Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019VNLL LOCAL LEAGUE RULES

Scope

These Local Rules are subject to and subordinate to the Official little League Regulations and Playing Rules and the Little League Operating Manual.

Statement of Purpose

This Vista National Little League (VNLL) Local League Rules is intended to assist managers, coaches, parents and players in understanding the local rules and regulations, which have been adopted by the VNLL Board of Directors ("Board") for the 2019 Little League Season. VNLL has been in operation for more than 65 years. We have a proud tradition of past volunteer service to the young boys and girls in our community. The goal of the Board of Directors is to provide an environment that is both fair and safe and one that works toward building character and respect. With the assistance of our volunteers and parents, this tradition will continue for many years ahead!

This Local League Rules is designed only to list the VNLL local rules and regulations. All other rules and regulations governing the operation of VNLL and the playing of the games are in accordance with two books published by the worldwide governing body of Little League baseball - the 2019 Official Little League Rulebook, Official Regulations, Playing Rules and Operating Policies. Copies of this manual is available to all VNLL Board Members and Managers. This VNLL Local League Rules does not supersede anything contained in the official Little League publication.

We strongly encourage all managers and coaches to read and become familiar with all Little League Rules and Regulations, especially all new Rules for the 2019 season.

We also strongly encourage all parents, managers and coaches to remember that Little League is just a step - an important step - in the development of your child as an athlete and as a person. Please keep this in perspective in your treatment of, and attitude toward both the players on the field and the volunteers - the managers, coaches, Board members, team parents, snack bar help, scorekeepers and umpires, who give their time, efforts to make this League a source of pride for your family and for our community.

1. Registration.

The League will give adequate notice to all eligible boys and girls concerning the time and place of registration. This should be done through normal channels such as notices to schools, newspapers, and the league website: www.vnllbaseball.com.

2. Playing Age and Eligibility.

All reference to age throughout this entire document refers to the Player’s “League Age.” The player's age as of August 31st establishes the player’s league age. Please see Little League’s 2019 League age Chart.

Players ages 4, 5, or 6 with no prior experience, can play T-Ball. All players hit off the tee only. 4 or 5-year-olds are not permitted to play in “Single A” (A) unless approved by the Board, provided the player has at least one season of T-ball experience. Players age 6 with prior Tee-ball experience, 7 or 8 with no prior baseball experience, can play in the (A) Division.Players ages 7, 8, and 9 may play in the “Double A” (AA) Division.Players ages 8, 9, 10 and 11 may play in the “Triple A” (AAA) Division. Players ages 10, 11, and 12 may play at the Major level.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019Players ages 13 and 14 may play in the Junior Division (JRS). Only League age 13- year-old players are eligible for the Intermediate Division. Any exceptions must have prior board approval.Proof of age, in the form of a copy of a certificate of live birth or passport, is required to be submitted at registration. Abstract of birth certificate is not acceptable.

3. Tryouts.

All players age 9 and older must tryout. No player, aged 10 and 11 shall be selected at the draft for a Major League team unless they have attended a tryout session or unless otherwise approved by the Board with proper justification. 12-year-olds must play in the Majors Division, however, if they do not attend a tryout, they are not eligible for All-Stars. Players with a medical reason may be excused from tryouts with proper written verification from a physician. These players are still considered eligible for post-season tournament play. At the tryout, each player shall be given the opportunity to catch groundballs, fly balls and bat against either live pitching or from a pitching machine. Players will be evaluated in five categories: batting/bunting, running, fielding groundballs and fly balls, and throwing. Tryouts shall be open for all League members to observe, and shall be conducted in the presence of all (AAA) and Major Division Managers. (Managers must retain their tryout evaluations so that, if a player needs to be replaced, they can provide a list of the five next players that they would like to replace the lost player. A copy of their evaluation form shall also be provided to the player agent.)Juniors and Intermediate tryouts shall be Inter-League and conducted by agreement of the League Player Agents.

4. The Junior League Draft and the Intermediate Draft

The draft will include all inter-league/ combined players who tried out. The draft procedure will be determined by the league player agents.

5. The Major League Draft

Before the draft, the Player Agent will meet with the Managers to explain the process.The last place team from the preceding year picks first in each round. The next-to-last team picks second in each round. The Managers of the remaining teams continue to select players in reverse order of the preceding year's finish, so that the team that finished 1st in the preceding year picks last in each round. In cases where teams had the identical record in the preceding season, the order of the draft shall be determined by the results of the head to head competition in the preceding season. If there is still a tie, the draft order shall be determined by a coin toss to be held by the league President at the time of the draft.

In the case of league expansion or contraction in the number of Majors teams, the Player Agent will employ one of the options provided by Little League International.

All 12-year olds must be drafted to the Majors. Due to waiver for Regulation Id and IIIc. Each team may have up to the max roster size of players league age 12.

