WESTERN REGION RULES 2015-16 EDITION Version 7 3 September 2015 1
Contents 1. General Principles... 7 1.1 General... 7 1.2 Officials Duties... 7 1.3 The Umpire... 8 1.4 Bringing the sport into disrepute... 8 1.4a PENALTY:... 8 1.5 Making Decisions... 8 2. The Game... 9 2.1 The main objectives of Tee-Ball are:... 9 2.2 Parent Involvement... 9 2.3 Player Safety... 9 3. The Tee... 9 3.1 Tee Placement... 9 3.2 Tee Removal... 9 4. Scorers... 10 4.1 Positioning... 10 4.2 Notify the Umpire... 10 4.21 For Cubs... 10 4.22 For Rookies, Minors and Majors... 10 5. Coaches... 10 5.1 Positioning... 10 5.2 Contact by Coach... 10 6. Injuries... 11 6.1 Injury during Play... 11 6.2 Injured Player... 11 6.3 Injured Batter... 11 6.4 Injury Reports... 11 7. Specifications... 11 7.1 The Diamond... 11 7.11 Cubs and rookies... 12 7.12 Minors and Majors... 12 8. The Ball... 12 9. The Tee... 12 10. The bat... 12 2
10.1 Cubs... 12 10.2 Rookies, Minors and Majors... 12 11. The Glove... 13 12. The Helmet... 13 13. Conduct... 13 13.1 Violations and Penalties... 13 14. Playing Rules... 13 14.1 Regulation Game... 13 14.2 Game Duration... 13 14.3 Double Headers... 13 14.4 Duration of an Innings... 14 14.41 Cubs... 14 14.42 Rookies, minors and Majors... 14 14.43 Ninth Batter Indication... 14 15. Commencement of Play... 14 16. Calling Time... 14 17. Outs... 15 17.1 Cubs... 15 17.2 Rookies... 15 17.3 Minors and Majors... 15 17.4 A player will not be awarded out if... 15 18. Strikes... 16 18.1 Cubs... 16 18.2 Rookies,... 16 18.3 Minors and Majors... 16 18.4 Foul Ball Circle... 16 18.41 Cubs... 16 18.42 Rookies... 16 19 Dead Balls... 16 20 Batting and Base Running... 17 20.1 Batting... 17 20.11 Back Foot Movement... 17 20.12 Hitting Ball Early... 17 20.13 Second strike on Ball at Tee... 17 3
20.14 Thrown Bat... 17 20.2 Batting Line-up... 17 20.21 Cubs... 17 20.22 Rotation of batting order... 17 20.23 Rookies, Minors and Majors... 18 20.24 Batting Order... 18 20.25 Batting Out of Order... 18 20.3 Bat Disposal... 18 21 Base Runners... 18 21.1 Avoid Collision... 18 21.2 Leaving the Diamond... 18 21.3 Removing Helmet... 19 21.4 Overthrows... 19 21.41 Primary play by an infielder... 19 21.42 Secondary play by an infielder... 19 21.43 Play by an outfielder... 19 21.5 Leaving Base Early... 19 21.6 Running to First Base... 19 21.7 Running through First Base... 19 21.8 Touching Bases in Order... 20 21.9 Tagging a Runner... 20 21.10 Force Play... 20 21.11 Leaving Base Early (on a legal hit)... 20 21.12 Live Ball after Catch... 20 21.13 Passing Runner in Front... 20 21.14 Runs on Third Out... 20 21.15 Suicide Running... 20 21.16 Dislodged Base... 21 21.17 Avoiding A Tag... 21 21.18 Advancing runner/s... 21 22. Interference... 21 22.1 Interference on Batted Ball... 22 22.2 Interference on Thrown Ball... 22 22.3 Interference after being given out... 22 4
23 Fielding... 22 23.1 Number of Fielders... 22 23.11 Cubs... 22 23.12 Rookies, Minors and Majors... 22 23.2 Sitting out Consecutive Innings... 22 23.3 Fielding Positions... 22 23.4 Player rotation... 23 23.41 Cubs... 23 23.42 Rookies, Minors and Majors... 23 23.5 Removing Helmet... 23 23.6 Removing Part of Uniform... 23 23.7 Lending of players... 23 23.8 Obstruction... 24 23.9 Substitution... 24 23.91 Change of Fielder... 24 23.92 Replacement of Player... 24 24. Regulations... 24 24.1 Age Groups... 24 24.2 Playing dispensation and exemption... 24 24.3 Registration ID cards pre game... 24 24.4 Teams... 25 24.41 Cubs... 25 24.42 Rookies, minors and majors... 25 24.5 Duty of care... 25 24.6 Borrowing of players... 25 24.61 Cubs... 25 24.62 Rookies... 26 24.63 Minors and Majors... 26 24.7 Scheduled Rounds... 26 24.71 The Draw... 26 24.72 Game results... 26 24.8 Player awards... 27 24.9 Weather Conditions... 27 24.10 Replaying of games... 27 5
25 Playing Season... 28 6
1. General Principles 1.1 General The playing rules of the Tee-Ball Association of New South Wales (hereafter referred to as the TBall NSW Rules shall be the "Official Australian Baseball Rules", with exceptions and variations as contained in these Rules and Regulations, which shall prevail. Any reference in this rulebook to Official Baseball Rules is to be read as the Official Australian Baseball Rules. Tball NSW shall have the power to decide on rules and the conduct of games under the control of the association and to rule on any matter not specifically covered in these rules and regulations 1.2 Officials Duties a) All officials will: I. Sign and adhere to TBall NSW s Codes of Conduct relating to the official duties being performed. b) Umpires will: I. Act in a responsible and safe manner. II. Act in the best interest of the sport of Tee-Ball. III. Comply with any relevant rules applying to the situation. IV. Be aged at least twelve (12). c) Coaches will: I. Act in a responsible and safe manner. II. Act in the best interest of the sport of Tee-Ball. III. Comply with any relevant rules applying to the situation. IV. Wear uniform in accordance with TBall NSW s Coach and Managers Code of Conduct. V. Not interfere with, or physically assist, any players whilst play is in progress. VI. Have a minimum NCAS level 1 accreditation. VII. Aged at least 14 d) Scorers will: I. Sit in designated scorers area. II. Be aged at least Fourteen (14) e) Managers will: I. Act in a responsible and safe manner. II. Act in the best interest of the sport of Tee-Ball. III. Comply with any relevant rules applying to the situation. IV. Wear uniform in accordance with TBall NSW s Coach and Managers Code of Conduct. V. Not enter the field during the game unless for medical reasons or at the request of the Umpire 7
