1. Player Eligibility

• Players are typically between the ages of 9 and 12.

2. Team Composition

• Teams typically have 9–12 players.

• Teams may start a game with 8 players. If a 9th player is unavailable, the game will proceed without penalty.

• If a “pull” player is used, they will only play right field and bat last in the lineup.

3. Field Dimensions

• Pitching Distance: 46 feet from the pitcher's mound to home plate.

• Base Path Length: 60 feet between bases.

4. Game Length

• Standard games are 6 innings.

• A game may end early due to:

  • Time limits (no new inning after 1:45 hours).

  • Mercy rule (see Rule 9).

5. Pitch Rules

• 85 pitches per day for 11/12-year-olds.

• 75 pitches per day for 9/10-year-olds.

Rest Requirements

• 66+ pitches = 4 days’ rest

• 51–65 pitches = 3 days’ rest

• 36–50 pitches = 2 days’ rest

• 21–35 pitches = 1 day’s rest

• 1–20 pitches = 0 days’ rest

Additional Pitching Limitations

• Once a pitcher is removed, they may not return to pitch in that game.

• 1-game-per-day limit for all pitchers, regardless of pitch count.

• Catcher Restrictions:

  • A player who has caught for 4+ innings cannot pitch.

  • A pitcher who has thrown 40+ pitches cannot play catcher.

6. Batting Rules

• Batting Order: Continuous lineup (all players bat).

• Minimum Play Requirement: No player sits for more than 3 innings.

• Bats: Must meet Little League standards (USA Baseball Stamp is required)

• On-Deck Batter: Not permitted in Majors; batters wait in the dugout.

7. Stealing & Base Running

• Leadoffs: Not allowed; runners leave the base only after the ball crosses home plate.

• Stealing: Allowed for all bases.

• Dropped Third Strike: Batter may advance if the catcher drops the third strike and first base is unoccupied (or with 2 outs).

• Sliding Rule:

  • Runners must slide or avoid contact when a play is made on them.

  • Headfirst slides are prohibited, except when returning to a base.

• Running for catcher

  • Recommended less than 2 outs.

  • Mandatory with 2 outs.

8. Fielding Rules

• Infield Fly Rule: Applies—runners on first and second (or bases loaded) with fewer than two outs.

• Substitutions: Free defensive substitutions are allowed.

9. Scoring & Run Limits

• 5-Run Limit per Inning (Innings 1–5)

  • Exception: If a team has scored 4 runs and the last hit drives in multiple runs, all runs count.

• 6th Inning: No run limit; teams can score freely.

• Mercy Rule:

  • 15+ runs ahead after 3 innings.

  • 10+ runs ahead after 4 innings.

  • 8+ runs ahead after 5 innings.

10. Game Cancellations

• Notification: Must be made at least 24 hours in advance.

• Rescheduling: Games must be rescheduled within 2 weeks.

  • If games are canceled within the last 2 weeks of the season, all efforts must be made to make up the game as soon as possible.  If not rescheduled it will revert to failure to schedule rule.  If the league cancels the games, a decision will be made by board to determine a win/loss if it affects seeding for playoffs.

• Failure to Reschedule: If not rescheduled, both teams receive a loss, unless documentation is provided to the rules coordinator.

• Required Notifications: The scheduling coordinator, umpire coordinator, and field coordinator must be informed.

• Any coach who forfeits two (2) or more games in a single season, regardless of the reason, will be immediately removed from their coaching position and will be ineligible to coach in Stafford Little League for the remainder of the season, ineligible to coach in Little League All Stars, and any future seasons.  Appeals may be considered only under exceptional circumstances, subject to review by the Stafford Little League Board.

11. Rules & Rulings

• Any rule not specified defaults to the Little League Baseball Rule Book.

• The Rules Coordinator has the final ruling on disputes.

12. Playoff Seeding

• A minimum of 12 games must be played.

• If a team plays fewer than 12 games, those games count as losses.

• Seeding is based on Winning Percentage.

• Tiebreakers (in order):

  • Winning percentage

  • Head-to-head record (Only if 2 teams)

  • Runs allowed

  • Runs scored

  • Coin flip

13. Playoff Format

• Bracket-style playoffs (no re-seeding).

• All teams qualify.

• #1 seed receives a bye if there’s an odd number of teams.

• Higher seed is the home team (Best of 3 series: higher seed is home for Games 1 & 3).

• No rule changes are permitted during playoffs.

 14. Coach Requirements

• Certification & Safety:

  • Must pass a background by d check and complete Little League certifications.

  • Must complete the Rutgers Safety Course.

• Game & Player Management:

  • Prioritize player development and sportsmanship.

  • Ensure fair playing time and follow pitch count rules.

• Behavior Expectations:

  • Show respect to umpires, players, and parents.

  • No tobacco, alcohol, or drug use at league events.

  • Address concerns privately and professionally.

15. Coach Rules

• Certification & Safety

• Coaches must pass a background check and complete all Little League certifications.

• Must complete the Rutgers Safety Course.

• Player Development & Game Management

• Prioritize player development, sportsmanship, and safety.

• Teach fundamentals and provide fair playing time.

• Follow pitch count rules and submit lineups on time.

• Conduct & Sportsmanship

• Lead by example—show respect to players, umpires, and parents.

• No arguing with umpires; disputes must be handled professionally.

• Promote sportsmanship and positive team culture.

• Communication

  • Hold a preseason meeting to set expectations.

  • Provide timely updates on schedules and events.

  • Address parent concerns privately and professionally.

• Discipline & Accountability

  • Report any major behavioral issues to league officials.

  • No tobacco, alcohol, or drug use at any league event.

• Game Protest

  • If a coach disagrees with an umpire’s call and wishes to dispute it, they must continue playing the game under protest. The protesting coach must submit a written report detailing the dispute to the league board on the same day the game is played. Failure to follow this procedure will result in the protest being invalid. Judgment calls made by umpires (e.g., balls, strikes, and safe/out calls) are not subject to protest.

16. Sportsmanship, Safety & Conduct

• Helmets must be worn by batters and base runners.

• Catchers’ Gear: Full protective gear, including a mask with throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, and a cup.

• No arguing with umpires, players, or coaches:

  • Immediate ejection for arguing.

  • 2-game suspension for any ejected coach or player.

  • Ejected coaches cannot coach an All-Star team.

• Sportsmanship: Coaches, players, and spectators must respect officials and follow the league’s Code of Conduct.

17. Field Request Policy

• All field requests must be submitted using the designated Google Form. Requests made through any other method (e.g., email, text, or verbal communication) will not be accepted. Stafford Field Request

18. Batting Cage Rules

• Little League teams have priority over travel teams.

• Pre-Game Usage:

  • Little League teams scheduled for a game have first rights to batting cages.

  • Travel teams must vacate when a Little League team needs it.

• Scheduling: Travel teams may book cages when they don’t conflict with Little League needs.

19. Draft Process

• Snake Draft Format (Rounds alternate direction).

• Draft Order: Determined randomly or by prior season standings.

• Trading Draft Picks:

  • Allowed before and during the draft (must be approved by the league board).

• Post-Draft Trades:

  • Allowed until the end of the draft session.

  • Must be board-approved for fairness.

20. Player Evaluations (Scale 1-5)

• Evaluation Criteria

• Hitting, Fielding, Throwing, Pitching, and Base Running each rated 1-5.

• Evaluators assess each player to ensure fairness.

• Scoring System

  • 1 = Needs improvement

• 3 = Average

• 5 = Advanced

• Evaluation Process

  • Scores remain confidential and are used for fair team placement.