TIMMINS LITTLE LEAGUE

ROOKIE BALL

HOUSE LEAGUE RULES 2025

1. Game Duration

• The game consists of 4 innings (if possible) or an hour, which ever come first. No inning is to be started after 10 minutes to the hour.
• In case of darkness, the game should be stopped.

2. Batting/Running Rules

• A batter will receive 4 pitches form the coach. After 4 pitches, a tee will be placed until the ball is hit to encourage defensive play.
  • If a foul ball is hit on the last coach pitch, the batter is allowed one additional pitch.
  • A player hit by pitch does not get the base, but the pitch counts towards hit total allowable pitches.
• A maximum of 10 batters per inning.
  • If a team has more than 10 players, they must only bat 10 batters. The next offensive inning will begin with the next player in the batting order.
    • Ex: If a team has 12 players:

• A maximum of 10 runs per inning.
  • If a player is put out, by any baseball play, he will remain out and be removed from the bases
• Even if 3 outs have been made, the batting order continues until all 10 batters have hit.
• If a team has less than 10 players, they will continue to bat until they have reached 10 at bats in that inning.
  • Ex: If a team has 9 players:

• Please do you best to assure equal playing opportunities to all players throughout the season
• A runner must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit.
• A ball hit into and lands in the outfield is not an automatic double. The runner runs at their own risk, and the fielder has the opportunity to make a play at second base or elsewhere. This is the only time a batter can take more than one base, but at their risk. All runners on the bases are subject to force play running.  A runner cannot take more than 2 bases in this situation. 
• If a ball that lands in the infield and rolls to the outfield, the batter can only run one base at a time, regardless of the plays done by the defense (over throws, ect.) All runners on the bases are subject to force play running (one base).  
• Only on the last batter can players run as many bases as possible before the catcher touches home plate.
• If the ball does not pass the foul line on the ground, it is considered a foul ball.
• A runner can not take an extra base on an over throw

3. Defensive rules

• 10 players will take the field on defense. 4 outfielders (on the grass), 1^st, 2^nd, 3^rd, SS, P, C (all on the sand).
• The Pitcher will stand beside the coach pitcher.
• A defensive coach is permitted in the outfield.
• All plays made to a base will be considered a forced out (not tag needed) **Keep this in mind when you running is trying to take 2 bases on a ball hit to the outfield**
• A caught fly ball is an out.
• A player cannot play more than 1 inning at the same position during the game.
• All players must play at least one inning in the field and one inning in the outfield.
• Only the catcher can make the last out at home plate.

3. General Rules

• Each team must have a minimum of 8 players to start the game (1 pitcher, 2 outfielders).
• Each team may have a maximum of 10 players on the field.
• Ties are allowed.
• In case of rain, teams must show up at the field unless the game is canceled by the organizer (Facebook announcement, if possible, by 5:15 PM).