2015 Jr. Mustang Baseball Rule

Transcription

1 2015 Jr. Mustang Baseball Rule 1

2 Dear Coaches, We would like to thank you for choosing to volunteer at one of the most rewarding jobs you will ever have. It is for this reason we have developed this rulebook to help you understand and learn our leagues policies and rules. Please carry this with you throughout the season. The A.A.Y.O. Board of Directors is committed to support you and ensure we provide the best recreational baseball experience for the children. Additional rules can found on our web site at and you also have the responsibility to ensure you are aware of these. This is a very important job you are undertaking teaching the youth of our community. You are the person we rely on to manage the experience. Once again, thank you for your hard work and dedication to our organization. Mike Duffy Commissioner Shawn Lessner Baseball Director 2

3 Index A.A.Y.O. General Policies and Rules 4-7 Lightning Policy 7-8 Baseball Rules 9 LENGTH OF GAMES 9 SLAUGHTER RULE 9 SPEED UP RULE 9 NUMBER OF PLAYERS 10 SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS 10 INJURY REDUCTION 10 MINIMUM PLAYING TIME DUGOUTS 11 PRE-GAME MEETING 11 SCORE KEEPING 11 FIELD DIMENSIONS 11 UNIFORMS 11 PITCHING JR. MUSTANG FIELDING RULES 12 BATS 12 THROWING OF THE BAT 12 BATTING ROTATION 12 BATTING OUT OF ORDER 13 BUNTING 13 DROP THIRD STRIKE 13 INFIELD FLY RULE 13 COURTSEY RUNNERS 13 LEAD-OFFS/RUNNING WITH THE PITCH BASE RUNNING/STEALING 14 SLIDING 14 SAFETY PLAYOFFS 15 3

4 Objectives, General Policies and Rules Players, volunteers, and spectators safety at all times and in all things is mandatory. Place emphasis on teaching the rules, how the game is played, and teamwork. Promote sportsmanship and good character among players on your team as well as other teams. Smoking or drinking alcoholic beverages by managers, coaches, or other adult volunteers during a practice or game is prohibited. No vehicles are permitted on any field area. Make games and practices an enjoyable experience, as well as a learning experience. Think of the positive aspects and be sure to give your players plenty of encouragement. The basic overall concept is total participation for all of the players in a congenial environment under adult supervision. The leadership is to be positive, tempered by patience. Each manager is to schedule a meeting with the team members parents to explain briefly their philosophy, answer parents concerns, inform of league rules, hand out uniforms, and give players an opportunity to meet each other. Always remember that we teach more by our actions! Objectives, General Policies and Rules 1. EMERGENCY MEDICAL CARE If a player is injured: - Administer First Aid: Kits are provided in the knack boxes or con-cession stands. - Contact paramedics if necessary Contact parent/guardian if not present using contact numbers pro-vided on the team roster. 2. FIELD CONDITIONS 4

5 Both managers and coaches are responsible for preparing the field of play and raking the field after the game. (Jr. Mustang: The home team is responsible) The home team has the responsibility to store and secure the bases and field equipment. Before a practice or a game, manager and coaches should survey the field for any damage, holes, stones, glass, or other foreign objects. 3. WEATHER The umpire along with the managers will decide if a game or practice will start because of weather or playing conditions this is to be decided at the scheduled start time, at the field. No game or practices should be held during threatening weather or any unsafe conditions. Inadequate lighting Poor field conditions All umpire decisions are final League Coordinators must be notified for all cancellations 4. AUTHORITY OF THE UMPIRE The umpire, once the game has started, has full authority to control the game. If there is excessive harassment of the umpire or the other team, the umpire has the authority of the A.A.Y.O. Board of Directors to: - Issue a team warning. - Issue a manager, coach, or player responsible a "bench ejection. (The person receiving a bench ejection will be allowed to stay and watch the game, but not participate further sit on the bench ONLY.) - Issue a manager, coach, player, parent, or spectator responsible an ejection. (asked to leave the premises). Judgment of the umpire is final and will be based on the severity of the infraction 5. COACHES/PLAYER CONDUCT The use of abusive language will not be tolerated. (Jr. Mustang: Player should be benched for the game) Throwing equipment in anger will not be tolerated. (Jr. Mustang: Player should be 5

