Your League's Rules, All in One Place
Every league is different: minimum play, pitch counts, rest days, position restrictions. Toggle on the rules your league enforces, adjust the values, and see your complete rulebook. Start with a preset or build from scratch.
Presets are sourced from publicly available league guidelines and may not reflect the latest rules. Always verify with your league. All values are fully configurable per team inside your account.
Your Rulebook
Toggle on rules above or pick a league preset to get started.
See your rules in the lineup
Turn on a rule like no consecutive bench innings and the lineup builder flags any player who breaks it. Here, Emma sits out innings 4 and 5. You choose how to adjust.
From the dugout
“We just signed all of our coaches up for this so we can track pitch counts across the league. Finally one place to see who threw what and when they can pitch again.”
“I can easily build my lineup, track player history, record game notes, pitch counts and pitcher availability all in one place.”
How Baseball Lineup Rules Work
Baseball and softball leagues enforce rules to protect player safety, ensure fair playing time, and keep games competitive. But there is no universal rulebook, and rules vary by organization (Little League, USSSA, USA Baseball, NFHS), age group, and local league preferences. A rec league for 8-year-olds will look very different from a high school varsity program.
The most common categories are minimum play requirements (how much each player must play), pitching limits (pitch counts and innings restrictions), rest day rules (mandatory recovery time between pitching appearances), and position restrictions (catcher-pitcher safety limits). You're responsible for knowing and following your league's rules, because violations can result in game forfeits or suspensions.
The best approach is to set up your specific rules once, then let software enforce them automatically while you focus on coaching. That's exactly what Who's on Second does: toggle on your rules, and the lineup builder handles the rest.
Common League Rule Configurations
Rec leagues tend to be the most fairness-heavy: continuous batting order (everyone bats), minimum innings, equal bench time, no consecutive bench innings, and moderate pitch count limits. The priority is making sure every player gets meaningful time on the field.
Little League International mandates specific pitch count thresholds with rest day requirements, minimum defensive play (6 outs per game), and catcher-pitcher restrictions. These are among the most detailed rules in youth baseball.
Travel ball (USSSA) is more competitive: traditional batting orders and fewer minimum play requirements, but it still enforces pitching limits. Innings pitched is the primary control, since USSSA limits innings rather than pitch counts.
High school (NFHS) follows state-specific guidelines. Most states enforce pitch count limits (typically 105–110 per day), mandatory rest days, and no pitcher re-entry. Playing time rules are generally left to coaches.
Adult leagues are the most relaxed, often with just a batting order preference and sometimes 4-outfielder mode for larger rosters. Pitching limits are uncommon.
Frequently Asked Questions
What youth baseball rules does this tool cover?
Do all youth baseball leagues have the same rules?
What is the minimum play rule in youth baseball?
How do pitch count rest days work?
Can I enforce these rules automatically in my lineups?
Build your first lineup with these rules
Add your roster, toggle on your rules, and the lineup builder handles the rest. Fair lineups in minutes, not hours. 3 free lineups, no credit card required.