League Specific Rules

At certain levels, OWLL has opted to use additional rules to aid in player development or to keep the game moving for everyone’s enjoyment.

• The home team will supply the game ball(s).

• Throwing bats or equipment out of anger or frustration is to be addressed immediately by the coach.

• Proper attire (long pants, team t-shirt and hat) are mandatory at all games.

• Players must wear proper safety equipment, including a “jock” or “jill” and a proper batting helmet.

• Players must remove all jewelry, including earrings. Medic-Alert bracelets or necklaces are the exception.

• Games are 6 innings.The 5-run maximum per inning “mercy” rule applies to all interlock & league games.

• By Little League rules, the score for a 6-inning game is considered final after 4 complete innings (3 1/2 if the home team is ahead). In a 7-inning game (Junior and above), it is 5 complete innings (4 1/2 if the home team is ahead).

• Players warming up to pitch must do so with another player as a catcher, not a coach. 

• Defensive players may not block the base paths unless in an effort to field a batted ball.

• If a runner initiates or makes contact with a batted ball, the runner is automatically OUT. The ball is dead and all runners must return to their respective bases.  If a fielder touched the ball or could have touched the ball and the runner makes unintentional contact with the ball, he or she is not out.

• The batter must keep a foot in the box at all times; there are a few exceptions such as when there is a play at home.

• Prior to a pitch being thrown, the defense elects to “Intentionally Walk” the batter by announcing such decision to the plate umpire. NOTE: Use of intentional walks at any level in fall ball play should be discouraged. Players need reps in fall ball, and while using the intentional walk can speed up the game, it’s use gives neither the batter a chance to hit (after waiting for 10-11 players to hit) nor a pitcher a chance to pitch.

• Only the player at bat can hold a bat.  Players that are “on deck” and “in the hole” cannot take practice swings or even touch a bat. This is to prevent injuries.

• Players cannot lead off.  They must stay on the base until the pitch crosses home plate. The umpires usually catch lead offs and players are returned to their base or called out.

• Players can advance on a passed ball/wild pitch (there will be a lot of them) except from third to home. See next bullet.

• IMPORTANT: Players can advance to home plate (i.e. steal home) on a passed ball/wild pitch unless the team batting is leading be 5 or more runs.  When up by 5 runs, the base runner must stay at 3rd on a passed ball.

• Standard Minor distance of 46 feet is used.

• No balks