All rules regarding options concerning brothers/sisters, siblings, and son/daughters of Managers shall be as listed in the Little League Baseball Operating Manual. Managers are permitted to notify their players the day after the draft but NOT THE SAME DAY OF THE DRAFT (IN ACCORDANCE WITH DISTRICT 70’S REQUIREMENTS).

Manager selection for their son/daughter will be in the 3rd round (12-year-old), 4th round (11-year-olds), or 5th round (9-10-year-olds); sibling option, when applicable, will require the manager to pick the sibling in the very next round after the first sibling is taken. If an older sibling is already on a team, the drafted sibling must be picked within the first three rounds. Requests for child or

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019sibling options must be made in writing to the Player Agent at least 24 hours prior to the Draft.

6. The Minor League Draft.

The (AAA) Division draft shall be held immediately after the Major League draft. All 10-year-olds not drafted to the Major League shall be drafted to the (AAA) Division.

The (AAA) Division draft will be implemented and conducted by the Player Agent and follow Plan "A" as described in the Little League Operation Manual. The initial draft order will be determined by random draw.

All players who participated in the AAA division in the prior season shall be drafted into the AAA division or in Majors in the following season.

All league age 10-year old players must be drafted into the AAA division unless an agreement is reached by the player's parents, the Player Agent, and approved by the Board of Directors. All trades must be completed prior to the managers being released from the draft by the Player Agent.

7. Double A, Single A and T-Ball Players.

AA

1. The AA Division draft will be implemented and conducted by the Player Agent and follow a modified Plan “C” as described in the Little League Operating Manual and further described here.

2. All players wishing to participate in the AA division shall participate in a skills assessment, conducted by the board of directors prior to the draft. If a player is unable to attend the assessment, former managers and coaches shall assign the player a rating based on past knowledge of the player’s relative skill level.

3. Each player shall be assigned an aggregate score between 1-5, based on his or her assessment performance.

4. The player agent shall assign players to teams based on their aggregate score, selecting from players with similar ratings. Buddy requests and coach requests may also be considered.

5. Once the draft is complete, and rosters are filled, team rosters will be reviewed, total aggregate scores tallied and any obvious adjustments in rosters will be made by the Player Agent and AA Division representative to ensure equally balanced rosters.

All players not selected for Majors or (AAA) or (AA) will be placed on teams randomly by the Player Agent. Managers and their coaches automatically have their children on their team.

8. Trades after the Draft.

All trades must be completed prior to the managers being released from the draft by the Player Agent.

9. Replacement of Major Players.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019When there is a vacancy on a Major team, the Manager will provide to the Player Agent a list of 5 players from the (AAA) (or waiting list if applicable) whom the Manager is interested in filling the vacancy, with his or her preferences listed “1” through “5”. The Manager is not permitted to speak with the players under consideration, their Managers or parents. The Player Agent will then contact the player and his/her parents to discuss the move. If the player does not wish to move, the Player Agent will then go to the next player on the list. The Major Manager has 1 week to fill the vacancy. If any of the above rules are broken, the Player Agent will select a player to fill the vacancy. (AAA) teams will follow the same procedure as the Majors. The exception to this rule is if the absent player provides a doctor's note for their absence, however, it is still the responsibility of the Manager to notify the Player Agent. The Player Agent will then submit a report to the board to make a determination concerning this player.

IF ANY PLAYER, IS INVITED TO MOVE UP TO THE MAJORS, HE/SHE IS REQUIRED TO MOVE UP, OR IF DECLINING, FORFEITS THE ELIGIBILITY TO MOVE UP THROUGH THE REMAINDER OF THE SEASON AND POST-SEASON.

10. Selection of Managers and Coaches.

A Selection Committee interviews each adult applicant and reviews each application to manager or coach players based on leadership, teaching ability, commitment to the League, enjoyment, organizational experience, sportsmanship and prior experience. After review of the applications, the committee gives the President a list of qualified candidates. The President reviews the list, assigns the teams to the specific manager, and presents the list to the Board for approval.

11. Duties and Responsibilities of Managers and Coaches.

11.1 The Manager has total responsibility for the operation and conduct of the team in accordance with Little League Rules and local rules established by the Board.

11.2The team Manager or Coach is responsible for staying with players until they are picked up by a parent or guardian from any team function.

11.3The Manager must teach both good baseball and good sportsmanship. The Manager is accountable for the game behavior of the team's players and Team Coaches. Good sportsmanship and positive comments toward the players and umpires is required.

Profanity on the field is not permitted and is grounds for suspension.

11.4The Manager and Coaches are required to participate in field clean-up days prior to the season opening. The Manager is also required to participate in the teams' scheduled Sunday clean up along with team family members.

