Juniors Rules

D52 Local Rules for Juniors Divisions

These rules affect the D52 Juniors divisions. These rules exist on top of the official Little League rulebook. If you play a game outside of D52, the additions won't be used, and the status of the local league options may be unclear, so please check with your opponent if there are questions.

Local League Options (Per LLI Rule Book)

1. Continuous Batting Order: Adopted, but see below. (Rule: 2.00)

2. Batter’s Box Rule: Adopted. Batters must keep one foot in the box. (Rule 6.02(c))

2. Sign Stealing: Prohibited. Umpires will issue one warning per team before ejections. (Rule 9.01(d))

3. Mercy Rule: The "15 after 4" and "10 after 5" options are adopted. (Rule 4.10(e))

4. Courtesy Runners: Allowed for the pitcher and catcher of record with two outs using the player who made the last out.. (Rule 7.14(b))

5. 8-Player Start: Games may begin and continue with 8 players. The 9th spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out. A team with 8 players may borrow one defensive player from the opponent (must play LF or RF). (Rule 4.04/4.16)

6. Double First Base: Optional but encouraged. Double first base becomes mandatory in high school starting in 2027. (Rule 1.06)

7. Ground Rules: Field-specific rules must be declared by the home team at the plate meeting. (Rule 3.13)

8. Time Limit: Set by the host team based on field availability and declared at the plate meeting as a “no new inning” cutoff (Regulation VII(h)).

Additions to Little League Rules

1. Balanced Continuous Batting Order: A "Balanced" CBO is adopted:

   • If both teams have the same number of players, both bat the full roster.

   • If roster sizes are unequal, the larger team may opt to bat a line-up equal to the smaller team's roster size. Remaining players are offensive substitutes.

   • Starts bat the firs time through; subs bat the second time. Either may bat when that "married" slot arises a third time.

   • Defensive substitutions remain free.

2. Pitching Limits: Maximum pitch counts per game: (Regulation VI)

   • March: 50

   • April: 70

   • May/June: LL Maximum (85 for 11-12; 95 for 13-15)

3. Pitching Days of Rest: While playing in Juniors, days of rest for 15 year olds should match those set for 14 and under.

4. Balks: In March, pitchers receive one warning per game (delayed dead ball). Subsequent balks are enforced.

5. Pool Players: Teams may use any age-eligible pool players from any Juniors or Majors team in their league, but only if there are less than 10 rostered players available for the game. Pool players may only be used to bring the roster to 10. Dual rostering is prohibited in 54/80, but permitted to form a "virtual" 60/90 team. Pool players should wear the hat of their rostered team. Pool players may not pitch, and must bat below all rostered players in the starting line up. We also encourage coaches to avoid using pool players in “key” defensive positions.

6. Equipment: Metal cleats allowed on natural surfaces, but not turf. No cleats for pitchers on portable mounds; turf shoes or sneakers only.

7. Logistics: The home team provides umpires, scorekeepers, and game balls.

Administrative (Pre- and Post-Game)

1. GameChanger: The home team must scores the game in GameChanger, and rosters must be maintained in GameChanger.

2. Protests: All protests are handled by a committee formed by the D52 District Administrator (DA). Decisions are final.

3. Cancellations: Managers must communicate prior to game day regarding weather or roster issues. The hosting manager is responsible for informing D52 and the opposing manager of any changes.

4. Forfeits: If a team cannot field 8 players, the game is a forfeit. If neither team can field 8, it is marked as "not played" unless rescheduled.

5. Exhibition Games: Any games not counting toward standings must be announced prior to the first game played.

6. Playoff Seeding: Playoffs are a seeded post-season tournament, seeds are based on regular-season winning percentage. Tie-breakers: 1. Head-to-head %; 2. Total runs allowed (overall); 3. Total runs allowed (head-to-head); 4. Coin flip

7. Playoff Eligibility: Players must participate in at least 6 games to be eligible for the post-season tournament. (Exceptions may be made for extended injuries).

8. Suspensions: D52 may suspend manageres and coaches for any rule violations.