The purpose of the Minor League is to develop baseball skills in a safe, fun and positive atmosphere. Coaches should promote sportsmanship and teamwork.
Under no circumstances are coaches, players or spectators allowed to argue with an umpire. Talking calmly with an umpire about a play, call, or rules is the responsibility of the coaching staff.
The umpires are instructed to call a “generous” strike zone. SALL wants young players to swing the bat; “hittable” pitches will be called strikes. Prepare your players and parents for the “generous” strike zone.
Games are six (6) innings. No new inning may start after ninety (90) minutes. A new inning is considered started after the third (3rd) out of the home team is registered. The home-plate umpire is the official timekeeper.
Games that are tied after six (6) innings or the time limit will end in a tie.
A half inning ends with the recording of the third (3rd) out, or when all players have batted. If the last batter is hit by a pitch, the batter advances to first (1st) base and the half (½) inning is over. A run scored due to a batter hit-by-pitch counts as a run.
All players in attendance will be included in the batting order and must play six (6) defensive outs.
Each team is allowed ten (10) defensive players, with four (4) outfielders. If a team is playing with less than ten (10) players, the other team may still use ten (10).
Eight (8) players are required to play a game.
There is free substitution, except for pitchers. Once a pitcher is removed from pitching, they cannot return to the mound in that game.
Pitching Rules:
Each pitcher may pitch a maximum of two (2) innings per game. No pitcher may pitch more than or forty (40) pitches in any one game.
Each pitcher may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings per calendar week (Monday-Sunday). No pitcher may pitch more than or sixty (60) pitches per week.
If a pitcher delivers one pitch in an inning, that pitcher shall be charged with one (1) inning pitched.
The pitcher may finish pitching to the current batter if they reach the pitch count partway through the at bat.
Any player, who has played the position of catcher in three (3) or more innings in a game, is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day. Receiving one pitch in an inning constitutes an inning caught. A pitcher who delivers the cap of forty (40) in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.
This rule applies to regulation, rescheduled, and SALL tournament games.
Each team is limited to three (3) innings pitched by twelve (12) year old players per six (6) inning game.
Warm ups between innings are limited to five (5) pitches, or one (1) minute. Mid-inning pitching changes may warrant more warm up pitches at the umpire’s discretion.
There is one (1) free mound visit per pitcher, per inning. The pitcher must be removed at the second mound visit.
If the pitcher throws four (4) balls then a tee must be used for the remainder of the count. The batter only becomes a runner by hitting a ball. Batter may become out for all the reasons covered by rules including strike three (3). No Walks Allowed.
No straight base stealing. No infield fly rule. No balks. No bunting. No running on a dropped third strike. No Walks.
Runners may advance one (1) base, to second or third on a passed ball that goes behind the catcher. Runners may not score in passed balls. (Home is closed).
Runners may lead off once the pitch crosses home plate.
Runners may only score on plays that are initiated by the batter. Runners may not score on balls being returned to the pitcher or on over-throws to any base.
Runners must avoid contact with fielders, head first slides are not allowed. Runners that initiate contact, or slide head first will be called out.
There is a ten (10) run rule in effect. If after four (4) innings (3.5 for the home team) a team is ahead by ten (10) runs or more, that team is declared the winner.
No metal spikes. All players must wear long pants. SALL recommends and encourages all male players to wear protective cups. Catchers must wear a protective cup and use a catcher’s mitt.
Any bat barrel larger than 2 ¼” must have the authorized USA Bat stamp.
Severe Weather: At the sound of a severe weather siren, other official warning, or at first sight of lighting, the game in progress shall be stopped immediately. In the case of rain or wet fields, the coaches are responsible for assessing the playing conditions and making the appropriate decision.
