2017 YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES REVISED: June 30, 2017 GRADE LEVEL: FIRST FOURTH GRADE COACH PITCH (BOYS AND GIRLS LEAGUES) The goal of the Ann Arbor Public School's Community Education & Recreation Youth T-Ball Program is to provide a fun, enjoyable, healthy, leisure experience for program participants. Participants should be learning new skills and improving them throughout the season with the support of their coaches and parents. The outcome of the games should not be stressed. The main objective of the program is to provide each participant with an equal opportunity to learn the game and have fun. RULES FOR THE LEAGUE 1. ALL PLAYERS All players must be registered with Community Education & Recreation. Unregistered players will not be permitted to play. Coaches are not permitted to add and/or switch players to their rosters without the permission of the Rec & Ed Youth Baseball/Softball staff. The Rec & Ed Youth Baseball/Softball Staff will assign all players. Any coach playing an unregistered player and/or found switching players will face suspension and/or probation in accordance with the Team Sport's Policy on Probation, Suspension, and Hearing Procedures. 2. UNIFORMS/SHOES All players must wear their team shirts during league games. Penalty: Players not attired in their team shirt will not be allowed to participate. Each participant is expected to furnish his or her own glove. Metal spiked shoes are not allowed. Penalty: Players wearing metal spikes will not be allowed to participate. 3. BASE DISTANCES First - Third Grade Coaches Pitch (Boys) Baseline 54 feet pitching distance not applicable First - Fourth Grade Coaches Pitch (Girls) Baseline 54 feet pitching distance not applicable 4. GAME LENGTH First and Second Grade Leagues - the length of the games shall be six innings, and four innings will constitute a legal game. A one hour and twenty minute time limit will be observed. Third and Fourth Grade Leagues - the length of the games shall be seven innings, and five innings will constitute a legal game. A two hour time limit will be observed. Effect: No new inning shall start after the time limit has expired. Note: Teams switch position form offence to defense, or defense to offense, when the defense team has made 3 outs or the offense team has scored 7 runs. 5. MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS The minimum number of players that can be used is eight. It is recommended that all other options (borrowing players and waiting the allowable 15 minutes) be used before a forfeit is declared. See Forfeit Time and Borrowing Players. 6. FORFEIT TIME There is an automatic 15 minute grace period before a forfeit is declared. However, for the purpose of the time limit, the game clock starts at scheduled game-time.
Example: If game-time 5:30 pm and 10 minutes of the 15 minute grace period go by before the game starts, the time limit would still expire at 6:40 pm (the end of the one hour and ten minute time limit), not 6:50 pm. 7. BORROWING PLAYERS A team lacking the minimum number of players to begin the game may borrow players from the opposing team, as long as the coach of the opposing team agrees. If the team borrowing players acquires the minimum number of players after the start of the game, all borrowed players must be returned and added to the end of their team s batting line-up. Also, players arriving late must be added to the end of their team s line-up. Games involving borrowed players are official, and the borrowed player does not bat against his/her own team. Effect: For it to be an official game there has to be more players currently at the game, then borrowed players. For example the team has 3 players and has to borrow 5 players from the opposing team to have the game occur, then the rest of the game is a forfeit and the other team wins. 8. RAINOUTS & GAME CANCELLATIONS Rainouts will be rescheduled on make-up dates determined by Rec & Ed in accordance with these league rules. A. Games cancelled before 5:00 pm (Monday Friday) 1. The decision to cancel games due to inclement weather or poor field conditions will be made between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm 2. A message will be left on the Weather Update Line at 994-2300 ext. 53115 between 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm. 3. Check our website: www.aareced.com 4. All teams must report to their game sites unless they have been notified through one of the above methods that games are cancelled. B. Games cancelled after 5:00 pm (Monday Friday) 1. If games are not cancelled before 5:00 pm, the decision to play or not to play will be made by the home plate umpire. The decision should be based on safety as well as potential damage to the field. 2. Under certain circumstances the City of Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation Department may determine that the fields are unplayable and decide to cancel the games. 3. If your game time is after 7:00 pm and weather conditions are still questionable, continue to check the Weather Update Line for game cancellations. C. Games cancelled on Saturdays 1. For information regarding game cancellations on Saturdays, check the website, or telephone the Weather Update Line at 994-2300 ext. 53115. D. Weather Warnings (Monday Friday) 1. Weather Warnings Extending Beyond 6:00 pm All games for the remainder of the evening are cancelled. 2. Weather Warnings Lifted Before 6:00 pm Teams and umpires must report to their fields as scheduled. 3. Weather Warning Sounded on the City Siren System during a Game The plate umpire must cease play immediately. That game and any subsequent games that evening are cancelled. E. Lightning/Thunder When thunder is heard or lightning is seen, games must be immediately suspended. Officials, players, and spectators should seek appropriate shelter during the delay. Officials must not resume play until thunder has not been heard and lightning has not been seen in the local sky for 30 minutes. If the game is suspended, the game clock will not stop. Once determined safe, the game will be resumed with whatever time remains. The occurrence of thunder and lightning is not subject to interpretation or discussion. 2