6 benched for the game) Intentionally taking off or knocking off a helmet while running will be called out. All players not playing, fielding or base running must remain seated in the dugout area. At no time should Horse play be permitted. No food or non-players are allowed in the dugout area or on the playing field during games 6. FAN CONDUCT Only players, managers, coaches and umpires shall participate in the game or occupy the playing field and bench area Undue vocal or physically threatening actions by fans towards managers, coaches, players, umpires or spectators will not be tolerated. This will result in the ejection of the person from the premises and will be subject to an A.A.Y.O. board review A spectator can be ejected by Executive Board Member and/or umpire. 7. EJECTION If anyone is ejected from a game and the person does not leave the premises, the game will be suspended until they leave or their team will forfeit after 5 minutes of waiting Any manager, coach or player ejected from a game will need to discuss the situation with the league coordinator immediately. 8. EQUIPMENT AND UNIFORMS Equipment should be inspected regularly making sure it fits properly. Any broken or damaged equipment should be reported to the League Coordinator for immediate replacement Full uniforms must be worn for all games Jersey must be tucked into pants Team cap must be worn when playing Face masks / cages must me worn on all batting helmets whether you are batting or on base. No clothing may be worn over the uniform while batting or in the field unless agreed upon by coaches during in climate weather No jewelry of any kind can be worn during the game. Phiten nylon necklaces with easyrelease closure are allowed. No metal cleats are allowed in any league except Pony Baseball. 6

7 9. General A player may not be a member of more that one team. No additions will be made to the team roster unless approved by the Baseball Director in accordance of the Executive Board. Ties in regulation play will result in a half win and a half loss. The baseball and field maintenance director will determine playable fields or rainouts and notify the division directors and / or coaches. If no cancellation is announced, then it is assumed that the games will be played. Coaches should not take it upon themselves to cancel games. In the event of a rainout, the coordinator and Baseball Director will re-schedule the game into the 1 st available scheduled rain date while making every attempt to not exceed 3 games per week for either team. Throwing of equipment (in anger), name calling or other misconduct will not be tolerated. The offender should be removed from the game and made to sit on the bench. Repeated offenses will be reported to the Coordinator and Baseball Director immediately. All players and coaches will shake hands after the game. League tie breakers are: 1) head to head, in the event they tied the game will be completed or coin toss. AAYO Lightning Policy AAYO has adopted the IHSA Lightning Safety Guidelines. This guideline will be in full effect at any site not equipped with a lightning detection system. Lightening immediately remove the children from the playing field. There is a minimum 30 minute waiting period (children must be in cars). After 30 minutes, the game may be restarted if lightening is no longer anywhere near the area. The 30 minute waiting period restarts with each new lightening strike that is seen. Otherwise the game is suspended (or considered complete according to league rules for minimum number of innings). 7

