OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

Transcription

1 OFFICIAL PLAYING RULES

2 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY:... 4 A Division:... 4 B Division:... 4 C Division:... 4 T Ball Division:... 4 Paper Work Dead Line:... 4 UNIFORMS:... 5 REGULATION GAMES:... 6 Before The Game Begins The Umpires Shall:... 6 Before The Game Begins, The Managers Shall:... 6 Putting The Ball In Play Live Ball:... 9 Coaches Shall: How A Team Scores: Mercy Rule: Protest: Weather Delayed Rule: Game Time Limit: Infield Practice: Game Rosters And Pitching Records Tie Games THE BATTER: A Batter Is Out When: A Batter Is Out For Illegal Action When: Batting Out Of Turn: The Batter Becomes A Runner When: Injured player: THE RUNNER: The Base Path Distances Are As Follows: A - Division B - Division C Division T Ball - Division... 19

3 When The Obstruction Occurs, The Umpire Shall Call or Signal "Obstruction." A Runner Is Out When: Any Runner Shall Be Called Out On Appeal: It Is Interference By A Batter Or a Runner When: Leading Off: Stealing Bases: Exception: Stealing Home: THE PITCHER: The Pitching Distances Are As Follows: A- Division B - Division C- Division T- Division Legal Pitching Delivery "A & B" Division Only The Pitcher Shall NOT Pitcher Warm Up If There Is A Runner, Or Runners ("A & B" Division only), A Balk Occurs When: Trips To The Mound Pitcher Eligibility INTENTIONALLY TYING TO HURT A PLAYER: POST SEASON GAMES: Play-Off/Tournament Games Championships DEFINITIONS... 31

4 BURBANK PLAYERS LEAGUE BASEBALL is a game between two teams of 9 players each (10 players, T division) under direction of a manager and coaches in accordance with these rules, and under jurisdiction of one or more umpires. The objective of each team is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent. The winner of the game shall be the team that has scored the greater number of runs at the conclusion of a regulation game. The playing field shall be laid out according to the physical dimensions and restrictions existing at municipal fields. PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: BPL will operate the following leagues open to both boys and girls meeting the indicated age / grade requirements. Age requirements are determined as of August 1 of the season year. A Division: year olds - Cannot be 15 prior to August 1 B Division: year olds - Cannot be 12 prior to August 1 C Division: 9-10 year olds - Cannot be 10 prior to August 1 T Ball Division: 6, 7 and 8 year olds - Cannot be 8 prior to August 1 Parents or guardians may request that their children be allowed to play up one level. Written notification regarding a request to play up at a high age group division must be submitted to the Burbank Players League prior to December 15. Under no circumstances will a player be allowed to move down or remain in a younger age group than his or her age determines. PENALTY: Failure to present proper documentation for a player will disqualify that player from playing any season games until proper documentation is received and verified by the League Board. Any game played with a disqualified player will result in forfeiture by that team. Paper Work Dead Line: All BPL paper work is due by December 23st. Paper work should include the following: 1. Team Roster 2. Player Registration Form 3. Player Birth Certificate

5 4. Player Proof of Residency 5. Final Names for Live Scan Verification UNIFORMS: 1. Sleeve lengths may vary for individual players but the sleeves of each individual shall be approximately the same length. No player shall wear ragged, frayed or slit sleeves. 2. No players shall attach to a uniform tape or other material of a different color than the uniform. No part of the uniform shall include a pattern that imitates or suggests the shape of a baseball. Glass buttons and polished metal shall not be used on a uniform. 3. Shoes with metal spikes or cleats are NOT permitted for lower Divisions (B, C, Coach Pitch, T- Ball). A Ball Division can wear metal spikes or cleats. 4. The catcher must wear a catcher's mitt of any shape, size or weight consistent with protecting the hand. 5. Catchers must wear a mask and catchers helmet during practice and pitcher warm-ups. Catchers must wear chest protectors, throat guards, shin guards and helmets during games, all of which must meet current safety specifications and standards. All players shall wear a protective mask when warming up a pitcher on the field or sidelines. 6. The first baseman may wear a glove or mitt that conforms to major league standards. 7. Each fielder other than the first baseman and the catcher may wear a fielder's glove conforming to Little League or Major League standards. 8. The pitcher's glove may not be white or gray. 9. No pitcher shall attach to the glove any foreign material of a color different from the glove. 10. No pitcher shall wear sweatbands on wrist not batting gloves, which protrude beyond the wrist strap of the glove. 11. Pitcher may not wear a white sleeve undershirt. 12. Helmets shall be those that meet current Pony Baseball standards and specifications. These items shall be 13. NOCSAE approved. Little League standard and specifications. 14. Use of a helmet by the batter, on deck batter and all base runners is mandatory. All male players must wear protective cups. 15. An injured player, who requires a cast, splint or metal brace necessary to protect an injury, may not play and must be removed by the umpire. BPL SPECFIC RULES All generally accepted rules relating to Pony baseball will be followed with the following exceptions: 1. A team shall forfeit the game unless it starts a game within 10 minutes of the official game time with 8 player's minimum. 2. Cases involving extreme circumstances will justify cancellation of a game. The extreme circumstances are defined as follows:

