The local rules, ground rules and/or bylaws of this Local League shall expire at the end of each fiscal year, and are not considered part of this Constitution. Unless otherwise stated in this document, TLL rules will defer to Little League rules, as expressed in the Little League Baseball Rules Official Regulations and Playing Rules handbook. Note: Please review 2020 regular season and tournament play rule changes found on LLI website.
I. General League Policy
Registration: The Torrington Little League requires a Registration Fee for each child
participating in a Little League program to be collected during the registration period. The fee amount will be set and approved by the Board of Directors. The League must allow for individual hardship cases, where it can be clearly established that a family does not have the means to afford participation.
Refunds policy: Refunds will only be considered if asked for in writing to the President of the league.
REFUND TYPE TIME FRAME
Full refund Anytime prior to drafting/forming teams
Partial refund Anytime after the draft but prior to the requesting (cost of league minus cost of jersey & hat) player's 2nd scheduled game during the season
No refund After player's 2nd scheduled
Board of Directors Meeting Schedule: Schedule, agenda and minutes are made available to members at http://torringtonlittleleague.com. The following schedule has been adopted for 2020.
• Preseason: 7:00 pm, Mondays (at board’s discretion & subject to change) at Northwest Connecticut Chamber of Commerce - 333 Kennedy Dr.
• In-season: Monthly at The Oak Ave Club House. Time and day is contingent upon local game scheduling.
2020 Standing Committees:
• Disciplinary Committee: Responsible for reviewing disciplinary cases involving members of any Member of class, including players and coaches, brought before the Board of Directors. The Disciplinary Committee has the authority to recommend
consequence, including suspension or termination of membership. (see TLL Constitution Article III, Section 4)
• Fundraising Committee: Responsible for planning, organizing and marketing community fundraising with the goal of keeping costs low to ensure maximum member/league benefit. All funds will be used to continue, enhance or extend programs, facilities and services of the League. The Fundraising Committee will also create and propose strategies for recruitment of volunteers for concession stand operation.
• Winter Practice Committee: Responsible for obtaining a facility, scheduling and planning practices, and recruiting volunteers.
II. Players:
Division Alignment: Determined by League Age. *Exceptions may apply – See appendix.
• Tee Ball: Age 5
• Instructional: Ages 6 - 8
• AA: 8 - 10
• AAA: 9 - 11
• Majors 11-12*
• Juniors 13-14 (See Green Book for rules/regulations)
Pre-Season Player Assessments: Players ages league age 8-14 will be placed into Divisions based upon skill evaluation and assessment performed by Board of Directors approved Evaluation Team. The Evaluation Team averaged highest/ lowest score will be eliminated from the final count. Returning Majors players are exempt from this process. Parents of players age 7 may request an assessment.
Each player will be evaluated and scored on five skills using a point scale. For example:
Skills 1 through 4 are graded on a 5-point scale; Skill 5 is graded on a 3-point scale:
1. Throwing (1-5) 2. Hitting (1-5) 3. Fly Balls (1-5) 4. Ground balls (1-5)
5. Pitching (1-3) * Optional *
President and Player Agent will place players based on age, assessment score, safety risks and league enrollment
The Player Agent may request input regarding those players scoring borderline, but final decision as to which players are made eligible for each division will be made by the Player Agent.
A Division: A Division provides an instructional yet moderately competitive setting for young players to further develop fundamentals and continue to build on skills acquired. There is no assessment for A division except to play up. 8-year-olds may assess for AA upon completion of 1 year in A Division.
III. Regular Season Draft Method:
The team rosters may be comprised of players of league age 8 – 14 unless modified by Torrington Little League per options established by Little League International.
Secrecy: Players shall never be told the position in which they were drafted. What happens in the draft room, stays in the draft room.
A. The Majors Division will use Plan A – Conventional Draft Plan as defined in the Little League Operating Manual.
Selection Process: The REGULAR SEASON last place team (regardless of playoff results) of the preceding season gets the first choice in every round of the draft, the next to last place team gets the second selection in every round of the draft, and the remaining teams select in reverse order of standing.