11.5Both team Managers and coaches are responsible for maintenance of the field both before and after the game.

11.6For (AAA) and Majors, only the Manager and 2 previously approved coaches (or adult volunteers with a background check) are allowed in the dugout or on the field during games. One adult must be in dugout at all times.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v201911.7The coach's main duty is to assist and support the Manager. The coach has the same responsibility as the Manager concerning treatment of players. The Manager, in cooperation with the President, may discharge a coach from his duties.

11.8Home team Manager or coach (or VNLL Manager or coach if an interleague game) of last game played must stay until the Board Member on Duty secures the fields.

11.9All Managers must contact their Division Representative in person and writing concerning issues before approaching the Board.

11.10Only Managers may talk to Umpires during a game.

11.11Once a game has begun, the Umpire is in charge of the field. The Scorekeeper works for the Umpire and should not intervene in the game but only respond to the umpire when asked a question (i.e. the scorekeeper should not tell the umpire when a batter has batted out of order unless asked). Managers are not to engage the Board Member on Duty (BMOD) to get involved in disputes. The Manager may suggest that the Umpire request assistance from the BMOD, but it is the Umpire's decision on whether to do so.

11.12During games, BMOD has the right to remove any Manager for actions considered detrimental to Little League; the violation would then be brought to the Board for final action on the removal. At any time, the President has the right to remove and suspend any Manager for actions considered detrimental to Little League pending final action by the board. For objectionable actions occurring outside of Little League activities or functions, the President shall bring the matter to the Board, which will consider suspension of the offending Manager.

11.13Upon completion of the game, both Managers are required to go to the scorekeeping booth and sign the Official Pitcher Eligibility Form to verify the accuracy if the pitch counts recorded during the game.

11.14Team managers are required to obtain a team sponsor to contribute $250.00 as a condition of having a team to manage.

12. Duties and Responsibilities of the Team Parent.The Team Parent ("Team Mom or Dad") assists the manager with team functions and communications with the families of team members. Team Parent is also responsible for coordination of league functions for the team, such as fundraisers, team photos, field preparation, and snack bar scheduling.

The Team Parent will assist the Snack Bar Manager with scheduling snack bar duty with the team parents.

The parent’s snack bar buyout money is forfeited if the parent is not on the work schedule within 2 weeks of opening day or if the parent does not work the scheduled shift.

13. Duties and Responsibilities of the Division Representative.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019The Board may appoint a Division Representative from the Board for each League Division. The Division Representative serves as liaison between the Board and Managers/coaches.

13.1Division Representative should, on a regular basis, observe each Manager and coach in the Division to monitor their coaching ability and interactions with their team. The Representative should counsel any Manager or coach on observed problems in an effort to correct such problems.

13.2Parents, coaches and Managers can communicate issues (e.g., suggestions, complaints, problems) directly to their Division Representative for resolution. If the Division Representative is unable to resolve the issue(s), he/she shall present the issue to the Board for resolution. In addition, issues can be submitted to the Board in writing via the "Suggestion Box" on the league website.

14. Responsibility of Scorekeepers.Each home team shall provide a Scorekeeper. The Scorekeeper shall confine their comments to the duties of the Scorekeeper. The Scorekeeper shall not demonstrate prejudice or support for one team over another.

14.1Report to the field no later than 20 minutes before the scheduled start of the game.

14.2Enter into the official scorebook the date, time, and field location of the game, as well as the names of the teams involved.

14.3Enter into the official scorebook the names, uniform numbers, and positions of the starting players, plus the names and uniform numbers of all substitute players.

14.4Enter into the scorebook, the official start time and finish time of the game.

14.5Mark into the scorebook all field activity including balls, strikes, hits, runs, errors, and player substitutions. The end of each half-inning, and all changes in pitchers, must be clearly marked in the scorebook.

14.6Mark into the scorebook, the conditions involved with any called game.

14.7Ensure that the home plate Umpire has an adequate supply of baseballs at all times.

14.8Provide the home plate Umpire, upon request, the current ball/strike count, and number of outs.

14.9Call to the attention of the home plate Umpire, if requested to do so, that time is about to expire.

14.10

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019Operate the scoreboard or designate a responsible person to do so.

14.11Record in ink into the Pitching Log a record of number of pitches by each pitcher of both teams in the game. In addition, the book needs to be signed by both Managers. Foul balls are also considered to be a pitch.

14.12An Official Scorekeeper shall not call to anyone's attention the fact that an out of turn batter is about to be or has been used.

14.13An Official Scorekeeper should call to the Umpire's attention the fact that an ineligible pitcher is about to be used. However, this responsibility also rests with team Managers and coaches, and the Scorekeeper's failure to provide such notification shall not affect the game.

14.14Keep track of the pitch count for each pitcher or designate a responsible person to do so.