6 a. Illness involving a sufficient number of players on the team that would not allow the team to field a legal player limit, must be advised 24 hours prior to scheduled game time to justify reschedule or cancellation. BPL shall be responsible for verifying illness. b. School functions where a majority of the team is required to be in attendance, thus precluding their participation in a League game. NO OTHER REASON WILL BE JUSTIFICATION FOR GAME CANCELLATION c. League approved canceled games may be made up at a later date. REGULATION GAMES: GAME PRELIMINARIES Before The Game Begins The Umpires Shall: 1. Require strict observance of all rules governing team personnel implements of play and equipment of players. 2. Explain all ground rules for the game that will become the official ground rules. 3. Both the umpire and manager will have at their immediate disposal, the rules and By-laws. 4. Receive from both managers one new ball, which meets standards and specifications. a. If both balls are lost, the home team will furnish the first decent ball and visiting team will furnish the second decent ball etc. b. Home team will have their choice of balls at the end of the game. 5. Inquire the location and identify the official scorekeeper. Home team will provide the official scorekeeper. a. It will be the responsibility of the official scorekeeper to keep track of all roster changes, pitching records and innings played by both teams on the field for that game. The official score-book will be taken as the official record in any and all disputes. Before The Game Begins, The Managers Shall: 1. Present completed team roster slips- one to the official scorekeeper and one to the opposing manager. Absent players must be listed and so noted. Failure to note an absent player on the roster shall constitute review by the protest committee. 2. The line-up given to the official scorekeeper before the game is the official line-up. 3. If a player whose name is in the line-up is not present when the game starts, the manager has two options: a. He may elect to do nothing when the player's spot comes up in the batter rotation and the batter will be called out (like an injured player.) If he arrives, this name will be place at the bottom of the line-up. b. He must notify the umpire and the other team and remove the absent player's name from the line-up without penalty.

7 NOTE: If the manager elects option (a) and does not state the player is absent, it will be treated as a batting out of order. The manager will be ejected from that game. The next game suspension rule will not be in effect. 4. The pitching records for the preceding seven calendar days must appear on each roster slip. Pitching records must show total innings pitched, (not innings remaining) during the last seven calendar days with appropriate dates. Home team will occupy the bench on the third base side of the field. No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with rosin, paraffin, licorice, sandpaper or other foreign substance. PENALTY: The umpire shall demand the ball and remove the offender from the game. In case the umpire cannot locate the offender and the pitcher delivers such discolored or damaged ball to the batter, the pitcher shall be removed from the game at once. Any player who has been removed may re-enter the game at any time providing: 1. His substitute has or will play a minimum of 6 defensive outs each game. 2. A pitcher may not re-enter the game as a pitcher, tie game included. PENALTY: FORFEITURE. NOTE: When substitute players enter the game, the manager shall immediately designate to the official scorekeeper and the opposing manager such player's position on the field. Notification of substitution is a courtesy requirement of game play. Managers shall adhere to this policy in all games; however, failure to notify of substitution is not protest-able. Player or players ejected from the game may not re-enter the game under any circumstance. Pinch runners may be used for sick or injured players only. Pinch runners can only be the player who was the last recorded out. Pinch runners may be used for pitchers and catchers when there are 2 outs in the game. The pitcher and catcher must already be playing their respective positions. Pinch runners can only be the player who was the last recorded out. The pitcher named in the batting order shall pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base unless the pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the judgment of the umpire, incapacitates the pitcher from further play as a pitcher. If the pitcher is replaced, the substitute pitcher shall pitch to the batter then at bat or any substitute batter, until such batter is put out or reaches first base, or until the offensive team is put out, unless the substitute pitcher sustains injury or illness which incapacitates the pitcher from further play as a pitcher.

