Philosophy on Conduct
It is the philosophy of Little League that your child's playing experience shall be positive. RPYA 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
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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 RPYA Little League Board of Directors. Please review the local rules appropriate for your child's playing level:
Please note: the playing rules for Instructional are designed for player participation. A game consists of 3 innings and no official score is kept.
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.
Note: Instructional games are a maximum of 3 innings, score is not kept, and umpires are not used.
Pitching Restrictions
Please see the local rules for each division regarding pitching restrictions and mandatory rest periods.
Team Rules and Conduct
In addition to the National and Local playing rules, each team may have additional team rules approved by the Director of 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 on time for pregame 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 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 playing area. If the individual refuses to leave the 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, coaches and spectators from the game and or Little League Park or other playing area.
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.
Manager/Coach
When a manager or coach is ejected, that individual shall IMMEDIATELY leave the playing area.
Parents/Spectators
Other ejected individuals shall immediately leave the playing area. Refusal to do so may result in the Umpires "calling" the game and other sanctions being assessed on the team associated with that individual.
Other Disciplinary Action
The Board feels strongly that proper field decorum is an important element of the Little League experience. For example, ejected individuals who do not "go quietly" once ejected can expect additional sanctions. Note: Any player, manager or coach who is ejected or otherwise suspended three times in a season, will have their association with Roosevelt Park Little League terminated.
The Executive Committee is responsible to impose any other disciplinary sanctions necessary to effectively operate the League.
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