2025 Rule Changes and Clarifications

Little League® Rulebook

Little League® Significant Rule and Regulation Updates for 2025

Below, outlined in red, are the significant rule and regulation updates to the 2025 Little League® Official Regulations, Playing Rules, and Operating Policies. These significant updates, as well as all other updates to the 2025 Rulebook can also be found in the FREE Little League Rulebook App, available for download on both the Apple and Google Play App stores. More information, including how to download the app, can be found at LittleLeague.org/RulebookApp.

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Regulations

Updates made to Regulation 1(c) 10 [8 in Challenger] to require all individuals who complete the volunteer application to complete the required annual abuse awareness training through the Little League Abuse Awareness Course, available at LittleLeague.org/AbuseAwareness.

Please note that the Child Protection Program has been updated for the 2025 season.
Please review all updates at LittleLeague.org/ChildProtection.

Updates made to Regulation II to reflect that starting with the 2025 season, children at the youngest level of the program (League Age 4-7) will have the ability to register for any program they choose, without respect to any geography- or school-related eligibility requirements. Those players who register under this option will also be fully eligible to participate in all aspects of league play, including International Tournament play, for the duration of their Little League careers provided they have continuous and unbroken participation within the specific league where initially registered and provided all other participation eligibility requirements have been met.

Additional information regarding this change may be found at LittleLeague.org/2025Registration.

Eliminates Mandatory Play for the Senior League Division only in Baseball and Softball.

Change: Mandatory Play: Every rostered player present at the start of a game will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time. For the purposes of this rule, “six (6) defensive outs” is defined as: A player enters the field in one of the nine defensive positions when his/her team is on defense and occupies such position while six outs are made; “bat at least one (1) time” is defined as: A player enters the batter’s box with no count and completes that time at bat by being retired, retired as a batter-runner or runner, scores, reaches base safely, or, after reaching base safely, the inning or game ends. For the purposes of meeting the requirements of Mandatory Play when using the the traditional batting order, is when a player assumes the position of a batter with no count and one of the following occurs:

He/she is retired as a batter; or
He/she is retired as a batter-runner; or
He/she reaches base and scores; or
After he/she reaches base, the inning or game ends.

PENALTY: The player(s) involved shall start the next scheduled game, play any previous requirement not completed for Section (i), and the requirement for this game before being removed.

The manager shall for the:

A. First Offense – receive a written warning.

B. Second Offense – a suspension for the next scheduled game.

C. Third Offense – a suspension for remainder of the season.

NOTE 1: If the violation is determined to have been intentional, a more severe penalty may be assessed by the Board of Directors. However, forfeiture of a game may not be invoked.

NOTE 2: There is no exception to this rule unless the game is shortened for any reason, at which time the local league may elect not to impose a penalty on the manager/coach. However, the penalty in this regulation regarding the player who did not meet mandatory play cannot be reduced or waived in a shortened game.

NOTE 3: In Minor League, if a half-inning ends because of the imposition of the five-run limit in “Rule 2.00– Inning,” and a player on the defense has played for the entire half-inning, that player will be considered to have participated for three consecutive outs for the purposes of this rule. However, if the player has not played on defense for the entire inning, that player will be credited only as having played for the number of outs that occurred while the player was used defensively.

NOTE4: If a league uses 15 to 20 player rosters and 15 or more eligible players are at a game, the league may reduce the Mandatory Play Rule to three (3) defensive outs and one (1) at bat per game.

NOTE 5: Does not apply in Tournament Play or anytime the continuous batting order is used.

Rules

Clarifies that products, such as, but not limited to, choke-knobs, choke-up assists, or thumb protectors are considered alterations to the bat and are not permitted [A.R. 1 in Challenger].

Change/New Addition: A.R. 2 — No bat, in any level of Little League Baseball or Softball play, is permitted to be altered. Products such as, but not limited to, choke-knobs, choke-up assists, or thumb protectors are considered alterations or modifications to the bat and are not permitted.

Clarifies that any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-Shirt exposed to view cannot be the same color of the ball being used in the game.

