WPPA House Baseball Rules 2026

The Rules of Welles Park Parents Association (WPPA)

1. All previous unwritten rules, gentlemen's agreements, or understandings as practiced by veteran coaches and players are hereby null and void unless endorsed by their written inclusion in these "Official WPPA Youth Baseball Rules." These rules are intended to achieve the goals stipulated herein and are reviewed and modified on an annual basis to make the games in each league consistent with these goals and to provide a more meaningful experience for all participants.
2. As set forth in this rulebook, the WPPA has adopted a modified version of The Illinois High School Association (IHSA) baseball rules. To the extent any conflicts exist between the IHSA rules as printed in the current National Federation of State High School Associations (NFHS) Baseball Rules Book and these WPPA rules, the WPPA rules shall prevail. To the extent a scenario is not covered in these rules, the IHSA Rules, as printed in the current NFHS Baseball Rules Book, shall apply.
3. The WPPA Youth Baseball Program emphasizes the highest standards of ethics and sportsmanship and expects that all players, parents, coaches, umpires and spectators will maintain and endorse these high standards. The ethics and sportsmanship of the players, coaches, officials, spectators and others associated with the game must be exemplary and beyond reproach. Everyone participating must conduct himself or herself in a way that is a credit to the league and community.

Objectives of the WPPA

1. To provide a meaningful athletic experience for children while providing them the opportunity to have a good time.
2. To teach teamwork and respect for teammates, opponents, coaches and umpires, and to emphasize good sportsmanship.
3. To teach the fundamentals and rules of baseball and sharpen baseball skills.
4. To teach the players to strive hard to win - fairly!

WPPA Rules and Revisions to IHSA Rules

As stated herein, the designation "Rev" following an article number indicates a revision, in part, of the IHSA rule. If the revision applies only to certain leagues, those leagues to which it applies are indicated. Rookie, Junior, Minor, Major, Senior, and Liberty refer to the spring/summer season divisions. 7U, 9U, 11U and 13U refer to the fall season divisions. All other rules set forth herein are intended to supplant the indicated IHSA rule.

Head coaches are responsible for knowing IHSA and WPPA rules.

The WPPA will furnish all game balls, bases, pitching rubber, catcher's equipment, and tees during the regular and post season schedule. Each team will furnish its own bats and mitts. The WPPA will have available a limited number of helmets with facemasks available upon request by a coach. Teams shall use WPPA issued equipment or comparable equipment that is in good working condition and meets or exceeds standards established by the National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE).

The head coaches are responsible for equipment and uniforms issued to their team and for seeing that equipment is properly maintained. Any person willfully abusing or damaging the equipment will be required to pay for the replacement of said equipment. Normal wear and tear is expected. Coaches and umpires are expected to turn in all equipment at the end of the season.

Section 1: Positions of Players

Art. 1 Rev... Minimum number of players to start a game:

• Rookie: six (6) players
• All other leagues: eight (8) players

Rookie Defense

The eleven (11) positions consist of Pitcher, 1st base, 2nd base, Short-Center Fielder, Shortstop, 3rd base, Left Fielder, Left-Center Fielder, Center Fielder, Right-Center Fielder and Right Fielder. The Short-Center Fielder must start behind 2nd base between the Shortstop and 2nd Baseman. All of the other outfielders must start each play in the outfield grass area.

No player may play any position more than one inning per game.

Junior/7U Defense

The twelve (12) positions consist of Catcher, Pitcher, 1st base, 2nd base, Short-Center Fielder, Shortstop, 3rd base, Left Fielder, Left-Center Fielder, Center Fielder, Right-Center Fielder and Right Fielder. The Short-Center Fielder must start behind 2nd base between the Shortstop and 2nd Baseman. All of the other outfielders must start each play in the outfield grass area. No infielders (except the pitcher and catcher) may start a play more than one step in front of a base or the base path.

No player may play more than three (3) innings total at pitcher and/or first base positions each game during the regular season prior to the playoffs.

Section 2: The Field

Art. 1 Rev... Field dimensions:

Junior/7U and Rookie: The field shall be marked with a 10' diameter pitching circle; half-way marks between 1st and 2nd base, 2nd and 3rd base, and 3rd and home plate; and a line between the 1st base line and the 3rd base line, 15' from the point of home plate.

Art. 9 Rev... The league will use its best efforts to provide safety bases at first base at all levels (Rookie through Liberty).

Section 3: Bats, Balls and Gloves

Art. 1 Rev...

• Rookie will play with a soft rubber "Official Tee-Ball".
• Junior/7U will use Level 5 training baseballs (ex: Rawlings ROTB or Champro CBB-65)

The WPPA is to provide two (2) game balls for each game. They will be distributed at the beginning of the season to each coach and the coaches will bring them to the games.

Art. 2 Rev... The following bats shall be permitted:

• Liberty: All bats must be wooden (composite wooden bats are acceptable) or BBCOR certified 0.50.
• Senior/13U: All one-piece wood bats are allowed. All USA bats with drop weight -8 or lower are permitted. BBCOR certified 0.50 bats are also permitted.
• Major/11U: All bats must be wooden (composite wooden bats are acceptable) or metal bats with up to a 2 5/8 inch barrel with the "USA Baseball" stamp.
• Minor/9U and Junior/7U: Wood bats are legal. Metal bats with two possible barrel diameters will be permitted. All metal bats with a 2 1/4 inch barrel (or less) are legal. Metal bats with up to a 2 5/8-inch barrel are legal as long as they have a "USA Baseball" stamp. Bats inscribed with the phrase "Official Tee-Ball" are permitted.
• Rookie: Metal bats are legal but barrel size may not exceed two and one quarter (2 1/4) inches. Bats inscribed with the phrase "Official Tee-Ball" are permitted.

Fall Season "A" Division Only

• 13U "A" Division: All bats with a maximum barrel of 2 3/4" diameter, a maximum length of 34 inches, with a maximum differential of -8, and a Stamped BPF of 1.15 will be allowed.
• 9U and 11U "A" Division: All bats with a maximum barrel of 2 3/4" diameter, a maximum length of 33 inches, a maximum differential of -12, and a Stamped BPF of 1.15 will be allowed.
• 7U "A" Division: All bats with a maximum barrel of 2 3/4" diameter, a maximum length of 33 inches, a maximum differential of -13 and a Stamped BPF of 1.15 will be allowed.

Penalty for illegal bat: A player will not be penalized for starting an at bat with an illegal bat unless and until the pitcher delivers at least one pitch. If the batter starts an at bat with an illegal bat, and, prior to the first pitch switches to a legal bat, there will be no penalty. The penalty for using an illegal bat is that the batter will be called out and any baserunners will remain at, or return to, the bases they occupied at the beginning of the at bat.

Only bats and items designed to remain part of the bat, such as weighted bats, batting donuts, and wind-resistant devices are legal at any location. (Hit N Stiks or similar devices may not be used in warming up for a game and/or during a game at any location.)

Section 4: Uniforms

Art. 1 Rev... Players must wear the WPPA regulation issued jersey along with gray baseball pants (except Liberty) and team hat to be eligible to play. Call ups must wear their house team jersey.

