Little League Base Rule 1.06 – Breakaway Base Safety Requirement

Little League Rule 1.06 requires the use of breakaway bases to improve player safety and reduce the risk of serious injuries, such as fractures and sprains, that can occur when players slide into traditional stationary bases. Breakaway bases are specifically engineered to disengage from their anchors upon significant impact, helping absorb force and minimize stress on players’ legs and ankles.

To meet this safety requirement, manufacturers offer bases explicitly labeled as “Little League Compliant.” These bases are designed to meet all specifications outlined in Rule 1.06 and are approved for use on Little League fields.

In short, Rule 1.06 makes breakaway bases a mandatory safety feature on all Little League baseball and softball fields, ensuring a safer playing environment for young athletes. For reference, the full text of Little League Base Rule 1.06 is provided below.  

Little League Base Rule 1.06

First, second, and third bases shall be marked by white canvas or rubber-covered bags, securely attached to the ground. The first and third base bags shall be entirely within the infield. The second base bag shall be centered on second base. The base bags shall not be less than fourteen (14) nor more than fifteen (15) inches square. The outer edges shall not be more than two and one-fourth (2¼) inches thick and shall be filled with a soft material. Leagues are required to ensure that first, second, and third bases will disengage from their anchors.

NOTE 1: If a base is dislodged from its position during a play, any following runner on the same play shall be considered to have touched or occupied the base if, in the umpire’s judgment, the runner touches or occupies either the dislodged base or the point marked by the original location of the base.

NOTE 2: Use of the Double First Base is permitted at all levels of play.