"The rule book is much too cumbersome to reference in the moment.  When there's a contentious moment I usually confer with the other umpires if there are any, then I'll tell the coaches what I saw, listen to their point of view, announce my final ruling, and move on.  Don't debate."  - Gerry (Fall '25 after 3 seasons of experience)

What's Expected?

While umps are the arbiter of the rules, they are not responsible for the regulation of all rules.  The following will not be the responsibility of the umpire to track and monitor:

• Equipment Checks

• Pitch Counts

• Pitcher eligibility due to days rest and pitch count

• Substitutions including courtesy runners, etc.

• Minimum play violations

• Batting order violations

• Keeping track of successful steals of home when limited

If any of the above are brought to the umps attention by a team manager, then it is the umps responsibility to enforce the rule.  Umps, make sure you cover this in your plate meetings.

Recent Rule Changes

Rules

The rules of the game follow the book rules of Little League Baseball.   What follows is a condensed and simplified  interpretation of those rules.

Fall Ball Rules

Fall baseball doesn’t fall under the purview of Little League, therefore we play by District 2 Fall Ball rules. 

FLL League Options

1.01, 4.04, 4.16, 4.17, & 6.05 - Minors and Majors may start and continue a game with only 8 players without having to forfeit.  The team merely plays short handed.  If a team knows ahead of time that they will be short players, they may request the requisite number of players from the Player Agent utilizing the Player Pool.  If a team has less than 8 players at any time, the game is forfeited and does not count for Tournament Team eligibility.  The missing 9th player in the batting order shall be skipped over without penalty.

1.04 - Juniors may play with 80 or 90' bases

3.04 - A courtesy runner for catchers and/or pitchers when there are 2 outs is allowed.  A courtesy runner is also allowed in the Minors when there are 4 runs.  

4.10c2 (A.R.) - Regulation will be

Intermediate/Jr/Sr:  book regulation (7 Innings if not called or extended by a tie) with no time minimums or maximums

Majors:  book regulation (6 Innings if not called or extended by a tie) with no time minimums or maximums

Minors Kid Pitch:  Whichever comes first, book regulation (6 Innings if not called or extended by a tie) or 2 hours and 30 minutes with no new inning starting after 2 hours

Minors Coach Pitch: Whichever comes first, book regulation (6 innings if not called or extended by a tie) or 2 hours with no new inning starting after 90 minutes

Tee Ball: Whichever comes first, 4 Innings or 1 hour

4.10e - The run rules apply even when it is the visiting team that has the advantage

15 runs after 3 [4 for Intermediate/Jr/Sr]

10 runs after 4 [5 for Intermediate/Jr/Sr] 

8 runs after 5 [6 for Intermediate/Jr/Sr]

4.19g - Minor league protests need to be resolved before the next pitch

5.07 - The 5 run rule (Minors Kid Pitch only) applies in the last inning up until 5/4.  After 5/4 the last inning as determined by the umpire is unlimited.

6.02c - The batter is allowed to step out of the box with one foot so long as the pitcher hasn't started their motion

6.05b2 - the uncaught 3rd strike rule applies in the Majors

9.01d - stealing signs is considered unsportsmanlike behavior

9.04a - while we prefer the plate ump to call the game from behind the plate, the umpire is allowed to call the game from behind the mound

we will use CBO in the regular season as it is required in tournament play

Rules of note

Strike Zone

The 3D area above the plate from the batter's armpits to the top of their knees when assuming a natural stance

Double First Base aka Safety Base when applicable

• The batter must use the colored base unless it's an extra base hit or there is no play being made at first

• After the runner has safely reached first base, they must return to the white base.

Foul Tip

Definition: a batted ball that goes directly into the catchers glove and is caught

• It's a live ball situation; runners don't need to tag

• Always results in a strike even if it's strike 3

Infield Fly (Rule 2.00)

• a pop up that can be caught in the infield  with ordinary effort

• less than 2 outs

• runners on 1st and 2nd or 1st, 2nd, and 3rd

• Ump should immediately yell "infield fly" or if the ball is near the baseline "infield fly if fair"

Interference (Rule 3.15, 3.16, 6.05g, 6.05h, 6.05j, 6.05l, 6.06c3, & 7.09)

Definition: the act of an offensive player that interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders, or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play.

• Always a dead ball

• If the ball touches an offensive player in fair territory, the player is out unless the ball was deflected by the defense or if the runner is hit while running behind the field in an effort to avoid the play. (7.09k)

• Any fan, coach, player, or other interference shall be remedied at the umpire's discretion (3.15 & 3.16)

• EXCEPTION: The batter is not out if they fail to make a reasonable effort to get out of the way on a play at the plate that results in the player being out at home. (6.06c3)

"Must Slide Rule" (Rule 7.08a3)

This rule is often debated.  There is no "Must Slide Rule".  It specifically says that in the rule book.  There is no "Must Avoid Contact Rule".  The rule states, "[Any runner is out when] the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag".

