Menifee Valley Little League Local Rules
2025 Spring Season
I. PLAYING FIELDS
A. Field Preparations - Each team is responsible for field preparation, when playing at Menifee Valley Little League fields, which includes the following if needed:
1. Inspect the field for safety purposes prior to the beginning of play of each game (including Pitching mound distance). Ensuring their team has appropriate safety kits available*
2. Field clean-up which includes the dugouts and bleachers.
3. Home team is responsible for providing an Official Scorer and Pitch Counter.
4. Home team of the last game is responsible for pitching mounds- back to snack bar *AII teams are responsible for these items regardless of playing field.
5. Both Teams are responsible for preparing, dragging and chalking the field.
6. GAME BALLS- WILL BE IN THE SNACK BAR- THEY BECOME PRACTICE BALLS AFTER GAME-NOT GIVE AWAY GAME BALLS!!!!!- THAT IS ON YOUR OWN
B. Pitching Distance: Is measured from the back of home plate to the front of Pitching Rubber.
1. 46 feet is the distance for FARM, AA, AAA and Majors
2. 50 feet is the distance is for Intermediate 50/70
3. 60 feet 6 inches is the distance for Juniors/Seniors
C. Menifee Valley Little League has a ZERO tolerance policy of ANY bullying/harassment towards players or from player to player. This includes but not limited to: Umpires, Parents, Visitors, Coaches, and Board members. Anyone with negative or insulting comments towards the Umpires (or anyone for that matter) before, during or after a game shall result in the game being stopped and will be ejected from the game, field, league and elimination of All Star coaching consideration. It also includes: any disparaging remarks about Menifee Valley Little League, Staff, Volunteers, and Officers. We know there may be something that needs to be addressed or remedied. Please bring those concerns directly to the attention of any MVLL Board Member.
All Coaches are responsible for maintaining a self-respectable decorum in and at games/practices at all times this includes ensuring that parents and visitors of each team are also following the same decorousness at all times. Any parent, coach or visitor violating this rule shall risk being ejected.
II. GAME PLAY
A. Game Start: Tee ball thru Farm- have a plate meeting with coaches to over rules to be clear for each division. AA thru Seniors -Can start or play game with 8 players. AA thru Seniors must provide a 4-part Line-up completed prior to the Plate Meeting with the Umpire. The line-up must include First initial, Last Names, Jersey #, Position and League Age. Only USA Baseball Bats are allowed in MINORS/MAJORS, Intermediate 50/70-Juniors (if playing another Juniors team (USA Baseball Bats or BBCOR) & Senior Division (BBCOR ONLY) Rule 1.10.
B. AA thru Seniors- UMPIRE GEAR CHECK-15 minutes before game start time, teams will place bats, helmets, catching gear for umpires to inspect.
C. MVLL- has approved LOCAL RULE of NO JEWERLY during games.
D. Scorekeeper: From AA – Seniors the home team is responsible for providing a scorekeeper/pitch counter. The Scorekeeper must be over the age of 16.
The league will provide the “Official Division Scorebook” from AA – Seniors Divisions. The scorekeeper must log the official start time from the umpire in the scorebook. The Winning Scores need to be emailed no later than the next day by the Winning Team to [email protected].
E. Time Limits:
1. T-Ball, 1 hour time limit
2. Coach Pitch 1 hr, 15 minute time limit
3. Farm , 1hr 20 min time limit
4. Double A, no new inning will begin after 1 hr 30 mins, drop dead at 1hr 50 mins
5. Triple A no new inning will begin after 1 hr 45 mins, drop dead at 2hrs 5 mins
6. Majors no new inning will begin after 2 hrs*
7. Intermediate no new inning will begin after 2 hrs*
8. Juniors/Seniors, no new inning after 2 hrs 15mins *
* Finish the Inning regardless if not a complete game.
D. Inter-League Rules – General
1. These inter-league rules are governed by the rules set forth by D-28 Little League or in between the Leagues:
2. These inter-league rules shall govern all games played between all the leagues.
3. All efforts shall be made to reschedule games if not played.
4. Any disciplinary actions of a manager shall be the responsibility of that specific manager’s board of directors.
5. Home team will provide Umpires/Game Balls.
E. End of Season Division Placement AA- Seniors – Shall be determined by Regular Season Standings 1st, 2nd, 3rd & Fourth Place, etc. – IN HOUSE STANDINGS(NON-INTERLEAGUE)
F. Division TOC Selection- AA thru Seniors - shall be a double elimination tournament at the end of the regular season. Winning team goes to Tournament of Champions District 28.
