SOUTHBURY YOUTH BASEBALL 2008 SPRING RULES RULES COMMITTEE

SOUTHBURY YOUTH BASEBALL 2008 SPRING RULES RULES COMMITTEE Michael D Agostino, Tom Mendicino, Marc Shay, Paul Mooney, Chris Dewitt, Tim Cremin, John O Rourke Babe Ruth League The Cal Ripken Divisions (from the Cal Ripken website) Keeping baseball FUN, especially in the early stages of youth baseball, is a primary concern of Babe Ruth League's Cal Ripken Division which is comprised of Major, Minor, Rookie, and T-Ball Divisions. Major 70: This new division, which has a 50' pitching distance and 70' base paths, is offered as an additional option to your current league set-up, and has a tournament trail from district competition through the World Series, just as the current division enjoys. Major 60: The most experienced level of Cal Ripken Baseball, recommended for 11 and 12 year old players. Cal Ripken Baseball is played under the Official Baseball Rules, but implements some special rules as necessary for the development and welfare of this young age group. The game is played on a 60-foot diamond with a pitching distance of 46 feet. In order to encourage the league to train more pitchers, there are rules that set the maximum number of innings a pitcher may pitch in a calendar week. Regulation games consist of six innings or four innings if a game is called. Special base running rules are also in effect Minor: Recommended for 9 and 10 year olds. Among teammates of their own age and experience level, players continue building and refining their fundamental skills while they begin to understand game strategy. It is at the minor league level that players first experience post-season tournament competition, with district, state, and regional levels of play. Rookie: Designed primarily for 7, and 8 year olds. Dr. Robert Brown, former president of the American League formulated the concept of the Rookie League, a pitching machine program. Babe Ruth League quickly embraced this concept and established the rookie league as a division. By controlling the pitches with a pitching machine, there is more action at the plate and in the field. Fear of being hit by a pitched ball is diminished. It makes the game safer and improves the playing confidence and ability of all participants. It removes the boredom - which is often the result of either overpowering or inadequate pitching - by throwing only strikes. Fewer errors and greater throwing accuracy are the result of increase in activity. The

program receives high praise from coaches, players, parents, and league officials. The rookie league is an excellent way to continue teaching the fundamentals of the game and building player confidence. T-Ball: A program recommended for 4, 5, and 6 year olds to teach the fundamentals of hitting and fielding. All batters will hit the ball from a batting tee which is adjusted to a height that allows the batter to swing level. All rostered players present for the game bat in order, whether playing defensively or not. Each player plays a minimum of two innings defensively An adult coach is stationed beyond the infielders in order to provide instruction to all defensive players. The primary goal is to begin to instruct young players in the fundamentals of baseball in a supportive team environment.

SOUTHBURY YOUTH BASEBALL 7 Year old (AA) Rule Supplement - Spring Additional Rules may be developed for clarity as necessary. 1. BATTING ORDER: Each player on the team shall be placed in the batting order before each game (1 thru 11 as necessary). The batting order cannot be changed once the game begins. A player arriving after the start of the game is added to the end of the batting order. If a player is injured or must leave before the end of the game, the player is removed from the batting order with no penalty to the team. 2. PLAYING TIME: Each player can sit no more than 1 inning per game, (unless an injury or discipline problem has occurred). Coaches must rotate players in and out each inning to disburse playing time as equally as possible among each player on the team. Players should change positions each inning and not play the same position more than once during a game (if possible). All players should play the infield and outfield during each game. 3. BATTING: A batter is allowed 5 swings per at bat (Foul balls count as swings). After the 5 th swing, the coach should place the batting tee on home plate to allow the hitter to put the ball in play. Teams switch after the last batter in the order has completed their at bat and a play has been completed. DO NOT ALLOW THE LAST HITTER TO CIRCLE THE BASES, the final at bat should be played as all the others are. NO Bunting is allowed. 4. STEALING: No stealing of any base is allowed as there will be no catcher. 5. FIELDING/RUNNING THE BASES: a) The infield fly rule will not be enforced. The player fielding the ball always has the right of way; i.e. the runner must avoid making contact with the player fielding the ball, even in the baseline. If a collision occurs, the runner should be called out. b) No advancement on overthrown balls will be permitted. c) On a ball hit to the outfield, once a player has possession of the ball in the infield runners must stop. The ball is not live. d) We will play with 10 fielders when possible (no catcher), including 4 outfielders. If necessary to disburse playing time, a pitcher position may be added to each side of the pitching machine.)