Art. 5. Coach Uniforms:

• Spring/Summer Season: During games, it is required that all head coaches and assistant coaches who occupy the playing field, including base coaches, shall wear official WPPA clothing.
• Fall Season: During games, it is required that all head coaches and assistant coaches who occupy the playing field, including base coaches, shall wear the official WPPA fall team uniform shirt or official WPPA clothing.

Section 5: Player Equipment

Art. 1 Rev... Batters and base runners are to wear protective helmets at all times--in scheduled games as well as team practices. Batters and base runners must wear protective helmets with face guard. At any level, if a batter steps into the batter's box wearing an illegal helmet, the umpire shall inform the player and coach, and request that the player change their helmet to one that meets WPPA requirements. If the player refuses to change their helmet, they will be called out.

• Senior/13U: Players may wear either protective helmets with face guards or helmets with c-flaps, with a permanently affixed NOCSAE stamp. C-Flap helmets without this stamp are not permitted. NOTE: Altering a helmet in any way (drilling holes, removing padding, etc.) may cause a manufacturer to void the NOCSAE certification of that helmet, making it illegal to use. For the Fall Season ONLY, 11U players may wear a C-Flap helmet in accordance with the provisions in this paragraph.
• Major/11U: Players may wear protective helmets with face guards or helmets with c-flaps (jaw guards) with a permanently affixed NOCSAE stamp. C-Flap helmets without this stamp are not permitted.
• Liberty: players must wear helmets, but face guards and c-flaps are optional.

Art. 3 Rev...

• Liberty, Senior/13U, Major/11U, and Minor/9U: Catcher must wear a catcher's helmet (batter's helmet is not permitted), protective cup (males only), shin guards, helmet, chest and throat protector at all times when catching.
• Junior/7U (Coach Pitch innings): Catcher must wear catcher's helmet (batter's helmet is not permitted), shin guards, helmet, throat (if provided) and chest protector with extension flap extended.

Art. 13. It is recommended that all players wear protective cups. These must be furnished by each player.

Art. 14. No metal spikes are allowed in any league except Liberty.

Section 1: Substituting

Art. 2 Rev... A pitcher must pitch consecutive innings (except Liberty). Once a pitcher is removed from the pitching position for any reason, they may not pitch again during that game (except Liberty).

Catcher-Pitcher Restrictions (Junior/7U, Minor/9U, Major/11U & Senior/13U)

• Any player who has played the position of catcher in four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day.
• A player who played the position of catcher for three (3) innings or less (including not at all), moves to the pitcher position, and delivers 21 pitches or more (15- and 16-year-olds: 31 pitches or more) in the same day, may not return to the catcher position on that calendar day.
• EXCEPTION: If the pitcher reaches the 20-pitch limit (15- and 16-year-olds: 30-pitch limit) while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch, and maintain their eligibility to return to the catcher position, until any one of the following conditions occur: (1) that batter reaches base; (2) that batter is retired; (3) the third out is made to complete the half-inning or the game; or (4) the pitcher is removed from the mound prior to the batter completing his/her at-bat.

Art. 2 Rev... Prior to the defense taking the field in any inning, a coach may substitute any player for any other player as long as it does not violate pitching regulations or minimum defensive inning rule.

Art 7. Sit Out Limits

If a player sits out for any portion of a defensive inning, the player is considered to have sat out for the entire inning for purposes of calculating the maximum number of sits.

Rookie: Each player must play at least one (1) inning in the infield, at pitcher, 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, shortstop, or short center.

Art. 8. Once a defensive player begins an inning, they must complete the inning at the same position.

• Liberty only: A defensive player may change positions within an inning.
• Exception: Any player may be removed from play in event of an injury, disciplinary action or as a result of a pitching change.

Art. 12. In case of any injury to a player, they may be replaced by a player from the bench. In case of any injury to a batter who cannot continue the plate appearance, the at-bat shall be vacated. An injured player may return to the game after a rest of at least the remaining half inning in which the injury occurred.

Art. 14. The Farm Team System

Farm Team players may be used only to the extent to ensure a team has nine (9) players eligible for a game.

Fall Season Farm Teams:

• 13U - Any lower division
• 11U - Any lower division
• 9U - Any lower division
• 7U - Any other 7U team, subject to approval of the opposing coach

Farm Team Rules:

• The coach seeking a Farm Team player must first obtain permission from the Farm Team coach and then the permission of the player's parent. Participation is not mandatory.
• Players brought up from the Farm Team system must be identified as such to the opposing coach and the umpire before the start of the game.
• The Farm Team player must wear an official uniform of either the Primary Team or the Farm Team from which they were recruited.
• A Farm Team player may not play more innings on defense than the fewest number of innings played by a Primary Team member.
• Farm Team players must be registered with WPPA.
• Teams may not call up the same farm team player more than once during the playoffs.
• All leagues other than Liberty: Farm Team player(s) must occupy the last spot(s) in the batting order.
• Senior/13U: Farm Team players may not pitch or play infield positions for the Primary Team unless there are not enough Primary Team players to field the six (6) infield positions. Farm Team players may not play pitcher or catcher under any circumstances.
• Junior/7U, Minor/9U, Major/11U: Farm Team players may not pitch or play infield positions for the Primary Team.
• Liberty: Farm Team players may play any position including extra batter.

Art. 14a. Ineligible Players (2026): When a division commissioner determines that an ineligible player has been utilized in a game, the commissioner has discretion to impose appropriate consequences, which may include forfeiture of the game in which the ineligible player participated, suspension of the head coach, or other sanctions as determined appropriate by the commissioner in consultation with the WPPA Board.

Section 2: Coaching

Art. 3 Rev... Junior/7U (first three full innings whether tee-ball hitting or coach-pitch) and Rookie: Two (2) coaches may be in the out-field area at a time to verbally assist defensive players. They may not cause any interference or make physical contact with any player. A ball put in play by a batter which hits a coach shall be considered to be a non-playable ball and will not count against the batter. The play may be re-played as if it had never occurred.

Art. 5. Junior/7U (Tee-Ball at bats) and Rookie: There may be only one practice swing taken with a coach assisting the batter when the batter is at the plate. No ball can be placed on the tee for this purpose. When the ball is placed on the tee, the coach must stand behind the backstop or in line with the grandstand fence (out of the play area). Any physical assistance given the batter by a coach when the ball is on the tee will result in a strike assigned to the batter.

Art. 6. Junior (Tee-Ball at bats) and Rookie: The coach or a designated person from the team on offense shall be present behind the backstop to remove the "tee" for safety reasons after the ball has been hit and put into play. There must be a regular home plate under the "tee." If the "tee" is not removed, it will be considered interference and no base runner from 3rd base may advance. If the bases are loaded, the lead runner will be out and all other base runners will advance one (1) base.

Art. 7. Unless approved in advance by the commissioner of the respective league, at least one coach on a team must be a parent of a child on the team.

Section 3: Bench and Field Conduct

Art. 5. Only team members and their respective recognized coaches (including a designated scorekeeper or pitch counter) are allowed on a team bench or in the team's dugout area while a game is being conducted. Spectators are not allowed on a team bench for any reason. All players are to remain on the bench except for the player at bat, the "on deck" player, and the pitcher and/or catcher warming up.