14.15Note on the official scorebook any protest, the basis, i.e. violation of Rule ___(?) run scored after forced third out, if possible.

14.16Upon completion of the game, the Scorekeeper shall e-mail the score of the game and pitch counts for all pitchers of record to the Head Scorekeeper or designated Board Member. The Head Scorekeeper (or designee) will keep a master log of pitcher eligibility, will forward all relevant information to Managers and other leagues, and will ensure that games are scored within the official website standings.

15. Lineups/Playing Time.It is entirely up to the Manager which players start the game. However, Little League rules specifically require that all players on the team must have at least (1) at bat and (6) defensive outs in the field.

Any player that did not have one time at bat and play in the field for six consecutive outs shall start the next game. That player shall play the missed at bat and/or six consecutive outs from the previous game plus satisfy the at bat and six consecutive outs for the current game without interruption.

16. Forfeits/Make-Up Games16.1A game in progress shall be shall be referred to the Board of Directors for a decision when either team is unable or refuses to place (9) players on the field.

16.2A team unable to field (9) players because of illness, vacations, or conflicting outside activities will forfeit the game and will not be granted a make-up game. The exception to this policy is when the failure to place (9) players on the field is due to a regularly scheduled school-sanctioned activity and a request is made to reschedule the game in advance, not at the start time of the regularly scheduled game.

16.3It is the policy of the Board to ALLOW make-up games in cases of weather or power failures in the Major and (AAA) Divisions. No make-up games will be scheduled for (AA), (A) or Tee ball

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019teams. Make-up games will be played on the next available date. If multiple games are canceled on the same day, they will be re-scheduled in an appropriate manner.

16.4Play status or continued play during poor weather conditions will be determined by the Umpire as provided for in the Official Little League Rules.

17. Uniform Requirements.In case of cold weather, defensive players and offensive base runners may wear baseball style jackets. Pitchers may not wear white sleeves or use a glove with white sections.

18. Equipment.All players must wear athletic supporters. Protective cups are recommended for all players. Catchers must wear a mask, dangling throat protector, hard protective cup, chest protector, and helmet during practice, and games. Players may warm up a pitcher wearing only a catcher’s mask.Six protective helmets meeting NOCSAE specifications and standards must be provided in each dugout; helmets may not be painted nor contain tape or decals unless approved in writing by the helmet manufacturer.

19. Behavior of Managers, Coaches, Players, and Fans.Board Member on Duty has overall responsibility to control the crowd, and if necessary has the authority to have them removed from the premises.

19.1No manager, coach or player shall, at any time, whether from the bench, on the field, or elsewhere on League premises incite or try to incite, by word or gesture, a demonstration by the spectators. "Chatter" directed toward the other team (i.e., 'hey, batter, batter') is expressly prohibited by Little League rules.

19.2Use of any derogatory language or gestures towards players, managers, coaches, umpires, officials, or spectators is prohibited.

19.3VNLL is a tobacco free facility. Tobacco products, E-Cigarettes and vaping products are no longer permitted anywhere by any manager, coach, umpire, or spectator on the VNLL premises.

19.4The consumption of alcoholic beverages or illegal drugs by a manager, coach, or player, or any other adult or minor anywhere on the VNLL premises is prohibited.

19.5Managers, coaches and players may not visit the snack bar during the game (with the exception of player safety), and no food, including seeds, is allowed in the dugouts. Also, no food/beverage (gum, seeds, etc.) is permitted on the fields. The only permitted beverages in the dugouts are water and sports drinks.

19.6Players, coaches, and managers must have permission from an umpire to leave the dugout for any purpose, including using the restroom. No more than (1) player may be absent from the dugout at one time.

19.7Only (1) manager and up to (2) designated coaches are allowed in the dugout or on the field of

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019play during the game for Majors and (AAA). Only (1) manager and up to (3) designated coaches are allowed in the dugout or on the field of play during the game for (AA), (A) and T-ball. One (1) adult must be in dugout at all times that players are present in the dugout.

19.8No skating, bicycle riding, skateboarding, or scooter riding (of any kind) is allowed on the VNLL premises. This includes any type of skating shoes.

19.9No animals are allowed on VNLL premises except ADA-compliant dogs.

19.10"Coaches Spectator Area": the area below the Majors stands along the 1st base line. This area is a "neutral area"; no partisan rooting is permitted. This area is reserved for managers, coaches and Board Members, along with their reasonable guests.

19.11No open-toed shoes permitted on the fields, no tank tops or sleeveless shirt or cut-off pants.

20. VNLL Pitching

VNLL strictly enforces the rules set forth in the Official Little League Rulebook. Failure to comply with the pitching rules may result in becoming ineligible for the ability to manage.

