KINO BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS Effective January 1, 2013 All Kino Baseball Leagues EFFECTIVE JANUARY 1, 2013 EXCEPT FOR THE NATIONAL PONY BASEBALL LEAGUE THE NATIONAL BABE RUTH LEAGUE, AMERICAN AMATEUR BASEBALL CONGRESS (AABC) (CONNIE MACK) will be played in accordance with the National Federation High Schools (NFHS) Rules with the following inclusions. NARRATIVE While the Kino Baseball League appreciates the support given by the Southern Arizona Baseball Community, with the understanding of the instructional value and impact the seasonal leagues sanctioned by the Kino Baseball League have on the player development and the coaching values and efforts put forth by the coaches that participate in the league to teach and instruct the players on strategies and science of the game, but be reminded and fully understand the entire Kino Baseball League program from the administration to the umpires wants to be certain and clear that everyone that participate also learns the rules of the game, and to respect the game, the game officials and the league what is being done on their behalf The rules that are set forth must be followed and respected. Coaches and teams that choose not to follow these rules and regulations as set forth are subject to monetary fines up to an including suspension from the league. 0.0 ENTRY FEES: 0.1 The league will establish entry fees based on the cost of operating a league that include but are not limited to umpires, game baseballs, field and light rental, insurance. 0.2 Teams that inquire about participation in the league will be sent the league s financial terms and condition policy that outlines the full responsibility of payment requirements by a team before they can be included on the game schedule 0.3 Team entry fees must be paid in full either prior to or at the start of the team s first schedule league game. 0.4 Team that does not pay in full will forfeit their first scheduled league game will be assessed the league monetary fine associated with game forfeits. 0.5 There is no extended payment plans. 1.0 DIVISIONS: 1.1 Age divisions that are offered include 10U, 12U, 13U, 14-15, 16U and 18U 1.2 The league reserves the right to not have 16U and 18U club/all-star teams participating in the same leagues as area high school programs. 1.3 If the league was to form a league for club/all-star team, the league would include post season playoffs, roster limitations and frozen rosters. 2.0 FIELD SIZE: 2.1 10U Division 65 foot bases/46 foot pitching distance 2.2 12U Division 70 foot bases/50 foot pitching distance 2.3 13U Division 80 foot bases/54 foot pitching distance 2.4 All other age divisions play on regulation size baseball field.
3.0 ROSTERS: 3.1 10U, 12U, 13U, 15U maximum roster is 18 players. Since these divisions will have postseason league playoffs to determine the league champion, rosters are frozen at each division s first game. No further players can be added. 3.2 Rosters that are submitted must include player first and last name, home address, phone number and date of birth, along with the name of the coaching staff members 3.3 16U and 18U unlimited. There are no frozen regulations for these two divisions since there is no post-season playoff. 4.0 PLAYER ELIGIBILITY: 4.1 Age cutoff for 10U, 12U, 13U, 15U divisions is May 1, 2013 4.2 10U teams 7 year old not permitted 4.3 12U teams 9 year olds not permitted 4.4 13U teams 10 year olds not permitted 4.5 15U teams 12 year olds not permitted 4.6 16U and 18U Divisions are based upon player s age as of May 1, 2013 OR what grade they are currently enrolled in high school. 4.7 10U thru 15U Division where post-season league tournaments are held to determine a league champion, players must appear in minimum 4 regular season games. The appearance is defined as a starter, substitute, relief pitcher, pinch hitter or pinch runner. NOTE: For PONY and Babe Ruth Baseball Leagues players must appear in 50% of their team s regular season games in order to be eligible for national tournament play. 5.0 UNIFORMS: 5.1 ALL players, all divisions must wear the same colored jersey with a number on the back. 5.2 NO identical numbers. If there are players wearing identical numbers, the manager will have to determine which one will play in the game. The one not chosen will not be eligible to participate in that game. 5.3 Players must be wearing baseball pants and a baseball hat. No visors. 5.4 PENALTY: Player(s) or a full team that do not have uniform numbers, the game will remain and played as scheduled. The league will assess the team a monetary fine. (See league policy/handbook KBL 17.0) www.kinobaseball.com 6.0 GAME SCHEDULE: 6.1 Teams are to inform the league in advance prior to the development of the game schedule any dates and times that they cannot make during the designated period that the league will be played. 6.2 Once the game schedule is developed and published, the schedule is final. No further changes will occur. 6.3 If after the game schedule is developed and a team cannot make their scheduled game they will forfeit to the opposing team, plus they will be assessed a monetary fine by the league there is no re-scheduling. 7.0 DUGOUTS: 7.1 Dugout extension for coaches ONLY will be established for each field prior to the start of the season by the league. 7.2 If school fields are used the host team will inform the league prior to the start of the season of any special dugout extensions. 7.3 The league has the right to deny or change the schools dugout extensions if they are not within the guidelines of NFHS standards. 7.4 The dugout extensions are considered Dead Ball area. These dugout extensions are for the coaches only NO player(s) permitted in the extension area.
