Little League baseball is designed to give children a chance to play baseball in an organized environment. While scores and standings are kept once players reach the age of nine, the game is more about learning skills and having fun than about who wins and who loses. There are several standard Little League rules that are designed to make sure all players get a fair chance and that they are protected from injury.
Player Safety
All players must wear helmets when they are at bat, on base or in the on-deck circle. Helmets must cover the ears. Face masks are not required, but are encouraged. All catchers must wear a catcher's mask with a throat protector, a chest protector and shin guards. All male players are supposed to wear cups and athletic supporters.
Player Participation
All players must play a minimum of three innings in every game. They must also get at least one plate appearance. As long as a player on a team shows up to a game in uniform, he is allowed to play. Pitchers are limited to the amount of pitches they can throw. Pitchers who are 16 and under must rest three days after throwing more than 60 pitches in a game; pitchers who throw 41 to 60 pitches must rest two days; and pitchers who throw 21 to 40 pitches must rest one day. Pitchers who throw 20 pitches or fewer can pitch the next day.
Game Length
The regulation length of a Little League baseball game is six innings. If the home team is ahead after the visiting team has batted in the sixth inning, the game is over and the home team does not bat. If either team is ahead by 15 runs after three innings, the "mercy" rule goes into effect and the game is over. If either team is ahead by 10 runs after four innings, the mercy rule applies and the game is over.
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