LINKS TO INTERLEAGUE RULES:
INTERMEDIATE
MAJORS (w/ VALL)
MAJORS (w/ BFLL)
LOCAL RULES
2024 PLAYING SEASON
“It’s for the Kids”
League ID #405-28-02
600 ¾ Optimist Way Vista, CA 92081
(760) 599-4024
League President:
Grant Jobe
Website: www.VistaLittleLeague.org
Vista Little League
LOCAL RULES
2024 PLAYING SEASON
Scope
These Local Rules are subject to and subordinate to the Official Little League Regulations and Playing Rules and the Little League Operating Manual.
Statement of Purpose
This Vista Little League (VLL) Local League Rules is intended to assist managers, coaches, parents and players in understanding the local rules and regulations, which have been adopted by the VLL Board of Directors ("Board") for the 2023 Little League Season. We have a proud tradition of past volunteer service to the young boys and girls in our community. The goal of the Board of Directors is to provide an environment that is both fair and safe and one that works toward building character and respect. With the assistance of our volunteers and parents, this tradition will continue for many years ahead!
This Local League Rules is designed only to list the VLL local rules and regulations. All other rules and regulations governing the operation of VLL and the playing of the games are in accordance with two books published by the worldwide governing body of Little League baseball - the 2023 Official Little League Rulebook, Official Regulations, Playing Rules and Operating Policies. Copies of this manual are available to all VLL Board Members and Managers. This VLL Local League Rules does not supersede anything contained in the official Little League publication.
We strongly encourage all managers and coaches to read and become familiar with all Little League Rules and Regulations, especially all new Rules for the 2023 season. Little League is now offering a free app with rules and regulations.
We also strongly encourage all parents, managers and coaches to remember that Little League is just a step - an important step - in the development of your child as an athlete and as a person. Please keep this in perspective in your treatment of, and attitude toward both the players on the field and the volunteers - the managers, coaches, Board members, team parents, snack bar help, scorekeepers and umpires, who give their time and effort to make this League a source of pride for your family and for our community.
This is a supplement to the Operations Manual and Rule Book provided by Little League International. All VLL Officials, Managers, Coaches, and Umpires shall familiarize themselves with these rules and all supplements.
Duties and Responsibilities of Managers and Coaches
The Manager has total responsibility for the operation and conduct of the team in accordance with Little League Rules and local rules established by the Board. Failure to comply with these objectives and the rules described herein can result in up to, but not limited to:
Written warning.
Suspension from games.
Termination of position.
The team Manager or Coach is responsible for staying with players until they are picked up by a parent or guardian from any team function.
The Manager must teach both good baseball and good sportsmanship. The Manager is accountable for the game behavior of the team's players and team coaches. Good sportsmanship and positive comments toward the players and umpires is required.
Profanity on the field is not permitted and is grounds for suspension.
Both team Managers and coaches are responsible for maintenance of the field both before and after the game.
For AAA, Majors, Intermediate and Juniors only the Manager and 2 previously approved coaches (or adult volunteers with a background check) are allowed in the dugout or on the field during games. One adult must be in the dugout at all times during games.
The coach's main duty is to assist and support the Manager. The coach has the same responsibility as the Manager concerning treatment of players. The Manager, in cooperation with the President, may discharge a coach from his duties.
Home team Manager or coach (or VLL Manager or coach if an interleague game) of the last game played must stay until the Board Member on Duty secures the fields. This is to ensure everyone’s safety.
All Managers must contact their Division Representative in person and in writing concerning issues before approaching the Board.
Only Managers may talk to Umpires during a game
Team members (player or staff) shall not communicate with persons in the stands once taking the field prior to a scheduled game. This includes during allowed excursions off the field.
Once a game has begun, the Umpire is in charge of the field. The Scorekeeper works for the Umpire and should not intervene in the game but only respond to the umpire when asked a question (i.e. the scorekeeper should not tell the umpire when a batter has batted out of order unless asked). Managers are not to engage the Board Member on Duty (BMOD) to get involved in disputes. The Manager may suggest that the Umpire request assistance from the BMOD, but it is the Umpire's decision on whether to do so.
