Please use the link below to access the VALL 2025 Local Rules that are used in conjunction with American Little League Rules.

****  Local VALL 2025 League Rules   ****

--- VALL "Pool Player" Program ---

Below are 2025 Significant Rules Changes from Little League - "Cliff Notes"

1.  Change/New Addition: A.R. 2 — No bat, in any level of Little League Baseball or Softball play, is permitted to be altered. Products such as, but not limited to, choke-knobs, choke-up assists, or thumb protectors are considered alterations or modifications to the bat and are not permitted.
   
   
2. Neoprene sleeves may be worn by the pitcher and do not need to be covered by an undershirt, provided the neoprene sleeve is one solid color and is not white or grey.
   
   
3. Any jewelry worn by a player that poses harm to injury will be subject to removal. This rule applies regardless of the composition of such jewelry, hard cosmetic item, or hard decorative item. Hard items to control the hair, such as beads, are permitted. 
   
   
4. Rule 1.16 — Helmet Stickers
   Permits the use of helmet stickers or decals, provided that such usage is not excessive, is not offensive, and does not make inappropriate references, such as that to drugs or alcohol
   
   
5. RULE 7.14(b) – Courtesy Runner: A local league may permit a “courtesy runner” for the catcher and/or pitcher of record when there are two (2) outs.
   1. NOTE 1: If the traditional batting order is used, a player whose name is on the team’s batting order may not become a substitute runner for another member of the team. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher is subject to removal from the line-up. The same courtesy runner may not run for both the pitcher and catcher at any time during the game.
   2. NOTE 2: If the continuous batting order is used, the “courtesy runner” may be in the team’s batting order and must be the player in the batting order who made the last out.
   3. NOTE 3: If the pitcher and catcher of record are on base with two outs, the offense may use a courtesy runner for both the pitcher and catcher of record at the same time. The offense shall place the courtesy runners in order on the bases. 
      EXAMPLE: With two outs and the pitcher at second base and the catcher at third base, the offense wishes to use courtesy runners for both the pitcher and catcher of record. The offense will use the player who made the second out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the pitcher of record at second base and the player who made the first out of the inning as the courtesy runner for the catcher of record at third base.
6. Rule 3.01 — Pregame Equipment Inspection
   Removes the requirement for umpires to check equipment prior to the start of the game by placing responsibility for legal and proper equipment on the manager.
   Change: Before the game begins, the umpires shall —(a) require strict observance of all rules governing team personnel, implements of play, and confirm with the managers of both teams at the plate conference that all equipment is proper and legal for play according to Little League Rules.
   NOTE: Umpires are not required to inspect equipment prior to the start of the game. The manager of each team is responsible for ensuring that all equipment is legal and proper for play according to Little League rules. 
   PENALTY: If illegal equipment is used during the game, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game and the player who used the illegal equipment will also be ejected from the game. Both the manager and the player who used the illegal equipment will be suspended for their team’s next physically played game and may not be in attendance at the game site. This includes pregame and postgame activities.
   
   
7. Change: Illegal Bat
   (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. The ball is dead. Runners must return if they advanced on the play.
   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. (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.
      The manager of the team will be ejected from the game, the batter who violated the rule will be ejected from the game, and the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.
8. TIE GAME: When the completion of six innings (Junior/Senior League: seven innings), and the score is tied, starting in the top of the seventh inning (Junior/Senior League: eighth inning), and each half inning thereafter, the offensive team shall begin its turn at bat with the player who is scheduled to bat last in that respective half inning being placed on second base. 
   EXAMPLE: If the number five batter is the lead-off batter, the number four batter in the batting order will be placed on second base. An eligible substitute or special pinch runner may be inserted for the runner.