1.3 The Umpire a) The umpire is to be provided by the home team. b) If for any reason no umpire is available to officiate in any game within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time, the game shall be re scheduled by Tball NSW and will be replayed at the earliest possible opportunity. Should the home affiliate still fail to appoint a suitable umpire at the 2 nd attempt the game will be awarded 6 nil to the visiting team. During games they are administering, umpires must at all times: a) Act in a responsible and safe manner. b) Act in the best interest of the sport of Tee-Ball. c) Comply with any relevant rules applying to the situation d) Explain respectfully, clearly and concisely any request and or penalty to the person/s involved. e) Use no physical force towards any person. f) Solve problems in the most diplomatic way, respecting the opinion of others. g) Discourage participants and/or spectators from bringing the sport into disrepute. h) Ensure a safe playing environment for all players. 1.4 For the sake of definition -this rulebook interprets the words - Bringing the sport into disrepute Any act intended to contravene the rules. Any act designed to exploit gaps in the rules. Any act being of general anti-social behaviour. Any act that may be reasonably foreseen to cause injury Any act in contravention to the Hit Run Fun Philosophy 1.4a PENALTY: I. For a first offence, a coach, manager, spectator or player is liable at the umpires discretion to be removed from the game and the vicinity of the playing field if felt necessary. The umpire has the discretion to give a warning but on the second occasion by the same offender, they must be removed. II. Failure to leave the vicinity warrants forfeiture of the game - in such case, the score shall be six-nil in favour of the opposing team. III. On all warnings, the umpire shall instruct the scorers to enter such, on the scorebook, with the offending members name, team and type of offence. All offenses will be dealt with by the Tball NSW committee. 1.5 Making Decisions a) When determining close decisions the rule is the runner must BEAT the ball to the base. A tie should be awarded in favour of the fielder. b) Umpire's judgement decisions are final. However, an inquiry may be made on decisions based on rule interpretations, but ONLY by the team coach and directed to the plate umpire in a respectful manner. The plate umpire will then consult with the base umpire if it was his/her call. c) When more than one umpire is in attendance, umpires may consult with, but not overrule, each other. The initial question on a rule interpretation must be directed to the plate umpire. d) Umpires must discourage exploitation of gaps in the rules. 8
2. The Game 2.1 The main objectives of Tee-Ball are: a) To introduce children to a diamond based team sport environment where enjoyment and success can be achieved through participation b) To encourage and promote good health through exercise. c) To promote and encourage good sportsmanship. 2.2 Parent Involvement The game is for all to enjoy and have fun in participating. Parents should become involved by coaching, scoring, umpiring, or managing. By being involved we ensure the children play team sport in a healthy family participating environment. 2.3 Player Safety a) Correct uniforms must be worn during all games, including shirts tucked in and caps properly aligned. b) Shoes (enclosed type) must be worn at all times by anyone involved in a game. Screw-in studs, hard plastic and metal cleats are NOT permitted on the diamond. c) In all games, all batters, base runners, and catchers MUST wear helmets. d) Exposed jewellery such as wrist watches, bracelets, earrings and neck chains etc must not be worn during games. Medical Alert bracelets or Medical Alert necklaces are not considered jewellery, however if worn should be taped to the body leaving the tag free. DOCTORS CERTIFICATES must support any written request for exemption. Written requests must be forwarded to the TBall NSW for acceptance or rejection. Written requests for Jewellery by choice will generally only be accepted under exceptional circumstances. e) If glasses, (including prescription), are worn it is recommended they be approved sports glasses. f) Umpires, Coaches and all game officials, have a duty of care to the safety and welfare of all players in games in which they are officiating. 3. The Tee 3.1 Tee Placement a) The Tee shall be placed directly in front of Home Plate. b) The stem of the Tee shall be in line with the back point of Home Plate. The tee should dissect the centre of 2 nd base, the middle of the pitchers plate and the back point of home plate Note: The Umpire shall be the only person to handle the tee and at the request of a player/coach adjust the tee height as required. 3.2 Tee Removal The Plate Umpire MUST remove the tee after each hit, and hold it until "Time" is called. 9
