Hobgood Baseball Association Rules and Regulations- Revised January 2013

Transcription

1 Hobgood Baseball Association Rules and Regulations- Revised January 2013 Any rules not covered by the park rules, league rules, or Dizzy Dean rules are covered by the Official Baseball Rules of Major League Baseball and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues Team Organization A. League names and ages are as follows: T-Ball T-Ball Farm League Minor Freshman Sophomore Junior 4 year olds 5 year olds 6, 7, & 8 year olds (play separate) 9 & 10 year olds (play separate) 11 & 12 year olds (play combined) 13 & 14 year olds (play combined) 15, 16, & 17 year olds (play combined) B. Players must be paid registrants prior to being placed on a team. Registration slots are assigned on a first come, first served basis. Team counts and number of players per team will be the final decision of the Baseball Commissioner. No player shall be a member of a Hobgood Baseball team and any other baseball association at the same time without prior approval from the Baseball Commissioner. Examples include SCRA, Acworth Baseball Association, or similar recreation league organizations, as well as Travel Team governing bodies. C. All registrants are expected to be present for skills assessments.. In the event a player does not attend skill assessments, the managers may rank such player(s) based upon prior play and knowledge of such player(s). This rank must be agreed to by a majority of the league s assigned managers. If any player is not ranked on the draft sheet, his/her name will be placed in the player pool and will be ineligible for the draft. Such players will be placed on teams after the draft is complete (see Draft Procedures). D. Teams in 4/5U will consist of no more than ten (10) players. Teams in ages 6 and up will consist of no more than twelve (12) players. The Baseball Commissioner must approve any team with more players. Number of teams in each age division will be determined by the Baseball Commissioner based on registrations and scheduling considerations. Typically no new team is added to a league unless at least half the teams in the age group are at two bench players prior to the new team s addition. The Baseball Commissioner and Board President may elect to add or not add another team for any reason. E. Players registering after the draft will be assigned to a team only if there is room on the rosters. Players will be placed on the team that was scheduled to draft next. See Draft Procedures addendum for additional rules. F. All players added after the draft will be assigned to the team that was scheduled to draft next when the player pool was exhausted. If a team loses a player after the draft, they will automatically be assigned the next available player (s) until such time that they have the same roster size as when the draft was completed. See Draft Procedures addendum for additional rules. G. A maximum of two players may be locked as a freeze per team. The child of the manager and one (1) assistant coach will automatically be assigned to their teams. No manager may freeze an assistant coach s child unless a Draft Protection form is completed by the parent and delivered to the League Director prior to the draft. All other players must be assigned a team through the draft. No consideration will be given for transportation problems when placing players on teams. Hobgood Baseball reserves the right to place players on teams due to extenuating circumstances as determined by the Baseball Commissioner and agreed upon by the League Director. Parents may request their child not be on a team managed by a particular coach. This request must be in writing prior to the draft. The League Director may choose to honor such a request after consultation with the Deputy Commissioner. Page 1 of 33

2 H. All managers and coaches must pass a background check. All managers and coaches must be actively involved by either base coaching, scoring, etc. within the confines of the playing field. J. All managers will be familiar with Hobgood Baseball Rules and Regulations. K. Each manager, working with the League Director, will make sure no adult without a clear background check is permitted unsupervised access to any player (excludes own child) at any event associated with Hobgood Baseball. At the Baseball Commissioner s discretion, failure to comply with this rule may result in immediate dismissal of the manager. L. Managers will be responsible for their own behavior. They are also reasonably responsible for conduct of their coaches, players, parents, and fans. If a player displays unsportsmanlike conduct, that player may be removed from the game at the manager s discretion. Hobgood Baseball-Skills Test Guidelines Each season, Hobgood Baseball will host a skills test for players in ages These tests will be conducted per a published schedule. These skills tests will be on the age appropriate fields, but Hobgood Baseball reserves the right to use a different field or area as needed. Each League Director will provide all managers a copy of registered players in his age group. No changes are to be made to this list without prior approval from the League Director. Any player not on the official list will not be evaluated without approval from the Baseball Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner. This is an attempt to prevent players from assessing with the wrong age group or playing without completing the registration process. Skills test are to be conducted in the following areas: a) Batting b) Grounders c) Throwing d) Pop Flys e) Base running All age groups will use a 1-10 ranking system for all skill areas. All coaches must be present and/or send a qualified representative to the skills test. Coaches must provide a final ranking for every player that attends the test (sum of the 1-10 rankings for each tested skill). Players that do not attend assessments are ranked by a vote of the group if possible. The League Director will list the players in order of highest cumulative score to lowest. Players that do not attend and do not have a score assigned by the managers are listed at the bottom of the list. League Directors should use a draft board spreadsheet to combine coaches scores and arrive at the final ranking for each player. Draft rankings are not to be disclosed by any coach. Doing so may result in disciplinary action. Page 2 of 33

