2019 Desert Ridge Little League Bylaws

General

1. Objective: The objective of DRLL shall be to implant firmly in the children of the community the ideals

of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage, and respect for authority, so that they may be well

adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy

citizens.

Additionally, it is the expectation that the Little League program will give every eligible child the

opportunity to participate in Little League baseball to the fullest extent possible. Managers, coaches

and parents must always remember that the winning of a baseball game is secondary to the safety and

development of each child.

2. Registration. Each player must register online. Any players seeking a scholarship or payment

arrangements will be required to complete the appropriate form and submit with the required

documents to the DRLL Board of Directors for approval. Active board members are entitled to a 50%

reduction in registration fees for their child(ren) every year of active board membership and 1 free

registration on their second and subsequent years of active participation. PLEASE NOTE: Any DRLL

Board member may be removed from the Board by the Executive Board for missing 3 consecutive

meetings (special circumstances will be addressed individually due to work, health, etc) and will not be

entitled to the reduction in fees.

3. Divisions:

Pee- wee: ages 4, 5, and 6 (If never played t-ball) year olds. Objective: To instruct players in the

fundamentals of the game in a fun, low-key atmosphere. Winning and losing is not part of this

division.

Farm: ages 6 and 7 year olds (if first year playing). Objective: To further instruct the players on

the fundamentals of the game in a fun, low key atmosphere. Emphasis in this program should

be on the proper techniques and mechanics, such as throwing, catching, running, hitting and

field positions.

Rookie: ages 7 (must have played at least one year in farm), and 8 year olds. Objective: To

instruct players in the fundamentals of the game in a fun, low-key atmosphere. Provide an

outlet of healthy activity and training under good leadership. Establish the values and concepts

of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. To continue to develop the proper techniques and

mechanics, such as throwing, catching, running, hitting and pitching. To introduce the tactics

and strategies of the game.

Minor: ages 9 and 10 year olds. To establish the values and concepts of teamwork,

sportsmanship, and fair play. To challenge the players towards the perfections of physical skills

and continue to instruct and learn the tactics and strategies of the game.

Major: ages 11 and 12 year olds. To establish the values and concepts of teamwork,

sportsmanship and fair play. To challenge the players towards the perfections of physical skills

and to continue to instruct and learn the tactics and strategies of the game.

Junior: ages 13, 14 and 15 year olds. To establish the values and concepts of teamwork,

sportsmanship and fair play. To challenge the players towards the perfections of physical skills

and to continue to instruct and learn the tactics and strategies of the game.

4. Playing up/down: A player must play in their designated division unless prior approval from the

Board of Directors. Players who want to play up must have played at least one year in the division

below they wish to advance to, and must not be more than 1 year younger than the division league

ages. It is strongly discouraged to request a player to play down. Special circumstances will be heard

and voted on by the Board of Directors.

League Operating Procedures and expectations:

1. Code of Conduct

-All teams WILL participate in opening and closing day activities as designated by the Board of Directors.

-Use of tobacco products are prohibited at all DRLL facilities.

-Use of alcoholic beverages in any form is prohibited at all DRLL facilities. If an umpire or Board Member

on Duty suspects you are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, you will be asked to leave the facility.

-All managers and coaches must conduct themselves in an exemplary manner. Misconduct or disregard

for player safety during DRLL activities will not be tolerated and are subject to review and possible

disciplinary action by the DRLL Board of Directors.

-Managers are responsible for the conduct of their coaches, players, and fans. Under no circumstances

will the umpire(s) be bothered or harassed during or after the game. Misconduct by managers, coaches,

players and/or spectators will not be tolerated and shall be subject to review and possible disciplinary

action by the DRLL Board of Directors.

-Violations of rules by managers and coaches could result in disciplinary action by the DRLL Board of

Directors.

-Disciplinary actions may include a verbal warning up to and including removal from DRLL.

