We are currently updating MWCLL local playing rules for all divisions

MWCLL Minor Division (player pitch) Local Playing Rules


What follows are the specific local ground rules adopted by the Board of Directors for Minor League Division for 2107 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)

LPR 1) STRIKE ZONE:  The plate umpire may adopt an optional strike zone. This optional zone is defined  

as follows: The strike zone shall be Vertically from the batter’s shoulder to knee, and horizontally to 3” from each side of the plate. Note: This is a recommended zone, and that the plate umpire may enforce the zone of the Rulebook.  This must be discussed at the pre-game meeting of the umpires and coaches.  Following the Mid-Season break however, the strike zone as defined in the Rulebook (LL Rule 2.00 “Strike Zone”) will be called to prepare the players for tournament play.

LPR 2) SCORING LIMITATION: The offense shall score no more than five (5) runs per inning, per Little

League definition of an inning, Rule 2, Definition of Inning.  When such occurs play shall cease at the awarding of the fifth (5th) run and the inning shall be considered to be ended.  This is the point at which the next inning shall be considered to have started.

LPR 2.1) In the event a game begins the 6th inning, the scoring limit is removed.

LPR 3) PROTESTS: Protests must be resolved before the next pitch. Failure to do so results in forfeiting the

opportunity to file any protest.

LPR 4) Pursuant to Little League Rules [Rule 4.16; 4.17] games may NOT be played with less than nine (9)

players. Once a game has begun with the regulation number of players, any player arriving late will be added to the bottom of the batting order. In the event a player is ejected from the game, the game may NOT continue if the roster of available players has gone below the nine (9) required to play.  This regulation applies also in the event of an injury to a player results in not having the required nine (9) players. In the event that the required number of players is not available the game is suspended (if it has begun) or is postponed (if it has not yet begun), the managers are to reschedule the game with the Vice-President of the Division.

LPR 5) Two adult base coaches may be used, per LL Rule 4.05.

LPR 6) Adults are not permitted to warm up a pitcher between innings, either on the field or in a bullpen area.

LPR 7) Manager and coaches must stay in the dugout area and may not be on the field of play, unless coaching a

base. Please note Rule 4.05 in the Little League Rulebook regarding when a coach or manager may and may not be on the playing field.

LPR 8) Per LL Rule 1.01 no more than nine (9) players shall be on defense. 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 award a “ball” to the count on the batter.

LPR 9)  LL Rule 3.03 is modified in that the managers may freely substitute defensive players.  The

requirement for minimum play remains in effect in that all players shall have at least six (6) defensive outs.  Pitchers may not return to pitch once removed from pitching.

LPR 10) BATTER-RUNNER ADVANCING ON A BASE ON BALLS:   Any batter-runner may advance

beyond first base on a base on balls ONLY without breaking stride and making a turn toward second base.  Stopping, hesitating or retreating forfeits any advancement; however, the runner remains at risk to be put out by a play made by the defensive team.

LPR 11) There shall be a two (2) hour time limit for each game.  The plate umpire shall announce the

“official start time” of the game at the first pitch made.  No inning will begin with less than ten (10) minutes before the end of the two (2) hour time limit.  See the Little League Rule Book, Rule 2.00, definition of “inning” for description as to when an inning begins.

LPR 12) All players are to wear a protective athletic cup, regardless of the position being played.