The following is a list of questions a typical league might ask while preparing for the International Tournament. If you have additional questions regarding tournament play, please contact your District Administrator. Please visit our Rules and Regulations Page to review any regulation or rule revisions for the regular season and tournament rules.
For more information, visit:
1. Are players who missed regular season games due to illness or injury given any kind of “exemption” towards the required eight (8) games-participation requirement?
A: The local league Board of Directors may waive the requirement for registered Little League players to participate in 8 (no minimum games for Senior Division) of their teams’ Little League regular season games due to an illness or injury. However, for such a waiver to be granted, a physician’s note must be obtained that documents the period from which the player was prohibited from participation in games/practices and the note must also state that the player has been released for full participation as a player on the Tournament team. A copy of the note/justification must accompany the team to all Tournament levels.
2. What is the minimum number of players that is required on a team affidavit?
A: Little League encourages all local leagues to carry the maximum number of players allowed in order to give as many players as possible the opportunity to participate and experience the International Tournament. The minimum number of players on a tournament affidavit is twelve. EXCEPTION: If a team has less than twelve players listed on their affidavit, justification must be provided by the league and approved by that league’s District Administrator signified by his/her approval signature on the Affidavit.
3. For Regulation II(d) and IV(h) waivers, what addresses are we required to verify or certify?
A: The League President must verify and document the eligibility of a child who is claimed under Regulation II(d) or IV(h) by producing documentation proving that the child’s parent(s) or legal guardian previously lived, or the player previously attended school in the league’s boundaries during the specific dates required for eligibility. For a Regulation IV(h) waiver, the League President will be required to document that the parent(s) or legal guardian lived in the boundaries and was a board member, manager, or coach for the two years or more when they lived in the boundaries, and has remained so since that time without breaking service. For a Regulation II(d) waiver, the League President will be required to document that the parent(s) or legal guardian lived in the boundaries or the player attended school physically located within the league’s boundary while the participant was a rostered player in the league, then moved out of the boundaries, changed schools, or the boundaries changed, but the participant has maintained a rostered position in the league since that time. The address being verified is the address to be used on the tournament affidavit.
4. What type of map (required to be carried by the Tournament team manager) is acceptable? Can it be hand-drawn?
A: The team manager must obtain and carry a map generated by the Little League Data Center affidavit system (www.LittleLeague.org/DataCenter), which is reflective of the official, approved league boundaries on file at the Regional office. Players’ residence or school attendance addresses must be plotted by the affidavit system on the Data Center-generated map. Prior to the start of Tournament, the map generated by the Data Center affidavit system must be signed and dated by the District Administrator and the League President. The map may no longer be hand drawn. A team without an approved map is subject to protest.
5. What forms or documents are required to be carried by the manager with the team while playing in Tournament games?
A: A completed affidavit, with pitching record, that has been generated via the Little League Data Center affidavit system (LittleLeague.org/DataCenter), with all required signatures, eligibility waivers for participants otherwise ineligible, Tournament Player Verification Form for every player with supporting eligibility documents – one form of residency documentation from each of the three Groups (all which must be dated or in force between February 1st of the previous year and February 1st of the current year) OR one proof of attendance at a school within league boundaries (proof of attendance must be dated prior to October 1 of the current school year), and a league boundary map, generated through the Little League Data Center, depicting the same boundaries on file at the Regional office. NOTE: Players who established “residence” or “school attendance” for regular season and/or tournament in a prior season using the Tournament Player Verification Form, and can produce the form with proper proofs and signatures, will NOT need to complete a new Tournament Player Verification Form. It is strongly recommended that managers also carry Medical Release forms for every player.
6. May an opposing team request to see documentation for another team?
A: No. Each team must carry proper documentation such as copies used for residency/school documentation under Regulation II and league boundary maps, but this information should only be made available to the Tournament Director in the case of a protest, at the direction of the Tournament Committee.
7. Our Little League 10-12-year-old team is losing a player right after the third game of the Tournament. This player will not be back for any more Tournament games. Who can authorize the replacement player and what documentation do we have to produce to get the replacement player on the team’s Affidavit?
A: The District Administrator or Tournament Director can authorize the addition of the replacement player to the team’s Affidavit. The league is required to produce:
- An original birth certificate that meets the current criteria;
- Tournament Player Verification form with supporting eligibility documents – three forms of proof that meet residency requirement or one proof of school attendance within league boundaries;
- The league’s boundary map, annotated with residence/school attendance location of the new player, and;
- Verification by the league president that the player participated in the minimum number of regular season games (8) in the Major Division by the start of Tournament in their respective District.