7.5 Under absolutely no circumstances can a coach or player out in front of the dugout when their team is on defense. 7.5.1 First offense in a game umpires will stop the game and give team a warning. 7.5.2 Second offense in same game Individuals (player(s) or coach) in violation will be restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game. 7.5.3 Third offense in same game Individuals (player(s) or coach) in violation will be ejected from the game and the league will assess a monetary fine to the team. 7.6 Bat boys/girls are permitted provided they are wearing a helmet at all times while in or outside the dugout. 8.0 CONDUCT: 8.1 Players ejected are subject to game(s) suspension by the league. 8.2 Coaches ejected are subject to game(s) suspension and/or monetary fines depending on the behavioral action. 8.3 Each incident will be reviewed by the league after receiving the umpires report. 8.4 Player or coach ejected must go directly to the parking lot and be out of sight and out of mind. 8.5 10U-12U-13U player ejected SHALL be restricted to the bench and not be involved in the game in any form. 8.6 Coaches and players can return for game 2 of a doubleheader based on the behavior level of the ejection as outlined in the league policy/handbook (KBL 3.0 pages 7-8-9) website: www.kinobaseball.com 8.7 Refer to the league policy/handbook (KBL 3.0 pages 7-8-9) website: www.kinobaseball.com for information on penalties and fines associated with conduct levels for players and coaches. 8.8 COACH/PLAYER ETHICS: 8.8.1 It is the coaches duty to be in control of their players at all times in order to prevent any unsportsmanlike act towards opponents, officials or spectators. 8.8.2 Coaches are expected to comply wholeheartedly with the intent and spirit of the rules. The deliberate teaching of players to violate the rules is indefensible. 8.8.3 Coaches must teach their players to respect the dignity of the game, officials, opponents and the teams that they represent. 8.8.4 Coaches must confine their discussion with the game officials to the interpretations of the rules and no challenging umpire decisions involving judgment. 8.8.5 Bench jockeying will not be tolerated. Coaches are to prohibit bench jockeying and/or trash talking which include persona and malicious remarks, cursing and obscene language towards the opponent, umpires or spectators. 8.8.6 Coaches must refrain from any personal action that might arouse players or spectators to unsportsmanlike behavior. 8.8.7 Coaches must expect from the umpires a courteous and dignified attitude toward the players and themselves. 8.8.8 Coaches are responsible for controlling unruly spectators. 9.0 SAFETY: 9.1 Refer to league policy/handbook (KBL 8.0) website: www.kinobaseball.com 9.2 The league will ALWAYS err on the side of safety. 10.0 EQUIPMENT: 10.1 Catchers equipment (NO SKULL CAPS) 10.2 Athletic supporter and cup to be worn by all players. 10.3 Metal cleats ARE NOT PERMITTED for 10U and 12U divisions. 10.4 Batting Helmet = Dual ear flap NOCSAE label 10.5 Batting helmets must be worn by players until they reach the dugout. 10.5.1 First offense Team Warning 10.5.2 Second offense (same game) Bench restriction for the player in violation.
10.5.3 Third offense (same game) Ejection for the player and manager. 10.6 JEWELERY---NFHS RULE. No jewelry/personal adornment. Medical bracelet/necklace or religious medallions are permitted but must be taped to the body. 10.6.1 First Offense A warning issued to the team in violation. 10.6.2 Second Offense (same game) Bench restriction for the player in violations. 10.6.3 Third Offense (same game) Ejection for the player in violation and the team manager 11.0 BAT (ALL DIVISIONS): 11.1 Due to all the different metal bat specifications and uncertainty and standardization, all Kino Baseball non-national affiliated leagues will be wood bat or BBCOR certified bat play. The only metal bat use will be permitted for PONY and Babe Ruth Baseball spring/summer leagues only. All other leagues will follow this bat rule and regulation. 11.2 2 5/8 maximum diameter 11.3 Solid one piece wood (maple or ash) 11.4 Bamboo BBCOR certified 11.5 Composite BBCOR certified 11.6 Composite Wood BBCOR certified. 11.7 To be BBCOR certified, the label MUST be silk screened. 12.0 ILLEGAL USE OF BAT PENATLY (NFHS Rule 4-1-3b and 7-4-1a) 12.1 Any illegal bat discovered prior the game that does not conform to the above rule shall be directed to be removed immediately and not be allowed use during the game. 12.2 If an illegal bat is discovered after the batter has stepped in the batter s box or the batter has received a pitch, the batter is OUT, and the batter and manager are restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game. 12.3 On the second violation in the same game for entering the batter s box with an illegal bat, the batter is out and restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game and the manager is ejected. 12.4 All subsequent violations in the same game for entering the box with an illegal bat, the batter is out and restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game and the designated head coach is ejected. 