4. Scorers 4.1 Positioning The scorers must sit together behind the home plate, or within a designated scoring area. This area must be outside the dead ball lines. 4.2 Notify the Umpire The scorers must notify the umpire when: a) A batter bats or is about to bat out of order. 4.21 For Cubs b) When each player in the batting line up has each completed one at bat in any particular inning. 4.22 For Rookies, Minors and Majors c) The ninth batter of the inning is about to have their at bat. 5. Coaches 5.1 Positioning a) When their team is batting, coaches are only allowed in the first and third base coach's boxes or in team bench area. Coaches are permitted to assist and instruct a batter but must return to either the bench or Coach's Box before "Play Ball" is called. Coaches at first & third base must remain in foul territory during play. Should the coach move into the field of play and interfere with play the leading runner shall be given out. b) When their team is fielding, two coaches may take a position anywhere behind the line of the outfielders to direct play. If a live ball touches any such coach, or he/she physically assists a fielder, the batter shall be awarded a home run. c) If a coach who, whilst in the coach s box, intentionally handles a live batted/thrown ball, the umpire will call Time, Dead Ball. The outcome of that play to be decided in consultation by both the plate and field umpire. 5.2 Contact by Coach Batting coaches may not physically assist runners when acting as first or third base coaches. Should the umpire consider any touching to be of assistance the runner shall be called out. Congratulatory physical contact is permitted; however, coaches feet must remain in foul territory. 10
6. Injuries 6.1 Injury during Play If any player is injured during a play, an umpire will immediately call "Time" to halt the game. After attending to the injured player, the plate umpire will then, in consultation with the field umpire, use discretion to decide the outcome of that play. 6.2 Injured Player a) If an injury incapacitates a player, a coach may request the umpire's permission to remove that player from the batting line-up without penalty, b) An injured player not incapacitated, I. With the umpire's approval, MAY be removed from the batting line-up for first aid treatment, and the line-up close up without penalty, II. After treatment, with the approval of the umpire and the person administering first aid, the player may return to the game in the same position in the batting line-up. c) A player with an injury that is bleeding or open MUST be removed from the game and treated. All contaminated clothing and equipment must be replaced or cleansed of blood prior to the player being allowed to resume play, the wound must be covered. If bleeding reoccurs and cannot be controlled, the player may take no further part in the game. 6.3 Injured Batter a) A previously injured player may have a substitute runner once they reach first base. They can only be substituted at first base, and after "Time" has been called. (They may not be substituted once they have run beyond First Base) b) Any runner injured when safe at base may have a substitute runner at that base. (In both cases the substitute must be the last batter who scored or was put out.) 6.4 Injury Reports a) Umpires will instruct scorers to record in the scorebook next to the appropriate players name any injury they feel could/may require some ongoing attention. b) Scorers should have the umpire fill out an incident report/s after the game. 7. Specifications 7.1 The Diamond a) Dead Ball Line: 6.10m from Foul Ball Lines and 6.10m radius from point of home plate b) Pitchers Plate: 14.02m from point of home plate and centred between 1st and 3rd. c) Team Bench area to be outside the Dead Ball line and approximately half way up the First and Third base lines d) Home Team shall occupy the First base line bench and the Away team the Third base line bench e) Bases 375mm square, 10-75mm thick. f) Pitchers Plate 600mm x 150mm x 5-20mm thick. 11
g) Home plate 430mm x 430mm x 5-10mm thick h) Foul Ball Circle, half circle 10 feet in radius marked from the back point of home plate 7.11 Cubs and rookies i) Baselines: 15.24m Long 7.12 Minors and Majors j) Baselines: 18.29m long 8. The Ball 8.1 Cubs a) Yellow soft aussie T Balls 8.2 Rookies, Minors and Majors b) Tee Balls K500 style 9. The Tee a) The tee must be of a similar construction to the following: Light weight steel or composite tubing with a base, b) a telescopic centre tube for height adjustment, a flexible top section securing a rubber or plastic ball holder c) The dimensions of the tee shall be as listed: Base no larger than 400mm across, outer tube no thicker than 40mm, flexible rubber/plastic top no longer than 250mm d) The tee must be capable of holding a Baseball in an upright position e) Tee s must be in safe working order, have no spikes or sharp edges. f) Umpires have the right to refuse the use of an unsafe tee. 10. The bat Tee-Ball, or Baseball bats can be used. The maximum size shall be: 10.1 Cubs Aussie Tball or similar bats to be used. Bats must be foam. 10.2 Rookies, Minors and Majors Maximum: 29 inches, 2 and ¼ bat diameter and -11 differential. 12
11. The Glove Each fielder must wear a standard diamond sports glove not more than 32.5cm long from top to bottom and not more than 20cm wide across the palm. 12. The Helmet Conventional baseball/softball batters type helmet, with both ear covers. Chin strap is optional 13. Conduct 13.1 Violations and Penalties Players, Coaches, Managers and Spectators, shall not make disparaging or offensive or insulting remarks to or about other players, officials or spectators. Umpires will not tolerate any conduct or allow verbal interference such that in the umpire s opinion the sport is brought into disrepute. a) For a first offence, a coach, manager, spectator or player is liable at the umpires discretion to be removed from the game and the vicinity of the playing field if felt necessary. The umpire has the discretion to give a warning but on the second occasion by the same offender, they must be removed. b) Failure to leave the vicinity warrants forfeiture of the game - in such case, the score shall be six - nil in favour of the opposing team. c) On all warnings, the umpire shall instruct the scorers to enter such, on the scorebook, with the offending members name, team and type of offence. d) Refer to judiciary guidelines 14. Playing Rules 14.1 Regulation Game 14.2 Game Duration A regulation game shall be of six innings or one (1) hour, whichever occurs first. a) No innings shall commence within ten minutes (10 minute rule) of the scheduled finishing time. (An innings is defined as commencing at the moment the bottom of the previous innings is completed.) b) Once an innings has commenced, it must be played to completion, that is, both sides must bat. c) If the team batting in the bottom of the inning is leading, after the ten minute rule then the game is finished. 14.3 Double Headers 13
