Ensuring Universal Understanding of Greenbelt Little League Machine/Coach Pitch Rules To eliminate any confusion, it is imperative that every participant fully understands the Greenbelt Little League machine/coach pitch rules. No exceptions. Additionally, all players, coaches, and guardians must read the following news article.

General Rules

1. Coaches may pitch to batters who are not ready to hit from the machine. If the machine is broken or there is a power outage, games will be played as coach pitch.

2. Only Level 5 or other appropriate safety-labeled (8U) baseballs will be used in the pitching machine.

3. Games will consist of up to 6 innings, with no inning beginning more than 1 hour and 45 minutes after the scheduled start time. There will be a hard stop at 2 hours or when darkness makes play unsafe.

4. All bats must be USA Baseball-approved, with the required stamp visible on the neck of the bat. T-ball bats may be used only if they are clearly labeled as T-ball bats.

5. Every player on a team will be included in the batting lineup, whether or not they are currently playing in the field. The batting order must remain consistent throughout the game.

6. Players who arrive late will be added to the end of the lineup.

7. Pool players are allowed. Coaches must request pool players if they expect fewer than 7 players at a game. A pool player is any player from a team not involved in that game and will be added to the end of the batting lineup.

8. No team will forfeit due to a lack of players. If a team is short, players from the opposing team’s lineup may be used as fielders to ensure the game can be played. Make every effort to play all scheduled games.

9. Makeup games must be coordinated by the coaches, and teams are required to play at least 12 games.

10. No on-deck batters. Players waiting to bat must have their helmet on and stand behind the backstop with their bat. This is a Little League safety policy.

Game Play

1. The pitching machine will be set to 35 mph but may be adjusted upon agreement by both coaches.

2. There is a 5-run limit per half-inning.

3. Each batter receives 6 pitches per turn. If the sixth pitch is hit foul, one additional pitch is allowed, with no maximum number of fouls.

4. Base runners may not steal or leave the base until the ball makes contact with the bat.

5. Sliding is prohibited to protect both runners and fielders. Any player who slides will be called out.

6. All outfielders must be positioned in the grass, and infielders (except the pitcher) may not stand more than 1–2 paces inside the baselines.

7. If a batter hits a ball that reaches the outfield after its first bounce is in the infield (dirt), the runner may only advance two bases. Other runners may also advance two bases.

8. If a batter hits a ball and its first bounce lands in the outfield (grass), the runner and any other runners on base may advance without restriction.

9. Once an infielder gains possession of the ball on the infield dirt and is no longer attempting a play, runners must stop at the base they are advancing to.

10. Runners will not advance past one base when a fielder completes a throw to a base, unless the throw is misplayed. A completed throw is defined as one that is caught or stopped near the intended player.

11. If a batter’s hit bounces into the pitching machine and goes out of play, the batter will be awarded one base. If the ball stays in play, it remains live.

12. No “small ball” tactics. Players may not intentionally provoke errors to advance bases unfairly.

13. Bunting is not allowed.

14. On a fielder overthrow that goes out of play, the runner may advance one base. If the fielder retrieves the throw and makes a play on the advancing runner, the runner may continue advancing. At Braden #3, any overthrown ball that reaches the sidewalk is considered dead, and the runner is awarded one base.

15. Coaches, players, and guardians should review Little League Minors rules via the free Little League App for additional details.