3 DRAFT Drafting procedures for all leagues will be as follows: A. The draft will be conducted by the League Director. B. All players will enter into the draft each season with the exception of freezes. Tee ball leagues (4U and 5U) will be divided into equal players per team if possible. C. Draft results are final. D. Each player will be required to take a skills test at the beginning of the season in order to be placed on the draft sheet. E. All managers/coaches involved in ranking shall follow the directions established by the League Director as outlined in this document. F. The League Director will tabulate a master ranking sheet. The high score and low score for each player will be thrown out. The remaining cumulative scores per manager are summed and divided by the number of remaining managers (i.e. 10 teams throw out high/low scores (2); total remainder scores divided by 8). G. Only managers and assistant coaches with draft protected players are permitted in the draft room. H. Children are not permitted in the draft room. I. Freezes must be disclosed to the League Director prior to the draft. The assistant coach with the protected child must confirm the arrangement with the League Director prior to the draft. J. The team with the lowest sum of assessment scores gets the next selection in the draft. K. If a team does not have a coach, the League Director will draft the team by selecting the next highest ranked available player. L. The League Director will identify any siblings that are to be drafted together. When one child is selected, the sibling is automatically added to the same team. M. Prior to the draft, the League Director will calculate the number of players each team may draft (example there are 105 players, so all ten teams will draft 10 players from the players with assessment scores). Once a team reaches the assigned quantity of players, that team does select additional players. N. Once all teams reach the assigned number of players, any remaining players are assigned with the following procedure. The teams are placed into order from lowest cumulative score to highest. The lowest team has three options. a. Pass b. Draft a remaining player that has an assessment score c. Enter the random draw for a player without an assessment score Then the second lowest team has the same option, and so forth. Once the number of teams wishing to enter the random draw equals the number of non-assessed players plus one, higher r4anked teams no longer may enter the drawing. Those teams that are in the lottery for non-assessed players will randomly select such a player s name from a hat. Page 3 of 33

4 The draft is over once all players are taken. If players remain after this optional round, those players are assigned to the teams with the highest cumulative scores (example there are 3 players remaining. The three teams with the highest cumulative scores must take one of the remaining players (whether with an assessed scores or not), beginning with the team with the third highest score having first choice). O. One trade per team is permitted at the end of the draft. No more than thirty minutes are set aside after all players are drafted to work out trades. The League Director must approve all trades. One trade means one player for one player, or two players for two players. No trade can involve more than two players per team. No trade will be approved that alters a team s sum of assessment scores by more than five points. P. The Baseball Commissioner may in very special circumstances assign a player to a team. That player will be drafted by that team in his ranked round, and all teams will be notified of such prior to the draft. These circumstances include, but are not limited to, family medical needs or military deployment. Q. No discussion of rankings is permitted outside of the draft room. Page 4 of 33

5 EQUIPMENT A. Each manager will receive an equipment bag for the season. Each bag is numbered, and the manager will be responsible for the contents of the bag. If a piece of equipment becomes damaged or unusable over the course of the season, return it to the equipment manager for replacement. B. Equipment must not be altered in any way. No coloring of helmets or decals will be allowed on any piece of equipment provided by Hobgood Baseball. C. Equipment bags will be due immediately after the season ends with exception of All-Star Managers. The Park s Equipment Director will establish return dates and times. Any manager not returning the park s equipment will not be considered for future coaching roles at Hobgood. D. No steel spiked shoes are permitted in age groups under 13. Tennis shoes are acceptable. E. At 9U through 17U, catchers must wear a masked helmet, chest protector, shin guards, throat protector and athletic cup during play. Catchers at 8U and under shall wear helmets and chest protectors. F. Teams are required to wear the full uniforms furnished by Hobgood Baseball. No team shall purchase any additional pieces for the team to wear. G. Baseball bats must meet Dizzy Dean regulations (made of either one piece wood or an approved alloy). For ages 5-12, bats must meet the 1.15 BPF (Bat Performance Factor) for the life of the bat and must possess a clearly identifiable manufacturer s certification stamp. BBCOR bats are legal for use in ages H. For ages 13-17, all non-wood bats must meet BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) and possess a clearly identifiable manufacturer s certification stamp. A bat shall not weigh more than three ounces less than the length, and the maximum diameter is 2 5/8 barrel Damaged or altered bats are illegal. I. Each batter/base runner must wear a batting helmet at all times. The batting helmet should not be removed until the player is back in the dugout. Batting helmets with face masks are recommended for all ages. J. All teams will be issued game balls prior to Opening Day. Only baseballs authorized and approved by Hobgood Baseball may be used during games. Hobgood Baseball-Uniforms 1) Hobgood Baseball shall provide a game shirt, hat, pants, and socks. Some age groups will also get belts. 2) Last names will be fixed to the back of all jerseys. 3) No player under age 13 may wear cleats with metal spikes. 4) No helmets that have been airbrushed with offensive or inappropriate images or words may be worn. 5) Three coaches per team will be issued Hobgood Baseball coaching shirts. Page 5 of 33

6 HOBGOOD BASEBALL COMMON RULES. Time rules. All times are based on the Umpire s official start time as recorded in the scorebook and agreed to at the plate meeting. A new inning begins as soon as the third out in the home team s half of an inning is recorded. Innings played and time limits (for in-park games): Age Time Limit Max Innings Max Runs per Inning 4&5 1:00 3 NA 6 1: &8 1: &10 1:30 6 NA 11&12 1:40 6 NA 13&14 1:50 7 NA :50 7 NA For in-park play, a game will be considered to be a complete game if the time limit expires before the number of innings for an official game are met (i.e. if in 7 year old ball 1:15 hours expires and only two innings of baseball are played, the game will be considered complete).. Team practices and games combined are not to exceed four days per week (week starts Sunday and ends Saturday) unless approved by the Baseball Commissioner.. No innings shall start after the set time limit. No inning will begin after 9:00pm on a school night.. Any runner is out when he does not slide or attempt to avoid the fielder who has the ball in the proximity of the base and is waiting to make the tag, or if he maliciously runs into a fielder.. All batters will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. For defensive purposes, no player shall sit a second inning until after the fourth inning is completed. No player may sit more than two innings in a game.. Failure to adhere to the playing time rules will result in the manager being issued a warning. A second offense will result in a three game suspension for the manager. A third incident will result in dismissal of the manager from his duties. An exception to the above playing rule is injury or sickness. In addition, an exception to the rule will be granted if there is a disciplinary problem (with just cause). The manager must notify the opposing manager and the player s parents prior to the start of the game. If the problem occurs during the game, the manager must notify the umpire, opposing coach, and official scorekeeper. Players initiating and participating in a fight will receive mandatory suspensions. Depending upon the severity of the incident, a player will receive a minimum one week suspension and a maximum of one full season suspension from all Hobgood Baseball activities. A second incident may result in permanent suspension from the Hobgood Baseball. The Baseball Commissioner will determine the length of any suspension. Written records of suspensions will be maintained and held by the Baseball Commissioner. G. In the event a manager or coach is ejected from a game, he shall leave the playing field immediately and proceed to the parking lot until completion of such game. Failure to do so will result in automatic forfeiture of the game. Page 6 of 33