Thunder is thunder, and lightning is lightning. The presence of thunder is lightning!!!! F. Thor Guard Protection System Buhr Park and Veterans Memorial Park (Vets Park) are equipped with the Thor Guard Lightning Prediction System in an effort to alert umpires, ball players, spectators and coaches of the likelihood of a lightning strike. Once the Thor Guard System determines that a lightning strike is imminent an alarm or horn blast will sound for 15 seconds. In some cases the horn blast may be accompanied by a flashing strobe light. Ball players, coaches, spectators, umpires, and other staff should seek shelter immediately. When the system determines that the threat of lightning has passed, three short blasts will be emitted from the horn clusters. Coaches should share information on how to react to these lightning prediction systems with team players and spectators and parent of players affiliated with teams. 9. RESCHEDULING GAMES Games will be rescheduled by Rec & Ed. Games will be rescheduled only in cases of inclement weather or a conflict with an Ann Arbor Public Schools function. 10. HOME TEAM DESIGNATION The first team listed on the schedule is the home team. The home team s bench is on the third base side. The away team s bench is on the first base side. 11. GAME BALL The home team shall provide a new ball and the visiting team shall provide a good used ball for each game. At the end of the game, each team will receive one ball unless a ball has been lost. In that case, the home team will receive the remaining ball. First Grade Boys and Girls Coaches Pitch will use ROTB 1 Second Grade Boys and Girls Coaches Pitch will use ROTB 5 Third Grade Boys Coaches Pitch will use ROTB 10 Third Grade Girls Coaches Pitch will use ROTB 5 Fourth Grade Girls Coaches Pitch will use R-11 RYS Softball 12. PRE-GAME INFIELD The visiting team has a five minute infield warm-up 15 minutes before scheduled game-time, and the home team has a five minute infield warm-up 10 minutes before game-time. Five minutes before game-time, the home plate umpire and coaches should go over ground rules. Note: Teams arriving late will forfeit their infield warm-up. INFIELD PRACTICE should never be taken while the grounds crew is working on the field. 13. USE OF TEE (1 st Grade Boys and 1 st /2 nd Grade Girls Leagues) If a player in either the 1 st grade boys league or the 1 st /2 nd grade girls league strikes out or does not get a hit on the five pitches that the batter faces, the player may choose to use a tee when at bat for the remainder of the game. The player does not have to choose this option but they may elect to do so. The same rules from Kindergarten Tee-Ball would apply. i.e. No bunting and each player would get five swings to hit the ball off the tee beyond at least 8 ½ feet. Hit balls that do not go beyond 8 ½ feet or hit balls that go foul are considered strikes. After the batter has had five attempts, his/her time at bat ends and he/she is declared out. 14. BATTING/RUNNING HELMETS Each player is required to wear a Rec & Ed approved helmet (with the chin strap snapped NO EXCEPTION) while on-deck, batting, running the bases. Rec & Ed approved requires a chin-strap and facemask. Penalty: A player on the batting team who removes his or her helmet without being granted permission by the umpire or who 3
fails to wear a helmet with the proper equipment will be declared out. Notes: All helmets must have a face guard and chin strap. No other batting helmets may be worn. Infielders and pitchers may wear the approved batting helmet with face guard when playing defense, if desired. 15. BATTING LINE-UP Each team's batting line-up must include all players present. Effect: All players present must bat each inning whether or not they played in a position. During the course of the game, no changes may be made in the batting line-up, in a result an out will be called for the batter that is out of order. Exception: Players who arrive after the start of the game are added to the last position in the batting line-up. Batters may only be removed from the batting line-up in cases of an injury, illness or early departure with a parent or guardian. Effect: The missing player s turn at bat will be skipped and no out will be called. 16. BATTING The batter must take a full swing, and there is no bunting. Any hit ball will be considered a playable ball if it is in the fair territory. 17. ON-DECK BATTER POSITIONING The on-deck batter should position himself or herself at a safe distance in front of the benches on the left if it is a right handed batter, and to the right if it is a left handed batter. By strictly observing this recommended positioning, injuries to on-deck batters should be reduced or eliminated. 