8 Additionally, at Presidential and Snapper fields the observation of the lightening detection systems must be adhered to as stated on the posted signs. Failure to do so can result in village fines. Once the game has started, the umpire, managers and coaches will decide whether the game will either be delayed or suspended due to weather condition Games suspended or canceled for weather must be rescheduled through League Coordinator. Games suspended that can be rescheduled will be restarted from the point in which the game was suspended Village of Algonquin Lightning Prediction System The Village has installed a lightning prediction system at Presidential Park, and the Lions/Armstrong Memorial Pool at Snapper Field. Snapper Field has its own base unit and sensors, which will also operate the unit located at Presidential Park, will be activated daily from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. How It Works The system detects conditions that could trigger lightning. When a potentially dangerous weather situation is approaching, a Warning Signal (one long 15 second horn blast) will sound and strobe lights will activate. The strobe lights are mounted on the prediction system cluster located on the roof of a building at each site. If the strobe lights are activated, a potentially dangerous weather situation exists. When the dangerous weather conditions have ceased, the All Clear Signal (three short horn blasts, two seconds apart) will sound, and the strobe lights will deactivate. Procedures When the Warning Signal sounds, all activities in affected park(s) will end immediately and patrons must leave the park. It is recommended that park patrons seek shelter in their cars or a building. Patrons should avoid; areas that are higher than the surrounding landscapes and a tree for shelter. They should keep away from metal objects such as but not limited to bicycles, golf clubs, umbrellas, etc. All park patrons must wait until the Lightning Prediction System performs an All Clear Signal before returning to the park and resuming their activities. Caution Although the Lightning Prediction System helps assess the weather conditions, weather can be highly unpredictable. Neither the signal nor the system is intended to guarantee 8

9 that conditions are safe. If the weather appears to you to be threatening and no warning signal is heard or seen, use good judgment and leave the park. Do not wait for the warning signal to activate, as the system can malfunction. If you are at a park without a lightning protection system, continue to follow judgment and your organization s rules for inclement weather. Please be aware that lightning can strike even on a sunny day. Therefore, anytime lightning is observed, the best course of action is to seek shelter immediately. When planning outdoor activities it is advisable to check the weather forecast. 1. LENGTH OF GAMES BASEBALL RULES The umpire will start the game timer as soon as the first warm-up pitch is made in the top of the first inning. No new inning shall start after 1 hour 45 minutes from the start of the game. Jr. Mustang: 1 hour 45 minutes Exception: Time limit is only waived for the championship game. Note: An inning is considered to be started as soon as the last out of the previous inning has been made. If an inning cannot be completed due to darkness, the score goes back to previous completed inning unless the home team is ahead and the top half of the inning is completed A complete 1/2 inning will be three (3) outs or five (5).runs scored. 2. SLAUGHTER RULE: (13) runs after (4) completed innings and (7) runs after five completed innings. 3. SPEED UP RULE Any New Pitcher entering the game will receive (8) eight warm-up pitches. Any Returning Pitcher will receive (5) five warm-up pitches. Pitchers entering the game due to an injury get as many warm-up pitches as it takes to get them ready. Each team will have 10 minutes from the regular start time to obtain the minimum number of player before the umpire will consider the game a forfeit. The teams may agree to play; however the forfeit will stand even if additional players arrive. 9

10 4. NUMBER OF PLAYERS The defensive team will consist of nine (9) players in the field. A minimum of eight (8) players are required to start a game. If any team cannot start a game because of lack of players, then the umpire will allow a 10 minute grace period. Once the grace period has expired the game will be declared a forfeit. Dropping below (7) players during a game for any reason will result in a forfeit. 8 year olds may play up but not pitch. 5. SUBSTITUTE PLAYERS Borrowing a player from another League team at the same level is prohibited. Players registered in a Boys League one level below the team requesting can play provided: This is NOT a playoff game (With the exception of Jr. Mustang level only) Should the ninth player, (or tenth player Jr. Mustangs only) originally scheduled to be absent attend the game, the play-up/substitute player will be allowed to play in said game Play-up player will not be eligible to play in the pitcher position at any time. Parents must have completed a waiver on file with their league director. Must bat in the last position in the lineup. Will be considered one of the minimum players. Must be in their regular lower level team uniform 6. INJURY REDUCTION: A team starting with (9) players or less, which loses a player for any reason, will be required to take an automatic out whenever the open spot in the batting order is due up. The defensive team shall not walk the batter in front of the of the open spot for the third out. If this should happen, then the open spot shall be skipped and the following batter on the order shall continue the inning. 7. MINIMUM PLAYING TIME No player shall sit out more that one (1) inning in a row. A player can not sit out a second time until every other teammate has sat out one (1) inning. No player shall play the same defensive position for more than three (3) innings in any one (1) 10