7 The penalty for the first ejection during the season is a one game suspension starting with the next game. A second ejection during the season will result in the manager or coach being dismissed from their coaching duties for the remainder of the season. If a manager or coach feels that he was wrongly ejected, he can appeal to the Baseball Commissioner for reversal. The Baseball Commissioner will review any appeal and issue a ruling within forty-eight (48) hours. A manager or coach who makes physical contact considered to be flagrant with any umpire, manager, coach, player, spectator or park representative will automatically be dismissed from managing or coaching at Hobgood Baseball for the remainder of the season. (Note: The definition of the term flagrant will be left solely to the Baseball Commissioner.) H. Each manager or coach will practice good sportsmanship at all times. I. Only the manager is permitted to question a call with the umpire. A questioned call can only be one of a rules interpretation. Judgment calls may not be questioned. A manager has the right to question an umpire s interpretation of the rules provided that he does so immediately. The manager must call time to question the umpire. When the questioned interpretation is brought to the attention of the umpire, he may confer with the other umpire. Assistant coaches shall not be permitted to approach any umpire to question any call. J. The manager must notify the umpire immediately after a questionable play if the game is being played under protest K. A protest based on a play situation shall be considered only if it is placed in writing and submitted to the League Director within 48 hours. A $ fee must accompany each protest. The fee will be returned if the Baseball Commissioner rules in favor of the protesting party. Such protests will be forwarded immediately to the Deputy Commissioner or Baseball Commissioner. L. If there is a tie in the standings at the end of the season, the result of head to head competition will be the tie breaker. If head to head competition during the regular season is a tie, then total runs allowed will be the tie breaker. If there is still a tie, the League Director will hold a coin flip to determine tournament seeding. M. A team fielding less than eight (8) at the start of any game or inning must forfeit. N. During any practice or game, only two players will be allowed to have bats in their hands. They will be the batter at the plate and the man in the on-deck area. No swinging of bats in or outside the dugout is permitted. O. The SLIDE RULE (COLLISION AVOIDANCE RULE) will be in effect for all divisions. This rule is in force at any base where the ball is in the glove (in possession) of the fielder and he is attempting to make a tag. In this instance, THE RUNNER MUST SLIDE OR ATTEMPT TO AVOID A COLLISION WITH A FIELDER. Failure to slide is declared an out. P. If a deliberate attempt to injure is determined by the umpire, the runner is ejected from the game and a report must be made to the Baseball Commissioner for further disciplinary action. Q. A fielder NOT in possession of the ball and not attempting to field the ball may be guilty of obstruction if that fielder impedes the progress of a runner. It is entirely the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder obstructs a runner. R. Rainouts will be rescheduled by the Baseball Commissioner or his representative. The League Director is responsible for notifying all affected coaches of reschedules. The rescheduled game MUST be played on the date and time indicated. S. All games must be played in accordance with the master game schedule. Any changes must be approved by the Baseball Commissioner. T. The umpire will ensure that the time between the final out of one half of an inning and the first pitch of the next half inning will not exceed two (2) minutes. Page 7 of 33

8 HOBGOOD BASEBALL TOURNAMENT RULES 1) Pitching rules will be those as listed in the Hobgood Baseball rulebook. 2) The regular season substitution rules remain in effect. Violations must be protested at the time of occurrence. The game will be completed under protest and reviewed by the Baseball Commissioner immediately. Tournament violations of the substitution rule may result in forfeiture at the discretion of the Baseball Commissioner. 3) There will be no time limit on the championship games in every age group. The Championship game for this purpose will be the first and if necessary game. 4) Both teams must provide an official scorer to be seated in the scorer s box. The Home team must keep the official book and scorers should agree on the score at the end of every inning. 5) The Pitching log must be filled out and signed by a coach of both teams at the end of the game. The Home team is responsible for submitting the signed log to the League Director. The logs should be checked prior to the start of the next game. Any team not filling out the log will not be allowed to begin their next game until they do so. Any team filling out, but not signing, the Pitching Log, and which does not protest the log prior to taking the field for their next game, will by silence be considered to agree with the log for their team (and their previous opponent s log). 6) Each League Director shall post a tourney bracket and ensure that it is up to date and correct each day. 7) All protests MUST be settled prior to a game continuing. This should be done by the Baseball Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner, either in person or by phone, prior to play resuming as per the Dizzy Dean rules. All decisions will be final. 8) The official start time MUST be noted on the Home Team page of the official scorebook as agreed to by both teams and umpire. This time will prevail in the case of any disputes. 9) A new inning is considered to have started as soon as the previous inning ends. Any time disputes should be handled as protests. 10) If a team has less than 8 players in its batting lineup, the game is forfeited. 11) The maximum number of runs allowed per inning will remain in effect for the tournament. 12) The Home Team will be determined by the better seed in the bracket. 13) In the event of rain or lightning during a game, ALL games will be halted at the same time. Games halted for lightning shall be suspended for fifteen (15) minutes from the time of the last visible strike. If any umpire or a Hobgood Baseball board member clears any field for lightning, all fields shall immediately be cleared.. In the event of rain, stop all games at the same time, attempt to get mounds covered and hold all teams at the park for no less than thirty (30) minutes. Hobgood officials will communicate the next step based on weather conditions. 14) In the event of rain prior to games, Hobgood officials will determine if fields are playable. Any coach refusing to send his team on the field after this determination is made shall have 2 minutes from the start time of the game to do so or the game will be recorded as a forfeit. Page 8 of 33