G. Make-up Games: All Divisions - Division Games canceled, suspended or called due to weather conditions, field conditions, lights, Safety, etc. which does not constitute a regulation game (Rule
4.10) shall be rescheduled for replay or completion at the Board of Director’s discretion.
H. Umpire Assignments:
1. A Manager or Coach, who umpires, shall not umpire their own divisions.
2. Members of the same family as manager, coach or player shall not umpire tournament games in the same division.
3. Each team will be responsible for UPPER DIVISIONS-UMPIRING 4 REGULAR SEASON GAMES and 1 PLAYOFF GAME. LOWER DIVISONS are responsible for UMPIRING 2 REGULAR SEASON GAMES. It must be a division above or a division below where they play.
4. A Junior Umpire that does not Umpire in the Regular Season cannot Umpire In-House Tournament at the end of the Season.
5. Junior Umpires must have an Adult Coordinator present at all games and require an Adult Board Member or Adult Umpire at Inter-League Games.
K. Scores: The Manager of the winning team shall e-mail - [email protected] - the scores no later than 12:00 Noon the next day or may designate a Team Representative. Manager is Ultimately Responsible.
L. Pledge: The Pledge of Allegiance and Little League Pledge will be recited before all games, by all Divisions.
M. Interpretations: Any dispute concerning the interpretation of these rules shall be decided by the Board of Directors as provided for in Article VI, Board of Directors, Section 5 - Duties and Powers, of the Little League Constitution and By Laws.
N. Trophies and Awards-
1. All divisions will receive participation trophies or Medals.
III. MISCELLANEOUS PROCEDURES
Refunds: There shall be no refunds allowed without Board approval. All refund requests will be issued by check.
PREGAME MUSIC- ONLY ALLOWED IN PREGAME IN OUTFIELD
NO WALK-UP MUSIC ALLOWED or IN BETWEEN INNINGS- PERIOD- TOO MUCH DISTRACTION AND LEADS TO DISRUPTION OF GAME-
Tobacco / Alcohol: All Local League activities, when youth are present, shall be tobacco and alcohol-free including chew, vapes and e-cigs. Managers and Coaches are subject to Ejection from a Game if Caught.
Background Checks: Little League requires that background checks be obtained on all volunteers.
I.D. Badges will be issued to all Board, Managers, Coaches and Team Moms. Badges must be worn in View at all Games and Practices and all Team Sponsored Events held in Public Settings.
IV. MINOR LEAGUE RULES
ALL RULES FROM THE LITTLE LEAGUE RULE BOOK MUST BE FOLLOWED, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE LOCAL RULE MODIFICATIONS FOUND ON THIS DOCUMENT.
A. T-Ball Division
T-ball is the introductory level. It introduces the basics of baseball in a fun, nurturing environment.
Rules:
1. Game time: 1 hour
2. No wins or losses are recorded and the score is not kept or reported.
3. Everyone plays defense, no one sits out (cannot force a kid to play either, get parental help!)
4. Batting order is entire roster and can be changed each inning to allow different players to bat last and hit a ‘homerun’ (see #7)
5. A tee shall be set on home plate. It shall be the at-bat team’s responsibility to remove the tee from the area should a play involve a player scoring.
6. A player’s at-bat will continue until a fair ball is put in play. In addition to conventional foul balls, a ball hit less than 15 feet will also be considered ‘foul’ (Use best Judgment).
7. Batters are limited to singles and base runners may only advance one base. The exception to this is the last batter each half inning where all players continue around the bases and score.
8. Batters and base runners do not leave the field when they are ‘out’.
9. Runners may not leave the base until the ball is hit. There is no stealing.
10. A team’s turn at bat ends when all batters in the order have had an at-bat.
11. No defender should be closer than the pitching rubber and teams are limited to two ‘players in the Pitching Area. All other defenders should be at normal infield depth or further.
12. Managers and coaches may stand near their batter or defensive players on the field. They must not interfere with play. Multiple coaches are allowed on the field.
