About Our Program
North King County Little League is a chartered program of
Little League Inc. We are an all-volunteer program designed
to instill the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty,
courage and respect for authority so that our children may be
well adjusted, strong and happy and grow up to be good
citizens.
We encourage our parents to get involved
as Managers, Coaches, Team Safety
Officers, Umpires, Auxiliary members,
and Board members. All volunteers
must complete a volunteer application
form, provide three personal references,
and undergo a criminal background
check prior to being allowed to have
contact with players.
Little League is a great way to meet new friends, and also a
great school service project for teenagers.
Table of Contents
Why We’re Here.................................................................... 1
2012 Calendar of Events .................................................. 2-3
2012 Local League Rules & Regulations .........................4-17
2012 Local League Playing Rules ..................................18-24
NKCLL Official Lineup Card ................................................ 25
Why We're Here
As excerpted from
North King County Little League Constitution
The objective of NKCLL shall be to implant firmly in the children of the
community the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage
and respect for authority, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and
happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy
citizens.
Article II - Objective - Section 1
To achieve this objective, NKCLL will provide a supervised program
under the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball,
Incorporated. All Directors, Officers, and Members* shall bear in
mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of
games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime
importance.
Article II - Objective - Section 2
*MEMBERS: All Players, Officers, Board Members, Committee Members, Managers,
Coaches, and Volunteer Umpires
Page 1
2012 Tentative Calendar of Events
For up to date calendar information visit our website at www.nkcll.org.
MARCH
3
60’ Field Mechanics/District 8
9:00a-1:00p
Woodinville Sports Field
5
Rules Clinic part I/District 8
7:00p-9:00p
Shorewood HS Cafeteria
8
Rules Clinic part II/District 8
7:00p-9:00p
Shorewood HS Cafeteria
10
Umpire 60’ Field Mechanics
9:00a-1:00p
Loyal Heights Fields
12
Rules Clinic part III/District 8
7:00p-9:00p
Shorewood HS Cafeteria
14
Dr. Smolls’s/District 8
6:30p-8:30p
Shorline Center Highlander Room
(required once every five years to be an All Star Manager)
14
Rules Clinic part IV/District 8
7:00p-9:00p
Shorewood HS Cafeteria
17
90’ Field Mechanics/District 8
9:00a-1:00p
Loyal Heights Field
24
CPR Class
9:00-noon
Highland Ice Arena
TBD
Scorekeepers Clinic
13
Managers/Coaches Meeting
Hamlin Park/Lower
TBD
Big League (16-18): season begins
APRIL
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JUNE
15-16
All-Star Try-Outs
Hamlin Park/Lower
17
All-Star teams announced(practices begin immediately)
Hamlin Park/Lower
18
All-Star Parent’s Meeting
TBD
All-Star Managers/Coaches Meeting
TBD
NKC to host a district tournament
TBD
All-Star games begin
TBD
District 8 Summer League program begins
JULY
AUGUST
(training program for 12 & 13 yrs for the Juniors Division)
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2012 LOCAL LEAGUE REGULATIONS & RULES
ARTICLE 1 - SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE 2010 OFFICIAL REGULATIONS
(GREEN RULE BOOKS)
III – THE TEAMS
(c) Little League (Majors) Division: North King County Little League's
MAJOR Baseball program is for boys and girls who are League Age 10
through 12. Players play by Little League Official Regulation Rules
established for this level of play. MAJOR Baseball is the player's first
introduction to a competitive level of play. A Skills Assessment is held
in early February and is required for a player to be considered for
selection to a MAJOR team. Once a player is selected to a Major
Team they remain on that team and do not need to attend the skills
assessment until they reach league age 13. Teams are drafted by
managers following a draft system established by Little League. Once
a player has been selected to a MAJOR team, that player will remain
on his/her MAJOR team until the end of his/her last eligible season.
Local League (hereafter NKCLL) establishes that the age structure for
the Majors be comprised of players whose league age is 10, 11 and
12. Players whose league age is 10 will be allowed to be drafted to
major teams, only after all 11 and 12 year old have been drafted. A
player, age 11, shall be allowed to remain in the Minor program,
providing he/she has had limited playing experience, or is
developmentally challenged (at the discretion of the Player Agent
subject to Board approval). A player, age 12, is not allowed to remain
in the Minor program without a waiver approved by the District 8
Administrator.
AAA Minor League: AAA MINOR Baseball is for boys and girls who
are League Age 9 through 11. Players play by Little League Official
Regulation Rules established for this level of play. A Skills Assessment
is held in early February and teams are then selected by managers in
a draft system established by Little League. MINOR LEAGUE players
will not return to their same teams next year, but will re-enter the draft
to have the opportunity to be drafted to a MAJOR LEAGUE team or
coach by a different coach. NKCLL establishes the age structure at
ages 9 and 10 and 11, subject to the special exceptions noted above.
Players younger than league age 9 shall not be allowed to play at this
level.
