Approved Rules for Spring 2017

 

Game Time: Game time will start at the scheduled time for the first game, not when both teams are ready. The starting of the game can be delayed but the official clock starts at the scheduled time. This to help keep the second game from starting too late. A new inning cannot start within 10 minutes of the completion of the time limit. If the visiting team mathematically cannot catch the home team in the last inning of time limit due to run limits, the umpire can call the game as complete

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Weather situations: As a general rule, games are not cancelled on forecast alone. Game times might be pushed back to allow work on the fields so that games can be played. We will always try to inform the coaches by 2:00pm of game day if that night’s games are going to be played. If it starts raining during a game the following applies: A game is not official until 3 ½ innings are completed if the home team is leading or 4 if the visiting team is leading. If weather or other outside issues causes the game to be called after the 3 ½ or 4 innings the game will be finished at that point. If less than the 3 ½ or 4 innings has been completed when the game is called, then the game will resume at a later date at the point it was called. If less than a half inning has been played when the game is called, then the game will be restarted at a later date. If a game is to be resumed, both managers and umpires shall review the official book to ensure that all needed information is in the book to allow the game to resume where left off. We will make every effort to make up all rained out games, but we cannot guarantee that all games will be played.

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Runners: Any time that there is a possible play at home, the runner is required to slide. This is a judgement call by the umpire, therefore it CANNOT be appealed.

 

Coaches: On offense, base coaches are allowed at first and third. Any other coaches are to remain in the dugout. On defense 1 coach can be directly in front of the dugout to provide instruction, the other coaches shall remain in the dugout. The umpire shall issue one warning, then the umpire can eject coaches that do not follow this rule. The only exception to this rule is in the Tee Ball divisions. Only the manager (head coach) can approach the umpire to discuss previous play. This can only be done after asking for time. Please approach the umpire in a respectful manner.

Short Handed Teams: A team can play with less than 9 players. There will be no automatic outs for the shorthanded team. Players can enter the lineup late going to the bottom of the lineup. IF a team has 6 or less players, that team will forfeit the scheduled game. An “unofficial game” can then be played, borrowing players from the other teams of the same age group so that the kids can still play a game that night. Exceptions to this rule are the wee and tee ball divisions. They can play with any number of players that are available.

 

CONTACT RULE: Babe Ruth rule: 6.05 (m) shall apply

 

Draft Process: Retention rules do not apply.

Wee ball (3-4): No tryouts. Random selection by player agents with coaches present.

Tee Ball (5-6): No tryouts. Serpentine draft with draft order selected by a lottery.

Machine Pitch: Mandatory tryouts. Serpentine draft with draft order decided by a lottery.

Minors: Mandatory tryouts. Serpentine draft with draft order decided by a lottery.

Majors: Mandatory tryouts. Serpentine draft with draft order decided by a lottery.

 

The manager’s (head coach) child is automatically drafted in the 5th round. The manager can select an assistant coach, but the assistant coach’s child will then be automatically drafted in the 1st round. The assistant must be named before the draft starts. If two managers claim the same assistant, the assistant shall be called by the president or a player agent to verify which coach he/she is assisting for. If the manager chooses not to select an assistant then he/she can select any available player with their first pick.

 

Playing time: All players must play in the field a minimum of 6 defensive outs per game and 1 at bat per game.

 

Book Keeping: The home team will be responsible for keeping the official book. The umpire will provide the home team with the official book before the game starts. After the game, please post the winner and final score in a manner easy to see. Both coaches are to review and sign the book before giving the book back to the umpire.

 

Field Upkeep: Both teams (home and away) are responsible for the condition of the playing fields. We are a league of volunteers and do not have anybody dedicated to the mowing, raking and chalking of the fields.

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Bats: Any size bat can be used during league play. When going to a tournament, tournament rules regulate bat size.

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RULES OF CONDUCT

 All players, managers, coaches, parents, and spectators (hereafter collectively referred to as participants) will at all times observe and practice the highest standards of good sportsmanship and conduct. No participant will engage in any course of conduct that would tend to violate this principle.

 Participants must observe and obey all laws of the state, city, county, or municipality where any game is being played.

 The use of alcoholic beverages or “non-prescription controlled substances” at any time, on or about the complex, is strictly forbidden. The complex is defined as the playing field and the spectator areas. This rule also applies to all tobacco products and e-cigarettes.

 The use of profanity by participants is strictly forbidden. Umpires as well as all members of the Board of Directors are authorized to enforce this rule anywhere in the complex. The participant will be asked to leave the premises.

 No participant or team may engage in any course of conduct that is designed to, or will result in, the harassment of any player, coach, umpire, or other participant. Forbidden conduct includes, but is not limited to, inappropriate team cheering or verbal taunting designed to disrupt players.

 No participant may cross the white lines to enter the field under any circumstances until time has been called by the umpire and permission to enter the field has been granted.

 Each team is allowed up to 3 coaches and 1 team scorekeeper in the dugout. Persons that are not members of the team are not allowed in the dugout. Coaches must remain within arm’s length of the dugout entrances.

 Violation of these rules of conduct may result in ejection from the game.

 Severe or repeated violation of these rules of conduct may result in banishment from the ballpark for the remainder of the season.

A coach ejected from a game by an umpire will be suspended for the following two (2) games.