YLL Minor League Baseball Rules

All games are played under the Official Little League International Regulations, Playing Rules, and Operating Policies (the “Little League Rulebook”). For the latest edition of the Little League rules, please download the official Little League Rulebook App or visit the Little League Rules and Regulations page. Coaches, parents, and players should review the official rules for any situation not covered below.

Below are the local rules for the Yarmouth Little League’s Minor League Division.

Infield Fly & Dropped Third Strike

The infield fly rule is not invoked in Minors.
There is no dropped third strike rule.

Stealing

Each team is allowed only three steals per inning.
Runners may steal second or third base only. Stealing home is prohibited.
On an overthrow during a steal attempt, the runner may not advance and must return to the base once the pitcher has the ball on the rubber.
Advances on passed balls or wild pitches count toward the three-steal limit.
Runners may not advance on an errant throw from the catcher back to the pitcher. (Purpose: to encourage catcher development.)

Advancing Runners

Base runners may advance only one base on any overthrow (including no extra bases during steals).
Once the ball is under control anywhere in the infield (on the dirt), runners may advance no farther than the base they were attempting when control was gained.

9-Batter Rule

If three outs have not been recorded when the ninth batter comes to the plate, the coach announces it. The play resulting from that at-bat ends the inning.
This rule is suspended for both teams in the last inning so no team loses because the ninth batter came up before three outs.

Playing Time & Opportunities

Balanced playing time is required for every player. No player should sit out two full innings in a game.
Every player must play at least 2–3 innings in the infield and some outfield each game.
Any player who wants to pitch or catch should receive a reasonable number of opportunities (except in rare cases of legitimate safety concerns with catching).

Game Timing & Length

Games are 6 innings or 2 hours (the current inning must be completed).
Coaches should meet before the 90-minute mark to agree on the final inning.
On weekdays, no new inning may begin after 7:30 PM.

Run Rule (Mercy Rule)

Official Little League run rules apply:

Game ends (for scoring) with a 10-run lead after 4 complete innings or 15-run lead after 3 complete innings.
Coaches may continue as a scrimmage for additional innings if both agree (pitch counts must still be tracked).

Pitching Rules

Pitcher-to-Catcher Restrictions

Any pitcher who throws 41 or more pitches in a game may not catch for the remainder of that day.
Any catcher who catches 4 or more innings may not pitch that same day.

Pitching Age Limit

Players aged 12 and over may not pitch in Minors division games.

Completing an At-Bat

If a pitcher reaches the daily maximum while facing a batter, they may continue pitching until the batter reaches base, is put out, or the half-inning ends with the third out.

Suspended/Tie Games & Multiple Games

Pitches thrown in suspended or regulation tie games count toward the daily limit.
In resumed games, the pitchers of record may continue to the extent of their eligibility if they have the required rest.
Players may not pitch in more than one game per day.

Pitch Count Limits & Required Rest

Maximum Pitches per Game by Age

Ages 7–8: 50
Ages 9–10: 75
Ages 11–12: 85

Required Rest (calendar days) Based on Pitches Thrown That Day

Pitches Thrown	Rest Required
1–20	0 days
21–35	1 day
36–50	2 days
51–65	3 days
66+	4 days

These rules are designed to emphasize player development, safety, and sportsmanship while keeping games moving and fun for everyone.

Questions? Contact the YLL Minors Division Coordinator.