1. If a league charters a regular season Senior League Baseball/Softball program of 12–16-year-olds, can the league offer a Junior League Baseball/Softball Tournament team?
A: Yes. The 12-14-year-old players’ participation in the Senior League qualifies them for the Junior League Tournament provided they meet the age, participation, and residency/school attendance requirements. (See Tournament League Eligibility and Player Eligibility)
NOTE: For Junior Tournament eligibility, Senior League players league age 13 and 14 must have played in a minimum of eight (8) regular season games. (See Tournament Player Eligibility)
1. If a league age eight (8) year-old participant played in a local league’s Minor Division, can that player play on the league’s 8-10 Tournament team?
A: Yes. Any player league age 8, 9, or 10, with amateur status, who has participated as an eligible player in eight (8) of the regular season games by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District in the Minor or Major division is eligible for selection. Players must be of the proper league age to participate on any Tournament team.
2. If a league age ten (10) year-old participant played in the Minor Division, can that player participate on the league’s Little League (10-12) Tournament team?
A: Yes. Tournament participation is based on a player’s league age. A player league age 10, 11, or 12 must have participated for eight (8) regular season games by the start of Tournament Play in their respective District in the Major or Intermediate (50/70) Division (Baseball)/Junior League (Softball) to be eligible for selection to the Little League (10-12) Tournament team.
3. Can a player on a Tournament team be moved up to play with a different Tournament team providing he/she is eligible? For example, can a league age eleven (11) player who played Majors during the season and was on the 9-11 Tournament team be moved up to the 10-12 Tournament team if there is an injury to one of the 10-12 players?
A: Yes. A player may be named to the roster of, and practice with, only ONE Little League International Tournament Team at a time. Once the affidavit is signed by the local league president, player agent, and District Administrator, the players listed on the affidavit shall not be eligible to participate on any other Little League International Tournament Team until the team is eliminated from tournament. (See Tournament Player Eligibility CONDITION 3)
4. A tournament team coach in unable to attend games during the Section tournament. Can the league appoint a temporary coach replacement?
A: Yes. Temporary replacement (single game only) of a Manager/Coach must be entered. However, after the first time an individual is used as a temporary replacement for a manager or coach at any level of tournament play, that individual cannot be used again in the tournament until a Little League Volunteer Application is completed and a background check is completed in accordance with Little League Regulations and their respective state law by the league president or Tournament Director. If the replacement is approved and meets the condition of a replacement, the individual must be listed on the affidavit. Violations of these requirements are subject to action by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport.
1. The manager of the Tournament team files a protest with the Tournament Director that the other team has an ineligible player. The manager provides some documentation that a player is ineligible. What happens at this point?
A: The Tournament Director, after reviewing the documentation, contacts the Regional Office, who then contacts the Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee would consider the protest and provide direction to the Regional Office and Tournament Director.
2. All Divisions: If a manager lodges a protest and he/she does not agree with the ruling of the umpire(s), can the manager refuse to allow his/her team to continue to play?
A: A manager may lodge a protest in accordance with the Tournament Rules and Guidelines. If the manager does not agree with the ruling of the umpire(s), his/her team can refuse to continue playing until such protest has been resolved, (A) to the satisfaction of the manager, or, (B) by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport. The decision of the Tournament Committee shall be final and binding. However, if the manager, FOR ANY REASON, allows the game to continue without having the matter referred to the Regional Office or the Tournament Committee in Williamsport, the manager has accepted the decision that was made at the local level.
3. What happens when one team is at the Tournament site with enough players to start the game, and the other team does not show up for the game, or does not have at least nine players present at scheduled start time?
A: First, it is NOT an automatic forfeiture. Only the Tournament Committee can decree a forfeit, and ONLY AFTER the circumstances of the situation are known. The District Administrator or Tournament Director should determine why the team cannot field nine players. The DA/TD shall then call in the information to the applicable Regional Office for instruction and direction. (Tournament Rule 5: Forfeits)
4. Can District Administrator or Tournament Director forfeit a tournament game?
A: No. Only the Tournament Committee in Williamsport can decree a forfeit and a District Administrator, or a Tournament Director threaten or recommend forfeit. (Tournament Rule 5: Forfeits)
1. All Divisions of Softball: What are the Softball Pitching Distances?
A: (1) 8-10 year old division: 35 feet; (2) 9-11 year old division and Little League (10-12): 40 feet; (3) Junior and Senior League: 43 feet. (Tournament Rule 2: Fields)
2. Major (10-12) Baseball and below: Our team has a doubleheader, can my pitcher deliver five pitches in the first game and then come back to pitch in the second game?
