League Rules- Baseball (UOVLL)

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LEAGUE RULES 2025

LITTLE LEAGUE ONTARIO DISTRICT 8 HOUSE LEAGUE RULES:

All divisions will play following the rules of Little League, with the following clarifications and exceptions or additions:

ALL LEVELS:

  1. Games are limited to 1 3/4 hrs, light permitting. No new inning shall begin after 1.5 hrs. Games are limited to 6 innings.
  2. The mercy rule is in effect: 10 runs after four innings, 3 ½ if the home team is ahead. All teams must keep score and must be submitted.
  3. There is a 5 run per inning maximum and no unlimited last inning.
  4. If a game is forfeited due to insufficient players the teams are encouraged to play a 4 inning game with blended teams in order to justify costs associated with running a game and most importantly the trip of the visiting team.
  5. A pitcher must be removed from the game if he/she hits 3 batters in an inning or 4 batters in a game.
  6. If there is a play at home, players must slide. Avoidable collisions at home will not be tolerated and the base runner will be called out. This is at the umpire’s discretion.
  7. Double headers are permitted but teams are to be given at least ½ hr (30min) between games.
  8. Under the safety code for little league, with respect to all eyeglasses: “Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide safety glasses.”
  9. Over age players may not pitch. Over age players may play the position of catcher for a max of 3 innings per game. The remaining innings of the game the catcher must be proper age for that division.
  10. Must use continuous batting order.
  11. No white or grey leather on the pitcher’s fielding glove.
  12. Ensure all bats are wood bats or USA approved bats. Any non approved bats will be removed from the game and the team and player will be given a warning.

MINOR DIVISION:

  1. Pitchers can only pitch two consecutive innings but may not exceed little league pitch counts. Once removed as pitcher they may not return to that position for the remainder of that game.
  2. There is no head first slides but diving back to a base is acceptable.

 

  1. Catchers can catch for three or more innings but then can't pitch once they have started their third inning. A pitcher can come in as a catcher only if they have pitched less than 2 innings.
  2. Batters are out on the third strike. No dropped third strike.
  3. There is no stealing home unless a play is made on a runner at any base, but may advance at their own risk until they reach 3rd base.
  4. There is no “leading off” and base runners may not leave the base until the ball crosses home plate.
  5. Base runners may not advance on a passed ball back to the pitcher from any player.
  6. On Deck batters are not permitted, except for the first batter between innings and the start of the game.
  7. No infield fly rule.
  8. Pitching mound may be moved up to 40 feet of needed, pitchers are encouraged to pitch from 46 feet. This is at the Umpires discretion.

 

MAJOR DIVISION:

  1. Pitchers can only pitch three consecutive innings but may not exceed little league pitch counts. Once removed as pitcher they may not return to that position for the remainder of that game.
  2. There is no head first slides but diving back to a base is acceptable.
  3. Catchers can catch for four or more innings but then can't pitch once they have started their fourth inning. A pitcher can come in as a catcher only if they have pitched less than 3 innings.
    1.  Examples
      1. player pitches for 2 innings and catches the rest of the game. YES
      2.  player catches for 3 innings first, and then pitches for 3 innings. YES
      3.  player pitches for 2.5 innings and THEN catches for next 3 innings NO (They are not eligible to catch if they pitch more than 2 innings.)
      4. player catches for 4+ innings but does not pitch YES
      5. player pitches for 2.5 innings but does not catch YES
      6. player catches for 4 innings and pitches for 1 inning NO  (They are not eligible to pitch if they catch more than 3 innings first.)
      7. player pitches for 1 inning and catches for the rest of the game. YES
  4. Dropped third strike rule is in effect. 
  5. A runner can advance home on a passed ball or wild pitch.
  6. There is no “leading off” and base runners may not leave the base until the ball crosses home plate.
  7. Base runners may not advance on a passed ball thrown back to the pitcher by the catcher.
  8. On Deck batters are not permitted, except for the first batter between innings and the start of the game.
  9. Must have 8 players on the field to start a game and play with 9 players.

 

JUNIOR / SENIOR :

  1. Pitchers can only pitch three consecutive innings. Once removed as pitcher they may not return to that position for the remainder of that game.
  2. Batters can run on a dropped third strike.
  3. Stealing home is permitted. A runner can advance home on a passed ball or wild pitch.
  4. Leading is permitted and baulks on pitchers will be called by the umpire.
  5. Base runners may advance on a passed ball thrown back to the pitcher.
  6. On Deck batters are permitted.

 

Note: Pitching rules are meant to fall within LL rules and a pitcher may not pitch more than the pitch count stated in the LL rule book.