Deland Little League BYLAWS & LOCAL RULES

Revised and approved by the BOD January 20^th 2021

ARTICLE I – DeLand Little League (DLL)

Section 1 - Formation of the League

As designated by Little League, Inc., a league named DeLand Little League (“DLL”) is hereby established (League id# 3091903) to conduct baseball and softball programs in the DeLand/Lake Helen FL area.

Section 2 - League Information

Mailing Address: P.O. Box 773 Deland FL 32724

Section 3 - Geographical Area

DeLand and Lake Helen area as dictated by boundary map maintained by the District 19 Board of Directors (BOD).

ARTICLE II – MEMBERS OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Section 1 - Officers

In addition to the officers set forth in Article VII of the Constitution (President, Vice- Presidents, Secretary, Treasurer), additional voting positions on the Board of Directors (BOD) shall include all Board members as listed in Article III of these bylaws. All voting member’s attendance will be monitored and may be called into question by the President if there is a reasonable belief normal League business is being negatively affected. As a result, the President may ask for the removal of the deficient member’s right to vote, or the removal of the deficient member from the BOD by the voting members.

Section 2 - Additional Officers and Agents

The President may appoint, with the approval of the BOD, such other officers, and agents, and Committees as may be appropriate for the needs of the league.

ARTICLE III – OFFICERS, CHAIRS & COMMITTEES

Section 1 - Duties and Responsibilities of Officers and Chairs

President - Presides over all DLL meetings and represents DLL at district meetings. He/She shall conduct the affairs of the Local League and execute the policies established by the BOD; provide leadership and ensure the members of the BOD perform their duties as prescribed in the bylaws, present a report of the condition of the Local League at the Annual Meeting; communicate to the BOD such matters as deemed appropriate, and make such of suggestions as may tend to promote the welfare of the Local League; be responsible for the conduct of the Local League in strict conformity to the policies, principles, Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball, Incorporated, as agreed to under the conditions of charter issued to the Local League by that organization; designate in writing other officers, if necessary, to have power to make and execute for/and in the name of the Local League such contracts and leases they may receive and which have had prior approval of the BOD; investigate complaints, irregularities and conditions detrimental to the Local League and report thereon to the

BOD or Executive Committee as circumstances warrant; as well as prepare and submit an annual budget to the BOD and be responsible for the proper execution thereof. With the assistance of the VP of Ops, examine the application and support proof-of-age documents of every player candidate and certify to residence and age eligibility before the player may be accepted for tryouts and selection. The president shall have the authority to decide ordinary matters connected with DLL. This position shall not be held by a manager in the Major or  Minor divisions.

Vice President (VP) – Baseball Operations - reports directly to the President. Presides over all DLL meetings and may represent DLL at District 19 meetings in the absence of the President. Works with other officers and committee members as needed, as well as working with and/or supporting the Coaching Coordinator, Division Coordinators, Scheduler, and Equipment/Uniform Manager as needed.

Treasurer - Reports directly to the President. Duties include: performing such duties as are herein set forth and such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Treasurer or may be assigned by the Board; receive all monies and securities, and deposit same in a depository approved by the Board; keep records for the receipt and disbursement of all monies and securities of the Local League, including the Auxiliary; approve all payments from allotted funds and draw checks therefore in agreement with policies established in advance of such actions by the Board, (all disbursements by check must have dual signatures); prepare an annual budget, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Board at the Annual Meeting; prepare an annual financial report, under the direction of the President, for submission to the Membership and Board the Annual Meeting, and to Little League Headquarters; coordinates and receives all mail.

Secretary - Reports directly to the President. Duties include: being responsible for recording the activities of the Local League and maintain appropriate files, mailing lists and necessary records; perform such duties as are herein specifically set forth, in addition to such other duties as are customarily incident to the Office of Secretary or as may be assigned by the Board; maintain a list of all Regular, Sustaining and Honorary Members, Directors and committee members and give notice of all meetings of the Local League, the BOD and Committees; keep the minutes of the meetings of the Members, the BOD and the Executive Committee, and cause them to be recorded in a book kept for that purpose; conduct all correspondence not otherwise specifically delegated in connection with said meeting and shall be responsible for carrying out all orders, votes and resolutions not otherwise committed; notify Members, Directors, Officers and committee members of their election of appointment. Coordinates the planning, setup and required background checks for DLL; coordinates the mandated background check review for DLL BOD members, parents, and volunteers based on Little League, Inc.’s Volunteer Eligibility regulation.

Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) - Reports directly to the President. He/She shall coordinate (paid and volunteer) DLL umpires for Senior, Junior, Major, and Minor leagues. This position is not designed to have the UIC umpiring games, unless an emergency deems it necessary.  The UIC provides schedules, calculates and monitors payment to all umpires; recruits umpires and provides training sessions with reference to Little League Baseball, Inc. and DLL playing rules; Distributes copies of playing rules and is responsible for the management, inventory, maintenance and distribution of umpire equipment; Establishes umpire performance standards and initiates changes, as needed; Provides input for local playing rules of DLL and assists with any umpiring problems, as needed and reports directly to the President.

Coach Coordinator - Reports to the VP of Operations. He/She shall represent coaches/managers in league, assist the VP of Ops with running skill assessments for the players, present a coach/manager training budget to the BOD; gain the support and funds necessary to implement a league-wide training program; order and distribute training materials to coaches and managers; coordinate mini clinics as necessary; serve as the contact person for Little League and its manager-coach education program for the league.

Safety Officer –Reports to the President. Is responsible to create awareness, through education and information, of the opportunities to provide a safer environment for youngsters and all participants of Little League Baseball; develop and implement a plan for increasing safety of activities, equipment and facilities through education, compliance and reporting; define a process to assure that incidents are recorded, information is sent to league/district and national offices, and follow-up information on medical and other data is forwarded as available as well as being responsible for preparing and submitting the annual DLL Safety Plan to Little League Inc. and District 19. Also is responsible for collecting the Manager/Coach/League evaluation forms from all teams and reporting information back to the board.

Player Agent  – Reports to the VP of Baseball Operations. He/She assists the VP of Ops with annual skill assessments and drafts as well as assists the Coaches Coordinator with any training and/or clinics for managers, coaches or players. Tracks and posts division standings and pitcher eligibility. If needed, verifies lineups, score books and/or pitch counts and pitcher eligibility for protests. Is responsible for responding to any non-coaching questions/issues from the managers, coaches and parents from their respective division. In charge of rescheduling rainouts or postponed games; includes scheduling the fields and working with the UIC and notifying both managers and VP of Ops. This position cannot be held by a Manager within the same division. 

