BATTING / PITCH COUNT - Only one player is allowed to have a bat in their hands and that is the batter. No on-deck swings are permitted. All hitters and runners must wear a helmet. NO EXCEPTIONS.The batting order is continuous and includes all players who are at the game. The batting order should not be changed once it is set at the start of the game. Players bat even if they did not play in the field that inning. Each batter should not receive more than six hittable pitches during a single at bat. In an instance where a batter fouls the last pitch, the batter should get additional pitches.
Through April 30, the following rules apply for the first two innings:
· Each team will bat through their entire line up one time during the first two innings.
· Each batter is given four strikes. After four strikes, the batter will hit off a tee.
· The goals are to enable at least 2 at-bats per game and more opportunity for additional fielding plays when players hit off the tee.
Through April 30, the following rules apply for the third inning and beyond:
· The hitting team’s at-bat ends once 3 fielding outs are made or once the hitting team scores 5 runs or once the hitting team has batted through its line-up.
· Each batter is given four swinging strikes (or six hittable pitches). After four strikes (or six hittable pitches), the batter is retired but the strike out does not count as an out.
Starting May 1, the following rules apply for the entire game:
· The hitting team’s at-bat ends once 3 fielding outs are made or once the hitting team scores 5 runs or once the hitting team has batted through its line-up.
· Each batter is given three swinging strikes (or six hittable pitches). After three strikes (or six hittable pitches), the batter is retired but the strike out does not count as an out.
BATS – USABat Standard bats must be used in the Little League Major Baseball Division and below.