No rules means no game
Little League requires a certain number of games to be played in order for players and leagues to be able to play in the international tournament (also known as “All Stars”). What does Little League mean when they say “a game”, though?
We all agree that if you played a game against another team and you decided that each batter only gets 2 strikes and that innings only had 2 outs, then that wouldn’t be an official game. But what if you decided at the plate meeting that you only had 6 players, so you want to borrow 2 players from the other team? Is that an official game? Or what about a game where the coaches decided the pitcher should pitch from 36 feet instead of 46 feet?
None of those are official games. Why? Because they didn’t play by approved rules.
In order for a game to count as an Official Game, the game MUST be played by Little League rules, including any APPROVED local rules (or interlock rules). If the game doesn’t play by approved rules, then it isn’t an official game. If its not an official game, then that game CANNOT be used to qualify for the international tournament.
Rule Requirements
The official Little League rulebook (get the Rulebook App) outlines all the required rules that must be followed. This includes the requirement that EVERY person that comes into regular contact with the kids (coaches, managers, player helpers, umpires) have a background checked performed BY THE LEAGUE through JDP. EVERY person must also complete the Little League Abuse Awareness training. If the umpires, coaches, and managers for a game have NOT completed their background check AND abuse awareness training, then the game is NOT being played by Little League rules, and the game IS NOT official.
Local/Interlock Rules
Can leagues (or interlocks) make additional rules? Absolutely! Every league (which includes leagues that are formed as interlocks) can write additional rules. These rules CANNOT override on official rule (for example, they cannot decide that there is no infield fly rule), but they CAN ADD to the rules. For example, a league could require all players to play a certain number of innings in the infield. The only requirement is that the district review and approve all local/interlock rules.
Please contact rules@washdist9.org for more information
