All Managers will be assigned multiple Umpire duties throughout the season that they are responsible for completing.   All teams rely on each other to provide umpires across the league so games can be played normally. Don't leave another team hanging. 

What are the game time limits?

Weekday games are STRICTLY limited to the 10 minutes past the official local SUNSET time for that day based on the Google search result for the game's calendar date.  Any inning in progress is to be stopped immediately when sunset time is reached.

• • If a game is regulation (4 or more innings have been complete, 3.5 innings if the Home team is ahead; Rule 4.10 (c)) and called before the current inning can be completed the score reverts back to the score at the end of the last completed inning; Rule 4.11.

  • If a game is called before 4 innings can be completed the game will be resumed at a later date; Rule 4.10 (d).

Saturday games are limited to a 2.5 hours time limited (2 hours for Farms).  No new inning shall be started after the time limited has been reached.  An inning shall be completed if started before the time limited had been reached.  

Time limits measured from the Umpire's official start time of the game. Not the schedule start time of the game. 

When are runners allowed to run and steal?

In all divisions when the pitcher has the ball and has placed his pivot foot (right foot for a right handed pitcher, left foot for a lefty) on the pitching rubber runners must immediate make an effort to find a base to occupy.

In Minors and Majors divisions runners are only allowed to leave their base once the ball has been pitched and the ball has reached the batter. 

• Runners do not have to be in contact with a base until the pitcher has his pivot foot on the pitching rubber with possession of the ball.  Once the pitcher steps on the rubber with the ball the play is now over and runners must find and remain in contact with a base.

• Runners may steal or advance bases any time the ball is LIVE and the pitcher is not standing on the rubber with the ball. 

In the Farms division there is no Stealing, but runners MAY advance bases on "wild pitches" or "passed balls".

Can a Catcher move to Pitcher in the same game?

YES, if the player only caught in three (3) innings.

Regulation VI - Pitcher

(a) [...]

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

A.R. - The catcher receiving one pitch to a batter in the fourth inning constitutes having caught four (4) innings.  Warm-up pitches do not count, only when the ball is live will the pitches count toward innings caught.

Can a Pitcher move to Catcher in the same game?

Yes, BUT only in one of the following circumstances:

1. If the pitcher has pitched 40 or less pitches (if the pitcher reaches 40 pitches while facing a batter they may finish the batter).

Regulation VI - Pitcher:  (c) (Note:)

2. If the player had already played catcher three or less innings prior to being moved to pitcher AND while pitching delivered 20 or less pitches (if the pitcher reaches 20 pitches while facing a batter they may finish the batter) they can be moved back to catcher.

Regulation VI - Pitcher:  (a)

How many runs is the Mercy Rule?

If after 3 innings (2.5 if Home team is ahead) one team has a lead of fifteen (15) runs or more

If after 4 innings (3.5 if Home team is ahead) one team has a lead of ten (10) runs or more

* SLZLL adopts the Local League Option of NOT utilizing the 5 innings (4.5 if Home team is ahead) one team has a lead of eight (8) runs or more rule. 

Rule 4.10 (e)

What is the minimum innings for a regulation game?

4 innings or 3.5 if the Home team is ahead.

Rule 4.10 (c) (1) & (3)

Is there a max run limit in an inning? 

Only in the Minor and Farm Divisions.  A team can only score 5 runs per inning.  EXCEPT the last inning is an open inning with no limit.  Also a team can only bat through their lineup one time.

The Farm Division is the SLZLL coach pitch division. There are several special rules and by-laws that are in place for player development, safety, and to speed up games.

• Farms is a Developmental Division focusing on the continued skill development of all players at their age level.

• There are no Team Record Standings in Farms to allow coaches to focus on the teaching and development of all players' skills and love of the game.

• All League Age 6 year olds must only be coach pitched. 

  • They will receive up to five (5) coach pitches to put a ball in play. If they do not hit a fair ball after the fifth pitch they are out.  The player cannot strike out on a foul ball on the fifth pitch, they will receive another pitch until the at-bat results in a fair ball or strike out.

• Players league ages 7, 8, and 9 will face the other team's player pitcher. 

• There are NO WALKS in Farm. After 4 balls have been called on a batter a coach from the offensive team shall pitch to the batter.  The coach will finish the number of STRIKES that are remaining in the at-bat.  The player cannot strike out on a foul ball, they will receive another pitch until the at-bat results in a fair ball or strike out.

Example, the pitcher walks a batter with a 4 ball 1 strike count.  The coach gets only two pitches (no matter where he throws them).  If the batter does not put the ball in play or foul the second pitch the batter is out.

• League Age 9 year olds cannot pitch in the Farms division.

• There is no stealing in the Farm division, but runners may advance on wild pitches and passed balls.

• Runners are only allowed to advance one base on an overthrow made during a live play.

• There is no bunting in farms.

• The pitching line shall be marked at 39ft from the point of home plate.  Players may pitch from anywhere between the pitching rubber and the pitching line.  It is the Umpire's sole discretion (not an opposing coach!) to determine if a pitcher must be moved closer or further away from the plate for batter and catcher safety.  

• There are no forfeits in Farm, 8 players is the minimum to start or continue a game.  If a team cannot field 9 players they shall borrow a player from the opposing team. 

Little League should be safe for all players, coaches, volunteers, and spectators.  For this reason Little League head quarters requires all pass back ground checks and take awareness trainings so they know what to look for when protecting our League members.

All Volunteers are required to Sign up on the League's Sports Connect portal (click here) as one of several Volunteer Roles available here at the League.

By signing up your information will be sent out to the Little League inc. partner JDP for a Free background check.  This is a requirement for ALL volunteers who will be interacting with players on or off the field.

Volunteers should also complete a Live Scan finger printing as a secondary background check.

Lastly Volunteers will need to create an account at the Little League University (click here) and watch the Abuse Awareness Training videos to prepare volunteers for any instances of Abuse they may come across.