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8 and 9 Year-Old Minor League Player Pitch (89ers): 89er Baseball
is for boys and girls who are League Age 8 and 9. Nine year olds will
be those not selected by managers to AAA Minors after having gone
through the Skills Assessment. The pitching rules are modified from
standard baseball as an introduction to player pitching but with no
walks allowed. Instead, after a four ball count, the coach will deliver the
remaining pitches up to the remainder of the strike count, resulting in
an out or a hit. Regulation baseballs are used. This program is
designed to help transition the players from coach pitch to player pitch.
7 and 8 Year-Old Minor League Coach Pitch (or Machine Pitch)
(78ers): Coach / Machine Pitch Baseball is for all boys and girls who
are league age 7. It is also available for 6 year olds who have played
one year of T-ball and 8 year olds who have not played before or are
not ready to move to player pitch. Players will hit a coach-pitched (or
machine pitch) ball only. This is a training and development program
aimed at developing hitting and fielding. Balls used are regulation-size
safety baseballs. We will make an effort to honor some special
requests within reason. Players of league age 7 shall participate in the
78er program. Players of league age 8 may play 78ers or 89ers.
League age 6 year olds who have played one year of Tee-Ball are
allowed to play at this level.
Tee-Ball: NKCLL establishes the age structure for Tee-Ball as players
whose league age is 5 and 6.
(d) 2. Note 1: NKCLL establishes a local rule prohibiting replacements
from the Minor League program onto a Little League (Majors) Division
team during the last two weeks of the regular season schedule
V – SELECTION OF PLAYERS
Procedures Consistent with Operating Manual and Player Agent Manual
For details, Managers should refer to Draft Procedure section.
VII – SCHEDULES
(d) Little League (Majors) Division and Junior /Senior/Big League:
Double-headers are allowed. Due to limited field availability that
requires NKCLL to schedule more than one game on the same night
and on the same field, the League shall impose time limits on the first
game. The second game shall be limited under the rule – X – Night
Games (and by City of Shoreline lighting curfew).
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(h) Minor League and Tee Ball: The League shall impose a time limit on
games regardless of the number of innings played. Refer to Playing
Rules for each level of play.
VIII – MINOR LEAGUES
(b) Policy regarding Players who Decline to Move Up to a Major
League Team: Parents shall sign a “Request for Player to Remain at
Minor Level” form. However, should a vacancy occur at the Major level
at any time up to 2 weeks before the end of the regular season, those
vacancies shall be filled with qualified players from the Minor divisions,
consistent with the policy established by International Little League,
and North King County Little League’s official Registration Form.
(d) Minor League Machine Pitch: NKCLL operates a Minor program for
league age 7 and 8 year olds. League age 6 year olds are permitted
to advance to Minor League Machine Pitch after participation in Tee
Ball for one year.
Minor League Coach/Player Pitch: NKCLL operates a Minor
program for 8- and 9-year olds utilizing a combination of machine and
player pitch.
X – NIGHT GAMES
(c) Due to limited field availability that requires NKCLL to schedule more
than one game on the same night and on the same field, the League
shall impose time limits on the first game. The second game shall be
limited under Little League Rule- X - Night Games and by City of
Shoreline lighting curfew. Refer to Playing Rules for each playing level
for details.
ARTICLE 2 - SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES
(BLUE & GREEN RULE BOOKS)
1.00 – OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME
1.02
No score shall be kept at the Tee Ball level.
1.04
Outfield Boundary – 78ers through Majors
a. Cones may be used on all fields without a pre-existing
outfield fence within 250 feet of home plate to establish an
outfield boundary.
b. Whether cones are used to mark the outfield boundary is
up to the determination of either manager. If either
manager desires to use cones to create an outfield
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boundary and that manager sets the field before the
scheduled start of the game, the teams will be required to
play using said boundary and the following rules will apply.
c. If cones are not placed, play proceeds as an open field
and all balls hit into fair territory will remain live.
d. Cones should be placed approximately
i. 200 feet from home plate (78ers through Majors)
ii. 300 Feet from home plate (Juniors and above)
If cones are not available, a chalk line may be substituted.
Adjusting distances may be appropriate given field
conditions (e.g. unplayable outfield), proximity to other
games, and other reasonable conditions; however cones
should be set as far from home plate as possible. In no
event should cones be placed closer than 150 feet from
home plate. (note: the managers are not to agree on
shorter boundary distances without unusual field
conditions. The boundary is expected to be 200 feet.)
e. Any live ball traveling over the boundary established by
the cones on the fly will constitute a home run as
determined by the base umpire. Abetted live ball that
travels beyond the cones after striking the ground or a
player is out of play (dead ball) and the batter is awarded a
ground rule double or appropriate base award as
determined by the umpire.
f. When games are being played simultaneously at both
ends of an open field, cones are recommended for safety
reasons (e.g., so that outfielders on one team do not run
onto the other field chasing a ball and collide with other
players or get hit by batted or thrown balls).
2.00 – Definition of Terms
2.00
INNING: 5-run rule per inning applies to all innings. Immediately
after the fifth run is scored in any half inning, play is stopped and
the teams change offensive sides. The 5-run limit shall not apply to
the sixth or declared final inning if a game is shortened due to time
limits or darkness.
