Calgary North West Little League - Guidelines

The American Division is intended to be a recreational division and it is not the intention of the League to subject the children to fierce competition. It is intended to provide instruction in the fundamentals of baseball and stress sportsmanship and fair play.

In general the American Division rules will be consistent with the Minor League and Tee Ball 2004 Official Regulations and Playing Rules as published by Little League Baseball. NWLL has decided that some departure from the rules is in the best interest of the development of the boys and girls. The exceptions and additions to the rules include:

1) The Fair Play Policy will be in effect. All players shall receive the same amount of playing time, divided equally amongst infield and outfield positions.

2) Coaching: Adult coaches may coach the offensive team at 1st and 3rd bases provided they are accompanied by a player coach (with helmet).

3) Curfew: No new inning shall commence after 8:00 PM.

4) Tie Games shall be counted as Tie Games (i.e., no extra innings).

5) Pitching: The offensive team will provide an adult pitcher. The pitcher must pitch from within the pitching circle. The adult pitcher may wear a baseball glove, shall not coach while on the field and shall not interfere with the play. Interference shall be determined at the discretion of the umpire. All pitching is to be overhand unless specific exceptions are identified to the plate umpire.

6) Batting Order: The batting rotation shall consist of all players present at each game. Late players shall be added to the bottom of the batting order.

7) Number of Players:
a) Defensive: Maximum of ten (10). The tenth (10th) player is to be positioned as a fourth (4th) outfielder or shortstop between 1st and 2nd base.
b) Offensive: All players present at the game are inserted in the batting order. When players arrive late for the game they shall be entered at the end of the batting order.
Note: Teams must have a minimum of eight (8) players to start a game. If a team is only able to field eight (8) players at the start of the game, the ninth (9th) batter shall be declared out when it is the ninth (9th) batter's turn at bat. A team which cannot field at least eight (8) players shall forfeit the game. NWLL strongly recommends that the teams involved use their scheduled time to play a "fun game".

8) Defensive Play: The player playing the defensive pitcher's position must function as follows:
a)Field the hit ball as per conventional baseball.
b)Must remain within five (5) feet of the pitcher's circle until the ball has been thrown.
c)Must THROW (not roll) the ball to any base to execute an out rather than run to the base.

9) Strikes: One of the main objectives of the American Division is that the ball be put into play by a hit. On the other hand, games cannot be unduly held up by a batter who refuses to swing. Umpires shall give one warning before calling the first strike. A second warning shall be given before calling the second strike. On the third strike, one warning shall be given before calling the player out upon failing to swing at a subsequent pitched ball in the strike zone.

10) Batter: A batter can only advance to first (1st) base upon hitting the ball and not if the player is hit by a pitch. Walks are not permitted.

11) Base Running: Runner(s) may advance to the next base at their own risk while the ball is in play. However, once the player-pitcher has the ball thrown to him/her and is within the ten (10) foot pitcher's circle, the play is dead and runners cannot advance. The runners must then go to their respective bases as designated by the umpire. In interpreting this regulation, if a player is less than half way to the next base, the player must go back to the base most recently occupied; if past the half way point, the runner may advance to the next base without risk of being put out. Runners may not advance on a pitched ball unless the ball is hit (i.e., no stealing of bases).

12) Throwing of Bats: A batter who throws a bat will be given a warning the first time and if he does this again he will be called out. The umpire shall instruct the scorekeeper to mark the player and remind the umpire the next time the player bats.

13) Umpires: The home team shall be responsible for recruiting a home plate umpire and visiting team shall be responsible for recruiting the base umpire.

14) Five-Run Rules: The maximum number of runs that can be scored by the offensive team in any inning is five (5). Scorekeepers MUST advise the Home Plate Umpire when five (5) runs have scored.

15) Scorekeepers: Each team shall provide a scorekeeper. The Home Team scorekeeper is the Official Scorekeeper. Scorekeepers are encouraged to consult frequently during the course of the game. Scorekeepers will have the Home Plate Umpire sign the scorebook after the game.

16) Bunting is not permitted.

17) Mandatory Playing Rule: Every player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of 3 innings. Defensive submissions may be made each time the team takes the field.

Penalty: The player(s) involved shall start the next scheduled game and play any previous requirement not completed and the requirement for this current game before being removed.

The manager shall for the:
First Offense - receive a written warning
Second Offense - A suspension for the next scheduled game
Third Offense - A suspension for the remainder of the season.

Note: If the violation is determined to have been intentional, a more severe penalty may be assessed by the Board of Directors.

NWLL's objective is to ensure all players receive an equal opportunity to develop their skills. That said, it is recognized that each team manager must have the discretion to handle disciplinary and safety concerns.

18) Makeup Games: Should the game be unable to be played for any reason, the Manager of the Home team shall be responsible to call the Commissioner who will then reschedule the game. All make-up games should be rescheduled as soon as possible, ideally, within the same week that the original game was scheduled.

19) Reporting of Game Results: Game results must be forwarded by the home team to the league statisticians within twenty-four (24) hours via the scoresheet on NWLL's website at www.nwll.org.

NOTE:
- No on-deck circle
- No head first sliding; runner to be called out unless returning to a previously occupied base