9 RULES FOR T-BALL LEAGUE (4 & 5 YEAR OLDS) 1:00 PLAYING FIELD 1:04 The pitching rubber is thirty-nine (39) feet from the back point of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber. 1:05 There will be a twenty (20) foot chalked arc from the first (1st) base line to the third (3rd) base line drawn from the back point of home plate. The ball must be on or past this line to be fair, if not it will be a foul ball. The ball is fair if it is hit inside the arc and travels beyond the arc line. If the ball is missed completely, but still comes past the arc, because of the striking of the tee, it will be a strike. 1:08 The base paths will be fifty (50) feet. Page 9 of 33

10 2:00 EQUIPMENT 2:13 Tennis shoes or baseball shoes with RUBBERIZED cleats may be worn. No metal cleats. Shirts must be tucked in. 2:14 All batters and runners must wear batting helmets. Any player running the bases and deliberately removing his headgear (in the umpire s judgment) should be given a warning. 2:15 Catcher and Pitcher must wear a helmet. 2:16 Approved batting tees (unaltered) will be provided by each team. 2:17 Approved helmets meeting safety requirements will be furnished by each player Page 10 of 33 4:00 MANAGER AND COACHES 4:06 Each team will be allowed three (3) adults in the dugout (one (1) manager and two (2) coaches). Offense HOBGOOD BASEBALL RULES 4/5U 1. The offensive batter will receive no more than 3 pitches. After this, the ball will be placed onto a tee for the batter to hit. 2. When a team is at bat, offensive coaches are allowed only at the base coach boxes, the pitching circle, and the end of the dugout. 3. All players will bat in their half of an inning. No outs or runs will be recorded.. However, if a player is properly put out he/she must be removed from the field. 4. When a batting tee is used on the playing field, it will be placed in front of home plate. 5. Base runners may advance one base position per at a batter s at bat. On the last at bat of a team s inning, all base runners will circle call the bases on the way to home plate. 6. Maximum number of innings in a game is three. Time limit is 1 hour. Defense 1. All players will play in the field, with six (6) infielders and the remainder in the outfield. 2. The outfielders must remain 20 feet behind baselines (umpires judgment) or in the outfield grass. 3. No more than two (2) players are allowed to play up in the infield area. The up players must be no closer than the distance from home plate to the pitching rubber.

11 RULES FOR FARM LEAGUE (6, 7 & 8 YEAR OLDS) 1:00 PLAYING FIELD 1:04 The pitching circle will be ten (10) feet in diameter and the center will be forty-six (46) feet from the back of home plate. 1:05 There will be a twenty (20) foot chalked arc from the first (1st) base line to the third (3rd) base line in front of home plate. The ball must be on or past this line to be fair, if not a foul ball.. 1:08 The base paths will be sixty (60) feet. Page 11 of 33

12 2:00 EQUIPMENT 2:13 Tennis shoes or baseball shoes with RUBBERIZED cleats may be worn. No metal cleats. 2:14 All batters and runners must wear batting helmets. Any batter who steps into the box without his headgear is awarded a strike. Any player running the bases who deliberately (umpire s judgment) removes his headgear is out. EXCEPTION: Home run over the fence or time out. 2:15 Catchers must wear a helmet with face guard and a chest protector. Catcher may not crouch behind the plate. Catcher should be positioned at the backstop when each pitch is thrown. 2:16 Pitcher must wear a helmet with face guard. 4:00 MANAGER AND COACHES 4:06 Each team will be allowed one (1) manager and two (2) coaches. Additional coaches must be approved by the League Director. 6:00 PITCHING RULES COACH PITCH 6:17 An offensive coach will pitch to his own batters. The coach may only coach the batter until he reaches first (1st) base or after he leaves third (3rd) base. The coach will be replaced after one warning of a violation. 6:18 The pitcher may pitch anywhere from in front of the 20 foot foul arc to the pitching circle. He may not cross the foul line or enter the pitching circle. He must keep one foot on or astraddle the pitching line. He must pitch overhand. PENALTY: For not standing on or astraddle the pitching line, the defensive team gets the choice of the play or dead ball. 6:19 Any batted ball that hits the pitching coach will be a dead ball and a no pitch. If the pitching coach intentionally (in the umpire s judgment) allows the ball to hit him, the batter will be out and a dead ball called. No runner may advance. 6:20 The offensive coach (pitcher) must attempt to leave the field and try to pick up the batter's bat. The offensive coach (pitcher) that does not attempt to get off the field and interferes with the defensive player will cause the batter to be out. No runners advance. 6:21 Teams may play more than two games in one day with the approval of the Baseball Commissioner. Page 12 of 33

