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.

Common to all Levels

• 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.

• For the month of May, all games must start at 6:00pm and no new inning may start after 7:45pm. For the month of June, no new inning may start after 8:00pm.  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).

• 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 in fair territory, 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 having the defensive manager request time, and when granted, they inform the plate umpire of the decision. NOTE: Use of intentional walks at any level in spring play should be discouraged. Players need reps in spring, 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.

• Rookie to Major: 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. The “on deck” position is permitted at Intermediate and up.