Equipment Manager – Reports to the VP of Operations. He/She is responsible for management, inventory and maintenance of existing equipment; the purchasing and disbursement of all necessary equipment to all team managers prior to the season; obtains and distributes new equipment and supplies to all teams in accordance with team needs prior to and during the season; and, as required by team needs, obtains and distributes equipment, and special orders for all All-Star teams for tournament play.

Scheduler – Reports to the VP of Operations. He/She shall create a practice schedule for all teams prior to the start of the season that includes 1-2 assigned practices per week at a specified field. He/she creates a game schedule for all teams in each division. Completed schedules will be given to the VP of Operations who will distribute to all managers.

Sponsorship Coordinator – Reports to the Treasurer. He/She will act as the DLL representative with the purpose of seeking league sponsors and maintaining working relationships with existing sponsors; sell advertising space in the Roster Book to merchants and businesses, and provide the Roster book Coordinator with all sponsor information.  Is responsible for the purchasing, management and inventory of all uniforms for managers, coaches and players provided by DLL; distributing team uniforms to the team parents at the team parent meeting prior to the season. Also, will reorder as needed for special sizes and oversee the ordering of shirts and hats for parents that purchase additional items not provided by the league. They are responsible for the purchasing and distribution of all Little League required patches, including All- Stars and the purchasing and distribution of All-Star uniforms for managers, coaches and players.

Concessions Coordinator - Reports to the Treasurer. He/She shall oversee all concession responsibilities of the Snack Shack; the cashiering, recording and deposit of all monies, as directed by the DLL Treasurer. Making sure that the Snack Shack is opened and closed each game day and collecting all monies for deposit. Included in the responsibilities shall be overseeing the ordering of supplies, scheduling of volunteer workers, and tracking of volunteer time. The Snack Shack Coordinator shall be assisted by the Snack Shack Opener, Buyer and Scheduler.

Registrar - Reports directly to the President. He/She assists the President with official correspondence, Registrar duties that include: organizing and supervising DLL registration night; collects all player fees and volunteer commitment checks, reviews all player applications for completeness; processes all late player applications; identifies and attempts to resolve incomplete applications; processes refund requests; prepares and organizes all documentation for tryouts and draft nights; updates team roster changes throughout the season as notified by the VP of Ops; Works with other officers and committee members as needed, as well as working with and/or supporting the Volunteer Coordinator.

Volunteer Coordinator – Reports to the Treasurer. He/She organizes the team parent meeting prior to the start of the season; coordination with designated League Officers who will make presentations, the updating and assembling of information packets to distribute to Team Parents, and advising Team Parents regarding the organizing of volunteer participation for each team. Responsible for tracking volunteer participation hours and the distribution of volunteer check deposits at the end of the season to parents that have fulfilled their volunteer commitment. The Volunteer Coordinator is responsible for distributing all Manager/Coach/League evaluation forms to team parents.

Information Officer – Reports directly to the President. He/She shall manage the league’s official home page; assign administrative rights to league volunteers and teams; ensure that league news and scores are updated on a regular basis; collect, post and distribute important information on League activities including direct dissemination of fund-raising and sponsor activities to Little media; serve as primary contact person for Little League and myteam.com regarding League Baseball, district, public, league members and optimizing use of the Internet for league administration and for distributing information to league members and to Little League Baseball.

Also assists the President with official correspondence, Registration duties that include: organizing and supervising DLL registration; collects all player fees and volunteer commitment checks, reviews all player applications for completeness; processes all late player applications (if applicable); identifies and attempts to resolve incomplete applications; processes refund requests; prepares and organizes all documentation for tryouts and draft nights; updates team roster changes throughout the season as notified by the VP of Ops; Works with other officers and committee members as needed, as well as working with and/or supporting the Volunteer Coordinator.

Section 2 - Committees

The BOD may appoint an Executive Committee which shall consist of not less than three (3) or more than five (5) Directors, one of whom shall be the President of DLL.

Disciplinary Review Committee shall be appointed as necessary by the President. Manager/Coach Selection Committee shall include all voting board members and any non-voting members that President appoints.

Article IV – Registration/Fees

Section 1 - Fees

Registration fees are based on the financial needs of DLL and are determined by the BOD. DLL shall request annual registration fees and shall publish the fees prior to the date on which player registration occurs. A late registration fee of $25 may be assessed on all applicants registering after registrations has closed. Additionally, a “nonsufficient funds” (NSF) fee shall be assessed on applicants that submit a check or other form of payment that is not honored by the representative financial institution. In consequence, the player(s) will not be allowed to participate in DLL activities until the entire debt is paid in full, including the return check fee of $25.

Section 2 – Refund Policy of Registration Fees

Any player, who resigns and their parent/guardian wishes to request a refund of registration fees, must submit the request for refund in writing via email to the Player Agent. After receiving the refund request, the Registrar will verify the refund amount and forward to the treasurer to issue the refund. No refunds will be processed without a written request. The amount of the registration fees returned will be based on the following criteria: 100% prior to draft, 50% after draft and no refund after Opening Day. All refunds will be mailed by the Treasurer after Opening Day.

Section 3 - Fee Waiver

It is the policy of DLL and Little League Baseball, Inc., that the inability to pay registration fees should not prevent a player from participating in the DLL Program. Members who cannot afford to pay registration fees shall notify the President in writing, and scholarships may be granted at the discretion of the President. The President shall treat all such applications confidentially and shall take such steps as necessary to assure that the annual registration fee policy does not keep a player from participating. However, applicants that have any portion of their registration fees waived, will be required to participate in fundraiser activities and volunteer hours (including the volunteer fee), as those responsibilities are not waived. The volunteer commitment for the family of a player that has had any fee waiver is increased to 12 hours, (the additional 4 hours must be fulfilled by working the in the concessions). 

ARTICLE V – FINANCIAL POLICY

Section 1 – Expenditures

The BOD, prior to purchase, shall approve all expenditures in excess of $100 for unbudgeted items. Any expenditure over $100 must be presented and approved by the BOD before the purchase is made. Any expenses over $100 may not be reimbursed if not presented and approved by the BOD before purchase. All expenses must have a receipt for the item(s) attached to a letter detailing what the expense is and who made the purchase. Both must be turned into the Treasurer for reimbursement. Any reimbursement submitted without a receipt and/or explanation of the purchase, may not be granted.

At the beginning of each season, the Treasurer shall submit a budget to the BOD for expenditures during the upcoming season. This budget shall be submitted for approval at the December BOD. Any additional unbudgeted expenditure in excess of $100 that is incurred during the season shall be submitted to and approved prior to purchase, by a majority of the BOD.