6. SLIDING: A runner will be called out if a slide is not attempted to avoid contact with a fielder waiting to field a throw or make a play at that base. Exception: A play at first base. (Runner must avoid contact with the fielder by running to the outside of the base in the designated base path.) 7. PITCHING Machine: A coach from the team who is in the field will work the pitching machine. This is to allow coaches from the team at bat to assist their players as necessary at the batters box and to coach the bases. 8. GAME/TIMES: No score will be kept. All games should end with an even number of AT Bat and Fielded innings per team. Actual playing time should be no more than 90 minutes. In the event of overcast skies, premature darkness or thunder and lightening, SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST! Both coaches should confer with each other to determine if the game should be called off. 9. COACHING/UMPIRING: Coaches will serve as umpires for the games. Let s all have a great season, and most importantly, let s make sure that each child has a fun and memorable experience! After all, this is an instructional learning experience about the game of Baseball, as well as an opportunity to teach good sportsmanship conduct to our children.

SOUTHBURY YOUTH BASEBALL 8 Year old (AAA) Rule Supplement - Spring Additional Rules may be developed for clarity as necessary. 1. BATTING ORDER: Each player on the team shall be placed in the batting order before each game (1 thru 11 as necessary). The batting order cannot be changed once the game begins. A player arriving after the start of the game is added to the end of the batting order. If a player is injured or must leave before the end of the game, the player is removed from the batting order with no penalty to the team. 2. PLAYING TIME: Each player can sit no more than 1 defensive inning per game, (unless an injury or discipline problem has occurred). Coaches must rotate players in and out each inning to disburse playing time as equally as possible among each player on the team. Players should change positions each inning and not play the same position more than twice during a game (if possible). All players should play a minimum of two innings in the infield AND one outfield. 3. BATTING: A batter is allowed 5-strikes per at bat (Fouls count as strikes up to the fourth strike); the batter will be called out if the ball is not fouled off or put into play within the 5-strike limit. Teams switch when three outs have been recorded in an inning. NO Bunting is allowed. Pitching will be introduced for some part of the season; at that point each batter will be allowed 5 balls and 3 strikes per at bat. 4. STEALING: There is no stealing allowed and runners can not leave their base until the ball is hit. 5. FIELDING/RUNNING THE BASES: a) The infield fly rule will not be enforced. b) The player fielding the ball always has the right of way; i.e. the runner must avoid making contact with the player fielding the ball, even in the baseline. If a collision occurs, the runner should be called out. c) No advancement on overthrown balls will be permitted. d) On a ball hit to the outfield, once a player has possession of the ball in the infield runners must stop. The ball is not live. e) We will play with 10 Fielders when possible, including 4 outfielders and a catcher.

6. SLIDING: A runner will be called out if a slide is not attempted to avoid contact with a fielder waiting to field a throw or make a play at that base. Exception: A play at first base. (Runner must avoid contact with the fielder by running to the outside of the base in the designated base path.) 7. PITCHING Machine: A Coach from the team who has the field will work the pitching machine. This is to allow coaches from the team at bat to assist their players as necessary at the batters box and to coach the bases. 8. MERCY RULE: An inning will end when each player in the order has batted once in the inning if 3 outs have not been recorded by that time. The inning will end once the play on the last batter has been completed. 9. GAME/TIMES: Score will be kept, but no standings will be kept. All games should end with an even number of AT Bat and Fielded Innings per team. Each game will be 6 innings or two hours. No extra innings will be played. The basic rule for starting a new inning is as follows: No new inning can be started 2 hours after the official scheduled start time of the game. In the event of overcast skies, premature darkness or thunder and lightening, SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST! Both coaches should confer with each other to determine if the game should be called off. 10. COACHING/UMPIRING: Coaches will serve as umpires for the games. Let s all have a great season, and most importantly, let s make sure that each child has a fun and memorable experience! After all, this is an instructional learning experience about the game of Baseball, as well as an opportunity to teach good sportsmanship conduct to our children.

