Little League Baseball Rules About Uniforms

May 26, 2011 | By Jared Paventi

More than 2 million American children played Little League Baseball in 2009, making it one of the largest youth sports organizations in the United States. Little League has been adapting baseball for children since 1939, with smaller fields, special equipment -- and rules that govern every aspect of the game, including uniforms.

Color Requirements

Little League Baseball Umpire School's "Rules Instruction Manual" is a facsimile of the rule book, but with added comments with instructions for umpiring students. Rule 1.11 of the book sets rules for uniforms, which must be provided by the individual league. Every team in the league is assigned a different colored uniform that cannot have any adornments or material of a different color.

On Display

The jersey may include patches, according to rule 1.11. The official Little League logo patch must appear on the upper left sleeve of the jersey. On a sleeved jersey, it must sit three inches below the shoulder seam on the left arm. For sleeveless shirts it sits on the left chest, one inch below the set-in sleeve. Shiny buttons, such as those made of glass or polished metal, are prohibited, as is any pattern that "imitates or suggests" a baseball or softball shape. Little League does not set any rules regarding the size of sponsor logos, names or league names on the uniform shirt or hat.

The Coach

Individual leagues have leeway over coaches' uniforms for teams at the Majors level. Each league can set rules as to whether the coaches may wear shorts and whether they are required to wear a similar jersey or hat to their players'. Coaches are prevented from wearing conventional uniforms, including baseball pants, at the Majors level.

Injured Players

Little League rules allow injured players to sit in the dugout with their teammates. Rule 3.17 prevents anyone but players, the team manager and two coaches in the dugout during the game. All players must be in full uniform, but injured players may sit in the dugout as long as they wear their jersey shirt and hat.