Little League Baseball has become an institution in United States, and is also played throughout the world. While the basics of the game are similar to the game of baseball played at the high school, college and professional levels, there are distinct Little League rules that are not found at the other levels. Most of those differences have to do with fairness to each player, as well as safety.
Player Equipment
All batters must wear a mask when they are in the on-deck circle and when they come up to bat. All runners who are on base must also wear helmets. The helmets must cover the ears. All catchers must wear a catcher's mask, a chest protector and shin guards. All male catchers must wear a protective cup with a supporter. All female catchers must wear sufficient protective padding to protect them from injury.
Player Use
All players on a team must play at least two full innings and must get at least one at bat every game. Teams that win games without following this rule shall forfeit the game. If both teams are in violation of this rule, both teams are credited with a forfeit loss. The only exception is if a player leaves the field due to illness before he has a chance to play in the game.
Pitchers may not pitch more than six innings in a six-day span. A pitcher who throws four innings in one game must rest for a minimum of 36 hours before pitching again.
Mercy Rule
In Little League, an official game is six innings long. The team that has scored the most runs after six innings will be credited with a victory. If the home team is ahead by 10 or more runs after three-and-a-half innings, the game is considered official. If the road team is ahead by 10 runs or more after four innings, this constitutes an official game.
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