SECTION III - Tee Ball Division

MISSION HILLS LITTLE LEAGUE

2008 LOCAL RULES

Players, ages four (4), with supplemental insurance provided by Mission Hills Little League, through fifteen (15) will play baseball and softball as defined by the “Official Regulations and Playing Rules as published by Little League Incorporated. The following local rules and regulations supplement those rules.

Any violation of the supplemental rules and regulations may result in suspension or removal of a manager, coach, or player for the remainder of the playing season, by action of the Board of Directors. Such action shall take place at the next regularly scheduled Board of Directors meeting following the violation of these rules and regulations. The action of the Board of Directors shall require a simple majority vote.

SECTION I – ADMINISTRATIVE POLICIES

Fees collected are donations towards the overall operation of Mission Hills Little League. No player will be turned away due to any financial hardship. Scholarships and/or financial assistance are available by request.

REGISTRATION FEES

a.) Tee Ball Division $100

b.) AA and AAA Divisions $125

c.) Minor Baseball and Softball Division $125

d.) Major Baseball and Softball Division $125

e.) Junior Baseball and Softball Division $125

f.) Younger Siblings $100

g.) Challenger Division $85

There will be a $10 administrative fee for all players that sign up after open registration has been closed.

FUNDRAISER PROGRAM

Fundraisers will be determined each year by the Board of Directors.

Players may opt out from selling the fundraiser product by electing to buy out and donate a set fee established by the Board of Directors.

Players signing up late when no more fundraiser products are available will be asked to donate the established buyout fee.

REFUND POLICY

The registration fee is a donation towards the operation of Mission Hills Little League. In order to receive a refund of the registration fee, the parent/guardian of the player(s) must submit a letter to the Board of Directors requesting a refund and state the reason why the player(s) is resigning. NO REFUNDS WILL BE PROCESSED WITHOUT THIS LETTER.

Amount of refund will be based on the following situations. A player, who resigns, quits, drops or is injured…

a.) Prior to the beginning of the regular playing season but before the uniform is issued, a $25 administrative fee will be charged and the remaining balance will be refunded.

b.) After the uniforms have been issued and prior to the beginning of the regular playing season, 50% of the registration fee will be refunded.

c.) No refund of the registration fee will be refunded after the regular playing season has begun.

All other donations collected from fundraisers, sponsorships, raffle tickets, etc…are NOT refundable.

RETURN CHECK FEE

Checks returned for insufficient funds will be charged a $25.00 processing fee.

BOUNDARIES

The boundaries of Mission Hills Little League are shown on the following page as attachment 1.

All homes classified as residential family homes within the defined area are eligible to play as a Mission Hills Little League player.

If a division is not available in the area in which the player resides, the player can be eligible to play outside their league area. All such players will need to have written permission from Little League Officials as defined by Little League rules.

ELECTION PROCESS

Mission Hills Little League will follow the “Local League Election Procedure” as stated in the Little League Operating Manual.

ATTACHMENT 1 – MHLL OFFICIAL BOUNDARIES

SECTION II – DRAFT (SELECTION OF PLAYERS)

Tryouts are mandatory for all players age (six) 6 that have had at least one (1) full season of Tee Ball experience and older. Failure to attend tryouts will automatically place the player on a “waiting list” for drafting purposes only administered by the Player Agent of each division.

A player not attending the tryouts becomes an ineligible player. An ineligible player may present a written excuse prior to the draft, which may be accepted by a majority of the Board of Directors to become an eligible player.

Managers must draft the minimum number of twelve (12) players to each team. Player Agents will determine from the list of registered players how many additional players the Managers may need to pick based on the number of eligible players remaining. No Manager will be required to draft over the maximum number of players as determined by the team roster requirements of MHLL structure.

The Player Agent for their respective division will conduct the draft process. All players completing tryouts will be eligible for MHLL draft rules as follows:

The current draft method will “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System. If there is not a minimum of 50% assigned Managers available for the division based on the total number of teams chosen prior to the draft, “Plan B” will be implemented.

Teams without Managers: If all team managers have not been selected at the time of the initial draft and it becomes necessary for a representative of the Board of Directors to draft a team; every effort must be made by the President to appoint a Board member to draft such a team who does not have a child in the division being formed in the draft. If this is not possible, the Board member drafting for MHLL must select his/her child to that team.

Brother/Sister Option: Managers may submit options on brothers or sisters who are subject to the draft. Prior to such draft, when the first brother or sister is drafted and an option has been submitted, the Manager automatically takes the brother or sister on the next round. A manager may also submit an option on the draftee if the player’s brother or sister is currently a returning member of the team he manages. This option must be exercised within the first three draft picks.

Drafting to the Major division: Refusal of any minor league player to move up to the major division will result in forfeiture of future eligibility to play in the major division for that current season.

Children of Major Managers: A Major division manager who has a child or children eligible for the draft and wishes to draft him/her (or them) for his team, must state so to the Player Agent prior to the draft. If so stated, the parent-manager is required to exercise this option prior to the close of specific draft rounds, depending on the league age of the child or children as follows:

9 year old 6^th round

10 year old 5^th round

11 year old 4^th round

12 year old 3^rd round

Minor Division Draft: There shall be at least twenty-four (24) hours and not more than seventy-two (72) hours between the Major and Minor division drafts.

Children of Minor, AAA and AA Division Managers: A manager who has a child or children eligible for the draft and wishes to draft him/her (or them) for his team must state so to the Player Agent prior to the draft. If so stated, the parent-manager is required to exercise this option prior to the close of specific draft rounds, depending on the league age of the child or children as determined by the divisions Player Agent with input from the division’s managers.

Minor, AAA and AA Division Selection Order: The Player Agents will draw numbers to determine the selection order. Draft rounds will be as follows: 1^st round: 1-2-3-4; 2^nd round: 4-3-2-1; 3^rd round 1-2-3-4, etc.

Trading: Following the draft, managers may, if they desire, exchange players through the Player Agent until fourteen (14) days after the first scheduled game for that division. Minor league players may not be exchanged for major league players.

Individual try-outs: No manager or coach may conduct an individual try-out of any prospective player to the Little League program. Furthermore, no manager may promise to draft any player to his team. All contact through drafting must be through the Player Agent. NON-COMPLIANCE WITH THIS RULE WILL RESULT IN AUTOMATIC REMOVAL OF THE TEAM MANAGER.

SECTION III – REPLACEMENT DRAFTING

Lost Players: Within a maximum of twenty-four (24) hours from the time the player is “lost” from the team, the Manager must notify the Player Agent. If the “lost” player is a Major League player that player must be formally released by the Player Agent. A manager must draft a player to fill the vacancy within seven (7) calendar days. If the manager does not fill the vacancy within the seven (7) days, the Player Agent will then fill the vacancy as soon as possible with a player, in his/her opinion most qualified.

No forced draft: A manager may not be forced to draft a replacement player if five (5) or less scheduled games remain in the regular playing season.

All contact with any player regarding replacement drafting must be made through the Player Agent only. Any direct contact between a Manager or Coach and a prospective replacement player will be subject to disciplinary action as per the Board of Directors discretion.

SECTION IV – RULES FOR ALL DIVISIONS

PRACTICE

Permission to use any fields for practice whether league pre-arranged or individual team(s) for practice must be obtained from the league scheduler. Practices are subject to cancellation due to weather or to field maintenance without prior notice.