• Coaches not coaching a base, supervising a warming-up batter or pitcher, or coaching defense (Rookie and Junior/7U) must remain in the dugout/bench-area while the game is being played.
• Coaches are not allowed in the well area (Minor/9U and Major/11U) or along the base line.
• Teams are permitted to allow one coach to stand near the on-deck batter to maintain a safe environment.

Art. 6. (A coach shall not) use, or be under the influence of drugs (including, but not limited to marijuana and THC or CBD-based products) or alcohol at any game or practice. Violation will mean immediate and permanent dismissal from coaching in the WPPA. IHSA rules prohibit use of tobacco and tobacco-like products (including vapes) near the field.

All coaches, parents, and spectators are reminded that alcohol is not permitted on Park District property.

Art. 7. A coach or player ejected for any reason will sit out the next game. If the same coach or player is ejected from a second game, in the same or any other WPPA league, within the same season, they will be suspended indefinitely and will be required to appear before a disciplinary committee made up of board members before reinstatement.

Art. 8. At the end of a game, each team must clean up its dugout area and leave the dugout area before the next team enters the dugout area. Coaches are reminded that they are responsible for cleaning up any litter left in the viewing stand area from the spectators watching their game.

Art. 9. Players are not permitted to chant, yell or scream (i) any derogatory or negative comments as to any player, coach, umpire or fan or (ii) for the purpose of distracting a member of the opposing team. If an umpire believes that this rule has been violated, they may first issue a warning to both teams. For subsequent violations within the same game, the offense will result in an out being charged to the offending team during their next at bat or, if the team is at bat, at the time of the offense.

Art. 10. The use of "hit sticks" or similar devices is prohibited during the game. The use of these items is allowed during pregame warmups only under the supervision of an adult coach.

Section 4: Charged Conferences

Art 1 Rev... Each team, when on defense, may be granted not more than one charged conference per pitcher per inning. A charged conference is any conference including a non-playing team member (coach, assistant coach, etc.). Time granted for an obviously incapacitated player shall not constitute a charged conference.

This total is not cumulative - that is, in the event a pitcher pitches without any charged conferences, subsequent pitchers cannot have more than one charged conference without penalty. After each pitcher change or inning change, the number of charged conferences resets and one is allowed before a change must be made.

PENALTY: After the one allowed charged conference, a further conference must result in the removal of the current pitcher (as pitcher) and a replacement player at the pitcher position.

Section 1: Starting a Game

Art. 1 Rev... At least thirty minutes prior to the first game of the day, the league commissioner in consultation with the Board, will determine if the grounds and other conditions are suitable for starting the game. If the league commissioner is not available to make the decision, another disinterested board member must make the decision. If a game is canceled before or after it begins as a result of darkness, inclement weather, or for any other reason, the field upon which the game was to be played may not be used for practices or for any other purpose by WPPA teams.

Art. 1 Rev... The home team is responsible for setting up all bases and always occupies the 3rd base side of the field.

Art. 2 Rev... Ground Rules

Welles Park Field 6:

• If a ball on the fly hits the foliage of a tree in fair territory, it is a dead ball.
• If a ball hits or crosses the access road on a fly ball, the batter will be awarded a home run. If the ball rolls or bounces onto the access road, the runner will be awarded a triple.

Welles Park Field 3:

• If the field does not have a home run fence, any ball is playable off of the wall.
• If the field does not have a home run fence, and a ball goes into the stairwell untouched, it is a double.
• If the ball has been touched, it is a triple.
• If a ball on the fly hits the tree it is a dead ball.
• If a ball is hit onto the top of the building, it is a home run.
• If a ball hits on or directly above the smaller building it is a home run.
• If the field does not have a home run fence, and a ball hits or goes under the bleachers, seating or behind the goalposts in Centerfield, on the fly, the batter is awarded a home run. If the ball rolls under one of those obstacles, the batter is awarded their current base plus two bases.

Home Run Fences:

For all leagues, in any situation where a temporary or permanent home run fence is in place, a ball traveling over the fence (even if it hits/touches the fence or a player) without first hitting the ground is a home run; a ball bouncing on the ground before reaching the fence, and then traveling over the fence is a ground rule double; a ball rolling under the fence is a ground rule double.

Legion Park and Winnemac Corner:

If a ball is hit on a fly over the bike path, it is a homerun; if a ball lands before the bike path but carries past the bike path, the batter shall be awarded the base they are running to plus one base.

Winnemac 4 and 5:

If a ball hits or crosses the bike path on a fly ball the batter will be awarded a home run. If the ball rolls or bounces on to the bike path, the runner will be awarded a triple.

Art. 3 Rev... Before each game, the head coach from each team must identify themselves to the umpire. Before game time, each head coach must provide the opposing head coach with their line up, including the names of all players in attendance and their status:

1. Able and eligible to play.
2. Injured - unable to play.
3. Being disciplined and will not play.
4. Farm Team player.

Section 2: Ending a Game

Art. 1 Rev... A regulation game consists of:

Art 2 Rev... Slaughter Rules

Art. 3 Rev... A game is official after three and one-half (3 1/2) complete innings, if the home team is ahead, or four (4) complete innings if the visitors are ahead or if the game is tied. If the game must be called because of darkness, inclement weather, or time limit before it is considered official, it will be replayed at a later date, from the point where the game left off. All pitch count rules remain in effect whether the game is official or not.

Art. 3a Rev... Suspended Games (2026 Revised): A game that is suspended prior to becoming an official game shall be replayed in its entirety at a later date. A game that is suspended after becoming an official game shall be resumed from the point of suspension. When a suspended game is resumed, pitching limits are calculated based on the cumulative pitch counts from the original game plus the resumed portion. A player who was ejected from the suspended game remains ejected for the resumed portion. The line-ups as submitted at the start of the original game govern the resumed game, subject to normal substitution rules for any remaining innings.

If a game is called because of darkness, inclement weather or time limit after it is an official game, but when the teams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; unless the home team, in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent's score, in which case, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.

Except in Liberty, any game still being played at the scheduled starting time of the next game will end immediately and revert back to the score at the end of the previous inning, unless the home team is ahead, or unless the home team, having been behind at the end of the previous inning, has tied the game.

A game that is tied at the end of the last inning will be continued until a winner is determined, unless time limits, darkness or inclement weather intercedes. If an official regular season game is tied and cannot be continued because of time limits, weather or darkness, the game will remain a tie. For league standings, a tie game counts as one half (1/2) of a win and one half (1/2) of a loss.

Art. 4 Rev... Maximum Time Limits

Junior/7U, Minor/9U, Major/11U, Senior/13U, and Liberty: two and one half (2 1/2) hour time limit for all regular season games.

• Except in Liberty, no inning is allowed to start once two hours have elapsed since the game's scheduled start time.
• A hard stop occurs ten (10) minutes before the scheduled starting time of the next game.
• For the last game of the day only, no new inning may be started after 2 hours, but they are allowed to complete the inning being played (no hard stop at 2 hours and 30 minutes).
• In Liberty, the inning being played when the time limit has been reached will be completed. A new inning cannot start once the 2 1/2 hour time limit has been reached.

