Major Division Rule Clarifications

Lamar Little League is proud to be one of the largest and most successful leagues in the country. The competitive nature of our Major Division is a driving force behind this success. Last season we received feedback about some rules that govern the Major Division, so we wanted to provide our parents and players with information to prepare for them for the upcoming season.

1. 12 Year Olds Required to Play in the Major Division - In 2008, Little League International amended the rules to require all players who are league age 12 to play in the Major Division. This rule has caused much controversy, not only locally, but nationally.

Regulation V. 1 reads:
“The selection of players for the various teams within a league shall be in compliance with the Little League Draft Selection System as detailed in the Operating Manual. NOTE: All candidates who are league age twelve (12) must be drafted to a Little League Major Division team, or to a Junior League team. Exceptions can only be made with written approval from the District Administrator, and only if approved at the local league level by the Board of Directors and the parent of the candidate.”

2. Mandatory/Minimum Play Rule

Regulation IV(i) reads:
“Every player on a team roster will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time.”

3. Substitution Rule

Rule 3.03 reads:
“A player in the starting line-up who has been removed for a substitute may reenter the game once, in any position in the batting order, provided:
1. The substitute has completed one time at bat and;
2. Has played defensively for a minimum of six (6) consecutive outs.
3. A pitcher may not reenter the game as a pitcher.
4. Only a player in the starting lineup may reenter the game.
5. A starter (S1) reentering the game as a substitute for another starter (S2) must then fulfill all
conditions of a substitute (one at bat and six defensive outs) before starter (S2) can reenter the game.

The Major Division does NOT utilize continuous batting like the younger divisions. Each team establishes a 9 player roster and makes substations to insert players into the game. The substitution rules are very strict and #4 of the rule above prohibits a substitute player from reentering a game once removed.

Our goal is for each player and their parents to have the opportunity to decide what level of competition they wish to play. If you believe your child is ready to participate at the highest level of competition, then the Major Division may be for you. If you want to participate in the game without being restricted by the rules above, then you may be eligible to play in the Varsity Division. If you have questions regarding these rules or your child is league age 12 and you want to explore the possibility of playing in the Varsity Division, please contact the league Player Agent at playeragent@lamarlittleleague.com.