13 7:00 FORFEITURES, APPEALS AND PROTESTS 7:17 The umpire may call time-out for injury or protest. These time-outs will not be charged to a team. 7:18 An appeal play will be handled in this manner. The manager will make his appeal to the plate umpire. The manager must identify the correct player by name or number and also the correct base involved in the play, no second chance if he names the wrong player or base. If he is correct, the base runner is out. Appeal must be made before the next pitch is thrown. 9:00 SPECIAL RULES 9:07 All ground rules will be covered and agreed upon between coaches and umpires before each game. 9:12 If a player is injured by being hit with a batted ball in the face, throat or head, time will be called immediately and all players will be awarded one (1) base if injury is to an infielder, two (2) bases if player injured was an outfielder. The awards are from the time of the pitch. Any other injury deemed serious enough in judgment of the umpire will be handled in the same manner. NOTE: THIS IS A JUDGMENT CALL AND CANNOT BE APPEALED OR PROTESTED. 9:17 If a batter squares to bunt and then swings, he will be called out (umpires decision). 20:00 OFFENSE 20:01 After one warning per player for slinging his bat, the batter will be out. No runners advance. 20:17 An offensive batter will receive five (5) pitches before being declared out. He is called out on three (3) swinging strikes. If the fifth (5th) pitch is fouled, he may continue to bat. If fifth (5th) pitch is fouled and caught, it is an out. If the fifth (5 th ) pitch or 3rd strike is a bunted foul, the batter is out. If the batter does not swing at the fifth pitch, the batter is out. 20:18 Any base runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate is out (Dead ball) (umpire s decision). 20:19 If a runner misses a base, it will be an appeal play to the umpire. 20:22 There will be a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning per team. The game will be considered final if any team cannot mathematically score enough runs over the remaining innings to tie the game. Page 13 of 33

14 21:00 DEFENSE 21:01 Intentionally rolling the ball to another defender is not allowed. No outs will be recorded by rolling the ball, and all runners are safe. 21:02 The infield fly rule will NOT be in effect. 21:03 Any base runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate is out (umpire s decision). The ball is dead and all other runners return to base occupied prior to pitch. The pitch will not count. If a runner misses a base it will be an appeal play to the umpire. (See appeals and protests.) 21:04 No more than ten (10) players may be on the field at one time. Four players must be on the outfield grass when the ball is batted (four (4) outfielders). 21:05 The defensive player listed as pitcher will stay in the ten (10) foot circle until ball is hit. The player may have one foot outside of the circle. PENALTY: Offense gets choice of play or re-bat. 21:06 Runners may advance on a batted ball until the umpire determines the lead runner is stopped. This is a judgment call, and the umpire may return a runner to a prior base. SEE 6U EXCEPTION NEXT PAGE. Page 14 of 33

15 HOBGOOD BASEBALL RULES 6 Year Olds 1. Each batter/base runner must wear a batting helmet at all times. The batting helmet should not be removed until the player is back in the dugout. Batting helmets with face masks are recommended for all ages. 2. All batters will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. 3. The 6U age group at Hobgood is an introduction to competitive baseball. Hobgood Baseball, Inc. supports a common approach to base running for beginner players. 4. Umpires will permit a base runner to advance at risk to the base he is in route to after the ball is in control of any infielder inside the base pads. If the ball is not in control or is outside the base pads, the runner may advance at will. This rule is not intended for coaches to teach outfield players to field a ball and run to the infield, and umpires will not reward such a style by halting runners. 5. Determinations of control and location (inside/outside) of the base pads are the sole judgment of the umpire and may not be appealed. 6. There will be two defensive coaches allowed in the outfield. The outfield coaches must remain against the fence and behind the outfielders. 7. Maximum number of innings in a game is six. Time limit is 1 hour and 15 minutes. 8. Batting Cages-see Batting cage section for details. 9. If a player attempts a head first slide, he will be called out unless returning to the base previously occupied. Page 15 of 33

16 HOBGOOD BASEBALL RULES 7 & 8 Year Olds 1. Each batter/base runner must wear a batting helmet at all times. The batting helmet should not be removed until the player is back in the dugout. Batting helmets with face masks are recommended for all ages at all times. 2. All batters will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. 3. If a player attempts a head first slide, he will be called out unless returning to the base previously occupied. 4. One defensive coach is permitted in front of the dugout. All other coaches must remain inside the dugout. If the defensive coach interferes with the play, the umpire will record no out and all runners are safe. This is an umpire s judgment call and may not be appealed. Exception: In 7U, a defensive coach may also stand in each outfield foul ball territory for the purpose of instructing defensive players. All other coaches must remain inside the dugout. If the defensive coach interferes with the play, the umpire will record no out and all runners are safe. This is an umpire s judgment call and may not be appealed. 5. Maximum number of innings in a game is 6. Time limit is 1 hour and 20 minutes. 6. Batting Cages-see Batting cage section for details. Page 16 of 33

17 RULES FOR MINOR LEAGUE (9 & 10 YEAR OLDS) 1:00 THE PLAYING FIELD 1:03 First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be sixty (60) feet from the point of home plate. 1:04 The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be (84) feet (10) inches. 1:05 The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be forty-six (46) feet. 1:06 The minimum recommended home-run distance shall be 200 feet. Any new field should have an outfield fence of 210 feet. 1:07 The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of 6 inches. 1:08 The strike zone shall comply with major league rules. 2:00 EQUIPMENT 2:12 Metal cleats will not be allowed for participants (coaches, players, and umpires). 2:13 Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the mask while on defense. 4:00 MANAGER & COACHES 4:06 Any manager who calls time and goes on to the playing field more than twice (2) in one inning per pitcher (not game) will be required to remove the current pitcher. He may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if eligible. The inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out in the previous half inning is recorded. 4:07 Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game. Page 17 of 33

18 7:00 FORFEITURES, APPEALS AND PROTESTS 7:17 The umpire may call time-out for injury or protest. These time-outs will not be charged to a team. 7:18 An appeal play will be handled in this manner. The manager will make his appeal to the plate umpire, who will consult the base umpire. The manager must identify the correct player by name or number and also the correct base involved in the play, no second chance if he names the wrong player or base. If he is correct, the base runner is out. Appeal must be made before the next pitch is thrown. 9:00 SPECIAL RULES 9:07 All ground rules will be covered and agreed upon between coaches and umpires before each game. 9:11 Three (3) strikes is an out even if the ball is dropped. 9:12 Any base runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate is out (umpire s decision). The ball is dead and all other runners return to base occupied prior to pitch. The pitch will not count. If a runner misses a base, it will be an appeal play to the umpire. (See appeals and protests.). Page 18 of 33