B. Coach Pitch (5-6 year olds that have played T-ball)
Coach Pitch - introduces the following changes from T-ball:
1. Hitting a pitched ball.
2. When a batter or runner is out the player leaves the bases.
3. Hits into the outfield can result in an extra base hit (double)
4. Fewer infielders require more movement and teamwork.
Rules:
1. Game time: 1 hour, 15 min.
2. No wins or losses are recorded and the score is not reported.
3. Everyone plays defense, no one sits out (cannot force a kid to play either, get parental help!)
4. Batting order is entire roster and will remain the same for the entire game.
5. Pitching will be done by the Manager or Coach pitching to his or her own team.
6. Catcher may be played by a player, Manager or Coach; it is the team’s option. A player must be in full Catcher Gear and should be wearing a protective cup. A manager or coach should back up the catcher to keep the pace of play appropriate. When the hitter is using a tee the catcher should back up and provide ample room for the hitter. When the ball is hit from the tee the Manager or Coach should remove the tee from play to avoid a runner collision.
7. Batters will receive five (5) hittable pitches. If the hitter does not put the ball in play on one of the five pitches then the batter will hit off the tee.
8. If the batted ball does not roll at least 15 feet forward in fair territory it will be considered a foul ball.
9. Batters are limited to singles and doubles if the ball is hit into the outfield.
10. Runners are limited to taking one base on a batted ball to the infield but may attempt to take two bases if the ball is hit to the outfield.
11. Runners may not leave the base until the ball is hit. There is no stealing.
12. Neither the batter nor the base-runners can advance on an overthrow to any base.
13. If a player is made out while batting or running the bases the player returns to the dugout.
14. There is no infield fly rule and there are no tag-ups on caught fly balls. On a caught fly ball runners may return to their bases.
15. A team’s turn at bat ends when all batters in the order have had an at-bat.
16. A team may only play a maximum of six infielders with no more than one player playing defense as a pitcher. The pitcher must be positioned in the ‘pitching mound’ area. The remaining players must be positioned in the outfield.
17. Managers and coaches may stand near their batter or defensive players on the field. They must not interfere with play or touch a LIVE Ball. Multiple coaches are allowed on the field.
C. FARM
FARM is for advanced 6-year-olds and 7-year-olds that are not ready for AA. It introduces the following changes:
1. Inning ends at three outs or 5 runs scored.
2. Hitters can strike out.
3. Catcher position becomes a normal position.
4. Players can NOT advance on overthrows to first base.
5. All extra base hits are allowed.
Rules:
1. Game time: 1 hr 20 minutes- this is a HARD TIME LIMIT/DROP DEAD TIME
2. No wins or losses are recorded and the score is not reported.
3. Everyone plays defense, no one sits.
4. Batting order will be the entire roster present and will remain the same for the entire game. The order is continuous.
5. A coach or manager can back up the catcher to keep the pace of the game appropriate.
6. Every player MUST play 1 inning of infield. MANDATORY
7. There are no walks, players can reach base after being hit by pitch
8. Batters will receive up to FOUR pitches from the pitcher. An at-bat is over when a batter strikes out swinging, puts the ball in play.
9. If Ball is not put in play after receiving the 4 pitches, the Coach will come out and continue the at bat. Player will receive an additional 3 pitches. IF Ball is not put in play after the Coaches 3 pitches, then that player is out.
10. No bunting.
11. Batters and base runners may attempt extra bases on hits to the outfield. The batter / base runners may not advance to the next base once an infielder / pitcher / catcher has possession of the baseball in the infield.
12. A two-out courtesy base runner is allowed for the next inning catcher at any time(LAST OUT).
13. There is no infield fly rule. On a caught fly ball runners may return to their bases.
14. A team’s turn at bat ends after three outs or five runs have scored or when their entire line-up has batted.
15. Teams must have a minimum of 7 players on the field.
16. A team may only play a maximum of six infielders including the catcher and pitcher. All additional players must be positioned in the outfield.
17. The pitching mound is set at 46 feet
D. Double “A” (AA) Division
AA is for 7-8 year olds. AA is the first kid pitch level in which the game more closely resembles regular baseball. Umpires conduct the game, official scorebook is kept, wins and losses are reported. Pitching Distance is 46 Feet This division follows The Little League Rule Book with the following modifications/exceptions:
1. Game time: no new inning after 1 hour 30 minutes. Drop Dead at 1 hour 50 minutes
2. The batting order will be the complete roster. It will remain the same throughout the game.
3. Rule 5.07 a Team's at Bat is over after the last batter in the line-up has batted regardless of runs or outs, otherwise a teams at bat ends after three outs or five runs have been scored during the first 3 innings.
