Oak Ridge Little League Bylaws
Oak Ridge Little League
Baseball and Softball
Bylaws
Little League Baseball Mission Statement:
Little League Baseball, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is “to promote, develop, supervise, and voluntarily assist in all lawful ways, the interest of those who will participate in Little League Baseball.” Through proper guidance and exemplary leadership, the Little League program assists youth in developing the qualities of citizenship, discipline, teamwork and physical well being. By espousing the virtues of character, courage and loyalty, the Little League Baseball program is designed to develop superior citizens rather than superior athletes.
Oak Ridge Little League Baseball and Softball Mission Statement:
As a charter member of Little League Baseball Inc., Oak Ridge Little League is in full agreement with the above mission statement. Furthermore, Oak Ridge Little League endeavors to provide a safe, affordable, well organized program through which boys and girls can learn and enjoy the games of baseball and softball. In addition, we aspire towards and environment of community in which children, parents and volunteers can participate freely and work toward our common goal of becoming responsible adults.
Board Meetings:
Meetings of the Board of Directors are held on the first Monday of the month. A notice of the meeting will be posted on the local league’s website at least 1 week in advance. Other methods to communicate the meeting can be utilized as well. These can include emails, voice messages etc. The general membership is invited to attend any regularly held meeting.
In the case of a special board meeting that pertains to the safety of players, parents or spectators, at least 1 day’s notice will be given before the meeting is called to order. A 2/3s majority of the board members need to be in attendance before business can be transacted.
Board members must attend each meeting. A board member who misses two (2) consecutive meetings will have their membership under review. If a board member misses three (3) consecutive meetings, their membership on the board will be terminated.
Confidentiality is a must when conducting Little League business. Therefore, if this policy is violated, the board member will be subject to disciplinary review, including termination from the board and any and all manager/coaching obligations.
Practice/Play Limitations - Major, AAA & AA Divisions:
Teams in all division of play are restricted to a minimum of 3 baseball events and a maximum of 4 baseball events per calendar week (Sunday through Saturday). An event is defined as either an officially scheduled or make-up game or a team practice. This excludes “optional” or “volunteer” practices that may be called. Players not attending “optional” or “volunteer” practices are NOT subject to penalty for non-attendance. Teams are not allowed to conduct more than one practice on the same calendar day, nor are teams allowed to schedule a practice on game day (except in the Tee Ball division). Team managers and coaches must understand that this limitation is designed to give the players three days of rest in any calendar week. Violators of this rule will be subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors of Oak Ridge Little League.
Player Tryouts:
All children ages 9-12 who wish to participate in the Major division of play and all children league age 8-11 who wish to participate in the Minor (AAA) division of play are required to attend tryouts. This includes children of potential managers who have applied to take a team. Any child (family) whose league age is 12 and chooses not to play in the Major division, or if the Safety Officer and Safety committee feel there is a safety risk, may sign a waiver which will allow the 12 year old to play in the Minor division. All children who participate in player tryouts are eligible for the Major division draft, unless they elect to not be eligible for the Major division draft by filling out a written request with the Player Agent, no later than the date of the Major division draft.
Tryouts will be coordinated and managed by the Player Agent. The Player Agent will assign tryout times for the eligible candidates. All candidates must be both registered and verified prior to attending tryouts. This will include all outstanding paperwork. The candidates will try out in groups, the size of which will be determined by the Player Agent. These groups, regardless of size, will be organized by age group. The Player Agent has the authority to re class a child from their league age group to a different group based upon safety or other reasons.
Tryouts will be conducted in the presence of all managers in the Major and Minor (AAA) division of play. Managers who cannot attend a tryout must inform the Player Agent prior to that date. The Player Agent may either give permission to receive ratings and notes from the other managers that are attending tryouts or name a proxy for the manager. Managers are NOT allowed to name their own proxy.
All candidates, including managers and potential coaches’ children, must attend 50% of tryouts in order to be eligible for the draft. If there is any indication that a rostered manager/coach or potential manager/coach interfered in the tryout process, (i.e. telling a candidate not to come to tryout or to “throw” the tryout) disciplinary action will be taken against that manager or coach (potential or otherwise). Disciplinary action will be determined by the Board of Directors of the local league.
Tryouts will be conducted over a three day period which will be determined by the Player Agent. A rain make up will be determined by the Player Agent in conjunction with the Major and Minor division directors. The tryouts consist of 3 fly balls, 3 ground balls, 5 at bats, 3 pitches and 3 runs.
If a candidate has not met the 50% requirement of attending tryouts, that candidate is not eligible for the draft, no exceptions.