11 game, including pitchers and catchers. Players must play at least 1 inning in the infield and 1 inning in the outfield before the end of the 4 th inning, unless a game is shortened due to weather or darkness. Jr. Mustang: All players should be allowed to try all positions through out the season 8. DUGOUTS: Home team will use the third (3rd) base dugout. 9. PRE-GAME MEETING: 10-minute prior to scheduled game time, the head coach/managers must meet with the umpire to discuss the game rules. Each manager provides the umpire a game ball. (Jr. Mustang: The home team provides both game balls.) 10. SCORE KEEPING: The home team will keep the official score and should verify the score after each completed inning with the visiting team s scorekeeper. Defensive changes do not have to be conveyed to opposition scorekeeper. Official scores are kept and standings will be tracked. 11. FIELD DIMENSIONS: Pitching rubber 40 feet from home plate for eight-year-olds and feet for seven-year-olds based on skill level. Bases will be 60 feet apart. 12. UNIFORMS: To play in the game, a player must wear a complete uniform. Jerseys should be tucked in and no clothing of any kind should be worn over the uniform. No jewelry of any kind can be worn during the game. 13. PITCHING All players should be encouraged to pitch. A new player will pitch in every inning of play. Each inning a new pitcher assumes the position. Pitchers will deliver any combination of pitches until they throw either 3 strikes or 4 balls to a batter. The pitcher can have any combination of counts from 1 strike 1 ball, 1 strike 2 balls, 1 strike 3 balls, 2 strikes 1 ball, 2 strikes 2 balls, 2 strikes 3 balls (full count). If on the next pitch (on a full count) the batter swings and misses the batter will be called out on strikes. If the batter fouls off the pitch he will continue to bat until either he strikes out or a 4th ball is thrown. When a 4th ball is thrown the coach will come in and throw to the batter an additional 3 pitches. (One base on balls is permitted when there is no base runner on 1st.) RECAP: Once ball 4 has been thrown by the pitcher the Coach will deliver 3 additional pitches and if a foul occurs on the 3rd pitch from the coach the batter will receive an additional one until either he strikes out (not swinging) or a swing and a miss occurs. A maximum amount of pitches thrown per inning is 35, this will be extended only if the batter continues to foul pitches off after the 35th pitch. The umpire maintains his position behind the plate throughout the game. The vertical strike zone should compose of a pitch that crosses the front of the plate at the top of the knee cap to the top of the letters. Horizontally, the strike zone should be widened to the width of 2 baseballs on both halves of the home plate. 11

12 One base on balls is permitted when there are no base runners on base. If a batter is struck by a pitched ball the batter will be awarded first base. The normal league rules of 2 struck batters will still apply. A pitcher being relieved by a coach because of hitting two (2) batters in any one (1) inning will stay in the game to field his position. 14. Fielding Rules Traditional infield will be played Three (3) outfielders should be positioned in the grass Where no outfield fence exists, the ball is considered in play unless outside interference occurs Each player must play outfield/catcher twice per game or outfield / catcher once and bench once. 15. BATS Official baseball bats must be used and must be stated on the bat. No bat greater than 2-1/4 in width shall be used. 16. THROWING OF THE BAT: Each player will receive one (1) warning for throwing the bat. A second warning will be an automatic out, which will result in a dead ball situation. BATTING ROTATION. All players will bat in a continuous rotation including those players who are presently sitting out and not playing a defensive position. Any additions (i.e. late arriving player) to the lineup must be announced to the umpire, opposing team, and scorekeeper. The additions shall be placed at the bottom of the batting order. Batting out of order rule will apply.. If a player has to leave the game for a medical or other reason, the manager of the batting team shall announce to the umpire and other manager that the batter is no longer playing. The next correct batter would be next to bat. In the event a manager does not announce the change, batting out of order rules would apply. A team playing with eight (8) players will not be assessed an automatic out in the 9 th spot of the lineup. The only instance that an automatic out will occur is in the case of an ejection. 12