USE OF FIELDS FOR PRACTICE OR PLAY IS RESTRICTED PRIOR TO 8:00 A.M. OR AFTER SUNDOWN ON ANY GIVEN DAY.

Mission Hills Little League may purchase special permits to use the fields of local area schools for team practices. All rules and regulations of these permits must be followed. Should any team violate the permit agreement, such team’s right to use said facility will be revoked. Each Manager will be supplied with a copy of all permits. It is the policy of Mission Hills Little League that in addition to the rules as defined by LAUSD permit department, the following rules be applied to any outside practice sessions.

a.) There will be no batting practice at any school location. This includes Tee Ball Division. Batting cages are available at MHLL field locations and teams are encouraged to use these facilities. Any use of these facilities must be pre-arranged from the league scheduler.

b.) All managers must comply with all safety rules and procedures while using any outside facility.

c.) First Aid kits must be available at all practices.

d.) Any adult person participating in any field exercises or other activities that involve direct contact with any players must be an authorized volunteer. A list of approved volunteers will be supplied to all Managers. Each Manager will be responsible to ensure that any person participating in any and all practices are Board approved volunteers.

Any incident that occurs that causes injury or property damage must be reported to the Player Agent within 24 hours of such event. It will be required that all incidents be reported in written format and include the following:

a.) Date and time of incident

b.) Location of incident

c.) Describe the incident in detail

d.) List any witnesses to the incident

e.) Describe any actions taken to remedy the incident

f.) Names and contact phone numbers of all persons involved

It will then be the Player Agents responsibility to forward all information to the Safety Director and follow up on any actions that are needed to resolve the issue.

During the playing season, ONE (1) PRACTICE SESSION PER WEEK OTHER THAN A SCHEDULED GAME IS MANDATORY FOR ALL DIVISIONS with a maximum of three (3) practices per week. NO EXCEPTIONS.

PRE-GAME PRACTICE

USE OF FIELDS FOR PRACTICE OR PLAY IS RESTRICTED PRIOR TO 8:00 A.M. OR AFTER SUNDOWN ON ANY GIVEN DAY.

Both teams shall miss pre-game practice if ten (10) minutes or less remains after the conclusion of a prior game.

Time in excess of ten (10) minutes for weekend games shall be equally divided with the home team using the field prior to final field preparation.

The HOME TEAM WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR FINAL FIELD PREPARATION ten (10) minutes prior to game time. During this time, use of the field for practice for either team is prohibited.

Hitting drills, defined as balls being hit against a fence, are prohibited at all times except at designated areas of the Little League complex. No HARD BALLS may be used at any time.

FIELD PREPERATION

Under no circumstances will material (such as sand, dirt, etc) be brought onto the field without permission of the Field Director or the League President.

Prior to the start of each game, the HOME TEAM will prepare the field for play, i.e., attach the bases, loosen and smooth the pitchers mound, base paths, and infield area as deemed necessary, water the infield dirt sections, and line the batting box areas, base paths, and Tee Ball area with the whitening material.

Following the completion of each game, including the last game of the day, the VISITING TEAM Manager will drag the field, place the bases and the chalker in the storage shed, confirm that the scoreboard has been turned off, and lock all buildings and gates as necessary. NO PERSON SHALL BE LEFT ALONE AT THE FIELD AT THE END OF ANY DAY.

EACH TEAM is responsible for cleaning its respective dugout after each game. Instruct all parents of their responsibilities to maintain the cleanliness of their respective bleacher areas.

Both Managers and Coaches will be scheduled to assist in the maintenance and/or field preparation of the playing fields at all field locations including practice areas.

SCOREKEEPING

The HOME TEAM shall provide an Official Scorekeeper. (Tee Ball Division is excluded) The Official Score Sheet will be filled out in its entirety. Include name of Official scorekeeper, time started, time ended, and date of game, which division, final score, pitching record, absentee player, any significant events, and umpire signatures. Official Score Book will be returned to the scorebook box located in the snack bar.

The VISITING TEAM will be responsible for maintaining the Official Pitch count. Pitch count form will be returned to the score box located in the snack bar.

During the play of any game, the only people allowed in the scorekeeping area are one (1) official scorekeeper, one (1) official pitch count recorder and one (1) scoreboard operator provided by the visiting team.

GAME TIME

All games will start at scheduled game time. If after 15 minutes the game has not been started, at the discretion of the umpire, a league official or both managers when no umpire or league official is available, the game will be called and will go into the scorebook as either postponed or forfeit depending on the division rules.

A postponed game is a game not played at the scheduled time. It will be put in the official scorebook as postponed and include the reason the game was postponed. (i.e. rainout, field unsafe or situations that managers and/or league officials have no control over.)

GAME ABSENCES:

All absences must be noted in the official scorebook for all games except where no scorebook is required.

A player may be benched for an unexcused absence of two (2) consecutive practices and a game or any three (3) practices.

A player, who misses any three (3) consecutive practices and/or games without justifiable reason, will have his or her case brought before the board, which could result in the player’s dismissal from MHLL.

A player who resigns or quits from a team becomes ineligible to return and play in the current season. The player may sign up as a new player the following season.

INJURIES

The Manager must report all injuries to the Safety Director within twenty-four (24) hours after they happen. Any player with an uncovered open wound, blood soiled uniform, or who is bleeding, can not play. The game will be halted until the player has left the playing field.

Injured players may be used as base coaches as long as proper safety practices are not violated. The injured player functioning as base coach must be in full uniform.

In the event of an injury during a game that warrants a player to leave the game:

a.) A substitution from the bench will take the injured player’s place in the line up. (Junior and Major Divisions)

b.) When a continuous batting order is in use, the next player in the line up will move up to assume the injured player’s batting position.

c.) In the event a player is at bat and leaves the game for any reason before his/her at bat is complete, the next player in the line up will assume that players count and play will continue.

d.) If the Manager does not permanently replace an injured/ill player, a physician’s written authorization for player to resume participation with or without restrictions is required prior to return.

GENERAL RULES OF CONDUCT

No consumption of food by any player or adult volunteer will be allowed while on the playing field or in the dugout. Only water, other consumable liquids, sunflower seeds and gum are allowed in the dugouts.

Players may be benched for one (1) league game for willful or flagrant acts of temper, and/or use of foul or inappropriate language.

Any physical contact or verbal abuse by a Manager, Coach or player toward an umpire, teammate, or any member of another team will result in immediate ejected from the game.

Managers, Coaches or players throwing or abusing equipment will not be tolerated and will be subject to ejection from the game at the umpire’s discretion.

Any persons receiving more than one (1) such disciplinary action shall require a review by a committee of the Board of Directors.

No Managers or Coaches with open toed shoes are permitted on the field during any practice or game.

Any and all cell phone usage is prohibited while on the field or in the dugouts.

NOTIFICATION OF VIOLATIONS

Notifications to the Board of Directors of any violation of foregoing Rules and Regulations must be in writing, addressed to the Mission Hills Little League President. Such written notification must be received within twenty-four (24) hours of such alleged violation to Jim Abrams at jimamhll@yahoo.com.

SECTION V - Tee Ball Instructional Division

Tee Ball shall comprise of players whose league age is 4, 5, or 6.

a. Players league age 4 and 5 are eligible for Tee Ball only.

b. A player league age 6 that has played a full season of Tee Ball may play up in the AA (machine pitch) division as determined by the player’s abilities displayed during tryouts.

c. Any form of live pitching in the Tee Ball division is prohibited for the first half of the season.

d. Prior to the start of the second half of the season, The Tee Ball Player Agent, and all Tee Ball Managers will decide if the second half of the season will include the coach pitch option.