21. Majors:

1. The VNLL Majors division will include player’s league age 10, 11 or 12 only. Parents of 10-year olds must notify the President and/or Player Agent in writing if they wish for their child to opt out of the major’s draft. It is recommended that all 10-year olds play at least one season in AAA prior to entering the major’s draft.

2. Home field will provide game balls.3. Games are to be 6 innings and there is no time limit in the Major division. Incomplete

games (less than 4 innings completed) and ties will be rescheduled at the discretion of the Board of Directors. No new inning will begin after 9:30pm. All games will be suspended at 9:45pm.

4. Per Little League Rule book, if one team has a lead of 10 runs or more at the end of an inning, and at least four innings have been completed (three and one-half if the home team is ahead), the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the opponent.

5. Each team will bat their entire team’s roster (those present) per Rule 4.04. Note: because of this continuous batting order option, rule 7.14 does not apply (no special pinch-runner allowed). Minimum play rule for defense shall be 6 defensive outs.

6. The dropped third strike rule will apply to the Majors division only. For more information please refer to Rule 6.05 of the Little League(rule)Green Book.

7. Prior to a pitch being thrown, the defense elects to “Intentionally Walk” the batter by announcing such decision to the plate umpire. Note 1- such notification must be made by the defensive manager. The manager must request and be granted “time” by the umpire and then inform the umpire of the defense’s intent to walk the batter. Note 2- The ball is dead and no other runners may advance unless forced by the batter’s award. Four (4) pitches will be added to the pitch count.

8. A maximum of 1 manager and 2 approved coaches (16yrs old and up), one (18years or older) of which must remain in the dugout at all times, are allowed. Players, managers, and coaches must receive permission from the umpire to leave the dugout at any time during the game.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v20199. A team must be able to field at least nine (9) players for a game to be considered

official. If the manager knows they cannot field 9 players prior to the game or at the start time of the game, the Player Agent should be contacted so that the game can be rescheduled at the discretion of the Board of Directors or the use of pool players may be employed.

10. Per Little League Rule 4.19(c), protests involving interpretation of a rule must be made before any succeeding play is made. Protests involving ineligible pitchers or players must be made before the umpire has left the field at the end of the game. Protests can only be made by the manager to the umpire first, then in writing to the league President within 24 hours.

11. The season will be played in halves and the division champion will be decided as follows:

1. The winner of the first half will play the winner of the second half in a one game playoff series, resulting in the winner taking first place and the losing team taking second place.

2. If there is a tie for first place in the first or second half, the following tie-breaker will be implemented:

i. The team with the better record in head to head competition is the champion.

ii. If the head to head record is even, then the team with the fewer runs allowed in the head to head competition will be the champion.

iii. If still tied, a one game playoff will occur at the earliest possible date as determined by the scheduling committee.

3. If one team should win both the first and second halves, that team will take first place and second place will go to the team with the next best overall record for the season. If there is a tie for second place, the following tie-breaker will be implemented:

i. The head to head record of the teams involved.ii. If the head to head record is even, then the team with the fewer runs

allowed in the head to head competition will be the champion.iii. If still tied, a one game playoff will occur at the earliest possible date

as determined by the Board,4. The following methods will be used in order to break any ties in overall win-

loss records to determine third through last place:i. The head to head record of the teams involved.ii. If the head to head record is even, then the team with the fewer runs

allowed in the head to head competition will have the higher standing.

iii. If still tied, a coin flip will decide order (l) Each home teach shall provide one volunteer to be the official scorer per game.

Each visiting team shall provide one volunteer to keep an official pitching log per game.

22. Triple A:

The AAA Division will include player’s league age 8, 9, 10, or 111. No new inning will start after one hour and forty minutes; an inning begins once the

3rd out is made. If at the completion of that inning the game is tied, the game will be recorded as a tie. If 2 hours has expired and the home team is ahead (and 4 innings are complete), the game is over. If time will likely elapse during the 5 th or 6th inning and the visiting team is behind by more than 5 runs, the visiting manager may elect to concede. No new inning will begin after 9:30pm. All games will be suspended at 9:45pm.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v20192. AAA division will bat the entire team’s roster (those present) as per Rule 4.04. Note:

because of this continuous batting order option, rule 7.14 does not apply (no special pinch-runner allowed).

3. A maximum of 1 manager and 2 approved coaches (16yrs old and up), one (18years or older) of which must remain in the dugout at all times, are allowed. Players, managers, and coaches must receive permission from the umpire to leave the dugout at anytime during the game.

4. The inning will end when there are 3 outs or 5 runs scored. This applies to all 6 innings.

5. Per Little League Rule book, if one team has a lead of 10 runs or more at the end of an inning, and at least four innings have been completed (three and one-half if the home team is ahead), the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the opponent.

