PURPOSE
These rules supplement the Official Little League Rulebook and apply to all Cheltenham Little League (CLL) divisions unless otherwise noted. They are intended to ensure fair play, consistency, player safety, and community respect.
LOCAL RULES
PLAYER PARTICIPATION & PLAYING TIME
- Every player on a team roster must play a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and have at least one (1) at-bat in each game.
- Managers are responsible for tracking participation and ensuring equal opportunities.
- Violations of mandatory play rules may result in suspension of the manager per Little League policy.
MINIMUM PLAYERS TO START A GAME
- A team must have at least eight (8) eligible players to start a game.
- If a team drops below eight players during play (injury, ejection), the game may continue but an automatic out is recorded for the missing player's spot in the batting order.
- Managers should notify the Division Coordinator.
GAME TIME LIMITS
- Tee Ball / Rookies: 1 hour 15 minutes maximum.
- Minor: No new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes.
- Major & Intermediate (50/70): No new inning after 2 hours.
- In all divisions, an inning in progress may finish if it began before the time limit.
- No inning may begin after 10:00 PM (for evening games).
RUN LIMITS
- Tee ball / Rookies: Side retired after five (5) runs or three (3) outs.
- Minor Baseball / Softball: Five (5) runs per inning until the 6th inning, which is open (no limit).
- Majors and above: Unlimited runs per inning.
- The 10-run mercy rule is in effect per the Official Little League Rulebook.
PITCHING RULES
- All Little League pitch count limits and rest requirements apply strictly per division.
- Each manager must verify and record pitch counts after every game.
- Pitch count logs must be submitted to the Division Coordinator or Safety Office upon request.
- Intentional disregard for pitch control limits may result in suspension of the manager.
GAME LINEUPS
- All players present must be listed in the batting order and bat continuously.
- Late arrivals are added to the bottom of the order without penalty.
- Any player who must leave early will be skipped without penalty (not an out).
BASE COACHES AND DUGOUTS
- Only two adult coaches and one manager are permitted in the dugout during games.
- Coaches must remain in their designated coaching boxes unless time is called.
- Dugouts are for players and approved volunteers only - no siblings or spectators permitted.
RAINOUTS AND SUSPENDED GAMES
- The League President or Field Coordinator determines field closures.
- Suspended or incomplete games will resume from the point of interruption at a later date.
- Umpires may stop games for safety concerns (rain, lightning, darkness).
UMPIRES
- All decisions of umpires are final.
- Only the team manager may approach na umpire to request clarification on a rule.
- Arguing judgment calls or disrespectful behavior may result in ejection.
CONDUCT
- Coaches, players, and spectators must demonstrate sportsmanship at all times.
- The use of foul language, taunting, or disrespect towards players, umpires, or opponents is strictly prohibited.
- Any individual ejected from a game must leave the complex immediately and may be subject to further review by the Board.
GROUND RULES
FIELD ACCESS
- Only authorized teams scheduled or a game or practice may use league fields.
- Teams are responsible for raking, chalking, and setting up before their game, and clean-up afterward.
- Each team must remove trash and restore the field to playable condition after games.
ON-DECK BATTERS
- On-deck batters are not permitted in Tee Ball, Machine Pitch, or Minor Divisions per Little League rules.
- On-deck areas may be used in Majors and above when properly supervised.
EQUIPMENT SAFETY
- Only Little League-approved bats and helmets may be used.
- Catchers must wear complete protective gear, including cup.
- No metal spikes allowed on any baseball or softball field.
FIELD BOUNDARIES AND OUT-OF-PLAY AREAS
- Balls entering dugouts, over fences, or outside designated play areas are out of play.
- Overthrows from the infield that go out of play follow standard two-base award rules.
- Spectators must remain outside fenced areas and off the field at all times.
WARM-UP AND PRACTICE AREA
- Pre-game warmups must be conducted safely away from spectators and other games in progress.
- Pitchers and catchers warming up must have a spotter wearing a helmet when near live play.
CONCESSION, PARKING, AND FACILITY RULES
- Vehicles must park in designated lots only-no parking on grass or near dugouts. Driving on the access road to field 5 is prohibited unless otherwise authorized.
- Concession areas are to remain clear of team gatherings during games.
- Pets, Alcohol, tobacco, vaping, and weapons are strictly prohibited on all league property.
GAME BALLS AND EQUIPMENT
- The home team supplies two new game balls to the umpire at the start of each game.
- All games balls must be Little League approved models.
END-OF-GAME RESPONSIBILITIES
- Both teams are responsible for cleaning their dugouts and spectator areas.
- The home team should return bases and field equipment to the shed or storage area.
- Managers must verify the final score and pitch counts with the umpire before leaving.
LIGHTS AND CURFEW
- For evenings games, lights must be turned off on later than 10:15 PM.
- No inning may begin after 10:00 PM, regardless of game status.
SAFETY AND EMERGENCY
- A first aid kit and AED must be available at every field site.
- Coaches must know the location of the nearest phone and emergency access point.
- Report all injuries or incidents to the Safety Officer within 24 hours.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
All managers, coaches, and umpires are responsible for knowing and enforcing these local and ground rules. Failure to follow these local and ground rules. Failure to follow them may result in disciplinary review by the Board of Directors.