The Tee Ball Player Agent will select the teams.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 10 players but not more than 12.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued Minor League Replica jerseys and hats. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
All league games will be played with the Little League approved 4 ½ ounce softer baseballs only. The game balls will be supplied by the home team.
No standings or scores will be kept.
There are no protests in Tee Ball.
There must be a minimum of nine (9) players on each team to start a game. Tee Ball division may borrow players from the opposing team in order to balance the teams for play.
Games shall consist of six (6) innings or ninety (90) minutes, whichever comes first and will be played within their scheduled time. If an inning is incomplete at the ninety (90) minute time limit, the inning shall not be completed and the game will be considered complete.
Managers have and will use discretion to stop a game due to darkness or weather. All games will be stopped at any time it is determined that continued play may compromise the safety the players.
There will be no infield practice prior to the start of a game.
Postponed games in Tee Ball will not be rescheduled unless the total games played in the season become less than the minimum twelve (12) games required by Little League rules.
All players present at each game shall play defensively and shall bat in a fixed rotation order. Any player arriving late will be added to the end of the batting order.
The batting line-up rule is:

a. Innings 1, 2, 3, and 4 will consist of seven (7) batters or three (3) outs, whichever occurs first.

b. Innings 5 and 6 will bat through the entire line up or three (3) outs, whichever occurs first.

The offensive manager or coach will be behind the plate to assist with pass balls and placing the ball and adjusting the tee for each batter. The manager or coach must remove the tee immediately after a player has hit the ball.
Adult offensive coaches may be in the coaching boxes as long as there is one adult coach in the dugout with the players at all times.
There is no base stealing in Tee Ball. Runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit. Runners are permitted to advance one (1) base on an overthrow that remains in play, but no more than one (1) base.
The batted ball must travel at least ten (10) feet to be in play or it is considered a foul ball.
If a batter is unable to put the ball in play after three (3) attempts it will be considered an out.
Every player will take a field position when it is the team’s turn for defense each inning. All defensive players must be in their assigned position before the ball is hit.
Only the pitcher shall be in the infield area of the pitching mound before the ball is hit.
No player shall be positioned as pitcher or at 1^st base for more than one (1) inning in a game.
Two (2) defensive coaches may be in the outfield near defensive players to offer advice, but may not interfere with the play. Time may be called after the play has been completed to demonstrate a technique or explain a field situation.
The defensive coaches on the field will make all umpire calls.

SECTION VI - AA Division (Machine Pitch) Instructional Division

AA Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 6, 7, or 8.

a. A player league age 6 that has played a full season of Tee Ball may play up in the AA (machine pitch) division as determined by the players abilities displayed during tryouts.

b. A player league age 7 or 8 may play up in the AAA (kid/coach pitch) division as determined by the players abilities displayed during tryouts.

The tryouts will determine which division the player is eligible for the draft. It may be necessary in the lower divisions for an inexperienced or underdeveloped player with lack of skills to be placed in a lower division age structure or an exceptional player to play in a higher division. The Safety Officer will recommend with approval of the Player Agent for the player to be placed in a division that meets the player’s ability. The Player Agent will discuss this with the parent(s) or guardian of the player. Safety is the main concern here and must be stressed to both the parent(s) or guardian and the player. Note: A division can be dissolved (i.e. due to lack of players) and will be absorbed into a lower or upper division.
The draft method will be “First Year Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating manual for Little League under the Draft System.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 10 players but not more than 12.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued Minor League Replica jerseys and hats. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
There are no standings in the AA division.
There are no protests is the AA division.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. AA teams are allowed to borrow players from the opposing team in order to balance the teams for play.
AA division will use a pitching distance of forty (40) feet. This will be achieved with the placement of temporary pitchers rubber at the start of each game.
AA division game is limited to two (2) hours or six (6) innings. Any inning started before the two (2) hour limit will be completed unless called by the Umpire-in-Chief for darkness.
Any AA division game that completes a minimum of two (2) innings will be classified as a complete game.
Any game called by the time rule, darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be considered a completed game, provided item 11 has been met.
Postponed games for AA will not be rescheduled unless total games played in a season become less then minimum games required by Little League Rules.
All eligible players will play a minimum amount of three (3) defensive innings with a player starting every other game. Note: In the event that the home team is ahead after the first half of the sixth (6) innings, the unfinished inning shall be counted as fulfilling the minimum requirement.
Any player who does not participate in the minimum three (3) defensive innings due to a shortened game, must be a starting player in the next game his/her team plays.
Players absent on the day they should have started will be used as starters in their next game.
All players present at each game will bat in a fixed rotation order. No changes in the rotational order shall be made after the start of the game. Any player arriving late will be added to the end of the official batting order.
A team shall be allowed to bat until the defensive team has made three (3) outs or until each player on the active roster has batted one (1) time. If after the entire roster has batted and three (3) defensive outs have not been made, the Umpire-in-Chief shall declare that the half inning has been concluded. At the next opportunity for that team to bat, they will begin as if three (3) outs had been recorded during their last at bat and the next batter on the roster becomes the leadoff batter.
Five (5) runs scored by a team in an inning will complete the half inning.
The infield fly rule does not apply in AA division.
An offensive coach will operate the supplied pitching machine. The settings for the machine will be set prior to the season by the Player Agent. The setting will not be altered during a game except to correct location of the pitch.
Batter will receive six (6) machine pitches, if the batter fouls off the sixth (6^th) pitch, the batter will receive one (1) additional pitch. If last ball pitched is not put into play, ball will be called dead and recorded as an out.
The offensive coach operating the machine will stay next to the machine at all times to keep the defensive players safe.
The offensive coach operating the machine is not permitted to offer instruction in any way to the batter or runners.
Any batted ball that hits the machine will be considered a base hit and a dead ball with all runners advancing one (1) base only.
Any batted ball that hits the coach operating the machine will be considered the same as hitting the machine.
The defensive player occupying the pitcher position must position him/herself on either side of the machine until the ball is put into play.
AA pitcher position is limited to two (2) innings per game per player.
Any intentional adult interference while the ball is in play may result in the adult being suspended for the remainder of the game.
Base stealing is not allowed in the AA division.
Players may be coached by an approved coach in the first (1) and third (3) base coaches’ boxes. It is required that one (1) adult is in the dugout at all times when any players are present in the dugout.
A league approved parent will be positioned behind the plate by the backstop, to retrieve passed balls. This is in an effort to speed up the game. Note: This parent is not permitted to coach the team during the game in any way and must be a Board approved league volunteer.
Ten (10) players will take regular positions on the playing field including four (4) outfielders, four (4) infielders, the pitcher and the catcher. Note: The four (4) outfielders will be defensively positioned as follows; one (1) left fielder, one (1) left-center fielder, one (1) right-center fielder, and one (1) right fielder.
Outfield players may not be positioned on the infield dirt and must be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the outer edge of the infield dirt.
A maximum of one (1) overthrow is allowed in AA. Runners may advance (1) base on that overthrow, he/she does so at the risk of being thrown out. If an additional overthrow occurs, the play is considered dead, no runners will advance.
If the game has no umpire(s), the Managers from each team will umpire the game. No games will be postponed because of umpires not showing up for the game. The managers may delegate this duty to an approved adult coach or an approved league volunteer as long as both managers agree.

