NSLL 2026 Minors “AA” Division Local Rules of Play

Minor "AA" Division

The Minor “AA” division is for players aged 7 to 11 years of age that are drafted following tryouts. 11-year-olds must waive down to play at this level. This division is intended to be an introductory competitive division. Managers and Coaches should keep this in mind as they develop the skills of all players on their team. This is a partial kid, partial machine pitch division using a hard ball. Umpires call balls & strikes. Games are 6 innings but may be called due to time. Batting orders are continuous. Players and parents should expect 3 games and/or practices a week.

RULES OF PLAY

PR-1 Pre-Game and Post-Game Responsibilities

HOME TEAM

1. Responsible for preparing the field before the game. Field preparation guidelines are as follows before every game:

• open the snack shack
• remove the plugs and insert the bases
• rake and tamp the mound
• rake the infield
• rake the home plate area
• rake the base paths
• water down the infield dirt
• water down and tamp the batter’s boxes
• chalk the baselines and batter’s boxes
• raise the flag(s)
• set up Scoreboard and speaker (where applicable)

If the field is not ready 30 mins before game time, the visiting team will help the home team. The visiting team will be allowed to take infield 15 minutes before the game. The home team will forfeit infield time for any time needed to complete field preparations.

VISITING TEAM (When playing Interleague the NSLL team will fulfill both roles)

2. Is responsible for repairing the field after the game. Field repair guidelines are as follows:

After Every Game:

• rake the pitcher’s mound
• rake the infield
• rake the home plate area
• rake the base paths
• water down the infield dirt, pitcher’s mound and batter’s box areas
• tamp the pitcher’s mound and batter’s boxes

After the Last Game of the Day:

• remove the bases and insert the plugs
• put away the bases and all rakes
• take down, fold, and put away flag(s) at fields
• Ensure the Snack Shack and Equipment Locker are locked

Pinheiro Field:

• Last Game Each Day: Lock Bathrooms and ensure all trash is thrown away.
• Last Game Thursday & Saturday: Empty trash cans into large garbage bins at the front of Lu Sutton school behind gate. Replace trash liners in all cans. (Pinheiro has rodent problems, please make sure to do this!)

3. The home team will provide a scoreboard operator.
4. The visiting team provides a Book Official Scorekeeper, pickup/return at the snack shack.
5. Snack shack staffing will be scheduled separately by NSLL in conjunction with the Team Parents.
6. Game time is the scheduled time or max 45 minutes after the end of the previous game.
7. Both teams will provide a volunteer to count and record pitch counts. Pitch counters will verify and agree upon the number of pitches thrown by each pitcher after each half inning.
8. Each team will provide an Umpire Coordinator; these individuals will be able to step in and umpire game should there not be a league provided umpire attending the game.
9. Each team is responsible for cleaning up their side of the field, dugout and spectator area.

Pinheiro Field: No music. No boom boxes and No announcing on the PA is allowed.

The visiting team pitch counter will also act as a game coordinator if needed. The, “if needed,” provision is utilized when both umpires are legal minors. The game coordinator will act as a facilitator if there is a  disagreement on rules, playing conditions, or any matter that holds up the progress of a game. If the game coordinator is unable to resolve the disputed issue, the game coordinator contacts the League Commissioner,  VP of Baseball or President. Note: During inter-league the home pitch counter will act as game coordinator.

PR-2 Team Discipline

1. Managers must notify the League Commissioner and Player Agent before suspending a player, unless circumstances require an immediate suspension. In such cases, a written notice should be furnished to the League Commissioner and Player Agent as soon as possible.
2. There is no smoking or tobacco use on NUSD or City of Novato grounds at any time. 3. No food or beverages, except water and sport drinks, are permitted in the dugout. Sunflower seeds are permitted in the dugout, but not on the field.
3. Noisemakers (e.g., horns, cowbells, etc.) are not allowed.

PR-3 Time Limit

1. Regular Season: No new inning will start AFTER a game is 2:00 (two hours) old if the game is entirely Machine Pitch and 1:45 (one hour/45 minutes) if the final innings are Player Pitch:
2. Example: If the third out is made before the time limit expires, the next full inning is played in its entirety. • Tie: If the game is tied a final inning may start up to 2:15 (two hours/fifteen minutes) from the start. Any time after this will result in a tie.
3.  If a game is tied after six complete innings, the International Tie-Breaker rule takes effect. Each subsequent half-inning shall begin with a runner on second base. The runner shall be the player who completed the final out of the previous half-inning.
4. Post Season: There will be no time limit during playoff game

PR-4 Communications with Umpires – Before, during, and after the game, ONLY the Managers of each team  may communicate with the umpires regarding the conduct of the game rule book violations. Coaches may not  address, question or make comments about umpire calls, EVER.

