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Fall Ball is a fun season of play for kids who love the game and want to experience a higher division than what was participated in during Spring, and to compete against other teams throughout District 1. It is competitive play with teams, rules, and schedules coordinated by District 1, yet no standings are kept, nor is there a playoff at the end of the season. The main purpose is player (and coach) development as we wrap the year up and look ahead to the next year!
Playing Rules
Defined by District 1; see the rules published on their website for play in all Fall divisions, including game scoring and pitching limitations.
Eligible Players
Players must be registered with PLL in the division they prefer in order to participate in Fall Ball. This is a separate registration from Spring or Summer seasons. In addition to paying for the season, such players will have a concussion document on file and will have signed the necessary medical release forms. No exceptions. All games are played with a continuous batting order, and it is expected that players will rotate among positions since this is a development season. Depending on roster sizes, players may sit on the bench for a maximum of two innings per game. No player may sit two innings until all have sat one inning.
Umpires
These are interleague games, so it is expected that all teams be prepared to supply umpires for their home games. The home team supplies the plate umpire and, at their discretion, the visiting team may supply a field umpire. If an umpire is not available, the managers and coaches are responsible for officiating the game. Swapping assignments (plate vs. field) is permitted but must be mutually agreed upon by both managers.
When questionable calls arise, please gather with the other manager in the field and quietly come to consensus. We are not keeping standings for Fall Ball, so keep it fun for the kids!
Scorebooks
There is no need to keep official scorebooks for Fall Ball. We will leave this to coach/team discretion. Depending on the appropriateness of play, pitch counts are expected to be reported to District 1 for eligibility tracking purposes.
Player Pool
Depending on the level of participation and the number of teams in the division, player pooling may be allowed (and encouraged) to meet roster requirements so that games may continue. Note: pooled players are not able to pitch for the guest team.
Games and Practices
The game schedule is coordinated among other leagues in District 1, and you can expect games on weeknights and/or weekends. Given this is a development season, practices are expected, and the frequency will be determined by the team’s manager.
Travel
Given the game schedule is coordinated by District 1, you can expect travel to away games and other league fields within District 1. Typically, each team has a home/away schedule, with home games at Lynndale and/or local high school fields, depending on the division of play.
Field Maintenance
Home teams are responsible for field maintenance (pregame prep and postgame cleanup). After the last game of the day or night, finish securing the field with the managers, coaches, and volunteers.
Weather
Rainouts and/or wildfire smoke cancellations that require a reschedule are coordinated through District 1. It is always good to communicate with the other team’s managers when necessary, given the travel involved with interleague games.
Injuries
Follow the same player-injury procedures as in the regular season. If a player injury occurs, please email your league safety manager within 24 hours.