2. Disciplinary Actions, Suspensions and Ejections

-Disciplinary actions may include a verbal warning up to and including removal from DRLL.

-Any violation of the Code of Conduct by any person is subject to review and possible disciplinary action

by the board of directors.

-Any manager or coach ejected from a game in progress must leave the playing site without delay (this

includes the parking lot) and the game will not resume until the ejected person has complied. A player

ejected during a game may remain in the dugout for the remainder of the game but must not participate

in any part of the game from which he/she was ejected. If needed, the ejected person may return to the

facility to tend to their injured or sick dependent or to pick them up post game but shall not engage with

anyone regarding the ejection. Any spectator ejected from a game in progress or asked to leave by a

Board Member on Duty must leave the playing site without delay (this includes the parking lot).

-In the event of an ejection of a player or manager/coach, the Executive Board and the ejected person (if

they choose) shall meet within 24 hours of the ejection if possible, but no later than prior to the second

game post ejection.

-All ejections carry with it a minimum 1 (one) game suspension, unless the Executive Board deem

otherwise. The ejected person must serve the suspension for the next regularly scheduled game that is

played. They are not permitted at the facility before, during, or after the game in which they are serving

their suspension.

-An umpire must provide a report to the league president within 24 hours of an ejection, detailing the

circumstances surrounding the ejection.

-Any form of harassment, intimidation or discourteous treatment of a junior/youth umpire by any

manager, coach or parent will not be tolerated and shall result in an immediate ejection from the

playing site, by the umpire or Board Member on Duty. Said person(s) may be required to appear before

the Executive Board to show good cause why they should not be removed from the league.

3. Team Selection Process

Rookie, Minor, Major, Jr. Divisions:

-All players registered for rookie division and above must participate in the appropriate player

evaluation. During the evaluation the managers will individually evaluate each players’ skill level on

fielding, batting, base running, hustle and general attitude. Any player who does not participate in the

evaluation will be placed in the blind draft.

-After the evaluations, the managers, player agent, and president will participate in a draft. The

managers will draw numbers before the draft begins to determine the order of the player selection. The

draft will be a “snake draft” meaning the manager receiving the first pick in round 1 will receive the last

pic in round 2. The manager receiving the last pick in round 1 will receive the first pick in round 2. This

will continue until all players have been selected.

-All coaches may retain a player for the purpose of an assistant coach. The players parent/assistant

coach must complete a Retained Player Waiver and IT MUST BE PRESENT AT THE DRAFT. This player will

go in the 2nd round of the draft.

-If all of the managers have a child eligible to be drafted, they will automatically be placed on the

respective team, without using a drafting spot. If there is a manager without a child eligible to be

drafted, the parent/manager(s) must draft their child by the close of the 4th round.

-When there are two or more siblings in the draft and the first sibling is drafted by a manager, that

manager is required to draft the other sibling(s) on the next turn.

-Players that did not attend the evaluation process will be placed in the blind draft. After the final draft

pick from the players that were evaluated is complete, the manager that is next in the prescribed draft

order will make the first pick in the blind draft. The remainder of the blind draft will continue in draft

order until all players have been assigned to a team. Players names will be drawn out of a hat.

-Any player that registers after the draft is completed will be assigned to a team at random. The

remaining coaches from the non-completed draft round will have their name placed in a hat. When a

player registers after the draft is completed, a coach will be drawn from the hat. Once all coaches have

an equal number of players, all coaches names are placed in the hat.

-Once the player draft is completed; the managers will have a maximum of 30 minutes to complete any

trades. No trades will take place once the managers leave the draft room.

Pee-wee and Coach Pitch:

- Instead of implementing a draft, the League Registration Coordinator will as equally as possible, divide

the players into the specified number of teams, trying to accommodate coach and friend requests as

best as possible.

4. All Stars

The DRLL president or his/her designee will serve ex-officio as the director of the All-Star Committee.

The committee shall consist of the minor and major division directors, player agent, and 1 other Board

of Directors member.