Change: Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a solid color. The pitcher’s undershirt sleeves, if exposed, shall not be white or gray. ~~Neoprene sleeves, if worn by a pitcher, must be covered by an undershirt~~. Neoprene sleeves may be worn by the pitcher and do not need to be covered by an undershirt, provided the neoprene sleeve is one solid color and is not white or grey. The use of play calling bands by defensive players is permitted under the following conditions:

The equipment must be worn as the manufacturer intended (i.e. on either the wrist or forearm)
The play calling band may not be attached to the belt or any other location on the player’s person.
Baseball and Softball pitchers are permitted to wear a play calling band on their non-pitching (glove) arm, provided it is a solid color and not white, gray, or optic yellow. If the umpire considers it distracting to the batter, he/she may have it removed.

NOTE: A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or arms which may be distracting to the batter, e.g. sweat bands.

Permits neoprene sleeves to be worn without being covered by an undershirt, provided the neoprene sleeve is a solid color and not white or gray.

Change: Any part of the pitcher’s undershirt or T-shirt exposed to view shall be of a solid color. The pitcher’s undershirt sleeves, if exposed, shall not be white or gray. ~~Neoprene sleeves, if worn by a pitcher, must be covered by an undershirt.~~ Neoprene sleeves may be worn by the pitcher and do not need to be covered by an undershirt, provided the neoprene sleeve is one solid color and is not white or grey. The use of play calling bands by defensive players is permitted under the following conditions:

The equipment must be worn as the manufacturer intended (i.e. on either the wrist or forearm)
The play calling band may not be attached to the belt or any other location on the player’s person.
Baseball and Softball pitchers are permitted to wear a play calling band on their non-pitching (glove) arm, provided it is a solid color and not white, gray, or optic yellow. If the umpire considers it distracting to the batter, he/she may have it removed.

NOTE: A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or arms which may be distracting to the batter, e.g. sweat bands.

Removes Rule 1.11(j) [1.11(d) in Challenger] to remove the requirement that jewelry, other than medical alert, should be removed, permitting jewelry to be worn.

Change: ~~Players must not wear jewelry such as, but not limited to, rings, watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, nor any hard cosmetic/decorative items.~~ Any jewelry worn by a player that poses harm to injury will be subject to removal. This rule applies regardless of the composition of such jewelry, hard cosmetic item, or hard decorative item. Hard items to control the hair, such as beads, are permitted.

Exception: Jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific condition is permissible.

Clarifies that a pitcher may wear items on the glove hand, wrist, or arm (non-pitching arm) of a solid single color, provided it is not the same color as the ball being used in the game.

Change: Pitchers shall not wear any item on the pitching hand, wrist, or arm. A pitcher may wear items on the glove hand, wrist, or arm (non-pitching arm) of a solid single color: black, white, gray, or a uniform color. (EXAMPLE: Play calling wrist band.) A pitcher shall not wear any items on his/her hands, wrists, or arms which the umpire may judge to be distracting. [See also Rule 1.11(j).] EXCEPTION: A pitcher may wear a compression sleeve on the pitching arm of a solid, single color: black, white, gray, or a uniform color, provided it is not the same color as the ball being used in the game.

Permits the use of helmet stickers or decals, provided that such usage is not excessive, is not offensive, and does not make inappropriate references, such as that to drugs or alcohol.

Change: Each league shall provide in the dugout or bench of the offensive team six (6) protective helmets (7 protective helmets for Junior/Senior League) which must meet NOCSAE (National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment) specifications and standards. Use of the helmet by the batter, all base runners, and base coaches is mandatory. Use of a helmet by an adult base coach or any defensive player is optional. Helmets must have a non-glare surface and cannot be mirror-like in nature. Each helmet must meet NOCSAE specifications and bear the NOCSAE stamp and shall have an exterior warning label. Warning! Manufacturers have advised that altering helmets in any way can be dangerous. Altering the helmet in any form, including painting or adding decals (by anyone other than the manufacturer or authorized dealer) may void the helmet warranty and/or NOCSAE certification. Helmets may not be re-painted and may not contain tape. Little League recommends that no alternations be made to any type of helmet.