Example of Plan A draft order with four (4) Majors teams where Team #1 had the worst record in the previous season, Team #2 had the second worst record, etc.:
1st Round: 1, 2, 3, 4 2nd Round: 1, 2, 3, 4 3rd Round: 1, 2, 3, 4, etc.
Note: If multiple returning teams require a Manager those team assignments will be determined by draw.
Bonus Picks: Once a team reaches NINE players, they will not draft again until ALL other teams reach NINE players. The draft will continue in the original order until that threshold is met by all teams.
Returning Major’s Players: Once a player is drafted to a major’s team, they are to remain on that team until they are no longer eligible for majors. There could be circumstances that would permit a child to be released from a team and allowed to reenter the draft. These circumstances should typically be viewed as exceptional and rare. Circumstances generally not considered justified include: poor performance, lack of playing time, unhappiness with role on team, poor team record, etc. Any justification for being released from a team should include issues that impact the well-being of the player or other players on the team; have some serious legal implications, or some serious hardship to the player or family. A letter of request with specific reasoning must be provided to the Player Agent prior to the DRAFT. The Player Agent will consult with the parent and player, team manager, Coaching Coordinator, and President prior to making the final decision.
B. AAA & AA will use a Serpentine Draft Plan
Selection Process: The order of finish for the previous season does not matter. Managers draw numbers out of a hat to determine draft order.
Example of the “serpentine” draft using six (6) teams:
1st Round: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 (i.e. in order of draft number)
2nd Round: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 (i.e. in reverse order of draft number) 3rd Round: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6
4th Round: 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, etc.
Draft Options (All Divisions): An option is an agreement between a manager and the Player Agent covering a special condition. All options must be in writing (except no. 1) and submitted to the Player Agent 48 hours prior to the draft. The options are as follows:
1. Brothers/Sisters in Draft: When there are two or more siblings in the draft and the first brother/sister is drafted by a manager, that manager automatically has an option to draft the other brother/sister on the next turn. If the manger does not exercise the option, the second sibling is then available to be drafted by any team.
2. Brothers/Sisters of Players Currently on a Team: If desired, a manager shall submit an option in writing on a draftee if the player’s candidate’s brother or sister is a member of that manager’s team. If such an option is submitted, the manager MUST draft the sibling within the first three draft selections.
3. Sons/Daughters of Managers: If a manager has sons and/or daughters that are eligible for the draft, and wishes to draft them, he/she must submit the option in writing. If so stated, the parent/manager is required to exercise the option at or before the close of the specific draft round, depending on the league age of sons and/or daughters. Parent/manager option takes priority over any other option.
4. Sons/Daughters of Coaches: A NEW coach shall not be appointed nor approved until after the draft to avoid “Red Shirting” of players through selective coaching appointments. A returning coach, through the manager may exercise an option in writing to the Player Agent provided:
• The coach has served as a manager or coach in the league (at any level) for the past two years AND,
• The coach is returning to the same Major League team as last year.
IMPORTANT: In order for a manager to exercise this option, the coach must qualify under BOTH conditions above.
5. Draft Rounds (Majors/AAA) A manager must draft his eligible son and/or daughter by the end of the following rounds, each additional child must follow same guidelines:
• 12-Year-Old: Must be drafted before end of round 3
• 11-Year-Old: Must be drafted before end of round 4
• 9-10-Year-Old: Must be drafted before end of round 5 6. Special Considerations (All Divisions):
• If the manager chooses, the option on son or daughter may be waived.
• In the event the parent becomes a manager in another league, that parent may not claim their son or daughter.
• Players are eligible only in the league whose boundaries include the parent/manager’s home residence (as defined by Little League).
• When a vacancy occurs during the playing season, the player selected to fill the vacancy becomes a permanent member of the team, governed by the same regulations as all members of the team selected in the draft.
