Calgary North West Little League - Guidelines

The National Farm 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 National Farm Division rules will be consistent with the Minor League and Tee Ball 2004 Official Regulations and Playing Rules as published by Little League Baseball. NW & Cochrane Little League have 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 8:15 PM unless the minimum four (4) innings have not been played or unless the score is tied. One extra inning should be played to break a tie. If the score is tied upon darkness falling or failing weather conditions, the score from the first inning of the next game between the two teams shall be counted towards the tied game to determine a winner. The first inning will count towards its own game also. If no subsequent game is scheduled between the two teams, the game shall be referred to the Division Commission for resolution.

4) Pitching Distance: The pitching distance shall be forty (40) feet.

5) Pitching Rules:
a) Any player on the team roster may pitch.
b) If a player pitches in less than four (4) innings, one (1) calendar day of rest is mandatory. If a player pitches in four (4) or more innings, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed. A player may pitch in a maximum of six (6) innings in a calendar week, Sunday through Saturday. Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched in an inning.

c) A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch again in the same game.
d) Not more than five (5) pitchers shall be used in one game. Exception: In the case of injury to a fifth (5th) pitcher, an additional pitcher may be used.

NOTES:
1) Innings pitched in games declared "no contest" or "Regulation Drawn Games" shall be charged against pitcher's eligibility for that week. If resumed in the following week or weeks, pitcher of record may continue up to six (6) innings or to the extent of their remaining eligibility for the current calendar week.
2) Re-scheduled games are considered played on the actual date the game is played and NOT on the originally scheduled game.
3) All league teams require a Pitching Control roster which MUST be used and kept up to date. After each game, each manager will verify and then sign the opposing teams' Pitcher Roster. Any player in a game illegally will result in forfeiture of such game automatically by the offending team. Such games will not be replayed.

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) 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.

8) 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.

9) Mercy Rule: In the event a team is losing by ten (10) or more runs after completion of four (4) innings or three and a half (3½) if the home team is ahead, the manager of the losing team MAY concede defeat.

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

11) 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.

12) Number of Players: 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.

13) Stealing of bases is permitted once the pitched ball has crossed the plate.

14) Bunting is permitted but bunting foul on the third strike constitutes an out.

15) Pitcher must be on the pitching rubber with the ball and catcher behind the plate to stop runner advancement.

16) Umpire may call the Infield Fly Rule if s/he feels confident in doing so - decide before the start of the game.

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.

Little League'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 should be forwarded to the league statisticians within twenty-four (24) hours by using 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.
Revised - April 12, 2004