Strange Local Rules

[TwoBits]

Here's one for 10 & under: A runner cannot "steal" home (stealing in this case meaning advancing on passed balls, wild pitches, etc.) unless the runner is played upon.

What I get on this every time I ump is what do I consider being "played upon". Running toward the runner? Faking a throw? Looking at the runner cross-eyed? I have my own defintion, but I know every umpire that does that league has their own as well.

To continue with this rule, the runner is allowed to "steal" home if the catcher overthrows back to the pitcher. So then we had catchers walking out to the rubber and handing the ball to the pitcher every time. Talk about a slow game! Then the league implemented a rule stating that there must be a 15' exchange between the catcher and pitcher, but did not implement a penalty. One of those "just don't do it" rules.

I love local leagues!