Continental Little League

Two adults are allowed on the field the first half of the season, only one the second half (if needed). On offense, two base coaches and a “sweeper” batting coach is allowed, in addition to the Manager/coach pitcher as required. The sweeper coach assists the catcher in getting past balls back to the pitcher. The batting coach can give direction between pitches, but not during a pitch (e.g., to swing or not).

As Minor A is a developmental division, it is strongly encouraged to move players every 2 innings (minimum) in order to give player the opportunity to experience different positions. As an exception, first base and pitcher should be assigned to players with enough fielding skill to prevent serious injury. In addition, when playing short-handed (less than 10 players), managers are allowed more discretion in rotating players to maintain fair game.

Up to two coaches will be allowed in the field while on defense to give direction/teach during the game the first half of the season. The second half only one coach will be allowed, and having both coaches in the “dugout area,” using verbal and hand signals is strongly encouraged.

All players not on the defensive team or the batter must remain in the dugout area. No food in the dugouts. Seeds, gum and fluids are OK.

A protest cannot be called by a judgment made by any umpire. Protests are reserved for rule interpretation only. Notify the official scorekeeper that you are placing the game under protest. Notify the home plate umpire. Write an "official" report of the circumstances surrounding the incident that involves the protest. Submit it to the V.P. and/or Player Agent within 24 hours.

Be courteous and respectful to each other and to those umpiring at all times. If you have a real problem with something, someone is doing or appears to be doing, talk it over with them privately. Do not accuse and/or shout it across the field. Each manager is responsible for his team’s parents. Poor sportsmanship and any demonstrations thereof will not be tolerated in CLL.

Players will be allowed to take extra bases while the ball is in play. Play will stop and the ball will be considered dead when the defense gets the ball to any infielder or the pitcher as a defensive play. The ball DOES NOT have to be caught or “in the control” of an infielder. The ball simply has to “reach the player.” If a defensive player is attempting to make a play (i.e., applying a tag or run-down), then base runners can attempt to advance. This rule is to prevent the learning of poor base running judgment (e.g., singles routinely being turned into triples). 

One half of the game is the minimum for all players unless there are extra innings. Playing time in extra innings is at the manager’s discretion. If a game is shortened for darkness, time limit or rain, any child that does not have the required half game will start the next game and will remain in the field (during defensive play) until he has met the remaining balance of his half game from the previous game plus the half game for the current game. Try to make your substitutions after the second inning (at least that way the playing time should equal out for all the players who are being moved in and out). Keep track of their innings played.

 All players bat in order as listed on the lineup sheet. Players can be substituted in and out of the "field" but the batting order remains as originally listed.

No “Infield Fly” rule will be applied at this division

No base stealing will be allowed

Players will be allowed to take extra bases while the ball is in play. Play will stop and the ball will be considered dead when the defense gets the ball to any infielder or the pitcher as a defensive play. The ball DOES NOT have to be caught or “in the control” of an infielder. The ball simply has to “reach the player.” If a defensive player is attempting to make a play (i.e., applying a tag or run-down), then base runners can attempt to advance. 

When a batted ball is goes out of play by an infielder (i.e. into a dugout, over the fence, etc.), and it is the first play by an infielder, the runner is entitled to the base he is going to only. The base he is going to shall be determined by where the player was standing when the ball was pitched, not where he happens to be when the ball actually goes out of bounds. The most common occurrence is when a batter is attempting to reach first base and infielder throws the ball into the dugout or out of bounds. The base runner is awarded first base only, not second.

No bunting allowed. Any hit that travels less than ten feet will be considered a foul ball. A chalk line will mark the foul territory in an arc in front of home plate.

Exceptions are: (1) If there are two outs and runners on base and a ball is hit for an on-the-fly home run, all runs are scored and the batter is given credit for hit; and, (2) The 6^th inning is an unlimited run inning. 

A player that is in the catcher’s position may use a fielder's glove behind the plate in order to facilitate him catching the ball more frequently in speeding up the game. If a catcher misses frequently misses pitches while wearing a traditional catchers glove, the umpire can stipulate that the catcher use his/ her fielding glove

In order to give as many players as possible an opportunity to play we will allow ten defensive players on the field. The extra player has to play as a fourth outfielder (no rover or player at 2^nd base).

A home run is any batted ball that clearly travels past the markers (approx120 feet) on the fly or a fair batted ball that allows the batter to circle the bases safely. A chalk line, cones, or other markers must be placed in the field approx 120 feet from home plate (twice the base length). Home runs shall be called by the closest field coach/umpire.

Called by manager’s on both teams on day-of-game At a minimum games should be called off 30 minutes before official game time, leaving time to notify parents and players . Canceled games should be played on the first available day both teams can accommodate. 

A game is six innings. Four innings is considered a complete game when time expires. If the Home Team (team due up last) is ahead in the score, a complete game can be called after 3-1/2 innings if time has expired. Games that are tied after the agreed upon last inning and/or time has expired can play extra innings if mutually agreed to by both the teams and umpire and does not impede the next scheduled game; else the game will resume at the next scheduled meeting of the teams

The first half of the season, Managers/Coaches will pitch overhand from the rubber. The coach may move up a few feet closer if the player/coach requires. The division can be player-pitch. Players will pitch until the count reaches four balls. After a player pitches four balls, the manager/coach will pitch until the ball is batted fairly or three strikes. Balls and strikes will be called, but no walks. (See Kid Pitch Section).

i.      Plate umpire will call balls and strikes. Called strikes count towards a strikeout.

Home team will provide the plate umpire, while the visitors will provide the bases umpire, unless other arrangements have been made ahead of time. In championship game Continental local umpires will be the acting officials .