When there is no adult umpire, only Junior Umpires on the field, as per Little League rule a Game Coordinator will be overseeing the game. The manager/umpire meeting at the plate before the game will include the game coordinator. The game coordinator is not there to overrule the junior umpire calls, but is there to support the junior umpire and intervene if managers, coaches, players or spectators become unruly. It is at the discretion of the BMOD and game coordinator when to intervene and how to proceed with consequences.
Upon completion of the game, both Managers are required to sign the Official Pitcher Eligibility Form to verify the accuracy of the pitch counts recorded during the game.
During games, BMOD has the right to remove any Manager for actions considered detrimental to Little League; the violation would then be brought to the Board for final action on the removal. At any time, the President has the right to remove and suspend any Manager for actions considered detrimental to Little League pending final action by the board. For objectionable actions occurring outside of Little League activities or functions, the President shall bring the matter to the Board, which will consider suspension of the offending Manager.
Should a disciplinary problem arise with a player, the Player Agent and Division Representative shall be notified within 24 hours of the issue/problem. The parents of the player shall be notified as soon as possible.
Should a player require discipline resulting in suspension, the Player Agent and Division Representative must be notified prior to the game, preferably 24 hours in advance of the scheduled start time.
Should a player be removed from the game for disciplinary reasons during a game, the board member on duty, the Division Representative, and the parents shall be notified upon completion of the game as to the reason.
Should a player, team staff member, or spectator be ejected from the game, they shall immediately leave the playing and viewing area (i.e., must be at or beyond the handicapped parking area). Players without supervision will be required to remain in the dugout until supervision arrives. The Board will review the offense and the party may be subject to further discipline as determined by the board. Any Manager, coach, player ejected from a game is suspended for his or her team’s next physically played game, per Little League rule 4.07
Managers of AA, AAA and Majors divisions are each strongly encouraged to umpire one game per half season (2 games total). They may only umpire a game in a different division other than what they manage and their child may not be playing in the game.
All Managers and Coaches are required to complete Sudden Cardiac Arrest Prevention Protocol, USA Baseball Abuse Awareness for Adults and Concussion Safety Training to be eligible to manage or coach. Certificates of completion need to be added to your manager's binder and carried with you at all practices and games. Also, a condition of eligibility for selection as a tournament team manager/coach and the regular season manager/coach must have also completed the Little League Diamond Leader Training Program (LittleLeague.org/DiamondLeader). This program must be completed prior to the individual being named a tournament team manager/coach and before participating in any practices or games. Tournament Team managers/coaches who have completed the program should be prepared to produce the Little League Diamond Leader completion certificate if requested by the District Administrator/Tournament Director.
Player Eligibility
Players league age four years and five years, may play in the Tee-ball division. 6 year olds must be submitted to the Division Representative and Player Agent before being permitted to play in the division.
Players aged six years and seven years may play in the A division, 5 years (by 3/1) may be considered by the board on a case by case basis to play in this division.
Players league age seven years and eight years may play in the AA division.
Players league age eight years, nine years and ten years, may play in the AAA division. Players age 11 must be submitted to the Division Representative and Player Agent before being permitted to play in the AAA division. If a player younger than 8 years old would like to play AAA it will be decided by the board on a case by case basis.
Players league age nine years, ten years, eleven years, and twelve years may play in the Majors division.
Players league age eleven years, twelve years, thirteen years may play in the Intermediate division.
Players league age thirteen and fourteen years may play in the Junior division.
Players league age nine and above must participate in the try out process to be eligible to be drafted into either the AAA, Majors, Intermediate and Juniors division. Any player not participating in the tryout process is ineligible for Major division, AAA Division play, and postseason All-Star play, unless deemed justified by the board.
Any player wanting to play outside of their division must present their case to the Player Agent, Division Reps of both the league age they are designated for and would like to be eligible for and President. These will be decided on a case by case basis.
Player Selection for ALL Divisions - Board Members attending drafts are the President, Player Agent, Secretary and Division Representatives. It is at the discretion of the Player Agent and President if Division Reps and VP is needed for support on draft day.
Drafting
JUNIORS and INTERMEDIATE
The Juniors Division draft and Intermediate Division draft will be implemented and conducted by the Player Agent and follow Alternate Plan “B” (Note 2) as described in the Little League Operating Manual. The draft order will be determined by random draw.
