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Sports Team Portrait

Local Rules
& Resources

Mercer Island Little League follows The Little League International Rulebook.  However there are some rules and options that are specific to our local league and divisions.  

 

Thank you coaches for adhering to these important guidelines and for making the little league experience fun for our young players.  In addition, we've listed some great resources to help make the season a success.

Important Resources for Coaches

Our 2025 League Local Rules (PDF)

Over 93 pages covering all aspects of how MILL is administered.  This includes rules for our newly launched RapidBaseball™ programming.  Playing rules for baseball start on page 37, followed by softball on page 56. We encourage you to download a copy for your records.​

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​Pitch Count Tracking

We have required steps for tracking pitch counts for all pitchers playing in our baseball Majors, Coast & AAA games:

 

Step 1:  Print a hard copy of the Pitch Count Tracking Log (Google Doc) to track pitches.  The home team Manager also needs to print and bring the Pitch Count Eligibility Tracking Form (Google Doc) to the game.  (Helpful tip:  Print multiple copies of these documents and leave them in your equipment bag along with pencils & a clipboard).

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Step 2:  Agree on eligible pitchers at the Managers & Umpire home plate meeting prior to the first pitch.  

  • Ineligible pitchers will be emailed by the BGC to both coaches prior to the start of the game

  • Ineligible pitchers should be reviewed at the meeting prior to first pitch

  • There will be no disciplinary or retroactive action taken following first pitch

 

Step 3:  On game day,  a coach or the Manager must track his/her own team's pitches using the Pitch Count Tracking Log.

  • Game Changer will be unofficial

  • The home team is responsible for submitting pitch counts to the BGC for both teams

  • A parent volunteer can track pitches, but Managers are ultimately responsible and accountable

  • Coaches should verify pitch counts after the conclusion of each half inning​

  • Be sure to note your player's pitch count at the start of their last batter as this may impact the number of rest days required.

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Step 4:  Home team Manager:  At the conclusion of the game, tally up the pitch counts for each pitcher and record this information in the Pitch Count Eligibility Tracking Form.  Ask the away team Manager to sign the form signifying agreement on the final pitch counts.

 

Step 5:  Home team Manager:  Take a clear photo of the Pitch Count Eligibility Tracking Form and send it to miathletics@positiveplace.org.  Pitch counts will be added to the official pitch tracking spreadsheet maintained by the Boys & Girls Club.​​

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League rules on baseball pitch count by age can be found on the Little League International website​

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Manage Batting Orders & Line Ups (Google Doc)

Access the spreadsheet via the link above and then click File » Make a Copy to save yourself a copy to your own Google account (must be signed in)​.  Consider going a step further and giving view access to parents on your team. Some kids like to know the plan ahead of time and parents can see the thoughtfulness and fairness that goes into playing time.

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Coach's Manual (PDF)

This guide was developed when our league initiated.  Additional information is added when needed.  All coaches are advised to read through and review this very informative document. Content includes safety info., a practice guides with drills, and much more. 

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Ballpark DJ

Walk-up songs are a hit with our Little League players! We use the BallparkDJ app for our teams' walk up music and line up announcements.  Learn about the app. and then designate a parent volunteer to manage the entertainment for your team.  All you need is a speaker, a mobile phone and a volunteer.​

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On BASE Coach's Clinic / Mark Zender, founder of the Mariners Grand Slam Camp

A great resource for youth baseball coaches.  We encourage you to watch the 2020 clinic on YouTube.  The first hour is a panel discussion with Scott Servais, Andy McKay, and Angie Mentink. The second hour is a coaching clinic by Mark Zender. Additionally, access these great one-pagers to support your coaching:

 

Practice tips for youth coaches​ (PDF)

Practice plan template to keep your practices organized (PDF)

Parent letter that Mark sends to parents at the start of the season (PDF)

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"As a Mercer Island Little League Coach, I agree to adhere to our league's Coach's Code of Ethics."

I agree to:

 

Exhibit respectful and ethical behavior and leadership and act with an awareness that young people learn best by example

 

Know the rules.  Abide by and teach the rules of the game.  The spirit of good sportsmanship depends on conformance to a rule’s intent as well as to the letter of a given rule.

 

Respect the integrity and personality of the individual player. 

 

Be a positive role model and example for players and spectators to follow: refrain from arguments in front of players and spectators; no gestures which indicate an official or opposing coach does not know what he or she is doing or talking about; no throwing of any object in disgust.  Do not use profanity, obscene language or improper actions.

 

Develop team respect and appreciation for the ability of opponents and for the judgment of umpires and opposing coaches. 

 

Ensure that your players' baseball experience is one of fun and enjoyment (winning is only part of it).  Players should never be yelled at or ridiculed for making mistakes or losing a game. 

 

Set a good example and be generous with your praise when it is deserved.  Players need a coach they can respect. 

 

Enlist the support of your team's parents in your efforts to instill the proper attitudes and values in the players and to make sportsmanship the number one priority.

 

Win and lose graciously and never blame officials for a loss.  

 

Encourage good sportsmanship at all times.  Good sportsmanship requires as much work as any play or skill you will teach a player during the season.

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