a) When a double header is scheduled a regulation game is 5 innings or 45 minutes duration, whichever occurs first b) No innings shall commence within ten minutes of the scheduled finishing time. (An innings is defined as commencing at the moment the bottom of the previous innings is completed.) c) The game must finish at the scheduled completion time. The batter in the box when time has elapsed must finish their at bat. 14.4 Duration of an Innings 14.41 Cubs a) An inning will be complete once every listed player has had one at bat in that inning or 3 outs are made, whichever occurs first 14.42 Rookies, minors and Majors b) An inning will be complete when 9 batters have competed their at bat or 3 outs are made, whichever occurs first 14.43 Ninth Batter Indication a) At no time during a game shall anyone, that is, scorer, umpire, coach, manager, player or spectator make reference, by any verbal instruction or physical indication, to notify ninth batter is approaching. b) If a member of the batting team indicates ninth batter then the batter is out and the side is away. c) If the indication is made by the fielding team then the batter shall be credited with a home run. Such batter must still touch all bases legally. 15. Commencement of Play When the batter is settled in the batting box, the umpire will call "Batter Up" then "Play Ball" for each batter and after every strike, foul, dead ball or when "Time" has been called. a) The umpire shall not call: "Play Ball" until all runners are in contact with their bases and all fielders are reasonably settled. 16. Calling Time When the ball is hit, play proceeds normally until the ball is held by any player in an infield position and all runners are in close proximity to a base (only 1 runner may occupy a base). The umpire shall then call: "Time". 14
17. Outs It is an out if: 17.1 Cubs a) A batter is forced out at first. Only the first baseman can record unassisted put outs at 1 st base. b) A legal catch is made by any fielder 17.2 Rookies c) a), and b) above d) a batter strikes out e) a runner is forced out at any base f) a player is tagged out between bases g) Obstruction or Interference is ruled h) A fielder whilst in possession of the ball touches any base in which a runner is advancing. There is no need to tag the runner. The sole decider of whether the runner was advancing to the base is that of the umpire. This can occur at any base. (See rule 21.18) 17.3 Minors and Majors i) a), b), d), e), f) g) above j) A batter makes contact with the tee or ball and the ball travels into fair territory but fails to leave the foul circle when the batter has 2 strikes 17.4 A player will not be awarded out if a) The batter runner is tagged by the pitcher before they reach first base and become a base runner. b) Any fielder besides the catcher gets an unassisted put out at home plate. Eg Bases loaded, Ball gets hit back to the pitcher and the pitcher runs and touches home plate before the runner reaches the plate. The runner is to be given not out. If the pitcher was to throw the ball to the catcher the out could be awarded. If the catcher was to field the batted ball and return to the base before the runner reaches the base safely the runner should be given out. c) An outfielder records a put out on any base. 15
18. Strikes 18.1 Cubs No batter is to be called out due to strikes 18.2 Rookies, The batter is out after three strikes. A strike is called against the batter: a) If a full swing fails to dislodge the ball. b) Batter hits a ball that lands in foul territory, excluding the foul ball circle. c) Back foot movement. 18.3 Minors and Majors d) If, in the umpire's opinion, the batter hits more tee than ball when striking at the ball. e) If, in the umpire's opinion, the batter does not take a normal full forceful swing when striking at the ball. f) a), b) and c) above g) If the batter steps on home plate whilst in the act of hitting the ball. 18.4 Foul Ball Circle A ball coming to rest inside the Foul Ball Circle shall be deemed a strike. Note: Time should not be called till the ball has come to a rest or is touched by a fielder. As soon as the ball has come to a rest the umpire shall call Time foul ball strike/s on the batter 18.41 Cubs All balls which come to a rest in this area are considered fouls. 18.42 Rookies All balls which come to rest in this area are considered strikes. When the batter has two strikes it is to be considered a foul. 19 Dead Balls Umpires must call Time and Dead Ball to stop play when: a) A thrown ball crosses the Dead Ball line. b) In their opinion a player appears hurt and in need of attention. c) In their opinion any person on the diamond could foresee ably be entering into danger. d) In their opinion any person on the diamond could foresee ably be about to cause danger. e) In their opinion a fielder deliberately carries, knocks or kicks a ball over the dead ball line in an effort to supress any runners In cases (b) to (e) the umpire/s will after calling Time, dead ball rectify the situation and then 16