8 The manager shall immediately notify the opposing manager and official scorekeeper of any substitution made. Notification of substitution is a courtesy requirement of game play. Managers shall adhere to this policy in all games; however, failure to notify of substitution is not protestable. If no announcement of substitution is made, the substitute shall be considered to have entered the game when: 1. If a pitcher, the substitute takes position on the pitcher's plate and throws one pitch to the batter. 2. If a batter, the substitute, takes a pitch in the batter s box. 3. Any play made by or on any of the above mentioned, unannounced substitutes shall be legal. Players, managers and coaches of the participating teams shall not sit in the stands during a game in which they are engaged. The managers of both teams and the Umpire-in-Chief shall inspect the field for fitness of play and safety. Any unsafe condition must be corrected prior to the game beginning. The Umpire-in-Chief shall be the sole judge as to whether and when play shall be suspended during a game because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field and when play shall be resumed or terminated after such suspension. Light failure is included in this decision. Official time stops for situations listed above. When the umpire suspends play, "Time" shall be called. At the umpires call of "Play" the suspension is lifted and play resumes. Between the call of time and the call of play, the ball is dead. Members of the offensive team shall carry all equipment off the field and to the dugout while their team is at bat. No equipment shall be left lying on the field either in fair or foul territory. No person shall be allowed on the field during a game except uniformed players, managers, coaches, umpires and authorized photographers or League Officials. In case of interference with play by any person authorized to be on the field, the ball is dead at the moment of interference and no runners on base may advance. Should an overthrown ball accidentally touch an authorized person, it will not be considered interference and the ball will remain alive. When there is spectator interference with any thrown or batted ball, the ball shall be dead at the moment of interference and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in the umpire s opinion will nullify the act of interference. If a spectator clearly prevents a fielder from catching a fly ball, the tm1pire shall declare the batter out. Players shall sit on their team's bench or in the dugout unless participating in the game or preparing to enter the game. No one except uniformed players, managers or coaches shall occupy the bench or dugout. When batters or base runners are retired, they must return to the bench or dugout at once. Bat aides are permitted.

9 STARTING THE GAME The umpires proceed to their positions when the meeting at the plate is concluded and are in charge of the playing field from that moment on. The umpires have sole authority to determine when a game shall be called, halted or resumed as a result of weather or the conditions of the playing field. The players of the home team shall take their defensive positions, the first batter of the visiting team shall take position in the batter's box, the umpire shall call "Play" and the game will start. Official game time will commence with the delivery of the first pitch to a batter. When the ball is put in play at the start of or during a game, all fielders other than the catcher shall be in fair territory. The catcher shall be stationed directly behind home base. The catcher may leave that position at any time to catch a pitch or make a play except that when the batter is being given intentional base on balls. The catcher must stand with both feet within the lines of the catcher's box until the ball leaves the pitcher's hand. PENALTY: "A" & "B" Division - Balk "C" Division - Illegal pitch The pitcher while in the act of delivering the ball to the batter shall take the legal position. Except the pitcher and the catcher any fielder may be stationed anywhere in fair territory. Except the batter or runner attempting to score no offensive player shall cross the catcher's lines when the ball is in play. A, B, C and T Divisions - Continuous batting order shall be followed throughout the game. (i.e. All players assigned to a team will bat in sequence.) Batting sequence may not be changed once the game has commenced. All players shall play a minimum of 6 defensive outs. The offensive team shall station two coaches on the field during its time at bat, one near first base and one near third base. Putting The Ball In Play Live Ball: At the time set for beginning the game, the Umpire-in-Chief shall order the home team to take its defensive positions and the first batter of the Visiting team to take position in the batter's box. When all players are in position, the umpire-in-chief shall call "Play". After the umpire calls "Play", the ball is live and in play and remains live and in play until, for legal cause, or at the umpire's call of "Time" suspending play, the ball becomes dead. While the ball is dead, no player may be put out, no bases may be run and no runs may be scored, except the runners may

10 advance one or more bases as the result of acts which occurred while the ball was live (such as, but not limited to, a balk, an overthrow, interference or a home run or other fair hit out of the playing field.) The pitcher shall deliver the pitch to the batter who may elect to strike the ball or who may not offer at it, as such batter chooses. The offensive team's objective is to have its batter become a runner and its runners advance. The defensive team's objective is to prevent offensive players from becoming runners and to prevent their advance arow1d the bases. When a batter becomes a runner and touches all bases legally, a run shall be scored for the offensive team. When three offensive players are legally out, the team with those players now takes the field and the opposing team becomes the offensive team. If a thrown ball accidentally touches a base coach or a pitched or thrown ball touches an umpire, the ball is live and in play. However, if the coach interferes with a thrown ball, the runner is out. The ball becomes dead and runners advance on base or return to their bases, without liability to be Coaches Shall: 1. Remain within the coach s boxes at all times. 2. Talk to members of their team only. No manager, coach or player shall at any time, whether from the bench or the playing field or elsewhere: 1. Incite or try to incite by word or sign, a demonstration by spectators. 2. Use languages which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, umpires or spectators. 3. In the umpire's judgment, any member of the offensive team makes any move calculated to cause the pitcher to commit a balk. First warn the player and/or manager. If remove the player and/or manager form the game or bench. If such action causes a balk, it shall be nullified. 4. No fielder shall take a position in the batter's line of vision, with deliberate intent to distract the batter. The offender shall be removed from the game. When a manager, coach or player is ejected from a game, they shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in the game. They may not sit in the stands and may not be recalled. When the occupants of a player's bench show violent disapproval of an umpire's decision, the umpire shall first give warning that such disapproval shall cease. If such action continues:

11 PENALTY: The umpire shall order the offender out of the game and away from the spectator's area. If the umpire is unable to detect the offender or offenders, the bench may be cleared of all players. The manager of the offending team shall have the privilege of recalling to playing field those players needed for substitution in the game. How A Team Scores: One run shall be scored each time a runner legally advances to and touches first, second, third and home base before three players are put out to end the inning. EXCEPTIONS: A run is not scored if the runner advances to home base during a play in which the third out is made by the batter-runner before touching first base, by any runner being forced out or by a preceding runner who is declared out because that runner failed to touch one of the bases (appeal play.) Also, when the winning run is scored in the last half inning of a regulation game or in the last half of an extra inning as the result of a base on balls, hit batter or any other play with the bases full which forces the runners to advance, the umpire shall not declare the game ended until the runners have touched the bases to which they are forced. If a game is called before it has become a regulation game, the umpire shall declare it "No Game". NOTE: For score keeping purposes, the pitcher shall be charged with the number of innings pitched in the current 7 calendar day period. The score of a regulation game is the total number of runs scored by each team at the moment the game ends. 1. The game ends when the visiting team completes its half of the last inning, if the home team is ahead. 2. The game ends when the last inning is completed, if the visiting team is ahead. 3. If the home team scores the winning run in its half of the last inning (or extra inning after a tie), the game ends immediately when the winning run is scored. 4. A called game ends at the moment the umpire terminates play, EXCEPTION: If the game is called during an incomplete inning, the game ends at the end of the last previously completed liming in each of the following situations: a. The visiting team scores one or more runs to tie the score in the incomplete inning and the home team does not score in the incomplete inning. b. The visiting team scores one or more runs to take the lead in the incomplete inning and the home team does not tie the score or retake the lead in the incomplete inning. The hidden ball play will not be allowed. (Any player that deliberately attempts to deceive a base runner.) The Umpire-in-Chief shall order the playing field lights turned on whenever, in such umpire's opinion, darkness makes further play hazardous. A game may be forfeited to the opposing team when a team:

12 1. Being upon the field refuses to start play within 10 minutes after the appoil1ted hour for beginning the game, unless such delay, in the umpire's judgment, is unavoidable. 2. Refuses to continue play unless the umpire terminated game. 3. Fails to resume play after the umpire halted game within one minute after the umpire bas called "Play". 4. Fails to obey within a reasonable time, the umpire s order to remove a player from the game. 5. After warning by the umpire, willfully and persistently violates any rules of the game. 6. Employs tactics designed to delay or shorten the game. A team may start with eight players but may not continue with less than eight players. If new players show up, they can be added to the line-up. There will be a ten-minute grace period for a team to field at least eight players. A team that is unable to field eight players or refuses to place the players on the field shall forfeit the game. Mercy Rule: A manager of a team may ask to terminate a game in progress when his or her team is behind 10 or more runs. The opposing manager and umpire shall honor any request of this nature. The Umpire-in- Chief shall consider a 15 run differential a radical score and terminate the game after 4 complete innings. Radical score shall not apply to T Division. Protest: A protest shall be considered only when based on the violation or interpretation of a playing rule or the use of an ineligible player. No protest shall be considered on a decision involving an umpire's judgment. Equipment that does not meet specifications must be removed from the game and shall not be the basis for protest. When grounds for protest arise in a game, only the manager or acting manager of the offended team will notify the umpire, prior to the next pitch to the batter that the balance of the game is being played under protest. Following such notice, the umpire will consult with any associate umpire available or review the Burbank Players League rules. If the umpire is convinced that the decision is in conflict with the rules the umpire will reverse that decision. If however, the umpire is convinced that the decision is not in conflict with the rules, said umpire shall announce to the teams, official scorekeeper and spectators that the game is being played under protest. Failure of the umpire to make such an announcement shall not affect the validity of the protest. Protest made due to the use of an ineligible player may be considered only if made to the umpire prior to the final out of the game. Whenever it is found that an ineligible player is being used, said player shall be removed from game and the game shall continue or not as the protesting manager decides. PENALTY: For ineligible player is FORFEITURE.

13 A manager may sign the score book at the conclusion of the game without invalidating the protest. The official score sheet should note that the game is being protested and indicate the point and time at which the infraction occurred. The manager of offended team shall deposit a $25.00 fee and a completed protest form to a League Officer within 24 hours of the game being protested. The fee will be distributed as follows: Manager loses protest: $25.00 forfeited Manager wins protest: $25.00 refunded Failure to post the deposit and present the protest form within the prescribed time period will make the game stand as played. All managers, coaches and officials shall take precautions to prevent protests. When a protest situation is imminent, the potential offenders shall be notified immediately. Such action should not be delayed until the infraction has occurred. A Protest Form will be made available upon request. "A" Division- Consists of seven innings and is considered a regulation game if the home team has scored more runs in four innings than the visiting team has scored in five innings at bat. "B", "C" and "T" Divisions- Consists of six innings and is considered a regulation game if the home team has scored more runs in three innings than the visiting team has scored in four innings at bat. Any inning started will be completed. If a game is terminated because of time limit, the game will be considered a regulation game after one full inning. If both teams fail to field a legal team at the legal time, each team will be charged with a loss. Weather Delayed Rule: 1. In the event of weather interferes with play so that the game is called (ended) by the umpire, it is a regulation game if: a. "A" Division Completes 7 innings, or if the Home team has scored more runs in four (4) innings than the Visitors in five (5) innings. Or if play has gone beyond five (5) complete innings, whoever is a head, is the winner. b. "B", "C", "T" Division completes six (6) innings, of if the Home team has scored more runs in three (3) innings than the Visitors in four (4) innings. Or if play has gone beyond three (3) complete innings, who, ever is a head, is the winner. 2. A game is restarted on another day due to the game being called (ended) by the umpire when it is not a Regulation Game, the following rule will be applied to restart play: a. In the event the game was called in the First (1st) inning of play, the game will start all over. Pitching records will be reset.