Article VI – Selection of Managers and Coaches

Section 1 - Manager/Coach Selection Committee

The Manager/Coach Committee shall interview and investigate prospective managers and coaches for all divisions, and recommend acceptable candidates to the President, for appointment and subsequent approval by the Board. The policies are:

a. There is no seniority or tenure in serving as manager or coach.
b. All appointments expire at the conclusion of each season.
c. Appointments are an administrative matter and not subject to intervention by the membership.
d. All managers and coaches are directly responsible to the BOD.
e. Any manager that was suspended during a previous season shall not be considered for a Manager position. They may, however, apply for a coaching position, but are not given any tenure.
f. Any manager or coach that was suspended after review of their actions by the BOD, (not as a result of an ejection of a game), shall not be eligible to manage and/or coach with DLL.
g. There is no appeal process for reconsideration.

All prospective managers and coaches must submit a completed Manager/Coach Application and/or a completed Volunteer form; including a copy of a photo ID, and pass a background check prior to approval and tryouts.

The committee shall, during the playing season, observe the conduct of the managers and coaches and report its findings to the President and the BOD. It shall, at the request of the President or BOD, investigate complaints concerning managers and coaches and make a report thereof to the President or BOD as the case may be.

Section 2 - Coach Selection by Division

Major Division - Coaches shall be selected prior to the player draft from the approved coaches list. If required by extenuating circumstances, the President may appoint a coach in the absence of a selection by the Manager.

Minor Division - Coaches shall be selected prior to the player draft from the approved coaches list. If required by extenuating circumstances, the President may appoint a coach in the absence of a selection by the Manager.

Machine Pitch Division - Coaches shall be selected prior to the player draft from the approved coaches list. If required by extenuating circumstances, the President may appoint a coach in the absence of a selection by the Manager.

T-Ball Division - Subject to the approval of the BOD, Managers may select and designate two coaches prior to Opening Day from the approved coaches list. If required by extenuating circumstances, the President may appoint a coach in the absence of a selection by the Manager.

All Managers must notify their appropriate division coordinators who they have selected as their coaches. The division coordinators must submit all coach selections to the VP of Ops who will seek approval of the selections from the BOD. In the event that an approved coach resigns his/her duties, the manager must make another selection, notify the division coordinator, and then the BOD must vote to approve the replacement coach, PRIOR to the coach taking the field.

Article VII – Player Draft and Selection

Majors (ages 10-12) - All baseball age 10, 11 and 12 year old players who have completed registration must be selected in the Major draft. Baseball age 9 year olds are eligible for the Major division on an Exception basis only and must be approved by the League’s Player agent. All players must attend at least 50% of the Player Evaluation event to be eligible to play in the Majors division. Any player who does not participate in the skill assessments will be a random placement at the end of the draft.

Minors (ages 8-10) - All baseball age 8, 9 and 10 year old players who have completed registration must be selected in the Major draft. Baseball age 7 year old's are eligible for the Major division on an Exception basis only and must be approved by the League’s Player agent. All players must attend at least 50% of the Player Evaluation event to be eligible to play in the Minors division. Any player who does not participate in the skill assessments will be a random placement at the end of the draft.

Machine Pitch (ages 5-8) - All baseball age 5-8 year old players who have completed registration may be selected in the Machine Pitch draft. All players must attend at least 50% of the Player Evaluation event to be eligible to play in the Machine Pitch division. Any player who does not participate in the skill assessments will be a random placement at the end of the draft.

T-Ball (ages 4-6) - All remaining baseball 6 year old players who completed registration are to be placed in the T-Ball division with all 5 year old players. There will be no tryout or draft for this division.

***Children whose parents have requested to play in a division outside of the division of their age must attend any skill assessment the safety committee recommends in order to be eligible to be placed in the requested division.

Section 1 - Skill Assessment/Player Evaluation Day/Draft

All players who have completed registration and are eligible to play in the Machine Pitch, Minor, and/or Major divisions must attend a skill assessment session. The goal of DLL is for equal and fair competition. In order to achieve this, an adequate evaluation of potential players must take place.

Skill evaluations will take place as follows:
1. All players must have a medical release on file prior to participating in the skills assessment (Part of the Registration process)

2. All players, including manager and coach’s children are expected to participate in the assessment days.

3. Each player that participates in the skill assessment shall have an opportunity to bat/bunt, field fly balls, field ground balls, throw, pitch and run in competition with players in the same league.

4. There is no skill assessment for the T-Ball division.

5. Weather can cause cancellation of the Player Evaluation day and may not be rescheduled to prevent delay of beginning season (as uniforms must be made, practices held ahead of opening day).

Section 2 - Player Selection (Draft)

A. Major Division draft shall be held first, following the player evaluations.

B. Minor division draft shall be held after the Major division draft.

C. Machine Pitch division draft shall be held after the Minor division draft.

D. Player assignment of T-Ball teams shall be made by the T-Ball Player Agent.

Major division draft - each Major team will have a manager prior to draft. Draft order is to be determined by blind selection. Once the order is established, the player selection draft shall proceed in a serpentine manner. In the first round, according to the order established, the first team will draft first and the last team will draft last. This should also be followed for every odd-numbered round. At the end of the first round the order will reverse. In the second round and every even-numbered round, the order will reverse, with the last team drafting first and the first team drafting last. Managers children must be drafted within the first three rounds. It is to be noted which coaches have been approved on the draft list. Coaches are to be selected by managers during the draft and will need final Board approval after completion of the draft.

Minor division draft - each Minor team will have a manager prior to draft. Draft order is to be determined by blind selection. Once the order is established, the player selection draft shall proceed in a serpentine manner. In the first round, according to the order established, the first team will draft first and the last team will draft last. This should also be followed for every odd-numbered round. At the end of the first round the order will reverse. In the second round and every even-numbered round, the order will reverse, with the last team drafting first and the first team drafting last. Managers children must be drafted within the first three rounds. It is to be noted which coaches have been approved on the draft list. Coaches are to be selected by managers during the draft and will need final Board approval after completion of the draft.

Machine Pitch division draft - each Machine Pitch team will have a manager prior to draft. Draft order is to be determined by blind selection. Once the order is established, the player selection draft shall proceed in a serpentine manner. In the first round, according to the order established, the first team will draft first and the last team will draft last. This should also be followed for every odd-numbered round. At the end of the first round the order will reverse. In the second round and every even-numbered round, the order will reverse, with the last team drafting first and the first team drafting last. Managers children must be drafted within the first three rounds. It is to be noted which coaches have been approved on the draft list. Coaches are to be selected by managers during the draft and will need final Board approval after completion of the draft.