SOUTHBURY YOUTH BASEBALL AMERICAN LEAGUE 9/10 RULE SUPPLEMENT Spring Season In addition to the 2008 Cal Ripken Baseball Rules, the following rules are specifically applicable for play in the SYB American League 9/10 Year Old Division: 1) BATTING ORDER: Each player on the team shall be placed in the batting order before each game. All players hit. The batting order cannot change once the game begins, with the exception of a player who arrives after the start of the game. In this case, the player will be placed at the bottom of the batting order. 2) PLAYING TIME: Nine defensive players will play on the field. No player should sit more than one inning (3 defensive outs) per game when possible, dictated by roster size. Coaches are encouraged to rotate players at various positions. Players can not play the same position more than three innings in one game. Each player, barring an agreed to safety issue, must play a minimum of one inning in the infield AND one inning in the outfield. 3) BATTING: a) A batter is allowed 4 balls or 3 strikes per at bat. There are no intentional walks. Pitchers are not allowed to intentionally pitch around batters with the hope of a walk. b) Bunting one bunt put into play in fair territory is allowed each inning. c) No slash bunting is allowed. If a player offers to bunt, he must either bunt the ball or pull the bat back. If the player fakes a bunt and then swings away (regardless of whether or not they make contact), he will be called out and all runners returned to their previous bases. 4) STEALING: a) A player MAY advance as a result of an overthrow on a stolen base attempt. b) Players may advance to any base, including home, on passed balls or wild pitches c) Runners may leave the base only after the ball has crossed the plate. 5) RUNNING THE BASES: a) Once the pitcher has possession of the ball on the mound area, and makes no attempt to throw a runner out, the runners may not advance past the base they are running toward. The ball is deemed dead per the umpire s discretion.

b) A player may not bait the fielder into throwing at their base by jumping up and down or clapping their hands. The umpire can call the runner out for this behavior. c) If a player is struck by a batted ball and injured, play must stop immediately. If the ball is caught during the injury, no advances may be made. Remember: The safety of the player is more important than the outcome of the play. 6) CONTACT Rule: If a runner attempting to reach a base intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player in the area of the base, he will be called out on the play and ejected from the game. The objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for crashing the defensive player, rather than trying to reach the base. This is an umpire s judgment call. 7) PITCHING: a) The maximum a player can pitch is 5 innings in a week (Monday thru Sunday) or 3 consecutive innings in any game. In addition, the manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group (60 pitches for age 9, 75 pitches for Age 10), but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position. If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed for their league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. b) Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, they can not pitch again in that game. c) Required Rest for Pitchers: If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 3 full calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) and is next eligible to pitch on Wednesday) If a player pitches 41-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 2 full calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday,) and is next eligible to pitch on Tuesday) If a player pitches 21-40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed. (Example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 1 full calendar day of rest (Sunday) and is next eligible to pitch on Monday) If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed. d) For regular season weeks where a makeup is required, and for playoff competition, see attached Pitching Limits for modified pitch counts and required rest.

