League Rules

Rules Overview Hershey Little League endorses the National Little League overarching philosophy for 12U baseball. The HLL Board has made slight modifications to the playing rules to enhance the playing experience for our children. The following excerpt is taken from the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of the National Little League organization: "Little League Baseball is a program of service to youth. It is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity and training under good leadership in an atmosphere of wholesome community participation. The movement is dedicated to helping children become good and decent citizens. It strives to inspire them with a goal and to enrich their lives toward the day when they must take their places in the world. It establishes for them rudiments of teamwork and fair play."

Rules set guidelines, rules teach discipline, and rules require respect.

Philosophy on Conduct It is the philosophy of Little League that your child's playing experience shall be positive. HLL can not allow the enjoyment of the majority of players and families to be jeopardized by misconduct by others. Unfortunately, there may be times when disciplinary action against players, managers, coaches, parents or spectators may become necessary. Playing Rules National Little League Baseball offers a booklet titled "Official Regulations and Playing Rules". The booklets are generally available for purchase, and each team manager is provided with a copy. We encourage all players and parents to read and become familiar with both the Official Regulations and Playing Rules and any Local Rules that may apply. Local Rules Local rules are encouraged by National Little League to adjust for local conditions. Local rule modifications to the National rules are approved by the HLL Board of Directors. Below are the Local Guidelines that have been adopted for your childs level of play: Supplemental Game Rules and Team Responsibilities Skills Assessments, Tryouts and Drafts Coach and Parent Exectations All Star Selection Process Game Conduct Players are expected to arrive on time for pregame workouts and conduct themselves during the game in an acceptable manner. It is a team's responsibility to promote good sportsmanship and fair play. Following are simple rules for players to follow throughout the season: Play for the fun of playing, not just to please your parents. Play by the rules. Never argue with or complain about umpire's calls or decisions. Control your temper and resist the temptation to retaliate when you feel you have been wronged. Concentrate on playing baseball and on affecting the outcome of the game with your best effort. Be a good sport by cheering all good plays, whether it is your team's or your opponent's. Treat all players as you would like to be treated. Cooperate with your manager, coaches, teammates, opponents and umpires. Food and gum are not allowed in the dugouts, although sunflower seeds are permitted. Any player, manager, coach, parent or spectator whose conduct is not consistent with these guidelines may be cautioned by the umpire-in-chief or other League official. Foul or abusive language is strictly prohibited. If an individual is unable to refrain from using foul language or making derogatory remarks to any player, manager, coach, or umpire, the umpire-in-chief or other League official may suspend the game until that individual leaves the Little League Park or other playing area. If the individual refuses to leave the Little League Park or other playing area, the umpire may discontinue the game and the police will be called for assistance. If the disruptive individual is a manager, coach or player, additional sanctions will likely occur depending on the circumstances. Ejection Protocol Each umpire has the power and authority to eject players, managers, coaches and spectators from the game and or Little League Park or other playing area.  If badgering by a parent or coach continues, an umpire may force a forfeit on the offending team. Players If a player is ejected, the player shall immediately leave the playing area (field, dugout, bullpen etc.) before play continues, but may become a silent spectator in the stands. In addition, the player is expected to attend subsequent practices for behavior modification counseling. The player shall NOT participate in the next scheduled game, but may watch the game from the stands, but may not wear the team uniform. Manager/Coach When a manager or coach is ejected, that individual shall IMMEDIATELY leave the Little League Park or other playing area. In addition, that individual shall have NO CONTACT with the team and shall be PROHIBITED from the Little League Park or other playing field until the day AFTER the completion of the next scheduled team game. Parents/Spectators Other ejected individuals shall immediately leave the Little League Park or other playing area. Refusal to do so may result in the Umpires "calling" the game and other sanctions being assessed on the team associated with that individual. Parents shall not "coach" players during practice or games.  Parents may not stand near the dugout unless specifically approved by the coach.  Other Disciplinary Action The Board feels strongly that proper field decorum is an important element of the Little League experience. For example, ejected individuals who do not "go quietly" once ejected can expect additional sanctions. Repeat occurances may result in coach or fan privilidges being denied.  Refusal of a parent to follow sanctions could result in their child being removed from the league (this would be a last resort).