In the event a coach thinks that a game should be called, or should be permitted to continue, and the umpire doesn't agree, the coach can stop play (at a dead ball situation) and appeal the umpire's ruling with a WPPA Board member. The Board member must not have a stake in the game and must be present at the game.

Section 4: Forfeited Game

Art. 1 Rev... If a team cannot field the minimum number of players within fifteen (15) minutes following the scheduled starting time of the game.

Rookie: If there is a forfeit because not enough players showed up for a game, the two teams will divide the total number of players equally. The two teams should play a game regardless of how many players are available.

Section 5: Protested Game

Art. 1. During the regular season, there will be NO protests allowed. The umpire (head umpire, if there are two umpires) will be the final arbitrator of the rules. (For protest rules during playoffs, see D. Procedures, Section 5, Art 10).

Section 6: Suspension for Severe Weather

Art 1. The WPPA adheres to the IHSA Severe Weather Safety Guidelines.

Art 2. When thunder is heard or lightning seen, play must be suspended for at least 30 minutes.

Art. 3. Once play has been suspended, teams should wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning witnessed prior to resuming play. Any subsequent thunder or lightning after the beginning of the 30-minute count will reset the clock and another 30-minute count should begin.

Art. 4. The 30-minute count is to be maintained by the umpire, including whether to reset the clock based on subsequent thunder or lightning.

Section 1: Dead Ball

Art 1 Rev... Ball becomes dead immediately when:

o. Junior/7U and Rookie: ...the ball is: (a) in the possession of the pitcher with both feet in the pitcher's circle, or (b) on the batting tee.

Additionally, for NON-infield hits: When in the umpire's opinion, an infielder controls the ball, the umpire must call time to stop the play. The player with the ball should demonstrate some control of the situation. For example, if the player with the ball has their back to play DO NOT call time out.

• If, in the discretion of the umpire, a runner is NOT substantially closer to the next base than the prior base (e.g., 3/4 of the way) when the dead ball is called, the runner must return to the prior base.
• If, in the discretion of the umpire, a runner is substantially closer to the next base than the prior base when the infielder controls the ball, then the runner may advance to such next base.
• This rule applies to both batted balls and balls hit from the tee.
• There is no overthrow penalty if the defensive player who is an infielder in possession of the ball attempts to make an out and the ball ends up out of play.

p. Junior/7U and Rookie: ...there are fewer than three bases occupied at the time that the ball is put into play, and a fielder receives the active ball and stands on home plate. If there are fewer than two outs, and a base runner has reached the half way mark between 3rd base and home, the base runner can score safely. If the fielder does not stand on home plate, but attempts to tag the base runner coming from 3rd base, the play and all base runners remain active until the ball is otherwise ruled dead by the umpire.

q. Major/11U and Minor/9U: When in the umpire's opinion, an infielder controls the ball and the runners have stopped advancing, the umpire can and should call time to stop the play. The player with the ball should demonstrate some control of the situation. For example, if the player with the ball has their back to play DO NOT call time out.

Junior/7U and Rookie: After the ball is dead, it must be returned to the pitcher on the mound. The umpire will call for the ball, which has to be sent to the catcher for placing on the tee.

Section 1: Pitching

Art. 2 Rev... Liberty, Senior/13U, Major/11U and Minor/9U: The pitcher shall start their pitching motion with at least one foot in contact with the pitching rubber. One foot must remain in contact with the pitching rubber at all times until the ball is released.

Section 2: Infractions by Pitcher

Art. 1 Rev... Major/11U and Minor/9U: Umpires shall enforce these infractions only in extreme cases.

Art. 4 Rev... Balks

• Senior/13U: Each pitcher gets one balk warning.
• Major/11U: There will be a modified balk rule called by the umpires. This is designed to teach the pitcher how to properly pitch from the stretch. A pitcher may not stop their pitching motion to home plate after coming to a set position and lifting their lead foot. A pitcher may not throw to any base except home plate. In the event that a base runner is drawn off base by this kind of balk, the base runner is not ruled out and is not awarded a base. The base runner must proceed back to the original base and play will resume.
• Minor/9U: There are no balks or illegal pitches.

Art. 6. If a pitcher hits three batters in the same game, they are to be removed from the pitcher's position in that game (except in Liberty).

Art. 7. Minor/9U and Major/11U: Pitchers are not allowed to throw breaking pitches. Curveball, knuckle curve, slurve, slider, and screwball are examples of breaking balls. Change-ups are not considered breaking pitches.

The ball is dead immediately when an illegal pitch occurs. A ball is awarded to the batter. If the pitcher throws a second illegal pitch, the pitcher will be removed from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.

Section 3: Coach Pitch

Art. 1. Definition: The innings (in Junior/7U prior to Memorial Day/Labor Day: after all batters on respective teams have batted off the tee and continuing for all subsequent innings; after Memorial Day/Labor Day: all innings) in which an offensive coach pitches to their own players.

Minor/9U and Junior/7U:

Art. 2. An offensive team coach (coach-pitcher) will pitch overhand to their own players.

• Minor/9U: For the 1st and 2nd innings, modified kid pitch will be used.
• Junior/7U: The coach pitcher shall begin pitching after completing the batting order once (where all players on the team have batted off the tee) and all subsequent innings. Transition from tee to coach pitch may occur during the middle of an inning.

Art. 3. Junior/7U only: If during coach pitch innings, a batter doesn't put one of the first four (4) pitched balls into play or strike out swinging, the coach will pitch a fifth pitch. The batter is out if they swing and miss or if the umpire calls the pitch a strike. If the umpire rules the pitch was not in the strike zone, the "fifth pitch" process is repeated. The strike will be called by the umpire from behind the plate in the appropriate position to observe the strike zone.

Art 4. Once the coach-pitcher pitches the ball, the coach-pitcher cannot instruct, coach or comment in any manner so as to influence any base runner or the batter.

Art. 5. The coach-pitcher is not to interfere with the play or the ball during a game. This is a judgment call by the umpire. After the ball is put into play by the batter, the coach-pitcher should leave the field of play as soon as possible. If a batted ball strikes the coach-pitcher, the ball is considered dead, and the pitch does not count.

Art. 6. If the coach-pitcher is ruled to have interfered with a play, it should be treated as interference with penalty given.

Art. 7. The coach-pitcher must keep one foot on the pitching rubber while they are pitching.

Art. 8. The exchange of the ball from the coach-pitcher to the catcher is a dead ball exchange unless the batter makes contact with the ball. The return exchange of the ball from the catcher is a dead ball exchange.

Art. 9. On defense, the defensive pitcher must be positioned within five feet of the pitcher's rubber.

Art. 10. If the catcher catches a foul tip on what would be the third strike, the batter is out.

Section 4: Kid Pitch

Art. 1. Definition: The innings (in Minor/9U 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th and all extra innings) in which a player from the defensive team pitches to the opposing batters.