All trades must be approved by the board members present at the draft and completed prior to the managers being released from the draft.
The Junior Division Roster shall be limited to 12-15 players.
Manager selection for the Intermediate Division son/daughter will be in the 3rd round (13-year-old), 4th round (12-year-olds), or 5th round (11 year-olds); sibling option, when applicable, will require the manager to pick the sibling in the very next round after the first sibling is taken. If an older sibling is already on a team, the drafted sibling must be picked within the first three rounds
B. MAJORS
The Majors Division draft will be implemented and conducted by the Player Agent and follow Alternate Plan “B” (Note 2) as described in the Little League Operating Manual. The draft order will be determined by random draw.
Per Little League rules, all 12 year olds and players previously drafted to a Majors team must be drafted into the Majors Division unless an agreement is reached by the player’s parents, Player Agent, and Board of Directors and a proper waiver has been filed with the District Administrator, as needed.
All trades must be approved by the board members present at the draft and completed prior to the managers being released from the draft.
Manager selection for their son/daughter will be in the 3rd round (12-year-old), 4th round (11-year-olds), or 5th round (10-year-olds); sibling option, when applicable, will require the manager to pick the sibling in the very next round after the first sibling is taken.
C. AAA
The AAA Division draft will be implemented and conducted by the Player Agent and follow Alternate Plan “B” (Note 2) as described in the Little League Operating Manual. The initial draft order will be determined by random draw.
All players who participated in the AAA division in the prior season shall be drafted into the AAA division or higher in the following season.
All trades must be approved by the board members present at the draft and completed prior to the managers being released from the draft.
Manager selection for their son/daughter will be in the 3rd round (10-year-old), 4th round (9-year-olds), or 5th round (8-year-olds); sibling option, when applicable, will require the manager to pick the sibling in the very next round after the first sibling is taken.
D. AA
The AA Division draft will be implemented and conducted by the Player Agent and follow a modified Plan “C” as described in the Little League Operating Manual and further described here. The initial draft order will be determined by random draw.
All players wishing to participate in the AA division shall participate in a skills assessment, conducted by the board of directors prior to the draft. If a player is unable to attend the assessment, former managers and coaches shall assign the player a rating based on past knowledge of the player’s relative skill level.
Each player shall be assigned an aggregate score between 1-5, based on his or her assessment performance.
Player Agent and AA Division Rep. shall draft players based on their aggregate score. Roster will be selected to ensure balance.
Once the draft is complete, and rosters are filled, team rosters will be reviewed, total aggregate scores tallied and any obvious adjustments in rosters will be made by the Player Agent and AA Division representative to ensure equally balanced roster
Following the selection of random teams, the Player Agent, together with the AA Division representative, will initiate trades to place players with their respective parent coaches and may also conduct trades to meet critical need based requests. These trades will be made based on the player's aggregate assessment scores.
Any subsequent trades requested by the managers will be subject to approval by the Player Agent and Board of Directors.
E. A and T-Ball
Players will be assigned to team rosters in each of these divisions by the Player Agent. The Player Agent will ask for assistance from the Division Representative, if needed.
The Player Agent will attempt to satisfy buddy requests while at the same time attempt to balance the numbers of players on each team roster based on league age.
Player Replacement
All Managers will notify the Player Agent once a player misses a combination of six consecutive practices or games, regardless of the reason, providing all available information as to the cause for the absence. It is the responsibility of the Player Agent and the Board to determine if the reason is justified and/or if disciplinary action is warranted.
If player replacement is deemed appropriate, players will be replaced based on the eligibility list provided by the Player Agent.
The Manager must fill the opening within seven days of being notified by the Board that the player must be replaced. If the Manager fails to fill the vacancy in the allotted time the Player Agent and/or the Board shall appoint a player to fill the vacancy.
Any player selected to fill a vacancy who decides not to accept the appointment, shall not be eligible to fill a subsequent vacancy.
Safety: If a serious illness or injury occurs no player will be allowed to resume play without a physician’s medical release.