3.00 – GAME PRELIMINARIES
3.13
Due to variations in the City of Shoreline fields used by North King
County Little League, field ground rules shall be established by the
Plate Umpire prior to the start of each game.
Page 7
4.00 – STARTING AND ENDING OF GAME
4.04
NKCLL adopts a policy of a continuous batting order (CBO) for TBall through Minors that will include all players on the team roster
present for the game batting in order. Majors and above will bat a
9-player roster.
4.05
NKCLL has elected to allow two (2) registered base coaches at
any level of play providing there is at least one coach remaining in
the dugout. NKCLL further requires the use of two (2) adult base
coaches at the Tee-Ball and 78er Levels.
4.10 (e) Note 2: NKCLL adopts the use of the 10-run rule at Minor, Major,
Junior and Senior levels of play.
4.19 (g): NKCLL has elected to adopt a rule that requires that Minor
League protests be resolved before the next pitch or play.
5.00 – PUTTING THE BALL IN PLAY – LIVE BALL
5.07
At all levels excluding T-Ball, the side is retired when three
offensive players are legally put out.
T-Ball: If the player is thrown out or tagged out, the batter must
return to the bench. There are no limits to the number of outs in
an inning. When all players have batted, the inning is over.
ARTICLE 3 - SUPPLEMENTAL TO THE 2012 OPERATING MANUAL
I - MANAGER RESPONSIBILITIES
A. MANDATORY MANAGER/COACH REQUIREMENTS
1. All current-season approved Managers are required to attend:
Mandatory Divisional Manager/Coach Information Meeting and the
Manager/Coach Training Clinic conducted by the President and
the Vice Presidents and Player Agents of your respective division.
The purpose of these meetings will be to disseminate:
(a) General Little League Inc. information (President)
(b) “How to Run a Practice and Game” Coaching Clinic
(c) Shoreline Parks and Shoreline Public Schools Field Use
information (Fields Coordinator)
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(d) Overview of existing and new LLI and NKCLL rules, and
upcoming clinics (Chief Umpire)
(e) The League Safety Program (Safety Officer)
2. Mandatory Dr. Smoll’s Annual Sports Psychology Clinic for all
managers and coaches at least once every three years. This clinic
is a requirement for all new managers and coaches in their first
year as a manager or coach in the NKCLL program.
3. Mandatory Certified First-Aid Training for all managers and
coaches at least once every three years or provide proof of current
first-aid certification.
4. In addition, the Board of Directors further highly recommends that
every Manager and Coach attend the District 8 & 9 Annual
Coaching Clinic, held annually in late February or early March.
5. All Managers must ensure that game scores and pitch counts are
input into the District 8 website by noon the next day.
B. KNOWLEDGE OF RULES & REGULATIONS
All Managers, Coaches, and Volunteer Umpires are required to read
and learn the Official Regulations and Playing Rules handbook, and
these NKCLL Local League Rules & Regulations, and the League
Safety Manual, and shall comply with said rules.
C. REGISTRATION/MEDICAL RELEASE FORMS
Each Manager must have in his possession the original Player
Registration/Medical Release Form submitted to the League and
signed by the Parent(s) or Legal Guardian. Players whose forms are
missing critical information address, phone number, verification of birth
certificate seen, physician and primary medical insurance coverage
information) will not be allowed to participate in practices or games
until the information is complete. The Manager is responsible for
obtaining the missing information from the parent/guardian. This
original signed form must be in the possession of the Manager or
Coach leading every practice and game, and must be present in the
dugout at each practice or game.
D. EQUIPMENT
(a) LEAGUE-ISSUED EQUIPMENT
All equipment and other property of the League shall be issued
directly to the Manager by the Equipment Coordinators or by their
designated representatives. The Manager is expected to keep the
equipment in good working order at all times. The Manager may
appoint a Team Safety Officer or Team Parent to do this prior to
Page 9
each practice/game. Incidents of damaged or stolen equipment
must be reported to the Equipment Manager, so that suitable
replacements can be made. Equipment inventory should include
(with exceptions as noted):
__ 7 batting helmets
__ 3-5 bats
__ 2 sets of catchers gear - mask, chest, leg, mitt (no catcher's
equipment for Tee-ball)
__ Up to 2 dozen practice balls
__ First-aid kit
__ One tee (78ers, Tee-ball)
__ One set of throw-down bases (78ers, Tee-ball)
__ Blood pathogen kits
Optional equipment: (ask for it!)
__ Batting tee
__ Throw-down bases
__ Wiffle balls
All equipment must be returned to the Equipment Manager at the
end of the season. This includes game and practice balls.
Equipment drop-off dates and times will be announced.
(b) SUPPLEMENTAL EQUIPMENT
Any additional equipment the Manager or Coach elects to
purchase for use during practice or games shall comply with Little
League standards. It's better to ask before your purchase! Speak
with the League Safety Officer before purchasing any
supplemental equipment for your team. They have a list of
equipment approved for Little League use. Absolutely no
skullcaps or batting weights are allowed.
E.