Art 2. Modified Kid Pitch (Minor/9U): During modified kid pitch, all plate appearances will start with kid pitch. After ball four is pitched by the kid pitcher, no base on balls will be awarded to the batter. Instead, the hitting team's coach will come in to pitch. The coach will "inherit" the existing strike count on the batter. The umpire will call balls and strikes during coach pitch. The coach shall pitch until the earlier of 3 pitches or until the batter puts the ball in play or strikes out. Batters must swing at the third coach pitch and the failure to do so will result in the batter being out. If a batter fouls off the third coach pitch, the at bat continues, but the batter must swing at all subsequent coach pitches until they strike out, put the ball in play, or fail to make contact with the coach pitch. All other WPPA rules governing coach pitchers will continue to be observed. The batter will be awarded 1st base in the event of a hit-batsman during kid pitch.

Section 5: Pitching Limits

Art. 1. Pitch Counts: This rule replaces all other pitching restrictions not listed herein.

a. The pitch count limits and recovery days below are based on the player's age on opening day of the WPPA season. Even if a player has a birthday that would move them into a different age group during the season, the player's age at the start of the season controls for the duration of the season.

b. Pitch count limits include travel and house pitches:

c. If a pitcher reaches any pitching limit stated herein for their age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. The batter reaches base; 2. The batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to end the half-inning.

d. If a pitcher exceeds any pitching limit, then the total number of pitches thrown, not the limit, is used for pitch count for all other purposes, including rest days.

e. Seniors/13U: At the start of Senior/13U playoffs, the season pitch limit shall be extended by 200 pitches.

f. A player may pitch in multiple games in a day, but they cannot throw more pitches in a single day than the aggregate max pitches per day limit for their age. Additionally, a pitcher who pitches more than the number of pitches triggering at least one rest day may not pitch in another game on the same day.

g. If a player plays for a baseball team outside of Welles Park (e.g., a non-Welles affiliated travel or house program), the WPPA house coach is responsible for knowing whether the player has pitched and how much the player has pitched so as to ensure compliance with the WPPA pitching limits set forth above, and reporting the pitch count to the division commissioner. If the coach does not know or cannot find out the player's pitch counts from their non-WPPA teams, that player is not eligible to pitch.

h. Travel and house coaches shall communicate and work together regarding pitchers' weekly pitch counts during weeks when a travel player is not specifically reserved for travel pitching.

i. Minors: During the regular season only, each pitcher must not pitch more than (a) nine (9) outs or (b) their daily pitch limit (allowing for overages permitted by these rules), whichever occurs first.

j. Majors: During the regular season only, each pitcher must not pitch more than (a) twelve (12) outs or (b) their daily pitch limit (allowing for overages permitted by these rules), whichever occurs first.

Art 2. Recovery Days

Recovery days are based on the total number of pitches thrown by a player in a day, including all travel pitches.

For the rules below, one day rest means if you pitch on Monday, you cannot pitch on Tuesday. Two days rest means if you pitch on Monday, you cannot pitch on Tuesday or Wednesday. Three days' rest means if you pitch on Monday you cannot pitch on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Four days rest means you cannot pitch on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday or Friday. The number of hours between starts is not a factor.

7-14 year olds:

• 0-20 pitches - no rest days required
• 21-35 - 1 day rest
• 36-50 - 2 day rest [NOTE: maximum pitches per day for 7/8 year olds is 50]
• 51-65 - 3 day rest
• 66+ - 4 day rest

15-16 year olds:

• 0-30 pitches - no rest days required
• 31-45 pitches - 1 day rest
• 46-60 pitches - 2 days rest
• 61-75 pitches - 3 days rest
• 76 or more pitches - 4 days rest

17-18 year olds:

• 0-30 pitches - no rest days required
• 31-45 pitches - 1 day rest
• 46-60 pitches - 2 days rest
• 61-75 pitches - 3 days rest
• 76 or more pitches - 4 days rest

19+ year olds:

• 0-30 pitches - no rest days required
• 31-45 pitches - 1 day rest
• 46-60 pitches - 2 days rest
• 61-80 pitches - 3 days rest
• 81-105 - 4 days rest
• 106 or more pitches - 5 days rest

Art. 3. Tracking and Recording Pitch Counts

The head coach of each team in a given game must keep track of pitches for every pitcher on both teams used in the game. The job may be given to a parent volunteer, but it is the head coach's responsibility to ensure it is done. The two pitch-count keepers will compare numbers at the end of each half inning or when a particular pitcher is removed from a game. If there is a discrepancy that cannot be rectified before the umpire is ready to start the next inning or resume the game after a pitching change, the official pitch count will be determined to be an average of the two numbers.

Pitch counts must be recorded into the WPPA website by 11:59pm the day of each game. The Head Coach can have a proxy enter the pitch counts, however, the Head Coach is responsible for the recording of the pitch counts and entry into the website. Each League Commissioner shall monitor the timeliness of pitch count entries. After one warning, in the event a League Commissioner finds that a coach has failed to enter pitch counts according to the time stated in these rules and reports this to the WPPA Board, a one-game suspension of the coach is triggered and shall be served at the next possible game.

Section 6: Travel Pitching Reservations

Art. 1. House and travel coaches are expected to work closely together to ensure travel players have the opportunity to pitch and develop in both house and travel games. Neither house teams nor travel teams have priority with respect to pitching, unless a player has been reserved for the week to pitch in travel games only.

Art. 2. Travel coaches can "reserve" each travel player for two (2) weeks per house season to be used as a pitcher. To reserve a player, a travel coach must email the relevant house coach, league commissioner and the travel coordinator with notice of the reservation. This notice must be given no later than the Tuesday prior to the weekend of the game(s) for which the player would be reserved. Unless otherwise agreed, the reservation will be effective for the entire pitch count week (Thursday through Wednesday).

Art. 3. Unless exceptional circumstances exist, as determined by the Board President or the Executive Board, a house team may not have more than two (2) travel players reserved during any single week.

Art. 4. House or travel pitching conflicts or disputes should be raised to the travel coordinator and the league commissioner as soon as they arise.

Section 1: Position and Batting Order

Art 3. All able and eligible players must be in the lineup and in the batting order for the entire game. There can be no substitute batters or pinch hitters. All able and eligible players, including Farm Team players, will constitute the "batting order" and all players will bat during the entire game in the order established by the lineup. The only exception to this rule exists if a player is temporarily or permanently removed from the game due to injury, illness, or disciplinary action or has to leave the game early for personal reasons.

There is no designated hitter in any league.

Any player arriving after the beginning of the game is added to the end of the batting order, except in Liberty where the player may be listed as a substitute, and the other team is notified of same.

Liberty and Senior/13U: If there are only eight players, no penalty out must be taken. If there are less than eight players, a penalty out must be taken for each player below eight.

Major/11U, Minor/9U and Junior/7U: Each team's line up must have at least nine (9) batters. If a lineup has fewer than nine (9) batters, every number less than nine (9) is an automatic out. During playoffs the minimum number of batters is the same nine (9).

This rule may not be waived by the coaches or umpire unless each team has fewer than nine (9) [nine (9) in the playoffs] batters and both teams have the same number of batters in the lineup. Once the rule has been waived, it cannot be re-instated during that game. If a team starts the game with nine (9) [nine (9) in the playoffs] batters and for some reason falls below that number, no penalty will be assessed.