18. PITCHING A coach or adult from the batting team will serve as the pitcher. The pitcher must be at least eighteen years old. Pitching rules: a. The pitcher may deliver the ball in any manner to home plate (e.g. overhand, underhand, or rolling it on the ground etc.). b. The pitcher may pitch from any distance from home plate. c. There is no walks or strikeout rule. d. Each batter gets five pitches, however if a pitch is hit foul it does not count in the 5 pitch count. e. The pitcher must make every attempt to avoid interfering with a ball hit into fair territory or with any defensive player attempting to field a live ball. f. If in the umpire s judgment, the pitcher unintentionally interferes with a play, the result is a dead ball, and a pitch is charged to the batter s total. If the interference is on the fifth pitch, the batter is out. g. If in the umpire s judgment, the pitcher intentionally interferes with a play, the result is a dead ball, and the batter/runner is out. Note: The umpire will also warn the pitcher that additional problems will result in the pitcher being relieved of his/her pitching duties. h. The player/pitcher will take a defensive position anywhere behind the coach/pitcher and will serve as a fielder. 19. MAXIMUM RUN LIMIT The most runs a team at bat can score in one inning are seven. Effect: Runners left on base or crossing home after the seventh run is scored do not count. Note: Third and Fourth Grade Rule Either on the seventh inning or the last inning declared by the umpire due to time limit the maximum run limit is not in effect. 20. STRIKE OUTS There are no strikeouts in first through fourth grade coach pitch. 21. DEFENSIVE PARTICIPATION RULE If ten players are available, the defensive team must play ten fielders (six infielders and four outfielders). All 4
outfielders must be stationed on the outfield grass at the time the batter strikes the ball. No team may ever play more than six infielders while on defense. All players must play the field at least two innings (six outs) and sit out at least one inning (three outs) in each complete game. Additionally, any starting fielder or substitute may re-enter the game without limitations defensively Exception: Games which are shortened or not completed due to inclement weather, the time limit, the Mercy Rule, etc. Note: If a player does not regularly attend practice, without good cause, or exhibits unsportsmanlike or unruly behavior, he or she may be exempt from this rule. However, a coach may not exclude a player from participating unless he or she has the permission of the Recreation Specialist for Youth Sports beforehand. 22. POSITIONS Rec & Ed instructs coaches to encourage kids to play different positions in the leagues. In this way, our youth players are able to get an opportunity to learn different positions and find out which ones they prefer. It also prevents certain players from being excluded from playing more desirable positions. However, coaches may choose to refrain from letting kids play certain positions if they feel that playing a specific position may jeopardize a player s safety. We encourage parents to discuss their children's position assignments with the head coach of their children's team if they have questions or concerns. Problems that cannot be resolved amicably should be referred to Elyse M. Bairley, the Supervisor of Youth Sports. 23. START / END OF PLAY The play will start with a fair ball being hit by the batter into the following areas: a. The ball is hit to the outfield (grass area). Runners may advance until the ball reaches the infield (dirt area) the umpire will call the play dead. Runners will finish running to the base they started heading to, however runners may be tagged out while trying to advance to that base. b. The ball is hit to the infield (dirt area) runners may advance 1 BASE ONLY, and may be tagged out. Once the infielder picks up the ball and holds it, or picks it up and throws the ball to the base or pitcher the umpire will call the play dead. 24. OVERTHROWS There are no overthrows in First to Third Grade Coach Pitch. If an overthrow occurs, the runner must stay on the base they were running to and the umpire call the play dead For Fourth Grade Coach Pitch, an overthrow is an errant throw by one fielder to 1 st or 3 rd base while trying to get the batter / baserunner out. Overthrows are one of two types: live ball overthrows or dead ball overthrows. The second type is sometimes referred to as a blocked ball or unplayable ball. Please note: overthrows to 2 nd base are not in effect. It is up to the umpire to declare before the game starts where the infield ends and the outfield starts and where the out of play or dead ball occurs. During the coaches and umpire meeting they will be informed by the umpire, and it is up to the coaches to let the players know the field before the game starts. When a fielder makes a live ball overthrow the ball remains in the field of play, designated in Diagram 1 as A. When an overthrow is made into this area the ball remains alive and the batter-runner and all other runners may continue to advance, at their own risk, with liability of getting tagged out. Any throw into the infield area, designated in Diagram 1 as B, will be declared a dead ball, and the runner may be tagged out while trying to advance to that base (see rule start / end of play) When a fielder makes a dead ball overthrow, the ball is thrown into a dead ball area, designated in Diagram 1 as C. The umpire will shout dead ball, and the base runner are awarded 1 base from the base they are currently subsiding. 5