INSURANCE COVERAGE
Only regular players, coaches, managers and umpires are
protected by insurance. The practice of using younger children,
not members of a team, as retrievers can have serious
consequences to the league in event of injury. The League’s
insurance protects only those players and parent helpers who are
authorized to be on the field for his/her regularly scheduled
practice or game. This also means that siblings rostered on other
NKCLL teams are forbidden from practicing with another sibling’s
team; even if mom or dad is coaching that sibling’s team. An
insurance claim in our League was denied on this basis. Student
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helpers are allowed, but only if they are 14 years old and rostered
as a coach or umpire.
F. MANAGER CODE OF ETHICS/CONDUCT
(a) PRINCIPLES OF CONDUCT – CONFLICT OF INTEREST
(Excerpted from the 2012 Operating Manual and 2012 Official
Regulations & Playing Rules)
No officer or board member of a Little League and no District
Administrator or other representative of a group of Little Leagues
shall, at the same time, hold office or be a member of the board of
any other youth baseball/softball league or function as an official or
representative of such a program.
All members of the local league Board of Directors, as well as
managers and coaches, whose activities in another youth
baseball/softball program are deemed detrimental to the operation
of the local League, can be removed by a majority vote of the
Board of Directors.
(b) RULES OF CONDUCT & FIELD DECORUM
(Excerpted from the 2012 Operating Manual and 2012 Official
Regulations & Playing Rules)
The actions of players, managers, coaches, umpires and league
officials must be above reproach. Any player, manager, coach,
umpire or league representative who is involved in a verbal or
physical altercation, or an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct, at
the game site or any other Little League activity, is subject to
disciplinary action by the Local League Rules Committee.
This regulation gives wide latitude to the local league in disciplining
its members (managers, coaches, umpires, etc.) for conduct
deemed inappropriate by the Local League Rules Committee.
Matters regarding disciplining members MUST BE a local league
Board of Directors decision as recommended by the Local League
Rules Committee.
The following additional Rules of Conduct are excerpted from
Article 3 of NKCLL's 2012 By-Laws:
4. a.1
Suspension or Termination of Regular Member for
Detrimental Conduct: Member shall be informed of the
general nature of the charges and given an opportunity
to appear at the meeting to answer such charges.
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4.a.1.i
4.a.1.ii
4.a.1.iii
4.a.1.iv
4.a.1.v
Conduct considered detrimental includes, but is not
limited to:
Any tobacco use in the dugout, live ball area, or any
other further restrictions stipulated in NKCLL Field Use
Agreements by The City of Shoreline;
Any physical, sexual, or verbal abuse;
Presence at any game, practice, or other NKCLLsponsored activity while under the influence of alcohol or
drugs;
Behavior resulting in ejection from a scheduled game by
the umpire; or
Any behavior resulting in complaints submitted in writing
and signed by parents, guardians or other Members,
and that have been board-verified.
G. PROTESTS
It is our sincere hope that the conflicting teams and their respective
Managers and the Umpire will arrive at a solution that allows the
players to continue to play ball in a safe and healthy environment.
However, should a Manager find it necessary to protest, the
procedures are as follows:
(a) As soon as the protest takes place, the protesting Manager shall
immediately notify the umpire that the game is being played under
protest. You must complete the game in order for it to be
considered for protest.
(b) The protesting Manager has 24 hours to notify the League
President in writing. The game umpire shall notify the Umpire-inChief within 24 hours.
(c) All protests will be handled by the NKCLL Protest Committee,
consisting of the President, Division Player Agent, League's
Umpire-in-Chief and one or more other officers or Directors who
are not managers or umpires. For more information, refer to Rule
4.19 in your Official Regulations and Playing Rules handbook.
II - PLAYING ATTIRE
A. UNIFORMS
All players on a team shall wear numbered uniforms identical in color,
trim and style. Each child will be issued one uniform consisting of a
team jersey and pants. Tee-Ball players will receive a T-shirt that they
are allowed to keep. The Official Little League Shoulder Patch must
Page 12
be affixed to the upper left sleeve of the uniform blouse in all divisions
of play. Parents are responsible for the purchase of matching socks
and undershirts. The Manager and Team should determine the color
and type of team sock and uniform undershirt, and instruct the
parent/guardian what and where to buy. Cost of these items should be
kept to a minimum. Uniform undershirts shall be one color only. No
white sleeves are allowed.
Remember that teaching respect for the uniform is part of the game of
baseball. All players must be instructed that the uniform is the property
of North King County Little League. It must not be worn during practice
or at any time, except during a League-sanctioned game.
Prior to season start, each Manager will be given a complete set of
team uniforms and is responsible for the proper fitting and sign out to
each rostered player. Alterations should never be done. If there are
fitting discrepancies, please notify the Uniform Manager and the proper
size will be obtained for you if available. At the end of the season, the
Manager or a designated parent must collect and inventory all
uniforms, and make sure they are returned in complete sets in their
original container to the League laundered and ready for off-season
storage. Uniform drop-off dates and times will be announced. Laundry
instructions are included in the Parent Handbooks and are available
from the Uniform Coordinator.
(a) HATS
All team hats/visors for Managers, Coaches and Players will be
issued to the Manager on Jamboree Day. The hats/visors belong
to the players, and shall be worn at each game. The team must
use the hats/visors issued by NKCLL. No substitutions are
allowed.