SECTION VII- AAA Division (Kid/Coach Pitch) Instructional Division

AAA Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 7, 8, or 9.

a. A player league age 7, 8 or 9 may play up in the Minor division as determined by the player’s abilities displayed during tryouts.

The tryouts will determine which division the player will be eligible for the draft. It may be necessary in the lower divisions for an inexperienced or underdeveloped player with lack of skills to be placed in a lower division age structure or an exceptional player to play in a higher division. The Safety Officer will recommend with approval of the Player Agent for the player to be placed in a division that meet the player’s ability. The Player Agent will discuss this with the parent(s) or guardian of the player. Safety is the main concern here and must be stressed to both the parent(s) or guardian and the player. Note: A division can be dissolved (i.e. due to lack of players) and will be absorbed into a lower or upper division.
The draft method will be “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 10 players but not more than 12.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued Major League Replica jerseys and hats. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
Standings will not be kept in the AAA division.
Scorebook and pitch count will be recorded in AAA division.
Protests are not permitted in the AAA Division.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. AAA teams are allowed to borrow players from the opposing team or a player in the same division in order to balance the teams for play.
AAA division will use the standard pitching distance of forty-two (42) feet.
AAA division game is limited to two and one-half (2 ½) hours or six (6) innings. Any inning started before the two and one-half (2 ½) hour limit will be completed unless called by the Umpire-in-Chief for darkness.
Any AAA division game that completes a minimum of two (2) innings will be classified as a complete game.
Any game called by the time rule, darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be considered a completed game, provided item 12 has been met.
Postponed games for AAA will not be rescheduled unless total games played in a season become less than the minimum number of games played as required by Little League.
All eligible players will play a minimum amount of three (3) defensive innings with a player starting every other game. Note: In the event that the home team is ahead after the first half of the sixth (6) innings, the unfinished inning shall be counted as fulfilling the minimum requirement.
Any player who does not participate in the minimum three (3) defensive innings due to a shortened game, must be a starting player in the next game his/her team plays.
Players absent on the day they should have started will be used as starters in their next game.
All players present at each game will bat in a fixed rotation order. No changes in the rotational order shall be made after the start of the game. Any player arriving late will be added to the end of the official batting order. The entire roster will be entered into the official scorebook.
A team shall be allowed to bat until the defensive team has made three (3) outs or until the offensive team has scored five (5) runs in the inning. If five (5) runs have been scored, the Umpire-in-Chief shall declare that the half inning has been concluded. At the next opportunity for that team to bat, they will begin as if three (3) outs had been recorded during their last at bat and the next batter on the roster becomes the leadoff batter.
The infield fly rule does not apply in AAA division.
Batter will receive three (3) strikes for an out. If the batter is given four (4) balls as determined by an umpire, the offensive Manager or coach will then come out and pitch to the batter for a maximum number of pitches determined by the amount of strikes remaining for that batter. For example, if a batter has a count of 1 strike and 4 balls, the coach will be allowed to throw a maximum of three (3) pitches, but the batter will only be allowed 2 strikes. Note: If a ball pitched by an adult coach is over the plate but the batter does not swing, it will be called a strike. The adult pitcher will continue to pitch until the batter strikes out, hits the ball or has received three (3) pitches from the adult. If a ball pitched by a Manger or coach hits the batter, the ball will be considered a dead ball and called a no pitch. The batter continues to bat until a play is made or player is declared out.
If a batter is hit by a team pitcher, the batter will automatically be given first (1^st) base. If the player that was hit is unable to take the base, a defensive player on the bench will be put on first (1^st) base as a runner in place of the batter that was hit.
AAA pitchers are limited to fifty (50) pitches per day for players age 7 and 8. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following occurs: a.) The batter reaches base; b.) the batter is put out; c.) The third (3) out is complete in the half inning.
A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
Players aged 9 are not permitted to pitch in the AAA division.
The play is dead when the pitcher has control of the ball within 10 feet of the pitcher’s mound. Exception to this rule is there must be one defensive play before the batter/runner has reached first (1^st) base. At the time that the pitcher has control of the ball and within ten (10) feet of the pitchers mound, any runner that has advanced more than half the distance to 2^nd, 3^rd, or home plate, the runner will be awarded that base.
Any ball in flight that comes in contact with any manager or coach accidentally on the field is considered an out. Any intentional adult interference while the ball is in play may result in the adult being suspended for the remainder of the game.
There is no bunting in the AAA division. A batter attempting to hit the ball but only travels a short distance in fair territory is a live and playable ball.
Base stealing is not allowed in the AAA division.
Players may be coached by an approved coach in the first (1) and third (3) base coaches’ boxes. It is required that one (1) adult is in the dugout at all times when players are present in the dugout.
Nine (9) players will take regular positions on the playing field including the pitcher and the catcher.
Outfield players may not be positioned on the infield dirt and must be a minimum of fifteen (15) feet from the outer edge of the infield dirt.
The AAA Division will hold an end of season single elimination tournament.
If a AAA game has no umpire(s), the Managers from each team will umpire the game. No games will be postponed because of umpires not showing up for the game. The Managers may delegate this duty to an approved adult coach or approved adult volunteer as long as both Managers agree.

