Section II - Tournament Procedures

• Host League Responsibilities
• Game Day Schedule of Activities
• Tournament/Site Director Responsibilities
• Tournament Managers & Coaches Code of Conduct
• Frequently Violated Little League Rules During Tournament Play
• Little League Baseball and Softball Tournament Policy

Host League Responsibilities

Leagues hosting any District 52 sponsored tournament (Super Bowl, District All Star, Section or Division) shall agree to provide, at a minimum, the follow for all tournament games:

• Provide the best possible playing conditions. All Major or Minor games shall be played upon Major fields only. Exception to this rule can only be made with the consent of the District Administrator.
• Before each game the following, at a minimum, shall be performed: cut grass (daily), drag field, water down infield, secure bases properly and mark field (foul lines, batter's, catcher’s and coaches’ boxes, first base alley and out of bounds line, etc)
• strictly in accordance with the Little League Rule Book (see Section IV of this SOP for more details) and re-chalk batter’s box after infield practice, if needed. Foul lines shall be chalked or painted all the way to the outfield fence foul pole.
• Provide the League President or a Board Member to assist the Tournament Site Director. He/she must be familiar with regular season rules and Little League Tournament rules.
• Provide at least one current Little League rulebook in score booth. If no score booth is available, provide roped off area with table and chairs for scorekeepers. The Tournament Site Director shall establish the scorekeepers’ location away from the fans and
• ensure it has a clear and unobstructive view of the playing field.  Additionally, each Host League shall ensure that each dugout is properly roped off, or otherwise clearly delineated, to ensure that immediately prior to,
• during and immediately following each game no spectators have direct or indirect contact or communication with any player, manager or coach.
• No public access or direct contact to the dugouts shall be provided to spectators during All-Star tournaments. (District, Section, Division, Regional and World Series.)
• Provide the Tournament Site Director with written ground rules for your field at least thirty (30) minutes before game time.
• At all games, furnish a game announcer, a public address (P.A.) system, United States flag and the ability to play the National Anthem over the P.A. system. Also furnish a Safety Director, foul ball chasers and scoreboard operator.
• At least thirty minutes prior to the scheduled first pitch of each game, the Host League shall provide at least three new Little League tournament-approved (RS-T) game balls to the plate umpire, with additional new game balls available, upon request.
• Shall provide a first-aid kit and ice packs.
• Shall post in the score booth and in the snack bar the name and address of the field location, name and phone number of a doctor, ambulance, nearest hospital, fire department and police department. All host Leagues shall have a working telephone (regular or cellular) on site.
• Shall aid the Tournament Site Director in crowd control and assist the Tournament Director in whatever manner is required to properly manage and administer the Tournament.
• Host League is responsible for providing water for both dugouts.
• Provide adequate vehicle parking for all umpires scheduled to work the daily schedule of games, as well as the District Administrator or his/her designated representative.
• On the first full day of Section and/or Division tournament play, the Host League shall provide for all players, managers, coaches, and umpires, at a minimum, hamburgers/hot dogs, snack, and beverage, at no charge to any of the participants or participating leagues.

Game Day Schedule of Activities

The following schedule of activities shall be strictly adhered to for all District 52 sponsored tournaments.  If the Tournament is running behind schedule, the Tournament Director has the discretion to shorten the length of the infield practice, or cancel it outright.

• Sixty minutes prior to scheduled first pitch: Both teams arrive at field and commence warm-ups.  Only the manager and coaches listed on the affidavit may be on the field during warm-ups.
• Fifty-five minutes prior to first pitch: Each manager shall report to the Tournament Director for pre-game coin toss.  The team traveling the greatest distance to the game site shall have the option to call “heads” or “tails.”
• The winner of the coin toss then has the option to select either “home team” or “visiting team” or choice of dugout.  Once the winner has selected an option, the other team’s manager shall select one of the remaining options.
• Thirty five minutes prior to first pitch: Each manager shall submit to the Official Scorekeeper an official line-up with players’ first and last names, position, and jersey number.  All ineligible pitchers shall be clearly designated as such. 
• For information on the minimum requirements for an official line-up see Sections 2.4.7 and 3.2.1.
• Thirty minutes prior to first pitch: The Visiting team shall be allowed the option of taking infield practice for 10 minutes.
• Twenty minutes prior to first pitch: The Home team shall be allowed the option of taking infield practice for 10 minutes.
• Ten minutes prior to first pitch: Pregame Ceremonies – Introduction of complete roster (including player positions), coaches and managers.
• Only those named on the roster/affidavit shall be allowed on the field. Visiting team to be announced first, then home team. Alternatively, players are to take position from home plate to either first or third base.
• Players shall be introduced either alphabetically by last name or numerically by uniform number.  No reference as to whether the player is a “starter” or” substitute” shall be made.  Announce umpires by position. 
• Umpires to take position behind home plate facing teams.  Play National Anthem and recite Little League pledge.
• Five minutes prior to first pitch: Managers meet with the Umpires and Tournament Director at Home Plate and exchange line-ups and review ground rules.
• Schedule first pitch time: PLAY BALL!

