Mound City Little League
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"Important Rules and Regulations for the Softball and Baseball Seasons Ahead"

As we head into the current year's softball and baseball seasons, it is important for players, coaches, and fans to be aware of the playing rules that will be in effect.  It is crucial for all participants to familiarize themselves with the rules to avoid any confusion or disputes during games. Umpires will be enforcing these rules diligently to maintain the integrity of the sport and ensure that all players have a fair and competitive playing field. As we prepare for an exciting season of softball and baseball, let's all do our part to uphold the rules and spirit of the game.

Updates for the 2025 version include but are not limited to:
  • Varsity Softball age change.
  • Juniors Game Stoppage rule.
  • Unified Mercey Rule for all divisions.
  • Ball out of play / dead ball rules for all divisions have been simplified.
  • Additional Softball division rules included in the main rule book.
  • Division Run Limits Updated.
  • Varsity Baseball playing field dimensions updated.

Rules FAQ

Below are some commonly asked rules questions. Please use this as a quick reference guide but not as a replacement for the rulebook.

Pitching Rest Times

85 pitches per day is the maximum allowable pitches. If a pitcher reaches 85 pitches in the middle of facing a batter, they may complete pitching to that batter. Once that at-bat is complete, the pitcher must be replaced.

  • 66 or more pitches: three (3) calendar days of rest
  • 51-65 pitches: two (2) calendar days of rest
  • 36-50 pitches: one (1) calendar day of rest
  • Less than 36 pitches: no rest period required


Mercy Rule in All Divisions

The following mercy rules apply:

  • 13 runs after 4 innings: If a team is leading by 13 runs after 4 innings, the game can be called.
  • 7 runs after 5 innings: If a team is leading by 7 runs after 5 innings, the game can be called.


Runs Per Inning

  • There is a limit of 6 runs per inning for all baseball divisions from Juniors and up, as well as softball divisions from 8U and up.


God Clock

  • The "God clock" refers to a time limit rule for games. Specifically, all leagues from 8U/Juniors and above will follow a "God" clock with a 2-hour and 30-minute drop dead time limit for each game. This means that no matter what, the game will end after 2 hours and 30 minutes.


Sliding Rule

  • The sliding rule in Mound City Little League is covered under Little League Rule 7.08(a)(4)1. This rule generally states that a runner must slide or attempt to avoid contact with a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag. If the runner does not slide and makes contact with the fielder, the runner can be called out.


Mandatory Play Rule for Baseball

  • Each player on a team must play six consecutive outs and have one at-bat in each game unless being disciplined.


Allowed Bats

  • Bats with the USA stamp or wooden bats only are allowed.


Infield Fly Rule

  • The infield fly rule is a regulation in baseball designed to prevent fielders from taking unfair advantage of a routine pop-up in certain situations. Here's how it works:

    • When It Applies

      • The rule is in effect when there are runners on first and second base, or the bases are loaded, with fewer than two outs.

    • What Happens

      • If the batter hits a pop-up (a high, short fly ball) that can be caught with ordinary effort by an infielder, the umpire declares an "infield fly."

    • Result

      • The batter is automatically out, regardless of whether the ball is caught. This prevents the fielder from intentionally letting the ball drop to set up an easy double or triple play against the base runners.

    • Base Runners

      • Runners are free to advance at their own risk, but they must tag up if the ball is caught.