E-Training 18-1: Minimum Play Requirements

Sources: 2017 LL Rules 3.03 and Regulation IV(i); 2017 Rules Instruction Manual;

The Rule

Every rostered player, present at the start of the game, shall participate in the game for a minimum of six defensive outs and one at bat.

A starter who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game ONCE, in ANY position. The substitute must complete six defensive outs and one at bat prior to the starter returning. In regular season play, when the starter’s sub has completed his Minimum Play Requirement (MPR), the starter may re-enter the game in ANY spot in the batting order.

Example:

Starter S2 plays defensively at 2B in the first inning in the two hole. In the second inning SUB2 enters for S2 at 2B and bats in the two hole. S2 legally re-entered in the fifth inning after SUB2 has completed his MPR (six consecutive outs, and one at bat). S2 re-enters for SUB7 in LF who is batting in the seven spot.

Only a player in the starting line-up may re-enter a game. Thus, subs cannot re-enter a game once they are taken out.

Umpires are responsible for not allowing a starter to re-enter a game illegally.

PENALTY:

Those players involved shall start the next game, complete the requirement for the previous game and fulfill the minimum play requirements for the current game before being removed.

The Manager shall:

1. For the first offense – receive a written notice.

2. For the second offense – a suspension from the next scheduled game.

3. For the third offense – a suspension for the remainder of the season.

If the violation is deemed intentional the penalty may be more severe and determined by the Board of Directors.

There is no exception to this rule unless the game is shortened for reasons deemed out of the manager's control. However, the penalty regarding the player who did not meet MPR cannot be waived in a shortened game. MPR is not waived for a shortened game due to the winning HOME team not batting in the bottom half of the last inning. A game may be shortened due to darkness, light failure, time limit, or 10-run mercy rule, etc.

This rule cannot be protested. The players should not be penalized due to the actions of the manager.

Important Things to Note:

​ Starter and Substitute

​Rule 3.03 (a) and (b) states that the starter, removed for a substitute cannot re-enter the game until his sub completes their MPR, which is six CONSECUTIVE outs and one at bat.

Starter re-enters for Substitute

A starter does NOT have to fulfill MPR before being removed for a substitute. If the starter returns to the lineup for his sub he only needs to finish the balance of his MPR.

Example:

Starter S1 plays defensively in the first inning and bats. In the second inning SUB1 enters for S1. S1 is re-entered in the fifth inning after SUB1 has completed his MPR (six consecutive outs, and one at bat). S1 need only play three outs to fulfill his MPR.

Starter re-enters for Another Starter

However, if a starter re-enters a game (after his sub completes their MPR), for another starter, he then is considered a “sub” and resets his MPR and can’t be removed till fulfilling his MPR (six consecutive outs, and one at bat). Consequently the starter he came in for cannot return till those MPRs are met.

Starter re-enters Too Soon

If a starter re-enters too soon and is not discovered till the play is resumed, we have a possible protest. The starter will be removed and the sub who was removed, remains removed. The manager will have thus “burned” two players. The manager must then find an available sub to enter.

Starter May Not Re-enter

There are times when a starter may not re-enter. If the player who substitutes for a starter is unable to complete their MPR, the starter may not re-enter. That starter could also violate MPR.

Example:

Starter S1 plays defensively in the first inning and bats. In the second inning SUB1 enters for S1. SUB1 is injured in the third inning before meeting MPR (six consecutive innings, and one at bat), and because of the injury, cannot return. Therefore by rule, S1 cannot return because he may only re-enter once his sub has completed MPR. Since S1 has only played three defensive outs and one at bat, he is in violation of MPR.

Batthing Out of Order and MPR

If a batter, who Bats Out of Order, is discovered before he completes his time at bat, will be replaced by the proper batter and assume the batter’s count. NEITHER batter will be considered as having met MPR.

Late Player

If a player shows up late to a game, his manager may choose to play or not play him. If he does decide to play the player he is considered a “sub” and must complete the MPR before the completion of the game.

Minors Division

In the Minors Division if an inning is ended because of the five-run limit rule, the player is considered as having played six consecutive outs for the purpose of fulfilling mandatory play. If the player did not play for the entire inning, that player will only get credit for the outs he/she did play in.