FGLL Coach Pitch Local Rules 2025
Remember to have fun, no one likes to lose, but this is not win at all costs. Please teach sportsmanship. Coaches, please remember to be a good example for your kids. Coaches must agree on any changes to play before the game starts.
These are local rules for FGLL. If not listed below, FGLL follows the current rules as outlined by Little League International.
• 5 Pitch Maximum or 3 swinging strikes
• Hitters will get 5 pitches or 3 swings. A foul tip or ball on the fifth pitch or 3rd swing will result in additional pitches until a ball is put in play or the hitter strikes out. There are no walks or free bases awarded to a batter hit by a pitch.
• An adult pitcher and no more than two adult base coaches are allowed on the field, and one adult coach must remain in the dugout. No more than four coaches (including the manager) shall be permitted on the field/dugout on game day. Base coaches shall not touch any player while the ball is in play. Any such contact shall result in the runner being called out.
• The adult pitcher must pitch from a position 40' from home plate. The adult pitcher may not issue instructions to baserunners. The adult pitcher may issue instructions to the then-current hitter between pitches. The adult pitcher must make a diligent effort to avoid balls in play and obstructing defensive players. The adult pitcher should promptly exit the field of play once a hit ball is put in play and remain in foul territory until time is called.
• USA standard bats must be used. There is no exception to this rule.
• Runners can only advance one base unless the ball is clearly hit to the outfield. The outfield is defined as the grass. If the ball has been hit into the outfield runners may advance at their own risk of being put out until the ball is in the infield and controlled by the player. Control is defined as the ball is in possession of a player. If a runner advances to a base and it is determined that the ball was under control prior to the advancement the runner will return safely to the previous base when the play is dead.
• Runners must slide on close plays or be called out. This rule is to avoid collisions and teach players how to slide properly.
• Teams must have a catcher in full protective equipment. Catcher must play in the catcher position and throw ball back to pitcher.
• No stealing or extra bases on passed balls.
• Teams change side after going through the batting order once or three outs, whichever is first. Must assume each team has the same number of players in the batting order. For example, if one team has 12 players and the other has 10, both teams bat 12 players.
• Teams may add a rover player (player not assigned to a specific position) in the infield Rover position must be decided and agreed on by both coaches prior to game start and must be the same position for both teams.
• Mercy rule is 10 runs after 4 innings.
• Coaches may be on the field during regular season games when on defense to help players pay attention and coach them. When more than 9 players on a team, extras are to play outfield.
• All players play defensively and bat. For playoffs, coaches must come to an agreement prior to the game if coaches are going to be present on the field. This decision is made, based on the safety of the players.
• Base coaches will make all calls. Be honest and fair, if unsure ask for a second opinion.
• No “Chatter” or yelling from field or dugout.
• Regular season games will be 6 innings and have a 90-minute time limit. Do not start another inning with less than 10 minutes to the end of time limit. Unless tied. Play until winner is declared. The time is determined by when the last out was made in the previous full inning. For example, when the third out is made in the bottom of the inning.
• A final score shall be agreed to by both coaches and reported to the league director by the home team.
• All rain out games should be made up as quickly as possible. Ideally within 2 weeks. Coordinate with opposite coach and confirm field availability with CP Director.
• If a game must be stopped before time limit, due to weather or other emergency type situations, both coaches will discuss and record the current inning, score, outs, players on base, which batter is up and pitch count. The remainder of the game will be rescheduled according to regular procedure and will resume where it was left off.
• Pre-Game discussion between coaches must take place 5 minutes before each game starts. Make sure both coaches agree on game time start prior to the game.
• If one team does not show up, or does not have at least 8 players, it is declared a forfeit. If a coach needs to change the date of a game, it must be done in advance of the scheduled game and must be rescheduled on the official schedule prior to game time. For example, no “verbal agreements” as to when a game time will be made up.
• Standings for the regular season will be used to seed teams for a single elimination playoff tournament. The seeding will be done by win-loss record. Seeding on the web site is automatically done and is final. Single elimination playoff tournament will be at the discretion of FGLL and may be altered, changed, or eliminated based on weather conditions, field availability or any other reason.
• Playoff games will not have time limits or end in ties. The full 6 innings will be played or until there is a winner.
• To promote skill development at all positions, each player must rotate at least one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield during every game, whenever possible. Exceptions may be made for safety concerns or other justifiable reasons at the coach’s discretion agreed on prior to game start.