Uniforms, Equipment and Keys:
Uniform jerseys and hats will be issued to all players. Pants, belts and socks are to be furnished by the parents in conjunction with team’s decision based on color. No Oak Ridge Little League uniform can be altered in any capacity. Exception: Last names and uniform numbers can be embroidered on uniform hats if agreed to by the entire team at the cost of the player/player’s family.
Reusable jerseys, all equipment and keys, will be signed out by the manager at the beginning of the season and must be returned within seven (7) days from the date of the teams last regular season game. Exception: Managers of TOC, All Star or Jamboree teams must return equipment within seven (7) days of their final game.
Official Regulation III~ Teams:
In the Major division, no team may have more or less than 12 players. Oak Ridge Little League believes the Major division teams with 12 player rosters offer the player the best overall experience and allow for skill development and improvement. The Player Agent is responsible for maintaining the 12 player roster size.
In the Minor (AAA) division, there is a no minimum roster size but a maximum roster size of 12 is preferred. Oak Ridge Little League believes the Minor division teams with 12 player rosters offer the player the best overall experience and allow for skill development and improvement. The Player Agent is responsible for maintaining the roster.
In the AA and Tee Ball divisions, there are no minimum or maximum roster sizes established. The Player Agent is responsible for establishing the appropriate team roster size.
Official Regulation V~ Selection of Players:
Oak Ridge Little League understands that the entire premise of the selection of players is to balance player talent so that every team and every player has an equal opportunity to experience a winning season. It is also Oak Ridge Little League’s intention to promote an enhanced spirit of cooperation and camaraderie amongst its managers and coaches. The Player Agent is responsible for coordinating and conducting the league’s player selection draft for each division pursuant to the terms contained herein.
Major Division Draft:
In order to establish an equitable distribution of player talent in the Major division of play, Oak Ridge Little League has selected to roster its players and replace those aging out of the Little League system or those not returning as outlined in the Little League Operating Manual. We will maintain “returning player” status until such time that Little League Baseball Inc. or the Board of Directors vote on re-rostering.
The Major division consists of players aged 9-12. There are no exceptions to this rule.
The Major draft is divided in to two (2) sections. Part 1 will be the draft of the 12 year old candidates. Part 2 will be the draft of the remaining candidates. The team that places 3rd in overall standings will draft 1st. starting with 12 year olds. Then the team with the 2nd place in overall standings will draft next following the same guideline followed by the team with the 1st place standing. Once the 12 year olds are drafted, the draft will continue to all other candidates beginning with the 3rd place team, continuing on to the 2nd place team and finally, the 1st place team and then the draft order repeats itself (3,2,1-3,2,1). The draft will continue until all Major teams reach a roster size of 12. The rest of the candidates will be eligible for the Minor (AAA) draft. The Player Agent will conduct the draft to take into consideration that no more than eight 12 year olds are on a selected team. The Player Agent will conduct the draft with the Major Managers in attendance along with the Major Division Director and the League President. No other people will be allowed in the room. Once the draft begins, no manager may leave the room.
Replacement Players:
A team manager who loses a player on the roster during the current season through illness, injury, change of address or for other justifiable reasons, must obtain another player through the Player Agent to replace the player. If the player misses two (2) consecutive games, the manager of that player must, within 24 hours, contact both the player’s family to determine if the player will miss any future games and notify the Player Agent of this potential problem. If the Player Agent confirms with the family that the player is no longer available, that manager must add a player to their roster. Managers must choose replacement players from the eligible players in the Major division before reaching into AAA. Three (3) names must be submitted to the Player Agent with 24 hours of manager’s notice of vacancy and all told, the replacement process must be concluded in 72 hours. If the manager fails to comply with any step in the replacement process, there will be a 1 game suspension for every one day that the deadline is missed. If after this time period a replacement player is not named, the Player Agent will make player recommendations to the Board of Directors for a vote by them. The Player Agent will notify the manager of the newly named player. The playing ability of the player shall not be considered a justifiable reason for replacement. A Major division manager is prohibited from bringing up a replacement from the Minor (AAA) division during the last 2 weeks of the regular season schedule. If a vacancy occurs during this time period, the team with the short roster will be excluded from post season TOC play.
Sons/Daughter of Managers:
If a manager has an eligible son or daughter and wishes to draft them, he/she must inform the Player Agent prior to the draft. The manager is required to exercise this option prior to the close of the specific draft round depending on the league age of the player as outlined below.
|
Draft Round |
League Age |
|
5 |
9-10 |
|
4 |
11 |
|
3 |
12 |
Declination of Major Placement:
When a candidate declines Major placement (including not attending tryouts with the express intent of staying in the Minor division), that player is no longer eligible for consideration to a Major team for the rest of that season. In addition, the candidate who declines will not be eligible for post season play at any level (12, 11, or 10 All Star teams) including TOC’s.