A: No. A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
3. Junior Baseball Divisions and below: Player A catches the 1st, 2nd, and one pitch in the 3rd inning. Player A is moved to pitcher and pitches a total of 23 pitches in the 3rd and 4th innings and is removed. The pitcher started the final batter at pitch 20. Can Player A be moved back to catcher for the remainder of the game?
A: Yes. Player A only caught for three (3) innings prior to moving to pitcher (which is legal). Player A then threw 23 pitches, starting his/her final batter at pitch 19 before being removed (which allows the pitcher to still be moved to catcher). As such, the player is eligible to be moved back to catcher for the remainder of the game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
Junior Baseball and below: Any player on a tournament team may pitch. Exception: Any player, who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less, moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that calendar day. Exception: If the pitcher reaches the 20-pitch limit while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch, and maintain their eligibility to return to the catcher position, until one of the following conditions occur: 1) that batter reaches base; 2) that batter is retired; or 3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game.
4. My baseball team has a doubleheader scheduled. I have a player who catches and pitches. If he/she does not pitch in the first game, can he/she catch in three innings in the first game and three more in the second game and then be moved from catcher to pitcher?
A. Yes, the restriction on moving from catcher to pitcher is if the player catches in four or more innings in a game, which did not happen here. As such, the player would be eligible to pitch in the second game after catching three innings in both the first and second game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
5. Junior and Senior Baseball: What are the pitching requirements for a league age 14-year-old?
A: Fourteen-year-olds on a Junior team are subject to the pitching requirements for the Junior League. Fourteen-year-olds on a Senior team are subject to the pitching requirements for the Senior League. A 14-year-old is limited to 95 pitches per day in either division of play. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
6. Junior Baseball and below: While a pitcher is pitching to a batter, the pitcher reaches 20 pitches. On the next pitch (pitch #21) the batter strikes out. The pitcher is replaced before he/she throws a pitch to the next batter. Does the pitcher need a day of rest?
A: No, the pitcher reached the 20-pitch threshold while pitching to his/her last batter. The batter was put out and the pitcher did not pitch to another batter. According to the Pitching Threshold Exception, the days rest is based on 1-20 pitches so no rest is required. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
7. Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and all divisions of Softball: In the second inning the manager of the defensive team moves the pitcher into left field and brings the left fielder in to pitch. Then in the fifth inning the manager wants to reverse the procedure and bring back the original pitcher. Can this be done?
A: A pitcher could pitch to the first batter in the third inning, then be moved to left field for the rest of that inning and two more innings, then return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the sixth inning. It is not necessary that the pitcher return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the same inning in which he/she was removed.
Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and 8-10/9-11/10-12 Softball: Provided he/she is not removed from the game defensively for a substitute, he/she could return to the mound/plate any time, but not more than once per game for baseball and once per inning for softball. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
Junior/Senior League Softball: A player may be removed from the defensive lineup as pitcher, when her team is on offense or defense, and return as pitcher only once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s). (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
8. All Divisions of Baseball: A pitcher starts pitching to his/her last batter at pitch number 35. The batter eventually strikes out on pitch number 42. The pitcher’s days rest is based on the pitch threshold reached during the at bat. Does this mean the pitcher can be used as a catcher that day since pitch number 42 was thrown while pitching to the last batter?
A: Yes. The Pitch Count Threshold Exception now applies to pitchers moving to the catcher position. If the pitcher starts the last batter at 40 pitches or less, he/she would be covered by the threshold exception. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
9. 9-11 Softball Division: If a player pitches in six (6) innings or less and the game is suspended for rain, lightning, or other causes and the game is resumed the next day, what are the pitching limits for the next day 1) if the only game is the resumed game and 2) if the team has another game after the resumed game?
A: 1) The resumption of the game is treated like it was being played on the same day so the player is allowed to pitch up to twelve (12) innings in a day for the 8-10, 9-11, and 10-12 Divisions.
Example: The player pitched in five (5) innings before the game was suspended. The player could pitch up to seven (7) additional innings in that game.
