We are currently updating MWCLL local playing rules for all divisions

MWCLL Minor Division (Manager/Machine Pitch)Local Playing Rules

What follows are the specific local playing rules adopted by the Board of Directors for Manager-Pitch Division for 2017 season. 
All other rules of play are addressed in the Rulebook of Little League Baseball edition for the 2017 season.  
(LPR: Local League Playing Rule)

THE GAME:

LPR 1)              The outfielders must play in the grass in an “umbrella” arrangement. The outfielders will be positioned in left, left-center, right-center, and right field.  No outfielder shall be positioned to play a “short outfield”, defined, as by playing positioned behind the infielders.  Outfielders must be in the outfield grass at the time a pitch is delivered.  If a fielder is not in the proper position, the umpire will declare “no pitch, dead ball” and instruct the managers of both teams to comply.  In the event of subsequent violations during the game, by either team, then the umpire will declare an “illegal pitch”, making the ball dead and not be counted as a pitch against the batter’s count.  All infield positions must be fielded, including the pitcher and catcher.

LPR 1.1)           Outfielders are not permitted to field any batted ball on the first play on that ball unless that batted ball was batted into the outfield.  An exception is permitted when an infielder is backing up an infielder, but the infielder must have attempted the play first.

LPR 2)              There are two pitching positions, the “designated pitcher” and the “playing pitcher”. The designated pitcher is a manager or coach of the offensive team. The playing pitcher is a member of the defensive team. The designated pitcher may remain on the field after the ball is put into play, making sure not to interfere with the ball, runner or fielder. The umpire has the option of calling coaches’ interference, which will result in the runner being called out. The umpire has the option of stopping play due to inadvertent contact.

LPR 3)              The designated pitcher will remain quiet from the beginning of the pitch until time is called. Any instruction called out during the pitch or play will result in an out with the ball becoming dead and no further play permitted. The designated pitcher may correct the batter’s positioning, but only if s/he is not in the pitching circle.  Once in the pitching circle the designated pitch may not leave until after a pitch is delivered.

LPR 4)              The playing pitcher may stand to the left or right of the designated pitcher and have at least one foot located in the pitching circle. The designed pitcher must pitch from within the pitching circle, unless   a “special circumstance” for any particular batter(s) is discussed with the plate umpire BEFORE THE GAME. This is intended to accommodate a possible need to shorten the pitching distance due to a player’s handicap.  The plate umpire, BEFORE THE GAME BEGINS MUST approves any changing of the pitching distance.

LPR 5)              A complete game will consist of 6 innings.

LPR 5.1)           A complete game will be declared if after 3 1/2 innings the home team is ahead by 12 runs or more.

LPR 5.2)           A complete game will be declared if after 4 innings the visiting team is ahead by 12 runs or more.

LPR 5.3)           A game must meet one of the requirements above in no more than 90 minutes. If it does not it will be declared a “dead game” and the managers must report this to the VP of the league to determine if the game will be rescheduled.

LPR 6)              Rained out games will be made up on the discretion of the league President.

LPR 7)              There is no 15’ foul arc.

LPR 8   )           There are no walks in this league.

LPR 9)              All catchers must wear a catcher’s mask and chest protector, and protective cup.

LPR 10)            The manager is responsible for the conduct of themselves, as well as their players and

coaches.  Managers are to set a proper example of sportsmanship for parents and other

spectators.  See LL Rule 9.01 (f).

LPR 11)            The manager is the only person authorized to discuss calls with the umpire. Under no circumstances will arguing with the umpire be allowed, this applies to players, coaches, and fans. Violation of this will result in enforcement of LL Rule 9.01 (f).

LPR 12)            The “infield fly rule” will not be used in this Division.

LPR 13)            Players may play no more than two (2) consecutive innings in the same position. Each player shall also play in both infield and outfield positions during the course of the game. It is up to the manager to create a fun and learning environment where the child can grow on their experience in little league baseball. Managers are expected to comply with any request by an umpire to enforce this rule. Failure to comply with this rule will result in the suspension of play with the Umpire-in-Chief supervising the resumed game.

BATTERS / RUNNERS:

LPR 14)            When the ball is put into play the runner may be put out on a properly executed play.  In the event that a play on a runner results in an overthrow, but the ball remains in the playing field the runner may advance one base at his or her own risk.  If the additional base is reached safely, then play shall cease on that player.  Play may take place on any other player for which play is appropriate.  In any event no runner shall advance beyond the second base they achieved.

LPR 15)            All batters will be given a maximum of seven (7) pitches or four (4) strikes. A batter is out after seven (7) pitchers or four (4) strikes whichever comes first.  Foul balls will count towards the pitch count; however, the fourth-foul ball will not count as the fourth strike. All pitches count towards the pitch count.  If the seventh pitch is batted foul, the at bat continues until the batter either strikes out or puts the ball in play.

LPR 16)            All players bat in a continuous batting order.

LPR 17)            A half inning is over when three outs have been made or eight runs have been scored.

LPR 18)            No bunting is allowed. The batter must complete a full swing. If in the umpire’s opinion it is a bunt, the batter is out, and the play is dead, no runners may advance.

LPR 19)            A batter throwing the bat is automatically called out, play is dead, and the runners can make no advances. Before this rule is enforced, the umpire shall issue a warning to both teams immediately after the first violation. Any subsequent violation shall result in the rule being enforced.

LPR 20)            Runners cannot leave the base until the ball is put into play by the batter.  Penalty: runner is out.