Sibling Option:
Parents shall have the option before tryouts to request that a brother or sister be automatically drafted to the same team. All players will be required to attend tryouts. When the option has been submitted and when the first player of the same family regardless of age level is drafted by a manager, the Player Agent shall announce the automatic draft of the other brother or sister by the manager on his/her next draft turn.
Minor Division Draft:
In order to establish an equitable distribution of player talent in the Minor division of play, Oak Ridge Little League has selected to re-pool its returning Minor players in conjunction with the guidelines of Plan B, as outlined in the Little League Operating Manual.
The Minor division is open to candidates aged 8-11 with 12 year olds eligible when the family signs a waiver to play in Minor division vs. Major division. The draft shall take place immediately following the Major draft. Draft pick is by blind draw and will continue in a serpentine fashion (1,2,3-3,2,1) until all eligible candidates have been drafted. There are no exceptions to the age alignment implemented in the Minor division. The Player agent will conduct the draft with the Minor (AAA) Managers in attendance along with the Minor (AAA) Division Director and the League President. No other people will be allowed in the room. Once the draft begins, no manager may leave the room.
Sons/Daughters of Managers:
If a manager has an eligible son or daughter and wishes to draft them, he/she must inform the Player Agent prior to the draft. The manager is required to exercise this option prior to the close of the specific draft round depending on the league age of the player as outlined below.
|
Draft Round |
League Age |
|
5 |
8-9 |
|
4 |
10 |
|
3 |
11 |
Sibling Options:
Parents shall have the option before tryouts to request that a brother or sister be automatically drafted to the same team. All players will be required to attend tryouts. When the option has been submitted and when the first player of the same family regardless of age level is drafted by a manager, the Player Agent shall announce the automatic draft of the other brother or sister by the manager on his/her next draft turn.
After the assigned Minor division teams are filled to the limits established by the Player Agent for the current season, the Player Agent will declared the draft to be complete and any surplus players shall be released to the AA Ball Division.
Trades:
Trades are discouraged. Trades will be considered only for compelling reasons and shall be conducted before the draft is completed. Any trade shall be put forth to the Board of Directors for approval. The Board shall decide each situation on its own merit. If a trade is not approved, the player remains as previously assigned. Exception: A trade can be made if a newly appointed manager wants his/her son or daughter to join their team from another team. The Board of Directors does this subsequent to the draft, and subject to approval.
AA and Tee Ball Team Formation:
The Player Agent is solely responsible for placing players onto AA and Tee Ball teams. The Player Agent shall consider parent/guardian input of up to 4 friends per team and will take into consideration schools, requests and zip codes of players all in an effort to allow players to play on teams with their friends. However, the Player Agent must attempt to put together teams in such a way as to make each division as well balanced as possible and may not, therefore, be able to honor all requests. The decision(s) of the Player Agent are final.
General Ground Rules for All Division of Play at Oak Ridge Little League:
1. All players must wear an approved athletic cup and supporter during all games. Girls may wear a soft cup whereas boys should wear a hard cup. If, in the umpire’s judgment a player is not properly equipped, that player shall be removed from the current game and the issue must be addressed by the manager so it does not occur in future games.
2. Swinging bunts are not allowed at Oak Ridge Little League. If it is determined by the umpire that a team is executing swinging bunts, the manager will be subject to removal from the game and subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors. In the case of a swinging bunt, the batter may be called out by the umpire. Umpire judgment will determine if a swinging bunt affected the advancement of runners and, thus, determine the placement of the runners.
3. Thrown bats are strictly prohibited. If a bat is thrown the batter may be called out by the umpire. In the case of a thrown bat, umpire judgment will determine if the thrown bat affected the advancement of runners and thus determine the replacement of the runners.
4. Majors and AAA: It is the responsibility of the home team to complete preparation of the field for play (at least 30 minutes prior the scheduled start of the game.) Preparing the field includes setting up the trash cans from the snack shack or shed, watering the infield dirt, chalking the foul lines, batter’s box and base coach boxes, filling in holes around home plate, the pitching mound, bullpen and any other location that is uneven. The visiting team will be given at least 10 minutes of infield practice prior to the start of the game, while the home team may forfeit its infield practice if field preparation is not completed on time. The last home team of the day is responsible for taking all trash to the dumpster, replacing the trash bags, dragging the field, racking the mound, base paths and home plate.