14 b. In the event the game was called in any inning other than the First (1st), that the teams did not have equal number of completed turns at bat, the score and Pitching Records will be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning. Game Time Limit: Starting time will be as listed in official scorebook. The umpire's timepiece shall keep official time. No other timepiece will be considered in establishing game time. "A" Division: one-hundred and twenty (120) minutes ( drop dead time ) has elapsed, the game will end immediately. "B" Division: one-hundred and five (105) minutes ( drop dead time ) has elapsed, the game will end immediately. "T" "C" Division: ninety (90) minutes ( drop dead time ) has elapsed, the game will end immediately. The time limit applies from the point at which the last out is made in the previous inning. Should light failures occur and not be remedied within the prescribed time limit, the game results will stand if regulation game requirement is met. Time suspension for light failure shall be added back to game clock, time permitting. Infield Practice: Umpires will advise managers or coaches of both teams, of exact time permitted for infield practice. (Example: Visitor, you have until5:15 for infield, Home, you have 5:15 to 5:25 for infield practice.) Actual infield time will be determined as time permits; keeping scheduled game times on schedule. The visiting team will take a 10-minute infield practice, 20 minutes prior to schedule game time, time permitting. The home team will take a 10-minute infield practice, 10 minutes prior to schedule game time, time permitting. Teams not present for their infield practice shall lose their time and the other team may use that time for their own practice. Batting practice will not be allowed on the infield prior to game time. No team will infringe on any part of the playing field during regular infield practice time of any other team. Game Rosters And Pitching Records All player rosters and pitching records are to be presented to opposing team manager prior to commencement of game prepared in ink and showing last name, first initial of all players present or absent. Nicknames are not acceptable. Failure to provide accurate player rosters and pitching records will result in an automatic forfeiture.

15 Tie Games All tie games will be recorded as 1 1/2 win and 1/2 loss and will not be replayed. If scheduled game time allows, play will continue if the game is tied at the end of regulation innings until the tie is broken or regulation time expires. (Note: Play-off and tournament games must play to conclusion and establish a winner regardless of scheduled game time limit or innings played.) Innings pitched in extra innings; play will count against regular scheduled pitcher eligibility. (See "The Pitcher" heading regarding pitcher eligibility.) THE BATTER: Each player of the offensive team shall bat in the order that his or her name appears in the team's batting order. The first batter in each inning after the first inning shall be the player whose name follows that of the last player who legally completed a time at bat in the preceding inning. NOTE: In the event that while a batter is in the batter's box, the third out of an inning is made on a base runner, the batter then at bat shall be the first batter of the next inning and the count of balls and strikes shall start over. The batter shall take position in the batter's box promptly when it is said batter's time at bat. The batter shall not leave that position in the batter's box after the pitcher comes to Set position or starts a windup. PENALTY: If the pitcher pitches, the umpire shall call "Ball" or "Strike" as the case may be. If the batter refuses to take position in the batter's box during the time at bat, the umpire shall order the pitcher to pitch and shall call "Strike" on each such pitch. The batter may take a proper position after any such pitch and the regular ball and strike count shall continue, but if the batter does not take the proper position before three strikes are called, that batter shall be declared out. The batter's legal position shall be both feet within the batter's box. The batter has legally completed a time at bat when put out or becomes a runner. A Batter Is Out When: 1. A fair or foul ball (other than a foul tip) is legally caught by a fielder. 2. A third strike is legally caught by the catcher. 3. The batter steps into the box without a helmet. 4. Bunting foul on a third strike. 5. An infield fly is declared. 6. The batter attempts to hit a third strike and is touched by the ball. 7. A fair ball touches said batter before touching a fielder.