- Selection of Managers and coaches- Any coach from the minor and major divisions interested in

coaching an All Star team must submit an All Star Coach Application to the president by May 1st. The All

Star committee will select the all star managers from the applications. The selection will be made based

on managers’ attitude, general conduct and sportsmanship, baseball knowledge, and coaching

experience. The Board of Directors shall have final approval authority over the committees’ selection.

Upon a successful motion to disapprove a manager selection(s), the Board may replace the selected

manager(s) via motion to appoint an alternative manager. A successful motion shall require a simple

majority quorum of the Board of Directors at a duly called and properly noticed meeting of the Board of

Directors.

- Team Selections- All players will be evaluated by each manager in their respective divisions twice a

season- once at mid-season and once after regular season play. The managers will nominate 15 players

from the entire division that they feel should be considered for All Stars. The committee will compile a

list of all nominated and eligible players. The Committee and All Star managers will select the teams

from that list.

- All Star managers must have a minimum of 2 mandatory practices per week, starting within 10 days

team selection. If the league is paying for any part of the practice (location rental, etc.) the practice

must be mandatory.

- All Star Attendance policy- Any player selected for the all star team must be available for 2-5 practices

a week for the month of June and July (should the team advance in the tournament). If a player is not

able to commit to being available for all practices and games, he/she will not be selected for the all-star

team. Upon selection for an all star team the following attendance requirements are mandatory:

1. Absences from mandatory practices beyond one must be approved by the all star committee.

2. 3 or more unexcused absences from practices will result in removal from the all-star team.

3. Any unexcused missed game will result in removal from the all-star team.

5. End of Season Intradivision Tournaments

Rookie, Minor, and Major divisions of 4 teams or more shall participate in an end of season tournament.

Seeding from regular season standings will be employed to determine tournament pairings. Any byes

that occur will be given to the team(s) with the highest ranking(s).

At the conclusion of the regular season division play, the team with the most wins shall be granted first

seed in the tournament. In the event two (2) or more teams have an equal number of wins, the

following elements will be used to determine final standing within the Division (in order):

1. Head-to-head won/loss between teams (only if involved teams played one another

an equal amount of times).

2. Fewest losses overall during season.

3. Fewest runs allowed in head-to-head competition.

4. Most runs scored in head-to-head competition.

5. Run differential (total runs scored minus runs allowed).

6. Coin toss.

NOTE: In the event that the teams within a division play an unequal number of games

then win percentage will be used to determine the final standings. Win percentage is

defined as Total Wins/Total Games Played.

6. Managers and Coaches

-Managers for the DRLL Divisions shall be approved and appointed by the Board of Directors prior to the

start of each season.

-Each team is allowed one manager and two officially registered coaches. Prior to the first game of the

season, each manager shall submit the names of his/her coaches to their Division Director. ALL

volunteers MUST submit a volunteer application before working with any youth. Please note: more

people are allowed to assist during practices as long as a volunteer application has been submitted.

C: Game Preliminaries

Fields and Facilities:

- Each team must do their part before and after every game to ensure that the playing fields are kept in

the best possible condition. It is each teams responsibility to clean up their dugout and bleachers after

every game.

- Home team will sit in the 3rd base dugout.

- Before game: HOME team shall be responsible for preparing the field before each game. This includes

dragging the field, watering the field, grooming the mound, lining the base paths and batters box,

installing the bases, and installing shades over the dugouts (Saturday games only). It is the responsibility

of the team managers and umpires to walk the fields for hazards and obstructions prior to the game IF

THE FIELD IS NOT COMPLETELY PREPARED 5 MINUTES BEFORE THE START OF THE GAME THE HOME

TEAM WILL FORFEIT HOME TEAM STATUS (unless it was due to reasons beyond their control).