5. AA and T-Ball: It is the responsibility of both the home and visiting teams to complete preparation of the field for play (at least 30 minutes prior the scheduled start of the game.) Preparing the field includes setting up the trash cans from the snack shack or shed, watering the infield dirt, chalking the foul lines, batter’s box and base coach boxes, filling in holes around home plate, the pitching mound, bullpen and any other location that is uneven. The teams will be given at least 10 minutes of infield practice prior to the start of the game, unless field preparation is not completed on time. The last home and visiting teams of the day are responsible for taking all trash to the dumpster, replacing the trash bags, dragging the field, racking the mound, base paths and home plate.
6. Each team may decide what color uniform pants, belts and socks to wear, as long as the whole team agrees at the parent meeting before the season. If a player cannot afford to buy the uniform pants, arrangements must be made within that team to see that those items are provided.
7. Each team is responsible for cleaning out their dugout after every game.
8. No new inning may begin at 7:30 pm per our agreement with the Oak Grove School District.
9. The away team gets infield practice for the first 10 minutes of warm-ups and the home teams gets the last 10 minutes.
10. Each home team is required to provide 2 parents to work in the snack shack. In the event that the team does not provide a parent, the manager will be notified and asked to cover that requirement. A list of approved personnel is available on the ORLL website should a parent not want to participate in this.
11. Gates to fields and sheds are to be locked after all games.
12. There will be no on-deck batters. 1st and 3rd base coaches should be outside the dugout while the game is being played. One coach must be in the dugout at all times with the players. No additional persons may be in the dugout area. The penalty for this offense is the player will be ejected from the game and the manager will serve a one (1) game suspension which will be the next scheduled game.
13. Team managers and coaches at all levels must:
a. Wear Oak Ridge Little League issued ID badges when on the playing field during ALL games and practices. This also applies during pre game warm-ups, during the game and after the game until clean-up is completed. The ID badge should be visible. If a manager of coach is found without a badge, he/she will first be given a warning. 2nd offenses will result in a one (1) game suspension. If an ID badge is lost or misplaced, they can replaced for a $5.00 charge. Please see the Player Agent if this happens.
b. At least two adults, manger or coach(s) are required to remain at the field after a practice or a game until all players are picked up.
c. All managers and coaches are bound by the League’s Code of Conduct. The league will not tolerate any conduct unbecoming to the league, such as the use of negative comments, profanity, striking, verbal or physical threats towards any teams players, coaches, parents, volunteers, members, and umpires. Violators of this rule will be subject to disciplinary action by the League’s Board of Directors.
d. Alcohol and smoking are strictly prohibited on any field where Oak Ridge has a permit to play. If a violation to this policy occurs, the manager will serve a one (1) game suspension. If it is a parent or spectator, they will be asked to leave the field. Oak Grove School District has a zero tolerance policy for alcohol and other drugs, including tobacco.
e. Notify the Division Director of any issues involving parents, managers, coaches or umpires.
f. Do not engage in player vs. parent games at any time. This is a direct violation of Little League insurance regulations.
14. Major, Minor and AA managers and coaches will each be required to umpire games in either the Major or Minor division during the season. NO manager or coach may umpire their own game. Scheduling of umpires for games will be set by the umpire-in-chief prior to the start of the season. Umpiring the bases is required and umpiring behind home plate is optional. All managers and coaches will receive umpire training at the start of the season of which attendance is mandatory. Umpire training and pre-season games shall be scheduled on non-conflicting dates.
15. Player Disciplinary Policy:
a. If a player has failed to show up for multiple practices, the manager may bench the player for an entire game if the manager has contacted and notified the Player Agent before the game of their intention. The manager shall list the player on the game roster and inform the umpires and the opposing manager that the player is benched.
b. If a player is a disciplinary concern for something other than missing practice, the manager shall use other disciplinary means to correct the situation. If this fails to correct the situation, then the manager must contact the Player Agent, who will issue the player a first warning. If the situation continues, the manager must report again to the Player Agent, who will arrange for the player and his/her family to meet with the Player Agent.
c. If the player creates a disciplinary concern during a game, the manager may bench the player for the remainder of the game. The manager must report the situation to the umpires and the opposing manager immediately and notify the Player Agent immediately after the game.
d. All disciplinary issues will be recorded in writing and brought to the attention of the Board of Directors by the Player Agent.
16. In the event of a situation not covered in this document, the manager will refer to the Little League rule book.
Supplemental Rules for Major and Minor Divisions:
1. Each rostered player present at the start of the game will participate in each game for a minimum of nine consecutive, defensive outs and 1 at bat. If a game concludes after four innings, for instance by virtue of the 10 run rule, all players are required to have played at least six (6) defensive outs and to have batted one (1) time. PENALTY: the player (s) involved shall start the next scheduled game, play any previous requirement not completed and the requirement of this game before being removed. The manager will be subject to disciplinary action, in accordance with the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Baseball. If the violation is determined to be intentional, the manager will be subject to more severe disciplinary action also in accordance with the official regulations and playing rules of Little League Baseball. However, forfeiture of a game may not be invoked.
