2024 Torrance Little League

Playoff Ground Rules (Unified)

Playoffs will essentially be played “By the Book”, that book being the 2024 Little League Official Regulations and Playing Rules (LL Rulebook). The rules that we will be using for our playoffs will be the rules that apply for Regular Season, not the LL Rulebook that reference Tournament Play.

1. The playoffs are a double-elimination tournament. Once a team has lost two games during the playoffs, that team is then eliminated from the playoffs..
2. The home team is the higher seed, except when there is a loss by the higher seed, e.g. 2 seed loses first game and then plays 5 seed in championship game, the 5 seed retains home field advantage.
   1. Home/ visitor will be determined by a coin toss in the loser bracket.
3. The game shall consist of 6 innings. There is no time limit. 
   1. In the event, at the conclusion of the 6th inning, the game is tied; the game shall continue until a winner is reached.
   2. If the umpire calls game due to darkness, the game will resume the following day (or at a day/time specified by the Board of Directors).
4. Runs are unlimited each inning
   1. Minor: the 5/8 rule does not apply during playoffs.
   2. Training: the 5/8 rule does apply during playoffs. The 6th inning will be unlimited runs.
      
5. Mercy Rule: The game will end when there is a 10 run lead or greater after the completion of the 4th inning (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead).
6. Batting & Substitutions:
   1. Major/ Minor / Training: There is consecutive batting. (you bat the entire team, just like regular season).
      
   2. Training: bunting is allowed in the playoffs.
   3. Training: Coach Pitch will continue with the player assuming remaining strikes left in the count. 
7. Minimum Play:
   1. Major: Each player must play a minimum of two full defensive innings (does not need to be consecutive). Failure to comply before game’s end will result in a forfeit, unless the Mercy Rule applies.
   2. Minor / Training: Each player must play a minimum of three full defensive innings (does not need to be consecutive). Failure to comply before game’s end will result in a forfeit, unless the Mercy Rule applies.
   3.  There are no “infield play” requirements. Unlike Regular Season, a player is not required to play in the infield.
8. Base running:
   1. Training: Home plate is closed. Runners may score only when the ball is put in play (no steals, passed balls, wild pitch, bad throw to pitcher, etc.).
   2. Training: Batter and runner may advance only ONE additional base on one or more overthrows.
   3. Reference LL Rulebook section 7.13 for penalty of runner(s) leaving early.
9. Only three (3) Manager/Coaches are allowed in the dugout or on the field during play.
   1. Training: Only four (4) Manager/Coaches are allowed in the dugout or on the field during play.
10. All pitching violations are subject to game suspension(s) and can be protested if found before the end of the game, including (but not limited to); pitch/catch, catch/pitch, days of rest and total pitch count.