Coaches: A maximum of three coaches, including the manager, are permitted in the dugout or on the bases. One coach must be in the dugout at all times. 

Field Dimensions: Official Little League field dimensions. Bases shall be 60 feet apart. The front of the pitcher’s plate shall be 46 feet from the point of home plate. 

Player Playing Time: Each player who is in attendance for a game, who is prepared for the game (full uniform and equipment), and is physically able to play, shall play a minimum of six outs in the field and have at least one at bat. 

Scoring: Score shall be kept. 

10-Run Rule: After four innings of play, the game shall end if either team has a lead of 10 or more runs. If the home team is ahead by 10 or more runs after 3 ½ innings, the 10-Run Rule will be in effect. 

Time Limits for Games: Each team will be provided either a 2 hour or 2-½ hour window for its games. This will be dictated by the schedule prepared by the league and distributed to each team in advance of the season. 

time of that game (applicable only if there is a scheduled game to follow). 

Once an inning is started, that inning should be completed in full, unless shortened by weather, darkness, or other circumstances that are mutually agreed upon by both managers

In the event the score is tied, extra innings are permitted so long as it is mutually agreed upon by both managers and that it does not create a timing conflict for a game following (as noted above). 

Changing Sides: Teams shall switch sides at the sooner of (1) three outs or (2) once through the lesser number of batters for each team. 

Example: If Team A has twelve players and Team B has ten players, teams will switch sides once either team has ten at- bats. 

Exception: If a team has less than nine players, each team will be permitted to have up to nine at-bats before switching sides. 

Umpires: An Umpire’s call should never be questioned by players, parents, or coaches. 

Ad-hoc Umpires: For games where no umpires officiate, each team shall have one representative officiate the game. One shall call balls and strikes from behind the pitcher’s mound, and the other shall cover the infield as a base umpire. 

These officials shall rotate duties after each full inning to keep a consistency within each inning as well as a balance throughout the game. 

Strike Zone: Strikes shall be called vertically from the armpits to the knee, and horizontally from each side of home plate including the black of the plate. 

Number of Players on the Field: Each team shall field nine players – a pitcher, a catcher, four infielders and three outfielders. Outfielders must be positioned on the outfield grass before the start of each play. 

In the event a team does not have nine players in attendance, the game shall either be played short- handed, or with borrowed players from the other team (If agreed upon by both coaches). In any event, the game should not be cancelled. 

In the event that a team is aware in advance that it will be short players for a game, it is strongly encouraged that a player from a lower division be “called-up” for the game. The player should be called-up from the lower division from a team in the same school district if possible. 

Defensive Substitutions: Players may be substituted freely, and re-entry is permitted. 

Catcher Substitutions: Players who play the position of catcher for any part of four innings in a game cannot pitch for the remainder of the game. 

Pitcher Substitutions: Pitchers removed from the mound may play another defensive position but may not return as a pitcher. Also, a pitcher who throws 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of the day. 

Pitch Count: Pitchers will be limited to a maximum of pitches per day. 

Pitch count limits are as follows: 

- Little League Age 9-10: 75 pitches 

- Little League Age 7-8: 50 pitches 

If a pitcher reaches the limit while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base, is put out, or the inning ends. 

A pitcher’s pitch-count should be tracked by both teams and confirmed after each half-inning. At the conclusion of the game, it is both managers responsibility to register the players pitch count on the league web site. 

Pitcher’s Rest Requirements: If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

If a player pitches 21-35 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day 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 51-65 pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed. 

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

Note: the prior requirement for “one game of rest” has been eliminated. 

Calling “Time”: A player may request “time” from the umpire while no 

runners are continuing to advance or retreat to a base, are in the infield, and are in control of the ball. The request must be granted by the umpire before play stops. 

Batting line-up: For each game, each manager will use a continuous line- up. With a continuous line-up, each player bats regardless of when or where they are defensively assigned (e.g. 12-player roster means 12 players bat). 

Bats: Wood, aluminum or composite bats are allowed so long as the bats are “Little League Approved.” Non-wood bats must be printed with a BPF of 1.15 or less. 