6. A team must be able to field at least nine (9) players for a game to be considered official. If the manager knows they cannot field 9 players prior to the game, the Player Agent should be contacted so that a pool player can be arranged. If a pool player cannot be assigned prior to game time, the game will be rescheduled at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

7. Minimum Play Rule (MRP): During regular season play, every player must play a minimum of three defensive innings (9 outs) in games that last five defensive innings or more. Any player who fails to meet the MPR requirements will start the next game and complete the current game MPR before being replaced. (As per LL Regulations IV (j)

8. Per Little League Rule 4.19(c), protests involving interpretation of a rule must be made before any succeeding play is made. Protests involving ineligible pitchers or players must be made before the umpire has left the field at the end of the game. Protests can only be made by the manager to the umpire first, then in writing to the league President within 24 hours

9. Prior to a pitch being thrown, the defense elects to “Intentionally Walk” the batter by announcing such decision to the plate umpire. Note 1- such notification must be made by the defensive manager. The manager must request and be granted “time” by the umpire and then inform the umpire of the defense’s intent to walk the batter. Note 2- The ball is dead and no other runners may advance unless forced by the batter’s award. Four (4) pitches will be added to the pitch count.

10. The season will be played in halves and the division champion will be decided as follows:

1. The winner of the first half will play the winner of the second half in a one game playoff series, resulting in the winner taking first place and the losing team taking second place.

2. If there is a tie for first place in the first or second half, the following tie-breaker will be implemented:

iv. The team with the better record in head to head competition is the champion.

v. If the head to head record is even, then the team with the fewer runs allowed in the head to head competition will be the champion.

vi. If still tied, a one game playoff will occur at the earliest possible date as determined by the scheduling committee.

3. If one team should win both the first and second halves, that team will take first place and second place will go to the team with the next best overall record for the season. If there is a tie for second place, the following tie-breaker will be implemented:

i. The head to head record of the teams involved.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019ii. If the head to head record is even, then the team with the fewer runs

allowed in the head to head competition will be the champion.iii. If still tied, a one game playoff will occur at the earliest possible date

as determined by the Board,4. The following methods will be used in order to break any ties in overall win-

loss records to determine third through last place:i. The head to head record of the teams involved.ii. If the head to head record is even, then the team with the fewer runs

allowed in the head to head competition will have the higher standing.

iii. If still tied, a coin flip will decide order (m) Each home teach shall provide one volunteer to be the official scorer per game.

Each visiting team shall provide one volunteer to keep an official pitching log per game.

23. Double A:

1. The AA division will include player’s league age 6, 7, 8 and 9 who have played at least one season of Single A. Players age 5 and 6 will be considered for AA if a single A division is not available and the player has played 1 season of T-Ball. Parents must provide a written request to the player agent and President for consideration. Players league age 10 will be allowed only if they have no prior baseball experience. Players league age 10 will not be allowed to pitch in the AA division.

2. Standings will not be kept. This is an instructional division. 3. Scores and divisional standings will not be kept, therefore umpires and scorekeepers

are not required. Umpires should consist of managers or coaches. The League may provide umpires on occasion for training. In order to prepare for the AA tournament, a scorekeeper may be utilized, but is not required, during the last two weeks of the season.

4. Each manager will provide one game ball.5. A maximum of 1 manager and 2 approved coaches (16yrs old and up), one (18years

or older) of which must remain in the dugout at all times, are allowed. Players, managers, and coaches must receive permission from the umpire to leave the dugout at anytime during the game.

6. AA games played will be called after one hour and thirty minutes from the start time, regardless of outs or complete innings.

7. Teams will utilize a continuous batting order. 8. Three (3) outs, OR batting (9) players shall constitute an inning. The inning is

terminated when a play is made on an offensive player resulting in the third out or when the “last batter” hits the ball and the defensive player with possession of the ball touches home plate.

9. Batters are awarded first base if hit by a live pitch.10. All players shall sit no more than three consecutive outs.11. 10 players are allowed on the field. The tenth person must be placed in the outfield.12. Each player must play at least 3 defensive outs in an infield position. Positions

include 1-6.13. For the 1st and 2nd half of the season, teams will use a pitching machine for the first

three innings of play only. After the home team’s 3rd at-bat is completed, the pitching machine is to be removed from the field of play and the following Modified Kid-Pitch rules will apply: No base-on-balls are allowed. Should a batter receive 4 balls in an at-bat, the offensive manager or coach will throw three overhand pitches from or near the mound (no soft toss from side) to the batter, regardless of strike count against the

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019batter. If the batter fails to put a ball in play he will be considered out. Exception – The at bat cannot end on a foul ball. The ball must be put in play, swing and miss or the batter does not attempt to hit the ball. Bunting during coach pitch is not allowed.