T-Ball teams - each T-Ball team will have a manager and 2 coaches approved prior to receiving their team rosters. The T-Ball Player Agent will assign players to teams. Any requests for placement will be accommodated, if possible. Teams will be placed with 10-11 players per team.

Section 3 - Parental Approval (all divisions)

Managers must have parent/guardian approval to draft a child in a higher division than requested by the parent/guardian on the registration form.

Section 4 - Roster Limit

Unless otherwise provided by these rules, no team shall be permitted to carry more than twelve (12) players during the season. However, in the event that the total number of eligible players in the league will require player expansion and thereby exceed the twelve-player rule, the DLL Board shall make a determination as to player expansion for all teams or some of the teams, in order to place the player(s) on a team. In the Major division approval of a 13th player must have written approval of the district administrator.

Article VIII – Player Retention and Replacement

Section 1 - Player Claim – Machine Pitch, Minors, and Majors Leagues

Purpose: This format creates the ability to keep partial teams in tact, while filling in remaining roster slots with the draft format.  This also incentivizes coaches and players to be part of DLL year round, while reducing the number of players who are evaluated during the player evaluation/draft, and keeping the “core” of teams together enhancing player and team development.

Process: For each league a returning coach, or coach moving up to a new league, may lay “claim” to up to 3 players from his previous seasons’ team.   These players are not eligible to be picked by another manager provided they:

• Are the son/daughter of the Team manager
• Played for the manager during the previous season
• Have not taken a season off (continuously play in the fall and spring seasons)

A coach is not required to lay “claim” on players, and any coach who decides not to claim from his previous team, or a new coach, will be allowed to draft their first three picks (or until they have claimed and drafted 3 players) ahead of coaches that have already claimed 3 players.

In the event multiple coaches claim fewer than the maximum allowed, the coach with the fewest claimed will draft first. In the event multiple coaches have the same “fewest number” of claims a “blind card draw” will be used to determine order, just as it will once all team managers have 3 players either claimed or drafted.

Example:

Coach A – Claims 3 players

Coach B – Claims 3 players

Coach C – Claims 3 players

Coach D – Claims 1 player

Coach D will get the first 2 two picks, before random draw draft order is put into place.

A Blind card draw will then determine the order which moves in the below “snake” format, until all players are selected. 

1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1,1,2,3,4,4,3,2,1….

A manager may not skip his/her turn in the draft and must pick a player if one is available, including the final round.

Player Trades are not allowed.

The claim format will increase to 4 in the fall of 2018, and be capped 5 in the spring of 2019 and all seasons going forward.

Article IX – Scheduling Section 1 - Opening Day

Opening day shall be scheduled at the discretion of the DLL Board.

Section 2 - Suspended Games and Tie Games

Suspended games and games that end in a tie may be re-scheduled by the Player Agent in all divisions.

Section 3 - Rainouts

The Player Agent of each respective division shall be responsible to reschedule rainout games at the first available opportunity as fields and umpires are available. All rainout games will be rescheduled regardless of their bearing on the standings. Teams without 9 players on the date of the rescheduled game will forfeit the game. However, if both teams fail to have 9 players, both teams will be charged with a 0 – 0 loss. For Minor and T-Ball Divisions, all rainout games will be rescheduled by the Player Agent based on field availability.

Section 4 –Game Time

Major Games shall play so that no new innings begins after 2:30 of play

Minor games shall play so that no new inning begins after 1:45 of play.

Machine Pitch games shall play so that no new inning begins after 1:15 of play.

T-Ball games shall be limited to three innings.

Section 5 - Official Game Time

For Major and Minor divisions, the Umpire will log the official starting time for each game as determined by the umpire. An inning begins when the third out of the previous inning is made; however, no inning may start after the official game time has lapsed for each respective division. Once an inning begins, it shall be played to conclusion unless called for dangerous playing conditions (thunderstorms, broken sprinklers, field condition). The Umpire or board member on duty may make this determination.

Article X – Playing Rules

Section 1 - Official Rules

A copy of the Official Regulations and Playing Rules (Green Book) published by Little League Baseball, Inc., as well as the DLL Bylaws & Local Rules, shall be provided to each Manager and coach prior to the first game of the regular season.

Section 2 - Playing Rules

All home teams will occupy the dugout on the 1st base side. All visiting teams shall occupy the dugout on the 3rd base side.

Bat Policy: All bats used must comply with Little League approved bat list. Any bat used which is not on the approved list, is to be removed from the game. The batter is deemed automatically out and the coach is subject to suspension.  It is the coach’s responsibility to ensure his team is only using approved bats.

A. Major Division

Home/Away

• Home Team (Field first) is first base dugout: Responsible to remove the mound covers, put out bases, and provide at least 5 league-provided game balls. If you are the last game on your field, you are responsible to cover the mound and put the bases back in the stairway.
• Away team is third base dugout and bats first

UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT

• Players are expected to wear league provided uniforms and hats. All shirts are to be tucked in at all times.
• NO METAL cleats or screw in football cleats are permitted
• Catchers are REQUIRED to wear proper catching gear/equipment – Catcher glove, Helmet with mask, Chest protector, and shin guards will be provided by league. Protective Cups are recommended
• Batting Helmets are mandatory for hitting but do NOT require safety masks and chin straps
• No color gloves (fingers) for Pitchers

Game Play

• 6 innings or 2:30 total game-time limit (whichever comes first)– once an inning begins, it should be finished even if the time limit has expired
• If an inning ends and there are only a few minutes left before the 2 ½ hour time limit, please don’t start a new inning. Umpires discretion.
• 3 outs to complete 1⁄2 inning
• A dropped third strike is in play
• Once the game begins, no Manager, Coach, or fans shall warm up pitchers. Only players with a face mask (throat guard) on, even in the bullpen
• Once entered, the hitter must keep one foot in batter box unless play is occurring at the plate (i.e. pass ball, play at the plate). This is designed to keep game play moving.
• Player must drop (not throw or run with) bat before reaching halfway to first
• Teams bat through entire line up regardless of number of players (Continuous Batting)
• All players must be in dugout under the roof at all times. There must an adult coach in the dugout at all times. No player may be “on deck” inside the dugout with a bat in their hands
• If a coach calls time out he or she must wait until that time-out is granted before leaving the dugout.