Below are samples of various USA Baseball logos that may appear on the handle of each bat. 

Additional information related to Little League bat rules can be found at - https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/bat-rules/ 

On-Deck Batters: On-deck swinging is not allowed. 

Sliding: Feet-first sliding is allowed. Head-first sliding into a base is not. A player that slides head-first shall be called out. Exception: A head-first slide back to a base is permitted. 

Bunting: Bunting is allowed. 

Stealing: Stealing is allowed. 

Advancing on Pass-Balls: Base runners may advance from base to base at their own risk. 

Maximum Advances: Teams will be limited to four advanced base ATTEMPTS on either pass-balls and/or stolen bases per inning. 

For Example: A runner caught stealing, will count as an attempt. A failed pickoff attempt to first base by the catcher where the ball ends up in right field causing all runners to advance will not qualify as an attempt. 

Leaving a Base Early: When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s plate, runners shall not leave their bases until the pitch has reached the batter. A violation by one runner shall affect all other base runners. 

Please review rule 7.13 of the Little League rule book for examples of violations and remedies (2009, pages 77- 78). 

Extra-bases: Base runners can continue to advance from base to base if a batted ball is in play. Once the ball is returned to the pitcher, the pitcher is on the circular mound, and the Catcher is in the Catcher’s box, the base runner is not permitted to advance further. 

Overthrown Balls: Base runners can advance from base to base at their own risk on any overthrow. 

Exception: Base runners will be limited to no additional bases on attempted steals and subsequent overthrows. 

Example #1: If a Runner attempt to steal 2nd base and the throw from the Catcher goes through to center field, the Runner must remain at 2nd base. 

Example #2: With runners on 1st and 3rd, and a Runner attempts to steal 2nd base and the throw from the Catcher goes through to the outfield, the Runner must remain at 2nd base. If the runner on 3rd base breaks for home prior to the ball getting to the outfield, the Runner is permitted to score. Otherwise, the Runners must remain at 2nd and 3rd. 

Injured/Ill Batter: In the event a batter is injured or ill, that batter’s turn will be skipped. 

Substitute Runner: In the event of an injury or illness and a player can’t run the bases, the player who recorded the preceding out will enter as a pinch runner.  

With two outs in the inning, managers should look to pinch run for their catcher (with the player who recorded the preceding out) in order to avoid delays between innings. 

Bats: Wood, aluminum or composite bats are allowed so long as the bats are “Little League Approved” with the USA Baseball logo. All non‐wood bats must be printed with a BPF of 1.15 or less. 

First Inning: For the first inning only, each player shall bat before teams switch sides. 

Each game shall be six innings. 

For games that are limited to 2 hours, no new inning should be started after 1 hour and 45 minutes from the scheduled start time of that game (applicable only if there is a scheduled game to follow). 

For games that are limited to 2‐½ hours, no new inning should be started after 2 hours from the scheduled start time of that game (applicable only if there is a scheduled game to follow). 

Once an inning is started, that inning should be completed in full, unless shortened by weather, darkness, or other circumstances that are mutually agreed upon by both managers. 

In the event the score is tied, an extra inning is permitted so long as it is mutually agreed upon by both managers and that it does not create a timing conflict for a game following (as noted above). 

Wood, aluminum or composite bats are allowed so long as the bats are “Little League Approved” with the USA Baseball logo. All non‐wood bats must be printed with a BPF of 1.15 or less. 

Fairfield National Little League T-Ball Rules (updated: Spring 2023 (last updated 2017))

1. Games are scheduled in two hour time slots. The first 30 minutes both teams will warm up. The second hour, a game will be played.

2. During the first 15 minutes of practice time, the home team will use the infield, while the visitor uses the outfield area. After 15 minutes the teams will switch.

3. The offensive team will bat all of its players each inning, and the inning will end with the completion of the last player’s at bat. Managers will make every effort to rotate the batting order each week.

