HRCLL FARM AA
Please remember this is a developmental level. Please make sure that players are allowed and encouraged to try different positions on the field and in the batting order. There will be plenty of time in the future for them, and you, to play to win.
General
Minimum league age is 7 to participate in this division.
All players must be in uniform (hat, jersey, pants (no shorts), socks, and sturdy shoes (no Crocs or
open-toed shoes).
Catchers must wear a cup. Uniform shirts must be tucked in.
It is ok to play with as few as 7 players in this division. If any fewer, then the teams must
reschedule.
Level 10 Saf-T-Soft balls are to be used at all times in this division.
Game Time & Scoring
There is a 90 minute time limit. No inning will start after the 90 minute limit. If an inning starts before the time limit, then it will be completed.
Five-run rule will apply and there is no “mercy” rule.
The offensive coach serves as umpire and stands behind the pitcher to call balls/strikes.
Please keep pitching warm-ups to a reasonable length ~7 pitches.
Umpiring
The offensive coach serves as umpire and stands behind the pitcher to call balls/strikes.
The offensive coach is also responsible for calling outs on the base path
Field Prep
Both teams are responsible for raking out the field and cleaning up garbage after the game. Also, both teams should work together to prepare the field for games on Saturdays. Portland Parks will line the fields on weeknights.
Fielding
Maximum 10 defensive players on the field at any one time, 9 is preferred. If there is a 10th player, then they should be a rover in the outfield. Players must play one of the 9 designated positions of baseball.
Coaches are encouraged to be on the field (limit 3) to assist with direction when your team is playing defense.
It is ok to teach players, especially those in the outfield, to cover empty bases and back up throws. However, at this level we should be teaching the players to move back to their designated position after the play is completed. They should not “camp out” on the bag or in the runner’s path.
Offense
All players on the roster will bat in order until there are three (3) outs OR five (5) run limit has been reached. When either of these is met, then the sides will change at that moment. The batting order will continue on from the point in the order where the last batter was retired in the previous inning. If a player must leave, then their batting position will be skipped. No other penalties will apply.
Stealing of bases, leading off, and bunting are not allowed in this division.
Base runners are to stop at the base they are approaching once the ball crosses the plane of the infield. Base runners will NOT advance on an overthrown or missed ball. If a runner tries to advance after the ball breaks the play, they must return to the base they were advancing from.
Pitching
The game will be played with the first two innings as “Coach Pitch”. Each batter will get three good stirkes, which the pitching coach will call out as strikes so it is clear to both teams what the current count is.
During coach pitch, one knee is acceptable, but not required. The coach should pitch at the rubber or just in front of it. Please try to throw the ball on a line. Try to avoid “lobs”. There is absolutely no side toss, underhand toss, or use of a tee during the game.
Beyond pitching, coaches are to not touch the ball. They can direct players, but they should not run to a base or the plate to cover a position.
After two innings, the game becomes “Player pitched”. After 4 called balls, pitched by a player, the offensive coach will step in and pitch while assuming the batter’s count. Regular “coach pitch” rules will then apply (See above)
If a batter is hit by a pitch while a player is pitching, then play is stopped (“dead ball”) and the batter will take his/her base.
If a pitcher (player) hits more than two batters in an inning, or hits more than 3 batters total during the game, then he/she will immediately be removed from the position of pitcher and a new pitcher will be substituted.
Little League pitch count rules apply (see attached rule sheet). The home team will keep pitch count for both teams.
All kids and coaches will pitch from a 40-ft mound. If some kids need to move up a little that is okay given opposing coach approval. If some kids want to move back, that is also allowed.
Teams can warm up the pitcher with any player who has a cup and wears a catcher’s mask, until the designated catcher has all of their equipment on and is ready to then go out and warm up the pitcher.