19 HOBGOOD BASEBALL RULES 9 & 10 Year Olds 1. All players will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. 2. Balk Rule: If a pitcher, after coming in contact with the pitching rubber, feints a throw to home plate, a balk will be called. If no runners are on base, a ball will be called. If runners are on base, the next base is awarded to all runners. THIS IS THE ONLY INSTANCE A BALK CAN BE CALLED IN THE MINOR LEAGUE DIVISION. 3. Pitch Count: A. See the Hobgood Baseball pitching rules.. B. All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated counter will meet with the opponent s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count C. Both coaches will submit pitch counts and innings completed per pitcher for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season. D. Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply. E. When a pitcher is turned in on a line up card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. 4. If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over. 5. The umpire will ensure that the time between the final out of a half inning and the first pitch of the next half inning will not exceed two (2) minutes. 6. Maximum number of innings in a game is 6. Time limit is 1 hour and 30 minutes. An inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out is recorded by the visiting team. 7. If a player attempts a head first slide, he will be called out unless returning to the base previously occupied. 8. Infield fly rule will apply. 9. Speed Up Rule - A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (of record) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the last batted out becomes the substitute runner. 10. Batting Cages-see Batting cage section for details Page 19 of 33

20 RULES FOR FRESHMAN LEAGUE (11 & 12 YEAR OLDS) 1:00 THE PLAYING FIELD 1:03 First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be seventy (70) feet from the point of home plate. 1:04 The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be ninety-nine (99) feet. 1:05 The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be fifty (50) feet. 1:07 The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of six (6) inches. 1:08 The strike zone shall comply with major league rules. 2:00 EQUIPMENT 2:12 Metal cleats will not be allowed for participants (coaches, players twelve (12) years and under. and umpires). 2:13 Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the mask while on defense. 4:00 MANAGER & COACHES 4:06 Any manager who calls time and goes onto the playing field more than once in one (1) inning per pitcher (not game) will be required to remove the current pitcher. The removed pitcher may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if eligible. The inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out in the previous half inning is recorded. 4:07 Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game. Page 20 of 33

21 HOBGOOD BASEBALL RULES Year Olds 1. All players will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. 2. Pitch Count: A. See the Hobgood Baseball pitching rules.. B. All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated counter will meet with the opponent s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count C. Both coaches will submit pitch counts for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season. D. Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply. E. When a pitcher is turned in on a line up card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. 3. If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over. 4. The umpire will ensure that the time between the final out of one half of an inning and the first pitch of the next half inning will not exceed two (2) minutes. 5. Maximum number of innings in a game is 6. Time limit is 1 hour and 30 minutes. An inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out is recorded by the visiting team. 6. If a player attempts a head first slide, he will be called out unless returning to the base previously occupied. 7. Infield fly rule will apply. 8. Speed Up Rule - A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (of record) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the last batted out becomes the substitute runner. 9. Batting Cages-see Batting cage section for details. Page 21 of 33

22 RULES FOR SOPHOMORE LEAGUE (13 & 14 YEAR OLDS) 1:00 THE PLAYING FIELD 1:03 First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be eighty (80) feet from the point of home plate. 1:04 The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be one hundred thirty-two (113 2 ) feet and two inches. 1:05 The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be fifty-four (54) feet. 1:07 The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of six (6) inches. 1:08 The strike zone shall comply with major league rules. 2:12 Metal cleats are allowed for participants. 2:00 EQUIPMENT 2:13 Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the mask while on defense. 4:00 MANAGER & COACHES 4:06 Any manager who calls time and goes onto the playing field more than once in one (1) inning per pitcher (not game) will be required to remove the current pitcher. The removed pitcher may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if eligible. The inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out in the previous half inning is recorded. 4:07 Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game. Page 22 of 33

23 HOBGOOD BASEBALL RULES Year Olds 1. All players will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. 2. Pitch Count: A. See the Hobgood Baseball pitching rules.. B. All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated counter will meet with the opponent s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count C. Both coaches will submit pitch counts for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season. D. Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply. E. When a pitcher is turned in on a lineup card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. 3. If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over. 4. The umpire will ensure that the time between the final out of one half of an inning and the first pitch of the next half inning will not exceed two (2) minutes. 5. Maximum number of innings in a game is 7. Time limit is 1 hour and 50 minutes. An inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out is recorded by the visiting team. 6. If a player attempts a head first slide, he will be called out unless returning to the base previously occupied. 7. Infield fly rule will apply. 8. Speed Up Rule - A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (of record) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the last batted out becomes the substitute runner. 9. Batting Cages-see Batting cage section for details. Page 23 of 33

24 RULES FOR JUNIOR LEAGUE (15-17 YEAR OLDS) 1:00 THE PLAYING FIELD 1:03 First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be ninety (90) feet from the point of home plate. 1:04 The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be one hundred twenty-seven (127 3 ) feet and three inches. 1:05 The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be sixty (60 6 ) feet and six inches. 1:07 The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of six (6) inches. 1:08 The strike zone shall comply with major league rules. 2:12 Metal cleats are allowed for participants. 2:00 EQUIPMENT 2:13 Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the mask while on defense. 4:00 MANAGER & COACHES 4:06 Any manager who calls time and goes onto the playing field more than once in one (1) inning per pitcher (not game) will be required to remove the current pitcher. The removed pitcher may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if eligible. The inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out in the previous half inning is recorded. 4:07 Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game. Page 24 of 33

