Baseball and Softball Tournament Rules
Welcome to Scarborough Little League – to all teams, families, and volunteers supporting the Maine District 6 and Maine Little League Tournament season. Whether you are with a visiting team, a home team, a volunteer, or one of the many parents and friends and family members cheering on the players, we’re thrilled to host you and hope you enjoy your time on our fields.
This document provides a helpful overview of what to expect during tournament play. It includes important information for Home and Away teams, as well as guidance for tournament volunteers and families. Please review it carefully so we can all work together to ensure a smooth, fun, and memorable experience for every player and fan.
Field Locations:
§ Peterson Field Sports Complex: 136 Old Blue Point Road, Scarborough, ME 04074
o Peterson Field 1 – baseball, closest to the parking lot
o Peterson Field 2 – softball, behind P1
o Peterson Field 3 (P3) – mixed use/practice field farthest away from the parking lot
§ St. Max Field: near 24 Highland Avenue, Scarborough, ME 04074
§ Scarborough High School Sports Complex: Wentworth Drive, Scarborough, ME 04074
Tournament Game Timeline:
Note: Timelines may need to be adjusted by Tournament Director to accommodate weather or logistical challenges.
Equipment Inspection:
Manager Responsibility:
Starting in the 2025 season, each team’s manager is responsible for ensuring all equipment complies with Little League rules. It is highly recommended that umpires and coaches review applicable Little League rules and regulations regarding illegal or unsafe equipment prior to the game.
Bat Requirements:
§ Must be inspected for damage or deformity
§ Must display the appropriate sport-specific logo/mark per current rulebook
§ Non-compliant bats must be removed from the dugout for the entire game
Helmet Requirements:
§ NOCSAE-approved (certification logo is molded/stamped on helmet)
§ No cracks or damage
§ Padding intact and in good condition
§ No added stickers/paint unless from manufacturer
Catcher’s Gear Requirements:
§ Facemask must have a dangling throat guard
§ Helmet must fully cover the back of the head
§ All straps, clips, and snaps on helmet, chest protector, and shin guards must be secure and in good condition.
Review of Tournament Eligibility Documentation:
Manager Responsibilities:
§ Carry and present the tournament eligibility affidavit for their team.
§ Include all required materials:
o Player eligibility documents
o Tournament player verification forms
o Boundary map
o Waivers
o Other required/recommended documents
Tournament Director Responsibilities:
§ Collect and review documentation pre-game.
§ Work with scorekeeper/pitch counter to:
o Record accurate data onto the affidavit.
o For baseball, ensure an accurate pitch count is tracked and recorded for each pitcher that pitches in the game. These final counts must be recorded by the Tournament Director and initialed by the pitch counter/scorekeeper and team manager (Head Coach).
o Obtain all required signatures directly after the game ends.
Post-Game:
§ Return completed packets to team managers
Confidentiality:
§ All documentation is to be treated as highly sensitive.
§ Documentation must not be shared with teams, leagues, officials, or parents.
Protests:
§ A manager may protest rule violations (but not judgment calls) before the next pitch or play.
§ If umpires cannot resolve it or the manager disagrees, the issue is escalated to the Tournament Director or District Administrator.
§ If they are unavailable or the issue remains unresolved, it is referred to Region Headquarters.
Postponement, Suspension of Game Procedure:
§ If the weather forces postponement of a game before it begins, or if weather or darkness does not allow a game to continue, umpires and team officials will work with the Tournament Director or District Administrator on options for the game.
§ This needs to be done before teams leave the site. All efforts must be made to play and complete the game as scheduled.
§ Games which have met the requirements of a regulation game and a winner can be determined within these requirements cannot be resumed another day, unless meeting specific requirements.