• All Calls made by Umpires on the field of play ARE NOT ELIGIBLE for review. This means that NO Manager may ask an umpire to confer with his/her partner about ANY CALL.
• Exceptions:
  • Foot off base call
  • Dropped ball call
  • Check swing call
  • Foul Ball off batter call
• The Managers may however request the umpire address or clarify a regulation or policy (i.e., batting out of order, number of coaches in the dugout, etc.) found in the LL Rule Book or NSLL Local Rules, but never about a specific play on the field. Umpires will not review any rules that affect a call on  the field of play.

VIOLATIONS: ANY ATTEMPT BY A MANAGER/COACH TO CHALLENGE AN UMPIRE CALL MADE  ON THE FIELD OF PLAY WILL RESULT IN THE IMMEDIATE EJECTION OF THE MANAGER/COACH  FROM THE GAME & MUST VACATE THE BALLPARK ENTIRELY.

PR-5 Continuous Batting Rule

1. A normal baseball defense with nine (9) players is used, but the entire roster hits.
2. The inning ends ONLY when three defensive outs have been recorded during the inning.
3.  All eligible players will be included in the batting order, regardless of defensive assignment.
4. The batting order will not change, except due to illness, injury or having to leave the field.
5. If a batter or runner is injured, the player who made the last recorded out replaces him. If no out has been made in the game, the last player in the batting order replaces him/her. A replacement player returns to his/her original position in the order.
6. Teams are LIMITED to one bunt per inning. Batter may only bunt off kid pitch. No bunting when using machine or coach pitch.
7. There is NO Infield Fly Rule in Double A
8. Substitute Runners are not permitted as all players are considered starters (LL Rule Book)

PR-6 Substitutions

1. Defensive substitutions are allowed provided the player has completed at least one full inning of defensive play.
2. Starting and non-starting players may re-enter the game after being replaced.
3. If a pitcher is removed from a game, he/she cannot re-enter the same game as a pitcher but may re-enter the game at any other position.

PR-7 Minimum Play Rule

Purpose: The purpose of the minimum play rule in Novato South Little League (NSLL) is to ensure that all players, regardless of skill level, have a meaningful and fair experience by receiving guaranteed time on the field. By mandating specific participation requirements, the league aims to prioritize player development over a "win-at-all-cost" mentality. This structure reinforces fundamental skills by rewarding proper defensive efforts and teaching runners to respect standard "baseball situations," ultimately preparing them for the more advanced strategies and accountability required at higher levels like Triple-A (AAA).

1. Games may begin with 8 players. The 9th place in the order is not an automatic out. Games may begin with 7 players if both managers agree.
2. No Player, present at the start of the game and listed in the lineup as either a starter or a replacement will remain out of the defensive line-up for more than one (1) consecutive inning.
3. Every player must play a minimum of 1 inning in the INFIELD and 1 inning in OUTFIELD (or BENCH if roster size does not permit) within the first 4 innings of the game.
4. Infield is defined as 1B, 2B, SS, 3B or Pitcher. Catcher DOES NOT qualify as an infield position.
5. A courtesy runner may be installed for the Pitcher or Catcher when there are 2 outs. The courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out.

LL RULE CLARIFICATION:

• A player can catch a maximum of three innings if they intend to pitch in the same game.
• A player who pitches 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play catcher in that game

Minimum Play Repercussions:

1. Any player not completing minimum play must start the next game on the schedule, play any previous minimum play requirements not fulfilled in the previous game and then complete all minimum play requirements for the current game before being replaced.
2. Under no circumstances shall the violation of minimum play regulations result in the forfeiture of a game (Regulation IV-I Note 1).
3. For any violation of Minimum Play Regulations, the manager shall be penalized as follows: i.
   1. First Offense – receive a written warning, unless offense was intentional, in which case the manager will be suspended for the next scheduled game.
   2. Second Offense – receive a suspension for the next scheduled game, unless offense was intentional, in which case the manager will be suspended for the remainder of the season.
   3. Third Offense – receive a suspension for the remainder of the season, unless offense was intentional, in which case the manager will be subject to a permanent ban from the League.

PR-8 Pitching Rules

Player Pitch Rules:

1. 2026 Pitch limits will be tiered.