25 HOBGOOD BASEBALL RULES Year Olds 1. All players will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. 2. Pitch Count: A. See the Hobgood Baseball pitching rules.. B. All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated counter will meet with the opponent s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count C. Both coaches will submit pitch counts for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season. D. Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply. E. When a pitcher is turned in on a line up card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed. 3. If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over. 4. The umpire will ensure that the time between the final out of one half of an inning and the first pitch of the next half inning will not exceed two (2) minutes. 5. Maximum number of innings in a game is 7. Time limit is 1 hour and 50 minutes. An inning begins as soon as the 3 rd out is recorded by the visiting team. 6. If a player attempts a head first slide, he will be called out unless returning to the base previously occupied. 7. Infield fly rule will apply. 8. Speed Up Rule - A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (of record) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the last batted out becomes the substitute runner. 9. Batting Cages-see Batting cage section for details. Page 25 of 33

26 Use of the batting cages is based on the following guidelines. BATTING CAGE GUIDELINES 1) Batting cages times are based on the start time of your game and not a specified number of minutes. 2) Visiting teams have batting practice that begins 60 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their game and ends 35 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the game. 3) Home teams have batting practice that begins 35 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their game and ends 10 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of the game. 4) Both teams are to be at the field ready to play 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of their game. 5) Empty cages may be used on a first come, first served basis by any team. Any team using an open cage must vacate immediately if a team with a scheduled practice or game session shows up. 6) All batting cages are marked as to the appropriate age or field. Use of the cages prior to games is limited to this age group, so that if a team shows up late they can immediately begin batting practice. 7) Teams that arrive late must be finished by the designated number of minutes before the scheduled start time of their game. I.E. a visiting team for a 6:00 P.M. game must be out of the cage no later than 6:25 no matter when they begin cage practice. 8) Observe any posted rules at all times. 9) Do not soft toss or in any way hit baseballs directly into a fence or batting cage net. Page 26 of 33

27 HOBGOOD BASEBALL COMMON SAFETY RULES 1) No climbing on or swinging from fences. This includes in Dugouts. 2) No climbing on trees. 3) No throwing of balls or swinging of bats in any blacktop areas of the park.. 4) Bicycles, Roller Blades, Skateboards, Scooters, Riding toys, etc., are not permitted in the park during practices and games. FIELD USAGE RULES 1) When Fields are closed as posted on the Hobgood website, both infield and outfield areas are closed. Unless specifically mentioned, batting cages are available. The use of any field during this time is prohibited. 2) The use of infields is prohibited after such fields have been prepared for play. No activity is to take place in the infields other than pregame warm up by the teams about to play. 3) The home team or last scheduled practice must remove bases after the final activity of the day. Refer to the Hobgood website for all post session field responsibilities. 4) Teams are responsible for making sure that their dugouts and fan stands are cleaned out at the end of each practice and game. 5) No Balls other than plastic balls are to be hit or thrown into directly into any fence (including Batting cage nets). 6) Batting cages are to be used for Batting Practice. Batting practice prior to games may NOT be taken on any field. 7) L Screens are NOT to be removed from any batting cage at any time. 8) Portable mounds should be moved only by permission from a Board member. If such permission is granted, the mound must be returned to assigned distance once approved activity is completed. 9) Any catcher using bullpen areas must use appropriate safety equipment. Non T-Ball Field safety rules 1) All equipment is to be kept inside the dugout. 2) On Deck batters are to be sent to the 1 st base side when the current batter is a lefty and the 3 rd base side when the current batter is a righty. Batters MUST wear helmets with at all times. Page 27 of 33

28 General Rules Home team will occupy the dugout on the first-base side of the field. Away team will bat first. Each game will be officiated by an umpire. The decision of the umpire is final. The home team is responsible for operating the score board and maintaining the official book of record including Pitch Counts. Offense Each team will complete a lineup (batting order) prior to each game and use the same lineup through the entire game. The lineup will rotate through all players on the team. Players that arrive after the start of the game will be placed at the end of the lineup in the order of their arrival. Batting will occur in the order of the lineup and continue until the batting team has three outs or when appropriate (6-8s scored seven runs in an inning). 6-8s - Batting will be by coach pitch. Each batter will receive up to five pitches and will be allowed three strikes. If the fifth pitch is a foul ball, the batter may continue to receive pitches. Following the fifth or final pitch that is not a foul ball, the batter is out. 6-8s - A batted ball that does not go past the arch in front of home plate is a foul ball. 6-8s - A hit that is touched by the defensive team prior to passing the arch in front of home plate is a foul ball. Following a hit the runners may advance until the defensive team has effectively stopped the lead runner.* (See 6U Exception) Runners may not advance following the third out or seventh run. Base coaches should not clear the field by running players home. Page 28 of 33

29 Defense 6-8s - Each team will field 10 players each inning. Teams will use a normal infield (pitcher, 1 st base, 2 nd base, shortstop and 3 base and catcher), with the remaining four players positioned in the outfield. 6-8s - One coach is allowed on the dugout side of the field is to provide additional coaching. This coach is not allowed on the playing field. 6-8s - Catchers are required to wear a catcher's mask and chest protector. They are not required to wear protective equipment on their legs. A minimum of 8 players is required to play a game. The outfielders must be on the grass when the ball is pitched. Time Limits A new inning begins at the instant that the last out is made in the previous inning. No manager or coach shall employ tactics designed to delay, shorten or extend the game. The umpires shall be instructed and empowered to continue any game one (1) additional inning if, in his judgment, any coach or manager as much as appears to be in violation of this rule. Time limits for regular season and regular season tournament play are as follows (the final tournament game is unlimited time): o Tee-Ball-5s o 6s o 7s o 8s o 9/ 10s o 11/ 12s o 13/ 14s o 15/ 17s One Hour One hour 15 minutes One hour 20 minutes One hour 20 minutes One hour 30 minutes One hour 30 minutes One hour 50 minutes One hour 50 minutes Page 29 of 33

