Mill Valley Little League

Star

STAR LEAGUE RULES -- 2026 SEASON

1) Overview

Level: First graders; generally league age 7+.
Roster size: Target 12 players.
Format: Coach-pitch with a soft baseball. Instructional focus.
Scoring/Standings: No score and no standings. Outs do count at this level.
Coaching emphasis: Throwing, catching, hitting, making routine plays, and basic rules (balls/strikes, strike zone, base-running fundamentals).

2) Game Basics

Length: Aim for 4 innings; hard stop at 75 minutes.
On-field adults (defense): Up to 3 coaches (1 infield, 2 outfield).
On offense: One coach manages the dugout/bats; one at 1B and one at 3B as base coaches.

3) Defense & Positioning

All play each inning; rotate positions every inning and balance assignments across the season.
Suggested set: 2 pitcher’s assistants, 6 infielders (incl. 1 catcher), 5 outfielders.
Teach proper depth/spacing: Players should not stand on top of bases.

4) Dugout Safety

An adult coach must be in the dugout at all times when batting.
Only the batter may hold a bat when walking to the plate. No on-deck swings.

5) Helmets

All hitters and runners wear helmets. No exceptions.
MVLL provides NOCSAE-compliant helmets. Personal helmets must have the NOCSAE seal, be free of cracks/damage, and have intact padding.
No travel-ball logos on helmets.

6) Batting & Pitch Count

Continuous order including all present players; set the order pregame and do not change it.
Players bat even if they did not play the field that inning.
Coach-pitch: Up to 6 hittable pitches per at-bat. If the last pitch is fouled, the batter receives additional pitches until they put it in play or miss a non-foul swing.

Through Spring Break (Innings 1–2):

Each team bats through the full lineup once in each of the first two innings.
Each batter gets 4 strikes; after the 4th strike, the batter hits off a tee.
Goals: ensure ~2 at-bats per player per game and increase fielding chances with tee contact.

After Spring Break (Inning 3+):

An offensive half-inning ends upon 3 defensive outs, or 5 runs, or batting through the lineup—whichever comes first.
Each batter gets 3 swinging strikes (or 6 hittable pitches). After 3 swinging strikes (or 6 hittable pitches without a ball in play), the batter is retired, but the strikeout does not count as a team out.

Bats: USA Bat Standard required for Little League Major Baseball and below. No travel bats.

7) Base Running

Teach proper running through 1B only; runners should not overrun other bases. If they do, use it as a teaching moment (do not record an out for a simple overrun error).
One base on an overthrow.
No sliding at any base.
No walks, bunts, steals, or leads.

8) Umpiring & Outs

This level introduces defensive outs.
The pitching coach makes all calls in the field. Be lenient—tie/close plays favor the hitter; praise fielders for good efforts.
Teach runners to hold on pop-ups and fly balls; catches do record outs.

9) Plays at Home

Standard play: the catcher records the out.
Tag the runner when it’s not a force; touch the plate on a force.

10) Scorekeeping

No score is kept. Managers should discourage players/parents from tracking score.

11) Sportsmanship

Model and enforce positive sportsmanship among players, coaches, and parents.

12) Field Courtesy & Postgame Duties

Clear the field 15 minutes before the next game’s start time: players, coaches, gear, and bottles out of the dugouts/field so the next teams can set up. Late starts shorten your game.
Arrivals: Teams scheduled next may take the field for warm-ups 15 minutes prior to their start. If you arrive earlier and a game is ongoing, warm up far enough away to avoid interference.
Leave it better: Pick up trash and collect equipment after your game.
Boyle Park specific: Both teams rake the field, replace tarps on home plate and the mound, and clear dugouts of all trash.

Questions?
Star League Commissioner: Kevin Kneafsey — [email protected]