SECTION VIII- Minor Division Baseball

Minor Baseball Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11. Note: Twelve (12) year old players must play up in the Major division unless such player would present safety concerns for him/herself or any other Minor League players. This exception must be made in advance of the start of the season approved in writing by the parent(s) or guardian, the Player Agent and the District Administrator.
The tryouts will determine which division the player is eligible for the draft. It may be necessary in the lower divisions for an inexperienced or underdeveloped player with lack of skills to be placed in a lower division age structure or an exceptional player to play in a higher division. The Safety Officer will recommend with approval of the Player Agent for the player to be placed in a division that meet the player’s ability. The Player Agent will discuss this with the parent(s) or guardian of the player. Safety is the main concern here and must be stressed to both the parent(s) or guardian and the player. Note: A division can be dissolved (i.e. due to lack of players) and will be absorbed into a lower or upper division.
The draft method will be “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System. If there is not a minimum of 50% Managers available for the division based on the total number of teams chosen prior to the draft, “Plan B” will be implemented.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 10 players but not more than 12.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued Major League Replica jerseys and hats. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
Standings will be kept in the Minor division.
Scorebook and pitch count will be recorded in Minor division.
Any protest in the Minor division will be a clarification of a game rule. The umpire-in-chief must be officially notified that the game is being continued under protest and recorded in the official scorebook. The Protest Committee will meet and review circumstances for an official ruling.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. Minor teams may borrow players from the opposing team or a player from the same division if the teams do not have enough players at the start of a game. Should additional team members show up, team player will immediately replace the borrowed player.
The official starting time shall be recorded on the official scorekeeper’s sheet.
Minor division will use the standard pitching distance of forty-six (46) feet.
Minor division game is limited to two and one-half (2 ½) hours or six (6) innings. Any inning started before the two and one-half (2 ½) hour limit will be completed unless called by the Umpire-in-Chief for darkness.
No new inning shall start after two and one-half (2 ½) hours. If game termination results in a tie or incomplete game, the situation will be subject to the official rules and regulations of Little League. The Umpire-in-Chief or any participant in the game may not waive this rule.
Any Minor division game that completes a minimum of four (4) innings will be classified as a complete game.
A team shall be allowed to bat until the defensive team has made three (3) outs or until the offensive team has scored five (5) runs in the inning. If five (5) runs have been scored, the Umpire-in-Chief shall declare that the half inning has been concluded. At the next opportunity for that team to bat, they will begin as if three (3) outs had been recorded during their last at bat and the next batter on the roster becomes the leadoff batter.
The ten (10) run mercy rule will be in effect only after regulation innings have been played.
Minor division will play a maximum of six (6) innings. If the game is tied at the end of six (6) innings, the game will be scored as a tie in the scorebook. If the game is stopped and the score is tied after four (4) complete innings, the game is complete and is recorded in the official scorebook as a tie.
Any game called by the time rule, darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be considered a completed game, provided item 14 has been met.
All ties and incomplete games shall be played or decided according to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules at the earliest opportunity, based on available field times, to be determined by the MHLL league scheduler.
All eligible players will play a minimum amount of three (3) defensive innings and at least one (1) at bat. Note: In the event that the home team is ahead after the first half of the sixth (6) innings, the unfinished inning shall be counted as fulfilling the minimum requirement.
In the event that a player does not complete at least three (3) innings and a minimum of one (1) at bat, said player shall be required to appear on the starting roster for the next game and will not be substituted until that player has played three (3) innings PLUS the innings that player missed in the previous game.
Players absent on the day they should have started will be used as starters in their next game.
No Minor player shall sit out consecutive offensive innings.
Minor teams will use continuous batting order and free substitution. Any player arriving late will be added to the end of the official batting order.
Minor pitchers are limited to fifty (50) pitches per day for players age 7 and 8, seventy-five (75) pitches per day for players age 9 and 10, and eighty-five pitches (85) for 11 year olds. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following occurs: a.) The batter reaches base; b.) the batter is put out; c.) The third (3) out is complete in the half inning.
A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that game.
Players aged 12 are not permitted to pitch in the Minor division.
Players may be coached by an approved coach in the first (1) and third (3) base coaches’ boxes. It is required that one (1) adult is in the dugout at all times when players are present in the dugout. No other adults, including parents, or children who are not team members are permitted in the dugout at any time.
Nine (9) players will take regular positions on the playing field including the pitcher and the catcher.
Forfeit Condition 1: One team at game time does not have enough players and is unable to borrow a player, the game will be scored 6-0 win for the team that has at least nine (9) players. Condition 2: If both teams do not have enough players at game time both teams forfeit the game. The score goes into the official scorebook as a 0-0 forfeit. The umpire will sign the official scorebook. If no umpire is available, both Managers will sign the scorebook stating the reason for the forfeit.
If a Minor division game has no umpire(s), the Managers from each team will umpire the game. No games will be postponed because of umpires not showing up for the game. The Managers may delegate this duty to an approved adult coach or approved adult volunteer as long as both Managers agree.
The Player Agent and league scheduler must confirm that a minimum of 90 percent of each teams scheduled games have been played prior to the play-offs. If the minimum has not been played, the Player Agent and league scheduler will need to schedule games as necessary to meet the requirement.
A double elimination tournament will be played beginning on a Friday and played consecutive days until there is one (1) team remaining.
If the number of teams in the Minor division are even then the 1^st place seeded team will play the last seeded team, 2^nd seeded team will play the 2^nd to last seeded team and so on if more than 4 teams.
If the number of teams in the Minor division is an odd number then the 1^st seeded team will have a bye in the first round with the rest of the teams follow the seeded placing.
Any tournament protest must be resolved before the next pitch/play if protesting a call or before the umpire leaves the field if protesting a general rule. If the plate umpire is unable to resolve the protest either the Board President, Vice-President, Chief Umpire or Player Agent may resolve the protest given that such person has no conflict of interest with said game.
During tournament all regular season rules apply except for the following:

a.) Maximum 6 innings rule will not be enforced during tournament

b.) Five-run-rule is out for the 6^th inning or above

The winner of the tournament will be the Mission Hills Minor Baseball Champions.

SECTION IX- Major Division Baseball

Major Baseball Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 9, 10, 11 or 12. Note: Twelve (12) year old players must play up in the Major division unless such player would present safety concerns for him/herself or any other Major League players. This exception must be made in advance of season start and approved in writing by the parent(s) or guardian, the Player Agent and the District Administrator.
The tryouts will determine which division the player is eligible for the draft. It may be necessary for an inexperienced or underdeveloped player with lack of skills to be placed in a lower division age structure. The Safety Officer will recommend with approval of the Player Agent for the player to be placed in a division that meet the player’s ability. The Player Agent will discuss this with the parent(s) or guardian of the player. Safety is the main concern here and must be stressed to both the parent(s) or guardian and the player.
The draft method will be “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System. If there is not a minimum of 50% Managers available for the division based on the total number of teams chosen prior to the draft, “Plan B” will be implemented.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 12 players but not more than 15.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued Major League Replica jerseys and hats. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
Overall standings will be kept in the Major division. If the Major division inter-locks with other leagues, MHLL standings will be based on all games played.
Scorebook and pitch count will be recorded in Major division.
Teams will play for seeding position based on overall season standings.
Any protest in the Major division will be a clarification of a game rule. The umpire-in-chief must be officially notified that the game is being continued under protest and recorded in the official scorebook. The Protest Committee will meet and review circumstances for an official ruling.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. Major division cannot borrow players from the opposing team or utilize pool players.
A team that does not have enough players at game time will be cancelled and subject to forfeit:

a.) The official scorebook will reflect the team lineup as it was presented to the Umpire-in-Chief. Players who did not show need to be listed as absent in the official scorebook.

b.) The games umpire(s) or either Manager should notify the Player Agent, either verbally or written, of the game being cancelled within 24 hours. A non-notification within 24 hours is not a justification for the Forfeit Committee not to review a cancelled game.

c.) The Forfeit Committee comprised of the Chief Umpire, Player Agent and one other board member that has no vested interest in the decision, will conduct a review within 48 hours after the notification.

d.) The game can not be rescheduled until the Forfeit Committee has reviewed the circumstances of the cancelled game.

I.) Unexcused no-show and late to game are some examples of reasons for forfeit.

II.) Manager(s) need to have letter(s) from parents at the forfeit meeting stating why the player was late or did not show up for scheduled game.

III.) A cancelled game under review for forfeit that has been determined to have been a justifiable excuse will be changed to a postponed game waiting for rescheduling.

The Manager(s) of the team(s) that had less than nine (9) players will be notified of the board review time. The board review will not be conducted until the Manager(s) has been notified of this meeting.
In order for the cancelled game to be rescheduled, the Manager must provide a valid reason for each player absent to the committee for review.
The official starting time shall be recorded on the official scorekeeper’s sheet.
Major division will use the standard pitching distance of forty-six (46) feet.
The Major division will complete six (6) innings with no time limit.
If the game is tied at the end of six (6) innings, the game will be continued into the next inning.
Any Major division game that completes a minimum of four (4) innings will be classified as a complete regulation game.
The ten (10) run mercy rule will be in effect only after regulation innings have been played.
Any game called by darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be completed preceding the next scheduled game between the same two teams on a Saturday. The Player Agent will coordinate the rescheduling so that this game will be the last game of that Saturday.
All ties and incomplete games shall be played or decided according to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules at the earliest opportunity, based on available field times, to be determined by the MHLL league scheduler.
Games postponed due to field conditions or factors not in control of the league will be rescheduled in accordance with the procedure stated in the Reschedule of a Postponed Game as defined by Little League.
The Player Agent and league scheduler must confirm that a minimum of 90 percent of each teams scheduled games have been played prior to the play-offs. If the minimum of 90 percent has not been played, the Player Agent and league scheduler will need to schedule games as necessary to meet the requirement.
A double elimination tournament will be played beginning on a Friday and played consecutive days until there is 1 team remaining.
If the number of teams in the Major division are even then the 1^st place seeded team will play the last seeded team, 2^nd seeded team will play the 2^nd to last seeded team and so on if more than 4 teams.
If the number of teams in the Major division is an odd number then the 1^st seeded team will have a bye in the first round with the rest of the teams follow the seeded placing.
Any tournament protest will be a clarification of a game rule and must be settled before the next pitch and recorded in the official scorebook.
The winner of the tournament will be the MHLL Major Baseball Champions and will represent MHLL in the District Tournament of Champions (TOC).