2. If a team is unable to place nine players on defense, it will forfeit the game unless that team’s manager contacts the opposing team manager by 8:00 pm the night before in order to reschedule. The Board will review all forfeitures to make the final determination whether to reschedule or declare the game a forfeit.
3. Two adult coaches must be used during all games whether practice or not. At least one adult coach must be present in the dug out at all times. If necessary, a player may serve as a base coach in order to keep an adult coach in the dug out at all times. Coaches cannot coach outside of the field~ i.e. from the stands or behind the fencing.
4. Scorekeepers in the Minor and Major divisions may consult between innings to match scores. If discrepancies arise, the scorekeepers shall attempt to resolve them, but in the event of continued disagreement, the home team scorekeeper shall prevail. Home team must keep the official scorebook. The scorebook must not leave the premises of Oak Ridge Little League. Scorekeepers cannot “coach” from the scorekeeper’s box. At the conclusion of the game, signatures are to be obtained from both the managers and the lead umpire.
5. In the event of a formal protest, the manager makes the protest to the umpire. The umpire makes the home scorekeeper aware that there is a protest. The scorekeeper writes down the exact time of the protest, what the protest is, the inning, the player at bat and how many balls and strikes are recorded in the book. The manger, the umpire and the scorekeeper must sign the book. The game then proceeds. If there is a protest form available, it should also be used. The protest will be forwarded to the protest committee and a decision will be made from there. All interested parties will be notified of the outcome of the protest.
6. Make-up games~ games that were not played or completed due to darkness, rain, special circumstances etc., will need to be rescheduled and played within 2 weeks of the game. Ties or unplayed games will result in a loss for both teams so both teams are encouraged to schedule and make up or complete these games prior to the end of May. It will be the responsibility of the umpire-in-chief to schedule the make-up dates.
7. The Major season will be divided into 2 halves. There will be a champion of the 1st half and a champion of the 2nd half. The winners of the two halves will play a 3 game playoff to determine who will go to TOC’s.
Supplemental Rules for Minor Division:
Once five runs have scored, the half inning is over. No runs after five will count towards the final score in any half inning, even if a home run is involved. If five runs have scored and a play is still in process, the play shall be allowed to continue until is has concluded. However, no additional runs will be counted. If it is discovered that five runs have been scored after a new batter has begun his player appearance, the play is stopped ad the batter leads off the following inning. The sixth inning is automatically an open inning.
The Minor (AAA) division will follow the 2-4-2 rule for substitutions.
All players will bat consecutively through the order presented to the umpires and opposing team at the start of the game.
During the first half of the regular season, umpires will warn a pitcher if he/she makes an illegal pitch, declare it an illegal pitch and explain to the pitcher how he/she is making the illegal pitch before play is resumed. During the second half of the season, the Little League rulebook will apply. Please ask your umpires to remember the advice of the Chief Umpire and only call flagrant illegal pitches.
During the first half of the regular season, umpires will warn a base runner if he/she leaves the base too early, declare it illegal and explain to the runner how he/she is making the illegal move before play is resumed. During the second half of the season, the Little League rulebook will apply. Please ask your umpires to remember the advice of the Chief Umpire and only call flagrant violations for leaving the base too early.
Any Minor player that is suspended by the manager or Player Agent will be ineligible to be brought up to the Major division that season.
No new batter may come to the plate after 8:00 pm. No new inning may begin after two hours have elapsed unless the game is a tie game. If the home team is leading and at bat, and the two hour time limit is reached, the umpire shall end the game and declare the home team the winner.
The Minor division will have a Best of Three (3) TOC playoff to include a Loser’s bracket. There will be a blind draw for seeding and the Umpires will resolve all conflicts. As per protocol, the Umpire’s decision is final. Regular season rules will apply.
Supplemental Rules for AA Division:
The AA division is an instructional level of Oak Ridge Little League. Its intent is not to cultivate a competitive atmosphere but to improve player’s skill level and to prepare the children for the more competitive Minor and Major division of play. The development of players’ skill should be a primary focus in the division. Counting total runs and winning the game will not be the focus. It is the manager’s responsibility to teach the fundamentals of the game, develop players and to provide a positive experience that will encourage the child to continue playing Little League.
Pitching Note:
The goal is to have the players practice pitching at the beginning of the season and taking over that responsibility during games throughout the second half of the season. Until that time, the coaches will pitch. After completing the first half of the regular season (date to be determined) the managers and the AA division director will implement the changeover to player pitching.