Waiting List: A waiting list of eligible players will be established after the registration date has passed and/or the tryouts have taken place, and/or the draft/ placement of players has taken place. The first name on the list, of an appropriate age, is the only player that may be selected in this process. The player may be evaluated by the Player Agent, Division Representative, President and Safety Officer for purposes of placement in a particular division.
Games
It is the policy of the VLL board that only games called due to weather and/or facility problems be rescheduled. “A”, “AA”, and “AAA” games terminated due to time limitations are final. Major Division games suspended due to curfew may be scheduled for completion. See Division Rules for specifics.
Any required make-up games (or suspended games) will be rescheduled by the league scheduler. Games will be rescheduled in the first available time slot on a “first canceled, first rescheduled basis.” Or as soon as reasonably practicable. If the rescheduled games forces a team to play three consecutive days, this rule will be waived and the rescheduled game will be moved to the next available date.
It is the responsibility of BOTH team managers to prepare the field prior to taking infield warm-ups. The field preparations include the watering of dirt areas, raking the infield, chalking the lines and placement of bases. These preparations should be completed 15 minutes prior to the start of the game.
Teams will not be allowed on the infield until all of the field prep is completed and both managers and the Board member on duty have approved the field. The field will be used for infield warm-ups, if time allows, in the following manner and will be enforced by BMOD: visitors will take the field 30 minutes before the game for a maximum of 10 minutes, followed by the home team for a maximum of 10 minutes. Both teams will have the same opportunity (time) on the field for warm-ups. Should the full 30 minutes prior to start time be unavailable, the time will be divided equally. Warm-up time is not guaranteed. No team will be on the field 5 minutes prior to the start of the game.
Pre-Game Hitting- No cages allocated for pre-game hitting.
Pool Players in Majors and AAA Divisions can only be brought into a game to cap a team at 10 players. The league’s player agent will manage the pool.
Artificial noise makers are not allowed.
Pregame music is allowed. Walk up music may be played as players walk up for their at bat only, no music in between innings or during other points in the game. Music (speaker) must be aimed towards your team's dugout, Please use discretion when selecting music and volume with which music is played. (no foul language, sexual content, racial slurs or vulgarity) and must be turned off once the batter has one foot in the batter's box. It is at the sole discretion of the board member on duty if the volume is too loud or if the content of the music is inappropriate. BMOD will take reasonable steps to keep a safe family environment including removing music that is inappropriate.
No gum or seed is allowed on any field. Each team will be responsible for cleaning the dugout after each game.
Division Rules
All Divisions will use the Continuous Batting Order (CBO) option as described in the Little League rulebook under section 4.04.
AAA and Majors only will use the batters rules as described in the Little League Rule Book under section 6.02
AAA and Majors- Umpires will adopt the stealing and relaying of pitch selections and locations as described in the Little League Rule Book under section 9.01- (d2021- No Juniors team at VLL)
Intermediate
The VLL Intermediate division will include player’s league age 13, 12 and 11 years only.
Games are to be 7 innings and there is no time limit in the Intermediate Division.
A Maximum of 3 approved coaches, (1 Manager, and 2 Coaches), (16 years old and up), one (18 years or older) of which must remain in the dugout at all times, are allowed. Players, managers and coaches must receive permission from the umpire to leave the dugout at any time during the game.
The VLL Intermediate teams will play under the agreed to interleague rules established by the participating leagues presidents.
B. Majors
If a game is tied after 6 innings, extra innings shall be played as normal . The inning that begins after 9:20 weeknights (or 2.5 hours have elapsed from game start on Saturdays), is the last inning. The inning begins immediately following the third out of the previous inning. If no winner is determined within the time allocated, the game shall end in a tie.
Per LL 4.10 (e), if one team has a lead of 10 runs or more at the end of an inning, and at least four innings have been completed (three and one-half if the home team is ahead), the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede victory to the opponent.
The home team is responsible to provide an official scorekeeper and the visiting team is to provide a pitch counter. If either role is not filled at the scheduled game start time, the manager shall fill these roles, and the team will lose an adult coach.
Minimum Play Rule (MPR): During regular season play, every player must play a minimum of two defensive innings (6 outs) in games that last five defensive innings or more. Any player who fails to meet the MPR requirements will start the next game and complete the current game MPR before being replaced. (as per LL Regulations IV (i)).
