Take a look back on 2019! Stay tuned for information regarding the Regional and Championship events of the T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby!
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T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby Local Operator Official Rules
T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby
Local Operator Official Rules
*All rules within the Little League® Rulebook are to be exercised during competition including, but not limited to those contained below:
Eligibility
- Only chartered Little Leagues® are eligible to host a local competition (“Local Competition”).
- All participants must be currently registered and meet all eligibility requirements within their chartered Little League®.
- The Baseball competition is limited to boy and girl athletes league age 9 – 12 years old.
- The Softball competition is limited to girl athletes league age 9 – 12 years old.
- All T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby Local Operators must agree to comply with the following before registering:1) all of the T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby Rules and Regulations; 2) Terms & conditions; 3) Privacy Policy; and 4) will maintain and have in their possession all required Participant Releases. The Local Operator must further certify that they are fully eligible to enroll their league in this competition as a member of the local league Board of Directors. If the local league takes insurance coverage locally and not through the national Little League® insurance coverage through AIG, the Local Operator must have verified with their local insurance carrier and can confirm that insurance coverage will be in effect for the T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby local competition.
- All Participants are required to submit the Participant Release signed by their legal guardian to their local operator prior to participating in their T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby. Any participant that is found to have not submitted their Participant Release prior to participating in their local T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby will be disqualified, and their results will not be accepted.
- There is no minimum number of participants, though 20 or more participants is encouraged.
Operations
- Competition Judge: At least three evaluators must be stationed near the outfield fence to judge if ball landed “over” or on chalk/cones. Competition Judges should be league volunteers at least 18 years old or older.
- Field Dimensions: Baseball: Fence Distance 170’ / Softball: Fence Distance 120’.
- To create a shortened fence distance, draw a chalk line through the outfield 170’ feet for baseball and 120’ for softball from home plate or use cones or alternative temporary fence.
- Pitching:
- Adult pitcher(s) to be designated by the Local Operator. Where possible, the same adult pitcher should be used for a minimum of five (5) batters in each round before rotating pitchers.
- The adult pitcher must be positioned and pitching from behind an L-Screen for the baseball competition or square screen for the softball competition.
- The screen is to be positioned no closer than 30ft from home plate for the baseball and softball competition.
- Dates & Timing: Local Home Run Derby date and times must be submitted and finalized within the Home Run Derby portal two-weeks prior to the Local Home Run Derby taking place. In the event of inclement weather that may cause a delay, please update accordingly.
- The competition can take place any time during the day as long as it is completed before 10:00 PM in accordance with Little League® curfew rules.
- Results: All competitions must be completed before 10:00PM local time on May 3rd, 2020. Results must be submitted within one (1) week of the local competition taking place and no later than May 10, 2020. Results should be submitted by Local Operator via online portal on LittleLeague.org/HomeRunDerby.
- Admission: No admission charge is permitted
- Equipment
- Balls – The balls used must be licensed and meet Little League® specifications and standards. Baseballs shall weigh not less than five (5) ounces nor more than five and one fourth (5 ¼) ounces, and measure not less than nine (9) nor more than nine and one-fourth (9 ¼) inches in circumference. A 12” Little League® licensed softball must be used for the softball competition. The ball shall be not less than eleven and seven-eight (11 7/8) inches nor more than twelve and one-eight (12 1/8) inches in circumference and shall weigh not less than six and one quarter (6 ¼) ounces nor more than seven (7) ounces. (Rule 1.09)
- Bats –Prior to being used, all bats should be inspected by a Competition Judge to ensure that they meet the requirements listed below:
- Baseball Rule – The bat must be a baseball bat which meets the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat) as adopted by Little League®. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick, and made of wood or of material and color tested and proved acceptable to the USA Baseball Bat standard (USABat). (Rule 1.10)
- Softball Rule – The bat must be a softball bat which meets Little League® specifications and standards as noted in this rule. It shall be a smooth, rounded stick and made of wood or a material tested and proved acceptable to Little League® standards. The bat shall be no more than 33 inches in length, not more than two and one-quarter (2¼) inches in diameter, and if wood, not less than fifteen-sixteenth (15/16) inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30 inches) at its smallest part. Non-wood bats shall be printed with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.20. (Rule 1.10)
- Non-wood bats may develop dents from time to time. Bats that have cracks or sharp edges, or that cannot pass through the approved Little League® bat ring for the appropriate division must be removed from play. League Official should check each bat prior to competition.
- If the certification mark/s on a bat are not legible, that bat cannot be used and shall be removed from competition.