e) If a pitcher hits 3 batters in an inning or four batters during an outing, the pitcher will be removed from pitching that game. f) No balks will be called. g) The manager is allowed 1 trip to the mound per inning per pitcher; the 2 nd trip will result in the removal of the pitcher from the mound for the game. h) Each team MUST use 9 year old players to pitch a minimum of 2 innings per game (6 outs). The 9 year old pitchers must pitch the 2 innings prior to the completion of the 5 th inning. This rule is in place to ensure that our 9 year old players get development as pitchers. 8) FIELDING: The infield fly rule will not be enforced. However, an infielder is not allowed to intentionally let a no question about it/easy catch ball drop in an effort to obtain a double play. A player fielding a ball always has the right of way, and the runner must avoid making contact with the fielder, even in the baseline. 9) MERCY RULE: An inning will end when the team at bat has scored 10 runs in an inning if 3 outs have not been recorded by that time. The inning will end once the play on the last batter has been completed. ***The mercy rule is waived for playoff competition. 10) GAME/TIMES: a) Score will be kept. Standings will be kept. Playoffs will be held. For standings purposes, a win will count as two points and a tie one point. If there is a two-way team tie at the end of the season, a tie-breaker system will determine the final order of the standings. (Head v Head, Runs Scored Against, Coin Flip) b) Each game will be 6 innings or two hours. c) No extra innings will be played (except during a playoff game). For standings purposes, a win will count as two points and a tie one point. If there is a twoway team tie at the end of the season, a tie-breaker system will determine the final order of the standings. (Head v Head, Runs Scored Against, Coin Flip) d) The basic rule for starting a new inning is as follows: No new inning can be started 2 hours after the official scheduled start time of the game. e) In the event of overcast skies, premature darkness or thunder and lightening, SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST! At first sight of lightening both coaches should confer with each other and the umpire. If it is determined that lightening was seen, all players and coaches must return to their vehicles for no less than a 15 minute delay. If after 15 minutes, the coaches and umpire agree that lightening is still a threat; the game will be called off. If the game is called, the game will be made up and will START OVER. The game will not be resumed from the point of the postponement.

f) For Playoff purposes only: If rain causes cancellation after game has begun, the game will be resumed where it left off (same count, same number of outs, same players on base) as if it never rained and regardless of where it is in the game.

SOUTHBURY YOUTH BASEBALL NATIONAL LEAGUE 11/12 RULE SUPPLEMENT Spring Season In addition to the 2008 Cal Ripken Baseball Rules, the following rules are specifically applicable for play in the SYB National League 11/12 Year Old Division: 1) BATTING ORDER: Each player on the team shall be placed in the batting order before each game. All players hit. The batting order cannot change once the game begins, with the exception of a player who arrives after the start of the game. In this case, the player will be placed at the bottom of the batting order. 2) PLAYING TIME: No player should sit more than one inning (3 defensive outs) per game when possible, dictated by roster size. Coaches are encouraged to rotate players at various positions. Players should not play the same position more than three innings in one game. Each player should play a minimum of one defensive inning in the infield. Callups are not eligible to pitch. 3) BATTING: a) There are no intentional walks. Pitchers are not allowed to intentionally pitch around batters with the hope of a walk. b) No slash bunting is allowed. If a player offers to bunt, he must either bunt the ball or pull the bat back. If the player fakes a bunt and then swings away (regardless of whether or not they make contact), he will be called out and all runners returned to their previous bases. 4) STEALING: a) A player MAY advance as a result of an overthrow on a stolen base attempt. b) Players may advance to any base on passed balls or wild pitches 5) RUNNING THE BASES: a) A player may not bait the fielder into throwing at their base by jumping up and down or clapping their hands. The umpire can call the runner out for this behavior. b) If a player is struck by a batted ball and injured, play must stop immediately. If the ball is caught during the injury, no advances may be made. Remember: The safety of the player is more important than the outcome of the play.