30 Mathematical Elimination - A game shall be called whenever a team has been mathematically eliminated from the possibility of at least tying the game in the last regulation inning. An inning is over after the following: o Farm League (6-8s) o Minors (9-10s) o Freshmen (11-12s) o Sophomores (13-14s) o Juniors (15-17s) Three outs or 7 runs per inning Three outs Three outs Three outs Three outs Rule Violations Any manager or coach who is found to have knowingly committed rules violations shall be subject to discipline, including immediate suspension, at the discretion of the Baseball Commissioner. Any manager found to have violated pitching rules shall be disciplined by the Baseball Commissioner. While protest concerning pitching violations must be made in a timely manner, there will not be a time limit on action by the Baseball Commissioner. Any manager found to have knowingly committed a rules violation, including pitching violations and participation violations, shall be suspended for one game. The suspension will be served during the next game played by the team after the penalty is imposed. Any individual suspended for a game shall not be in the park from thirty minutes prior to game time until thirty minutes after the conclusion of the game. Any individual ejected from a game shall leave the park until thirty minutes after the conclusion of the game and is automatically suspended for his/her next game. Suspensions may be appealed to the Baseball Commissioner. Courtesy and Etiquette Sportsmanship: Manager and coaches are expected to read and abide by the Code of Behavior concerning conduct and sportsmanship, on-field behavior and the use of obscene language or direct derogatory remarks to players, umpires, other managers or league officials. Heckling players, coaches or umpires - Players and fans shall not ride, kid, heckle, poke fun at or in any other manner do anything that distracts any other player or team. Umpires will issue one warning then individual players or fans will be subject to ejection. Page 30 of 33

31 Recreation League Guidelines Batting Cages - Batting Cages are to be used as scheduled. One hour prior to a scheduled game, the batting cages are reserved for competing teams. The "Visitor" has the first 25 minutes; Home Team has the second 25 minutes. Trash - it is the responsibility of the team manager to ensure that all trash is removed from the batting cages, dugout, playing field and surrounding common area upon his team's departure after every game or practice. This includes all trash even if it was there upon the team's arrival. No player, manger, coach or umpire may use any tobacco product or apparent tobacco product while on any playing field at Hobgood Park. All team members (including coaches) must enter and exit the playing field from the appropriate dugout gate. Post-game team meetings will be held off the playing field. (i.e. the common area) Safety Concerns Bat Swinging - It is a SAFTEY VIOLATION to allow bat swinging in any common pedestrian area. This includes the areas directly behind all dugouts and in general, includes most areas outside of field fences. Manager and coaches should supervise all bat work. Safety is everyone's responsibility. Lightning - When lightning is sighted at anytime during any field activity, the field shall be cleared until no lightning has been sighted for a period of at least fifteen minutes. Defensive Headgear - Any player may wear a helmet while playing in the field. Catcher's Equipment - Any player assuming the regular catcher's position behind the plate to receive a pitched ball shall wear the appropriate catcher's protective equipment. Stones - No Stones or Rocks are allowed to be thrown in the park. Operations Vehicles - Extreme caution should be exercised in the parking lots in and around the park. Personal vehicles are allowed only in designated parking areas and are not allowed near the fields. Vehicles not parked in designated areas are subject to tow. No parking on unpaved areas at Bascomb. Bascomb and Carmel Fields - No one is allowed on SCHOOL PROPERTY (including the parking lot) before 5:30PM at Bascomb or 5:45PM at Carmel on school days. Field Closings - Field Closings will be posted on the Hobgood web site. When appropriate, signage will be placed on the fields and at the entrance to the park. Page 31 of 33

32 Recreation League Guidelines The umpire in charge of each individual game will determine game delays or cancellations due to weather conditions. Coaches will communicate and coordinate with their League Directors and Baseball Commissioner to reschedule these games. All games will be played as scheduled unless the field is closed or the game is cancelled by the umpire on the field. Closed Fields - Anyone entering a closed field will be suspended for his next two scheduled games. No digging on any baseball field at Hobgood. Anyone caught digging may be subject to a one game suspension. The decision to close fields due to weather conditions is the responsibility of Field Operations or the Baseball Commissioner. Umpires can and will call games due to hazardous conditions including impending weather. In the event a game is called due to weather conditions, the League Director will coordinate the rescheduling of this game with the Baseball Commissioner. The park will be closed on the day before Opening Day. All fields and cages will be closed. Games will not be rescheduled for personal reasons. League Directors must clear all game schedule changes in writing through the Baseball Commissioner. 32

33 Hobgood Baseball, Inc. is a Dizzy Dean sanctioned park and enforces the pitching guidelines as approved in the Dizzy Dean rule book. DIZZY DEAN PITCHING GUIDELINES MAXIMUM PITCHING INNINGS Per Per Per Day Without Max Innings Required AGE Week Tournament Requiring Rest Per Day Rest Hrs Hrs Hrs Hrs *Required rest is from the time the pitcher exits the mound until the time he can return **Hobgood weeks begin on Saturday and end on Friday In addition to the Dizzy Dean rules, Hobgood Baseball, Inc. enforces a daily pitch count without regard to the inning count in an effort to promote safety for young pitchers. A pitcher reaching maximum pitches in a day must take the Required Rest regardless of innings pitched. HOBGOOD MAXIMUM PITCHES PER DAY AGE Per Day Exceptions: 1. If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed for his age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter s appearance is completed. 2. Intentional walks do not count toward pitch count. PENALTY FOR RULES VIOLATION Any coach found in violation of these pitching rules will receive the following penalty: First Violation: Second Violation: One game suspension Removed as coach 33