29. The final standings will determine the order for draft choice for the following season.

Last place team will get first choice, the team placing 2^nd to last will get second choice and so on until the 1^st place team makes the last choice in the first round and so on. Note: This rule does not apply if a redraft format is being used for the following season.

SECTION X – Junior Division Baseball

Junior Baseball Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 13, 14 or 15. .
The draft method will be “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System. If there is not a minimum of 50% Managers available for the division based on the total number of teams chosen prior to the draft, “Plan B” will be implemented.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 12 players but not more than 15.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued Major League Replica jerseys and hats. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
Overall standings will be kept in the Junior division. If the Junior division inter-locks with other leagues, MHLL standings will be based on all games played.
Scorebook and pitch count will be recorded in the Junior division.
Teams will play for seeding position based on overall season standings.
Any protest in the Junior division will be a clarification of a game rule. The umpire-in-chief must be officially notified that the game is being continued under protest and recorded in the official scorebook. The Protest Committee will meet and review circumstances for an official ruling.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. Junior division cannot borrow players from the opposing team or utilize pool players.
A team that does not have enough players at game time will be cancelled and subject to forfeit:

a.) The official scorebook will reflect the team lineup as it was presented to the Umpire-in-Chief. Players who did not show need to be listed as absent in the official scorebook.

d.) The game can not be rescheduled until the Forfeit Committee has reviewed the circumstances of the cancelled game.

I.) Unexcused no-show and late to game are some examples of reasons for forfeit.

II.) Manager(s) need to have letter(s) from parents at the forfeit meeting stating why the player was late or did not show up for scheduled game.

III.) A cancelled game under review for forfeit that has been determined to have been a justifiable excuse will be changed to a postponed game waiting for rescheduling.

The Manager(s) of the team(s) that had less than nine (9) players will be notified of the board review time. The board review will not be conducted until the Manager(s) has been notified of this meeting.
In order for the cancelled game to be rescheduled, the Manager must provide a valid reason for each player absent to the committee for review.
The official starting time shall be recorded on the official scorekeeper’s sheet.
Junior division will use the standard pitching distance of sixty (60) feet.
The Junior division will complete seven (7) innings with no time limit.
If the game is tied at the end of seven (7) innings, the game will be continued into the next inning. Any Major division game that completes a minimum of five (5) innings will be classified as a complete regulation game.
The ten (10) run mercy rule will be in effect only after regulation innings have been played.
Any game called by darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be completed preceding the next scheduled game between the same two teams on a Saturday. The Player Agent will coordinate the rescheduling so that this game will be the last game of that Saturday.
All ties and incomplete games shall be played or decided according to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules at the earliest opportunity, based on available field times, to be determined by the MHLL league scheduler.
Games postponed due to field conditions or factors not in control of the league will be rescheduled in accordance with the procedure stated in the Reschedule of a Postponed Game as defined by Little League.
If the league is unable to schedule incomplete games prior to the last game of the regular season is played and such incomplete games have a bearing on the overall standings, it shall then be the responsibility of the league scheduler to schedule said games prior to holding play-offs to determine final league standings.
Any protest will be handled in accordance with the Little League Rule Book.
The Player Agent and league scheduler must confirm that a minimum of 90 percent of each teams scheduled games have been played prior to the play-offs. If the minimum of 90 percent has not been played, the Player Agent and league scheduler will need to schedule games as necessary to meet the requirement.
A double elimination tournament will be played beginning on a Friday and played consecutive days until there is one (1) team remaining.
If the number of teams in the Junior division are even then the 1^st place seeded team will play the last seeded team, 2^nd seeded team will play the 2^nd to last seeded team and so on if more than 4 teams.
If the number of teams in the Junior division is an odd number then the 1^st seeded team will have a bye in the first round with the rest of the teams follow the seeded placing.
The winner of the tournament will be the MHLL Junior Champions and will represent MHLL in the District Tournament of Champions (TOC).
The final standings will determine the order for draft choice for the following season.