16 8. After hitting or bunting a fair ball, the bat hits the ball a second time in fair territory. The ball is dead and no runner may advance. If the batter-runner drops the bat and the balls rolls against the bat in fair territory and, in the umpire's judgment, there was no intention to interfere with the course of the ball, the ball is live and in play. 9. After hitting a fair ball, the if batter intentionally deflects the course of the ball in any manner while running to first base, the ball is dead and no runners may advance. 10. After hitting a fair ball, the batter-runner or first base is tagged before said batter- runner touches first base. 11. In running the last half of the distance from home base to first base, while the ball is being fielded to first base, the batter runs outside (to the right of) the three foot line or inside (to the left of) the foul line and in the umpire's judgment in so doing interferes with the fielder taking a throw at first base. Except that the batter may run outside (to the right of) the three foot line or inside (to the left of) the foul line to avoid a fielder attempting to field a batted ball. 12. An infielder intentionally drops a fair fly ball or line drive, when first and second, first and third or first, second and third bases occupied before two are out. The ball is dead and runners shall return to their original base or bases. APPROVED RULING: In this situation, the batter is not out if the infielder permits the ball to drop untouched to the ground, except when the Infield Fly rule applies. 13. A preceding runner shall, in the umpire's judgment, intentionally interfere with a fielder who is attempting to catch a thrown ball or throw a ball in an attempt to complete a play. A Batter Is Out For Illegal Action When: 1. Hitting an illegally batted ball. 2. Stepping from one batter's box to the other while the pitcher is in position ready to pitch. 3. Interfering with the catcher's fielding or throwing by stepping out of the batter's box or making other movement that hinders the catcher's play at home base. EXCEPTION: Batter is not out if any runner attempting to advance is put out or if runner trying to score is called out for batter's interference. Batting Out Of Turn: A batter shall be called out, on appeal, when failing to bat in proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in place of the proper batter. 1. The proper batter may take position in the batter's box at any time before the improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and any balls and strikes shall be counted in the proper batter's time at bat. When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out and the defensive team appeals to the umpire before the first pitch to the next batter of either team, or before any play or attempted play, the umpire shall: 1. Declare the proper batter out.

17 2. Nullify any advance of score made because of a ball batted by the improper batter or because of the improper batter's advance to first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise. NOTE: If a runner advances, while the improper batter is at bat, on a stolen base, balk, wild pitch or passed ball, such advance is legal. When an improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and a pitch is made to the next batter of either team before an appeal is made, the improper batter thereby becomes the proper batter, and the results of such time at bat become legal. When the proper batter is called out for failing to bat in tum, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of the proper batter. When an improper batter becomes a proper batter because no appeal is made before the next pitch, the next batter shall be the batter whose name follows that of such legalized improper batter. The instant an improper batter's actions are legalized, the batting order picks up with the name following that of the legalized improper batter. The batter becomes a runner and is entitled to first base without liability to be put out (provided said runner advances to and touch s first base) when: 1. The ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter. 2. The batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched by the ball. NOTE: If the ball is in the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a strike, whether or not the batter tries to avoid the ball. If the ball is outside the strike zone when it touches the batter, it shall be called a ball, if that batter makes no attempt to avoid being touched. When the batter is touched by a pitched ball that does not entitle that batter to first base, the ball is dead and no runner may advance. The catcher or any fielder interferes with the runner. If a play follows the interference, the manager of the offense may advise the plate umpire of a decision to decline the interference penalty and accept the play. Such election shall be made immediately at the end of the play. However, if the batter reaches first base on a hit, an error, a base on balls a hit batsman, or otherwise and all runners advance at least one base, the play proceeds without reference to the interference. A Fair ball touches an umpire or a runner on fair territory before touching a fielder. NOTE: If a fair ball touches an umpire after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or having touched a fielder, including the pitcher, the ball is in play. The Batter Becomes A Runner When: 1. A fair ball is hit. 2. A fair ball, after having passed a fielder other than the pitcher, or after having been touched by a fielder, including the pitcher, shall touch an umpire or runner on fair territory.

18 3. A fair fly ball passes over a fence or into the stands. 4. A fair ball, after touching the ground, bounds into the stands, or passes through, over, or under a fence, or through or under shrubbery, or vines on the fence, in which case the batter and runners shall be entitled to advance two bases (w1less modified by any special ground rules.) 5. Any fair ball which, either before or after touching the grow1d passes through, or under a fence or through any opening in the fence or which sticks in a fence in which case the batter and the runners shall be entitled to advance two bases (unless modified by any special ground rules.) 6. Any bunting fair ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over or under a fence on fair or foul territory, in which case the batter and all runners shall be entitled to advance two bases. 7. Any fair fly ball is deflected by the fielder into the stands, or over the fence into foul ten itory, in which case the batter shall be entitled to advance to second base; but if deflected into the stands or over the fence in fair territoi)', the batter shall be entitled to a home run. 8. On a called third strike that is not caught by the catcher. a. First base is unoccupied. b. First base is occupied with two outs in the inning. NOTE: The dropped third strike rule does not apply in "C" or "T" Divisions. Continuous batting order will apply in "A", "B", "C" AND "T" Divisions (i.e. all players assigned to a team will bat in sequence.) Injured player: Should a player be unable to continue to play due to injury or illness and the team is batting continuously, the injured or ill player's next time at bat will be recorded as an out. The injured or ill player's remaining times at bat will be skipped with no further penalty. Team with injured or sick player must report to opposing manager, scorekeeper and umpire when that player went out. Batter's next time at bat must be declared out before first pitch to the following batter. Opposing manager or scorekeeper must inform the umpire when the batter's spot comes up. A player once removed from his/her batting position due to injury or illness may not re-enter the game. THE RUNNER: A runner acquires the right to an unoccupied base when that runner touches it before being put out. The runner is then entitled to it until put out or forced to vacate it for another runner legally entitled to that base. In advancing, a runner shall touch first, second, third, and home base in order. If forced to return, the runner shall retouch all bases in reverse order, unless the ball is dead under any provision. In such cases, the runner may go directly to the original base. Two runners may not occupy a base, but if, while the ball is alive, two runners are touching the base, the following runner shall be out when tagged. The preceding runner is entitled to the base.