• Parents of Major League players who become managers or coaches after their
children have been selected to a Major League may not be automatically claimed, but may trade for them at the proper time, subject to the requirements for trading, under the trading section of these rules.
7. Trading: Managers may, if they desire, trade players upon completion of draft, trades may only take place immediately following the draft. All trades shall be made through and with the approval of the Player Agent and League President. The following restrictions apply:
• Minor League players may not be traded for Major League Players.
• All trades must be player for player. (Example: two players from Team A cannot be traded for one player from Team B.)
• Trades involving player for draft pick are not permitted. (Example: A manager cannot trade his/her right to pick the third player overall for an existing player on another team. However, once the draft is complete, a trade may be consummated, provided it meets all other criteria for trading.)
IV. Tournament Play:
The method for selecting Tournament Team players for all divisions will include a pre-selection process led by the President and Player Agent. Pre-selection includes the appointment of District Managers, distribution of the Letter of Interest specifying tournament commitments and
compiling a player list. District Managers are determined in the pre-season by the League President and Coaching Coordinator. District Managers will select their assistant coaches from the 2020 volunteer pool.
The team selection process is governed by members of the District Selection Committee.
District Selection Committee:
• President
• Player Agent
• Upper Division Managers (AAA/Majors/Juniors)
• Managers of the District Teams (10U/11U/12U/14U)
District Team Size: To be determined by District Manager but limited to no less than 12, no more than 14.
District Team Playing Time: TBD by Manager. Rules and regulations regarding this will be clearly explained to prospective players and their parents at the required informational meeting..
Player Availability: The District manager will determine whether to allow players who will miss consecutive practice or games due to vacation on their team.
Little League International Tournament Release of Names Regulation: The release of names of players selected tournament team shall not be made before two weeks prior to the start of the tournament within their respective division, and not until eligibility of all prospective team players have been established. Violation of this rule may be cause for revocation of tournament privilege by the [LLI] Tournament Committee.
**Because the severity of consequence, failure to adhere to the Release of Names Regulation will also result in dismissal from the TLL Board of Directors and/or Manager position.
V. Torrington Little League Field Regulations
Torrington Fields:
A. Division Managers are required to be at Colangelo Field on Saturday mornings for field maintenance/ prep. A schedule will be provided at the start of the season by the league’s Grounds Keeper. If the manager is unable to attend, a representative from that team must take their place.
B. Both teams are responsible for raking the infield after games and practices.
C. Oak Ave. and West Torrington are managed by Park and Recreation; we are not allowed to do any work on these fields.
D. Managers will line the field prior to each game.
E. Managers/Coaches are responsible for ensuring that all trash is removed from in and around dugouts after games.
VI. Manager/Coach Responsibilities:
A. Pitch Count:
*Refer to the LLI Pitch Count Regulation VI Rule Change VI, d.
• Manager and /or team representative must fill out pitch count tracking form located in the score book or approved scoring system (ie Game Tracker).
• Manager and /or team representatives must meet between innings to confirm pitch count.
• The log form is to be made available to the opposing manager before and/or after each game.
• Managers are responsible for their pitchers’ pitch count. No Exceptions.
• Managers of each team will enter pitch counts on TLL web site, as well as emailing your Division Director within 24 hours of game completion.
Division Directors will check to ensure this was done.
B. HOME managers must email their Division Director with game scores, as well post on TLL website, within 24hrs of game completion.
C. As per the National Little League rules, only the manager and 2* assistant coaches are allowed in the dugout during each game. If there are additional helpers
(scorekeepers and/or, pitch counters) they must remain outside the dugout during the game.
D. Managers and/or coaches are to meet with the plate umpire before the start of each game and go over ground rules.
E. Managers are responsible for providing playing time for all players based on Division requirements. Division Directors will ensure this rule is followed by routinely monitoring their coaches’ line-ups.
F. A manager or coach who violates Green Book or TLL rules and regulations will be subject to the following discipline action: 1st offense: Written warning; 2nd offense:
Suspension of 1 game; 3rd offense: Termination of manager position. This remains on record and carries in following seasons.