A: 2) The player is allowed to pitch up to twelve (12) innings in a day and may pitch up to the maximum number of innings allowed per day. In the example, if the player pitched in five (5) innings in the initial game, returned to pitch one (1) inning in the resumption, the player could pitch in up to six (6) innings in the second game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
10. 8-10, 9-11, and 10-12 Softball: If the pitcher of record pitches in seven (7) or more total innings in a doubleheader and the second game is suspended for rain, lightning, or other causes and the second game is resumed the next day, what are the pitching limits for the next day 1) if only the second game is resumed and 2) if the team has another game after the resumed game?
A: 1) The resumption of the game is treated like it was being played on the same day so the player is allowed to pitch up to twelve (12) innings in a day.
Example: If the player pitched five (5) innings in the first game and two (2) innings in the second game (for a total of seven (7) innings in the two games), the player could pitch up to five (5) innings in the resumption of game two the next day.
A: 2) The pitcher is not allowed to pitch in the second game since the player pitched seven (7) or more innings the previous day, which requires a day of rest. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
11. All Divisions of Baseball: If a game is suspended and resumed at a later date (next day or later) what are the restrictions on the: 1) pitcher going in to catch and 2) catcher going in to pitch?
A: 1) The pitcher moving to catcher limit is for safety. The basis is that if a pitcher throws 41 or more pitches in a game, that player cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day. This is meant to apply to a normal game played in one day.
Example: A pitcher throwing 21 pitches Monday when the game suspended. It is resumed on Tuesday or a later date and the player throws 21 more pitches, for a total of 42 in the game. However, the 41-pitch limit applies to the day, not the combination of pitches thrown on different days. The player could throw 40 pitches in the resumption game and still move to the catcher position.
A: 2) The catcher moving to pitcher limit is for safety. Similar to the above answer, the rule is really meant to apply to a game played in one day.
Example: If a player catches 3 innings in a game on Monday that was suspended and resumed on Tuesday or Wednesday, the number of inning caught would reset to zero. The player would have to catch in four or more innings in the resumption game before being restricted from pitching. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
12. All Divisions of Baseball: If a game is suspended and resumed the next day how does the pitch count work if the pitcher of record continues to pitch in the resumed game?
A: Juniors and Below: If the pitcher, when the game was suspended, had thrown 40 or fewer pitches the player can continue to pitch in the resumed game the next day. If the pitcher had thrown 20 or less pitches when the game resumes, the pitch count re-sets to zero and days rest will be based on the resumed portion of the game. If the pitcher had thrown between 21 and 40 pitches, the pitch count will begin with the number of pitches thrown. Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
Example: Player throws 34 pitches and the game is resumed the next day. The first pitch thrown will be pitch number 35. In this example, the days rest will be based on the total combined pitch count of that game.
A. Seniors League: If the pitcher, when the game was suspended, had thrown 60 or fewer pitches, the player can continue to pitch in the resumed game the next day. If the pitcher had thrown 30 or less pitches when the game resumes, the pitch count resets to zero. If the player had thrown between 31 and 60 pitches, the pitch count will begin with the number of pitches thrown. Under no circumstance shall a player pitch in three (3) consecutive days.
Example: Player throws 44 pitches and game is resumed the next day. The first pitch thrown will be pitch
number 45. Days rest will be based on the total pitch count at the end of the game. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
13. All Divisions of Baseball: A pitcher starts pitching to his/her last batter at pitch number 35. The batter eventually strikes out on pitch number 42. The pitcher’s days rest is based on the pitch threshold reached during the at bat. Does this mean the pitcher can be used as a catcher that day since pitch number 42 was thrown while pitching to the last batter?
A: Yes. The Pitch Count Threshold Exception now applies to pitchers moving to the catcher position. If the pitcher starts the last batter at 40 pitches or less, he/she would be covered by the threshold exception. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules)
1. Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and all divisions of Softball: In the second inning the manager of the defensive team moves the pitcher into left field and brings the left fielder in to pitch. Then in the fifth inning the manager wants to reverse the procedure and bring back the original pitcher. Can this be done?
A: A pitcher could pitch to the first batter in the third inning, then be moved to left field for the rest of that inning and two more innings, then return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the sixth inning. It is not necessary that the pitcher return to the pitcher’s mound/plate in the same inning in which he/she was removed.