- Use of an illegal or tampered bat will result in removal from competition.
- Helmets
- Use of a helmet by the batter is mandatory. Each helmet shall have an exterior warning label. Helmets must have a non-glare surface and cannot be mirror-like in nature. Each helmet must meet NOCSAE specifications and bear the NOCSAE stamp as well as an exterior warning label as noted above. Warning! Manufacturers have advised that altering helmets in any way can be dangerous. Altering the helmet in any form, including painting or adding decals (by anyone other than the manufacturer or authorized dealer) may void the helmet warranty. Helmets may not be re-painted and may not contain tape or re-applied decals unless approved in writing by the helmet manufacturer or authorized dealer. (Rule 1.16)
- Uniforms
- All players shall wear their local league jersey for the competition at the local level.
- In adherence with rule 1.11, the Little League® Official Shoulder Patch must be affixed to the upper left sleeve or left chest of the uniform shirt. Patches shall be placed centered on the left shoulder sleeve; or, centered on the left chest for sleeveless style. The patch may not be screen-printed or sublimated.
- Catcher
- The catcher must wear a catcher’s mitt (not a first baseman’s mitt or fielder’s (glove) of any shape, size, or weight consistent with protecting the hand. (Rule 1.12)
- Male catchers must wear a metal, fiber, or plastic type cup, and approved long or short-model chest protector. Female catchers must wear long or short model chest protectors. All catchers must wear chest protectors with neck collar, throat guard, shin guards, and catcher’s helmet, all of which must meet Little League® specifications and standards. The catcher’s helmet must meet NOCSAE specifications and standards and bear the NOCSAE stamp. All catchers must wear a mask, “dangling” type throat protector, and catcher’s helmet during infield/outfield practice, pitcher warm-up, and games. NOTE: Skull caps are not permitted. Warning! Manufacturers have advised that altering helmets in any way can be dangerous. Altering the helmet in any form, including painting or adding decals (by anyone other than the manufacturer or authorized dealer) may void the helmet warranty. Helmets may not be re-painted and may not contain tape or re-applied decals unless approved in writing by the helmet manufacturer or authorized dealer. (Rule 1.17)
- A square screen or catch net can be used in place of a catcher.
- On-field:
- The only Little Leaguers® permitted on the field are the batter and shaggers (max of 5) all of which should remain in the outfield. Shaggers must allow all balls to land (no catching).
- Other participants should remain in the dugouts or bullpen with an adult.
- A square screen is recommended behind second base, manned by an adult, to gather all baseballs or softballs.
- The competition, like all league on-field activities, shall be conducted in accordance with league ASAP Safety Plan (i.e. a First-Aid Kit should be present).
- Appropriate adjustments must be made for softball (e.g. using softballs and square screens for pitchers).
Duties & Obligations of Local Operator
- The Local Operator acknowledges and agrees to follow all rules, regulations, and guidelines set forth in the T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby Rules.
- The Local Operator of the local T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby competition is responsible for setting the date, time, and location of their local competition.
- The Local Operator of the local T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby competition must determine an appropriate way to include league age eligible participants in accordance with the Little League® mission.
- The Local Operator of the local T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby agrees to collect completed Participant Releases from all participants prior to the participant taking part in the local competition and providing these forms and waivers by uploading to the online portal on LittleLeague.org/HomeRunDerby when submitting results. Failure to collect and provide completed Participant Releases will lead to immediate disqualification.
- The Local Operator of the local T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby agrees to upload a photo of the Champion to official web site. Local Operator will receive directions on content requirements of photo prior to competition.
- Equipment donations will be released to participating leagues only if event results and photo of event winner are submitted via online portal on LittleLeague.org/HomeRunDerby within seven days of event completion.
- Upon completion of the local T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby competition, the Local Operator must submit final results and completed Participant Waivers via the online portal on LittleLeague.org/HomeRunDerby.
- Note: The Local Operator may host a competition for multiple Little League® programs (ex. District Competition).
- Each league must provide a roster of participants to the Local Operator.
- One T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby kit will be provided to the host league.