VII: Playing Rules and Regulations
T-Ball Division:
The primary goals of Tee Ball are to instill love of the game, instruct children in the fundamentals of baseball and allow them to experience the value of teamwork. Targeted Skills: Players learn the rules of the game, names of defensive positions, base running, strikes and outs and are instructed in basic throwing, catching and hitting. Focus is on fun and playing with friends.
• 90 min time limit.
• Consecutive batting order is required.
• Player positions should be changed every inning.
• No official score will be kept.
• No minimum or maximum players on the roster.
• Coaches on the field: two in the field, two as base coaches and one at the Tee to coach batters.
• Parent Support: During games, parent support will be needed as coaches and for dugout supervision.
Rookie Division - Machine Pitch:
Primary goals of the Rookie division are to further cultivate a love of the game and a sense of teamwork, continued development of baseball skills and become more comfortable at the plate.
Targeted Skills: Develop situational awareness and make plays when fielding, identify the strike zone, demonstrate proper mechanics in throwing, catching, fielding and hitting.
• 2:00 hard-stop time limit.
• Pitch machine will be used for the duration of the season with exception of player pitch at managers discretion for the last two games of the season
• Players will pitch at a shorter distance (42 feet) and be accompanied by a coach.
• An inning ends when three outs are recorded or when five runs are scored whichever occurs first.
• Foul balls count as a strike and the standard two-strike foul ball rule applies.
• Players age 6 are granted four strikes.
• A 5-run limit is to be imposed each inning, which would complete the half inning, the last inning will also be a 5 run limit.
• Runners can only advance one base on an overthrow to first base.
• Leading off or stealing bases are not permitted.
• Positions must be changed every two innings though doing so every inning is recommended.
• Players should play a variety of defensive positions that they can play safely
• Consecutive batting order is required.
• Coach will serve as catcher/retrieve passed balls.
• Minimum of 2 Coaches on the field; 3 for end-of-season player pitch opportunity.
A Division:
The primary goals of A division are to advance love of the game, promote teamwork and good sportsmanship, continue to develop all baseball skills: pitching, hitting, and fielding. Targeted Skills: develop arm strength, teach relays, cutoffs, managing base runners, hitting fundamentals and base running.
• 2:00 hard-stop time limit.
• Pitching Machine will be used exclusively for the first two games.
• Player’s will pitch from 42 feet with coach on or near the mound monitoring pitching mechanics/fundamentals and/or provide protection from balls hit back to pitcher.
• Coaches must correct pitcher mechanics when needed.
• The batter will get five kid pitches.
• If the ball is not put into play, the batter will get two machine pitches
• If a player does not put the ball into play within the 7 pitches the batter will be considered out.
• Walks are not allowed.
• If there are 2 hit batters in the same inning a pitcher must be removed, 3 hit in one game and a pitcher must be removed.
• Pitching Eligibility will follow Green Book Rules. The official scorekeeper is responsible for tracking pitch count (Foul ball equals a pitch in the pitch count).
• Pitchers [with proven arm strength] will pitch from the mound (46’) the last 2 games of the season [Coaches Decision].
• A five-run limit is to be imposed each inning, which would complete the half inning, this includes the last inning.
• Runners can only advance one base on an overthrow to first base.
• Stealing bases is not permitted. Players cannot leave the base until the ball has reached the batter.
• Continuous batting order is required.
• Players must not sit in consecutive innings.
• You may pinch run for catchers only if there are two outs, this will allow the catcher to get gear on faster to start next half inning.
• Catcher must wear facemask, throat protector and cup (for male players) at all times.
• Coaches may assist with retrieval of passed balls the first 2 games of the season.
• No player can play in the infield more than 3 innings in any game.
• Minimum of 3 coaches on the field: 1 pitching, 1 infield, 1 outfield; by the end of the season, at discretion of the manager, this rule could be reduced to pitching only or eliminated.
• Sliding is permitted. No sliding into first base. Intentional sliding headfirst will be called out, unless returning to a bag.