Intermediate (50/70)/Junior/Senior League Baseball and 8-10/9-11/10-12 Softball: Provided he/she is not removed from the game defensively for a substitute, he/she could return to the mound/plate any time, but not more than once per game for baseball and once per inning for softball. (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
Junior/Senior League Softball: A player may be removed from the defensive lineup as pitcher, when her team is on offense or defense, and return as pitcher only once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s). (Tournament Rule 4: Pitching Rules and Tournament Rule 10: Substitutions/Re-entry)
2. What is the Mandatory Play requirement (MPR) for the Tournament?
A: Mandatory Play for Tournament is Continuous Batting Order in all divisions with the exception of Senior League (as mandatory play does not apply to Senior League Baseball or Senior League Softball).
8- to 10-Year-Old, 9- to 11-Year-Old, Little League, Intermediate (50-70) Division, and Junior League: All Tournament Teams must adopt a policy of a continuous batting order that will include all players on the team affidavit present at the start of the game, to appear in the batting order. Each player is required to bat in his/her respective spot in the batting order. For more information, visit the 2023 Rule Changes and Clarifications page.
3. What is the updated Tournament rule for a Special Pinch Runner/Courtesy Runner?
8- to 10-Year-Old, 9- to 11-Year-Old, Little League, Intermediate (50-70) Division, and Junior League: COURTESY RUNNER: A tournament team may permit a “courtesy runner” for the catcher and/or pitcher of record when there are two (2) outs. Utilizing continuous batting order, the courtesy runner may be in the team’s batting order and must be the player in the batting order who made the last out.
Senior Division: Twice a game but not more than one time per inning, a team may utilize a player who is not in the batting order as a special pinch-runner for any offensive player. A player may only be removed for a special pinch-runner one time during a game. The player for whom the pinch-runner runs is not subject to removal from the lineup. If the pinch-runner remains in the game as a substitute defensive or offensive player, the player may not be used again as a pinch-runner while in the batting order. However, if removed for another substitute that player or any player not in the line-up, is again eligible to be used as a pinch-runner.
4. All Divisions: A player is injured and is removed from the game. There is no doctor or medical personnel at the game site. Can the player be re-entered into the game later?
A: Yes, If there is no doctor/medical personnel available, the decision on whether or not an injured player is able to return to the game is up to the team manager.
Exception: If the injury is a concussion or suspected concussion the player must be, at a minimum, removed from the game and/or practice for the remainder of that day. The league/team/manager must also be aware of the respective state/provincial/municipal laws with regards to concussions and impose any additional requirements as necessary. His/her return to full participation is subject to:
- Adherence to the applicable state/provincial/municipal laws,
- An evaluation and a written clearance from a physician or other accredited medical provider, and
- Written acknowledgement of the paren (Regulation III(d) Note 3)
6. With the new mandatory play rule in relation to Continuous Batting Order, can a Courtesy Runner be utilized at any time for the pitcher and catcher of record?
A. In order to satisfy the requirements of Mandatory Play, the pitcher and catcher of record must remain in the game offensively until officially meeting the At Bat requirements as outlined in Rule 2.0 – Definition of Terms: At Bat – NOTE.
1. What are the curfews for the various age groups?
A: Little League (10-12) and below – 12 a.m. (midnight); Intermediate (50/70) and Juniors – 12:30 a.m.; and Senior League – 1:00 a.m.
2. In the 8-10 Baseball/Softball Tournament, can a batter attempt to reach first base on an uncaught third strike?
A: No. A batter attempting to advance to first on an uncaught third strike does not apply in 8-10 Baseball/Softball. (Tournament Rule 3)
3. All Divisions: The manager of the offensive team has requested a “time out” to discuss strategy with the batter. Two batters later in the same inning, he/she again wants “time out” to discuss strategy with a base runner.
A: This should not be permitted. Only ONE offensive time out is permitted each half inning. However, a manager could have more than one time out in an inning for offensive substitutions, or to tend to an injured player. The rule’s intent is to limit time spent in offensive conferences. (Tournament Rule 7: Visits)
4. All Divisions: The defensive manager requests and is granted a time out to talk to his/her pitcher. Can the offensive manager, talk to the batter or runner during this time out?
A: If one team calls for and receives a time out to confer with a player, it will be charged with a time out or visit. At this time, the opposing team may also confer without being charged with a time out or visit, provided the team is ready when the opponent concludes the time out or visit. (Tournament Rule 7: Visits)
5. All Divisions: It is the bottom of the fifth inning when the skies open up and a torrential downpour prevents the game from continuing. What do we do now?