Courtesy runner shall be allowed with two outs for the pitcher and catcher. The runner shall be the player who was the last recorded out.
The VLL Majors teams will play under the agreed to interleague rules established by the participating leagues presidents.
C. AAA Division
During regular season play, the final inning for the game will be the inning that begins AFTER 1 hour and 40 minutes has elapsed on the game clock. If at the completion of that inning the game is tied, the game will be recorded as a tie. The inning begins immediately following the third out of the previous inning.
All games will be terminated at 9:30, and the final score determined per LL rule 4.11 (d).
Minimum Play Rule (MPR): During regular season play, every player must play a minimum of two defensive innings (6 outs) in games that last five defensive innings or more and one at bat. Any player who fails to meet the MPR requirements will start the next game and complete the current game MPR before being replaced. (as per LL Regulations IV (i))
Teams may score a maximum of 5 runs per inning, including the final inning of the game.
If one team has a lead of 15 runs or more at the end of an inning, and at least four innings have been completed (three and one-half if the home team is ahead), the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede victory to the opponent.
The home team is responsible to provide an official scorekeeper and the visiting team is to provide a pitch counter. If either role is not filled at the scheduled game start time, the manager shall fill these roles, and the team will lose an adult coach.
Courtesy runner shall be allowed with two outs for the pitcher and catcher. The runner shall be the player who was the last recorded out.
D. AA Division
All games will end one hour and thirty minutes after the scheduled start time.
No player may sit out more than two innings per game. No player shall sit a second time in a game until all players have sat once. This extends to sitting the second time, third time, fourth time, and so on. No player may sit on the bench in excess of one time more than any other player, throughout the entire season.
Players shall have the opportunity to play all positions, consistent with any safety concerns. Players shall be rotated among infield and outfield positions at least every two innings, consistent with any safety concerns.
Pitching machines will be used until the completion of the 3rd inning. Thereafter player or coach pitch is used for the remainder of the game.
During the first half of the season, defensive coaches may be on the field but must be positioned on the outfield grass unless one is required to call balls and strikes. During the second half of the season, all defensive coaches must remain in the dugout except to call balls and strikes as necessary.
Innings will end when three outs are made, or when the entire batting order has had one at bat. The number of players in the batter order is not relevant during regular season games. All baserunners will stop advancing when an infielder is in possession of the ball, play is relaxed, and the infielder is attempting to return the ball to the pitching mound area. Infielder is in possession of the ball anywhere on the field.
Ten players are allowed on the field. The tenth player must play in the outfield.
There are no walks.
There will be no base stealing.
Bunts are allowed. No fake bunt swings allowed.
Protests are not allowed.
A manager, coach, or approved staff member will operate a pitching machine as noted in “d”. No bunting off of a coach pitch.
Each batter is allowed a maximum of 5 pitches (strikes) off the machine. If the ball is not put into play the batter is declared out. If the 5th pitch is fouled off, the player continues their at-bat (as they would with 2 strikes in live pitching).
The ball is dead if the batted ball hits the pitching machine. Players will advance one base and the batter is awarded first base.
Courtesy runners may be used for catchers at any time. The runner shall be the player who made the last batted out.
During live pitching, after ball four, the batter will hit off a coach’s pitch and be limited to a maximum of three pitches total.
If a pitched ball hits a player, they shall be given the choice of taking their base or receiving three pitches from the coach.
During live pitching, a coach on the defensive team shall umpire.
Pitchers are limited to 50 pitches per game or one inning per game, but may exceed 50 pitches to complete a player’s at bat.
Pitchers shall be removed as pitchers after walking 5 hitters or hitting 3 hitters in an inning.
Players shall not act as first or third base coaches.
Rained out games may not be rescheduled. The scheduler may attempt to schedule makeup games, depending on field availability.
Scores and divisional standings shall not be kept. In order to prepare for the AA tournament, score will be kept during the last two weeks of the regular season. The teams participating in the game shall be responsible for providing a scorekeeper and scoreboard operator.
The Division Representative will coordinate the AA division championship tournament at the conclusion of the season and will set the schedule and rules.
Pitching machines will be set between 38-42MPH.
E. A Division
All A division games will be limited to one hour.