There will be no balls and strikes called. The maximum pitch count for a player pitcher will be 45 pitches per game, in accordance with the Little League rule book on pitching. A pitch count and positions played log will be kept by the bench coach for every game, but there will be no score keeping permitted. This document must be kept and presented to the Player Agent or Safety Officer if asked. Continuous batting order will be used and will be explained to the players. No pitcher may reenter the game as a pitcher (Exception: a safety issue which has been brought to the attention of the Player Agent and Safety Officer and approval given) and each player must play infield at least one inning per game.
1. Coach Pitch:
a. Batter receives a maximum of 7 pitches from the coach.
b. Pitches should be flat and hittable.
c. Coaches can pitch from an area that allows them to throw strikes to the batter.
2. Player Pitch:
a. Player pitchers will attempt 4 pitches to the batter
b. If after 4 attempts the player pitcher is not successful, then there will be three (3) coach pitched balls given to the batter.
3. Ending Play:
a. The play is considered “dead” when the pitcher has the ball and both feet on the infield grass. The pitcher must have at least one foot on the pitcher’s mound dirt to start play.
b. Runners will advance to the next base if they are more than 50% of the way to the next base.
c. Runners will return to the prior base if they are less than 50% of the way to the next base.
d. The batting team will call safe and out.
4. Batting:
a. Use continuous batting order.
b. All players bat, even though they may not be playing defense.
c. The lead off batter should be rotated for each game, giving all players a similar amount of at bats through out the season.
5. Base Running:
a. Players should be encouraged to run the bases on balls in play.
b. When balls are hit to the outfield, the base coaches will have the green light to send the kids to second or third.
c. No infield fly rule.
d. Sliding is not permitted . If this is found to have happened,
disciplinary action will be taken against the manager of the team and any coach associated with the incident. Disciplinary action will include suspension of the next played game.
e. Managers must teach rules of obstruction. Obstruction will not be called but will be taught. If this rule is violated, the manager and/or coaches will be suspended accordingly.
6. Passed Balls / Overthrows:
a. There is no stealing on passed balls pitched to the catcher.
b. Any overthrown ball, either in the field of play, foul territory or out of bounds, the runner(s) will be allowed to advance one (1) base.
7. Coaching on the Field:
c. One coach is allowed to be in the outfield when their team is on defense.
d. Throughout the season, a manager or coach from the defensive team is allowed behind home plate to shag balls in an effort to keep the game moving. The manager/coach will throw the ball back to the pitcher.
8. Defense:
a. Teams may field 4 outfielders.
b. No “buck” short stops or additional infielders.
c. Managers are required to rotate their players to various positions. During the regular season, every player must play a minimum of 2 defensive innings at every infield position, including pitcher, catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, shortstop and third base. No pitcher may reenter the game as a pitcher.
d. Parents may request that their child not play a certain position.
e. Outfielders should be at least 25 feet out from the grass infield edge when the batter swings.
f. All players must be in the dugout 15 minutes prior to game time and must remain in the dugout for the duration of the game. Players may be excused to use the restroom with proper supervision.
g. Parents will observe Rule 3.09 which states that there will be no conversing with players while they are in the dugout.
h. There are no on deck batters or warming up behind the dugout permitted.
9. Bunting:
a. Bunting is not allowed, however, it should be taught in practices to prepare players for the Minor Division.
10. Game Time Limit:
a. Games should not exceed 90 minutes.
b. New innings should not start after 75 minutes have elapsed from the start of play.
11. Playoffs:
a. Round Robin only.
b. No Elimination.
c. No called balls and strikes, except swinging strikes.
d. Regular season rules apply.
e. All teams in the division MUST participate.
12. Thrown Bats:
a. 1st time, a child will be warned.
b. 2nd time, the child will be benched for the remainder of that game.
c. Only the batter may have a bat in their hand. All other bats should be idle.
13. Parents:
a. Managers need to communicate to the parents that the goal of AA ball is not to win at all costs.
14. Umpiring the Game:
a. Managers and coaches will be in charge of all umpiring duties when their team is batting.
b. 1st and 3rd base coaches will make the calls for the base runners.
Supplemental Rules for Tee Ball Division:
The T-Ball division is an instructional level of Oak Ridge Little League. Its intent is to provide organized fun where games and practices are geared towards building teamwork, sportsmanship, hand-eye coordination and a basic understanding of the game. Game scores and win/loss records are not kept. The play in this division is fundamentals of the game and everybody wins. The manager’s responsibility is to teach the fundamentals of the game and to provide a positive experience that will encourage the child to continue playing Little League.
1. Game time should not exceed one hour.
2. No score is kept.
3. All players on the roster may be given a defensive position.
4. A half-inning is completed when all players on the roster have batted one time.
5. No outs. The defense should attempt to make the out, but the runner will stay on the base and not return to the dugout.
