Reynoldsburg Parks & Recreation/ Pickerington Youth Athletic Association Fall Baseball Playing Rules Revised

Transcription

1 Reynoldsburg Parks & Recreation/ Pickerington Youth Athletic Association Fall Baseball Playing Rules Revised ARTICLE I Rule Affiliations 1. In baseball, all areas not specifically covered in these Playing Rules are subject to the National Federation of High Schools playing rules. 2. All Head Coaches will receive official rules prior to season. 3. Any matter not covered in these articles and rules shall be left to the discretion of the Reynoldsburg Parks & Recreation Department (RPRD) and/or Pickerington Youth Athletic Association (PYAA); agreed upon by both parties. 4. The Reynoldsburg Parks & Recreation department and/or PYAA shall have the power to schedule, re-schedule, or cancel any game(s) necessary to complete the season on time. 5. Season will end October 31 st 2014, regardless of the number of games played. ARTICLE II Officials and Protests 1. All games are in the hands of the umpires. Every player, team, and spectator is required to respect his or her authority. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. Any unsportsmanlike behavior by a player or his/her parent could result in the removal of the player from the league. 2. Disciplinary Actions: i. Verbal Warning ii. Written Warning iii. One (1) game suspension iv. Two (2) game suspension v. Removal from the league vi. Forfeit of games vii. Banned from league Note: Any umpires decision which involves judgment, such as, but not limited to, whether a batted ball is fair or foul, whether a pitch is a strike or a ball, or whether a runner is safe or out, is final. No player or coach shall object to any such judgment call. For non-judgment calls, if there is reasonable doubt that an umpire s decision may be in conflict with the rules, the head coach may, with permission from the lead umpire AND current rule book in hand, question a call or ruling. All disputes are settled within 5 Page 1 of 10

2 minutes by the lead umpire. The lead umpire s decision at the end of the 5 minutes IS FINAL! 3. Protests must be made to the umpire and official scorekeeper at that time, and then filed with the parks department or PYAA office within 24 hours (excluding Sunday). This formal notification will be done by the Head Coach (HC) that is protesting the game at the spot of the protest. The opponent s Head Coach will be notified by the umpire at the time of the protest. The HC will then submit formal protest in writing to Parks and Recreation Department. Protest must be made to the head umpire at the time of infraction and then filed with the department within 24 hours. The protesting Head Coach will submit the formal protest in writing to the Parks and Recreation Department. Resolution to the protest will be made within hours (except Sunday). 4. Ejection ARTICLE III Team Rankings 1. No team will hold more than three (3) events per week. An event is game(s) or practice(s). 2. Playing a minimum of ten (10) official league games per team shall constitute a completed league schedule. 3. Awards for First (1 st ) through second (2nd) place will be determined by: (a) Winning percentage (%) (b) Total wins (c) Total runs against (d) Total runs for (e) Head to head (f) Coin toss Regular season ranking will determine your seed for post season tournament. Home team will input score. ARTICLE V General Playing Rules 1. There will be a ten (10) minute grace period allowed for the first (1 st ) game of the season. 2. ALL Divisions will play: Continuous Batting Order (CBO) will be applicable. All players will be placed in the line-up and this will never change throughout the game. Defensive subs will/can be swapped out at will. Ensures all kids will bat. 3. B8 & B9/10 ONLY-- a maximum of 6 runs per inning or 3 outs in all innings. Exception: If on the same play as when the 6 th run scores, additional score, they will be counted. The final inning there is no limit to runs scored. 4. B9/10& B11/12 ONLY- bunting is allowed, however, once a batter squares around to bunt (shows bunt); he cannot pull the bat back and swing. Players doing this will be given one warning, and then called out for subsequent violations. 5. Dropped third strike is in effect for B11/12 ONLY! Page 2 of 10