RUNNERS

• The Runners must not take a lead until the ball passes the batter.
• Players must run in base path, or will be called out.
• May not interfere with a fielder fielding the ball – interference results in runner being out
• Must do their best to avoid collisions
• May not be hit by batted ball in fair play (runner will be out)
• Feet first Sliding is allowed, no head first sliding is allowed. Will result in automatic out (league rule)

CALLS ON THE FIELD

• Umpire makes the call.
• PLAY APPEAL Procedure
• CALL TIME OUT after play is complete
• Appeal to be made between head coach and umpire
• Balls and Strikes may not be disputed

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

• Profanity/Unsportsmanlike conduct from coaches, players, parents and umpires will not be tolerated at any time
• Any incident must be reported to any league official immediately
• Players will be benched by coaches
• Parents and or coaches will be removed from game
• League officials are permitted to discontinue player, coach, or parent from league with no refund of fees at any time due to conduct

Regular Season Pitching Rules – Baseball (From the Little League Rule book)

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)  A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. Junior and Senior 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:

13-16 - 95 pitches per day

11-12 - 85 pitches per day

9-10 - 75 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 1: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

Note 2: Any player who has played the position of catcher in four or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.

Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

•       If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

•       If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

•       If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.

•       If a player pitches 21-35 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.

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

(e) 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.

(f) 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.

(g) A player may not pitch in more than one game 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.

B. Minor Division

Home/Away

• Home Team (Field first) is first base dugout: Responsible to remove the mound covers, put out bases, and provide at least 5 league-provided game balls. If you are the last game on your field, you are responsible to cover the mound and put the bases back in the stairway.
• Away team is third base dugout and bats first

UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT

• Players are expected to wear league provided uniforms and hats. All shirts are to be tucked in at all times. IF A PLAYER PLAYS UP (FROM COACH PITCH) THEY SHOULD WEAR THEIR COACH PITCH UNIFORM.
• NO METAL cleats or screw in football cleats are permitted
• Catchers are REQUIRED to wear proper catching gear/equipment – Catcher glove, Helmet with mask, Chest protector, and shin guards will be provided by league. Protective Cups are recommended
• Batting Helmets are mandatory for hitting but do NOT require safety masks and chin straps
• No color gloves (fingers) for Pitchers

Game Play

• 6 innings or 1:45 total game-time limit (whichever comes first)– once an inning begins, it should be finished even if the time limit has expired
• If an inning ends and there are less than 10 minutes left before the 1:45 time limit, please don’t start a new inning.
• If a team is short the 9 players, they may play with 8 but the 9^th batter will be an automatic out. You may pull up an older player from COACH PITCH (see farm system at bottom) if you choose to, but not a player form the same league, from outside the league (insurance/liability reasons), or down from majors.
• If your team has 7 or fewer players, you may still play the game but the opponent wins by forfeit.  This is considered a scrimmage.
• 5 runs or 3 outs to complete 1⁄2 inning
• No Manager, Coach, or fans shall warm up pitchers during the game. Only players with a face mask (throat guard) on, even in the bullpen (during the game).
• Once entered, the hitter must keep one foot in batter box unless play is occurring at the plate (i.e. pass ball, play at the plate). This is designed to keep game play moving.
• Player must drop (not throw or run with) bat before reaching halfway to first
• Teams bat through entire line up regardless of number of players (Continuous Batting)
• All players must be in dugout under the roof at all times. There must an adult coach in the dugout at all times. No player may be “on deck” inside the dugout with a bat in their hands
• If a coach calls time out he or she must wait until that time-out is granted before leaving the dugout.

RUNNERS

• The Runners must not take a lead until the ball passes the batter.
• Players must run in base path, or will be called out.
• May not interfere with a fielder fielding the ball – interference results in runner being out
• Must avoid collisions
• May not be hit by batted ball in fair play (runner will be out)
• Sliding is allowed, no head first sliding (automatic out)

CALLS ON THE FIELD

• Umpire makes the call.
• PLAY APPEAL Procedure
• CALL TIME OUT after play is complete
• Appeal to be made between head coach and umpire
• Balls and Strikes may not be disputed

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

• Profanity/Unsportsmanlike conduct from coaches, players, parents and umpires will not be tolerated at any time
• Umpire has the ability to remove any player or coach for unsportsmanlike conduct. Typically a warning is given, however not required for an ejection.
• Any incident must be reported to any league official immediately
• Players will be benched by coaches
• Parents and or coaches can be removed from game
• League officials are permitted to discontinue player, coach, or parent from league with no refund of fees at any time due to conduct

Regular Season Pitching Rules – Baseball (From the Little League Rule book)

PITCHERS

(d)  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.)

(e)  A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. Junior and Senior 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.

(f)   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:

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 1: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

Note 2: Any player who has played the position of catcher in four or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.

Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

•       If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

•       If a player pitches 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

•       If a player pitches 36-50 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.

•       If a player pitches 21-35 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.

A calendar day begins at midnight and ends at midnight the following evening. Example: If a pitcher in the Little League Minor Division throws 60 pitches in a game on Saturday morning, that pitcher cannot pitch again until Wednesday, when he/she has had three calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday).

(d) Each league must designate the scorekeeper or another game official as the official pitch count recorder. For DLL, we require both teams to keep a game book.

(e) 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.

(f) 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.

(g) 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)

(h) A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day.

NOTES:

4      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.

5      Pitches delivered in games declared “Regulation Tie Games” or “Suspended Games” shall be charged against pitcher’s eligibility.

6      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.

C. Machine Pitch Division

Home/Away

• Home Team (Field first) is first base dugout: Responsible to remove the mound covers, put out bases, and provide at least 5 league-provided game balls. If you are the last game on your field, you are responsible to cover the mound and put the bases back in the stairway.
• Away team is third base dugout and bats first

UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT

• Players are expected to wear league provided uniforms and hats. All shirts are to be tucked in.
• NO METAL cleats or screw in football cleats are permitted
• Catchers are REQUIRED to wear proper catching gear/equipment – Helmet with mask, Chest protector, and shin guards will be provided by league. Protective Cups are recommended
• Batting Helmets are mandatory for hitting but do NOT require safety masks and chin straps
• Pitching machine speeds are to be set per the league instructions. They are not to be altered or modified to higher/slower speeds to accommodate hitters during game play.

