League Rules & Updates – 2025

Please use the links below to access the official VALL 2025 Local Rules, which are used in conjunction with American Little League Rules.

VALL 2025 Local League Rules (Board Approved)

— VALL “Pool Player” Program —

2025 Significant Rule Changes – “Cliff Notes”

1. Change / New Addition – A.R. 2 (Bat Alterations)
   No bat at any level of Little League Baseball or Softball may be altered. This includes, but is not limited to, choke-knobs, choke-up assists, or thumb protectors. These are considered bat modifications and are not permitted.
2. Pitcher Sleeves
   Neoprene sleeves may be worn by the pitcher and do not need to be covered by an undershirt, provided the sleeve is one solid color and is not white or gray.
3. Jewelry & Accessories
   Any jewelry that poses a risk of injury may be removed regardless of material. Hard cosmetic or decorative items fall under this rule. Hard hair-control items such as beads are permitted.
4. Rule 1.16 – Helmet Stickers
   Helmet stickers or decals are permitted as long as they are not excessive, offensive, or contain inappropriate references (including drugs or alcohol).
5. Rule 7.14(b) – Courtesy Runner
   Local leagues may allow a courtesy runner for the catcher and/or pitcher of record when there are two (2) outs.
   1. Note 1: With a traditional batting order, a player in the lineup may not run for another player. The same courtesy runner may not run for both the pitcher and catcher in the same game.
   2. Note 2: With a continuous batting order, the courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out.
   3. Note 3: If both pitcher and catcher are on base with two outs, courtesy runners may be used for both. Runners are placed in order of outs made.
      
      Example: Pitcher on second, catcher on third — second out runs for pitcher; first out runs for catcher.
6. Rule 3.01 – Pregame Equipment Inspection
   Responsibility for legal equipment now rests with the team manager. Umpires are no longer required to inspect equipment prior to the game.

   Penalty: If illegal equipment is used, both the manager and the player will be ejected and suspended for the next physically played game. Neither may be present at the game site.

7. Illegal Bat – Rule Enforcement
   If a batter enters the box with an illegal bat or is discovered to have used one before the next batter, the ball is dead and runners return.

   The defensive manager may decline the penalty and accept the play. The offending manager and batter will still be ejected, and the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the remainder of the game.

8. Tie Game Rule
   After six innings (Junior/Senior: seven), each half inning begins with the last scheduled batter placed on second base.

   Example: If the #5 batter leads off, the #4 batter is placed on second base. A substitute or pinch runner may be used.