19 The Base Path Distances Are As Follows: A - Division 83 ft. B - Division 67 ft. C Division 60 ft. T Ball - Division 60 ft. The catcher's box extends approximately 6 feet 4 inches to the rear of home plate. The Batter's box shall be rectangular, 7 feet by 3 feet. The inside line shall be parallel to and 4 inches away from the side of home plate. It shall extend 3 and 1/2 feet forward and to the rear of center of home plate. A five-sided slab of whitened rubber conforming to Little League Standards shall mark home base. First, second and third bases shall be marked by white canvas bags securely attached to the ground. Note: If the impact of a runner breaks a base loose from its position, no play can be made on that runner at that base if the runner has reached the base safely. Each Runner, Other Than The Batter, May, Without Liability To Be Put Out, Advance One Base When: 1. There is a balk. (A & B division only.) 2. The batter's advance without liability to be put out forces the runner to vacate a base, or when the batter hits a fair ball that touches another runner or the umpire before such ball has been touched by, or has passed a fielder, if the runner is forced to advance. 3. A fielder, after catching a fly ball, falls into a bench or stand, or falls across ropes into a crowd when spectators are on the field. NOTE: When a runner is entitled to a base without liability to be put out, while the ball is in play, or under any rule in which the ball is in play after the runner reaches an entitled base, and the runner fails to touch the base to which that runner is entitled before attempting to advance to the next base, the runner shall forfeit the exemption from liability to be put out and may be put out by tagging the base or by tagging the runner before the runner returns to the missed base. Each Runner Including The Batter-Runner May, Without Liability To Be Put Out, Advance: 1. To home base scoring a run, if a fair ball goes out of the playing field in flight and the runner touches all bases legally: or if a fair ball which, in the umpire's judgment, would have gone out of the playing field in flight, is deflected by the act of a fielder in throwing a glove, cap, or any article of apparel. 2. Three bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a fair ball with a cap, mask or any part of the fielder's uniform detached from its proper place on the person of said fielder. The ball is in play and the batter may advance to home plate at the batter's peril.

20 3. Three bases, if a fielder deliberately throws a glove and touches a fair ball. The ball is in play and batter may advance to home plate at that batter's peril. 4. Two bases, if a fielder deliberately touches a thrown ball with a cap, mask, or any part of the uniform detached from its proper place on the person of said fielder. The ball is in play. 5. Two bases, if a fielder deliberately throws a glove at and touches a thrown ball. The ball is in play. 6. Two bases, if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the stands outside the first or third base foul line or if it goes through or under a field fence or through or under a scoreboard or through or under shrubbery or vines on the fence or if it sticks in such a fence, scoreboard, shrubbery or vines. 7. Two bases, when, with no spectators on the playing field, a thrown ball goes into the stands, or into a bench (whether or not the ball rebounds into the field) or over, under or through a field fence, or on a slanting part of the screen above the backstop, or remains in the meshes of wire screen protecting spectators. The ball is dead, when such wild throw is the first play by any infielder, the umpire, in awarding such bases, shall be governed by the position of the runners at the time the wild throw was made. 8. If all runners, including the batter-runner have advanced at least one base when an infielder makes a wild throw on the first play after the pitch, the award shall be governed by the position of the runners when the wild throw was made. 9. One base, if a ball, pitched to the batter, or thrown by the pitcher from the position on the pitcher's plate to a base to catch a runner goes into a stand or a bench, or over or through a field fence or backstop. The ball is dead. 10. One base, if the batter becomes a runner on ball four when the pitch passes the catcher and lodges in the umpire's mask or paraphernalia. NOTE: If the batter becomes a runner on a wild pitch, which entitles the runners to advance on base, the batter-runner shall be entitled to first base only. When The Obstruction Occurs, The Umpire Shall Call or Signal "Obstruction." If a play is being made on the obstructed runner, or if the batter-runner is obstructed before touching first base, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance without liability to be put out, to the bases they would have reached, in the umpire's judgment, if there had been no obstruction. The obstructed runner shall be awarded at least one base beyond the base last legally touched by such ru1mer, before the obstruction. Any preceding runners forced to advance by the award of bases as the penalty for obstructions shall advance without liability to be put out. If no play is being made on the obstructed runner, the play shall proceed until no further action is possible. The umpire shall then call "Time" and imposes such penalties, if any, as in that umpire's judgment will nullify the act of obstruction. A Runner Is Out When: 1. Running more than three feet away from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged, unless such action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a batted ball.