13 Batting rules for Jr. Mustang: Any adult pitcher should not coach the base runners after the ball is hit. He may position and encourage the hitter before the ball is hit but not base coach. The base runners should be taught and encouraged to listen to the 1st and 3rd base coaches. Coaches should keep players sitting in the dug out while the team is up to bat. BATTING OUT OR ORDER RULE: The defensive team must inform the umpire of the incorrect batter prior to the next pitch being thrown or any pickoff attempt. If that does not take place the play will stand. If neither team notices the incorrect batter is up and the at bat has not been concluded, the correct batter will come up and assume any count that is in place. If the incorrect batter makes on out, the out will stand and the next correct player would be up even if it is the same batter. If the incorrect batter reaches the base safely and if any runners advance, all runners will be put back to their original bases and any runs that score will be taken off the board. In this case, the incorrect batter will be declared an out and the correct batter with then bat. 18. BUNTING: Bunting is not permitted. 19. DROP THIRD STRIKE: No drop 3 rd strike 20. INFIELD FLY RULE: Infield fly rule will not be called. 21. COURTSEY RUNNERS: Courtesy runners must be substituted for the catcher after two (2) outs only if the player will catch the next inning. Courtesy runners may be substituted for the pitcher after two (2) outs only if the player will pitch the next inning. The courtesy runner must be the last batted out. Courtesy runner is allowed for an injured player based on the umpire s judgment. 22. LEAD-OFFS/RUNNING WITH THE PITCH: No leadoffs 13

14 23.BASE RUNNING/STEALING: NO STEALING!!!! No base runner shall be allowed to advance more than (1) base after a traditional put out at 1B or a force out at 2B, 3B, or home plate. No base runner shall be allowed to advance more than (1) base after a defensive player s misfortune. When the ball is in the infield dirt area, no runner may advance to another base. Base runners may only advance as many bases as the batter advances. When a ball is hit to the outfield, runners may advance to the next base until the ball crosses the baseline or is caught by a defensive player on the infield dirt. The runner (s) can advance to the next base at their own risk. A base runner cannot collide with a fielder attempting to make a put out. It is understood that incidental contact happens but if a collision occurs, the runner will be called out. Play is considered dead and all runners must return to the base which they started the at-bat from. Infield fly rule is not in effect. No over throws allowed Close plays should go to the defense. All Leagues: All managers are encouraged to make sure their players understand that first base is a runners base. All first basemen should be properly instructed how to play the bag so as to avoid collisions. Runners digging for first base should not have to alter their run due to the location of the first baseman. 24. SLIDING: Sliding is encouraged but is not mandatory. If the player chooses not to slide, an umpire has the right to call that runner out if un-necessary force was used when running into an opposing player. Excessive force, as deemed by the umpire, may lead to an ejection. 25. SAFETY Base runners and batters (at bat or on deck) must wear helmets. Catchers must wear catchers helmet and the complete set of catcher s equipment, including catcher glove. AAYO registered players are required to wear a protective cup. It is recommended that LITHYAA players wear a protective cup. Catchers must wear a protective cup. AAYO registered players are to wear cages / face guards on their batting helmets whether they are batting or on the bases. Rubber spikes are required. No metal spikes for all age groups except Pony. Pony can use metal spikes. No Jewelry will be worn at any game Batters will not be allowed to fake bunt and swing for the safety of the infielders. 14

15 Players below Minors level may use their own glove when playing catching position. The manager should advise the League Coordinator of any player whose lack of coordination or physical impairment might make them susceptible to injury. During warm ups, players should be spaced away from each other and away from the spectator area so that no one is injured by missed or wild throws. While batting, only the batter and the player on deck should have a bat. All other players should remain on the bench. Spectators may only handle equipment that is property of the league when given permission by the manager. This should only be done while instructing a player or within the scope of assisting the manager during a game. All equipment is to be kept off the playing field and behind the dugout fence when not in use. NOTES PLAYOFFS TBD 15

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