Game Play

• 5 innings or 75 minute time limit (whichever comes first)– once an inning begins, it should be finished even if the 75 minute time limit has expired
• If an inning ends and there is less than 5 minutes left before the 75 min time limit, please don’t start a new inning. Use your best discretion.
• If a team is short the 9 players, they may play with 8 but the 9^th batter will be an automatic out. With Player Agent approval you may pull up an older player from t-ball if you choose to, but not a player form the same league, from outside the league (insurance/liability reasons), or down from minors.
• If your team has 7 or fewer players, you may still play the game but the opponent wins by forfeit.
• 5 runs or 3 outs to complete 1⁄2 inning
• 2 Base limit on bases for hits. No extra bases on an overthrow
• If a hit comes back to the pitching machine and makes contact with the machine without player interference, the ball is dead and the batter is awarded a single. Base runners make move if forced and may not take more than one base.
• 7 Pitches to make a hit. If the final pitch is foul, the batter gets another pitch until they hit or strike out.
• If the batter fouls a pitch during the count, they are not awarded an extra pitch at the end of the count. They may only be awarded an extra pitch if they foul off the 7^th (or later) pitch
• No three strike rule, player may swing at every pitch if they choose
• No intentional bunting
• Player must drop (not throw or run with) bat before reaching halfway to first
• Teams bat through entire line up regardless of number of players
• Field is standard 9 positions, with 10^th- 11^th,  12^th, position(s) additional outfield or on bench

Pitching/Defensive coaches

• Coach will load pitching machine – no player is to pitch
• Only 3 Defensive Coaches are permitted on field No Parents or Fans (NO EXCEPTIONS) during defense, does not include Pitching Coach for team batting 
• Coach will do their best not to interfere with hit balls, only as a safety precaution for a player. In the event of a safety stop of ball, ball will be re-pitched and runners will retreat to previous bases.
• Pitching coach is part of the field and any ball that hits pitching coach or defensive coach is to be played live. In the event of a ball hitting coach, teams are to use good judgment to re-pitch. In the event of a re-pitch, runners retreat to previous base

RUNNERS

• No stealing, or leading off base.
• Players must run in base path, or will be called out.
• Fielders must give clear paths for baserunners.
• May not interfere with a fielder fielding the ball – interference results in runner being out
• Must avoid collisions
• May not be hit by batted ball in fair play (runner will be out)
• Feet first Sliding is allowed, no head first sliding 

CALLS ON THE FIELD

• Closest base coach/fielding coach makes the call. Ties go to the runner.
• PLAY APPEAL Procedure
• CALL TIME OUT
• Appeal to be made between head coaches only and is to be discussed like adults
• If agreement cannot be made, default is Base Runner is SAFE

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

• Will not be tolerated at any time
• Any incident must be reported to any league official immediately
• Players will be benched by coaches
• Parents and or coaches will be removed from game
• League officials are permitted to discontinue player, coach, or parent from league with no refund of fees at any time due to conduct

D. Tee-Ball Division

Home/Away

• Home Team (Field first) is first base dugout: Responsible to remove the mound covers, put out bases, and provide at least 5 league-provided game balls. If you are the last game on your field, you are responsible to cover the mound and put the bases back in the stairway.
• Away team is third base dugout and bats first

UNIFORMS/EQUIPMENT

• Players are expected to wear league provided uniforms and hats. All shirts must be tucked in at all times.
• NO METAL cleats or screw in football cleats are permitted
• Batting Helmets are mandatory for hitting but do NOT require safety masks and chin straps

Game Play

• 3 innings
• All players bat through the line up
• 1 Base limit on bases for hits.
• Players remain on bases regardless of safe/out

Alternative “Structured” game play (based on board approval)

·      3 Innings

·      5 runs or 3 outs – which ever occurs first

·      2 base limit, no extra bases on overthrows

·      No strikeouts

UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT

• Will not be tolerated at any time
• Any incident must be reported to any league official immediately
• Players will be benched by coaches
• Parents and or coaches will be removed from game

League officials are permitted to discontinue player, coach, or parent from league with no refund of fees at any time due to conduct

Safety Note: There shall be no “on-deck” batters allowed either on or outside of the field of play.*

*On Deck - At the beginning (or middle) of an inning; only the leadoff batter may warm up on the field of play before play starts (This is permissible only in the area adjacent to the dugout at a safe distance from Home plate, as determined by the Umpire).

Article XI – Code of Conduct for Managers and Coaches

As per the Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules regarding ejections and poor sportsmanship, if a manager or coach is ejected from a game, a one game suspension is imposed. If removed by the umpire a second time, the offense will not be tolerated and result in dismissal from duties as manager or coach. Please note that the above are minimum consequences. Any ejection of a Manager or Coach will result in an investigation by the DRC.

Section 1 – Manager Responsibilities

The Board wants to sincerely thank all managers for their time and dedication to the children of our league. Managers are responsible for the “management” of the team, including but not limiting the following:

a.    Try outs: every manager and coach is needed to help run the tryouts and evaluate talent. All managers/coaches are required to attend tryouts regardless of the division they are managing or coaching.

b.    Team selection: a draft process is used to select each team. This event is scheduled by the VP and Coaching Coordinator.

c.     Practice: each manager is expected to hold regular practices. Failure to do so will cause removal of the team manager.

d.    Scorekeeper & Pitch Counter: the home team is the official scorekeeper of the game. An individual other than the manager should be recruited. The person should be an individual familiar with the game. Both the home and visiting teams shall have a scorekeeper and pitch counter for their team. The manager is responsible for making sure their team has a scorekeeper and pitch counter for each game.

e.    One manager or coach from each team must be CPR certified and have a copy of their valid card on file with the DLL.

Section 2 - Manager and Coach Guidelines

DLL appreciates, admires, and respects, all those willing to manage and/or coach. It has been stated many times that the program of any Little League can only be as good as the quality of leadership in the management team. As managers and coaches, you make the program work for DLL. Therefore, in order for DLL to consider someone for the position of a manager or coach, that individual must recognize they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a program that deals with a sensitive and formative period of a young child’s development.

Knowledge of the game is essential, but not the only requirement of a manager or coach. The manager or coach must be a leader. They require understanding, patience, and the capacity to work with young children. They must be sensitive to the mental and physical limitations of these young children and recognize the game is a vehicle of training and enjoyment. Young children are strongly influenced by adults whose ideals and aspirations are similar to their own. The manager, coach, and player share a common interest in the game and a desire to excel as a ballplayer. Young children often idolize their manager, or coach, not for their success, but for their source of inspiration. People holding these positions should be able to inspire confidence and earn respect. Above all, they must realize they are helping to shape the physical, mental and emotional development of your children. Therefore, all managers and coaches must abide and adhere to the following Coaching Principles and Objectives:

• Reflect an understanding of the age group you supervise.
• Be aware that you are an example to those with whom you coach.
• Demonstrate that you have an appreciation of the philosophy of Little League.
• Demonstrate that you will cooperate with others in making the program of benefit to all players.
• Show by example that you respect the judgment and position of authority of the umpire.
• Exercise the leadership role adequately by leaving the ball game in the hands of the player(s).
• Provide each player an opportunity to participate in every game.
• Encourage the players at every opportunity.
• Familiarize yourself with the home situation of the player to accommodate their special needs.
• Instill a desire to win and to improve, striving to impart as much baseball/softball knowledge as possible to each player.
• Encourage good health habits and care of the team equipment and uniforms.
• Be instrumental in shaping acceptable behavior patterns whether the team wins or loses.
• Know the rules and regulations of Little League Baseball, and play by them.
• Become well acquainted with the player selection system.
• Select players for the team according to their abilities.