- After game: If it is the last game of the day, the AWAY team will be required to rake/drag the batters

box and pitching mound. Away team shall remove bases and store all equipment in the shed. All rakes,

hoses, pitching machines, pitching mounds, bases, etc shall be neatly put away, not just tossed into

storage. FAILURE TO COMPLETE ALL FIELD CLEAN-UPS POST GAME, WILL RESULT IN THE FORFEIT OF

THE NEXT HOME TEAM STATUS.

Official Scorekeeper:

-The home team shall be responsible for providing an official scorekeeper for each game. The game will

not begin until the scorekeeper is in place and ready.

- When the home plate umpire calls “play” prior to the first pitch of the game, the official scorekeeper

will record the official start time. This is the only start time that will be considered valid.

- At the conclusion of each game, the opposing managers shall agree upon the score of the game and

the pitch counts for each pitcher used in that game prior to leaving the playing facility. All scores and

pitch counts shall be recorded on the Score Card and given to the Jr. Umpire or Board Member on Duty

before leaving the field.

- In the event of a dispute over score or pitch count that cannot be resolved between the managers (or

designees), the respective division director shall be contacted resolve the issue within 24 hours.

Starting and Ending a game:

-If a team is unable to field 8 player 15 minutes after the scheduled start time of a game, the umpire

shall notify the Board Member on Duty, who will contact the president or vice president to determine if

the game should be forfeited. If neither are available, the Board member on duty will make that

decision. Note- there will have to be extenuating circumstances for the game not to be a forfeit.

- If the start of a game is delayed by a player who arrives prior to the 15 minutes time limit, the actual

start time of the game shall be used to calculate end-of-game time limits when applicable.

- If at any time during a game a team cannot put 8 players on the field or have 8 players available in their

batting order the game shall be considered over. The team unable to field 8 players will forfeit the game

to the opponent.

- In the event the umpire(s) have not arrived ten minutes after the scheduled start time, the managers

will start the game using one parent from each team as umpires. Upon their arrival, the official

umpire(s) will assume their duties only at the end of a full inning. A game will not be rescheduled due to

lack of umpires. (NOTE- Pee wee and farm do not use umpires).

Rescheduling of a game:

- Games that have been postponed due to inclement weather or field issues will be rescheduled by the

Board of Directors no later than the first available make-up date. The potential absence of a manager,

coach or specific player is not grounds for postponement.

- Major division may play one double header in a calendar week

- Minor and rookie- no team shall be scheduled to play 2 games in one day.

Pool Players (rookie, minor and major divisions):

-Teams unable to field a roster of nine players from their regular roster must notify the Player Agent for

pool players.

-A team shall only as many pool players to roster a nine player team (up to 3 pool players). If a regular

rostered player shows up after the game starts, the pool player may continue to bat but must not play

defensively unless needed to field 9.

- Pool player may only play left field, center field, or right field.

- Managers may NOT request a specific pool player or call a player from another team to play in lieu of a

registered pool player. All pool players must be arranged by the player agent.

- Pool players must wear their regular teams uniform.

- Players may play no more than two games in one day.

PEE WEE

PERTINENT BASEBALL RULES

ALL MANAGERS AND coaches must refer to and follow the rules for your division. The following are

pertinent rules for your division per DRLL.

A. A minimum of 8 players is desired to play a game (if for some reason one team is short players and

the other team has more than 9, it is suggested some of the players should help field the team that is

short.

B. Each game will be 3 innings OR 1 hour and 15 minutes, whichever comes first. Time limits must be

adhered to. Games not completed in the allowed time of 1 hour and 15 minutes will end at that time.

C. Both teams are responsible for providing game balls for their team while at bat. They MUST be the

balls provided by the league. The home team is responsible for providing and setting up the bases and

tee.

D. All players should wear their uniforms such as team shirt and hat. Shoes can only be rubber soled

and closed toe. No metal spikes or metal cleats are permitted. Protective cups are not required. -Every

player on a team must play. All platers on each team will be assigned a field position during the

defensive portion of each inning. Players must field the standard baseball defensive positions with

remaining players placed in the outfield at the coaches discretion. Players should be given the

opportunity to field different positions.

