Rookies Rules

Frankford Branchville, Lafayette, Newton Little League
Rookie League Regulations

" Beginning 1 hour prior to game time, the home team may warm up on the field for 30 minutes. The away team will then have the field for the last 30 minutes leading up to game time (example - For a 6:00 game, the home team has the field from 5:00 - 5:30 and the away team has the field from 5:30 - 6:00.

" No inning will begin after 8:00pm.

" The offensive side is retired after 3 outs or 5 runs.

" Runners may advance only 1 base on an overthrow.

" Runners may advance on a batted ball until the defensive team retrieves the ball back to the infield.

" Each player must play a minimum of 6 defensive outs or 2 innings on defense. All players will bat whether in the game or not, utilizing a continuous batting order. You may substitute freely every inning on defense as long as the player gets at least 2 innings total in the entire game (does not have to be consecutive innings).

" There will be a 10 player defense, utilizing a 4 player outfield. Outfielders must play outfield and not in the infield. 4th outfielder is to never play in the infield. Outfielders are to be positioned at least 10 yards from the infield dirt.

" Only 2 coaches will be permitted on the field while the team is on defense (one in left field and the other in right field). Coaches coaching 1st or 3rd base are not to stand on or directly near the base.

" Coaches will pitch overhand to their batters for 8 pitches. Then a tee will be used.

" Coach must pitch from mound or mound area (2 - 3 feet in front of the pitching rubber). Coach may pitch from one knee.

" Bunting is not allowed.

" If a batted ball "dies" in front of the plate, then the player can continue to bat.

" There is no leading or stealing.

" Head first slides are not permitted unless going back to a base.

" If you have only 8 players or less, a coach may be used as a catcher during the game.

" No coach, parent, or spectator is to stand behind the backstop during the game.

" Force outs at home must be made by the catcher. If a pitcher fields the ball along the baseline he/she can tag the base runner.

" A player will be removed from the base after an out.

" When 3 outs are accumulated the defensive team bats.