(b) CLEATS
Shoes may not have metal cleats or spikes, except at the Junior,
Senior and Big League Baseball level. Shoes with molded cleats
are permissible.
(c) JEWELRY
No jewelry is allowed, except medical alert tags. This includes
watches, earrings, rings, pins, jewelry, and other metallic items.
(d) ATHLETIC SUPPORTERS
All male players must wear athletic supporters. Cups are strongly
recommended. All male catchers must wear the metal, fiber or
plastic cup type.
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(e) CUSTOMIZED TEAM CLOTHING & GEAR
NKCLL prohibits the purchase of any clothing or gear that serves
to set apart one team from another or places a financial hardship
on any player's family. Any plans of this nature must be reported
to the Vice President of your division.
III - THE PARENT'S ROLE
A. A. FUNDRAISING
All teams shall participate in the League fundraiser decided upon by the
board to supplement the player fees ensuring the proper operation of the
League. Each Manager will appoint a Fundraising or Team Parent who
will be required to attend fundraising meetings beginning in March.
B. PARENT VOLUNTEERS
All managers will hold a parent meeting before the season begins to
ensure information about the League and Playing Rules are handed
out. Each team should enlist the help of the parents to make sure the
team runs well for the season. Each team should also have a uniform
parent and a scorekeeper and Team Safety Officer. Volunteer parents
who work directly with the players at practices must submit a Volunteer
Application and copy of his/her Driver’s License to the League
President via the Manager.
All managers will hold a parent meeting before the season begins to
ensure information about the League and Playing Rules are handed
out. Each team should enlist the help of the parents to make sure the
team runs well for the season. Suggested Roles include:
Team Parent
Awards
2 Scorekeepers
Bathroom Escorts
Snack Schedule
Fundraising
2 Pitch Counters
Safety Parent
End of Season Party
Uniforms In / Out
Mariner Tickets
Volunteer parents who work directly with the players at practices must
submit a Volunteer Application, and copy of his/her Driver’s License to
the League President via the Manager. The League strongly
recommends that all parents complete a background check.
C. UMPIRE VOLUNTEERS/UMPIRE GEAR
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Each team is required to furnish an official umpire for each home
game. Each team should have two volunteer umpires. For Divisions
89er and up, volunteer umpires must attend at least one League or
District 8 Rules Clinic, or receive approval from the Umpire In Chief.
The League will issue all necessary protective gear, with the exception
of protective shoes and cups.
IV - FIELD USE, RAIN-OUT & MAKE-UP POLICIES
North King County Little League has a cooperative lease arrangement from
The City of Shoreline Department of Parks and Recreation. We pay a fee
for the use of these fields, and during the period of time we lease the use
of these fields we must use the fields for the purpose they are intended,
only during the times allotted to us. We are also charged with being good
caretakers during our time on the fields. The President and Fields
Coordinator or their designated Board representative shall handle all
dealings with the groundskeepers and City of Shoreline.
The Fields Coordinator for the 2011 season is Joan Desrosier. Managers
only may contact Joan by calling the League Line at 206-362-6316 or by
email via the website at http://nkcll.countmein.com.
A. CITY OF SHORELINE FIELDS
City of Shoreline Parks & Recreation fields include Ridgecrest
Community Playfield, Hamlin Park Fields 1-6, and Paramount Park.
(a) RAINOUTS ON CITY OF SHORELINE FIELDS
The City of Shoreline Parks & Recreation Maintenance
Department has granted NKCLL flexible privileges with regard to
rainouts for the Season. Coaches and the Official Game Umpire
must be in agreement that the field is suitable for play. For
potential rain-outs, managers must be in agreement that the field is
not playable. The President and any Member of the Board of
Directors shall have final say over cancellation of games and
that decision is not subject to appeal. All Managers and
Coaches must abide by this ruling for rainouts. There is to be NO
playing on infields if a rainout is determined. Teams caught
playing on an infield will be brought before the Board of Directors.
NKCLL insurance does not cover us for this situation and this puts
us at risk of losing our field use lease agreements.
Page 15
(b) FLEXIBLE FIELD PREP ARRANGEMENT
The City’s Maintenance Department will allow Managers and
Coaches to prep any unprepared fields for games. Supplies will
be kept in the Umpire Shed located near Hamlin 1 or in lockboxes
in selected locations. Any dragging of fields must be done
manually. Absolutely no vehicles are allowed on the fields due to
damage they cause to sprinkler heads and drain fields. Field times
are designated as “practice” or “game” on the City’s master field
schedule. If NKCLL’s field scheduler elects to schedule a game
during a designated practice time, the field may not be prepped
prior to start. Please e-mail the Board if you encounter any
problems with fields so that we may forward these messages to
the Maintenance Department as soon as possible.