6. Batters hit off a tee.
7. Base runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit.
8. Home run hitter. The last batter of the half-innings runs all the way around the bases.
9. Coaches are allowed to be on the field to instruct players when their team is on the defense.
10. Coach pitch will begin after completing the first half of the regular season with four (4) pitches to the batters. If the batter does not make contact, then the batter will move to a tee until their turn is complete.
All Star Selection
Selection of Major All Star Players
The Major All Star team shall consist of twelve to fourteen players, selected from the eligible players aged 11 and 12 as appointed by the Player Agent and Major Division Managers. No substitutes or alternates for the above-named members shall be allowed. The Committee is chaired by the Player Agent.
In the last two weeks of the regular season, the Player Agent shall conduct an election amongst the Major division players, coaches and managers, allowing them to nominate nine players to the All Star Team. The Player Agent will provide each Major division player, coach and manager a ballot containing the names of all players eligible for the All Star Team. The players, coaches and managers shall vote for a maximum of nine (9) players, selecting no more than five (5) players from any one team. These ballots will be tallied by the player agent and another designated representative with each vote for a nominated player by a player counted as one (1) vote and each vote for a nominated player by a coach or manager counted as two (2) votes. The Player Agent and representative may disqualify ballots marked with more than nine (9) players or more than five (5) selected from any one team.
The first nine players to be named to the All Star team will be selected from those candidates who received the most votes by ballot (votes divided by the number of valid ballots) from their peers. The remaining 3 to 5 players will be selected by the All Star Manager.
A selection committee will be selected to review and ensure that the team is selected as described above. In the event of a tie in the ninth (9th) spot, those names will be submitted to the selection committee to break the tie.
In the event a player or players named to the team cannot play or cannot at some point continue to play, the Committee will reconvene to name a replacement. Each Major division team shall be represented by at least one player named to the All Star Team.
Managers will not contact any All-Star player until after the League makes an official announcement of the team members. No player may be contacted regarding the All Star team prior to June 15th which is prescribed by Little League Inc.
Selection of the 11 year old All Star Players
Selection of the 11 year old All Star team shall be made by the All Star Selection Committee. The 11 year old All Star team shall consist of twelve to fourteen players, selected from eligible players as appointed by the All Star Selection Committee. The committee will consist of the Major division managers, the Minor division managers and the Player Agent. No substitutes or alternates for the above-named members shall be allowed. The Committee will be chaired by the Player Agent.
During the last week of the regular season, the Player Agent will meet with the Minor division mangers in order to develop a list of six (6) – eight (8) Minor division players to be submitted to the All Star Selection Committee for consideration as candidates to the
All Star team.
In the event a player or players named to the team cannot play or cannot at some point continue to play, the Committee will reconvene to name a replacement. Each Major division team shall be represented by at least one player named to the All Star Team.
Managers will not contact any All-Star player until after the League makes an official announcement of the team members. No player may be contacted regarding the All Star team prior to June 15th which is prescribed by Little League Inc.
The All Star manager will decide how to handle vacation absences. In some instances the manager may not accept players on an All-Star team due to a lengthy vacation absence.
Selection of 10 year old All Star Players
Selection of All Star players shall be made by the All Star Selection Committee. The 10 year old All Star team shall consist of twelve to fourteen players, selected from eligible players as appointed by the All Star Selection Committee. The committee will consist of the Major division managers, the Minor division mangers and the Player Agent. No substitutes or alternates for the above–named members shall be allowed. The Committee will be chaired by the Player Agent.
During the last week of the regular season, the Player Agent will meet with the Major division managers and the Minor division managers to develop a list of eligible 10 year old Major division players. In the event there are not enough players in the Major division to field a team, players will be selected from the Minor division.
9 year old players assigned to the Major division are automatically placed on the 10 year old All Star team.
In the event a player or players named to the team cannot play or cannot at some point continue to play, the Committee will reconvene to name a replacement. Each Major division team shall be represented by at least one player named to the All Star Team.
Managers will not contact any All-Star player until after the League makes an official announcement of the team members. No player may be contacted regarding the All Star team prior to June 15th which is prescribed by Little League Inc.
The All Star manager will decide how to handle vacation absences. In some instances the manager may not accept players on an All-Star team due to a lengthy vacation absence.
Selection of 9 year old Jamboree Players
Jamboree players are selected from the pool of nine (9) year old player s in the Minor division.
During the last week of the regular season, the Player Agent will meet with the Minor division managers to develop a list of eligible 9 year olds.
In the event a player or players named to the team cannot play or cannot at some point continue to play, the Committee will reconvene to name a replacement. Each Major division team shall be represented by at least one player named to the All Star Team.