• Be cautious and use sound judgment in any protest able situation.
• Have knowledge of First Aid and Safety.
• Practice sessions are efficient, fun, and ensure no one stands around.
• Players are properly taught fundamental skills and game strategy through various drills.
• Instruction is given at the player’s level of understanding.
• Players are told the rules and the rules are followed.
• Practice sessions end before the players become bored or tired.
• Practice sessions are spaced so they do not become a chore for the players or managers.
• Adequate precautions are taken to avoid injuries.
• Develop desirable and positive habits in players.
• Encourage promptness.
• Encourage safety habits.
• Encourage sportsmanship and fair play at all times.
• Encourage responsibility and leadership.
• Practice exemplary game decorum.
• Always be prompt to games.
• Plan ahead to speed the game along.
• Protective gear is used at all times.
• Players are not worn out in practice.
• Set a good example for your players, and expect other adults to do so.
• Keep players separated from spectators and ready to play.
• Do not embarrass or reprimand players in front of others.
• Players are continually encouraged.
• Assist players in developing individual goals and reviewing his/her progress.

Section 3 - Role and Formation of Disciplinary Review Committee (DRC)

In some circumstances, complaints about managers and/or coaches may require disciplinary action from the league. A DRC will be appointed by the President immediately following a complaint. To facilitate the timeliness of disciplinary actions, the DRC shall meet to review disciplinary issues. Complaints or negative evaluations may necessitate inquiries to other parents, coaches, or league officials, but such complaints shall not be given credence unless confirmed by secondary sources. Complaints or negative evaluations about managers or coaches shall be in writing and must be filed with the League within 30 days of the end of the season. Only after the DRC has reviewed the pending complaint and made a recommendation to the Board, can the matter be open to the Board for discussion. At that time, Board members would be afforded the opportunity to discuss the merits of the complaint as they would any new complaint that follows the procedures outlined below.

Section 4 - Procedural Issues

The Player Agent shall contact the individual(s) under review within 3 business days of the formation of a DRC following receipt of a complaint. Upon request of the individual(s), the DRC shall provide a copy of the alleged complaint. The individual(s) shall be given an opportunity to review and respond in writing and/or in person to the DRC before the matter is discussed openly by the BOD. Upon request, the DRC shall make available to the individual(s), information or documents related to the alleged offense. Individual(s), against who the alleged complaint has been filed, may be reprimanded or disciplined only after proper notification and the DRC has made review. Reasonable attempts should be made by the DRC to contact the individual(s) involved in the alleged offense. If the League has not received a response from the individual(s) within three (3) days of being notified that a complaint is pending, the DRC may make a disciplinary recommendation to the full BOD for action at the next scheduled Board meeting or an urgent disciplinary meeting. After careful deliberation of the alleged infraction and after individuals (s) have been notified, a preliminary recommendation of the discipline action shall be made by the DRC and presented to the individual(s).

The individual(s) shall have the right to appear at the next Board meeting for the purpose of appealing the DRC’s recommendation to the BOD. In all cases where the DRC has determined the individual(s) is to be removed from the position of manager or coach, or if it is deemed necessary to remove the individual(s) from the league entirely, a motion shall be made to that effect, and the BOD (voting members) must vote on the decision. Upon the unanimous (2/3^rd) recommendation to remove a manager or coach from his position by the DRC, a majority vote of eligible voters on the Board is sufficient. Upon recommendations by the DRC that are not unanimous, the removal of any coach or manager shall require a two-thirds vote of the voting Board members.

Section 5 - Notification

Upon receiving a DRC recommendation, the league shall provide an immediate notice to all voting BOD members and the individual(s) that a disciplinary action will appear on the Board’s agenda. In those circumstances, BOD members shall be notified by phone or email that the disciplinary item will appear on the agenda. The league shall make every effort to treat all parties involved with respect, and a sense of fairness, and make every effort to ensure that the disciplinary process is not being used for purposes of smearing the reputation of another individual or for personal gain.

Section 6 - Proper Record-Keeping

A manager or coach under disciplinary review may respond in writing to a complaint and DLL shall attach such response to the League’s documentation and original complaint. DLL shall maintain complaints on file.

Section 7 - Annual Evaluations

Managers and coaches shall be evaluated annually near the end of the season. The Coaching Coordinator with assistance from the Player Agents and BOD shall conduct a league sanctioned manager/coach evaluation to be completed near the end of each season. Such evaluations should be completed and delivered to the league President within 30-days of the season terminating.

Section 8 - Evaluations: Preparing for the Next Season

In determining the appropriateness of managers and coaches, the Manager/Coach Selection Committee shall review complaints and evaluations from the past season. Any manager suspended from a game will not be permitted to manage a team with DLL during the next season. Also, in some circumstances that require the league to determine the historical behavior of a manager or coach, the Manager/Coach Selection Committee may review prior seasons for evaluations and complaints.

Article XII – Field Decorum and Park Regulation

Section 1 - Field Decorum

The actions of players, managers, coaches, umpires, scorekeepers and officials of DLL must be above reproach.

A. Only the following persons are allowed on the field during the games. ·Uniformed Players;
·Managers;
·Coaches; and Umpires.

B. No more than three (3) adults shall be allowed in the dugout area or inside the fence behind the back stop. Each adult must be a registered manager or coach and have a cleared background check. One adult must remain in the dugout at all times.

C. Scorekeepers and pitch counters must remain outside the fence at all times.

D. Except for the batter, base runners, base coaches and defensive players, all players and coaches are to remain in their dugout(s) during play. However, players may warm-up outside the playing area prior to entering the game. Managers or coaches may not leave the dugout during the game, except in the event of an injury, or when time has been called by the umpire to confer with a player alternatively, the umpire or to report a player change to the scorekeeper. Managers and coaches are allowed on the field in T-Ball and A Minor divisions for instructional purposes.