3 6. (B9/10) - Nine (9) will play the field defensively. Three (3) outfield, six (6) infield. o B8 teams can play four (4) in the outfield if both teams have ten (10) players o No player can sit the bench a second inning in a game until all players on the team have sat the bench at least one inning during the game. This rule applies to every game during the season. Failure to adhere to this will result in a forfeit. o Player must play three (3) consecutive outs prior to 3 ½ innings on defense. 7. Line-ups MUST be turned in to the official scorekeeper/umpire ten (10) minutes prior to game time with first and last names of players, shirt numbers, and positions. Head coach failing to comply with this rule makes his game subject to forfeiture at the discretion of the umpire. 8. No player can sit the bench a second inning in a game until all players on the team have sat the bench at least one inning during the game. This rule applies to every game during the season. Failure to adhere to this will result in a forfeit. 9. (B9/10 & B11/12): Due to field limitations, it is important to start all games on time (weather permitting). Please have your team warmed up and ready for play within (30 minutes prior) to your scheduled game time. If there is a game played on your scheduled field prior to your game this is obviously N/A. 10. Games may be started early whenever the occasion arises, but both head coaches must consent. 11. Home team will provide official scorekeeper who will communicate with umpire throughout the game and verify scores prior to leaving the game. 12. Home teams are responsible for updating the website. 13. Home teams will always use the 1st base dugout. 14. Teams must have eight (8) players to start and finish each game. A team who wins due to a forfeit must also have at least eight (8) players at the field during the time of the forfeit. In case of a double forfeiture, the game will not be played later, and each team receives a loss. 15. Any team appearing with less than 9 players may use the shorthanded rule. A team may play with only eight (8) players. If a coach EXPECTS to have fewer than 9 roster players available for a game, he may utilize one or more call up players from the next lower league (does not apply to B8). The List of players will be supplied by the League Director at the start of the season. If a coach chooses to utilize a player not on the list, he must request permission from the League Director prior to the game. The call up players are to be considered equal team members for all purposes even if the team unexpectedly has sufficient roster players. If a coach unexpectedly has less than 8 players at the start of a game, the use of an additional player can be considered to avoid a forfeit situation. The use of this player must be agreed upon by the umpire and the opposing coach. Call-up players CANNOT play Page 3 of 10

4 the pitcher or catcher positions. In addition, call-up players CANNOT miss their own team game to participate in a call-up game 16. No infield practice will be permitted before or between games. (Warm-up will take place in the outfields). 17. If the first game of the evening is forfeited, the affected may utilize the field for a practice game, until the next game is ready to begin. If the last game of the evening is declared a forfeit, the park and use of the lights will be discontinued. 18. Only players, the allotted number of coaches three (3), and one bat boy/girl will be allowed in the dugouts. [This rule will be strictly enforced]. 19. Length of game A. B8: 1 hour 45 min no new innings after 90 min mark B. B9/10: 1 hour 45 min no new innings after 90 min mark C. B11/12: 2 hours no new innings after 1 hour 50 min * Weeknight games for B8 drop dead at one (1) hour and thirty (30) minutes with no new innings after one (1) hour and fifteen (15) minutes. 20. Mound to Plate Distances and base lengths A. B8: 42 with 8 radius circle for defensive player (pitching coach must deliver ball within circle) 60 from home to first B. B9/10: from home to first C. B11/12: from home to first 21. Game time begins with first (1 st ) home team warm-up pitch. B8 1 st pitch by home team. Main umpire is the official clock. 22. A completed game is defined as: A. Three (3) innings or two and one-half (2.5) innings if home team is leading, shall be considered a complete game if play is discontinued because of inclement weather, darkness, or other causes which makes further play impossible (Only for B8 Division) B. Three and one-half (3 ½ if home team is leading) or four (4) innings will be considered a completed game if play is discontinued because of rain, darkness or other causes which makes further play impossible. (B9/10 & B11/12 Divisions) C. A fifteen (15) run lead shall be considered a completed game after three and one half (3 ½) or four (4) innings of play. (B8, B9/10, and B11/12 divisions) 23. Tie-Breaker Policy If field space is available, when the time limit has expired and the inning is over, the game will go into extra innings. The extra innings will be played as follows until a winner is determined: Under this rule, each team starts the inning with the player who completed the last official at bat, as a base runner on first base. Batters come to the plate with a 1-1 count and a runner on first. Each subsequent inning will start the same until a winner has been determined. (All Divisions) 24. Computation of Innings Pitched : A. One or more pitches constitutes one inning pitched. B. Pitcher is not considered a pitcher until throwing the first pitch of a game. Page 4 of 10

