Local Rules...

[catoblue]

Can local leagues make rules such as "No Infield Fly Rule" for Majors and Minors? (LL specifically)

My understanding is that the only rules that can be changed by local leagues, are ones that provide an option to do so right in the rule book, or under very specific conditions, they may obtain a waiver from WP.

[Rich_Ives]

Can local leagues make rules such as "No Infield Fly Rule" for Majors and Minors?

My understanding is that the only rules that can be changed by local leagues, are ones that provide an option to do so right in the rule book, or under very specific conditions, they may obtain a waiver from WP.

They don't care as much about minors. We don't use the IFF in minors because "no one" understands it at that stage.

But don't dump the IFF in majors.

You can usually get waivers for tighting rules but not loosening. Make it 9 outs for MPR is OK. Fewer oitches - more rest would probably be OK

You cannot alter 7.08(a)(3).

They would probably NOT allow you to ban slash bunts or bat wagging, or calling an out for bat throwing.

[Pete_Booth]

Can local leagues make rules such as "No Infield Fly Rule" for Majors and Minors? (LL specifically)

My understanding is that the only rules that can be changed by local leagues, are ones that provide an option to do so right in the rule book, or under very specific conditions, they may obtain a waiver from WP.

At one time especially in TEE BALL and Minors, LL used to leave it up to each organization to adopt rules that fit their program.

However, LL is mandating more and more rules at these divisions then they used to like the 5 run per inning limit.

When I was an active member in LL there was no such mandate. We simply had a 9 batter rule or 3 outs which ever came first so that the inning did not drag out. That type of rule fit our program.

Others may have used a run per inning limit etc. The point is EACH LL organization had options on what they wanted to do.

Now for the most part there are no options and I would check with your district to get the answer.

Pete Booth

[catoblue]

The Rule book makes a Note that IFR does not apply to T-Ball (and I would extend that to machine pitch), but our local Rules have no IFR in Majors & Minors Baseball - and that doesn't make a whole lot of sense. I'm thinking I'll fire an email off to our district admin and see what he has to say.

Far as I'm concerned, however, it isn't doing the kids any favors, since it will be in play when they get to tournament time. I can picture it being called during a tournament game and all the deer in the headlight stares from everyone involved.

[polar1955]

Can local leagues make rules such as "No Infield Fly Rule" for Majors and Minors? (LL specifically)

My understanding is that the only rules that can be changed by local leagues, are ones that provide an option to do so right in the rule book, or under very specific conditions, they may obtain a waiver from WP.

I have never heard of the IFF being used on 60' diamonds up here where I live (thats not to say it does not happen elsewhere) except in tournement play (rare). Once kids begin playing on 70' or larger where they are playing Babe Ruth, 12U 70, Pony baseball,only then is IFF rule enforced, as well as balk rules per OBR, etc. The distance is much too short for double plays for most kids w/ the normal skills at this level. Besides, unless you are using skilled umpires many could not tell you what is and when to enforce an IFF let alone rule 6.05L. As for leagues making up rules, whats to stop them...you say LL, does that mean as in trademark Little League?

[Pete_Booth]

As for leagues making up rules, whats to stop them...you say LL, does that mean as in trademark Little League?

It's like anything else in life it's OK UNLESS you get caught. Then you "pay the piper"

LL has rules and yes you can make up your own rules BUT if someone reports you, one's Charter might be at risk. Just look at the Danny Almonte fiasco.

Pete Booth

[mark38090]

Far as I'm concerned, however, it isn't doing the kids any favors, since it will be in play when they get to tournament time. I can picture it being called during a tournament game and all the deer in the headlight stares from everyone involved.

We ejected 2 coaches last year at Allstars for just that. We called IFF and the deer in the headlight look, then shock, finally all hell broke loose and coaches started going home early.

[bigbird69]

The leagues can ask for a waiver on anything (Pat Holden from the eastern region said you can ask for a waiver to play with a grapefruit if you want... ), does not mean they will get it.

I know the league I worked with used to get annual waivers for certain rules. Jr & Sr league playing as one (Too small a league and no neighbors to interleague), interleague softball games, regular season waiving of the pitcher to catcher rules.... (yes they granted that one.) The warning is just as stated, they are waived for Regular season play (you may have an intraleague playoff, still regular season as far as williamsport is concerned), but come tournaments they are back in play.

As far as IFF, I have seen a triple play on that one at the majors level, and I called IFF on the play. (bases loaded... R1 & R2 both ran on contact, R3 held... ball caught, easy throws to 2nd and 1st for the timing play outs...) At the minors level, they don't catch much so IFF is sticky. Majors, a pop up will normally be caught and most of the time I have used IFF, the ball was caught. (had one the kid took off the head... should not have been in the infield)

[KenGibes]

The local little league here calls IFF at the Majors and Minors level. I've seen it called several times this year in each division and there was little or no confusion. The kids know it's part of the game and many of the parents are fairly knowledgeable with the rule.

If you don't call it on the 60' bases, you're setting the kids up for more confusion when they get to bigger bases. We already have a problem with balks and uncaught third-strikes because these aren't called on the smaller diamond.

If you're not calling IFFs now, you'll certainly have some confusion as the learning curve kicks in if you start calling them in the future. However, once they become the norm, IFF calls shouldn't be a problem.