14. Runner may advance one (1) base on an overthrow per play.15. A tournament will be held at the end of the season. The division representative and

the President will coordinate the AA division championship tournament at the conclusion of the season and will set the schedule and rules.

16. Modified kid pitch may be used during play-off tournament. 17. During the tournament, teams must be able to field nine (9) players. If a team fails to

place nine players the managers of both teams can elect to use players from the opposing team so that the game can be played. During the end of the season tournament, teams must field nine (9) of their own team players for an official game to played.

18. If a 9 year old is moved down from AAA, with board approval, the player may not pitch.

Pitching Machine Rules

19. Machine speed will be set at 38 mph.20. The defensive position for pitcher will be on either side of the mound with one foot on

the dirt portion of the mound.21. Five pitches will be delivered to a player during their at-bat (if the batter fouls the 5 th

pitch off, he will receive additional pitches until he swings and cleanly misses, watches a hittable pitch, or puts the ball into play).

22. The coach/umpire feeding the machine may elect to call a “no pitch” if the ball is over the head of the batter, in the dirt or otherwise un-hittable if and only if the batter does not swing.

23. If the ball, once in play, hits the machine (batted or thrown), the ball is dead and all runners advance one base.

24. Stealing off the pitching machine is not allowed.25. Bunting off the machine is allowed.

24. Single A:

1. The Single A division will include players league age 5, 6 that have played one season of T- Ball or players league age 7 years old that have never played before.

2. Scores and divisional standings will not be kept, therefore umpires and scorekeepers are not required. Umpires should consist of managers or coaches. The League may provide umpires on occasion for training.

3. A maximum of 3 approved coaches (16yrs old and up), one (18 years or older) of which must remain in the dugout at all times, are allowed.

4. Single A games will be called after one and one half (1.5) hours from scheduled start time, regardless of outs or complete innings.

5. Teams will utilize a modified batting order. 6. Three (3) outs, OR batting the entire roster, in attendance that day, shall constitute

an inning. The inning is terminated when a play is made on an offensive player resulting in the third out, after the fifth run or “last batter” hits the ball and the defensive player with possession of the ball touches home plate.

7. All players shall sit no more than three consecutive outs. Defensive positions include the standard infield positions 1-6 and 4 outfield positions, who shall be positioned on the grass outfield.

8. Each player must play at least 3 defensive outs in an infield position. Positions include 1-6.

9. No base stealing will be allowed.10. Runner may advance one (1) base on an overthrow per play.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v201911. Teams must be able to field nine (9) players. If a team fails to place nine players the

managers of both teams can elect to use players from the opposing team so that the game can be played.

Pitching Machine Rules

12. Machine speed will be set between 32-36 mph.13. The defensive position for pitcher will be on either side of the mound with one foot on

the dirt portion of the mound.14. Five pitches will be delivered to a player during their at-bat (if the batter fouls the 5 th

pitch off, he will receive additional pitches until he swings and cleanly misses, watches a hittable pitch, or puts the ball into play).

15. The coach/umpire feeding the machine may elect to call a “no pitch” if the ball is over the head of the batter, in the dirt or otherwise un-hittable if and only if the batter does not swing.

16. If the ball, once in play, hits the machine the ball is dead and all runners advance one base.

17. Stealing off the pitching machine is not allowed,18. Bunting off the machine is allowed.

25. T-BALL:1. The T-Ball division is for players league age 4 and 5, and for 6 year olds who have

never played before.2. Standings and scores will not be kept. This is an instructional division.3. Games shall be called after 1 hour from the scheduled start time.4. All players will play in the field. All players should split playing time in the infield and

outfield positions.5. All players will bat each inning regardless of outs recorded.6. Defensive coaches are allowed to be in the field of play but shall not physically assist

fielders.7. Offensive coaches shall be stationed at the T and as base coaches to assist their

players. A team mom or coach (18years or older) shall assist in the dugout while the team is batting. The coaches and one team mom must be approved volunteers 16 years or older.

8. During the last few weeks of each season a modified coach pitch may be implemented. The start date will be determined by the board each season. Each player shall receive 3 pitches tossed from a kneeling position by a coach from his/her team. If ball is not put into play by the 3rd pitch, the player will then bat from the tee to put the ball into play.

26. Practice Fields.

The selection of practice sessions (i.e., fields/times) for 1 weekday and 1 Saturday session/team shall occur at the conclusion of the Major League draft. The President shall prepare a list of all available fields that have been approved for practice, and the times that such fields are available. Each Major League Manager shall select in reverse order of the draft, their practice times. After each Major League Manager has selected 2 practice sessions, practices will be selected by the Minor League Managers in accordance with the above procedures.

All locations at which a team practice is held must be pre-approved by the President, and covered by our league insurance. Managers shall pay a separate insurance coverage fee (as determined by the Little League insurance carrier provided on the league charter) to the League for private fields or batting cages.

