Overview
Shelton American Little League endorses the National Little League overarching philosophy. The SALL Board and
has made only slight modifications to the playing rules to enhance the playing experience for our children. The
following excerpt is taken from the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of the National Little League organization:
"Little League Baseball is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under
good
leadership in an atmosphere of wholesome community participation. The movement is dedicated to helping children
become good and decent citizens. It strives to inspire them with a goal and to enrich their lives toward the day when they
must take their places in the world.
It establishes for them rudiments of teamwork and fair play."
Philosophy on Conduct
It is the philosophy of Little League that your child's playing experience shall be positive. Shelton Little League can not allow the enjoyment of the majority of players and families to be jeopardized by misconduct by others. Unfortunately, there may be times when disciplinary action against players, managers, coaches, parents or spectators may become necessary.
Playing Rules
 | National Little League Baseball offers a booklet titled "Official Regulations and Playing Rules". The booklets are generally available for purchase, and each team manager is provided with a copy. We encourage all players and parents to read and become familiar with both the Official Regulations and Playing Rules and any Local Rules that may apply. |
Local Rules
Local rules are encouraged by National Little League to adjust for local conditions. Local rule modifications to the
National rules are approved by the Shelton American Little League Board of Directors. Please review the local
rules appropriate for your child's playing level:
The Game
A regulation game consists of 6 innings, unless extended due to a tied score or shortened due to one of the following conditions:
1) the home team needs none or only a fraction of its half of the sixth inning.
2) the umpire calls the game for any reason.
3) inclement weather
Infield Fly
Rule!
If there are runners on first and
second, or first, second and third with less than two out, there
is an infield fly possibility.
If the batter then hits a fair fly
ball (not a line drive or bunt) that COULD be caught by a
defensive player stationed in the infield with ORDINARY EFFORT,
an Infield Fly should be called. Keep in mind, “ordinary effort”
can be very different between a 9-year-old and an 18-year-old.
One way to think of it is, “Is the fielder comfortable under the
ball?” If so, you’ve got ordinary effort. (Jim Evans gets the
credit for that one!)
The umpire must watch the ball and the fielders, and decide if
the batted ball qualifies as an infield fly. If so, when the
ball reaches the apex of its flight, in other words, its highest
point, the umpire should point at the ball, and holler, "Infield
fly, the batter's out!" If the ball is close to the foul line,
say "Infield fly, if fair!" (Either/any umpire can call it.) The
umpires have to watch the ball, watch the reaction of the
fielders, back and forth until the ball is at the apex, then
make a decision.
As soon as the umpire says “Infield fly”, the batter is out AND
THE FORCE IS REMOVED FROM THE RUNNERS. Of course, that's the
purpose of the rule, to keep the defense from getting a cheap
double play. THE RUNNERS DO NOT HAVE TO RUN if the umpire says
"Infield fly, the batter's out!"
Now, the call of "Infield fly" only affects the
batter-runner....the batter-runner is immediately out which
removes the force, REGARDLESS of whether the ball is caught or
not. The other runners are subject to the rules regarding
tagging up just as if the ball had been hit into the outfield.
If it's caught, they must tag up before they advance. But if
it's not caught, they do not have to tag.
Don't think of the "Infield fly" call as a "catch" because
it's not. The ball has just been ruled an Infield Fly which
makes the batter-runner out instantly, but the ball may or may
not be caught. Whether it’s caught or not does NOT affect the
Infield Fly call. Check Rule 2.00, Catch definition. This
applies to an infield fly situation, too.
Also
remember a few other things:
The ball stays alive during an Infield Fly play. It's not
dead, so runners off base may be tagged, etc.
An infield fly is a fair fly ball which CAN be caught by an
infielder with ordinary effort. That doesn't mean it HAS
to be
caught by an infielder. Imagine a shortstop playing deep,
backing up into the outfield grass to catch a fly
with, in
the ump's judgment, ordinary effort. The umpire points up and
calls "Infield fly, the batter is out!" But the left
fielder
charges in, and calls him off and catches the ball.......or
doesn't catch it, either way. That is STILL an infield
fly,
by
definition.
If the umpire calls "Infield fly, the batter's out!", or
"Infield fly, if fair!" and the ball drops untouched and
rolls foul;
it is NOT
an infield fly....just a foul ball. If it lands untouched
foul, and rolls fair, it's an infield fly.
Pitching Restrictions
Please see the local rules for each division regarding pitching restrictions and mandatory rest periods.
Pitch Count Rules for 2010 
Team Rules and Conduct
In addition to the National and Local playing rules, each team may have additional team rules approved by Shelton American Baseball. Team rules are established to provide team, parent and player specific participation and other requirements. Any player (or parent) who interferes with team management, including failing to adhere to the established team rules, can expect reduced playing time or other possible sanctions to insure team harmony.
Game Conduct
Players are expected to arrive 1/2 hr prior for pre-game workouts and conduct themselves during the game in
an acceptable manner. It is a team's responsibility to promote good sportsmanship and fair play. Following
are simple rules for players to follow throughout the season:
- Play for the fun of playing, not just to please your parents.
- Play by the rules.
- Never argue with or complain about umpire's calls or decisions.
- Control your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged.
- Concentrate on playing baseball and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort.
- Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team's or your opponent's.
- Treat all players as you would like to be treated.
- Cooperate with your manager, coaches, teammates, opponents and umpires.
- Food and gum are not allowed in the dugouts, although sunflower seeds and water bottles are permitted.
Any player, manager, coach, parent or spectator whose conduct is not consistent with these guidelines may be cautioned by the umpire-in-chief or other League official. Foul or abusive language is strictly prohibited. If an individual is unable to refrain from using foul language or making derogatory remarks to any player, manager, coach, or umpire, the umpire-in-chief or other League official may suspend the game until that individual leaves the Little League Park or other playing area. If the individual refuses to leave the Little League Park or other playing area, the umpire may discontinue the game and the police will be called for assistance. If the disruptive individual is a manager, coach or player, additional sanctions will likely occur depending on the circumstances.
Ejection Protocol
Each umpire has the power and authority to eject players, managers and coaches from the game and possible
disciplinary actions the from S.A.L.L. board.
Players
If a player is ejected, the player shall immediately leave the playing area (field, dugout, bullpen etc.) before
play continues, but may become a silent spectator in the stands. In addition, the player is expected to attend subsequent practices for behavior modification counseling. The player shall NOT participate in the next scheduled game, but may watch the game from the stands, but may not wear the team uniform.