• Wins/losses are not recorded at this level.
AA Division:
• 2:15 hard-stop time limit.
• A five-run limit is to be imposed each inning, which would complete the half inning, except in the last inning which is unlimited runs.
• Consecutive batting order is required.
• Players must not sit in consecutive innings.
• Runner cannot advance on a return throw, back to the pitcher.
• You may pinch run for catchers only if there are two outs, this will allow the catcher to get gear on faster to start next half inning.
• Pitchers must be removed after three hit batters in one inning or four in one game.
No exceptions.
• 10-run-rule after 4 innings; the away team will NOT get another at bat in the 5th if the Home team reaches the Run-rule in the bottom of the 4th inning.*
• All players shall play equal innings throughout the season
• Only 2 runs allowed on passed ball on catcher or wild pitch.
AAA Division:
• Except for playoff games, new innings may not begin 1:45 after the start of the game unless there is no game scheduled in the following time slot.
• You may pinch run for catchers only if there are two outs, this will allow the catcher to get gear on faster to start next half inning.
• Pitchers must be removed after three hit batters in one inning or four in one game.
No exceptions.
• There will be unlimited steals on passed balls to the catcher but only two allowed runs scored by passed balls per inning. This rule shall begin the first game of the season.
• Consecutive batting order is required.
• Players must not sit in consecutive innings.
• 10-run-rule after 4 innings; the away team will NOT get another at bat in the 5th if the Home team reaches the Run-rule in the bottom of the 4th inning.*
Majors Division:
• Minimum of six consecutive outs playing-time, per player, per game; players must bat at least once per game. Managers may be penalized for infractions of this rule.
• Substitution rules will follow Green Book.
• Stealing bases allowed from the start of the season, including home, on a delayed steal.
• No penalty for faking a bunt, but TLL strongly encourages players not to.
• A runner is not required to go back to base until the pitcher makes contact with the pitching rubber on the mound.
• No max-run rule per inning.
• 10-run-rule after 4 innings; the away team will NOT get another at bat in the 5th if the home team reaches the Run-rule in the bottom of the 4th inning. *
Juniors/Seniors Division:
• Rules will follow LLI Green book and may be amended by the Little League District 6 members, coaches and board.
Manager Application:
Prospective managers are required to complete and electronically submit a supplementary coaching application prior to the draft.
VIII. CPR/AED Certification:
All Board Members and Managers are required to be CPR/AED certified and must receive concussion training prior to the start of the season.
IX. Clinics:
Managers, coaches and umpires must attend the required clinics sponsored by Torrington Little League prior to the start of the season. The Information Officer is responsible for posting information on clinics to the TLL website. The Umpire-in-Chief is responsible for giving information to the umpires.
X. Social Media Code of Conduct:
Board Members, managers, coaches, players and umpires must only reflect the positive impact of Torrington Little League when utilizing social media. Any member who posts information considered detrimental to the best interests of the Local League and/or Little League Baseball, Inc. may be subject to suspension or termination (Torrington Little League Constitution, Article III, Section 4). Because TLL Board Members are public figures
responsible for creating, upholding and abiding by local league rules and regulations, a finding of purposeful disregard for the Social Media Code of Conduct will result in termination. See Regulation XIV(a) – Field Decorum pg. 55
XI. Umpire – Stealing and Relaying of Signs
Each umpire has authority to disqualify any player, coach, manager, or substitute for objecting to decisions or for unsportsmanlike conduct or language and to eject such
disqualified person from the playing field. If an umpire disqualifies a player while a play is in progress, the disqualification shall not take effect until no further action is possible in that play.
The stealing and relaying of signs to alert the batter of pitch selection and/or location is unsportsmanlike behavior. If, in the judgment of the umpire this behavior is occurring, those responsible including any player(s), coach(es), and/or manager shall be ejected from the game. See Playing Rule 9.01 (d)
Appendix:
**Section II: Division player age may vary depending upon ability/assessment scores.