E. The pitcher must stay 25 feet from the batting tee.

F. Teams will bat through their complete roster every inning. No change in the batting order is

permitted once the game has started. Players who arrive after the start of the game will be placed at

the end of the lineup. The last batter rounds all the bases and the inning changes. There may be 11

players in the field, 5 in the outfield. No player should sit out 2 or more consecutive innings. All players

should rotate positions.

G. Distance between bases will be 35 feet.

H. No strike outs.

I. No stealing

J. The batters and runners will advance one base at a time on a batted ball unless the batted ball reaches

the outfield. If the batter ball reaches the outfield then the batter and runners may advance two bases.

K. No score will be kept.

L. HAVE FUN!

FARM

Pertinent baseball rules

ALL MANAGERS AND coaches must refer to and follow the rules for your division. The following are

pertinent rules for your division per DRLL.

A. A minimum of 8 players is desired to play a game (if for some reason one team is short players and

the other team has more than 9, it is suggested some of the players should help field the team that is

short.

B. Each game will be 5 innings or 1.5 hours, whichever comes first. Time limits must be adhered to.

Games not completed in the allotted 1.5 hours will be considered completed at that time.

C. Both teams are responsible for providing game balls for their team while at bat. They MUST be the

balls provided by the league. The home team is responsible for providing and setting up the bases. The

games will be coach pitch until April 15th. Any games on and thereafter April 15th MUST use a pitching

machine. The home team is responsible for providing and setting up the pitching machine. The team

batting will provide a 1st and 3rd base umpire (coaches or parents).

D. Teams will bat through their complete roster every inning. No change in the batting order is

permitted once the game has started. Players who arrive after the start of the game will be placed at

the end of the lineup. The last batter rounds all the bases and the inning changes. The batter will get 8

pitches and if by the 8th pitch does not hit the ball fair, the batter is out and returns to the bench. There

are no walks. If the batter is hit by a pitch it is considered a dead ball.

E. When 3 defensive outs have been made, the bases will be cleared and the outs start over at 0, and so

on until all the offensive players have hit.

F. The ball is dead when the ball is returned to the pitcher or pitching coach.

G. On any attempted play at a base where an error or overthrow ensues, the runners will be permitted

to advance at their own risk, but not more than one base.

H. Only 4 outfielders are permitted. No more than 10 players shall be on the field while on defense. No

player may sit more than one inning a game. No player should sit out 2 or more consecutive innings. All

players should rotate positions.

I. Two coaches may be in the outfield while their team is on defense, to verbally assist and instruct the

players.

J. There is no sliding, bunting, infield fly rule, or stealing.

K. Distance between bases will be 45 feet.

L. NO SCORE SHALL BE KEPT!

M. Have fun!

Rookie

PERTINENT BASEBALL RULES

ALL MANAGERS AND coaches must refer to and follow the rules for your division. The following are

pertinent rules for your division per DRLL.

A. All players must be in the batting lineup. The batting order must remain the same the entire game. If

a player arrives late, he will be added to the bottom of the order. If the player must leave a game for

any reason. The coach will notify the other team and that players spot will be skipped in the order.

B. A team can field 10 on defense (4 outfielders and 6 infielders). Each player must play the field and

cannot sit out consecutive innings. Coaches shall do their best to allow players to try different positions.

C. The first 2 innings will be pitched by the players. The remaining innings will be machine pitch. The

machine will be set up by the home team. At the end of the game, the visitors will break down the

machine and return it to the shed. In the event of mechanical problems and the pitching machine

cannot be used, the players shall pitch the rest of the game.

D. A game will consist of 6 innings or no new inning after 1 hour and 30 minutes, whichever comes first.

The winning team will be determined by the score of the last completed inning. An inning will consist of

3 outs or 5 runs, whichever comes first. If the game makes it to the 5th inning, it is unlimited runs for the

remainder of the game.

