Peninsula Little League
2026 CAPS Division Amended Rules
RULES FOR CAPS: All Official Little League Regulations and Machine Pitch League Division Playing Rules apply except as modified below.
Rules for Managers
- During the game only the manager and three coaches are allowed in the dugout.
- An offensive coach will operate the pitching machine.
- A defensive coach will serve as the umpire.
- A coach or manager must be in the dugout at all times during a game.
- All managers and coaches must wear close-toed shoes on fields at all times.
- When no official umpire is present, only managers may speak with each other regarding plays or concerns.
- When an official umpire is present, only the manager may speak with the umpire and only after time has been called and permission granted.
- Coaches may not discuss anything with opposing managers, coaches, or umpires.
- Arguing judgment calls will not be tolerated.
Pitching Machine
The CAPS division shall use a pitching machine set at approximately 40 mph, or as determined by the Division Coordinator.
The machine shall be placed at the back of the pitcher’s mound, 45 feet from home plate.
Game Time Limitations
No inning shall start after 1 hour and 45 minutes from scheduled start time.
An inning begins immediately on the third out or fifth run of the previous inning.
Field Markings
- Standard baseball chalk lines for first/third base lines and batter’s box.
- 8-foot solid chalk circle around the pitching machine designating the “off limits” area.
- 18-foot dashed half-circle designating the pitcher’s starting and receiving position.
- Halfway hash marks between bases.
Defensive Play
- Limited to the traditional 9 positions.
- No forfeits for playing with fewer than 9 players.
- Unlimited defensive substitutions between innings.
- No player shall sit consecutive innings.
- No player shall play more than 3 infield innings unless qualifying via catcher rule.
- All players must play a minimum of 3 defensive innings in first five innings, at least one infield.
- If sixth inning played, all players must play 4 defensive innings minimum.
- Players beginning as reserves must start the next consecutive game.
Defensive Positioning Rules
- All fielders (except catcher) must set up past the pitcher’s mound before pitch.
- No advancing in front of mound until ball is struck.
- Pitcher must start with one foot within dashed half circle.
- Catchers must wear full catcher’s gear and squat behind plate.
Offensive Play
- Continuous batting order.
- Each batter limited to 5 pitches (foul on 5th extends at-bat).
- Offensive coach may request “no pitch” prior to next pitch being loaded.
- No on-deck circle. Batters remain in dugout without a bat until called.
Ending the Play
- Play ends on valid attempt to return ball to pitcher’s mound.
- Runner past halfway line may advance; others return.
- Once attempt made, ball is immediately dead.
Overthrows
- On overthrow, runners may advance one additional base at their own peril.
- After subsequent throw attempt, play is dead.
Dead Ball – Interference
- Ball hitting pitching machine, operator, generator, or resting in 8-foot circle is a dead ball.
- Encroachment into 8-foot circle during fielding attempt results in dead ball.
- Ball passing untouched through circle remains a live ball.
Base Stealing
No base stealing. Runners must remain on base until ball is hit.
One warning for leaving early; subsequent violation = runner out.
Infield Fly Rule
No Infield Fly Rule.
Five Run Rule
During regular season, five runs ends the half-inning.
During End of Season Tournament, sixth inning is unlimited runs.
Little League Run Rules
CAPS division does not use 8, 10, or 15-run mercy rules.
End of Season Tournament
- No time limit.
- Teams selected at random.
- No defensive coaches allowed in field.
- Home/away determined by coin flip (except championship provisions).
Downloadable File