A: If a natural occurrence (rain, darkness if no lights are available, etc.) halts a game, and it cannot be restarted that day, and it has reached the point of a regulation game when a winner can be determined, the game is over. However, if the game is halted by light failure, a locally imposed curfew on the lights, sprinkler malfunction, or some other human-error condition, it must be suspended and resumed the next available day. Tournament Directors should be advised to allow enough time to complete all games by the curfew imposed locally, if earlier than Little League’s curfew, but that such local curfew will not end the game. (Tournament Curfew and Tournament Rule 13: Regulation Game)
Example 1: Team A is winning 9-0 after five full innings on a lighted field at night, and because of a locally imposed curfew, the lights must be turned out. In this case, the teams must return the next available day to complete the game.
Example 2: Team A is winning at dusk 9-0 after five full innings on a field that has lights, which were presumed to be working and available for the game but the lights cannot be turned on because lightning hit them earlier in the day (a malfunction). In this case, the teams must return the next available day to complete the game.
6. All Divisions: At the end of the fifth inning, the home team is leading 5-4. The visiting team scores three runs to take the lead, 7-5 in the top of the sixth. The umpire calls the game because of darkness before the home team completes its turn at bat in the bottom of the sixth, and the home team has not retaken the lead. What is the outcome of the game?
A: The game must be resumed if the visiting team ties the game or takes the lead in their half of the inning and the home team does not complete their at bat or take the lead in an incomplete inning. (Tournament Rule 13: Regulation Game)
7. Major Baseball/Softball and below: The score is tied after six complete innings, what happens in the seventh inning? Eighth inning?
A: Both teams will continue to play the seventh inning as they did with the first six innings of play. If the game is still tied after seven complete innings, the visiting team will start the eighth inning with a runner on second base. The runner at second shall be the batter scheduled to bat last in that inning or an eligible substitute or pinch runner. After three defensive outs, the home team will start the bottom of the eighth inning with their last scheduled batter as a runner on second. This scenario would continue in every subsequent inning until one team is ahead of the other after a complete inning.
Example: Score is tied 2-2 after seven complete innings. The visiting team is slated to start the top of the eighth inning with their No. 7 batter. The No. 6 batter, or an eligible substitute or special pinch runner, will start the inning at second base. The visiting team ends their half inning without scoring a run. The home team is schedule to start with their No. 2 batter, therefore their No. 1 batter, or an eligible substitute or special pinch runner, will start at second base during their respective half inning. The home team scores a run during their half inning, so the game would end with a score of 2-3.
1. What is the minimum number of players that is required on a team affidavit?
A: Little League encourages all local leagues to carry the maximum number of players allowed in order to give as many players as possible the opportunity to participate and experience the International Tournament. The minimum number of players on a tournament affidavit is 12. EXCEPTION: If a team has less than 12 players listed on their affidavit, justification must be provided by the league and approved by that league’s District Administrator signified by his/her approval signature on the Affidavit.
2. Is it possible to qualify an intact regular-season team for the Little League International Tournament?
A: Yes. If a local league has only one team in a given division (using the Little League Baseball Major Division team as the example), and the population supports the league only fielding one team, then the regular-season team may also serve as the league’s tournament representative.
All of the teams that you see in the Little League International Tournament are composed of players who qualify to participate in their local Little League program based on residency or school enrollment. Those players then register, tryout, and are drafted to a regular-season team(s), which plays a regular-season schedule against other Little League teams. The league then selects a tournament team from the players who participated in the regular season and meet all other tournament eligibility requirements.
That tournament team must play and win to advance through various levels of the tournament that culminates with the Little League Baseball World Series in Williamsport, Pa. Lastly, the Little League Baseball division is for players ages 10-12. The same process is in place for Little League’s other divisions of tournament play.
1. The manager of a Tournament team is ejected from the first game of the Tournament. Again, in the third game of the Tournament, the same manager is ejected. This second ejection, however, is for making contact with an umpire during a verbal altercation. Can the Tournament Director remove the manager from the team for the rest of the Tournament?
A: No. Rule 4.07 disqualifies any manager, coach, or player from the next physically played game if he/she is ejected from a game. Tournament Rule 16 – Altercations allows the District Administrator or Tournament
Director to refer physical or verbal altercations at the game site to the Tournament Committee. The Tournament Committee may remove or suspend any individual from Tournament play, and its decision is final and binding. However, in this situation, the manager’s own local league Board of Directors also could remove the manager from the team. (Tournament Rule 16: Altercations)