Managers will not contact any All-Star player until after the League makes an official announcement of the team members. No player may be contacted regarding the All Star team prior to June 15th which is prescribed by Little League Inc.
The All Star manager will decide how to handle vacation absences. In some instances the manager may not accept players on an All-Star team due to a lengthy vacation absence.
Selection of All Star Managers and Coaches
The Major division manager with the best win/loss record at the conclusion of the regular playing season shall be offered the opportunity to manager the Major All Star team, provided that the manager has not been subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors during the regular season. Any manager or coach who has been subject to disciplinary action by the Board of Directors during the regular season is no longer automatically eligible for any All Star assignment, and any participation in All Star tournament play any only occur after both nomination by the Board of Directors. In the vent of identical records, the manager with the best win record against other team (s) will be declared the winner. In the event of a continuing tie, a flip of the coin will determine the winner. The League President will arrange for the coin flip.
Having been offered the Major old All Star manager role, the manager may bypass the opportunity in order to select either the 11 year old or 10 year old All Star team, as long as the manager has a son/daughter who has been selected for one of those teams. If, for any reason, the manager does not accept the Major All Star manager role, the position will be offered to the Major division manager will the second best win-loss record at the conclusion of the regular playing season, subject to both the disciplinary provision and tie breaker rules above. This manage may also bypass the opportunity in order to select an available, lower level All Star team, as long s the manager has a son/daughter who has been selected for one of those teams. This process will continue until a manger agrees to accept the position as the 12 year old All Star manager, with the exception that only the first two candidates may choose a lower level All Star team as an alternative.
The Major All Star manager will then select the coaches for the All Star team, subject to the disciplinary provision above, and subject to Board approval. The first coach will be a manager from another Major division team. The second coach may be selected from the remaining Major division managers or coaches.
After the Major All Star manager is appointed, and the coaching staff has been Board approved, the process will begin for the 11 year old All Star manager.
In the event a manager bypassed the Major All Star opportunity and selected the 11 year old All Star team, he/she may now begin to select coaches from any of the remaining managers and coaches from either the Major or Minor division subject to the disciplinary provisions above and subject to Board approval. Otherwise, the Major division manager with the second best win/loss record at the conclusion of the regular playing season, subject to both the disciplinary provision and tie-breaker rules above, will be offered the opportunity to manager the 11 year old All Star team. This manager may also bypass the opportunity in order to select an available lover level All Star team, as long as the manager has a son/daughter who has been selected for one of those teams. This process will continue until a Major division managers agrees to accept the position as the 11 year old All Star manager, with the exception that none of these remaining candidates will be allowed to choose the 10 year old All star team. The manager of the 11 year old All Star team may now begin to select coaches form any of the remaining managers and coaches from either the Major or Minor division subject to the disciplinary provisions above, and subject to Board approval.
After the 11 year old All Star manager is appointed, and the coaching staff has been Board approved, the process will begin for the 10 year old All Star Manager.
In the event one of the first tow Major division managers bypassed the Major and 11 year old All Star opportunity and selected the 10 year old All Star team, he/she may now begin to select coaches from any of the remaining managers and coaches from either the Major or Minor division subject to the disciplinary provisions above, and subject o Board approval. Otherwise, the Minor division manager with the best win-loss record at the conclusion of the regular playing season, subject to both the disciplinary provision and tie breaker rules above, will be offered the opportunity to manager the 10 year old All Star team. This manager may also bypass the opportunity in order to select the 9 year old All Star team, as long as the manager has a son/daughter who has been selected for that team. This process will continue until a Minor division manager agrees to accept the position as the 10 year old All Star manager. The manager of the 10 year old All Star team may now begin to select coaches from any of the remaining managers and coaches form either the Major or Minor division subject to the disciplinary provisions above, and subject to Board approval.
After the 10 year old All Star manager is appointed, and the coaching staff has been Board approved, the process will begin for the 9 year old Jamboree manager.
In the event the first Minor division manager bypassed the 10 year old All Star opportunity and selected the 9 year old All Star team, he/she may now begin to select coaches from any of the remaining managers and coaches from either the Major or Minor division subject to the disciplinary provision and tie breaker rules above, will be offered the opportunity to manage the 9 year old Jamboree team. This process will continue until a Minor division manager agrees to accept the position as the 9 year old Jamboree manager. The manager of the 9 year old Jamboree team may now begin to select coaches from any of the remaining mangers and coaches from either the Major or Minor divisions subject to the disciplinary provisions above, and subject to Board approval.
Softball
The softball division of Oak Ridge Little League will follow all of the rules and protocol set forth in this document with the exception of those situations where the Little League rule book differs due to the structure and nature of the game of softball.