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Alternate Methods of Play for Regular Season Games

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Little League® Baseball and Softball has developed alternative game concepts designed to improve pace of play, encourage more activity and increase overall interest in the game for youth players in the younger divisions.

There are two Little League International-approved game modifications that can be used by local leagues throughout the course of the regular season. These options can be used to satisfy the regular-season game requirements or to supplement regular-season scheduled games.

APPROVED GAME MODIFICATIONS

Runners on Base

Begin each inning with the offense placing runners on first and second base.

Players not currently in the lineup (or the last two batters in the lineup during the first inning, or batters that were last to be put out in the lineup if using continuous batting order) will be placed on first and second base at the start of the inning and the game will proceed as

Minimum Requirements:

  • Players must meet age requirements outlined for each division of play and the league must be chartered/insured for the proper number of teams in those divisions.
  • Gameplay must follow all Little League Playing Rules outlined in the official Little League Rule Book.
  • Players must adhere to all player safety guidelines such as:
  1. All batters must wear protective helmets while batting and while on base.
  2. Catchers must wear approved catcher’s equipment.
  3. Pitch counts must be followed (Should be kept by approved adult volunteer).
  4. Proper pitching distances must be followed.
  5. Bases that disengage their anchor must be used.

One Ball and One Strike Count

Each batter will begin an at-bat with a one ball and one strike count.

Once the batters enter the batter’s box, play will begin with one ball and one strike on the batter. The game will proceed as normal with all other rules being followed as outlined in the official playing rules.

Minimum Requirements:

  • Players must meet age requirements outlined for each division of play and the league must be chartered/insured for the proper number of teams in those divisions.
  • Gameplay must follow all Little League Playing Rules outlined in the official Little League Rule Book.
  • Players must adhere to all player safety guidelines such as:
  1. All batters must wear protective helmets while batting and while on base.
  2. Catchers must wear approved catcher’s equipment.
  3. Pitch counts must be followed (Should be kept by approved adult volunteer).
  4. Proper pitching distances must be followed.
  5. Bases that disengage their anchor must be used.

All game modifications must be approved for use by the local league’s Board of Directors prior to the start of the regular season and are to be applied to all regular season games hosted by the league. If an interleague arrangement is in place, each modification approved for usage by the league, must be shared with each of the league’s Board of Directors prior to interleague games being played.

For additional guidance, contact your District Administrator.