5 C. The official score keeper/umpire will keep record of innings pitch during each game. It is the responsibility of the manager to sign this slip at the completion of each game. 25. Pitching Rules: A. No pitcher will be permitted to pitch on successive days or in both games of a double header in league play, under any conditions. B. No pitcher will be permitted to pitch more than: B8: 2 innings per game/ 5 innings per week B9/10: 2 innings per game/ 6 innings per week B11/12: 3 innings per game/ 6 innings per week If multiple players pitch in an inning, each shall be counted as one inning pitched C. B8 Only: BALKS are N/A in this division. Standard baseball rules apply except there will be no walks issued. After ball four is called the hitting teams designated coach will come in and the batter will receive up to 4 additional pitches to hit the ball. If the second or any pitch after is fouled off, the batter will receive another pitch. If the batter does not reach base they will be called out. Coaches (if so choose) may pitch to his batters for one entire inning within the first three (3) innings during each game. This inning must be declared to the umpire and the opposing coach PRIOR to the game starting. D. In continuation of a suspended game, a pitcher shall be allowed only the number of innings remaining for that week at the point of suspension of the original game. HOWEVER, the total number of innings for the calendar week shall not exceed the weekly innings pitched allowance stated above in 25 B. (B9/10 & B11/12). E. If a pitcher is removed from the mound, or lineup, during a game, he/she may not return to the mound as a pitcher during that game. F. Each team must maintain a scorebook to be reviewed by league directorif requested. G. All players may be given the opportunity to pitch at least 2 innings during the season unless it is deemed by the head coach to be a safety concern (and communicated with the parent). H. Violation of any of the above pitching rules shall result in the forfeiture of the game in which such violation took place. I. There shall be no balks. Two (2) warnings will be given to B9/10 teams and one (1) warning will be given to B11/12 teams by the umpire. 26. Player Participation A. At a minimum, every participant must play one (1) defensive innings per game at one or more of the six (6) infield positions, regardless of the actual innings played. This does not require play at any particular position, just somewhere in the infield. It is not unlikely that, at this level, some games only last three (3) or four (4) innings. Therefore, in making out your player position rotation prior to the game, it is suggested that by the end of the Page 5 of 10

6 4 th inning, you will have complied with the above. Failure to comply will result in a forfeit. ARTICLE VI Base Runners Base runners may leave base when: B8: runner may not leave the base until after the pitched ball has passed home plate. Base stealing and/or leadoffs are not permitted. B9/10: may leave base after the ball crosses home plate. The ball is live at this time and the runners are free to advance at their own risk. Lead offs prior to that point are not permitted. B11/12: Open Base A. When the pitcher has his/her foot in contact with the pitcher s rubber and the batter is in the batter s box, and the catcher is in the catcher s box ready to receive delivery of the pitch, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and reaches the batter. (NO LEADOFFS) B8 & B9/10 B. If a base runner leaves base before the pitched ball reaches the batter and the batter does not hit the ball, the base runner must be returned to the base occupied before the pitch was made. The ball is dead and no runner may score nor runners advance. All pitches shall be counted as either a ball or strike, even though the ball is dead. One team warning will be given before the runner of the warned team will be called out. (B8 & B9/10) C. If the batter hits the ball fairly or draws a base on balls or hit by pitch, the base runner leaving the base before the pitched ball reached, the batter shall be declared out, after first team warning. The ball is alive and in play. D. B8: No runner can advance on an overthrow to first base. A runner cannot advance home on an overthrow unless the overthrow occurs at third base. E. In the B9/10 & B11/12 divisions, player on third (3 rd) base may steal home after the ball crosses home plate. Stealing Home: B9/10 & B11/12- Runners at third base may attempt to steal home, on any pitch. Home Plate Slide Rule (B9/10): A runner approaching home plate MUST slide or avoid contact with the catcher (or other fielder covering home plate) If the runner does not slide and makes contact with the other player covering home plate, and there is no obstruction called on that player, the runner is out. Any malicious contact will result in an out and an ejection from the game without warning. Obstruction, interference, and/or malicious contact occurring at any base, will be made solely at the umpire s discretion and are NOT to be protested/disputed DURING a game. One TEAM warning will be given for thrown bats before the hitter will be called out. Page 6 of 10