25. SLIDING Runners are never required to slide, and there is no head first sliding while advancing to a base. Players must slide feet first. The Base-Runner is required to avoid illegal contact with fielders on a force play or a tag play. A runner is out when he/she does not legally slide AND causes illegal contact and/or illegally alters the actions of a fielder in the immediate act of making a play. Also, runners are out on a force play when they do not slide in a direct line between the bases or away from the fielder who is attempting to make a play. Effect: If a runner slides head first while advancing to a base, he or she will be declared out. The ball remains alive and play may continue. Note: A play does not have to be made on the runner in order for this rule to be enforced. The runner will be called out regardless of whether or not a play is attempted. Now on the other hand, if a defensive player is blocking the base the runner is heading to the umpire will remind the player after the play is dead to stand on the edge of the base inside of the whole base to help avoid injuries or illegal contact. 26. INFIELD FLY RULE The infield fly rule is not in effect in Coach Pitch. 27. LEAD-OFFS AND STEALING There is no lead-off or stealing in Coach Pitch 28. COACHES / TEAM ASSISTANCE a. BENCH PERSONNEL Except while playing or coaching, all players should be seated on the team bench or sideline during the game. Only players on the team, listed coaches, one scorekeeper and one bat person are permitted on the team bench. b. BATTING HELMET ASSISTANT Each coach must recruit an adult volunteer to serve as a Batting Helmet Assistant. The Batting Helmet Assistant s job is to ensure that the on-deck batter is wearing a helmet and to help the batter snap the chin strap properly. c. ADULT CATCHER RULE (optional) In all youth coach pitch leagues, each team may position an adult volunteer catcher behind the youth catcher to 6
help retrieve balls that the youth catcher misses. The adult volunteer cannot interfere or make a play for the catcher. The adult volunteer catcher will be assigned by the batting team, and if they are under the age of 18 years old they must wear a battering helmet provided by Rec and Ed. This rule should help expedite the game. Since the rule is optional, both teams must agree to use it at the pre-game meeting with the umpire in order for it to be in effect. d. COACHES When on offense, Coaches are NOT allowed on the playing field during the game for any reason. Exceptions: - To tend to an injured player. Coaches may stand in the coach s boxes or in their bench area. e. DEFENSIVE COACH When on defense, Coaches must stand in their bench area, and the can have 1 defensive coach may be positioned behind the outfielders in the field of play to help instruct the young players. Coaching should be done between plays and not during live ball situations. If the umpire feels the defensive coach is impeding the progress of the game, after a warning he / she may terminate the coaching position for the remainder of the game. f. BASE COACHES Base coaches may be players or adult coaches. Players / coaches under the age of 18 who act as a base coach are highly recommended to wear one of the batting helmets provided by Rec & Ed. 29. BLOODBORNE PATHOGENS A player, coach or umpire who is bleeding or who has blood on his/her uniform shall be prohibited from participating further in the game until appropriate treatment can be administered. If medical care or treatment is administered in a reasonable length of time, the individual will not have to leave the game. The length of time that is considered reasonable is left to the umpire's' judgment. Uniform rule violations will not be enforced if a uniform change is required. The umpire shall: 1. Stop the game and allow treatment if the injured player would affect the continuation of the game. 2. Immediately call a coach or other authorized person to the injured player. 30. JEWELRY Most exposed jewelry is illegal. Rings, watches, bracelets (friendship included), earrings, chains, or necklaces are illegal with the following exceptions: a) Starter earrings or studs may be worn on newly pierced ears if they are covered with tape or a bandage to the satisfaction of the official. b) A religious medal may be worn if it is taped to the body and worn under the uniform. c) Medical alert bracelets or necklaces may be worn if they are taped to the body so the medical alert information still remains visible and accessible if needed. d) Body piercings not visible to the official are not of concern. If the piercing becomes visible, the official must order the player to remove it. 31. SUSPENSIONS Probations, suspensions and hearings will be conducted as specified in the Team Sport s Policy on Probation, Suspension, and Hearing Procedures. 32. TOBACCO PRODUCTS Cigarettes, cigars, pipes, chewing tobacco, etc. are not to be used by coaches, players, or game officials during any official team function (games and practices). Violators of this policy will be reported to the Recreation Specialist for Youth Sports. 33. OFFICIAL GAME REPORT FORMS 7
The home team must keep the official score. The winning team is required to use the email that Elyse M. Bairley sent at the beginning of the season. Fill out the attached form, and send it back within 48hrs if it is not sent by then both team will be recorded as a double forfeit. *reason this is important* this is how we track the umpires for the games and make sure they get paid. Note: If a game ends in a tie, the home team is responsible for getting the information to Elyse M. Bairley within 48 hours. 34. STANDINGS There are no standings kept for Coach Pitch. In this league, we are more interested in the players having fun and learning the game. It s not about winning or losing, it is about how you play the game. 8