in consultation with one another determine the outcome of that play. 20 Batting and Base Running 20.1 Batting 20.11 Back Foot Movement When the umpire calls: "Batter Up", the batter shall take a set stance in the batting box. From the call: "Play Ball", the batter is not permitted to reposition the back foot such that, in the umpire's opinion, the ball will be hit in an appreciably different direction. (Front foot movement is permitted.) The penalty for each back foot movement is "Foul Ball" and one strike is recorded on the batter. NOTE: Pivoting or dragging the back foot after contact is permitted. 20.12 Hitting Ball Early If the batter hits before "Play Ball" is called, the ball is dead and no count is recorded on the batter. 20.13 Second strike on Ball at Tee A batter is out when, after hitting a ball they dispose of the bat in a way that causes it to make contact with the ball a second time in fair territory. 20.14 Thrown Bat The batter shall be given out for disposing of the bat in a dangerous manner. (It is considered dangerous when the bat is disposed of in a way that would allow it to make contact with another person). The ball is dead and runners are returned to the base they occupied before the hit. The umpire can choose to give a warning at their own discretion. 20.2 Batting Line-up 20.21 Cubs a) A minimum of 5 and a maximum of 8 players may occupy a batting line up b) All eligible and available players must be listed in the batting line up c) Players must bat in the order specified on the batting line up 20.22 Rotation of batting order d) If player one leads off the first inning and player 5 bats last in the next inning player 2 will bat first and player 1 will bat last. In the following inning after that player 3 will lead off and player 2 will bat last. This continues for the duration of the game 17
20.23 Rookies, Minors and Majors a) Though only nine (9) players may field at any one time, up to twelve (12) players may be listed in the batting line-up, The next innings starts with the next listed batter. b) If less than three batters are out and nine (9) players have completed their turn at bat, the umpire shall declare Side Away. c) If the opposing team has more players, they may lend one or two players to the opposition and such players shall be deemed to be registered players for that team for the duration of the game 20.24 Batting Order a) a player's position in the batting order is fixed once the umpire calls play ball at the start of the game. 20.25 Batting Out of Order a) The improper batter becomes a legalised batter when "Play Ball" has been called for the improper batter at bat. The next batter is then the batter named after the legalised improper batter. 20.3 Bat Disposal The Batter shall be given out and the ball deemed dead if he / she has not disposed of the bat by the time they reach First base. Note: a) All runners shall be returned to their bases and the next batter called up. 21 Base Runners 21.1 Avoid Collision Any Runner who does not attempt to avoid a collision with a Fielder or Catcher in possession of the ball, or when a play is being made at a base where a fielder or catcher is in the act of receiving the ball shall be given OUT a) In such cases the ball is DEAD and any other Runners shall return to the last base legally occupied at the time of the collision unless forced to advance 21.2 Leaving the Diamond Any runner having left the diamond gives up the right to re-enter the diamond or to take any further part in that At bat inning. (This rule refers to runners or batter/runners and shall not include players being sent from the diamond incorrectly by the umpire). 18
21.3 Removing Helmet After the batter hits the ball, any base runner, who, intentionally removes their helmet and is not put out before the umpire calls Time, will be called out. 21.4 Overthrows 21.41 Primary play by an infielder a) Batter and all runners are awarded one base from the time of the hit. 21.42 Secondary play by an infielder b) Batter and all runners are awarded one base from the time the ball goes out of play 21.43 Play by an outfielder c) Any throw from an outfielder which goes out of play is one base from the time the ball goes out of play. Note I. An umpire would be in their rights to consider a ball that hits any perimeter boundary, regardless of whether the play goes out of play or not as a dead ball. 21.5 Leaving Base Early No runner may leave their base before the ball is hit. When a runner leaves the base before the ball is hit, both umpires shall call: "Time Dead Ball", and return all runners to their bases. The Umpire shall warn the runner who left the base early that if the same runner offends again in the same innings, the runner shall be called: "Out". Note: I. As the infringement happened before the ball was hit, there is no need to wait for the ball to hit the ground, the ball is Dead therefore any catch will not count and there shall be no count on the batter. 21.6 Running to First Base Batters, running to first base, must run the second half outside the diamond. If not and a play is made between home and first base, the batter/ runner will be called out. 21.7 Running through First Base Batter-runners are permitted to run through first base provided they return immediately to the base. Runners are out if they display any intent to move towards second and are tagged while off base. 19