Section 2: Strikes, Balls and Hits

Art 1. A strike is charged to the batter when:

Junior/7U (Tee-Ball at bats) and Rookie: There is any contact with the ball by the bat after the ball is placed on the tee, which does not result in a fairly hit ball. There are no strikeouts in Junior/7U (Tee-Ball at bats) or Rookie.

Art. 4. Junior/7U (Tee-Ball at bats) and Rookie: A ball is foul if it does not pass the diagonal line that is in front of home plate.

Section 4: Batter is Out

Art. 1b. Rev...

• Minor/9U and Junior/7U (Coach Pitch): A third strike is called, whether or not the ball is caught by the catcher.
• Senior/13U and Major/11U: The IHSA third strike will apply. The rule reads "The batter is out when a third strike is not caught, provided a runner occupies first base and there are less than two outs. A runner is deemed to occupy first base if they were on first base before the pitch was thrown, regardless of whether they attempted to advance to second base by stealing or otherwise."

If there are two outs or if no runner occupies first base, the batter is not out, unless the third strike is caught. They are entitled to try to reach first base before being tagged out or thrown out.

With less than two outs and first base unoccupied or with two outs: The runners can advance at their own risk. Base runners can advance on a dropped 3rd strike - including base runners on 3rd base may attempt to advance home.

In the event of a dropped third strike, the first baseman is permitted to position himself or herself in foul territory and receive a throw from the catcher while tagging the orange safety base. The runner, consequently, will not be penalized for running to the inner white base to avoid contact.

Art 1j. Junior/7U and Rookie: if they attempt to bunt the ball.

Minor/9U: bunting is allowed.

Art. 1k. All Leagues except Liberty: Fake bunting and then swinging is not permitted. The umpire will call a batter out if they show bunt, and then pulls the bat back and swings.

Section 5: Rookie Batting Rules

Art. 1. Rookie: All Players Bat Rule:

In the first and second innings, regardless of the number of outs made by the team on defense, each player on the offensive team will bat. If a player is called out on the basepath by an umpire, that player shall return to their bench.

3rd and 4th Innings (2026 Revised Rules of Play): Each team at bat will continue to bat until three (3) outs have been recorded, or until each player on the batting team has batted, whichever occurs first. Normal baseball rules regarding outs apply - once three outs are recorded, the half-inning ends regardless of how many batters have batted. If three outs have not been recorded before the final player of the inning comes to bat, the coach of the team on offense will notify the opposing team and the umpire that the final batter is up to bat. To end the play after the ball has been put into play, the ball must be made dead in any of the following ways:

1. When the defensive team checks the progress of the runners.
2. When the pitcher has the ball and has both feet in the pitcher's circle;
3. When any defensive player creates an OUT;
4. When any defensive player steps on home plate with possession of the ball.

When the final batter of the inning has put the ball in play, a runner must cross home plate before the ball becomes dead to count as a scored run. This situation is played as if there were two outs.

Any extra innings will be played without the above rule.

Section 6: Maximum Run Rule

Art. 1. Minor/9U: Seventh Run Rule

During every inning except the last as determined by the umpire, each team at bat will continue to bat until 3 outs have been recorded, or until the seventh run of that half inning has scored, whichever comes first. No subsequent runs may score after the seventh run has scored. If the umpire is aware that the seventh run has scored, they should call time and end the inning. If not, when the umpire is notified, after the play and the ball is dead, that the seventh run has scored, they should immediately end the inning.

Minor/9U only: The Seventh Run Rule shall not apply during the playoffs.

Art. 2. Junior/7U: Sixth Run Rule

During every inning except the last as determined by the umpire, each team at bat will continue to bat until three (3) outs have been recorded, or until the sixth run of that half inning has scored, whichever comes first. No subsequent runs may score after the sixth run has scored.

Fall Season Run Rules

• 11U (Fall): Eight Run Rule - 8 runs per half inning
• 13U (Fall): Ninth Run Rule - 9 runs per half inning

Section 1: The Batter Becomes a Batter-Runner

Art. 1c Rev... A batter becomes a runner...

• Major/11U and Minor/9U: There will be no intentional walks, neither automatic as per IHSA rules or with four wide pitches. The pitcher must attempt to pitch to the batter. If the umpire feels this rule is being violated, they should warn the head coach of the defensive team, any further violation can result in the head coach being ejected.
• Senior/13U: Intentional walks are permitted. No player may be intentionally walked more than once per game. A pitcher does not have to throw any pitches for an intentional walk. At any point during an at bat, the coach requesting the intentional walk must notify the umpire during a dead ball or play stoppage situation, and then the walk will be awarded to the batter.
• Minor/9U (Modified Kid Pitch innings), Junior/7U, and Rookie: There will be no base on balls.

Section 2: Touching, Occupying and Returning to a Base

Art. 5 Rev... Major/11U, Minor/9U, Junior/7U, and Rookie: The umpire, at the end of play, will call all observed infractions of this rule without appeal by a coach or player. Senior/13U and Liberty will observe the IHSA rule.

Minor/9U: The exchange of the ball from the catcher to the pitcher is a live ball exchange. However, a runner on third may not score in this situation and a runner from first or second must stop at third.

Art. 10. Base Stealing

Major/11U and Minor/9U: Base stealing will be allowed within the following guidelines:

• Major/11U: A base runner may not leave a base before the pitcher, while in the act of pitching, releases the ball from their pitching hand.
• Minor/9U: A base runner may leave the base when the ball crosses home plate. No stealing is permitted during the first two (2) innings of any game. A base runner may not steal home under any circumstances. Prior to Memorial Day (Spring) and Labor Day (Fall), a team warning system applies to base stealing infractions.
• Major/11U and Minor/9U: A batter may not advance past first base on a walk.
• Minor/9U: A base runner may not attempt to steal during the exchange between catcher and pitcher following a pitch unless the exchange is not completed (e.g., because of an overthrow), in which case it is a live ball and base runners may attempt to advance at their own risk.

Junior/7U and Rookie: No base stealing. A base runner may not lead off, and can only leave the base once the ball has been hit.

Early Departure Warnings

In Major/11U and Minor/9U, prior to Memorial Day (Spring) and Labor Day (Fall), the first time a base runner leaves the base early, they will be warned. This will be a "Team Warning." The next time this base runner or any other base runner from that team leaves the base early, the offending runner will be called out. (The "Team Warning" is considered the first warning for all members of that team.)

In Major/11U and Minor/9U, on or after Memorial Day (Spring) and Labor Day (Fall), on or after the second weekend, the first time a runner leaves the base early, they will be called "out" without warning.

Art. 11. Minor/9U: No Stealing Home

A base runner may not steal home. Once on third base a runner must either be hit in, forced in via a bases loaded walk, or hit by pitch. The base runner cannot advance home from third base on a wild pitch, passed ball, or straight steal. The runner on third base can also advance home from third base if the ball goes out of play and a dead ball is called as the runner would be entitled to any base(s) resulting from the dead ball. Otherwise there is a "wall" on the runner on third base.