Obstruction (Rule 7.07)

Definition: the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball, impedes the progress of any runner.   A fake tag is considered obstruction.

• If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the umpire should call "Obstruction" in the moment.  However, it is a live ball with runners being protected to the next base as determined by the umpire.

• If a play is being made on the obstructed runner or if the batter is obstructed before reaching 1st base, then it's a dead ball and the umpire should award the bases to the runners that they believe they would have obtained should obstruction not have occurred.  However, the obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base last legally touched before obstruction.

Runner's Lane when applicable

• The batter is required to run with both feet within or on the lines for the last half of the distance to first base

• It's the umpire's discretion if running outside of the lines amounts to interference.  

Uncaught 3rd Strike (Rule 6.00)

• Applies in the Majors division and above

• 1st base is unoccupied or there are 2 outs

Division Play

• Sr (same as Jr with the following notations)

  • • • Mandatory play rules do not apply

      • Courtesy Runners with two outs only

      • Wooden or BBCOR (can't be less than -3) bats

• Jr (same as Intermediate with the following notations)

• Intermediate (same as Majors with the following notations)

  • • • Pitchers can return to the mound provided they remained on defense; only allowed once per game

      • Balks apply

        • pitcher must come to a discernible stop (8.01b)

        • can step and throw directly at a base (8.01c)

        • other than the above, the pitcher must step off the rubber first before any other action that is not part of their pitching motion

      • Foreign Substances (8.02)

        • The pitcher may not bring their hand to their mouth while on the rubber and may only do so in the pitching circle if he/she distinctly wipes off their pitching hand.  The penalty is a "ball" call.

      • leading off and stealing is allowed

      • Run Rules (4.10e)

        • If after 5 1/2 innings the home team is ahead by 8 or more runs, the visiting team shall concede.  If the visiting team is up by the same margin at the start of the 6th inning, the home team shall concede.

      • Obstruction shall also include that of any defensive player stepping on or in front of the plate without possession of the ball during a squeeze.  The batter gets 1st base and the runner is safe at home. (7.07)

      • Wooden or BBCOR bats

      • Run rules are all 1 inning more than lower divisions

• Majors (Same as Minors Kid Pitch with the following notations)

  • Uncaught 3rd strike rule applies

  • only allowed 3 in the outfield

  • There isn't a 5 run/inning limit

• Minors - Kid Pitch (Same as Minors with the following notations)

  • • • The ball is dead when the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitching circle

      • Pitching

        • See the Rule book or Pitching Guide for Pitch Count limits and Days of Rest

        • If a pitcher reaches their pitch count during an at bat, they can complete that at bat

        • Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days

        • Pitcher/Catcher relationship

          • Any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.

          • A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more at the start of a new at bat may not return to the catcher position. 

          • Pitchers may not play catcher if they have thrown 41 or more pitches at the start of an at bat

        • Once removed from the mound, a pitcher can’t return

        • Uniform & equipment

          • Undershirts if visible must not be gray or white

          • Wrist bands on the throwing hand are illegal

          • The pitcher’s glove can not be substantially white in color or distracting

        • Balks aren’t called

        • Intentional walks are allowed

          • Balls that would have been thrown count toward the players pitch count

          • The same batter may only be intentionally walked once per game

        • 2 mound visits/game, 1/inning without having to make a substitution

        • Lesser of 1min or 5-8 warm up pitches between innings.  Coaches can catch.

        • Pool players may not pitch

        • Players in the Minors who are League Age 12 are not permitted to pitch

      • Infield fly rule applies

      • Stealing

        • through 5/10

          • stealing is only permitted on passed balls as defined at the plate meeting

          • only 1 successful steal of home/half inning

          • runners may advance on unsuccessful throws back to the pitcher

        • after 5/10

          • stealing will be allowed as soon as the ball reaches the catcher

          • no stealing can occur when the pitcher has control of the ball on the mound and the catcher is in position

          • unlimited steals of home

• Minors 

  • No stealing or leading off 

  • No head first sliding unless it is back to a bag

  • 4 outfielders are allowed if agreed upon by the coaches.  (The District only allows this for Coach Pitch and below)

  • 3 outs or 5 runs max/half inning, whichever is reached first

  • unlimited substitutions

  • Minimum defensive playing time

    • ≤ 3 inning game = 3 outs

    • ≥ 4 inning game = 6 outs

    • if the above isn't met due to the game ending early, that player must start the next game 

      • Minors only Run Rules (4.10e)

        • 10 runs after 4

        • The district voted not to implement 15 runs after 3 and 8 runs after 5

    • Minors - Coach Pitch (Same as Minors section above with the following notations)

      • Pitching

        • 8 good pitches/batter.  An additional pitch is granted if the eighth pitch is fouled off or is determined to be a significantly errant pitch that the batter did not swing at.