(c) FIELD USE VIOLATIONS BY OTHERS OUTSIDE OUR
PROGRAM
Shoreline Parks and Recreation is experiencing an influx of rogue
adult teams looking for open fields on which to play. On the
weekend, if you should encounter unauthorized use of a field by an
adult team or other unauthorized groups at Hamlin 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 or
6, prior 3:30 PM, you may call the Hamlin Park Maintenance
Department at 306-1484. After 3:30 PM, contact the Customer
Response Team at 546-1700. However, if you should encounter
an act of vandalism in progress or a confrontation erupts over the
unauthorized use of a field, do not hesitate to call 911.
B. MAKE-UP GAMES
The number of games for all teams shall be set at a minimum of 16-20
games for the current season. Managers who are at risk for falling well
below this mark should contact the Fields Coordinator. Because we
share time on Shoreline fields, and our field usage is restricted. For
the season, additional time slots may be available. Please contact the
Fields Coordinator via e-mail at [email protected] for any
available time slots. Any make-up games held without approval and
official re-scheduling by the Fields Coordinator and Umpire In Chief will
not be considered an official game and will not be counted in team
standings. Any unscheduled use of a field is not covered under our
insurance policy.
ARTICLE V - SAFETY
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North King County Little League Managers and Coaches shall abide by all
safety rules and regulations as outlined in the 2012 NKCLL Safety Manual
in compliance with the standards set forth in Little League Inc.'s 2012
ASAP Safety Awareness Program. Each team will receive a copy of the
manual that describes in detail injury prevention, first-aid, common-sense
safety tips, accident reporting procedures, emergency contact numbers,
and other pertinent safety information.
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2012 PLAYING RULES
The rules in this section are not intended to be comprehensive, but
rather highlights of official rules including specific NKCLL rules that
apply to each league division. Other rules as described in the Little
League Handbook and Operation Manual, the Official Little League
Rules handbook, and the NKCLL rules apply as appropriate.
North King County / Richmond Little Leagues
Inter-League Rules
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Time Limits:
o Minors - no new inning after 2:30 hours; no new batter
after 2:45 hours.
o Majors – During the 2012 season time limits will be
necessary for Majors games on NKC fields as
follows: Saturday games will have no new inning after
2:30 hours; no new batter after 2:45 hours. Weekday
games will have no time limit.
5-run rule, MINORS BASEBALL DIVISION ONLY:
o A 5-run rule limit applies to all innings. Immediately
after the fifth run is scored in any half inning, play is
stopped and the teams change offensive sides. The
5-run limit shall not apply to the last half-inning of the
game for either team, nor would it apply to any halfinning in an "extra inning."
10-Run Rule: Per rule 4.10(e), the 10-run rule will be in effect
for all inter-league games in both the minors and majors
divisions.
Continuous Batting Order (CBO): The CBO will be used in
Minors (Teds) division ONLY.
Rescheduled games:
o It will be the responsibility of the Managers of the two
teams involved to set the date and time, get the field
and make provisions for umpires if a game is
suspended or postponed for any reason and is to be
replayed.
o Once the date, time and location of any rescheduled
game have been determined, one of the managers
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must make arrangements for umpires by calling or
emailing the game information to Dan Wick (NKCLL
UiC) or Tod Carlson (RLL UiC).
All other rules of Little League Baseball will apply.
Protests: NONE ACCEPTED.
Due to issues of field
availability, time constraints, and logistical problems involved
in getting a protest committee comprised of representatives
from BOTH leagues together in a reasonable amount of time,
any protestable situation must be resolved before the next
pitch or play. The basic tenet of this inter-league rule is that
the game umpires will “fix” the situation in accordance with
other applicable rules and play will continue.
MINOR/MAJOR BASEBALL
A. Program Eligibility: The Minor/Major Baseball program shall consist
of players league age is 9 to 12.
B. Time Limits: It is our hope that scheduled games can be completed
in their entirety. Our regularly scheduled field times are for three
hours. The following time limits shall apply for Minors and Majors:
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Minors: Games shall be limited to no new inning after 2
hours 30 minutes, and no new batter after 2 hours 45
minutes.
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Time limits will be necessary for Majors games on NKC
fields as follows: Saturday games will have no new inning
after 2:30 hours; no new batter after 2:45 hours. Weekday
games will have no time limit.
C. Complete and Incomplete games: A game shall be considered
regulation if four innings have been completed. Any game not
completed will be registered as a “no game” in the standings.
D. The 10-Run Rule is in effect per 4.10(e) of the Official Regulations and
Playing Rules.
E. Curve Ball: Managers and Coaches shall not teach or encourage any
player under the age of 13 to throw a curve ball or any pitch that
involves the snapping of the arm or twisting of the wrist, because of the
possible damage to children’s undeveloped arms.
F. 5-Run Rule (Minors Only): 5-run rule per inning applies to all innings.
Immediately after the fifth run is scored in any half inning, play is
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stopped and the teams change offensive sides. The 5-run limit shall
not apply to the sixth or declared final inning if a game is shortened
due to time limits or darkness.
G. Batting: In the Minors division the offensive players shall bat through
the entire roster. For Majors, a 9-player batting roster will be used.
H. Playing Time: At the coach’s discretion, playing time may be limited
due to a player’s unexcused absences from practices or games, per
minimum playing time guidelines as set forth by the Official
Regulations and Playing Rules from Little League Baseball (Green
Book).