7 ARTICLE VII Tight Base Rules (Applicable to B9/10 and B11/12 Divisions) Batter Strike-Outs a batter is out when he/she has three (3) strikes, either called or swinging. The batter is out, but the ball is in play and base runners may advance at their own risk. ARTICLE VIII B8 Rules: 1. All base running rules stated in ARTICLE VI will apply. 2. Ten (10) will play the field. Four (4) Outfield Six (6) Infield. 1. Player must play three (3) consecutive outs prior to three and one half (3 ½) innings on defense. 3. Coaches are required to rotate their players to different positions. Throughout the course of the season, players must be given the opportunity to play all positions unless there is a safety issue. 4. CBO will be applicable in this division. 5. Coach bats his lineup. 6. A maximum of six (6) runs per inning or three (3) outs in all innings. 7. The pitching coach MUST pitch overhand to ALL batters. 8. This league will use one (1) umpire which one will stand behind the mound/pitcher. 9. There is no intentional walk and no bunting is allowed. 10. The Infield Fly Rule does not apply. 11. A sixteen (16) foot pitching circle will be 8 radius around pitching plate with the pitching coach delivering the ball at forty two (42 ) and with NO pitching mound present. 12. If a batted ball hits the pitching coach, the umpire will judge if he/she made a legitimate attempt to get out of way. In this case the ball becomes dead. Any batted ball hitting the pitching coach is dead and the hitter will be awarded first (1 st ) base and all runners will advance one (1) base. If the umpire rules the pitching coach did not attempt to get out of way, the batter will be declared out and no runners shall advance. 13. Three (3) swinging strikes constitute an out and the batter will go back to his/her dugout. 14. No stealing. 15. Dead ball is called when the pitcher is deemed by the umpire to have control of the ball within the pitching circle. 16. The defensive player listed as pitcher cannot leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit. One foot must remain in the pitching circle and be no closer than the pitching coach. 17. The pitching coach shall not coach while in the pitching position, either verbally or physically. Once a ball is hit, the pitching coach must position himself/herself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team or play at all.(penalty: removal of pitching coach) 18. Defensive on field coaching is permitted. Our defensive coach is allowed on the field and must be positioned in the outfield. Other coaches are to stay in the immediate area of their team s bench Page 7 of 10

