Sunnyvale National LL – Farm Playing Rules
1. Little League International rules apply except as indicated below or agreed upon by the managers and umpires.
2. When no umpire is assigned to a game, the offensive manager/coach who is pitching will call balls/strikes and outs on the bases. A coach from another team not playing in the game or a SNLL board member may umpire for the game (Excluding interlock games unless both Managers agree). Managers will meet with the umpire if available and agree to rules of play.
3. Games are 90 minutes or 6 innings max(any inning started before the 90 minute mark will be completed even if exceeding the 90 minute mark). Home team will get last at bats even if leading. No new inning to start after 90 minutes.
4. Three outs per inning. 5-run max per inning. Continuous batting order with all players attending. Standard Little League International “mercy” rules apply.
5. Play ends and ball is dead when the ball is brought back to the infield and an infielder holds the ball up. Time cannot be called while an outfielder is holding the ball. Runners less than halfway to next base must go back and cannot advance.
6. A player may advance a maximum of one base on any overthrow at first or third base or if the player was more than halfway to the next base before the ball was returned to the infield, and only one base advancement on an overthrow per play.
7. Sliding is allowed(Feet first only. No head first sliding). NO bunting is allowed. NO stealing is allowed including advancing on wild pitches and passed balls.
8. 4 player outfield is standard. If a team has less than 10 players, 9 vs 10 outfield must be agreed upon by Managers at start of game (one team may have 9 and the other 10 if agreed to). Outfielders should play NORMAL outfield depth and should not play what some call “Buck short”. Only 4 infielders plus a pitcher position may be on the infield. Outfielders must play at least 10’ deep into the outfield on Washington 2 and must play on the grass on Washington 1.
9. One coach is allowed to help position players and coach his defense from the outfield between plays. Only 1 coach should be designated to give instructions to players on the field on defense and base coaches should be the only coaches instructing on offense. Instruction should be in between plays and not during.
10. The pitching rubber will be 40 feet from home plate vs. standard Little League pitching distance of 46 feet.
Pitching - Player Pitch
11. All games will start with player pitching. If one team is not able to field any pitchers, both Mangers must agree to allow the team with pitchers to pitch. If no agreement can be reached, the entire game will be coach pitch.
12. When player pitch, a player may pitch for a maximum of 2 innings or until pitch count limit has been reached (50 pitches). If a team runs out of pitchers, the offensive coach will pitch, though the other team can continue with player pitch.
13. Little League International rules to be followed for pitching eligibility and limits.
14. Farm player pitch age limit is 9 years old unless otherwise agreed to by the managers.
15. A pitcher may no longer pitch in the game if the pitcher has hit two players. Coach pitch will finish out the inning when the second batter is hit.
16. Both swinging strikes and non-swinging strikes are called during player pitch.
17. There are no “4 ball” walks. If a batter is hit by a pitch thrown by a player, it is the batter’s choice to take a walk or continue the at bat.
18. When "Ball 4" is attained, the coach will take over pitching for the remainder of the at bat. Strikes will carry over to coach pitch.
Pitching - Coach Pitch
19. Coach must pitch from the rubber just as a kid would, and not from any other distance. Pitches must be overhand and the coach must attempt to mimic the speed and height of a player pitch.
20. Both swinging strikes and non-swinging strikes are called during coach pitch. Strikes will carry over from kid pitch to coach pitch. Typical strike zone is top of the knee to just above the belly button/bottom of the team lettering/logo. No walks, 4 balls or hit by coach pitch.
Established Spring 2022