options for where Little Leaguers can play: Kids whose primary residence is within the local league’s boundary can play for that hometown league, they can play for the league where their school is located, or kids from divided homes may choose to play in a league in whose boundaries either parent/guardian resides. Learn more in Local League Boundaries: What Parents Need to Know.
Question: Does my league offer online registration?
Answer: Little League International has partnered with DICK’S Team Sports HQ, powered by Blue Sombrero, to provide technology services to local leagues, and your league may use online tools to allow parents and guardians to register players through the league’s website. Many of these leagues have a secure page through their website that allows for online payment. Look at the league’s registration flier or advertisement to find out the website address. If you can’t find the website, call the league or a league official to inquire.
Question: What is my child’s league age and in what division can he/she play?
Answer: Your child’s league age can be determined by referring to the Little League Age Calculator. The age determination dates are different for baseball and softball, so be sure to use the correct calendar. After checking your child’s league age, consult Little League’s Division of Play page to see in what division your child is eligible to play in this season. Not all local leagues offer all Little League divisions, so be sure to ask your league officials what options are available for your child.
Question: What documents and forms do I need to bring with me?
Answer: Check out the Little League Rules page on LittleLeague.org for more details on what to bring to establish your residency or school enrollment and age. Any player wishing to participate in the Little League program may do so by way of either residency or school enrollment to determine their league eligibility based on Little League’s boundaries regulations. Residency, per Little League Baseball and Softball, is the address of either parent or legal guardian of the participant from between February 1 (previous year) to February 1 (current year). School enrollment is defined by the physical location of the school that the participant attends on or before October 1 of the previous year.
Annually, during a local league’s player registration, a parent or legal guardian of a potential Little Leaguer® are required to provide a minimum of three personal documents that are used to establish the residency of the child. Residency documents are collected according to three categories. Or complete the School Enrollment Form to verify eligibility through school enrollment.