SCHEDULED GAME WEEKS		PITCHERS LIMITED TO:
Opening Day – Apr 10:		6 consecutive OUTS - or - 30 pitches per outing whichever occurs first
May 10th – Through Playoffs:		9 consecutive OUTS – or – Player Age Maximum

2. Innings pitched must be continuous. The pitcher may not leave for a batter and re-enter.
3. The hitter starts with a 0-0 count. Balls & Strikes will be called by the home plate umpire. There will be no walks.
4. Pitching Transitions & Coach-Pitch Regulations 
   • Upon the delivery of a fourth ball by a player-pitcher, the count shall reset to 0-0. At this time, the Hitting Team Coach (or a designated representative from either team) shall assume pitching duties to complete the at-bat.
   • If there are three walks by a pitcher in an inning, the Coach will pitch the remainder of the inning.  The pitcher will not return to the game as a pitcher in the following inning.
5. Pitching Requirements:
   • Delivery: The coach must deliver pitches at an age-appropriate speed from the dirt area of the mound. Both feet must be on the dirt area.
   • Defensive Positioning: During coach-pitch delivery, the defensive player-pitcher must maintain at least one foot within the dirt area of the pitcher’s mound, positioned on either side of the rubber.
6. Conclusion of At-Bat: The at-bat shall continue under coach-pitch until one of the following occurs:
   • Ball in Play: The batter successfully puts the ball into fair play.
   • Strikeout: The Umpire records three (3) strikes. Standard strikeout rules apply; however, no walks will be issued during the coach-pitch phase.
   • Foul Ball Exception: Consistent with standard baseball regulations, a foul ball shall not result in an out or end the at-bat, regardless of the pitch count.

THE DESIRED EFFECT OF COACH PITCHING (AFTER 4 BALLS) IS TO SPEED GAMEPLAY. BOTH  TEAMS NEED TO DETERMINE IF THEY HAVE AT LEAST ONE COACH WHO HAS AN ADEQUATE  ABILITY TO THROW OVERHAND BP SPEED PITCHES TO BATTERS, WHILE STANDING WITH BOTH FEET ON THE DIRT AREA OF THE MOUND . IF NOT, BOTH TEAM MANAGERS CAN AGREE TO DESIGNATE ONE  COACH TO THROW APPROPRIATE BP SPEED PITCHES TO BOTH TEAMS. MANAGERS MUST MAKE  DECISION BASED ON SPEEDY GAMEPLAY.

1. The Pitcher will be removed if three batters are HBP in a single inning of play. The home plate umpire may remove a pitcher that hits multiple batters within a game.
2. League Age 11-year-old players may not pitch in a AA game.
3. Curve Balls – Pitchers shall not be taught nor shall they use curve balls, sinkers or slider pitches. Umpires will call these pitches as “balls” and warn the manager that continued use will result in the removal of the pitcher and manager
4. Every player WILL be given the opportunity to pitch during two games during the regular season. Players do not have to complete an inning to satisfy this requirement. Players who do not want to pitch or who cannot pass a bullpen test are exempt from this requirement. If a player can throw 3 out of 10 strikes in a bullpen test and have the desire to pitch, then they shall have at least two opportunities to pitch. We STRONGLY encourage Managers to develop ALL players for pitching. This is for the betterment of the League.
5. Pitchers who throw more 40 or more pitches in a game (not counting warm up pitches) shall not be allowed to then play catcher in that same game. Little League regulation VI.
6. Catchers who catch more than 3 innings shall not pitch in the same game. For example, if a catcher takes 1 pitch in the 4^th inning after catching innings 1 through 3 will not be eligible to pitch within that same game. Little League regulation VI.

PITCH COUNT / DAYS REST – AA

AGE	DAILY MAX Mar 8 – Apr 7	DAILY MAX Apr 8 – May 11	DAILY MAX May 12 – Post	REQUIRED REST Example: 36 pitches on Monday then cannot pitch  again until Thursday (after 2 full days rest)
				0 DAYS	1 DAY	2 DAYS	3 DAYS	4 DAYS
7 & 8	30	40 (50-10)	50	1 – 20	21 – 35	36 – 50	N/A	N/A
9 & 10	30	65 (75-10)	75	1 – 20	21 – 35	36 – 50	51 – 65	66 - 75

PR-9 Leads, Stealing and Baserunning

1. Leads
   • Runners may NEVER lead from a base.
2. Steals
   • Runners may only leave the base once the pitched ball reaches the catcher’s glove.
     • No stealing of 2nd base.
     • Runners may advance to 3rd base (unlimited) on a passed ball, wild pitch, or steal attempt.
     • No stealing home, including on wild pitches, passed balls, or any other play.
     • No delayed steals on catcher throwbacks to the pitcher.
     • A batter may not advance to 2nd base on a walk.
     • No stealing on coach pitch.