SECTION XI- Minor Division Softball

Minor Softball Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 7, 8, 9, 10, or 11. Note: Twelve (12) year old players must play up in the Major division unless such player would present safety concerns for him/herself or any other Minor League players. This exception must be made in advance of the start of the season approved in writing by the parent(s) or guardian, the Player Agent and the District Administrator.
The tryouts will determine which division the player is eligible for the draft. It may be necessary in the lower divisions for an inexperienced or underdeveloped player with lack of skills to be placed in a lower division age structure or an exceptional player to play in a higher division. The Safety Officer will recommend with approval of the Player Agent for the player to be placed in a division that meet the player’s ability. The Player Agent will discuss this with the parent(s) or guardian of the player. Safety is the main concern here and must be stressed to both the parent(s) or guardian and the player. Note: A division can be dissolved (i.e. due to lack of players) and will be absorbed into a lower or upper division.
The draft method will be “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System. If there are not enough Managers available for the division based on the total number of teams chosen prior to the draft, “Plan B” will be implemented.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 10 players but not more than 12.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued College Replica softball jerseys and visors. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
Standings will be kept in the Minor division.
Scorebook and pitch count will be recorded in Minor division.
Any protest in the Minor division will be a clarification of a game rule. The umpire-in-chief must be officially notified that the game is being continued under protest and recorded in the official scorebook. The Protest Committee will meet and review circumstances for an official ruling.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. Minor teams may borrow players from the opposing team or a player from the same division if the teams do not have enough players at the start of a game. Should additional team members show up, team player will immediately replace the borrowed player.
The official starting time shall be recorded on the official scorekeeper’s sheet.
Minor division will use the standard pitching distance of forty-six (46) feet.
Minor division game is limited to two and one-half (2 ½) hours or six (6) innings. Any inning started before the two and one-half (2 ½) hour limit will be completed unless called by the Umpire-in-Chief for darkness.
No new inning shall start after two and one-half (2 ½) hours. If game termination results in a tie or incomplete game, the situation will be subject to the official rules and regulations of Little League. The Umpire-in-Chief or any participant in the game may not waive this rule.
Any Minor division game that completes a minimum of four (4) innings will be classified as a complete game.
Minor division will play a maximum of six (6) innings. If the game is tied at the end of six (6) innings, the game will be scored as a tie in the scorebook. If the game is stopped and the score is tied after four (4) complete innings, the game is complete and is recorded in the official scorebook as a tie.
Any game called by the time rule, darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be considered a completed game, provided item 14 has been met.
All ties and incomplete games shall be played or decided according to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules at the earliest opportunity, based on available field times, to be determined by the MHLL league scheduler.
All eligible players will play a minimum amount of three (3) defensive innings and at least one (1) at bat. Note: In the event that the home team is ahead after the first half of the sixth (6) innings, the unfinished inning shall be counted as fulfilling the minimum requirement.
In the event that a player does not complete at least three (3) innings and a minimum of one (1) at bat, said player shall be required to appear on the starting roster for the next game and will not be substituted until that player has played three (3) innings PLUS the innings that player missed in the previous game.
Players absent on the day they should have started will be used as starters in their next game.
No Minor player shall sit out consecutive offensive innings.
Minor teams will use continuous batting order and free substitution. Any player arriving late will be added to the end of the official batting order.
A team shall be allowed to bat until the defensive team has made three (3) outs or the offensive team has scored 5 runs in that inning.
Minor pitchers are limited to fifty (50) pitches per day for players age 7 and 8, seventy-five (75) pitches per day for players age 9 and 10, and eighty-five pitches (85) for 11 year olds. Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following occurs: a.) The batter reaches base; b.) the batter is put out; c.) The third (3) out is complete in the half inning.
A pitcher who delivers one or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that game.
Players aged 12 are not permitted to pitch in the Minor division.
Players may be coached by an approved coach in the first (1) and third (3) base coaches’ boxes. It is required that one (1) adult is in the dugout at all times when players are present in the dugout. No other adults, including parents, or children who are not team members are permitted in the dugout at any time.
Nine (9) players will take regular positions on the playing field including the pitcher and the catcher.
Forfeit Condition 1: One team at game time does not have enough players and is unable to borrow a player, the game will be scored 6-0 win for the team that has at least nine (9) players. Condition 2: If both teams do not have enough players at game time both teams forfeit the game. The score goes into the official scorebook as a 0-0 forfeit. The umpire will sign the official scorebook. If no umpire is available, both Managers will sign the scorebook stating the reason for the forfeit.
If a Minor division game has no umpire(s), the Managers from each team will umpire the game. No games will be postponed because of umpires not showing up for the game. The Managers may delegate this duty to an approved adult coach or approved adult volunteer as long as both Managers agree.
A double elimination tournament will be played beginning on a Friday and played consecutive days until there is one (1) team remaining.
The Player Agent and league scheduler must confirm that a minimum of 90 percent of each teams scheduled games have been played prior to the play-offs. If the minimum of 90 percent has not been played, the Player Agent and league scheduler will need to schedule games as necessary to meet the requirement.
The seeding of the teams for the tournament will be selected by a drawing of numbers out of a hat.
Any tournament protest must be resolved before the next pitch/play if protesting a call or before the umpire leaves the field if protesting a general rule. If the plate umpire is unable to resolve the protest either the Board President, Vice-President, Chief Umpire or Player Agent may resolve the protest given that such person has no conflict of interest with said game.
During tournament all regular season rules apply except for the following:

a.) Maximum 6 innings rule will not be enforced during tournament

b.) Five-run-rule is out for the 6^th inning or above

The winner of the tournament will be the Mission Hills Minor Softball Champions.

SECTION XII- Major Division Softball

Major Softball Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 9, 10, 11 or 12. Note: Twelve (12) year old players must play up in the Major division unless such player would present safety concerns for him/herself or any other Major League players. This exception must be made in advance of season start and approved in writing by the parent(s) or guardian, the Player Agent and the District Administrator.
The tryouts will determine which division the player is eligible for the draft. It may be necessary for an inexperienced or underdeveloped player with lack of skills to be placed in a lower division age structure. The Safety Officer will recommend with approval of the Player Agent for the player to be placed in a division that meet the player’s ability. The Player Agent will discuss this with the parent(s) or guardian of the player. Safety is the main concern here and must be stressed to both the parent(s) or guardian and the player.
The draft method will be “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System. If there is not a minimum of 50% Managers available for the division based on the total number of teams chosen prior to the draft, “Plan B” will be implemented.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 12 players but not more than 15.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued College Softball Replica jerseys and visors. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
Overall standings will be kept in the Major division. If the Major division inter-locks with other leagues, MHLL standings will be based on all games played.
Scorebook and pitch count will be recorded in Major division.
Teams will play for seeding position based on overall season standings.
Any protest in the Major division will be a clarification of a game rule. The umpire-in-chief must be officially notified that the game is being continued under protest and recorded in the official scorebook. The Protest Committee will meet and review circumstances for an official ruling.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. Major division cannot borrow players from the opposing team or utilize pool players.
A team that does not have enough players at game time will be cancelled and subject to forfeit:

a.) The official scorebook will reflect the team lineup as it was presented to the Umpire-in-Chief. Players who did not show need to be listed as absent in the official scorebook.

d.) The game can not be rescheduled until the Forfeit Committee has reviewed the circumstances of the cancelled game.

I.)Unexcused no-show and late to game are some examples of reasons for forfeit.

II.) Manager(s) need to have letter(s) from parents at the forfeit meeting stating why the player was late or did not show up for scheduled game.

III.) A cancelled game under review for forfeit that has been determined to have been a justifiable excuse will be changed to a postponed game waiting for rescheduling.

The Manager(s) of the team(s) that had less than nine (9) players will be notified of the board review time. The board review will not be conducted until the Manager(s) has been notified of this meeting.
In order for the cancelled game to be rescheduled, the Manager must provide a valid reason for each player absent to the committee for review.
The official starting time shall be recorded on the official scorekeeper’s sheet.
Major division will use the standard pitching distance of forty-six (46) feet.
The Major division will complete six (6) innings with no time limit.
If the game is tied at the end of six (6) innings, the game will be continued into the next inning.
Any Major division game that completes a minimum of four (4) innings will be classified as a complete regulation game.
The ten (10) run mercy rule will be in effect only after regulation innings have been played.
Any game called by darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be completed preceding the next scheduled game between the same two teams on a Saturday. The Player Agent will coordinate the rescheduling so that this game will be the last game of that Saturday.
All ties and incomplete games shall be played or decided according to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules at the earliest opportunity, based on available field times, to be determined by the MHLL league scheduler.
Games postponed due to field conditions or factors not in control of the league will be rescheduled in accordance with the procedure stated in the Reschedule of a Postponed Game as defined by Little League.
The Player Agent and league scheduler must confirm that a minimum of 90 percent of each teams scheduled games have been played prior to the play-offs. If the minimum 90 percent has not been played, the Player Agent and league scheduler will need to schedule games as necessary to meet the requirement.
A double elimination tournament will be played beginning on a Friday and played consecutive days until there is one (1) team remaining.
If the number of teams in the Major division are even then the 1^st place seeded team will play the last seeded team, 2^nd seeded team will play the 2^nd to last seeded team and so on if more than 4 teams.
If the number of teams in the Major division is an odd number then the 1^st seeded team will have a bye in the first round with the rest of the teams follow the seeded placing.
Any tournament protest will be a clarification of a game rule and must be settled before the next pitch and recorded in the official scorebook.
The winner of the tournament will be the MHLL Major Softball Champions and will represent MHLL in the District Tournament of Champions (TOC).
The final standings will determine the order for draft choice for the following season.
Last place team will get first choice, the team placing 2^nd to last will get second choice and so on until the 1^st place team makes the last choice in the first round and so on. Note: This rule does not apply if a redraft format is being used.