4. Players will be called out, and returned to the bench upon making an out.

5. Players will bat until they successfully hit a fair ball.

6. The offense will be permitted a coach at first and third base, and one at home plate to assist with batting.

7. All remaining offensive players will stay on the bench at all times. Players may not leave the bench area without the consent of the manager. The dugout is restricted to players and coaches, except in an emergency, for insurance reasons, and by LL rules.

8. The defensive team will position nine players in the field, at the traditional positions, including three to four outfielders, and no catcher. Outfielders must be positioned in the grass at all times.

9. The defense will be permitted two coaches positioned behind the infield on the left and right side, similar to the position taken by umpires, to assist the players in lining up, and providing verbal instructions.

10. At no time may any coach be wearing a glove on the field.

11. The teams will alternate at bats until time expires. The game ends upon the tolling of the second hour, regardless of the game situation.

12. Batters must hit the ball off the tee. At no time shall any batter be pitched to. Violation of this rule shall subject the coaching staff to disciplinary action, including suspension, and or expulsion.

13. Players must be in uniform to participate, and must wear hats at all times.

14. No food on the benches.

15. All batters and base-runners must wear helmets.

16. Only USA approved  T-Ball bats are permitted and only balls provided by the FNLL to be used.

17. Coaches wishing to speak to their teams after the game must remove them to another section of the park, to permit the next game to begin on time.

18. Coaches cannot agree to postpone a game without the consent of the coordinator.

19. Any sign of lightning or thunder, the game must be called immediately, and players removed from the field.

20. There is no banging equipment, or other unsportsmanlike conduct permitted.

21. No score shall be kept, no wins or losses recorded.

22. Baserunners may advance more than one base if the hit dictates such advance and is agreed upon by both managers.  For example, if a batted ball is hit into the outfield, the batter may advance to second base.

1. Games are scheduled in two-hour time slots. The first hour both teams will practice. The second hour, a game will be played.

2. Games will begin promptly on the second hour.

3. During the first half hour of practice time, the home team will use the infield, while the visitor uses the outfield area. At the half hour, the teams will switch.

4. The offensive team will bat all of its players each inning, and the inning will end with the completion of the last players at bat. Managers will make every effort to rotate the batting order each week.

5. Players will be called out and returned to the bench upon making an out.

6. Players will bat until they successfully hit a fair ball.

7. The offense will be permitted a coach at first and third base, and one at home plate to assist with batting.

8. All remaining offensive players will stay on the bench at all times. Players may not leave the bench area without the consent of the manager. The dugout is restricted to players and coaches, except in an emergency, for insurance reasons, and by LL rules.

9. The defensive team will position nine players in the field, at the traditional positions, including four outfielders, and no catcher. Outfielders must be positioned in the outfield grass at all times.

10. The defense will be permitted two coaches positioned behind the infield on the left and right side, similar to the position taken by umpires, to assist the players in lining up, and providing verbal instructions.

11. At no time may any coach be wearing a glove on the field.

12. The teams will alternate at bats until time expires. The game ends upon the tolling of the second hour, regardless of the game situation.

13. Batters must hit the ball off the tee. At no time shall any batter be pitched to. Violation of this rule shall subject the coaching staff to disciplinary action, including suspension, and or expulsion.

14. Players must be in uniform to participate and must wear hats at all times.

15. No food on the benches.

16. All batters and base runners must wear helmets.

17. Wood, aluminum, or composite T-Ball bats are allowed so long as the bats are “Little League Approved” with the USA Baseball logo. All non‐wood bats must be printed with a BPF of 1.15 or less.

Below are samples of various USA Baseball logos that may appear on the handle of each bat.

Additional information related to Little League bat rules can be found at - https://www.littleleague.org/playing-rules/bat-rules/

18. Coaches wishing to speak to their teams after the game must move them to another section of the park, to permit the next game to begin on time.

19. Coaches cannot agree to postpone a game without the consent of the coordinator.

20. Any sign of lightening or thunder, the game must be called immediately, and players removed from the field.

21. There is no chanting, banging equipment, or other unsportsmanlike conduct permitted.

22. No score shall be kept, no wins or losses recorded.