1. Overthrows on Defensive Plays:
   • Runners may advance up to 2 bases total on an overthrow or error.
   • However, runners may never advance home on an overthrow or throwing error to an infield player.

Intent of Overthrows and Defensive Play Rule: 

• The intent of AA baseball is to foster a developmental environment that teaches the spirit of the game while providing meaningful learning opportunities for young athletes as they transition to competitive play. The restrictions on advancing during overthrows and defensive errors are specifically designed to prioritize player development over aggressive scoring, ensuring that games do not devolve into a series of "merry-go-round" base running errors.

PR-10 10-Run Rule

1. NSLL games are played under the 10-run rule as defined in Rule 4.10-e of the Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules (The Blue Book).
2. The game will be considered final when the Umpire calls the game with one team leading by 10+ runs after 3½ or 4 innings have been played.

Note: Managers are encouraged to play the remaining 2 and ½ or 2 innings as a scrimmage. The spirit is to give minimum play players additional playing time. Managers should:

• Move players to the infield who usually only play in the outfield
• Sit players who usually play all six innings
• Have players pitch who usually do not have an opportunity to pitch in regulation games

3. Scrimmage innings must be according to the rules of Little League baseball and NSLL local rules
4. Pitch counts will COUNT
5. Playing time during the scrimmage portion of a game does NOT count toward fulfilling minimum play requirements (i.e., six outs and one at bat).
6. Regulation innings + scrimmage innings = cannot exceed 2 hours.
7. Umpires will remain at the game until the scrimmage innings are completed.

PR-11 5 Run Limit Per Half Inning & Last Inning Exception

1. NSLL will follow the 5-run limit per half inning rule as defined in the Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules (Blue Book).
2. The 5-run per half inning limit will not apply during “Last Inning”. “Last inning” is determined by the umpire when estimating the next full inning will last longer than time remaining.
3. The 5-run per half inning limit will continue for the entire season including the NSLL playoffs.

PR-12 Pitch Count Reporting

1. Novato South Little League will follow the pitch count rules as written in the Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules. Each Manager MUST provide the required pitch count information IMMEDIATELY after each game (no later than midnight on game day).

LL RULE CLARIFICATION: The number of days rest is based on the first pitch to the last batter faced. For  example, if a pitcher starts his last batter with pitch number 20, the pitcher needs 0 days’ rest, even if that last  batter needs many pitches to be retired. This is why it’s important for teams to confirm pitch counts each inning.

2. The Pitch Count Tool will a web-based link, or Google Sheet, (which should be bookmarked on your computer for easy access) that allows Managers to input the required information. The web address will be provided before Opening Day.

• • Name of Pitcher
  • Number of pitches thrown by each
  • The next date each pitcher is eligible to pitch
  • Notes about the Umpires (optional)
  • General Game Notes (optional)

IT IS CRUCIAL managers report pitch count data immediately following the game. If you do not report the data, the data will not align.

12.04 Timely Pitch Count Reporting:

Pitch Count Reporting Requirements
Managers must report pitch counts by midnight on the day the game is played. For back-to-back games occurring within 24 hours, pitch counts must still be reported by midnight of the first game's completion.

Penalties for Late Reporting
Failure to report pitch counts on time will result in disciplinary action from the Novato South Little League Board. Consequences may include a formal warning, suspension from future games, or permanent removal for repeated violations.

PR-13 Soft Toss

1. No hard balls may be hit into the fences at any field at any time. Wiffle balls are allowed.

PR-14 Pregame Batting Practice & Pitcher Warmups 

1. No "hard ball" batting practice is allowed before games at any field used by NSLL
2. Managers and coaches ARE PERMITTED to warm up a pitcher at home plate or in the bullpen or elsewhere at any time including in-game warm-up, pre-game warm-up, and in other instances. They may also stand by to observe a pitcher during warm-up in the bullpen.

PR-15 Outfield Setup Rule

There must be three outfielders who remain at least ten (10) feet away from the infield dirt.  Outfielders may not be set up as additional infielders. Once the ball is in play, the fielder may move according to normal defensive play such as backing up the bases for overthrows.

PR-16: Approved Equipment:

16.01   Umpires will not inspect equipment prior to the game.  Team Managers or their designee is responsible for inspecting the players equipment prior to each game.  Managers shall ensure all equipment is in working order and is appropriate for play.  Managers shall ensure their players are using the proper bats during the game.  Only “USA” labeled bats are allowed.  All others, such as “USSSA” are PROHIBITED.  If a player attempts to use a prohibited bat the Manager and player will be ejected from the game.  The manager will then be subject to suspension from an additional game.