For example, if the catcher plays on the runner trying to steal second and the ball is thrown away the runner must remain at third base since they were not played on. A base runner who attempts to steal home, even mistakenly, must attempt to return to third base without being tagged out, but if the base runner crosses home plate, they will be called out.

Art. 12. Base Advancement on Hits

Rookie: A batter or baserunner may advance only one base on a hit that does not leave the infield. If the batted ball reaches the outfield grass on a fly, each runner and batter may attempt to advance up to two bases at his/her risk.

Junior/7U: A baserunner may advance only one base on an infield hit. The determination of an "infield hit" will be left to the umpire's discretion; provided, however, a batted ball that touches the outfield grass (other than on an overthrow) or is otherwise first touched by an outfielder (with short center being considered an infielder) is NOT an "infield hit."

Junior/7U (2026 Rule): On an infield hit where a play is made at first base, once the batter-runner touches or runs through first base, the ball is immediately dead. No tag outs may be made on the batter-runner for turning the corner on an infield hit.

Section 3: Baserunning Awards

Art. 1 Rev... A catcher should not intentionally obstruct home plate (e.g., stand on the plate with both feet) when a runner is attempting to score.

Art. 3 Rev... Each Runner is awarded:

Four Bases (home) if a defensive player's mitt and/or a cap is thrown at a fair ball (except in Senior/13U and Liberty).

Art. 5 Rev... Junior/7U and Rookie: On each batted ball where the first throw by an infielder results in the ball going out of play behind 1st base--award one base to batter and runners from base occupied at start of play, i.e. batter occupied home, gets 1st base.

Art. 7. Junior/7U (Tee-Ball at bats) and Rookie: Next Base Rule: After the umpire calls a "Dead Ball," if, in the discretion of the umpire, a runner is not substantially closer to the next than the prior base (e.g., 3/4 of the way) to the next base, the runner must return to the previous base.

Art. 8. Junior/7U and Rookie: Intentional rolling or bouncing of the ball on the playing field between defensive players during active plays is not permitted. All ball exchanges among defensive players must be airborne (overhand, or underhand for a short throw). If intentional rolling of the ball is observed by the umpire, they shall give a warning to all players and coaches regardless of which team incurred the rule infraction. On subsequent infractions, the umpire may call a base runner safe at a base if they determine that a player intentionally rolled or bounced a ball on the playing field during active plays.

Art. 9. Junior/7U and Rookie: The pitcher fielding the ball must make an attempt to complete an airborne exchange of the ball with another defensive player to make a force out or put out at any base, including home plate. For example, if the pitcher chases the batter/runner down between home and 1st base instead of throwing the fielded ball to the 1st baseman, the runner will be ruled "safe" even if the tag is made by the pitcher. The rule applies to all bases.

Junior/7U: The catcher must make defensive plays at home unless there is some extraordinary circumstance not related to the catcher's relative skill level. Otherwise, if another defensive player makes a(n otherwise) successful defensive play at home, the would-be out is negated and if the runner would have safely reached home, the run counts.

Rookie: Pitcher is required to complete an airborne exchange to secure an out at any base. If a pitcher fields a ground ball and runs to home plate or any base for a force out instead of making an airborne exchange, then the runner will be safe even if the force is made by the pitcher.

Art. 10. Junior/7U: No player may advance on a force out. A player may advance one base in a non-force out situation, no matter where the play occurs. This rule applies to all bases.

Section 4: Runner is Out

Art. 1 Rev... The Batter-Runner is out when:

• j. Rookie and Junior/7U: no infield fly rule.
• l. Their helmet is deliberately removed before time has been called by the umpire.

Art. 2 Rev... The Runner is out when:

• t. A baserunner slides head first while advancing bases. A player may only slide head first when returning to a base previously occupied. (This rule does not apply in Liberty).
• u. All players attempting to score must do their best to avoid a collision with the catcher. A player failing to do so shall be called out at the discretion of the umpire.
• v. Sliding into Home Plate (2026 Clarification): When a runner is attempting to score, the runner must slide if the catcher has possession of the ball and is positioned to make a tag. A runner who does not slide and makes contact with the catcher shall be called out for interference, regardless of whether the catcher was blocking the plate. The preceding does not apply in the Liberty division. The obligation to avoid collision applies in all divisions, but the requirement to slide specifically at home plate is intended to protect both the runner and the catcher from unnecessary contact.

Umpires are selected, trained, scheduled and compensated by the WPPA. Eligibility is determined by the WPPA Board of Directors and managed by the Umpire Coordinator. No umpire outside of the WPPA organization is authorized to participate in the program unless authorized by the Board. Any coach or parent who has a complaint about the manner in which any umpire conducts himself or herself in sanctioned games is to submit that complaint to the League Commissioner in writing.

Umpires will be provided for the games whenever possible. However, if an umpire is not provided, each team may provide a coach volunteer to umpire. They may umpire in tandem throughout the game (plate/field) or umpire alone for two (2) innings each.

Speed-up Rules

Courtesy Runners: Senior/13U, Major/11U, and Minor/9U

Art. 1 Rev... When there are two outs, a courtesy runner must be used for the catcher. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the last batted out.

Art. 5 Rev... If a Rookie League player must temporarily leave the game after reaching the base, they will be replaced as a runner by the last out (e.g. the runner forced at second).

Art. 1-3... May be used at the umpire's discretion to speed up a game.

Section 1: WPPA Board

Art. 1. The WPPA Board of Directors will meet the first Thursday of every month unless a different date is appropriately designated as the meeting date for a given month consistent with the rules of the association.

Art. 2. Board officers must attend the monthly board meetings. If a board member misses three meetings within a year, the board member may receive written notice from the board that they have been relieved from duty and their position will be filled by appointment.

Art. 3. The WPPA October board meeting will be closed to the public, in part, to discuss any disciplinary action (demotion, temporary suspension, permanent suspension or reprimands) deemed necessary against coaches.

1. Coaches may be informed in writing of any disciplinary action against them.
2. If a coach wishes to protest the board's action, they may appear before the executive board at a mutually-agreed time.

Section 2: Pre-Season

Art. 1. A team is allowed one, non-practice, team meeting after April 1 and before the official season start date. The official season start date will be announced by WPPA after consultation with the Chicago Park District. Teams are not allowed to gather prior to April 1. All team gatherings must be approved by the appropriate commissioner. Teams are not allowed to hold any type of voluntary or mandatory practice prior to the official season start date (defined as the first day practices are permitted).

Art. 2. If a coach encounters serious family problems or illness that makes him or her unable to fulfill their coaching duties, the appropriate league commissioner should be notified. The board will do whatever it can to help the team during the coach's absence.

Art. 3. The WPPA President will appoint commissioners subject to WPPA Board approval.

Art. 4. Each commissioner may have an assistant.

Section 3: Practices

Art. 1. Coaches shall inform all players of practice times and any changes to previously published practice and game times.

Art. 2. (Spring/Summer Season) Number of practices during each week of the baseball season:

• While schools are in session: Minimum of one (1) per week, maximum of two per week.
• When schools are dismissed for the summer: minimum of one (1) per week, maximum of three (3) per week.

