Little League has just announced some additional rule and regulation changes, some of which take place immediately. For more details, see http://www.littleleague.org/learn/rules/updates-2016-2017-regular-tournament-play.htm. A summary of the changes that are effective immediately for the 2016 season may be found below:
Regulation I(b) and Tournament Managers and Coaches
All divisions of baseball and softball: Beginning with the 2016 tournament season, League Presidents may be eligible to be selected by local league Board of Directors as tournament team manager or coach with written approval from their respective District Administrator. In the event that a District Administrator does not approve the selection, the League President may request the District Administrator determination be reviewed by the Little League International Charter/Tournament Committee through the appropriate Regional Office.
Regulation VI(c), Playing Rule 3.03, and Tournament Rule 10 (Softball)
Junior, Senior and Big League Softball: The change allows players within the Junior, Senior, and Big League Softball divisions to be replaced on the pitcher’s plate and return to pitch, even if removed from the game, providing they meet the substitution, charged conference, and mandatory play rule(s).
Tournament Release of Names and Tournament Team Practice
All Divisions of Baseball and Softball: This change allows leagues to release their tournament teams and begin holding tryouts or practices by tournament teams starting on June 1. Teams shall not be released until the availability and eligibility of all prospective team members has been established. Previously, leagues could announce their teams on June 15 or two weeks prior to the start of their tournament. The Little League group accident insurance underwritten by an AIG member company for tournament teams will not go into effect until June 1. In the event that a tournament would start prior to June 14, a league must obtain a waiver from the Little League International Charter/Tournament Committee to announce its tournament team and begin to hold tryouts or practice prior to the new date of June 1.
Tournament Player Eligibility
Baseball and Softball 9/10-, 10/11-, 11/12-Year-Old Divisions: This change expands the tournament opportunities, making these three tournaments open to a three-year range of players, and provides leagues additional flexibility in their player selection. The new age structure will create the 8/9/10-Year-Old Division; 9/10/11-Year-Old Division; and 10/11/12-Year-Old Division.
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