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Baseball Instruction/mercy rule in LL
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Question
Hello, Today our Junior division little league played a double header. Each game was to be a five inning game to be considered a full game. The umpire, however called mercy rule after the fourth inning. I have not been able to find a rule that says that the mercy rule applies earlier than usual in a five inning per game double header. is there such a regulation when clearly five-inning are needed to constitute a full game? thanks, debbie
Debra,
First, Little League states you cannot impose a time limit, or limited game, so the games should have been played to a complete 7 innings. With that being said, the mercy rule would still apply as stated in the rule book: after 5 innings (4 1/2 if the home team is ahead).
I hope this has helped.
-Martin Hoover
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Answers by Expert:
Martin Hoover
Expertise
Questions regarding the Rules and Regulations of Little League Baseball and Softball. Questions regarding the history and organization of Little League Baseball at local, state, regional, and international levels. Advise regarding certain operational procedures and recommendations to Local League representatives.
Experience
Volunteer Little League Umpire since 2000; 2003 Little League, Junior League, Senior League and Big League Softball European Regional Umpire; 2005 Little League Softball Western Regional Umpire; Member- Hesperia National(Hesperia, CA) Little League Board of Directors(2003-2004); President- Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors(2005-Present); 2007 Junior Softball Western Regional Umpire
Organizations
Little League Baseball, Inc is the main operational center. I fall under Little League Western Region, and California District 49. I currently serve as President of the Hesperia National Little League Board of Directors.
Education/Credentials
Western Regional Junior Umpire School(2000)(Named Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Region Area); Instructor - Little League Baseball Western Regional Outreach Clinics
Awards and Honors
Outstanding Junior Umpire of the Western Regional Area(2000)
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