Clarifies that when using the continuous batting order, players do not need to meet the running portion of mandatory play.

Change: NOTE 1: For the purpose of satisfying the requirements of Mandatory Play when using the traditional batting order and appearing for the first time in the game, a player must remain in the game until one of the following occurs:

He/She is retired as a batter; or
He/She is retired as a batter-runner; or,
He/She reaches base and scores; or
After he/she reaches base, the inning or game ends.

NOTE 2: Does not apply in Tournament Play or anytime the continuous batting order is used.

This change provides clarifications for using a courtesy runner with both the traditional batting order and the continuous batting order. It also clarifies that when using the continuous batting order, the offense may use a courtesy runner for both the pitcher and catcher of record at the same time when there are two outs.

Changes:

RULE 2.00 – COURTESY RUNNER is a player not currently in the batting order who may become a base runner for the pitcher and/or catcher of record, provided there are two (2) outs in the half inning. See Rules 3.04 and 7.14(b) for conditions if adopted by the local league during the regular season only.

NOTE 1: When using the traditional batting order, a player may not be used as a courtesy runner more than once in a game.
NOTE 2: If the continuous batting order is used, 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.

RULE 3.04 – A player whose name is on the team’s batting order may not become a substitute runner for another member of the team. Local League Option: A local league may permit a “courtesy runner” for the catcher and/or pitcher of record when there are two (2) outs.

NOTE 1: When using the traditional batting order, a player may not be used as a courtesy runner more than once in a game.
NOTE 2: If the continuous batting order is used, 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. See 7.14(b).
NOTE 3: If the pitcher and catcher of record are on base with two outs, the offense may use a courtesy runner for both the pitcher and catcher of record at the same time. The offense shall place the courtesy runners in order on the bases. EXAMPLE: With two outs and the pitcher at second base and the catcher at third base, the offense wishes to use courtesy runners for both the pitcher and catcher of record. The offense will use the player who made the second out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the pitcher of record at second base and the player who made the first out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the catcher of record at third base.

RULE 7.14(b) – Courtesy Runner: A local league may permit a “courtesy runner” for the catcher and/or pitcher of record when there are two (2) outs.

NOTE 1: If the traditional batting order is used, a player whose name is on the team’s batting order may not become a substitute runner for another member of the team. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher is subject to removal from the line-up. The same courtesy runner may not run for both the pitcher and catcher at any time during the game.
NOTE 2: If the continuous batting order is used, 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.
NOTE 3: If the pitcher and catcher of record are on base with two outs, the offense may use a courtesy runner for both the pitcher and catcher of record at the same time. The offense shall place the courtesy runners in order on the bases. EXAMPLE: With two outs and the pitcher at second base and the catcher at third base, the offense wishes to use courtesy runners for both the pitcher and catcher of record. The offense will use the player who made the second out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the pitcher of record at second base and the player who made the first out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the catcher of record at third base.

Tournament 3(d) – 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.

A.R. 2 – If the pitcher and catcher of record are on base with two outs, the offense may use a courtesy runner for both the pitcher and catcher of record at the same time. The offense shall place the courtesy runners in order on the bases. EXAMPLE: With two outs and the pitcher at second base and the catcher at third base, the offense wishes to use courtesy runners for both the pitcher and catcher of record. The offense will use the player who made the second out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the pitcher of record at second base and the player who made the first out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the catcher of record at third base.

Removes the requirement for umpires to check equipment prior to the start of the game by placing responsibility for legal and proper equipment on the manager.

Change: Before the game begins, the umpires shall —

(a) require strict observance of all rules governing team personnel, implements of play, and confirm with the managers of both teams at the plate conference that all equipment is proper and legal for play according to Little League Rules.
NOTE: Umpires are not required to inspect equipment prior to the start of the game. The manager of each team is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is legal and proper for play according to Little League rules. PENALTY: If illegal equipment is used during the game, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game and the player who used the illegal equipment will also be ejected from the game. Both the manager and the player who used the illegal equipment will be suspended for their team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at the game site. This includes pregame and postgame activities.