21.8 Touching Bases in Order When running bases, a runner must touch each base in order. If a runner misses a base, the fielder may appeal by holding the ball whilst in contact with the missed base. The appeal will be allowed only if the umpire has seen the runner missing the base and they are identified on the first appeal. Runners are not entitled to return to an occupied base. When retouching bases, runners must do so in reverse order. 21.9 Tagging a Runner Whilst the ball is live any runner may be put out by being tagged by a fielder whilst off base. a) To be put out on a forced play the base may be tagged before the runner arrives or the runner may be tagged before they arrive at the base b) To be put out on a non forced play the runner must be tagged before they reach the base. Note: I. Tagging a runner consists of touching the runner with the ball or the hand or glove containing the ball. II. Tagging a base consists of touching the base with any part of the body whilst in control of the ball. III. After the tag is made, the fielder must still have control of the ball. 21.10 Force Play A force play is one in which a runner legally loses the right to occupy a base by reason of the batter becoming a runner. 21.11 Leaving Base Early (on a legal hit) Runners are out if they leave the base before a batted ball is caught and they fail to re-touch that base before they or that base are tagged by a fielder with the ball. 21.12 Live Ball after Catch On any catch, whether a fair hit or a foul hit, whether in fair or foul territory, the ball is live and runners may advance at their own risk. 21.13 Passing Runner in Front A runner is out if, and when, they pass the runner/s in front of them before such runner/s are given out. 21.14 Runs on Third Out No runs can be scored on a play where the third out is made - a) On the batter-runner before they have touched first base, or b) On a force play. When the third out made is not as in (a) or (b) any runs scored before the third out is made will count. 21.15 Suicide Running Umpires should be aware of any attempt by runners to force errors by suicide running or 20
barging. Any advantage gained by this practice shall be nullified and the runner returned to the base before this occurred. Any outs made shall stand. The umpire should at least warn any player they suspect might have committed this offence. In the more severe of cases where injury could have occurred, the umpire has the right to eject or give the player out. 21.16 Dislodged Base a) If the impact of a runner dislodges a base from its position, no play can be made on that runner at that base if the player had reached that base safely. b) Any following runner on the same play shall be considered as touching or occupying the base if, in the umpire s judgement the player touches or occupies the point marked by the dislodged base. Note: any attempt to advance beyond the dislodged base shall nullify the player s exemption while off the point marked by the dislodged base. 21.17 Avoiding A Tag A runner is out if they deviate from the running line they are taking to avoid being tagged. Note: I. If close to a base runners may try to slide under a tag. II. Runners may turn to go back, choosing the shortest line, if they are not in a force situation. 21.18 Advancing runner/s An advancing runner is one which has shown intent to advance bases. The sole decider of intent is the umpire. In all cases the ball must be in the possession of an infielder, and that fielder is in contact with the base directly after the one which the base runner is currently occupying, A player is considered to have shown intent: a) if at the time of the out the base runner is showing signs of trying to advance to that base. b) If at the time the play is made at the base the runner is closer to that base than the preceeding one c) If the runner is attempting to begin a rundown Note: I. Umpires should use common sense when applying this rule. If the baserunner has shown intelligent base running skills eg observing the play before retreating to a base that runner should not be penalized. II. The rule is created to prevent confusion for fielders who may not have the understanding of a tag play. III. All decisions should be made with these previous two points in mind. 22. Interference 21
22.1 Interference on Batted Ball If a runner interferes with a fielder whilst in the act of fielding a batted ball, the runner is out, the ball is dead, and no players may advance unless forced. 22.2 Interference on Thrown Ball If a runner intentionally interferes with a fielder whilst in the act of fielding a thrown ball, the runner is out, the ball is dead and no players may advance unless forced. 22.3 Interference after being given out Umpires shall come together and determined the outcome of a play where a runner, who has been called out, interferes (deliberate or accidental) with a fielder attempting another out. For their teams sake players should leave the field immediately they are given out. 23 Fielding 23.1 Number of Fielders 23.11 Cubs Six (6) fielders occupy the field. These players must occupy the 6 infield fielding positions. If a team has a 7 th player then that player is to field between the 2 nd basemen and the short stop. The player is to be situated on the outfield side of 2 nd base. 23.12 Rookies, Minors and Majors Nine (9) fielders occupy the field. These players must occupy positions considered to be the 9 fielding positions of baseball. No additional infielders or outfielders are required under any circumstance. 23.2 Sitting out Consecutive Innings No listed player will sit out two consecutive fielding innings unless at their request to the umpire. Should the umpire notice this infringement he/she shall give one warning to the coach. On the second occasion, the umpire shall remove the coach from the game. 23.3 Fielding Positions When the batter is swinging at the ball: a) Fielders must field in orthodox fielding areas, while maintaining relative separation. b) Fielders should be reasonably set in their positions. Eg: out fielders should not be running. c) The pitcher must be in contact with the pitching plate d) The catcher must have their whole body a safe distance from the batter. The catcher must be situated directly in front of the umpire e) No fielder, except the catcher, may be in foul territory. f) From the call of Play Ball until the batter swings, only limited movement is permitted 22