E. Bases will be 50 ft apart.

F. The distance from home to the pitching rubber will be 40 feet.

G. Base stealing is not permitted. Runners may advance only one base on an overthrow even if the ball is

in the field of play. Runners may not advance on balls overthrown to the pitcher from the catcher or

another fielder once play has stopped and runners safely occupy a base if the pitcher is in the vicinity of

the pitchers mound. If a runner is off a base for any reason, while the ball is live, and tagged by the

defense, that runner will be considered out.

H. There is no infield fly rule.

I. There are no intentional walks.

J. Batted balls that hit the pitching machine are considered a single. All base runners will advance one

base.

K. If a player is hit by a pitch off of the pitching machine the ball is considered dead.

L. There is no head first diving.

Minors

PERTINENT BASEBALL RULES

ALL MANAGERS AND coaches must refer to and follow the rules for your division. The following are

pertinent rules for your division per DRLL. Please refer to the Little League Rule Book for more detailed

rules.

A. All players to be in the hitting lineup. If a player arrives late they are added to the end of batting line

up.

B. Teams are limited to scoring no more than 5 runs in a single inning, once the 5th run is scored the

inning is considered over. The 5th and 6th innings are unlimited runs.

C. Mercy run rule: If after the 5th inning, one team is ahead by 10 or more runs, the game will be

considered over.

D. Maximum of 6 innings per game. With no new inning to start after 1 hour and 45 minutes. If a game

is tied after 6 innings and time still remains within the 1 hour and 45 min limit an extra inning may be

started and completed. If game is still tied it will end in a tie.

E. All players must wear protective cups.

F. Game balls will be provided by the Board Member on Duty.

G. If a player is injured or needs to leave the game for whatever reason, the team will skip over them

when their time at bat comes up without penalty.

H. All pitching rule must be adhered to and can be found in the Little League Rule Book.

I. Infield fly rule DOES apply.

J. Bases will be 60 feet apart. Pitching distance is 46 feet.

K. There is no leading off and no diving head first.

L. Pitching rules, including rest days, can be found in the Little League Book of Operations.

M. Standard fielding positions shall be used. All players will be given the opportunity to play defense.

No player shall sit consecutive innings. It is encouraged to allow players to play different positions.

Majors

PERTINENT BASEBALL RULES

ALL MANAGERS AND coaches must refer to and follow the rules for your division. The following are

pertinent rules for your division per DRLL. Please refer to the Little League

A. All players to be in the hitting lineup. If a player arrives late they are added to the end of batting line

up.

B. Mercy run rule: If after 4 innings, 3 ½ if the home team is ahead, a team has a lead of 10 or more runs

the game will be considered over.

C. Maximum of 6 innings per game. With no new inning to start after 1 hour and 45 minutes. If a game

is tied after 6 innings and time still remains within the 1 hour and 45 min limit an extra inning may be

started and completed. If game is still tied it will end in a tie.

D. All players must wear protective cups.

E. Game balls will be provided by the Board Member on Duty.

F. If a player is injured or needs to leave the game for whatever reason, the team will skip over them

when their time at bat comes up without penalty.

G. Pitching distance is 46 feet. Base distance is 60 feet.

H. Infield fly rule does apply.

I. There is no leading off or head first diving.

J. Pitching rules, including rest days, can be found in the Little League Book of Operations.

K. Uncaught 3rd strike: A batter becomes a runner when the third strike is not caught, providing (1) first

base is unoccupied or (2) first base is occupied with two out. Note: A batter forfeits his/her opportunity

to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area.

L. Standard fielding positions shall be used. All players will be given the opportunity to play defense. No

player shall sit consecutive innings. It is encouraged to allow players to play different positions.

Juniors:

Junior teams will follow the rules and bylaws of the League in which they are interleauging with.