Tournament/Site Director Responsibilities

• All Tournament/Tournament Site Directors shall comply with the following requirements when hosting a District 52 sponsored tournament:
• All Tournament/Tournament Site Directors shall have thorough knowledge of all regular season rules and Little League tournament rules and be prepared to interpret, instruct and follow them with the spirit and intent they are intended.
• Arrive at playing field one and a half (1 ½) hours before game time. Follow pre-game schedule (see Section 2.2).
• Verify pitcher eligibility by reviewing pitching logs.
• Resolve protests ONLY when called upon for help by chief umpire.
• Tournament Site Director or umpires are responsible for the inspection of playing equipment of both teams. Some items to look for are:

1. 1. (a)Bat length, bats that won't pass freely through LL approved bat ring, loose sleeves on aluminum bats, cracked bats, etc.
   2. (b)Cracked or painted helmets, decals (unless team manager has with him/her letter from manufacturer regarding the paint or decal or if it was applied by the manufacturer) or with missing or loose pads shall not be allowed.
   3. (c)Players age 12 and under playing catcher shall use long model chest protector with high collar, Junior and Senior catchers may use long or short model chest protectors. All players warming up pitcher must wear mask with dangling throat guard. Hockey-style mask must have a throat guard.
   4. (d)Rule 1.17 shall apply and be strictly enforced:

"1.1 7 All male players must wear athletic supporters. Male catchers must wear the metal, fiber or plastic type cup, and a long-model chest protector. Female catchers must wear long or short model chest protectors.

• All catchers must wear chest protectors with neck collar, throat guard, shin guards and catchers helmet all of which must meet Little League specifications and standards. Catcher’s helmet must meet NOCSAE specifications and standards.
• All catchers must wear a mask, "dangling" type throat protector and catcher's helmet during practice, pitcher warm-up and games. Note: Skull caps are not permitted.”
• Be alert throughout the game for control and safety practices. Keep fans away from both dugouts.  The Tournament Site Director is expected to remain at the playing field until completion of game.
• Check medical release forms for each player. IF THERE IS NO MEDICAL RELEASE FORM, A PLAYER CANNOT PARTICIPATE UNLESS THEIR PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN IS IN THE STANDS.
• At the end of the game make sure to:

1. 1. For All-Star teams – have official scorekeeper sign the Little League All-Star Pitching Affidavit. Ensure pitching records are posted in ink before signing. Umpires are not required to sign scorebooks.
   2.  If there are discrepancies between the pitching affidavit and the scorebook before or at a subsequent game, the pitching affidavit rules.
   3. Following elimination games, each team shall line up on their respective baselines so that the eliminated team may receive their District 52 (or Section or Division, as appropriate) All-Star pins.

Tournament Managers & Coaches Code of Conduct

By direction of the District 52 District Administrator the following procedures shall be enforced for both the Super Bowl and the District 52 All Star Tournaments:

• Any team that conducts pre-game practice in violation of Rule 1.17 shall have their pre-game practice session terminated immediately and all players, manager, and coaches restricted to the dugout until pregame ceremonies commence.
• The manager of any player who violates Rule 1.08 (Notes 1 and 2) shall:

1. 1. for the first offense of the game, receive a warning from the umpire;
   2. for the second offense of the game, be restricted to the dugout for the remainder of the game;
   3. for the third offense of the game, be ejected from the game.

• Any manager or coach wearing a fielding glove, a first baseman’s mitt or a catcher’s mitt during pre-game or during the game shall be ejected from the current game and the following game.
• Any team, during the pre-game inspection of team equipment, found in possession of illegal equipment (in particular, in violation of Rule 1.17) shall have all pre-game practice terminated immediately.
• Every team may have a manager and up to two coaches.  Any team with twelve or fewer eligible players in uniform at a game shall be required to have each player in that game receive at least one at bat and play six consecutive defensive outs.  
• A team with 13 or 14 players eligible players in uniform shall be required to have each player in that game receive at least one at bat and play at least three consecutive defensive outs.
•  If a team wishes to keep its own scorebook, then the manager or one of the coaches shall be the team’s scorekeeper.  
• At no time may a manager, coach or player have contact nor communicate with a scorekeeper outside their respective dugout other than the official tournament scorekeeper.  At least one adult must remain in the dugout whenever at least one player is in the dugout.
• Dress Code:

1. • All players shall comply with all provisions of the Little League Baseball Rule Book regarding uniforms and equipment.  All managers and coaches shall wear either long pants (slacks) or shorts that are their respective team colors or of neutral colors black, gray, khaki or white.  
   • All shorts and pants shall be hemmed.  Shorts must be Bermuda, tennis or walking-type shorts.
   • At no time shall a coach or manager wear cut-offs, gym or running shorts, running pants or running suits, sweatpants, or any other attire that an umpire or tournament official finds inappropriate.  
   • All coaches and managers may wear a team jersey or coaching shirt, or a collared “golf-type” shirt, in the respective team colors or in neutral colors of black, white, gray or khaki.  
   • Plain, non-collared T-shirts or T-shirts with non-team or non-Little League related designs or logos are not allowed.
   • Tank top shirts are not allowed.  All managers and coaches are prohibited from wearing sandals or “flip-flops,” or any other type of “open-toe” footwear.
   • All players, managers, and coaches shall have their shirts/jerseys tucked in at all times while on the field of play or in the dugout.
   • At no time may a coach or manager wear any type of denim shorts or pants. In the event of inclement weather, coaches and managers may wear jackets or sweatshirts.
   • THE DRESS CODE IS NOT OPTIONAL.

• Official line-ups shall be submitted to the official scorekeeper no less than thirty-five minutes prior to the scheduled game time.  Official line-ups shall be submitted to the Umpire and Official Scorekeeper using a standardized carbon-less copy line-up designed for use in
• Little League Baseball (www.battingorders.com) or of similar design, approved by District 52.  No other line-ups shall be accepted by the official scorekeeper or the umpire.
• When making line-up changes between innings, managers are strongly encourage to make line-up changes immediately following the third out of the previous half-inning and not waiting until the next half-inning is about to begin.  
• Offensive players may also be “self-entered” (and this is also strongly encouraged) as they come up to bat by just informing the Home Plate umpire that they are entering the game and giving the umpire the number of the player that is being replaced.  
• The conduct of all players, coaches, managers and League Officials shall be closely scrutinized by District 52 officials. The umpires shall be in complete charge of all games once started. League presidents and Board Members shall support the umpires fully.
• Umpires shall enforce all rules with SPECIAL emphasis on good sportsmanship by all participants.
• ANY PLAYER, MANAGER, COACH OR OFFICIAL WHO BECOMES INVOLVED IN AN ALTERCATION AT THE GAME SITE MAY BE SUSPENDED OR REMOVED INDEFINITELY FROM ALL POST-SEASON TOURNAMENT PLAY.
• The manager and coaches are totally and completely responsible for the conduct of their team members at all times. After investigation of all complaints and ejections, the manager, coach or player may be suspended or removed from the team.
• All penalties shall be enforced through the League President.
• Any player or manager making an appeal play shall make the appeal in accordance with the Little League Rule Book and to the appropriate umpire (i.e., the umpire whose call it is to make).  Improper appeals shall not be allowed and play shall be continued.
• Electronic devices in the dugout or on the field may only be used for pitch count and/or scorekeeping purposes.  No electronic communications devices shall be used in the dugout or on the field, and coaches and managers may be ejected by doing so.
• All players in tournament play:

1. 1. Shall conduct themselves in an exemplary manner at all times. No profanity or unsportsmanlike conduct shall be tolerated.
   2. Shall not throw equipment.
   3. Shall remain in the dugout. Base coaches must be in their respective boxes. No player may leave the field or dugout without the permission of an umpire after the game has started.
   4. Shall not make any exhibition or demonstration about any judgment call by an umpire, including strike or ball, safe or out, and fair or foul balls.
   5. Positive cheering encouraged:
   1. 1. No taunting, banging on fences, verbal comments directed at the opponent, or other acts of poor sportsmanship
      2. This DOES NOT imply that the dugouts need to be silent during the pitcher’s delivery, but there shouldn’t be increasing volume, screaming, whistling, etc., in an effort to distract the pitcher.  This is a baseball game – there will be some noise and players will need to deal with it.

• The following is expected of all managers and coaches in tournament play:

1. 1. They shall conduct themselves in an exemplary manner at all times.  No profanity or unsportsmanlike conduct shall be tolerated.
   2. They shall remain in the dugout after the game starts. Sitting on buckets at dugout opening is not permitted.
   3. They shall request time and receive time before leaving dugout.
   4. Only the manager or one of his coaches may come out of the dugout when time is requested and granted by an umpire.
   5. From the time a team first arrives at the field for warm-ups until the teams have left the field at the conclusion of the game, only rostered players, the manager, and the coaches are permitted on the playing field, in the dugout, in bullpens or other warm-up areas.

