Following are the local rules for the Single A Division in Foster City Little League Baseball. A full explanation of all the rules can be found in the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of Little League Baseball.

OVERVIEW

This is a non-competitive division. No scores, standings or batting averages are kept. The emphasis is placed on instruction, learning basic baseball skills and teamwork. There shall not be any pressure placed on any player to "win." Having fun is of utmost importance and should be stressed by all coaches, managers and parents at all times.

GAMES

Teams will play an 11 game schedule with one game each Saturday and one practice or game during the week. The home team will use the 3rd base dugout. Games are at maximum six (6) innings long. No inning may start after 90 minutes of play and all games must end after 1 hour and 45 minutes of play.

The maximum number of adults in the dugout during a game is four (4). There is no on-deck circle and there are no bat boys or bat girls for safety reasons. Children of managers and coaches are not allowed in the dugout during the game.

All players get a trophy at the end of the season for participation, and get to keep their uniforms.

PLAYING TIME

Each player will play a minimum of four (4) innings per game with at least two (2) innings played in the infield and two (2) innings played in the outfield unless games are shortened by darkness or time limit. Failure of a Manager to comply with this rule will result in a warning and then possible suspension by the Board of Directors. The game must be fair to all players and each player shall be given an equal opportunity to play all positions. The Manager may however, for safety reasons and with a parent's prior approval, prohibit some players from playing some key positions such as pitcher, catcher or first base.

All players bat even if they didn't play in the field during that inning. A continuous batting order will be used throughout the season to make sure all players get an equal opportunity to hit. If a batter throws a bat, he/she will receive a warning on the first occasion. On the second occasion, the manager will not allow the player to bat for the balance of the game, but may play in the field.

GAME PLAY

There will be ten (10) defensive players in the field with a regular infield and four outfielders. Catchers must wear all protective equipment at all times when outside the dugout. The outfielders must start each play at least twenty (20) feet behind the bases. The defensive pitcher must start each play with at least one foot on or in a 5-foot circle around the pitcher's rubber, known as the pitcher's circle. He/she must also stand equal to or behind the pitcher's rubber when the ball is pitched.

A play is ruled dead when any defensive player has control of the ball while having at least one foot inside the pitcher's circle with the intent of stopping the play. Running through the circle is not enough to stop the play.

Taking an extra base on an overthrow is encouraged but limited to one base. This will encourage good base running and fielding without the game getting out of hand. 

Bunting, stealing and sliding are not allowed. There is no infield fly rule. If the base runner makes "unintentional" contact with the ball while running, the play is still alive. On close plays, the benefit of the doubt is given to the runner to encourage more scoring, more at-bats and more fun for the players.

UMPIRES

The coach who pitches will call the plays at home and 1st. The defensive team will supply an umpire to call plays at 2nd and 3rd. If there is a question regarding an umpire's ruling (not a judgment call), both managers will discuss the problem and come to a decision. Since wins and losses are not counted, an umpire's ruling is not very critical.

PITCHING

During the 1st half of the season

Coaches will pitch to their own team. Each batter will get a maximum of 5 pitches to hit. If the 5th pitch is not hit-able, the batter will get a 6th pitch. If the 5th pitch is hit-able and the batter either swings and misses or takes, the batter is retired, but no out is recorded. To promote more hitting and base running during the earlier part of the season, a batter/coach may elect to bring out the hitting tee after the 4th pitch with the 5th attempt at hitting the ball coming from hitting off the tee. Every effort should be given to hit successfully from the tee before retiring the batter. There are no walks or hit-by-pitches. Sides will change when either 3 outs are made by the defense or the entire roster has batted at least once that inning, whichever comes first.

During the 2nd half of the season

Coaches will pitch to their own team. Each batter will get a maximum of 5 pitches to hit. If the 5th pitch is not hit-able, the batter will get a 6th pitch. If the 5th pitch is hit-able and the batter either swings and misses or takes, the batter is retired, but no out is recorded. There are no walks or hit-by-pitches. Sides will change when either 3 outs are made by the defense or the entire roster has batted at least once that inning, whichever comes first.