E. Smoking or the use of any tobacco products, consumption of alcohol and swearing is prohibited. No Manager, Coach or Umpire shall be allowed to use tobacco products or consume alcoholic beverages on or near the field of play. Additionally, all forms of tobacco and alcohol are banned from the dugout and the playing area and swearing shall not be allowed. Any violation, of these rules, is to be enforced by ejection from the game.

F. Managers and coaches shall discourage players from unison chanting against, or intimidation of, opposing batters and the pitcher.

G. Players shall not be allowed to warm-up against or near school buildings, and school buildings are not to be used as backstops.

Section 2 - Park Regulation

DLL families must conduct themselves with dignity and courtesy toward the neighbors living near the ball fields. As a condition to a player’s participation in DLL, each parent or guardian shall agree to honor the following “Good Neighbor” policy of the league.

A. They shall park their vehicles during games so as not to interfere with the ingress or egress of any neighborhood driveway, sidewalk or fire hydrant.

B. They shall leave the neighborhood in clean condition upon completion of each game and prior to departure.

C. The sidewalks, refuse piles and surrounding areas shall not be used for the dumping of trash or the cleaning of cleats.

D. Under no circumstances shall any side-yard, fence or outdoor shrubbery be used as a substitute for a restroom.

E. There shall be no confrontations of any kind at any time with the neighbors living near the ball field.

F. All reasonable requests pertaining to the parking of vehicles in the neighborhood shall be immediately honored in favor of the residents.

Article XIII – Selection of the All-Star Teams

Section 1 - Player Selection

All managers will cast votes for the players they deem fit to play on an All-Star team for their respective league.  Each manager will vote for an allotted number of players on their own team, and on the other teams within their league. The vote allotment will vary based on the number of players in each league and will be determined by the BOD (i.e. 3 votes for own team, 4 votes for all other teams)  The 10 players who receive the most votes will be placed on the All-Star team, with input from the league’s Player Agent and the BOD. The All-Star team manager may then choose to add up to 4 additional players who are eligible, on their All-Star Roster.

Any player who is selected to an All-Star team and declines to play for that team may not play for any other All-Star team that season.

The BOD will hold all All-Star team lists until the date determined by the BOD, on that day, each selected All-Star team player will be notified. In addition, the selected All-Star team managers will be provided with a roster of players, including contact information. No player shall ever be made aware of their ranking/vote totals under any circumstances.

The integrity of DLL is of the utmost importance. Therefore any information verbal or written obtained by the BOD indicating All-Star player selection was compromised or predetermined by private communication or a private meeting of the manager/coaches; the BOD will select the All-Star teams based on each team’s statistics gathered from their perspective scorebooks. Furthermore, if a potential All-Star player is disregarded in the selection process because of improper conduct by that player’s parent(s) during the season the BOD may elect to place that child on the All-Star team after reviewing the child’s statistics and conduct.

Section 2 - Manager Ballots/Assistant Coaches

All managers will cast votes for the All-Star team manager of their respective league. Each Team manager will vote for the top 3 coaches they feel will best represent the league, with the top vote earning 3 points, second vote 2 points, and third vote 1 point.  The coach who receives the highest point total will be awarded the opportunity to be the All-Star manager.

If the Manager or an Assistant Coach selected has previous disciplinary issues or suspensions during the same season, he/she is not eligible to manage the All-Star team and the selection will defer to the next highest point total.

You may not manage a team for a league in which you did not manage a team in the regular season.  Each selected All-Star manager may choose his/her own two assistant coaches. Those coaches must have been managers or assistant coaches during the regular season and have approved background checks on file. 

Article XIV – Code of Conduct

Today, poor behavior is a widespread problem in youth sports leagues. A goal of the Board is to provide the most positive experience for our players. The actions of managers, coaches, players, volunteers, parents and spectators have the strongest impact and effect on the growth of our children. The conduct of our membership and visitors must exhibit courteous civil behavior and sportsmanship behavior whether on the field or in the stands.

According to Webster’s Dictionary, Sportsmanship is the ability of a person who can take loss or defeat without complaint or victory without gloating and who treats his opponents with fairness, generosity and courtesy. Examples of poor sportsmanship include: throwing equipment, using illegal equipment, bad language, arguing with an umpire’s judgment call or harassing an umpire, opposing players or spectators.

Most important, remember that Little League baseball is only a game. By the time they arrive at the parking lot after the game, most of the children don’t care who won or lost the game. However, if the parents set the tone by criticizing the manager or the umpire, the children will get upset about it, too.

Don’t ruin your child’s baseball experience. Be positive and supportive.
To reduce any problems at DLL activities, the BOD requests you to adhere to the following important guidelines:

• Players and spectators are allowed ONLY TO ENCOURAGE players through cheering. A positive atmosphere should be maintained at all times.
• Chants or comments that are disrespectful, distracting or derogatory to ANY player, manager, coach or umpire is prohibited.

• DO NOT distract participants from concentrating on the game. This includes the players, coaches, managers or umpires.

• DO watch for safety problems during games and practices to help prevent injuries. This includes watching your other children in the stands or on the surrounding grounds.

• Parents, managers, and coaches are expected to set an example of good sportsmanship at all times by positively encouraging players and not vocally questioning or criticizing umpire calls or manager decisions.

• Umpires have the authority to halt play and, if necessary, eject players, managers, coaches or spectators who are disrespectful, distracting or derogatory and/or engage in other unsportsmanlike conduct to anyone involved in the game.

• Pick up all of your trash and your children’s trash after each game or practice. Our playing and practice fields are to be kept clean. Please be responsible and help any time that you can.

• Smoking, smokeless tobacco, alcoholic beverages, or illegal drugs are prohibited by Little League Rules & Regulations where the little league is functioning.

Poor sportsmanship by managers, coaches, players, spectators can result in ejection from the game and removal from the fields. Therefore, the BOD has adopted the following disciplinary actions on misconduct:

Parents and visitors: If any person initiates any physical confrontation or altercation or assault, the Sacramento Police Department will be notified as soon as possible by dialing 9-1-1. Any individuals involved in a physical confrontation will be required to come in front of the BOD and explain their actions. Disciplinary action by the BOD may result in banning or suspension from DLL and its activities. Any individuals involved in verbal confrontations may be required to come in front of the BOD and explain their actions as well.

Article XV – Amendments

Section 1 - Rule Changes

Subject to the rules of Little League Baseball Inc., DLL Local Rules may be amended at any time by a majority vote of the DLL Board of Directors. To the extent that any of DLL Local Rules may conflict with the rules and regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc., the rules and regulations of Little League Baseball, Inc. shall prevail and shall be deemed controlling.