SECTION XIII – Junior Division Softball

Junior Softball Division shall comprise of players whose league age is 13, 14 or 15. .
The draft method will be “First Year of Operation – Plan A” as described in the Operating Manual for Little League under the Draft System. If there is not a minimum of 50% Managers available for the division based on the total number of teams chosen prior to the draft, “Plan B” will be implemented.
Teams will consist of a minimum of 12 players but not more than 15.
Team names will be assigned to each team and will be issued College Replica jerseys and visors. The team names used will be determined based on the color of the jersey in order to ensure that the teams are easily distinguishable from those uniforms of opposing teams.
Overall standings will be kept in the Junior division. If the Junior division inter-locks with other leagues, MHLL standings will be based on all games played.
Scorebook and pitch count will be recorded in the Junior division.
Teams will play for seeding position based on overall season standings.
Any protest in the Junior division will be a clarification of a game rule. The umpire-in-chief must be officially notified that the game is being continued under protest and recorded in the official scorebook. The Protest Committee will meet and review circumstances for an official ruling.
A minimum of nine (9) players is required to start a game. Junior division cannot borrow players from the opposing team or utilize pool players.
A team that does not have enough players at game time will be cancelled and subject to forfeit:

a.) The official scorebook will reflect the team lineup as it was presented to the Umpire-in-Chief. Players who did not show need to be listed as absent in the official scorebook.

d.) The game can not be rescheduled until the Forfeit Committee has reviewed the circumstances of the cancelled game.

I.) Unexcused no-show and late to game are some examples of reasons for forfeit.

II.) Manager(s) need to have letter(s) from parents at the forfeit meeting stating why the player was late or did not show up for scheduled game.

III.) A cancelled game under review for forfeit that has been determined to have been a justifiable excuse will be changed to a postponed game waiting for rescheduling.

The Manager(s) of the team(s) that had less than nine (9) players will be notified of the board review time. The board review will not be conducted until the Manager(s) has been notified of this meeting.
In order for the cancelled game to be rescheduled, the Manager must provide a valid reason for each player absent to the committee for review.
The official starting time shall be recorded on the official scorekeeper’s sheet.
Junior division will use the standard pitching distance of sixty (60’6”) feet.
The Junior division will complete seven (7) innings with no new inning started after 2:45 minutes after the official start of the game.
If the game is tied at the end of seven (7) innings, the game will be continued into the next inning. Any Major division game that completes a minimum of five (5) innings will be classified as a complete regulation game.
The ten (10) run mercy rule will be in effect only after regulation innings have been played.
Any game called by darkness, or by the Umpire-in-Chief will be completed preceding the next scheduled game between the same two teams on a Saturday. The Player Agent will coordinate the rescheduling so that this game will be the last game of that Saturday.
All ties and incomplete games shall be played or decided according to the Official Regulations and Playing Rules at the earliest opportunity, based on available field times, to be determined by the MHLL league scheduler.
Games postponed due to field conditions or factors not in control of the league will be rescheduled in accordance with the procedure stated in the Reschedule of a Postponed Game as defined by Little League.
The Player Agent and league scheduler must confirm that a minimum of 90 percent of each teams scheduled games have been played prior to the play-offs. If the minimum of 90 percent has not been played, the Player Agent and league scheduler will need to schedule games as necessary to meet the requirement.
A double elimination tournament will be played beginning on a Friday and played consecutive days until there is one (1) team remaining.
If the number of teams in the Junior division are even then the 1^st place seeded team will play the last seeded team, 2^nd seeded team will play the 2^nd to last seeded team and so on if more than 4 teams.
If the number of teams in the Junior division is an odd number then the 1^st seeded team will have a bye in the first round with the rest of the teams follow the seeded placing.
Any tournament protest will be a clarification of a game rule and must be settled before the next pitch and recorded in the official scorebook.
The winner of the tournament will be the MHLL Junior Baseball Champions and will represent MHLL in the District Tournament of Champions (TOC).
The final standings will determine the order for draft choice for the following season.

SECTION XIV – ALL-STAR SELECTION PROCESS FOR BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL DIVISIONS

The objective for Mission Hills Little League All-Star teams is to best represent the abilities, attitudes, and balance for All-Star competition. The responsibility for selection of a tournament team is placed on the Board of Directors. Player eligibility will be determined by 2008 Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League.

JUNIOR AND MAJOR LEAGUE DIVISION SELECTION BY PLAYERS

a.) Voting for election to the tournament team(s) will take place at a time and place as determined by the Player Agent and will be under his/her control. Voting will occur prior to the last regularly scheduled game, but no sooner then seven (7) days prior to the last game.

b.) The Player Agent will prepare a numbered ballot containing an alphabetical list of the players eligible for tournament play along with their team name and numbers. Eligibility is defined by residency and that player has played a minimum of sixty (60%) percent of regular season games.

c.) Each player eligible to vote will be given a ballot. For a ballot to be valid the player must vote for nine (9) different players. Each player can vote for no more than three (3) players from his/her own team.

d.) The Player Agent, Administrative Director and eligible players will be the only ones permitted in the polling place at the time of voting.

e.) The Player Agent will take custody of all ballots and shall remain in his/her custody, unopened and not tallied. The Player Agent, Softball Director and the League President will be solely responsible for the counting of the votes subsequent to the championship game, if any. Each vote will count as one (1) point.

f.) The Player Agent, with the assistance of the Administrative Director, shall create and maintain a list, according to the highest point count, of all eligible players. The positioning on the list of those players that have an equal point count will be determined by the Player Agent, Softball Director and the League President. ALL ballots will then be destroyed.

g.) A player who during the regular season, refuses to move up a division is ineligible for post season All-Star play.

FINAL SELECTION OF (MAJOR 11 AND 12 YEAR OLD) LITTLE LEAGUE AND (13,14 AND 15 YEAR OLD) JUNIOR LEAGUE ALL STAR PLAYERS

a.) The Manager of each tournament team, working with the Player Agent, Softball Director and League President, will select five (5) eligible players in addition to the top seven (7) elected players. Note: In the event a manager should elect to roster up to fourteen (14) players, the number of selected players will be in addition to the top eight (8) or nine (9). Selection shall be based on playing ability, accomplishments, team participation and desire.

b.) Eleven (11) year old Major players will be selected before any Minor eleven (11) year old players to the All-Star team.

10 - 11 YEAR OLD ALL-STAR PLAYER SELECTION

The selected All-Star Manager will determine team selection each year. All eleven (11) year old Major players will be selected before any eleven (11) year old players from the Minor division.

9 - 10 YEAR OLD ALL-STAR PLAYER SELECTION

The selected All-Star Manager will determine team selection each year. All ten (10) year old Major players will be selected before any ten (10) year old players from the Minor division.

NOTIFICATION OF SELECTION

After approval of All-Star players by the Board of Directors, the Player Agent will notify the players of their selection no earlier than June 15th. No player shall be advised of his/her relative position or method of selection to the team.

TOURNAMENT TEAM PLAYER VACANCY

A tournament team vacancy caused by injury or otherwise, will be filled by the Player Agent from the list of remaining players with the player having the highest position as established above.

ALL-STAR MANAGER SELECTION

The All-Star Manager will be the team manager of the league champions of their respective divisions. Any Manager may request to manage the nine (9) and ten (10) year old All-Star team. This request must be submitted to the Board of Directors in writing prior to the end of the season.

No Manager or coach will be placed on more than one All-Star team roster. The number of coaches on an All-Star team is determined by the number of All-Star players on the team roster. The Manager will select his/her coaches.

If a Manager declines the position, the rule of precedence will be used to ask succeeding managers who will manage the All-Star team.