PATRIOT LEAGUE FALL BALL RULES - 2024
Fall Ball is an extension of the regular season. It is a less competitive program with an emphasis on having fun, and training and development for players, managers, coaches, and umpires. Managers should make every effort to provide opportunities for players in a variety of infield and outfield positions. Little League official regulations and playing rules will apply during the fall season, with the following changes. Unless otherwise stated, rules apply to all divisions.
1. Win-loss records or official standings will not be kept nor published on league and district websites. GameChanger or other scorekeeping software is allowed.
2. Run Limit: Teams are limited to a maximum of five runs per inning. In the seventh inning only, the max number of runs per team is 8.
3. Time Limits: A drop-dead time of two hours from the scheduled start time must be observed. If the drop-dead time is reached during an at-bat, the batter will be allowed to complete their at-bat but the game must end at that time to allow time for the next game. The same rule applies to the last game of the day – two hours drop dead time!
Note: In an effort to maximize training opportunities, games must be played to completion of seven innings or to the time limit. A “no new inning after” rule is not allowed during the fall season.
4. Mandatory Play —
a. A player may not sit for two consecutive innings on the bench, nor sit for three innings on the bench until all players have sat one inning.
b. All rostered players who are present for the game will bat and continuous batting rules must be followed (see Little League Rule 4.04)
5. Pitching Limits: There will be a maximum of two innings per pitcher, per game. All Little League pitching regulations apply (see Little League Regulation IV).
6. Courtesy Runners: A “courtesy runner” for the catcher and/or pitcher of record is permitted when there are two (2) outs. The “courtesy runner” must be the player in the batting order who was out last, or the previous out if the player who was out last is the pitcher or catcher. See 7.14(b).
7. Game preliminaries —
a. A team may borrow one or more players in order to field nine defensive players. The borrowed player must be a Patriot League registered fall ball player and must play in the outfield. If the borrowed player comes from the opposing team, the borrowed player must sit in their own dugout when not on the field, and may only bat for their own team. The opposing manager may substitute the borrowed player as long as the Mandatory Play (Rule 7) is met. NOTE: A game may not be started with less than six (6) players on each team, nor without at least one adult manager/cleared adult. An automatic out will not be recorded for the 7th, 8th, or 9th position for teams with less than nine (9) players.
8. Teams may only use nine players on defense.
9. Cancelled games: It is the sole responsibility of the teams involved to handle canceling or rescheduling games (but only if the schedule allows), scheduling umpires, and notifying parties of schedule changes.
10. Umpires -
a. The league will do all it can to schedule umpires; however, if no plate umpire at a minimum is signed up for any given game, then it is the responsibility of a manager or coach to assume the role of the plate umpire.
b. If an umpire is unavailable, a coach or other cleared adult volunteer from the team on defense must serve as the umpire-in-chief from a position behind the pitcher’s mound, with an optional additional coach serving as base umpire (Note: at least one adult coach must remain in the dugout at all times). A coach designated as the game’s umpire-in-chief must not also serve in a coaching capacity while on the field as UIC. Games may not be canceled for the lack of an umpire.
11. Baseballs: The league will provide at least four new balls for each game. Please ask parents to retrieve foul balls and place in the chute to the right of home plate. New balls are not needed for each inning of the game – it’s okay to use used balls as long as they are not heavily scuffed. In an effort to not have to purchase more balls for the spring season, please do not exceed five new balls per game, if possible.
14. Balks: Balks will be called but not penalized. Umpires will assist in explaining the cause of the call if needed. The ball is live and play may continue, unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter, or otherwise, and all other runners advance at least one base in which case the play proceeds without reference to the balk. No award of bases will be made.
15. Illegal Pitches will be called and penalized; see Little League Rule 8.05.
16. The Infield Fly rule will only be enforced. See Little League Rule 2.
17. After entering the batter’s box, the batter must remain in the box with at least one foot throughout the at-bat. A penalty will be assessed for repeated violations during the same at-bat. See Little League Rule 6.02(c).
18. The Uncaught Third Strike rule will be enforced. See Little League Rule 6.05(b)(2).
19. The field configuration for the entire fall season will be 80’ foot bases and 54’ pitching distance.
20. Conduct: The behavior of the team and the parents must be above reproach. Failure of a manager, coach, player, parent, or team to act accordingly will be cause for removal of the player, parent, coach, or team for the remainder of the season. The Patriot League has a zero-tolerance policy for any of the following repeated offenses: foul language, misconduct, disrespect for umpires / managers / coaches / players, confrontations of any kind, physical or verbal abuse, etc. It is expected managers/coaches will uphold this by reporting to the president any poor behavior or ejections.
21. Field prep and cleanup: Both teams are responsible for field duties. Home team to lead in pre-game preparation and visitors to lead in post-game cleanup duties; however, both teams should participate in both.
22. Required Forms at each game/practice: The manager must have present at all games/practices the following forms for each player: Medical Release, Concussion Form, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Form, and a Parent Code of Conduct. No exceptions. If a form is missing for any player, that player will not be allowed on the field.
23. Bats: All bats must meet the USA Baseball bat specification or BBCOR.
24. Safe Sport Requirement: Managers/Coaches must carry the certificate of completion (Note: electronic format on a mobile device is acceptable).
If you have any questions, please contact Frank Nelson at 619-518-0517 or [email protected].
Required for Each Game
Here is a summary of the required documents and some recommendations to make your pre-game inspections go quicker.
Required documents, preferably in this order in a binder (league can provide, if needed):
- Medical Releases— If a parent or guardian isn’t present to act on an injured player’s behalf, it’s up to the adult volunteers to seek medical care. Do not wait until a medical emergency before realizing that you do not have a signed medical release form, which can delay treatment and create liability for adult volunteers, and/or the league. Make sure releases, Concussion and Sudden Cardiac Arrest forms are completed fully and are signed! If any player requires medication for significant and/or life-saving injuries and/or illnesses (e.g., inhalers, epi-pens), those releases should be placed at the front. Ensure all players have required, current medications listed on their medical releases with them each game/practice.
- A copy of these rules
- Code of conduct forms signed by a parent or guardian for all players on your team.
- Certificates of completion or proofs on phone for Concussion Protocol, Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention, Abuse Awareness for all coaches and the manager.
(Rules updated 9/10/24)