        • Pitch from within 10' of the pitching rubber

        • Pitches must be thrown overhand (except for softball)

      • any batted ball that comes into contact with the coach or any equipment in the vicinity of the pitching mound is a dead ball single and the runners advance 1 base

      • no extra bases on overthrows

      • base runners may continue to advance on balls hit to the outfield until the ball is returned to the infield.  Runners that have advanced at least halfway to the next base when that occurs shall be awarded the next base.  Defensive plays may still be made on runners that have advanced at least halfway.

      • An optional 3rd coach may assist the catcher

    • Tee Ball

      • there are no strikeouts

      • every batter is safe regardless of any defensive plays

      • the entire order bats every inning

      • the last batter in the order runs all the bases thereby pushing all runners home

      • It is permissible to pitch to a batter.  If doing so, the batter gets 3 pitches and if they don't get a hit, then they hit off the tee.

Softball Exceptions

• Majors

  • runners may vacate their base when the ball is released by the pitcher

• Minors

  • a batter is only considered hit by a pitch if the ball hits the batter on a fly.   Bounced pitches that hit the batter are counted as balls. 

• The Circle Rule

  • When the pitcher is in possession of the ball in the circle and is not making a play (for purpose of the rule, feinting a throw is considered a play), all runners off their bases must immediately attempt to advance or retreat. Immediately, is interpreted to mean within a three-second time frame. 

• Strike Zone

  • While the book strike zone is the same, in practice the top of the strike zone feels more like it is below the letters because the pitch angle causes the ball to rise

Fogle Tournament

See Section III of the Fogle SOP

All Stars

See the District 2/Tournament Central website

See the Little League Rulebook /Tournament Playing Rules

Ground Rules

Staley Stadium

• The infield tarp if stored along the outfield fence is out of play

• The landings outside the dugouts are out of play

7th Street (aka Max Kehne)

• No new inning may start after 9 PM

• Lights must be turned off by 9:45 PM (per the City of Frederick)

• PA system is allowed on the weekends only in the regular season

• PA system is allowed throughout the post-season

• PA system must be off by 9:45 PM

Weather

Once the game starts, it is the umpire's discretion to call a game for darkness or weather.  The lightning policy is mandated and must be followed.  Other weather conditions should at a minimum cause you to consider modifying the game such as allowing more time between innings to cool down or frequent stops to wipe off the ball and tend to slick surfaces.

• Wet conditions that may cause the ball to slip out of a pitchers hand or cause runners to slip and fall.

• Wind Chill Temperature is below 36℉

• Heat Index is over 90℉

• Sustained winds greater than 25MPH

• Lightning

  • If lightning or thunder is observed immediately suspend the game/practice

  • If lightning is determined to be w/in 10 miles clear the field, dugouts, and any structures that could attract lightning.  You can use an app to do this or count the seconds between the flash of lightning and the sound of thunder.  Anything less than 50 seconds is w/in 10 miles.

  • Wait 30 minutes from last lightning strike to resume play/practice

Pitch Count Resource

Printable 1 Page Pitching Guide

Other Leagues

Other leagues sometimes have their own rules and interpretations.  It can be helpful to be aware of that and discuss differences at the plate meeting.  Here are some of the differences we're aware of:

Brunswick

Four County

• Defensive Players are not allowed to line up in the base path

Frederick American

Montgomery County

Mountain Valley

Thurmont

• Generally penalizes the runner for any collisions as in Rule 7.08a3 ("Must Slide" Rule).

Travel/Tournament teams such as the Bulls

Rules vary widely by tournament. In general, the default is USSSA rulebook.

Future Stars (Hershey) Rules

Common modifications include:

• Permitted bats (specifies illegal bats and makes all other bats legal). Typically, the rule is all USA cert bats are OK, including wood, and USSSA bats with a BPS rating of 1.15 are OK.  We don't recommend tournaments with no BPS rating restriction because of the propensity for injuries.

• Pitch counts: most tourneys don't have them at all. Some have innings caps (like eight innings for the whole weekend). 

• Balks: very few enforce balks below 12U, but most will issue a warning and explanation every time. Some tourneys we play do warnings on Saturdays and then full enforcement on Sundays.

• Age checks: usually, if an opposing manager requests to see a player's birth certificate, there's a fee they have to pay. Sometimes it's $25, sometimes it's $100.

• Run rules: Most do 12 after 3, 10 after 4, and 8 after 5. But some do 15 after 3.

• Time: Almost all do no new inning after 1:45, with the championship having no time limit.

• Extra base on walks: most prohibit this under 12U. 

• Head first sliding is allowed at all divisions

• Second mound visit = remove pitcher

• Subs: most make the manager declare a Classic or Continuous lineup pregame. Classic = 9 guys hit and field, and once they're subbed out they're done for that game. Continuous = everyone bats, and you can sub and move guys around as much as you want. The benefit of Classic is you can pinch run for any hitter with any sub at any time, whereas with Continuous, it's only P and C,  and only using the last batted out.

Printable Rules for Umps