21 a. After touching first base the runner leaves the baseline obviously abandoning all effort to touch the next base. b. The runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. 2. Intentionally interferes with a thrown ball or hinders a fielder who is attempting to make a play on a batted ball. 3. The runner is tagged, when the ball is alive while off a base. EXCEPTION: A batter-runner cannot be tagged out after over-running or over-sliding first base if said batter-runner returns immediately to the base. a) If the impact of a runner breaks a base loose from its position, no play can be made on that runner at the base if the runner had reached the base safely. b) If a base is dislodged from its position during a play, any following runner on the same play shall be considered as touching or occupying the base if, in the umpire's judgment that runner touches or occupies the point marked by the dislodged bag. 4. Failing to retouch the base after a fair or foul fly ball is legally caught before that runner or the base is tagged by a fielder. The runner shall not be called out for failure to retouch the base after the first following pitch or any play or attempted play. This is an appeal play. 5. Failing to reach the next base before a fielder tags said runner or the base after that runner has been forced to advance by reason of the batter becomes a runner. However, if a following runner is put out on a force play, the force is removed when the runner touches the base to which that runner is forced to advance, and if over-sliding or overrunning the base, the runner must be tagged to be put out. However, if the forced runner, after touching the next base, retreats for any reason towards the base last occupied, the force play is reinstated and the nm11er can again be put out if the defense tags the base to which the runner forced. 6. Touched by a fair ball in fair territory before the ball has touched or passed an infielder. The ball is dead and no runner may score, no runner's advance, except runners forced to advance. EXCEPTION: If a runner is touching a base when touched by an Infield Fly that runner is not out, although the batter is out. NOTE: If a runner is touched by an Infield Fly when not touching a base, both runner and batter are out. 7. Attempting to score on a play in which the batter interferes with the play at home base before two are out. With two out, the interference puts the batter out and no score counts. 8. Passes a preceding runner before such runner is out. 9. After acquiring legal possession of a base, the runner runs the bases in reverse order for the purpose of confusing the defense or making a travesty of the game. The umpire shall immediately call "Time" and declare the runner out. 10. Failing to return at once to first base after overrunning or over-sliding that base. If attempting to run to second the runner is out when tagged. If after overrunning or over-sliding first base, the runner starts toward the dugout, or toward a position, and fails to return to first base at once, that runner is out on appeal, when said runner or the base is tagged.

22 11. In running or sliding for home base, the runner fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return to the base, when a fielder holds the ball in hand, while touching home base, and appeals to the umpire for the decision. 12. A base runner will be called out if he or she has his or her helmet off after one pitch or in T-ball after one swing. 13. A pitched ball touches a batter or the batter's clothing while in a legal batting position. 14. Runners, if forced, advance. 15. The plate umpire interferes with the catcher's throw attempting to prevent a stolen base, the runners return. If the catcher's throw gets the runners out, the out stands. 16. No umpire interference. 17. A balk is committed; the runners advance (A Division only.) 18. A ball is illegally batted either fair or foul, the runners return. 19. A foul ball not caught, runners return. The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases. 20. Fair ball touches a runner or umpires on fair territory before it touches an infielder including the pitcher or touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher. Runner hit by a fair-batted ball is out. NOTE: If a fair ball goes through or by an infielder and touches a runner immediately back of said infielder or touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare runner out. In making such decision, the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through or by the fielder and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball, the mm1er advances, if forced. 21. A pitched ball passes the catcher and lodges in the umpire's mask or paraphernalia, the runners advance. Any Runner Shall Be Called Out On Appeal: 1. After a fly ball is caught, the runner fails to retouch base before said runner or the base is tagged. 2. With the ball in play, while advancing or returning to a base, the runner fails to touch each base in order before said runner, or a missed base, is tagged. 3. No runner may return to touch a missed base after a following runner has scored. When the ball is dead, no runner may return to touch a missed base or one abandoned after said runner had advanced to and touched a base, beyond the missed base. 4. The runner overruns or over-slides first base and fails to return to the base immediately, and said runner or the base is tagged. 5. The runner fails to touch home base and makes no attempt to return to that base, and home base is tagged. Any appeal under this rule must be made before the next pitch, or any play or attempted play. If the violation occurs during a play that ends a half inning, the appeal must be made before the defensive team leaves the field. (The defensive team has left the field when no players remain in fair territory.) An appeal is not to be interpreted as a play or an attempted play.