Event Structure
1st Round
- All participants receive 10 outs each
- Any pitch that is swung on with the ball ultimately not landing over the fence in fair territory, including a foul ball, is an out
- Any fair ball that lands over the fence in fair territory is a home run. A ball that lands on the chalk/cone line is NOT counted as a home run
- At the end of the 1st Round, the 10 participants with the most home runs will advance to the 2nd Round
2nd Round
- The 10 participants receive 10 outs each
- Any pitch that is swung on with the ball ultimately not landing over the fence in fair territory, including a foul ball, is an out
- Any fair ball that lands over the fence in fair territory is a home run. A ball that lands on the chalk/cone line is NOT considered a home run
- At the end of the 2nd Round, the 5 participants with the most total home runs (combined totals from 1st and 2nd rounds) will advance to the Final Round
Final Round
- The 5 participants receive 10 outs each
- Any pitch that is swung on with the ball ultimately not landing over the fence in fair territory, including a foul ball, is an out
- Any fair ball that lands over the fence in fair territory is a home run. A ball that lands on the chalk/cone line is NOT considered a home run
- At the end of the Final Round, the participant with the most total home runs (combined totals from 1st, 2nd, and Final rounds) is the league’s T-Mobile Little League® Home Run Derby Champion
Tie-Breakers
- In the event of a tie at the end of a round, there will be a hit-off with the participants who are tied. Each participant will receive three (3) additional outs at a time, the participant with the most home runs after the three (3) additional outs will advance or be crowned the champion. The additional outs will repeat until the tie is broken. Home runs hit during tie-breaker round do not count towards the participants final home run total.
Advancement
- In order to be eligible to advance to the regional competitions, the participant must have won their local competition.
- If there are any ties in the final qualification, a random lottery system will be used and conducted by the competition Agency (Position Sports, Inc.).
- Regionals: The two (2) participants in each sub-region defined below with the most home runs hit will advance onto their respective regional competition.
- Two at-large participants will also advance onto each regional competition. The at-large participants will be the two participants with the most total home runs to not finish in the top two of their sub-region and advance onto their regional competition.
- Finals: The four (4) participants with the most total home runs hit in their respective regional competitions will advance onto the finals competition in Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Sub-Regions
East
- Region 1: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island
- Region 2: Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, West Virginia, Puerto Rico
- Region 3: Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin
- Region 4: Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Washington D.C.
West
- Region 5: Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota
- Region 6: Arkansas, Colorado, Louisiana, Mississippi, New Mexico, Oklahoma, Texas
- Region 7: Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming
- Region 8: Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Utah
Regional / Finals Rules & Regulations
- For the Regionals and Finals, there will be a separate set of Rules & Regulations that will be released prior to the events taking place. T-Mobile, Little League® and the Competition Agency reserve the right to alter, update, and modify these rules prior to these events taking place.
Privacy Policy
Information collected from participants, parents, or legal guardians in connection with the Event (“Participant Information”) will be subject to and may be used in accordance with the Privacy Policy posted on the website (available at http://www.littleleague.org/PrivacyPolicy.htm) (the “Website”). Little League® also will have the right to provide such information to Sponsor and to MLB; and Sponsor and MLB will have the right to use such information in connection with the administration of the Event. Any Participant Information provided by Little League® to Sponsor will be subject to and may be used in accordance with Sponsor’s Privacy Statement (available at https://www.t-mobile.com/responsibility/privacy/privacy-policy). In addition, any Participant Information provided by Little League® to MLB will be subject to and may be used in accordance with the MLB’s privacy policy accessible at www.MLB.com/privacy.
League Operator Release *
For purposes of this “Local Operator Release” document, “Event” means all “T-Mobile Little League Home Run Derby” events being held at various locations throughout the United States from February 2020 – August 2020 any and all transportation to, from and between Event locations, all product testing at the Event, and all other activities related to the Event. In consideration of the opportunity to host a local competition (“Local Competition”), I agree to the following:
- ASSUMPTION OF RISK. I fully understand that hosting the Event involves inherent risks and dangers of accidents, personal and bodily injury (including death) and property loss or damage, and severe social and economic losses. These may result from my own actions or inactions or negligence, as well as the actions or inactions or negligence of others, the rules of play, and the condition of the facilities and equipment or vehicles. Further, there may be other risks not known to me and that are not reasonably foreseeable at this time. I understand and I have considered and evaluated the nature, scope and extent of the risks involved, and I voluntarily choose to assume all such risks, both known and unknown, even those risks that result from the negligence of the Released Parties (defined below) or others and assume full responsibility for my and my organization’s participation in the Event.
