Major and Minor Division: Rules of Play

Pitching Rules

Both Major and Minor pitchers will be allowed to throw fast-balls and change-ups only. Curve-balls, sliders, knuckle-balls, and/or any other pitch where the ball changes direction on the way to the plate is not allowed.

Both Major and Minor pitchers will adhere to innings pitched restrictions using the following guidelines:

Pitchers may pitch a maximum of 6 innings in a week.

Any appearance as pitcher in a game is noted as an inning, regardless if they finish the inning.  This includes warming up on the mound for the inning.

• 1 inning pitched in a day requires no (0) days rest
• 2 innings pitched in a day requires one (1) day rest
• 3+ innings pitched in a day requires three (3) days rest

The week starts on Sunday and ends on Saturday.

Required days of rest stay in effect for playoffs, they do not re-set with start of playoffs.

Three days of rest mean the player can pitch on the fourth day. Example: Pitcher throws 3 innings on Sunday would then be eligible to pitch on Thursday.  That pitcher would then have 3 innings remaining for the week ending Saturday.

Note:

• For 11 & 12 yr olds, the maximum number of innings pitched in a day is 4.
•  For 10 yr olds,the maximum number of innings pitched in a dayis 3.
• Both teams should track the number of innings pitched for each team to confirm accuracy. Number of innings pitched should be included in the communication of the game result by the home team to the Level Directors.
• If there are 2 hit batsman in the same inning, that pitcher must be removed.
• If there are 3 hit batsman in 1 game, that pitcher must be removed.

The home team will provide 3 game balls to the umpire

Catching

Any player who pitches 3 innings in a single day cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

Other:

1. Games will begin as close to 5:45 p.m. as possible (week night games).  Teams may play with a minimum of 8 kids

2. During the first half of the season, (May 20th) an inning cannot be started after 7:30 p.m.  An inning cannot be started after 7:45 p.m. during the second half of the season.  The games will end at 8:00 p.m. or on the umpire’s decision.

3. Sunday shall be considered the start of the calendar week.

4. Each player must play a minimum of six consecutive outs and at least one at bat.  If free substitution in involved, a player must be involved in 2 innings of defensive play (6 outs) and one at bat.

5. Intentional walking is not allowed.

6. There is a one base advancement on any throw which goes out of play, except stolen bases.

7. There is no leading off the base.

8. Base runners can only leave the base after the pitched ball reaches the catcher’s glove.

9. MAJOR LEAGUE: Runners may steal every base including home plate.

10. MINOR LEAGUE: Runners may steal every base except for Home Plate.  If a play is made on the runner at third and an error occurs, that runner may try for home plate.

11. Tagging on a fly ball is allowed, after the field catches the fly ball.

12. The infield fly rule is in effect.

13. Slide or Avoid Rule: Base runners are required to slide directly into a base, when a play is being made on them (except to avoid contact or when advancing from home to first) or if they choose not to slide then they must make an effort to avoid contact with the player making the play on them or leave the base path.  If the base runner does not slide and contact with the defensive player results, the base runner will be declared OUT.  If in the view of the umpire, this contact hindered the fielder from completing a second play, the umpire can call the second play an automatic OUT.  If the contact with the defensive player is made with force, rule by the umpire to be dangerous or un-sportsman like, the umpire can remove the offensive player for the remainder of the game.

14. HEAD FIRST sliding is prohibited.

15. No player may play for more than one team.

16. Free substitution (between innings) except for the pitcher who cannot reenter the game as a pitcher.

17. FIVE run rule: The inning is over after 5 runs are scored by a team except if it is the last inning.  Coaches must agree prior to the inning that it will be considered the last inning.

18. Slaughter rule: The game is over after the third inning if a team leads by twelve runs.

19. No stealing or advancing on passed balls by a team leading by eight (8) or more runs.  If the leading team gets below this 8 run limit, than stealing and advancing on passed balls will go back into effect.  The team up by 8 runs must notify the opposing coach.

20. No hidden ball allowed on base runners.

21. Re-entry rule will be followed as discussed in the Little League rules.

22. Protest Rule: A notice must be made with the umpire in chief before the next pitch is thrown to the batter.  Complete information must be submitted to the President within 48 hours and ruling will then be made by the Board.

23. Pinch runner and pinch hitter rules will be Little League rules.

24. Home team will occupy the first base dugout unless otherwise specified

25. The game of baseball is a great sport for the children, so let’s make sure that the game is played by the children, enjoyed by the parents and children and taught by the coaches.  Remember, following each game, the children are returning to a home - not trying to catch a bus or airplane for their next Major League Baseball Game on television (and that goes for the coaches as well).

Umpiring

All calls are final. If a discussion or question is needed, only the head coach is allowed to approach the umpire. If a call is changed, both coaches shall be informed.

Major/Minor League – umpiring will be performed by an adult from an umpiring service.

General Rules

• Bunting is allowed
• Tagging up on a fly ball is allowed
• Infield fly rule is in effect
•  All players must hit; example – 12 players for a game, player 1 through player 12 hits before starting with player 1 again.
•  Free substitution is allowed
•  Coaches must keep the players in the dugouts.
•  A player may only coach first base and must wear a helmet
•  Mouth guards are optional. If needed please see the snack bar attendant.
•  Rain out’s during the week will be played on Saturday in place of practices.
•  Each team shall adhere to the Code of Conduct; coaches are responsible for the actions of their teams. Disciplinary measures will be reviewed on an as needed basis. Coaches shall notify the Level Director or a Board Member if needed.
•  Protected gear shall be encouraged, and is mandatory for all catchers.

Field Maintenance

The home team is responsible for raking the infield following each game