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019

27. Clean-up Responsibilities.27.1It is the responsibility of the managers to make sure team members clean out their respective dugouts. This includes equipment, clothing, and trash. Unclaimed clothing and equipment should be taken to the snack bar.

27.2Managers of teams playing the last game of the day have additional responsibilities as follows:Put bases in equipment shed and lock shed. Remove any temporary outfield signs and place in the scorekeeper's booth. Remain on the premises until all players and snack bar workers have left the premises. Assist the Board Member on duty in turning out the lights and emptying the trash. Home team managers of the last Single A and Double A games will put the pitching machine and bases away.

28. Post Season Tournament28.1Standings will be kept during the regular season for both the Majors’ and (AAA) divisions. The regular season final standings will determine seeding for post-season tournaments and trophies.

28.2Time permitting; it is the goal of the Board to hold a double-elimination tournament at the end of the regular season for all teams in (AA).

28.3City Tournament - It is the goals of the Board to have teams from VNLL participate in a City Tournament with the other Little Leagues in the City of Vista. If this City Tournament occurs, the rules and regulations for the Tournament will be published in the information board affixed to the snack bar.

28.4Paul Wahl Invitational (formerly known as the Tournament of Champions) - It is the goal of the Board to have the overall 1st place teams in the Majors and Triple A divisions of VNLL participate in the District Invitational. The regular season final standings will determine seeding for post-season tournaments, trophies and eligibility for TOC.

28.5VNLL will select an All-Star team for 11 and 12 year olds and an All-Star team for 8, 9 and 10 year olds. These teams will play in competitive tournaments as scheduled by the appropriate national Little League body. There may be a 10-11-year-old All-Star team; manager selection and player selection will mimic the procedure for the 9- and 10-year-old team. Only players who participated in preseason tryouts or Major division titled players from the previous season will be eligible to be considered for selection to an All-Star team.

28.6Players may participate in other youth baseball programs prior to the first tournament game involving that player's team, but once play begins for a tournament team (announcement of team), such players may NOT participate in any other youth baseball program until their Little League team is eliminated from tournament play.

28.7

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019The Board reserves the right to make rules and regulations for any VNLL tournament consistent with Little League regulations.

29. Awards.29.1Majors and Triple A - The regular season 1st, 2nd, 3rd, etc. place teams will be awarded trophies. The tiebreaker for teams with equal records goes to the team with better head-to-head record overall. The next tiebreaker will be runs allowed between them, then will be runs scored between the two teams, then runs allowed against all teams, then runs scored against all opponents. The final tiebreaker will be a coin flip.

29.2Double A, Single A and T-Ball - Double A will have an end of season tournament. Single A and T-Ball will receive participation awards.

29.3Awards for tournaments will be given out as determined by the Board.

30. All-stars.30.1Maximum of 13 Major League players shall be selected to an All-Star team representing VNLL that will participate in Little League post-season tournaments. Only 11 and 12 year old players are eligible for the team.

30.2Selection of the All-Star team is as follows:

1. Each player receives a ballot prior to the last regular scheduled league game for the team. Players may vote for 3 players. Players may vote for anyone eligible in the League, including themselves and their teammates.

2. After the players have voted and selected the first 3 All-Star players, the managers will vote for the next 9 players at a meeting called by the Player Agent.

3. Finally, the manager of the All-Star team may select 1 or 2 additional players. Two members of the Board who do not have 11 or 12-year-old players will count the ballots from the players and the managers.

30.3The manager of the regular season 1st place Major League team shall be offered his/her choice of all-star teams. The 2nd place manager from the Majors division will select from the remaining All-Star teams or decline. Third place manager can elect to Manage the remaining team(s) and so on. If Majors’ managers have all been asked (and declined) and there is still a need for an all-star manager, then managers from the Triple A division will be offered teams in their order of finish. To be offered an All Star team a candidate must be in good standing with the league and must be approved by the board.

30.4A panel consisting of the Board-selected 8, 9 and 10-year-old All-Star Manager, Major Managers and Board Members will choose the8, 9- and 10-year-old All-Stars. This panel will choose up to 14 players.

30.5There may be a 9, 10 and 11-year-old All-Star team. The managers of both the Majors’ and Triple A divisions will vote for 12 players at a meeting called by the Player Agent. The manager of the

Vista National Little League – Local League Rules v2019All-Star team may select the 1 or 2 additional players.

31. Winter League BaseballRules and regulations for Winter League Baseball will be as determined by the Board.

32. ModificationsThe Board reserves the option to modify any of the Local Rules when it is deemed in the best interest of the League.

Vista National Little League

President's Name: Shane Ortega

League ID No. 04058211 / District 70