within their orthodox fielding positions for all fielders except pitcher and catcher. g) When, in the umpire's opinion, the offending fielder gains an advantage from a violation of (b), (c), (d), (e) or (f) the umpire shall call: "Dead Ball" and return all runners to their bases. On all occasions, the umpire shall warn the offending player. h) Fielders may be positioned anywhere in fair territory but not within 45 feet of the Home Plate, except for the Catcher 23.4 Player rotation 23.41 Cubs a) Every inning the players must rotate fielding positions in the following order: I. Pitcher becomes Catcher II. Catcher becomes 1 st Base III. 1 st Base becomes 2 nd Base IV. 2 nd Base becomes 3 rd Base V. 3 rd base becomes Shortstop VI. Shortstop becomes pitcher VII. If a 7 th player is included in the line up they will be included in the fielding rotations. The player who fields in the 7 th position moves to the pitcher position the following inning. b) This rotation is to continue for every inning of the game. 23.42 Rookies, Minors and Majors a) No player may play more than 2 defensive innings in any fielding position per game. Any part of any inning played in a particular position counts as 1 inning played. b) No player is to play no more than 2 innings in the outfield (this is all 3 outfield positions combined) in any one game. 23.5 Removing Helmet Fielders wearing helmets must not intentionally remove them at any time while the ball is live. Any interference caused by a discarded helmet shall give all runners one extra base. No outs can be recorded on a play where interference has been caused by a helmet. 23.6 Removing Part of Uniform A fielder may not deliberately remove any part of their uniform or equipment to stop a batted or thrown ball. If the ball is touched in this way the penalty is a home run to the batter. 23.7 Lending of players Opposition teams may provide substitute fielders to ensure that there is always the correct numbers of players on the field, (6 for cubs and 7 for rookies, minors and majors). The decision to lend players is to be made prior to the completion of the pre-game plate meeting and is at the discretion of the coach who would be lending the players. If the game starts with a team/s lending players then this must continue for the duration of the game. 23
23.8 Obstruction Obstruction is the act of a fielder who, while not in possession of the ball and not in the act of fielding the ball, impedes the progress of any runner. If a fielder obstructs a base runner, the umpire shall invoke such penalty that will nullify the obstruction. NOTE: Base runners must advance at least to the next base. 23.9 Substitution 23.91 Change of Fielder Any player who is listed in the batting line-up may be swapped for a fielder at any time, provided: "Time" has been called. A fielder so replaced may return to the field with the approval of the umpire at any time provided Time has been called and that only nine (9) fielders are on the field whilst play is in progress. 23.92 Replacement of Player Players may be officially substituted; however, the replaced player may take no further part in the game. The new player must take the substituted player's place in the batting order. Substitutes must be listed as reserves in the line-up. Substitutes may only be used after all twelve team members have participated in the game. 24. Regulations 24.1 Age Groups Age, for TeeBall purposes, means "Tball Age", which is that age attained by a Player prior to, or on, the 31st December 2015. The Age Groups for the Western Region shall be as follows: Cubs - Rookies Minor Majors - 4 and 5 years old 6 Years old 7 Years Old 8 years old Players are to play in the age group that they qualify for. 24.2 Playing dispensation and exemption Dispensation and exemptions may be granted only upon application to, and with the approval of the Tball NSW Executive. 24.3 Registration of players Only players who have been registered prior to the game and the registration has been approved by Tball NSW will be allowed to participate in games. In order for a player to be 24
registered the players details must have been forwarded to Tball NSW prior to the game. 24.4 Teams 24.41 Cubs a) No team shall participate in a scheduled game with less than five (5) of its registered players present and available to play from the SAME team. b) A team can only continue to participate in a scheduled game while it maintains a minimum of five (5) of its registered players playing in the entire game c) Penalty: If a team cannot meet the minimum player requirements at any stage then that team will lose the game 6 nil. 24.42 Rookies, minors and majors d) No team shall participate in a scheduled game with less than seven (7) of its registered players present and available to play from the SAME team. e) A team can only continue to participate in a scheduled game while it maintains a minimum of seven (7) of its registered players playing in the entire game. f) C) above 24.5 Duty of care Coaches are reminded of their duty of care to their players; under no circumstance is an injured or sick player to be kept in a game to ensure the team maintains the minimum amount of team members in a game. 24.6 Borrowing of players A team may borrow players to make up numbers for any particular round as long as the following criteria are met subject to rule 24.41 and 24.42. a) No more than 2 players can be borrowed for any particular round b) Players must be registered players from the same club c) Borrowed players must be clearly marked on the score sheet as borrowed d) No player shall be loaned to a higher age group for more than 2 games in a season. e) No borrowed player is permitted to play as a pitcher or 1 st Base f) Teams unable to field a full line up of registered players from that team on a consistent basis may be asked by Tball NSW to show good reason why the team should not be de registered. 24.61 Cubs g) Players can only be borrowed from within the same age group. h) A team with borrowed players shall not have more than 7 players on the batting line up. 25