No new inning shall start within five minutes of the end time.
Innings will end when three outs are made, or when the entire batting order has had one at bat. The number of players in the batting lineup is not relevant.
There will be no base stealing.
Each batter is allowed a maximum of 5 pitches (strikes) off the machine. If the ball is not put into play the batter is declared out. If the 5th pitch is fouled off, the player continues their at-bat (as they would with 2 strikes in live pitching).
If a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the ball is dead. Players will advance one base and the batter is awarded first.
All play stops when the defensive team returns the ball to the pitching area. The pitching area is determined as (roughly) a ten-foot radius around the mound.
A manager, coach, or approved staff member will operate the pitching machine.
Approved adult must remain in the dugout when children are present.
All players take the field, with standard infield positions being filled. All others will play in the outfield.
Players shall have the opportunity to play all positions, consistent with any safety concerns. Players shall be rotated between infield and outfield positions every inning, consistent with any safety concerns.
Protests are not allowed.
Rained out games are not subject to being rescheduled. The Division Representative may attempt to schedule makeup games depending on field availability.
Scores and divisional standings shall not be kept.
Defensive coaches on the field must be positioned on the outfield grass.
Pitching machine will be set between 38-42MPH at coaches discretion
Teams must be able to field nine (9) players. If a team fails to place nine players the managers of both teams can elect to use players from the opposing team so that the game can be played.
The coach/umpire feeding the machine may elect to call a “no pitch” if the ball is over the head of the batter, in the dirt or otherwise unhittable if and only if the batter does not swing.
F. T-Ball
Tee-ball playing time will be one hour.
Teams will bat the entire roster. All players shall bat each inning.
The batters will hit off the tee only until the final two weeks of the season. During the last two weeks of the season ”coach pitch” can be used for up to a maximum of 5 pitches. Thereafter the batter will return to hitting off the tee.
All players take the field, with standard infield positions being filled. All others will play in the outfield.
The defensive team will umpire the calls on the field.
Players shall be rotated between infield and outfield positions every inning consistent with any safety concerns.
Post-Season Events
VLL Intermediate
The regular season is for development and fun and will have no impact on the end of season tournament. Seeding for the end of season championship tournament will be determined by a draw of numbers 2 weeks prior to the end of the regular season. The winner of the tournament will be named Intermediate champion and represent VLL at the Tournament of Champions
2. VLL Major Division Playoffs
The regular season is for development and fun and will have no impact on the end of season tournament. Seeding for the end of season championship tournament will be determined by a draw of numbers 2 weeks prior to the end of the regular season. The winner of the tournament will be named Majors champion and represent VLL at the Tournament of Champions.
3. VLL AAA Division Playoffs
The regular season is for development and fun and will have no impact on the end of season tournament. Seeding for the end of season championship tournament will be determined by a draw of numbers 2 weeks prior to the end of the regular season. The winner of the tournament will be named AAA champions and represent VLL at the Tournament of Champions.
4. VLL AA Division Tournament
All AA Division teams will play in the end-of-season tournament.
The seeding for the tournament will be determined by random draw.
Tournament rules and schedules will be set by the AA Division Representative.
5. Vista City Tournament
All Major and AAA division teams will be eligible to play in the Vista City Tournament.
In the Majors and AAA Division the league champions shall earn the #1 seed and all other teams will be seeded based on VLL tournament outcome
Refund policy
Vista Little League incurs costs each season, including but not limited to utilities, groundskeeping, equipment purchases, uniforms, registration processing, and other year-round operating expenses The VLL refund policy is as follows and all requests MUST be submitted in writing to the VLL President. Communication through managers/coaches/volunteers will not be accepted.
Refunds (less administrative/processing fees) are available upon request based on the below schedule:
Refund requests prior to the pre-season registration deadline for any season or clinic will be honored (less any administrative/processing fees)
If the pre-season registration deadline has passed and a refund request is made prior to Opening Day/First Game of the division your child is placed in/First Day of a Clinic - a refund will be honored at a 50% rate (less any administrative/processing fees)
Refunds after Opening Day/First Game/First Clinic will not be honored, no exceptions.
Please refer to Covid-19 Protocols listed on our website for the most up to date information.