FARM DIVISION LOCAL LEAGUE RULES

2008

The Farm Division is comprised of a group of youngsters ages 7 - 8 as of the coming April 30, 2008.They will play on a standard Little League Field and follow the Official Regulations and Playing Rules 2006 for Little League of America. The following local league rules will take precedence over the Little League of America rules:

1. A pitching machine will be used instead of a live pitcher.The pitching machine will be operated by an adult who will also act as the umpire (typically a coach from the offense). The pitching machine will be set to operate at a speed of 35-40 which allows the ball to cross the plate with a slight arc. Both teams will approve the settings of the machine prior to the start of the game, and adjustments are only allowed for malfunctioning machine.
2. The home team shall occupy the 3^rd base dugout and visitors shall occupy the 1^st base dugout.
3. Scheduled start time is official game time. No new inning after 1 hour from game time.An inning begins the moment the final out is recorded in the previous inning. Game ends after 1 hour 15 minutes.
4. A player will occupy the position of pitcher to field hit balls and receive throws.
5. The batter will be given a maximum of seven pitches, after which the batter is out (it is the umpire's discretion to grant additional balls for a malfunctioning machine); provided however that if the batter reaches 3 strikes before the 7^th pitch he will be out (like traditional baseball). A batter who fouls off the seventh pitch may continue batting; but must continue swinging at each additional pitch until 3 strikes are recorded or the ball is put into play.
6. If a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the batter is awarded 1^st base. All other runners shall NOT advance unless forced to do so because of the batter being awarded 1^st base
7. Three swinging (including fouls) strikes and the batter is OUT. No walks. No bunting, stealing or leading off base before the ball is hit.
8. Three outs or batting through the order will constitute the end of a half-inning, whichever occurs first. Any runners left on base after batting through the order (without reaching 3 outs) will count as runs.
9. All players will play defensively. Extra players will be positioned as outfielders and must be a reasonable distance behind the infield.
10. One adult coach must always be in the dugout when any remaining players are in the dugout
11. No player is allowed to warm up with a bat either inside or outside of the dugout. The only exception is the 1^st batter of a new inning is allowed outside the dugout with a bat, but can't take a position within the home plate area until told to do so by the umpire.
12. Two defensive coaches are allowed on the field but can't interfere with the game. Two adult base coaches (offense) are allowed.
13. All players will be placed in batting line-up.
14. No advancing home on an overthrow of third base.
15. A runner may not advance more than one base on an overthrow into foul territory (except for an overthrow into foul territory at 3^rd base (which is described above).  Example: Batter grounds to shortstop, shortstop throws over 1^st baseman's head into foul territory, batter is only entitled to advance to second base assuming no attempt is made by the defensive team to put the runner out.
16. Ground ball through the infield and past outfielder will be ruled a ground rule double.
17. A fly ball that first lands in the outfield grass will allow batter to continue to advance as many bases until the ball is returned to the infield and controlled by a defensive player.  Last base touched before control is base runner must stay.
18. Both teams are responsible for preparing the field before and after the game.  Home team provides game baseballs and is responsible for opening and staffing the snack bar.
19. Players are to remain in the dug out if not on the field. No visits to snack bar or stands.
20. All players are required to wear the league provided team uniform. Catchers must wear all league provided catching equipment, including face mask with a throat protector. Male catchers must also wear a hard cup type athletic supporter. This protective equipment is strongly recommended for all males players.
21. Both managers must agree to call the game due to time limit, weather or darkness.
22. Game time is limited to 75 minutes.