4. During the first three innings a team’s at bat is over when "FIVE" runs Maximum have scored or three outs have been made. NOTE: If 4 runs have scored, and then a home run is hit only 1 run will count regardless of the number of players on base (5 Maximum). Beginning with the fourth inning, runs are unlimited and no longer capped at 5. Inning is over when the last batter has batted. A Batter cannot bat twice in the same inning.
5. Runners may advance to 2nd or 3rd base on a steal, passed ball pitch, but must remain at third base until either forced in on a walk, or by a ball hit into play. No Leading off base.
6. Runners may not advance on an overthrow/missed ball on a steal attempt.
7. There is no dropped 3rd strike in AA & No Stealing Home.
8. 15, 10 and 8 run rules apply (See Rule Book - 4.10).
9. Pitch Count and Catcher limitations in Rule Book Apply. Pitch Count Logs are required to be maintained for every game and the entire season.
E. Triple “A” (AAA) Division
AAA is for 9-10 year olds as well as less-experienced 11-year olds not ready for Majors. AAA is the second kid-pitch level in which the game more closely resembles regular baseball and prepares players for the Majors level. Umpires conduct the game, the official scorebook is kept, wins and losses are reported. Pitching Distance is 46 Feet. This division follows the Little League Rule Book with the following modifications/exceptions:
1. Game time: no new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes. Drop Dead at 2 hours 5 minutes.
2. The batting order will be the complete roster. It will remain the same throughout the game.
3. Rule 5.07 a Team's at Bat is over after the last batter in the line-up has batted regardless of runs or outs.
4. During the first three innings a team’s at bat is over when "five" runs have been scored or three outs have been made. Beginning with the fourth inning teams change sides when three outs have been made, runs are unlimited. NOTE: In the first “3” innings if four runs have scored, and then a home run is hit only one run will count regardless of the number of players on base. Inning is over when the last batter has batted. A Batter cannot bat twice in the same inning.
5. There is no dropped 3rd strike in AAA.
6. 15, 10 and 8 run rules apply (See Rule Book - 4.10).
7. Pitch Count and Catcher limitations in Rule Book Apply. Pitch Count Logs are required to be maintained for every game for the entire season.
8. A 12 year old in AAA on a Waiver is not allowed to pitch.
VI Majors and Intermediate 50/70-Juniors play with a Continuous Batting Order (CBO) - Play by the Little League Rule Book. Seniors play BAT 9 PLAY 9 with substitutions if more than 9 players. Play by the Little League Rule Book.
VIII SAFETY
A) A player must wear a Catcher's Mask while catching for balls that are being batted or When Assisting a Manager at Practice at Home Plate or anywhere on the field when Batting Balls is Present or when warming up a Pitcher.
B) No On Deck Batters in Minors & Majors, only permitted in Intermediate 50/70, Junior and Senior Division.
C) At a game, an adult can warm up a pitcher, during Pre-Game Warm Up or in between innings.
D) Players are not allowed to hold a Bat while in the Dugout.
E) After a Batter hits and leaves his bat near Home Plate it must be retrieved by a Player wearing a helmet. Managers and Coaches are not the Batboy.
F) No Infants in the Dugout. No animals in the dugout.
G) AA thru Seniors- Only Three Adults are allowed in the Dugout. They can be - the Manager and Two Coaches, One Coach and a Team Mom or a Cleared Parent. (Lower Divisions can have more with background checks/trainings)
H) At least one Adult must always be in the Dugout when the Players are present.
I) No parent is to speak through the fence or gate to any plate, coach, manager or umpire.
J) Concussion Protocol - Follow the Little League prescribed concussion protocol for any injury that includes the head or neck area.
K) All Accidents resulting in any injury must be reported to the Board ASAP. No Later than the next day for Minor injuries and Immediately for anything requiring an Ambulance or Emergency Visit.
Incident Report Forms are available 24/7 on the League Website under Important Documents.
Menifee Valley Little League Est. 1991
League ID # 405-28-13
26025 Newport Rd Suite F457
Menifee, Ca 92584
www.menifeevalleylittleleague.org