AAA DIVISION GROUND RULES

The current Little League Baseball Official Regulations and Playing Rules shall
govern the “Playing Rules” for the AAA Division.

• No new inning after 90 mins drop dead at 1:45
•  AAA will use the pitching machine for the first two innings of the game. The rest of the game will be kid/machine pitch
• A portable mound will be used for the pitchers which is to be placed directly in front of the machine. The machine is to be placed on the actual mound directly in front of the rubber
• There are no walks.
• A batter can be struck out by the player pitcher or by the machine.
• If the player pitcher throws 3 strikes before throwing 4 balls, the batter is out.
• If the player pitcher throws 4 balls before throwing 3 strikes, the opposing team's coach will use the pitching machine to throw the remaining pitches. Giving up to 3 strikes or a batted ball.
• A pitch is considered a strike if it is swung at by the batter or if it is called by the coach running the machine.
• During Machine Pitch
  •      No Coach shall pitch to his own player
  •      Coaches shall deliver meaningful pitches
  •      5 pitch max if batter does not put ball in play batter is called out, When using the machine.
  •      Batters being hit by Player pitcher or Pitching Machine shall be treated as:

•     The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out( provided said runner advances to and touches first base) when the batter is touched by a pitched ball which the batter is not attempting to hit unless (1) The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, or (2) The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball.  Rule 6.08 (b)
•     Note: If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a strike, whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. If the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a ball if that batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched.

• Stealing is not permitted
• If the machine does not deliver a pitch within the strike zone, it will be considered a “no pitch” as determined by the umpire Note: This should not occur more than once per at bat
• Approved parent or coach may operate the pitching machine
  •      When the machine is used, a batter will have a five-pitch limit, or three strikes, whichever comes first. Batter cannot be called out on the fifth pitch if it is a foul
  •      There is no walking
  •      If a batted ball hits the pitching machine, it is a dead ball. The batter automatically goes to first base and any forced runners advanced one base
  •    Pitching machine will be set @4+4+4
  •    The pitching machine will be set up on the pitching rubber
  •      Pitcher must stand on either side of the machine, NOT in front. The pitcher must remain behind the front of the pitching machine until the ball has crossed the plate or been put in play
• The defensive team can have one coach in each outfield foul territory as defensive coaches
• Line up cards need to be exchanged between the coaches and plate umpire if an umpire is provide. Otherwise coaches exchange.
• Score will be kept
  •      Home team scorebook is official
• Pitching Affidavits will be kept by all teams.
• Side is retired when the offensive team has
  •      Batted the entire roster once
  •      Three outs are made
  •      3 Runs have been scored (innings 1-3), 5 runs limit innings 4-5 and unlimited runs in 6th
• No pitcher in AAA shall throw more than 35 pitches in one game
  •      Pitch Count Rules/Days of rest apply
  •      Pitcher to Catcher/ Catcher to Pitcher rules apply
  •      If a catcher is in for 3 innings, they can not pitch for than 25 pitches. If a catcher is in for 4 innings they can not pitch. If a pitchers pitches 20 or more pitches, they may not catch.
• Continuous Batting order will be used
• There is no Stealing or advancing on passed balls
• On overthrows at first base, batter may advance one base at own risk
  •      No additional bases can be taken on subsequent overthrows
  •      Overthrows occurring at other bases, including home, follow same rule provided it is on another play
• Bunting is not allowed
• Live play ends when the pitcher has control of the ball in the pitching circle. At this point, all runners must return to the previously occupied base
• The 10-run rule is in effect
• Pitcher to Catcher/ Catcher to Pitcher rules apply
• The defensive teams coach is calling strikes and any play at second. The offensive teams coaches are calling outs at first and third.
• Only the first batter of each half-inning will be permitted outside the dugout between half-innings
  •      No on deck batters
  •      It is the responsibility of the home team to retrieve the pitching machine from the cage and set it up. After the game the home team is to return the machine and place the cover over it.