8 ARTICLE IX Practice & Attendance 19. Every player should attend at least half (1/2) of all team practices. If a player is not attending practices, the coach of that particular team must notify the department. Exception: the coach is required to question the parents for a legitimate excuse (for example: church functions, sick, summer school, etc). 20. If a player is not present for a game, then the coach must notify the scorekeeper/umpire. If a player is late/status unknown still place player on line-up for that game. This is a competitive baseball league. Attendance for both practices and games is expected. Coaches are required to question the parents for a legitimate excuse for an absence (church functions, sick, etc.) Communication between parents, coaches, RPRD, and PYAA is imperative to having a successful season. ARTICLE X - Equipment 1. B8, B9/10, and B11/12 Bats the bat may not exceed 33 in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 ¼ in diameter. Only 2 ¼ barrel non-wood bats marked BPF 1.15 will be allowed. Wood 2 1/3 barrel bats are allowed. Coaches are responsible for checking bats prior to the start of each game. A batter using a non-compliant bat can be called out at any time by the umpire. 2. Players at bat and all base runners must wear a protective helmet with ear protection for both ears. Male catchers are required to wear a cup. 3. All batters affiliated with RPRD will bat with helmet to include face mask. (ALL Divisions) Batters within the PYAA organization can wear either a helmet with a mask or a free/open helmet. Games can/will be played where the PYAA team plays a RPRD team and they are wearing different styles of helmets. 4. Catchers must wear a catcher s mitt / CANNOT use a fielder glove. (B9/10 & B11/12) only in B8 can a catcher wear a fielder s glove and/or catcher s mitt. ARTICLE XI Ejections 1. Any player, coach, parent, or sponsor ejected from any league game must leave the complex and may not return until that person(s) have spoken directly with the Recreation Superintendent and/or representative in charge. In the event that the parent/guardian isn t at the facility during the player s ejection, the player will be kept within the dugout until he/she can be picked up. If the parent is ejected and is the only parent at the facility, he/she may remain in the parking lot until the game is complete, but must remain in the parking lot until their player comes to the car. Page 8 of 10

9 2. Disciplinary Actions: i. Verbal Warning ii. Written Warning iii. One (1) game suspension iv. Two (2) game suspension v. Removal from the league vi. Forfeit of games vii. Banned from league 3. Any player, coach, or sponsor ejected from any league game is subject to a review by the baseball/softball committee, which will decide on further action as stated in (Disciplinary Actions). 4. Any player, coach, or sponsor on suspension is not allowed at the ball-field for practices and/or games until suspension is over. 5. Any suspension that occurs will carry over into post-season play. ARTICLE XII Facility Rules and Conduct 1. There will be NO tobacco use on the field, coach s box, or dugout area. Spectators are not allowed to smoke in the stands, within 150 feet of dugouts, around other spectators and/or near baseball fields (City Ordinance (b.)) Smoking permitted in the parking lot during league games/practice while at the facilities in Reynoldsburg and must abide by park rules while at the PYAA facilities. 2. The official ball will be determined/used by the Reynoldsburg Parks and Recreation Department/ PYAA for league play. 3. There will be no coaching by anyone behind the home plate area this includes parents, coaches, siblings, and spectators. Violations of this rule may result in forfeiture or removal from the complex. There will be a clear get-back line, which is the NO sit/stand area(s) while at the Reynoldsburg fields and while at the PYAA facility there is NO sitting and/or standing behind the home plate area to extend (10 ) from fencing. 4. There will be no disciplinary action, such as extra running, push-ups, etc., at anytime. All disciplinary action will be acted upon by the child s parents. Conditioning drills will not be considered disciplinary action. 5. Managers and assistant(s) will not question any judgment call made by the official(s) during or after the game. 6. The head coach is responsible for the conduct of his/her: team, assistant coach(s), and spectators. 7. RPRD-Athletic Staff will have a Sky Scan lightning detector. If, during a game, the Sky scan indicates lightning at the mile level, the game will be suspended for 30 minutes. After 30 minutes, if the Sky scan indicator has stopped indicating lightning at all, or has remained at miles, the game can be resumed. If the Sky Scan indicates lightening has moved closer (8-20, 3-8 or 0-3) the game will be called. UMPIRES CANNOT CALL GAMES- MUST BE RPRD STAFF. While at PYAA facilities: Prior to the game starting, the umpire cannot call the game. Once the game has started, the umpire has full control to call players off the field or call a game for field Page 9 of 10

10 conditions. If a league director is at the fields, there can be a discussion with the umpire and a mutual decision can be made. But after the game has started, the umpire has full control Game Cancellations: The decision will be placed on: PYAA website RPRD 24 hr. Activity Hotline Please do not assume a game is called because It is raining. Coaches are expected to notify parents and players. We will try to give as much notice possible so the coaches can make calls to the parents. If a team has a game cancelled, the coach should notify the league director ASAP so the game can be rescheduled PLAY BALL! Page 10 of 10