This change allows a pitcher who has been removed from the circle to return as pitcher regardless of whether he/she moves to a different defensive position or the bench.

Changes:

Regulation VI(c):

Minor/Major: A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed. Junior/Senior League: A pitcher may be withdrawn from the game, offensively or defensive, and return as pitcher once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule.

Rule 3.03(c):

A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed.
- Eliminate the Minor/Major Divisions Note.
- Keep the Junior/Senior Divisions Note: A pitcher may be withdrawn from the game, offensively or defensively, and return as pitcher once per inning provided the return does not violate either the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s).

Tournament-4(d) Little League Softball, 8-to 10-year-old Softball, and 9-to-11-Year-Old Division:

A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed.

Tournament-4(c) Junior/Senior League Softball:

A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed. Senior: A pitcher may be withdrawn from the game, offensively or defensively, and return as pitcher once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s). Penalty: See Rule 10(f).

Tournament-9(a)

8 to 10 Year Old Division, 9-to-11-Year Old Division, Little League [Tournament Rule 4 (d) ]: A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed.
Junior League, Senior League [Tournament Rule 4 (c)]: A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed. Senior: A pitcher may be withdrawn from the game, offensively or defensively, and return as pitcher once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s). Penalty: See Rule 10(f).

Tournament-10(c)

8 to 10 Year Old Division, 9-to-11-Year Old Division, Little League [Tournament Rule 4 (d) ]: A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed.
Junior League, Senior League [Tournament Rule 4 (c)]: A pitcher removed from the circle or withdrawn from the game defensively can return as pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once in the same inning as he/she was removed. Senior: A pitcher may be withdrawn from the game, offensively or defensively, and return as pitcher once per inning provided the return does not violate the substitution, visits per pitcher, or mandatory play rule(s) in their applicable division.

Provides consistency and clarification in the wording that a pitcher, in the Intermediate (50/70) Division/Junior/Senior Baseball, remaining on defense in the game but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game. To return as pitcher, once removed from the mound, the player must remain in the game defensively.

Changes:

Regulation VI – Pitchers (b):

Intermediate (50/70) Division / Junior / Senior: A pitcher remaining in the game defensively, but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

Rule 3.03(c):

Intermediate (50/70) Division / Junior / Senior: A pitcher in the game defensively, but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

Rule 8.06(b) – Note:

Intermediate (50/70) Division / Junior / Senior: A pitcher remaining in the game defensively, but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

Tournament-4(c) PITCHING RULES – Little League, 8-to-10-Year-Old, 9-to-11-year-old, Intermediate (50/70) Division, and Junior League:

Intermediate (50/70) Division / Junior: A pitcher remaining in the game defensively, but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

Tournament-4(c) PITCHING RULES – SENIOR LEAGUE

A pitcher remaining in the game defensively, but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

Tournament-9(a):

Intermediate (50/70) Division / Junior: A pitcher remaining in the game defensively, but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

Tournament-10(h):

Intermediate (50/70) Division / Junior / Senior: A pitcher remaining in the game defensively, but moving to a different defensive position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game. Senior League only: Rule 3.03, Designated Hitter, WILL apply during the tournament.

This change permits a team to use one-way communication to the catcher while the team is on defense.

Change: The use of electronic communication equipment during the game is restricted. No team shall use electronic communication equipment, including walkie-talkies, cellular telephones, etc., for communication with on-field personnel including those in the dugout, bullpen, or field. EXCEPTION: A manager or coach is permitted to use one-way electronic devices from the dugout to the catcher while the team is on defense for the purpose of calling pitches. A manager or coach is prohibited from using the device to communicate with any other team member while on defense or any team member (including a manager or coach) while on offense, and a manager or coach shall not use the device outside the dugout/bench area.

PENALTY: The penalty for violating any part of this rule by any manager, coach, or player is ejection from the game.
NOTE: A manager or coach is permitted to use a rulebook, scorekeeping, and/or pitch-counting application on an electronic device without penalty, provided such device is not used to receive messages of any sort.

