Revised 2/2010

1.     Mandatory playtime for every division. Each player must play a minimum of 3 innings in the field per game
        and play 4 full games throughout the season. If playing time requirements are not met, then the player must 
        start the next game and play the entire game. Penalty for not adhering to the mandatory playing time rules are:
            The manager shall for the:  
                a. First Offense - received a written warning;
                b. Second Offense - be suspended for the next scheduled game; 
                c. Third Offense - be suspended for the remainder of the season.

        Note:    1. If the violation is determined to be intentional a more severe penalty may be assessed by the Board 
                    of Directors.
                    2. If a violation occurs in a game shortened by curfew, darkness or inclement weather the league may 
                    elect not to impose a penalty.
                    3. A forfeiture of a game may not be invoked because of these infractions.
                    4. If a player is not making scheduled practices, the player is not entitled to the "play time rule". 
                    Manager will then enforce the 1 at bat and 3 defensive out rule.

2.    NO ON DECK BATTER ALLOWED FOR ANY DIVISION with the exception of Jr/Sr boys division. At no time may a
       player may touch a bat unless he or she is up to bat. 
            All players must remain in the dugout with a manager or coach throughout the entire game. 
                Note: Only 1^st and 3^rd base coaches should be outside of the dugouts while game is being played. ONE 
                coach must be in the dugout at all times with the players and no one else.

3.    Pitch count rules are in effect for every baseball division. We must follow little league rules from the rule book.

4.    15 run rule is in effect after the 4^th innings for every division for Mini-minors on up. The game will officially be 
        over. However, the teams may continue playing the game unofficially only if both managers agree.

5.     No more than 10 runs allowed per inning in every division except Majors, Jr. Boys and Sr. Boys. This rule does 
        not apply to the last inning of any game in any division.

6.     Minor Boys: After 5 runs are scored in an inning there will be no more stealing allowed in that inning. 
                Except: Regardless of the score both teams can steal in the last inning.

7.    T-ball, Mini-Minors, Minor Boys and Minor Girls: EVERYONE bats whether or not they are playing defense. All
       players present are to be in the batting line up. Mandatory playing time is still in effect.

8.    Major Boys and Jr. Boys may use an EH (extra hitter).
            Note: Player must meet defensive play requirements.

9.    T-ball, Mini-Minors, Minor Boys and Minor Girls: No forfeits for shorthanded teams. The use of pool players will 
        be allowed but if a team cannot field 9 players, this game will not be made up.
            Note: Pool players cannot pitch or catch and must bat last in any division. Minor boys CANNOT be pool
            players in the major division. 

        Major Boys and Major Girls: 
            * Note: Forfeits will be handed out for teams that are short handed (unless an emergency caused the team 
            to be short handed). If a team knows in advanced that it is going to be short handed and did not reschedule 
            the game at least 1 week in advance, team therefore forfeits that game. A maximum of 2 games may be 
            rescheduled only with the exception of inclement weather.

10. Standings:  
            First, Second, Third and Fourth place will receive a trophy in each division from Minors on up. Highest 
            winning percentage will determine the standings.
                        Tie Breaker: 1. Head to Head results.
                                            2. Fewest runs allowed
    
            Note: Keeping proper score books will ensure accurate standings. Home team is responsible for official 
            score book at each game
            * Score sheets must be filled out and left at the shack after each game. Both teams must fill out a score sheet.

11.    Minor Boys, Major Boys and Major Girls:
            Playoffs will be played as follows and all games will be played under the regular season rules. Top 4 teams
            will enter a playoff to determine a Champion.
                    Round 1: 4^th vs. 1^st and 3^rd vs 2^nd - Best of 3 series
                    Round 2: Winner of 4^th vs. 1^st and Winner of 3^rd vs 2^nd - will play each other for the Championship.     
                    Losing teams will play for 3^rd place in best of 3 series
              The lower seed teams will also play 2 rounds of consolation games. This is done so that all teams in Minor 
              Boys and Major Boys play an equal amount of games.

              If there is only 3 teams, the playoff will be played as follows and all games will still be played under regular 
              season rules.
                    Round 1: 1^st place will have a bye into the championship
                    Round 2: Winner of 2^nd vs. 3^rd will vs. 1^st and will play each other for the Championship in Best of 3 
                    series.

12.        Home team must put the bases out and put them away after EVERY game.

13.        Coaches should conduct themselves in a positive manner at all times whether on or off the field. There shall 
             be no smoking or alcoholic beverages on the fields or in the presence of any player. Foul language is 
             unacceptable, please refrain from using it. It is the coach’s responsibility to control the behavior of the 
             parents and spectators. Coaches need to control their tempers toward any umpire. If you have an issue 
             please discuss it calmly. The umpire is in control of the game and needs to be respected whether or not you 
             agree or disagree with his or her call. Please remember the kids and parents are watching, you need to set a
             good example. Anyone who does not adhere to this maybe subjected to suspension by the Board of 
             Directors.14. All teams are responsible for cleaning up the dugouts immediately following their games.

15.    Curfew:
              No new inning can be started after 8:00 pm for any division.
                    For night games: No new inning can be started after 10:00 pm with the exception of Major Boys, Major 
                    Girls, Jr/Sr. Boys and Jr/Sr Girls, no new inning after 10:30 pm.

16.    The Board of Directors maintains the right to review, modify and/or amend any and all of the Middletown Little
         League by-laws as we follow the rules and regulation of Little League International.

George Serrano
President of Middletown Little League