This includes the borrowed players. 24.62 Rookies i) d) above j) A team with borrowed players shall not have more than 9 players on the batting line up. This includes the borrowed players. 24.63 Minors and Majors k) Players can only be borrowed from the age group immediately below that of the team which is seeking to borrow. l) A team with borrowed players shall not have more than 9 players on the batting line up. This includes the borrowed players. 24.7 Scheduled Rounds 24.71 The Draw a) The team listed first on the draw shall play as the home team and field first. 24.72 Game recording and results All Tball NSW games must be recorded on official Tball NSW score sheets as supplied by Tball NSW prior to the season. This official score sheet acts as a record of the game as well as a result sheet. Upon completion of the game all fields on the score sheet need to be completed and signed by all game officials. Player of the year award information should be competed also ( see Rule 24.8). The process for lodging results is as follows: a) A photo of the competed score sheet should be taken ensuring that all aspects of the score sheet are completed and legible. b) This photo is to be sent to Tball NSW on 04 2 TEEBALL (0428332255). c) The responsibility of submitting results falls with the winning team. If the game is drawn the responsibility is the home teams. d) All results need to be received before 1:00pm on the day of the game. ( 1 hour after completion for mid week or re scheduled games). Failure to submit results within this time frame could lead to the win being taken away from the winning team. e) Upon receipt of a legible result sheet you will receive confirmation from Tball NSW that your result has been received. f) The original of the score sheets should be kept by both teams. In the instance of a protest Tball NSW reserves the right to request the original documents from the affected clubs. Note: 26
I. It is always advisable to record the scoring of the game in pencil however it transfers better to photo if the details section of the score sheet is completed in pen. II. Tball NSW has particular interest in the following sections of the score sheet It would be appreciated if care could be taken to ensure the readability of the following sections: 1) Team line ups Allows Tball NSW to cross check for registered players 2) Game result The game result is not always easily deciphered from the scoring of the game particularly when games revert back due to incomplete innings or the like. 3) Player of the game both home and away 24.8 Player awards a) At the completion of each game one representative from each team must nominate a player worthy of an award. This player is to be noted on the score book. The player can be recognized for a good play, a good attitude, an all-round good game or any other criteria that the person selecting the award sees fit. At the end of the season Tball NSW will give an award to the person/s that receive the most votes. Note I. The composition, recipients and number of awards to be distributed is to be solely determined by Tball NSW. 24.9 Weather Conditions a) Club Secretaries ONLY are to ring Tball NSW on Ph 0428 33 22 55 to establish if, due to wet weather, games are to be played. b) Club Secretaries ONLY are to ring Tball NSW to advise of any closure of their Ground due to wet weather. c) Such advice from Club Secretaries is to be received at the latest by 8.00pm on the evening prior to the day when games are scheduled to be played at their Club s Ground. d) Any advice given in relation to wet weather or ground closures will be displayed on the Tball NSW web site and club Tball NSW web spaces as soon as practicable e) Decisions in relation to fitness of the playing surface is the responsibility of the home team up till five minutes before the scheduled game time at which time it becomes the responsibility of the umpire. 24.10 Replaying of games f) Games scheduled for 8:30am on Saturday will be replayed the Tuesday immediately following the date of the washout g) Games scheduled for 9:45am on Saturday will be replayed on the Wednesday immediately following the date of the washout. h) Games scheduled for 11:00am on Saturday will be replayed on the Thursday immediately following the date of the washout i) Should games not be able to be played on these days than those games will be declared No Games and no further attempt will be made to replay them. j) Club Secretaries shall be notified by Tball NSW of any games to be replayed. k) Any team which fails to abide by the decision to replay any rescheduled game shall be deemed to have forfeited the game and the Club concerned shall incur a fine. l) For double headers: 1) Only one game is to be replayed 27
2) The game will be scheduled based on the timing of the first game of the doubleheader. 3) Replayed double header games operate under the rules of a single game (see rule 14.2) 25 Playing Season The season for the Western Region shall be from September 5 2015 till 19 March 2016. 28