This change updates the penalty for the usage of an illegal bat as listed in 6.06(d) to remain consistent with the penalty included in the change to Rule 3.01.

Change:

(d) the batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat (see bat specifications rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box. The ball is dead. Runners must return if they advanced on the play.
Note: If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s box following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat:
- (1) The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play.
- (2) ~~For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.~~ The manager of the team will be ejected from the game, the batter who violated the rule will be ejected from the game, and the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.
- A.R. 1 — ~~Any of the three adults in the dugout may be used as the one adult base coach at any time during the duration of the game.~~ Any of the remaining adults in the dugout may be used as the one adult base coach at any time during the duration of the game.
- (3) For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game. Any subsequent violation will result in the newly designated manager being ejected.
- A.R. 2 — When an illegal bat is discovered, it MUST be removed from the game at that point.

Makes the wording of 7.15(g) consistent with the wording provided in the Softball Rulebook for the same rule.

Change: (g) In Majors, Intermediate (50-70) Division, Junior, and Senior League divisions, when the batter becomes a runner on a third strike not caught by the catcher, the batter-runner and the defensive player may use either the colored (orange or green) or white section:

(1) On any force out attempt from the foul side of first base; or
(2) On any errant throw pulling the defense off the base into foul territory; or
(3) When the defensive player used the colored portion of the double base, the batter-runner can run in fair territory when the throw is coming from the foul side of first base, and if hit by the thrown ball, it is not interference. If intentional interference is ruled, the runner is out.

Clarifies nonapproved substances on the pitching hand or fingers versus the use of approved substances under the judgement of the umpire.

Change: apply a foreign substance of any kind to the ball, pitching hand, or fingers. The pitcher may bring the hand in contact with the mouth or lips provided he/she distinctly wipes off the pitching hand before contacting the ball. Under the supervision of the umpire, powder rosin may be used to dry the hands; NOTE: A pitcher may use a rosin bag for the purpose of applying rosin to the bare hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust the ball with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to their glove or dust any part of the uniform with the rosin bag. NOTE 1: Pitchers may only use dirt, powdered rosin, or comparable drying agents that are listed on the USA Softball’s certified equipment webpage to dry the hand. NOTE 2: A pitcher may use a rosin bag for the purpose of applying rosin to the bare hand or hands. Neither the pitcher nor any other player shall dust the ball with the rosin bag; neither shall the pitcher nor any other player be permitted to apply rosin from the bag to their glove or dust any part of the uniform with the rosin bag.

Tournament

Removes the requirement for umpires to check equipment prior to the start of the game by placing responsibility for legal and proper equipment on the manager.

Change/New Addition: Umpires are not required to inspect equipment prior to the start of the game. The managers of both teams will confirm with the umpire(s) at the plate conference that all equipment is proper and legal according to Little League Rules. PENALTY: If illegal equipment is used during the game, the manager of the team will be removed for the remainder of the International Tournament, the player who used the illegal equipment will be ejected from the game.

This change eliminates playing the seventh inning (Intermediate/Junior/Senior League: eighth inning) as normal. Now, the tiebreaker will begin immediately in the seventh inning (Intermediate/Junior/Senior League: eighth inning) by placing the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half inning on second base to begin each extra inning.

Change: TIE GAME: When the completion of six innings (Junior/Senior League: seven innings), and the score is tied, starting in the top of the seventh inning (Junior/Senior League: eighth inning), and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half inning being placed on second base. EXAMPLE: If the number five batter is the lead-off batter, the number four batter in the batting order will be placed on second base. An eligible substitute or special pinch runner may be inserted for the runner.

TIE GAME: When the completion of six innings (Junior/Senior League: seven innings) and the score is tied, the following tie-breaker will be played to determine a winning team:

~~a. The seventh inning (Junior/Senior League: eighth inning) will be played as normal.~~
b. Starting in the top of the eighth inning (Junior/Senior League: ninth inning), and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half inning being placed on second base. EXAMPLE: If the number five batter is the lead-off batter, the number four batter in the batting border will be placed on second base. An eligible substitute or special pinch runner may be inserted for the runner.