All practices must be made in collaboration and with the permission of the appropriate commissioner. No practice, on a park district field or elsewhere, may be held without the permission of the appropriate commissioner.

Art. 3. A practice shall be defined as any gathering of two (2) or more players at the request or direction of a head coach or assistant coach either directly or indirectly for the purpose of practicing or coaching baseball. Practices include gatherings at batting cages or at a coach's house or coming to a game more than one hour before game time.

Art. 4. Practices should be no more than two (2) hours in length.

Art. 5. Any team may practice on any open and available field, but batting practices may only occur on the team's assigned field or the next league up, if available.

When practicing at Welles Park, Senior/13U league batting practice is limited to Diamond No.6. Park District regulations prohibit batting practice by Liberty teams at any Welles Park diamond.

Art. 7. If a coach is unable to attend a scheduled practice or game for whatever reason, an assistant coach or a responsible adult should take over and conduct the practice or the game.

Section 4: Games-Participation and Scheduling

Art. 1. Coaches are prohibited from discouraging a player's participation or encouraging a player not to show up for games or practices because the player is weak in baseball skills. Any violation of this rule will result in immediate and permanent removal of the coach from WPPA baseball.

Art. 2. The WPPA will furnish to each player, coach, and umpire the "Official Schedule of Games" for their respective league indicating calendar dates, days, times and team match-ups for regular season games. The Official Schedule of Games will also indicate dates available for rain make-up games and playoff games. Actual team match-ups during the playoffs will be posted once regular season rankings are determined. It is the obligation of all players, coaches, and umpires to make themselves available for these times throughout the season.

No revision to the published schedule of games (other than changes caused by rain-outs) can occur unless authorized by the WPPA Board of Directors.

Art. 3. Any game which cannot be played due to inclement weather will be re-scheduled by the league commissioner. In the event that a team's complete season games cannot be played due to an insufficient number of Rain Days, the team's record will be based on the number of actual games played.

Art. 4. The initial house schedule will not have house games scheduled on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. Travel coaches should schedule all games and practices on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings. Any conflicts between house and travel schedules will be resolved based on the following guidelines:

• Sunday morning and Wednesday evening travel games and practices have priority over house team games and practices.
• House practices have priority over travel practices at all times other than Sunday mornings and Wednesday evenings.
• Scheduled house games have priority over regular season travel games.
• Travel league playoff games have priority over regular season house games. (Travel playoff games are defined as post-season league playoff games. They do not include games played to determine positioning for playoffs, "must-win" regular season games in advance of the playoffs, or any non-league tournament games.)
• Travel 8u, 9u, 10u, 11u and 12u: House playoff games have priority over travel league playoff games.
• Travel 13u and 14u: Travel league playoff games have priority over house playoff games. To maintain the integrity of house league playoffs, the Senior Division Commissioner will use best efforts to structure and schedule house playoffs such that conflicts with 13u and 14u travel playoffs are minimized.
• Scheduled travel games that are recorded on a travel team's schedule on the WPPA website have priority over house rescheduled games, makeup games, practice games, and consolation playoff games.
• Travel games not scheduled on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings have priority over house practices with the following caveat. A player may skip only three (3) primary house practices in order to participate in a travel game. A travel coach that would like a player to skip any house practices beyond the third must obtain the approval of the Board President or the Executive Committee.
• Travel coaches should not schedule participation in tournaments for the first week of house playoffs. Thereafter, travel coaches may schedule tournaments or games, but cannot pitch players that are still in the house playoffs unless the house coach agrees to it.

Section 5: Playoffs-Scheduling and Standings

Art. 1. Liberty, Senior/13U, Major/11U, Minor/9U, and Junior/7U: Each team makes the playoffs.

Art. 2. In consultation with the Board, the League Commissioner shall determine what trophies and end of season awards will be issued for their league.

Art. 3. Until the League Championship, the team with the better regular season record is the "Home Team."

Art. 4. There will be two (2) umpires for each playoff game, when available.

Art. 5. Playoff games cannot end in a tie.

Art. 6. In the event that a playoff game is rained out, called for darkness or reaches its time limit after it is an official game:

• 6.a. and the home team is ahead, the game is over and that team wins.
• 6.b. and the visiting team is ahead, and has the lead after the conclusion of the last complete inning played, the game will end and the visiting team will be deemed the winning team.
• 6.c. for all scenarios other than 6.a and 6.b above, the game will be suspended at that point, and the remainder of the inning will be played at a new time and if necessary, new venue.
• 6.d. After the resumption of a suspended game, the remainder of the interrupted inning shall proceed to its conclusion and, if one team is ahead, that team wins. If the game is tied, the teams will continue play until a winner is determined.

In the event that a playoff game is rained out prior to becoming an official game, the game is replayed in its entirety.

Art. 7. Regular-season pitching limitations remain in effect during the playoffs.

Art. 8. The playoff format will be determined by the League Commissioner in consultation with the Board. The possible choices are single-elimination, double-elimination, or round-robin formats.

Art. 9. Consolation games can be part of the post-season schedule. Consolation games do not require two umpires but are otherwise considered playoff games, i.e. there is no time limit for consolation games, a winner must be determined, etc. Consolation games are considered "real" games for purposes of these rules.

Art. 10. League Championship: Prior to the start of the league championship, a coin-toss will determine the "Home Team." Liberty, Senior/13U, Major/11U, and Minor/9U: The coin-toss will determine the "Home Team" for the first game, the "Home Team" designation will alternate for the remaining games.

Art. 11. (Spring/Summer Season) In the event that teams tie for first place in the standings at the end of the regular season games, the division winner will be decided by a coin flip(s).

In the event of a three-way tie for first place, a single elimination, two-game playoff between the three teams will be played to determine the division winner and playoff seedings. If one team has a better record in head-to-head play with the other two teams, that team will receive a bye for game one.

Art. 12. Tie-breakers for team placement other than for first place (2026 Revised):

1. Winning percentage.
2. Head-to-head competition will be compared.
3. Runs against will be compared (lower runs against breaks the tie).
4. Record versus common opponents will be compared.
5. If all of these criteria result in a tie, a coin toss will determine who plays where in the playoffs.

Art. 13. Protests over rule interpretations during the playoffs must be settled at the time of the incident by a committee (minimum of three people) of available board members or their appointees. This means that the protesting head coach or acting head coach must ask for a protest from the umpire at the dead ball period immediately following or the dead ball period during the protested call. Once the protest is recognized, Board members must be found and consulted. In the event there are no Board members present, contact with a Board member must be obtained by phone and the board member must preside over a resolution remotely. If the incident is not protested, the protest is waived.

Section 6: Special Events

Art. 1. All head coaches and assistant coaches shall help promote all WPPA activities and fundraisers.

Art. 2. Photo day and the end of year celebration dates are known months in advance. There should be no reason, barring family illness, not to make these events.

Art. 3. End of year celebration responsibilities: All coaches are required to pass out their team's trophies, promote the event, and organize or delegate to a team parent the responsibility of organizing the food and nonalcoholic beverages for their team. Coaches should provide for their own seating and tables at the picnic.