I.
Equipment: While recommended, mouth guards are not required in
Minor or Major leagues
J. D8Umpires.com Website: Pitch counts must be recorded on the
D8Umpires website by 12pm the following day after a game. This is
essential in order for everyone to track pitcher availability. Each team is
responsible for entering their pitch counts, the score will be recorded by
the home team.
K. Dropped Third Strike: NEW FOR THE 2012 SEASON – NKCLL has
decided to adopt use of the dropped third strike rule. See rule 6.05(b)
for specific regulations.
78er/89er BASEBALL
A. Field Set Up: Home teams will be responsible for setting up the field
(this may include but is not limited to: bases, home plate, pitching
rubber, pitching machine, etc.), designating the dugout areas and
coaches boxes. (Home team is to take the third base side). The home
team's umpire or designated safety parent should walk all fields to look
for potholes that require filling in. Home team supplies the game balls
and the plate umpire. Visiting team provides the field umpire.
B. The Pitcher’s Rubber and Base Distance: The pitcher’s rubber shall
be:
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35 Feet for 78ers
46 Feet for 89ers
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C. Game Duration: All teams are expected to complete six innings
unless prevented from doing so by field conditions or time limits. No
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new inning after 1:45 minutes from official game start time. No new
batter after 2 hours from official start time.
D. Complete game: A game shall be considered regulation if four
innings have been completed.
E. Number of Players on the Field: Players on the field shall be limited
to 9 positions per team. The coach or coaches may be on the field.
F. Batting through the Lineup: NKCLL has adopted a Continuous
Batting Order (CBO) for the 78er and 89er division. The offensive
players bat through the entire roster. A half inning will end when there
are three outs or five runs, whichever comes first.
G. 5-Run Rule: 5-run rule per inning applies to all innings. Immediately
after the fifth run is scored in any half inning, play is stopped and the
teams change offensive sides. The 5-run limit shall not apply to the
sixth or declared final inning if a game is shortened due to time limits or
darkness.
H. Playing Time: For 78ers, any eligible player not getting to play half
the game, will start the next game and play continuously until they
have met the minimum number of defensive outs in the current game
and all defensive outs missed in the previous game. Managers found
violating this rule will be brought before the Board of Directors. For
89ers, at the coach’s discretion, playing time may be limited due to a
player’s unexcused absences from practices or games, per minimum
playing time guidelines as set forth by the Official Regulations and
Playing Rules from Little League Baseball (Green Book).
I.
Counting Balls and Strikes: The umpire will call balls and strikes,
however, no walks will be awarded. The object is to get the ball in play
and learn to hit off of live pitching.
A NOTE TO UMPIRES regarding the strike zone for 89ers:
Umpires are encouraged to use a wide strike zone at this age
level. This is a training division and we want to encourage pitchers
to do their best and batters to swing at the ball. Umpires are
encouraged to use their best judgment based upon the skill level of
the pitcher.
J. Number of pitches per batter (78ers): Each batter will be allowed
seven (7) pitches to hit. A batter may strike out before the 7 h pitch as
in regular baseball rules. If a player has not hit a fair ball by the 7 th
pitch the batter will be declared out, unless the batter hits a foul ball.
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Number of pitches per batter (89ers): In the event of 4 “balls”
pitched by a player, the pitching machine will be used to continue the
“strike count” for a maximum of 3 pitches. If a player has not hit a fair
ball by the 3rd pitch, the batter will be declared out, unless the batter
hits a foul ball.
K. Batters Hit by Pitch: Any batter who is hit by a player-pitched ball
(89ers only) will be awarded a base. This is not at the player/coach’s
discretion. If the player is hit by a machine pitch it is declared a “no
pitch,” no bases are awarded and the pitch is not counted against the
batter.
L. Bunting or Stealing: Bunting and stealing will be allowed for 89er
Division only. Each runner may steal one base per pitch; runners may
not steal home. Players will be expected to follow Rule 7.13 as
presented in the Official Regulations and Playing Rules (Green Book).
M. Infield Positions: All infield positions (except pitcher or the 1st
baseman with a runner on first) shall be no closer to home plate than
the baselines in order to help put the ball in play.
N. Runner Advancement: When the play has stopped and the ball is in
the possession of the pitcher on the mound, no runners may advance.
O. Runner Advancement on Overthrows: A runner may advance one
base only at his/her own risk on an overthrow unless the ball is out of
play, in which case the runner will be awarded one base. Runners
may not advance on another overthrow or mishandling of the ball.
P. Runners leaving bases: If a runner leaves his/her base before the
pitched ball crosses the plate, the umpire shall send the runner back.
If the batter hits the ball, the play will continue and the Umpire shall
use his best judgment about where the early runner should be. Players
will be expected to follow Rule 7.13 as presented in the Official
Regulations and Playing Rules (Green Book).
Q. Training and development requirements: The 78er and 89er
programs are training and development divisions of the Minor program.
Managers must rotate player positions and encourage players to put
the ball in play. Team scorebooks shall be used to track player
rotations and batting order. Fun, fair play and sportsmanship shall be
stressed at all times.