• No other adults are permitted to assist with warm-ups or team pre-game preparation. This does not prevent the Tournament Site Director, grounds crew, or other host league staff or officials from being on the field to carry out their duties.
• Note:  Food or drink (with the exception of water or Gatorade) is not permitted in the dugouts.  Also, managers shall remind parents/relatives that the players, managers and coaches are not permitted to talk with the spectators during the game.
• Players, managers or coaches could be ejected from the game at the discretion of the umpire, particularly if the umpire judges that game information is being communicated.
• Spectators shall be removed from the dugout area by the Tournament Site Director or League Official during the game.
• No cell phones or other communication devices are permitted on the field or in the dugouts.
• The use of any tobacco product by a player, manager or coach on or immediately adjacent to a Little League field is strictly prohibited.  Any player, manager, or coach in violation of this prohibition shall be ejected for the remainder of the tournament.

Frequently Violated Little League Rules During Tournament Play

Over the years, District 52 umpires, in spite of repeated efforts to correct this problem, continually observe managers, coaches, and players participate in participate in tournament play while at the same time being totally unfamiliar with several basic Little League Baseball Rules that should have be applied and enforced throughout their respective regular seasons.  In the District’s continued effort to prevent this from recurring, all managers and coaches shall, prior to commencement of tournament play review the following sections (in their entirety) of the Little League Rule Book:

• Regulation XIV, paragraphs (a), (b), (d), (e) and (f)
• Rule 1.05
• Rule 1.08, Note 1 and Note 2
• Rule 1.11(j)
• Rule 1.17
• Rule 3.09
• Rule 3.17
• Rule 4.05
• Rule 4.10
• Rule 5.10
• Rule 7.08
• Rule 7.11
• Rule 7.13
• Rule 8.02
• Rule 8.05
• Rule 8.06
• Rule 9.02

Little League Baseball and Softball Tournament Policy

Little League Baseball and Softball Tournament Policy

• In a few instances during tournament play, managers have instructed players to intentionally pitch wildly for the purpose of allowing the opposing team to score runs. In these cases, the intent was:

1. 1. to prolong the game for the purpose of extending it beyond the current half-inning, in order to fulfill the minimum requirements of mandatory play, or,
   2. to lose the game intentionally for the purpose of influencing the tiebreaker system under the Pool Play Format.

• In other cases, managers have instructed hitters and runners to intentionally take action that would result in being called out (to shorten the game for any purpose).
• When it becomes apparent to the umpire that the level of play in the game has deteriorated (by the actions of either team), the game should be stopped. If, in the umpire’s judgment, either team is engaged in the actions above,
• the umpire should refer the issue to the Tournament Director, who should then contact the appropriate Regional Center for a decision by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport.
• The Tournament Committee shall not tolerate this type of behavior, as it undermines the values of sportsmanship and fair play that should be foremost on the minds of all adults involved.
• When such behavior is brought to the attention of the Tournament Committee, the Tournament Committee may impose penalties up to and including suspension or revocation of tournament privileges for the league, team, manager, coaches and/or players involved, and/or forfeiture of the game.
• Note: This policy is not to be interpreted as a prohibition against intentional walks when used as a tactic on the part of the defense to set up a force-out, double-play, to avoid pitching to a strong hitter, etc. Such intentional walks should be considered a natural part of the game.
• All appeal plays shall be conducted in accordance with the current edition of the Little League Baseball (or Softball, as applicable) Rule Book and toward the appropriate umpire.  
• It is the responsibility of the players, coaches and managers to know and understand how to properly conduct an appeal play.  An appeal that is not conducted in accordance with the rules shall not be ruled upon by the umpire.
• No umpire shall overrule another umpire’s judgment call unless the umpire who made the original call requests assistance from another umpire.  The umpire may request assistance on his or her own volition, or a player, coach or manager may directly request
• the umpire who made the original call to seek assistance from another umpire.  Should the umpire who made the original judgment call inform the player, coach, or manager that his or her judgment decision
• was correct and no assistance is necessary,
• the decision stands as originally called and play shall resume.
• The use of an ineligible pitcher is considered to be a violation of safety regulations, not playing rules.  Therefore, it is the responsibility of all game officials (umpires, managers, coaches, players, scorekeepers, etc.) to ensure that only eligible pitchers pitch, or continue pitching in the game.  
• Should an ineligible pitcher be allowed to pitch in game and a protest is filed by the offended team, and during the course of the adjudication of the protest it becomes clear that
• the offended team knew in advance of the
• pitcher’s ineligible status and took no corrective action to prevent said pitcher from pitching, the Tournament Protest Committee may (and has) levy sanctions against the managers of both teams, up to and including ejection from further tournament play.
• It is the responsibility of the players, coaches or managers to appeal any possible violations of batting out of order.  In accordance with the Little League Rule Book, “The umpire and scorekeeper shall not direct the attention of any persons to the presence in the batter’s box of an improper batter.” (Rule 6.07, Note)