2026 Torrance Little League

Playoff Ground Rules (Unified)

Playoffs will be played according to the 2026 Little League Official Rules, Regulations, and Policies. We will use the rules that apply for Regular Season, not the Little League Rules for Tournament Play.

1. The playoffs are a double-elimination tournament. Once a team has lost two games during the playoffs, that team is then eliminated.
   
   
2. Home vs. Away Team Determination:
   
   1. Winner's Bracket Home Team is the higher seed.
   2. Loser's Bracket Home / Visitor Teams will be determined by a coin toss.
3. The game shall consist of 6 innings. There is no time limit. 
   1.  In the event, at the conclusion of the 6th inning, the game is tied; the game shall continue until a winner is reached.  California Tie- Breaker rules will apply. Each team begins their half-inning with the last out from the previous inning placed on second base with one (1) out recorded.
   2. If the umpire calls the game due to darkness, the game will resume the following day (or at a date and time specified by the Board of Directors).
4. Runs Rules:
   1. Majors & Minors: Runs are unlimited for all innings.
   2. Training: The 5/8 rule applies for innings 1-5. The 6th inning is unlimited runs.
5. Mercy Rule:
   1. The game will end when there is a 10 run lead or greater after the completion of the 4th inning or a 15 run lead or greater after the completion of the 3rd inning. 
   2. Home teams will receive their at bats at the bottom of the half inning only if they are not winning.
6. Batting & Substitutions:
   1. All Divisions must use a consecutive batting order, which means all players bat.
   2. Bunting is allowed for all divisions.
   3. Training: Coach Pitch will continue as normal with the batter assuming the remaining strikes left in the count. A batter will receive one extra pitch if the last strike is a foul ball.
7. Minimum Play Requirements:
   1. Majors: Each player must play a minimum of two (2) full defensive innings. They do not have to be consecutive innings. 
   2. Minors & Training: Each player must play a minimum of three (3) full defensive innings. They do not have to be consecutive innings.
   3.  There are no infield play requirements. Unlike Regular Season, a player is not required to play in the infield.
      Failure to comply to any of the above before the game’s end will result in a forfeit, unless the Mercy Rule applies.
8. Base Running:
   1. Training: Home plate is closed. Runners may score only when the ball is put in play (no steals, passed balls, wild pitch, throwing errors, etc.).
   2. Training: Runners may advance only one (1) additional base on an overthrow. (This includes multiple overthrows during that play). No advancement on coach pitch overthrows.
   3. Mandatory Catcher Courtesy Runner: Catchers must be replaced on the base paths with two (2) outs. The courtesy runner is the player of the last recorded out. If the catcher on record is not replaced on the base and is notified by the other teams manager and then resumes the next inning as catcher, it is a protestable call and can result in a forfeit.
      
9. Managers and Coaches:
   1. Majors & Minors: Only three (3) Manager/Coaches are allowed in the dugout or on the field during play.
   2. Training: Only four (4) Manager/Coaches are allowed in the dugout or on the field during play.
   3. Two coaches are allowed in-front of the dugout are and the remaining must be in the dugout.
   4. Team Managers are the only person allowed to address the umpires at all times.
10. All pitching violations are subject to game suspension(s), including, but not limited to; pitch/catch, catch/pitch, days of rest and total pitch count violations.
    1. Managers are responsible for tracking and managing pitch counts.
    2. If a violation is found during the game, substitutions must be made immediately. If not, the violating team will forfeit the game, as determined by the TLL Board of Directors.

Key Requirements for Good Sportsmanship:

Good sportsmanship requires treating opponents, teammates, coaches, and officials with respect, fairness, and civility, regardless of the outcome. This includes following rules, playing with integrity, accepting decisions without arguing, celebrating respectfully, and maintaining composure while losing. It is an attitude shown by players, coaches, parents, and fans. 

Respectful Conduct: Treat opponents and officials with kindness, shake hands before and after the game, and avoid teasing, bullying, or trash-talking.

Adherence to Rules: Follow the rules of the game and accept officials' decisions without arguing.

Positive Attitude & Effort: Give maximum effort in practice and games, and maintain a positive, encouraging attitude.

Handling Winning and Losing: Win with humility without rubbing it in, and lose without making excuses or blaming others.

Supportive Teamwork: Encourage teammates, avoid criticizing them for mistakes, and help opponents up.

Self-Control: Manage temper and avoid violence or retaliation, even when others are losing their tempers.