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R. Equipment: Mouth Guards are required for all 78er and 89er league
players.
S. D8Umpires.com Website (89ers Only): Pitch counts must be
recorded on the D8Umpires website by 12pm the following day after a
game. This is essential in order for everyone to track pitcher
availability. Each team is responsible for entering their pitch counts,
the score will be recorded by the home team.
78er & 89er Pitching Machine Set-up and Operation
Guidelines
(a)
The pitching machine shall be positioned at 50 feet in front of
the home plate for the 89ers, and 35 feet for the 78ers.
(b)
One adult for each team shall be appointed official pitching
machine operator for that game. THE OPERATOR WILL
REMAIN ON THE FIELD IN THE SAFETY CIRCLE DURING
REGULAR PLAY. It is the operator’s responsibility to maintain
player safety around the machine. At NO time during play is
the machine to be unattended.
(c)
The managers will agree on the pitching machine’s speed
before the beginning of the game. The general speeds are
intended to be:
78ers: 30 – 35 mph
89ers: 35 – 40 mph
A speed radar gun will be available in the umpires shed for
calibrating the machine at the beginning of a game.
(d)
The pitching machine will be set at the beginning of the game.
Between innings, the operator may adjust the machine to
ensure that it is tossing strikes.
(e)
When a batted ball hits the pitching machine, or hits the
pitching machine operator, , play stops and the ball is dead.
The batter is awarded first base and the base runners advance
only if forced.
(f)
The player at the pitching position must stay “even” with the
rubber to the side of the pitching lane until the ball crosses the
plate.
(g)
The pitching machine will be used at all times unless
inoperative due to weather conditions or equipment failure. If
the machine has mechanical failure the game will result to
coach pitch. The coach must pitch from the pitching rubber.
No “lob” pitches are allowed, and all pitches must be
overhand.
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TEE-BALL PROGRAM
A. Field Set Up: The pitcher’s rubber shall be thirty-five (35) feet from
home plate. Base distance will be sixty (60) feet. Home teams will be
responsible for setting up the field, (this may include but is not limited
to: bases, chalking the foul lines, placing the pitching rubber, etc.)
Home teams shall supply the game ball. The visitors shall supply one
spare.
B. Dugouts: The home team is to take the third base side. The visitors
shall take the first base side.
C. Equipment in Addition to LL rules:
Helmets: Approved helmets must be used for batting and base
running. Helmets must remain on at all times once the batter/runner
leaves the dugout and enters the field of play.
Protective Cup: A cup is not required, but strongly suggested.
Mouth guard: All players must wear a mouth guard when in the field,
batting or running the bases.
Baseballs: Safety balls shall be used in practice and games.
D. Umpires: The home team supplies the plate umpire. The visiting
team supplies the field umpire. It is acceptable to officiate a game with
only the plate umpire.
E. Game Duration: Games shall not exceed 4 innings or 1 ½ hours, and
may be shortened by mutual agreement of the T-ball Coordinator and
team managers prior to the start of the game.
F. Number of Players on the Field: Players on the field shall be limited
to 9 unless agreed upon by both managers prior to the game. The
coach or coaches may be on the field to assist with instruction.
If a team does not have enough players (9) to field a team, the two
teams may discuss and implement the option of loaning players so the
kids are still able to play a game.
G. Batting through the Lineup/Inning: An inning consists of each batter
getting one at bat. If the player is thrown out or tagged out, the batter
must return to the bench. There are no limits to the number of outs in
an inning. When all players have batted, the inning is over.
H. Defensive Rotation: Each inning the defensive players will rotate
positions so each player learns the duties of each position.
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I.
Throw Bat Rule: The batter will be warned once about throwing the
bat. If the batter throws the bat a second time, the batter will be called
out.
J. Hitting Off of the Tee: The batter is allowed at attempt to hit the ball
off the tee until the ball is in play.
K. Bunting: No bunting allowed.
L. Homerun: If a ball is hit over the outfielder’s head, it is a home run.
M. Ground Rule Double: If the ball is hit through the outfielders, it is a
two-base hit, and the runner stays on second base.
N. Advancement of Runners: Runners will advance only on batted
balls.
O. Win/Loss Rule: Win/Loss records and game scores shall not be
recorded. Scorebooks shall be used for the purpose of recording
playing time only.
SOFTBALL
Softball Local Rules to be provided by Inter-League Council at a later date
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NKCLL OFFICIAL LINEUP CARD
DIVISION (circle) 78er
Minor
Major
Junior
TEAM
MANAGER
OPPONENT
DATE
NO
PLAYER
1
BB
SB
TIME
LINE-UP/BATTING ORDER FOR (circle)
POS
Senior
HOME
2
3
VISITOR
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
15
16
PITCHER
TRIPS TO MOUND
RUNS
ELIGIBLE PITCHERS
INNINGS AVAILABLE
NOTES/EJECTIONS:
(Initial)
PLATE UMPIRE
FINAL SCORE:
LEAGUE – White
HOME ______
UMPIRE – Canary
VISITOR ______
HOME TEAM – Pink VISITING TEAM - Gold
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