Got a little taste of what you guys in blue deal with

[stkjock]

Our LLI WP tournament started tonight and on of the coaches was away so I was asked to fill in.

5th Inning, we are in the field and one of the kids says the batter has a "big barrel" bat.  Before I could look, comprehend and react, the batter puts it in play.

FC out at second, batter reaches first, I know there's a illegal bat rule and think the batter should be out.  So we appeal the bat, it's ruled illegal, but since it was after the ball in play we can choose the result of the play or the batter out.  We take the results, I further explain to the TD, the added penalty of they lose an adult base coach.  Well the TDs don't know the rule and call the LLI district office, game is delayed now at least 5 mins with all the questions and the like.  The LLI office comes back that the tournament penalty is the player and manager are ejected.  So they are escorted off the field by the home TDs.

Manger realized it was an illegal bat about 10 seconds too late and could not stop the AB to remove it, so so it seemed, I tend to believe the guy,  Crappy deal that they are also suspended the next game played.

So of course the parents from the other team are not happy..... I have to go to 1B in the top of the 6th and get chirped at the entire inning with insults.

we won the game 9-1.  A little dad brag, batting in the 6 hole, my son had a great game, 3-4, two singles, double and scored twice.  

[Tksjewelry]

You haven't truly lived until you've ruined at least a dozen ten year olds mlb careers.

Sent from my SM-G920P using Tapatalk

[Richvee]

Has this rule been changed? I don't see anywhere where the player is ejected, and the manager isn't ejected until the 2nd offense. 

A batter is out for illegal action when - (d) The batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat (see bat specifications rule 1.10) or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box. Note: If the infraction is discovered before the next player enters the batter’s box following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat: 1) The manager of the defense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. 2) For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game. 3) For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game. Any subsequent violation will result in the newly designated manager being ejected.

[stkjock]

Rich - I didn't realize it either.  It's in the tournament supplement.  Pg 128 2016 book. Section 3 

 

@Tksjewelry I can't wait

[Jimurray]

My pregame bat inspection. OK coach tell the players to take all their PONY bats and give them to the moms. Next, let's go over the composite list. The inspection might be mandatory somewhere in th LLGB but it's on the coach if it's done or not done.

[Richvee]

7 minutes ago, stkjock said:

Rich - I didn't realize it either.  It's in the tournament supplement.  Pg 128 2016 book. Section 3 

 

@Tksjewelry I can't wait

Hmm. That's something that's been added in the past few years. I only have older rule books for LL and that's not in them. 

[udbrky]

23 minutes ago, Jimurray said:

My pregame bat inspection. OK coach tell the players to take all their PONY bats and give them to the moms. Next, let's go over the composite list. The inspection might be mandatory somewhere in th LLGB but it's on the coach if it's done or not done.

Hmm, mine is "are you guys legally and properly equipped?"

[stkjock]

6 hours ago, Richvee said:

Hmm. That's something that's been added in the past few years. I only have older rule books for LL and that's not in them. 

From what one of the long tenured LL guys in our league said its newer rule as to the penalty enforced   

6 hours ago, Jimurray said:

My pregame bat inspection. OK coach tell the players to take all their PONY bats and give them to the moms. Next, let's go over the composite list. The inspection might be mandatory somewhere in th LLGB but it's on the coach if it's done or not done.

I've been involved in maybe 125-150 LLI games in the past 4-5 years, never once seen a bat inspection, granted only once been involved in a sectional tournament and never anything higher level.  

[RichMSN]

We check all bats at every game from the District level on up.

If it's mandatory, it's on the tournament staff for not mandating it.

[Mudisfun]

We check bats at every game in our district... regular season, playoffs, whatever. And I have used that line... bring me all your bats including your travel bats and amazing how many of those come out of bags! Not legal in LL Majors and below of course so they get handed out of the dugout. I know I ask the coach at the meeting about being equipped but I really do not want to get this type of cheap ejection if I can help it.

[Mudisfun]

@stkjock Thank you for relaying this experience... I was unaware of the change between regular season and tournament for this rule and have relayed it to my peers who are officiating All-Stars within our District Association.

[stkjock]

sure thing @Mudisfun

 

as a FYI - appears the change for this issue was a 2013 rule adjustment

 

http://www.littleleague.org/Page59104.aspx

 

 

[Jimurray]

51 minutes ago, RichMSN said:

We check all bats at every game from the District level on up.

If it's mandatory, it's on the tournament staff for not mandating it.

Actually, while there's plenty of "guidance" about checking equipment in LL (RIM, etc.), the only rulebook requirement I can find is in Appendix D. Managers, coaches and umpires are required to inspect bats including using the bat ring.

 

[Mudisfun]

@Jimurray the RIM index supports 3.01(a) as the requirement.

Before the game the umpire shall... (a)... implements of play and equipment of players.

[Jimurray]

31 minutes ago, Mudisfun said:

@Jimurray the RIM index supports 3.01(a) as the requirement.

Before the game the umpire shall... (a)... implements of play and equipment of players.

"Requiring strict observance" could be just at the plate meeting. That being said, bat and equipment inspections may or may not take place depending on the venue. 

[Mudisfun]

Best advice is follow the lead of your district UIC.

 

Our's requires this happens so at the League level we require it as well.