Changes to the 2008 Regular Season Pitching Regulations

For Baseball Divisions of Little League®

Regulation VI – PITCHERS –

(a) Any player on a regular season team may pitch. (NOTE: There is no limit to the number of pitchers a team may use in a game.)

(b) Players once removed from the mound may not return as pitchers; Junior, Senior, and Big League Divisions only: A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

(c) The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position:

League Age 17-18 / 105 pitches per day

13-16 95 pitches per day

11-12 85 pitches per day

9-10 75 pitches per day

7-8 50 pitches per day

Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in Regulation VI (c) for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning. NOTE: A pitcher removed from a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

(d) Pitchers league age 16 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

• If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest, and a game (see e. below), must be observed.

• If a player pitches 41 - 60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest, and a game (see e. below), must be observed.

• If a player pitches 21 - 40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest is required.

Pitchers league age 17-18 must adhere to the following rest requirements:

• If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest, and a game (see e. below), must be observed.

• If a player pitches 51 - 75 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest, and a game (see e. below), must be observed.

• If a player pitches 26 - 50 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 1-25 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must is required.

(e) A player may not pitch in consecutive games. Exception – League Age 16 and under - A player may pitch in consecutive games if 40 or less pitches were delivered in the previous game. League Age 17-18 - A player may pitch in consecutive games if 50 or less pitches were delivered in the previous game.

(f) Each league must designate the scorekeeper or another game official as the official pitch count recorder.

(g) The pitch count recorder must provide the current pitch count for any pitcher when requested by either manager or any umpire. However, the manager is responsible for knowing when his/her pitcher must be removed.

(h) The official pitch count recorder should inform the umpire-in-chief when a pitcher has delivered his/her maximum limit of pitches for the game, as noted in Regulation VI (c). The umpire-in-chief will inform the pitcher’s manager that the pitcher must be removed in accordance with Regulation VI (c). However, the failure by the pitch count recorder to notify the umpire-in-chief, and/or the failure of the umpire-in-chief to notify the manager, does not relieve the manager of his/her responsibility to remove a pitcher when that pitcher is no longer eligible.

(i) Violation of any section of this regulation can result in protest of the game in which it occurs. Protest shall be made in accordance with Playing Rule 4.19.

(j) A player who has attained the league age of twelve (12) is not eligible to pitch in the Minor League. (See Regulation V – Selection of Players)

(k) A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day. (Exception: In the Big League Division, a player may be used as a pitcher in up to two games in a day.)

NOTES:

1. The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is announced, or after a warm-up pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a violation. Little League officials are urged to take precautions to prevent protests. When a protest situation is imminent, the potential offender should be notified immediately.

2. Pitches delivered in games declared “Regulation Tie Games” or “Suspended Games” shall be charged against pitcher’s eligibility. 3. In suspended games resumed on another day, the pitchers of record at the time the game was halted may continue to pitch to the extent of their eligibility for that day, provided said pitcher has observed the required days of rest.

Example 1: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on the following Thursday. The pitcher is not eligible to pitch in the resumption of the game because he/she has not observed the required three days of rest.

Example 2: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on Saturday. The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game because he/she has observed the required three days of rest.

Example 3: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes two weeks later. The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game, provided he/she is eligible based on his/her pitching record during the previous three days.

NOTE: The use of this regulation negates the concept of the “calendar week” with regard to pitching eligibility.

 

 

YOU CREATE THE ATMOSPHERE  

Inappropriate behavior has many consequences that include offending umpires, offending other parents or family members in the stands, creating a "mob mentality," and of course, if left unchecked, creating a culture that changes from a family atmosphere to one of hostility.
   But the one consequence that is probably worse than the others is the example that is set.  How can we tell our kids what is inappropriate behavior if we are not willing to set the example ourselves?
    The overwhelming majority of Delta Little League fans have come to realize that everyone working in Little League is a volunteer.  The volunteer umpires try their best and when the fan doesn't agree with the umpire's call, we "grin and bear it" because we know the volunteer umpires are not professionals and they are not intentionally trying to cheat for one side versus the other side.
   If you are a parent who is frustrated by a coach, your course of action should be to first have a one-on-one conversation with that coach.  If you remain dissatisfied, you have the option of talking to a board member for clarification and guidance.  But you should never take out your displeasure in front of everyone, especially the kids.
   Every year we have new parents come into the league.  Every year we have one or more parents who need to be reminded that this a GAME, played for FUN, by kids for KIDS. 
   Remember the fact that you are one of the owners of this Little League. But there are some things that you cannot buy.  There are some things you cannot physically build.  There are things that have to come from within.  No doubt this league has great character.  But every year poses a new challenge.  A new set of parents/fans to get through to.  Most of us are very passionate about keeping our league's character in check.  We believe we are the best in the district, no doubt.  But we need for each and every one of you to be vigilant when it comes to negative conduct such as yelling at your kids in a negative manner, yelling at the coach because you don't like what he/she is going, or making a scene when the umpires make a call that you do not agree with.  We simply do not do that here.  We are smart enough to realize that all of these folks are volunteers that do not get paid….and are trying their best.
   If you see someone creating a scene or booing an umpire, tell him or her we do not do that here.  And if they ask you why it’s that way, tell them that you are one of the owners of this Little League and you simply don’t allow that type of behavior because it’s a game played by our children, for fun.  YOU CREATE THE CULTURE.

 

MANAGERS, COACHES, UMPIRES

Delta LL is always looking for managers, coaches and umpires. If you would like to get involved with the game on the field, here is your chance. A Megan’s Law background clearance is required by all volunteers with repeated contact with the players. No one is allowed on the field with the players until the background clearance is received by the president of the league. Volunteer forms are available from all managers

Umpiring is the most thankless job in Little League. No matter what you say, at least 50% of the fans don’t like your call. This is true even for the best umpires. Managers and coaches are the primary umpires for “lack of an alternate choice”. This prevents managers/coaches from spending much needed time from teaching the kids the game of baseball (and their families). We could use more parents out there--Dads and Moms...yes, women are very good umpires. Don’t forget that umpires get a free meal from the snack bar after “umping” a game!! An umpire incentive program is being worked on!!!!! Details to come later!!!!!

TEAM PARENTS, SCOREKEEPERS, SNACK BAR MANAGERS, WORK DAYS

Opportunities to get involved... Team parents help with a little of everything. They might make calls for the manager, help organize the main fundraiser for the team, help with snack bar assignments, get the information from the league out to the parents, help with sales of dinner dance tickets, etc. etc. It is a little like a room parent at school!!

Scorekeepers are a very important part of the game. Not only do they keep the game score, but also the records of players minimum play requirements, attendance at games, injuries, warnings, and games called for various reasons. The player agent relies on the scorebook to give him/her the information they need to help with player issues and even to qualify for all-star play. Don't be afraid to try. Delta and District 8 staff will teach anyone interested in learning how to keep score. We are always in need of scorekeepers!!! It is fun and you know exactly what is happening during a game!!

Snack bar managers agree to manage one night or Saturday shift each week and work under the Sanck Bar Coordinator and his/her assistant. A team of managers can split the shift and make it every other week or what schedule works. Managers are responsible for running the cash register and opening/closing the snack bar with help from the parent volunteers. This is a very social position too... You will know more players
and what foods they like!!

Work days are for anyone--everyone. We schedule just a couple of work days to get the fields ready for the season. We also have special projects planned. If you like to work outdoors at a baseball field, we have opportunities for you!!

www.meganslaw.ca.gov