My son played in a tournament where they claim to use Little League sanctioned baseball rules, however, they stated that if less than 5 minutes in left in regulation, then another inning would not be started. They had told the team they could not play with 8 players due to the sactioned rules, but the time limit rule is a new one on me...any help will be appreciated.

I had this rule used against a team that I coached. In that game there was 15 minutes before the time limit. They told me that an inning couldn't be started if there was not enough time to complete at least a half inning. Stupid!! I think

the rules is that a new inning cannot be started AFTER a given time. i don't know what that 5 minute crap is, but i know from personal experience that the rule is that you can't start a new inning after a given time.

There are no time limits in LL sanctioned games.

The time limits will be by "local adoption".

Most time limits are of the "no new inning after......" type. There are also "drop-Dead" limits which are usually used for scrimmage, or non-standing games. When time runs out in a drop dead, it's over. In the no new inning type, you must remember that a new inning begins IMMEDIATLEY after the third out is made in the previous inning. If the home team (bottom half of inning) is put out and there is one second left on the clock, the next inning starts and must be played out.

The 5 minute rule you were told may have been implemented by the local league, or tournament. That is not a well thought out ruling. In 5 minutes or less, the either team can score a tying run, or go ahead. Using the "Well, there ain't enough time left" theory is taking the game away from the kids. Might as well just play til the umpire says "that's enough!" The no new inning is the best way, but play 6, 7, or 9 innings is even better. Check with your league organizers and see if that rule is in writing somewhere, or just an on field invention,

As for the shorthanded rule, LL rules follow OBR rules, (Official Baseball Rules), there are many addendums to fit the playing ages, but you do have to have 9 uniformed, rostered players to start or continue a game.

For a MAJORS game, no time limit is allowed. Ever - regular season or tournament. Unfortunately a lot of local leagues like to tinker with the rules. But to do this in a tournament shows a complete disregard for the rules. Is this a local tournament, or is this part of the Williamsport Tournament?

The 8 players issue - that is OBR, so that should be enforced.