- RELEASE FROM LIABILITY. I fully and forever release and discharge T-Mobile (the “Sponsor”), Little League Baseball, Incorporated (“Little League”), the MLB Entities (defined below) and each of their respective parent companies, affiliates, subsidiaries, and their respective officers, directors, shareholders, employees, agents, distributors, representatives, contractors, successors, assigns, and insurers, all Event sponsors, advertisers, volunteers, and staff, and all owners or lessors of premises used in connection with the Event (collectively, the “Released Parties”) from any and all injuries (including death), losses, damages, claims (including negligence claims, excluding gross negligence and intentional misconduct claims), demands, lawsuits, expenses, and any other liability of any kind, of or to me, my property, or any other person, directly or indirectly arising out of or in connection with the Event, including transportation related to the Event, even if it is due to the negligence of the Released Parties, to the fullest extent permitted by law. As used herein, the “MLB Entities” shall mean MLB Advanced Media, L.P. (“MLB”), the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball (“BOC”), its Bureaus, Committees, Subcommittees and Councils, the Major League Baseball Clubs (“Clubs”), Major League Baseball Properties, Inc., Tickets.com,LLC, The MLB Network, LLC, each of their parent, subsidiary, affiliated and related entities, any entity which, now or in the future, controls, is controlled by, or is under common control with the Clubs or the BOC and the owners, general and limited partners, shareholders, directors, officers, employees and agents of the foregoing entities.
- AUTHORIZATION TO RECORD AND TO USE RECORDINGS AND I hereby grant to T-Mobile, Little League, any local league, and the MLB Entities, their respective affiliates, subsidiaries, successors, assigns and licensees (including production companies) (collectively “Event Entities”) permission to film, photograph, video record and otherwise record my image, voice, avatar, name, biographical data, silhouette, body dimension, shape, posture, or any other aspect of me at the Event (collectively the “Recording”) and the right, throughout the world, in perpetuity, to register for copyright, to use and to assign and/or license others to use all or any portion of the Recording and results thereof (or a reproduction thereof, including within any documentary production related to the Event), in all media and in any manner now known or hereafter developed, in connection with the Event or otherwise without any additional consideration. I, shall have no right of approval and no legal claim arising out of any use or editing of the Recording. The Event Entities shall have no obligation to use any of the rights I grant. I represent that it is not necessary for the Event Entities to obtain permission from or to pay any third party in connection with the rights granted in this paragraph.
- GENERAL RULES. The Released Parties are not responsible for late, lost, delayed, illegible, damaged, corrupted or incomplete entries or e-mails, incorrect or inaccurate capture of, or loss of entry information, any delay or interruption in the launch, accessibility or operation of the Event website or any entry or standings display or any other human or technical errors of any kind relating to the submission, collection, storage or processing of entries or the administration of the Event. The Released Parties are not responsible forundeliverable e-mails resulting from any form of active or passive e-mail filtering by a user’s Internet service provider and/or e-mail client or for insufficient space in user’s e- mail account to receive e-mail. CAUTION: ANY ATTEMPT BY A PARTICIPANT TO DELIBERATELY UNDERMINE THE LEGITIMATE OPERATION OF THE EVENT IS A VIOLATION OF CRIMINAL AND CIVIL LAW. SHOULD SUCH AN ATTEMPT BE MADE, EVENT ENTITIES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO SEEK DAMAGES FROM ANY SUCH INDIVIDUAL TO THE FULLEST EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW. The Event Entities reserve the right in their sole discretion to disqualify or prohibit from participating in the Event any individual who the Event Entities determine or believe, in their sole discretion, (a) has tampered with the entry process or has undermined the legitimate operation of the Event by cheating, hacking, deception or other unfair playing practices, or (b) has engaged in conduct that annoys, abuses, threatens or harasses any other participant or any representative of any Released Party, or (c) has attempted or intends to attempt any of the foregoing. The Event Entities reserve the right, in their sole discretion, to modify the official rules of the Event provided to all participants in the Event (the “Official Rules”) (including without limitation by adjusting any of the dates and/or time frames stipulated in the Official Rules).The Event Entities may, in their sole discretion, cancel, modify or suspend the Event at any time in its discretion if the Event Entities are not able to or decide not to conduct the Event as planned (for any reason, including without limitation in the event the operation of the Event is canceled or suspended as a result of protective measures in place to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus COVID-19, any governmental regulation or recommendation, including restrictions regarding group gatherings, any fire, flood, epidemic, earthquake, explosion, labor dispute or strike, act of God or of public enemy, communications failure, riot or civil disturbance, war (declared or undeclared), terrorist threat or activity, federal, state or local law, order or court order. In the event of termination of the Event, a notice will be posted on the Event website and no Event Entity shall be held liable in connection therewith. Any legal proceedings arising out of or relating to this Local Operator Release shall be instituted only in the federal or state courts located in Pennsylvania, and the parties consent to jurisdiction therein with respect to any legal proceedings or disputes of whatever nature arising under or relating to the Event and this Local Operator Release.