In response to the state issued guidelines the Board of North Newark Little League needed to make some rule modifications to protect our athletes and provide them an opportunity to play baseball this season.  These changes are for 2020 only and it is expected most, if not all, will change back to our standard playing rules next season.  

   T-Ball Division:

• Teams are encouraged to practice with a 3:1 players to coach ratio to allow for socially distanced station instruction.
  
  
• For the month of June, to be reviewed and reevaluated for July,  T-ball teams will be limited to one team per field on game days. Each team will do 20-30 minutes of clinic/practice style instruction followed by a 30 to 40 minutes inter-squad scrimmage, to allow for better social distancing. Total time will be the standard 60 minutes. Coaches are still encouraged to hold a practice during the week in accordance with all guidelines and practice schedules.
  

    Farm Division:  

• Each farm team will have access to at least two sets of catcher’s gear per game to reduce need to share equipment and also allow more time to sanitize gear when necessary between users.
  
  
• The pitchers pitch count will be reduced for the first three weeks of the season to allow for the players arms to become better conditioned after a longer layoff and less preparation time.  Farm pitchers who throw 50 or less pitches in a game will have a 2-day rest period before pitching in another game.  Pitchers who throw 50-70 pitches in a game will have a mandated 3-day rest period before pitching in another game.  No player will pitch more than 70 pitches in a game at this time, except to finish a batter.  Beginning the fourth week of the season opening, the league will revert to the 60-85 pitch limits previously set.
  
  

• As we approach the start of games there is one change we need to make you aware of concerning umpires.  Originally the guidance was more directive and behind the mound seemed the best option. After 2 weeks of game play by other organizations and using the current State of Ohio guidelines we are going to allow umpires to be behind the catcher.  The state guidelines outline the following:

  Umpires calling balls and strikes should allow adequate distance behind the catcher while still able to perform their duty. 

  We will follow this guidance as we start games and make adjustments as needed.  

     Varsity Division:

• Each Varsity team will have access to two sets of catcher’s gear per game to reduce need to share equipment, and also allow more time to sanitize gear when necessary between uses.
  
  
• The pitchers pitch count will be reduced for the first three weeks of June to allow for the players arms to better conditioned after a longer layoff and less preparation time.  Varsity pitchers who throw 55 or less pitches in a game will have a 2-day rest period before pitching in another game.  Pitchers who throw 55-75 pitches in a game will have a mandated 3-day rest period before pitching in another game.  No player will pitch more than 75 pitches in a game during this time, except to finish the batter.  Beginning the fourth week of the season opening, the league will revert to the 60-85 pitch limits previously set.
  
  

• As we approach the start of games there is one change we need to make you aware of concerning umpires.  Originally the guidance was more directive and behind the mound seemed the best option. After 2 weeks of game play by other organizations and using the current State of Ohio guidelines we are going to allow umpires to be behind the catcher.  The state guidelines outline the following:

  Umpires calling balls and strikes should allow adequate distance behind the catcher while still able to perform their duty. 

  We will follow this guidance as we start games and make adjustments as needed.  

All Divisions

• Per state guidelines teams will not shake hands post-game but will be encouraged to tip their cap or respectfully acknowledge their opponents.
  
  
• Per state guidelines coaches will not exchange line ups in person or on hard copy, but rather electronically or by other means, to promote social distancing
  
  
• All players will be in the approved player section during game play and are encouraged to bring their own chair.  No parents or outside persons will be permitted into any player area, to promote and adhere to all state guidelines.