6) CONTACT Rule: If a runner attempting to reach a base intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player in the area of the base, he will be called out on the play and ejected from the game. The objective of this rule is to penalize the offensive team for crashing the defensive player, rather than trying to reach the base. This is an umpire s judgment call. 7) PITCHING: a) The maximum a player can pitch is 5 innings in a week (Monday thru Sunday) or 3 consecutive innings in any game. In addition, the manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group (85 pitches for Age 12), but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position. If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed for their league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. b) Once a pitcher is removed from the mound, they can not pitch again in that game. c) Required Rest for Pitchers: If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 3 full calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) and is next eligible to pitch on Wednesday) If a player pitches 41-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 2 full calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday,) and is next eligible to pitch on Tuesday) If a player pitches 21-40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 1 full calendar day of rest (Sunday) and is next eligible to pitch on Monday) If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed. d) For regular season weeks where a makeup is required, and for playoff competition, see attached Pitching Limits for modified pitch counts and required rest. e) If a pitcher hits 3 batters in an inning, or four batters during an outing, the pitcher will be removed from pitching that game. f) Balks will be called by the umpire ONLY. (Coaches-please refrain from calling balks aloud) g) The manager is allowed 1 trip to the mound per inning per pitcher; the 2 nd trip will result in the removal of the pitcher from the mound for the game.

8) FIELDING: a) The infield fly rule will be enforced. However, an infielder is not allowed to intentionally let a no question about it/easy catch ball drop in an effort to obtain a double play. b) A player fielding a ball always has the right of way, and the runner must avoid making contact with the fielder, even in the baseline. If contact is made, the runner will be called out for interference. 9) MERCY RULE: An inning will end when the team at bat has scored 10 runs in an inning if 3 outs have not been recorded by that time. The inning will end once the play on the last batter has been completed. ***The mercy rule is waived for playoff competition. 10) GAME/TIMES: Standings will be kept. Playoffs will be held. For standings purposes, a win will count as two points and a tie one point.. If there is a two-way team tie at the end of the season, a tie-breaker system will determine the final order of the standings. (Head v Head, Runs Scored Against, Coin Flip) a) Extra innings will be played. The basic rule for starting a new inning is as follows: No new inning can be started 2 hours after the start time of the game. b) In the event of overcast skies, premature darkness or thunder and lightening, SAFETY ALWAYS COMES FIRST! At first sight of lightening both coaches should confer with each other and the umpire. If it is determined that lightening was seen, all players and coaches must return to their vehicles for no less than a 15 minute delay. If after 15 minutes, the coaches and umpire agree that lightening is still a threat, the game will be called off if the game is called, the game will be made up and will START OVER. The game will not be resumed from the point of the postponement. c) For Playoff purposes only: If rain causes cancellation after game has begun, the game will be resumed where it left off (same count, same number of outs, same players on base) as if it never rained and regardless of where it is in the game.

SYB New Regular Season Pitching Limits for 2008 PITCH COUNTS: The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position: League Age 13-16 95 pitches per day 11-12 85 pitches per day 10 75 pitches per day 9 60 pitches per day 8 40 pitches per day Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter reaches base or is put out. REQUIRED REST: Pitchers league age 16 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements: If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 3 full calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday, Tuesday) and is next eligible to pitch on Wednesday) If a player pitches 41-60 pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 2 full calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday,) and is next eligible to pitch on Tuesday) If a player pitches 21-40 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.. (Example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 1 full calendar day of rest (Sunday) and is next eligible to pitch on Monday) If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed. **8 Year olds can not pitch on back to back days regardless of pitch count MAKEUP WEEKS & PLAYOFFS REQUIRED REST: (from Little League Tournament Rules for 2008) Pitchers league age 16 and under must adhere to the following requirements: If a player pitches 46 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed. (example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 2 full calendar days of rest (Sunday, Monday,) and is next eligible to pitch on Tuesday)

If a player pitches 21 to 45 pitches in a day, one calendar day of rest must be observed. (Example: pitcher pitches on Saturday, he/she needs 1 full calendar day of rest (Sunday) and is next eligible to pitch on Monday) If a player pitches 1 to 20 pitches in a day, no rest is required.