12.5 When a batter has been discovered having used an illegal bat, the infraction is discovered before the next pitch following the turn at bat of the player who used the illegal bat, the defense may take the penalty, the batter is OUT and restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game and the manager is either restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game or ejected and all runners return to where they were at the time of pitch (no runs will be permitted) or the defense may take the results of the play. 12.6 The league reserves the right to assess monetary fines to the adult coach and game suspensions may occur for the players. 13.0 GAME BASEBALLS 13.1 As part of the team s entry fee, game baseballs will be provided by the league. 13.2 Game baseballs will not be issued to teams as it has been in the past, instead the umpires will bring four (4) new baseballs to each game. 13.3 If additional baseballs are needed during the game, each team will take turns in providing a good used baseball. 13.4 The umpires have the authority to throw out any ball that in their judgment is not fit for play. 14.0 PITCHING: 14.1 10U and 12U Divisions total of 6 innings in a weekend. 14.2 13U Division total of 7 innings in a weekend 14.3 15U Division total of 9 innings in a weekend. 14.4 16U and 18U Divisions-unlimited. Managers to monitor innings pitched and use common sense in the use of a pitcher)
14.5 The umpires will maintain pitching cards during the game and for the entire season in the event there is a protest. INELIGIBLE PITCHER PROTEST PROCEDURE: 14.6 Inform the umpires the game is under protest for pitching rule violations 14.7 Finish the game. 14.8 After the game the umpires will communicate with the league of the protest and provide pitching records to the league for review and ruling. PENALTY: 14.9 FIRST OFFENSE of an illegal pitcher after the umpire puts the ball in play and the protest is upheld, the game in question will be forfeited. 14.10 The pitcher is question will be restricted to the bench for the team s next schedule game and may not participate in any pre-game or game activities, i.e. warming up players between innings or coaching bases, etc. 14.11 The pitcher that is restricted must be present sitting on the bench for the team s game. 14.12 The Team Manager is fined and suspended from the park for the team s next schedule game. 14.13 SECOND OFFENSE of an illegal pitcher any time during the season by the same team after the umpire puts the ball in play and the protest is upheld, the game in question will be forfeited. 14.14 The pitcher in questions will be restricted to the bench for the team s next scheduled game and cannot participate in any pre-game or game activities, i.e. warming up players between innings or coaching the bases. 14.15 The pitcher must be present and sitting on the bench. 14.16 The Team manager is fined and suspended from the park for the team s next two scheduled game. 14.17 THIRD OFFENSE of an illegal pitcher by the same team in the same season 14.18 The pitcher in question will be restricted to the bench and is noted in the first and second offense not eligible for participation with the team, but must be present at the team s scheduled game sitting on the bench. 14.19 The Team Manager is suspended for the remainder of the season, including any postseason league tournaments and will be assessed a monetary fine. 15.0 GAME LENGTH: 15.1 10U Division = Six (6) innings. Time Limit: No new inning after 1 hour and 50 minutes. 15.2 12U Division = Six (6) innings. Time Limit: No new inning after 1 hour and 50 minutes 15.3 13U Division = Seven (7) innings. Time Limit: No new inning after 1 hour and 50 minutes. 15.4 15U, 16U, 18U Division = Seven (7) innings. Time Limit: No new inning after 2 hours. 15.5 Game must first reach regulation before the time limit can be enforced. 15.5.1 10U and 12U Division regulation = 3 ½ - 4 innings 15.5.2 13U,15U, 16U, 18U Division regulation = 4 ½ - 5 innings 15.6 Once an inning starts it must be completed. There is NO sudden stoppage: of play in the middle of an inning. EXCEPTION: The Home Team is ahead and batting and the game is regulation when the time limit becomes official. 15.7 The umpires will attempt to give both teams a 10 minute time remaining warning. 16.0 TIE GAMES: 16.1 Games tied after regulation and/or time limit or after completing six (6) innings (10U and 12U), seven (7) innings (13U thru 18U Divisions) has been reach no extra innings will be played. 16.2 For leagues that have post-season league tournament play, seeding will be based on standings and a tie will count as one (1) point.
17.0 RUN RULE: 17.1 10U and 12U Division 17.1.1 10 or more runs after 3 ¼ to 4 full innings 17.1.2 8 or more runs after 4 ½ to 5 full innings 17.2 13U thru 18U Divisions: 17.2.1 15 or more runs after 3 ½ to 4 full innings 17.2.2 10 or more runs after 4 ½ to 5 full innings 17.2.3 8 or more runs after 5 ½ to 6 full innings 17.3 At any time after trailing by fifteen (15) or more runs in any division, the Manager of the team trailing can call an end to the game. 18.0 GAME START TIME: 18.1 There is NO grace period for having a legal line up. Ready to play at game time. 18.2 The game will be a forfeit (7-0) and a monetary fine will be assessed against the forfeiting team. 18.3 When a game is forfeited, the umpires leave the field they will not stay and do scrimmage games. 18.4 If the league has another game scheduled on the field where a forfeit game occurred, both teams MUST leave the field NO scrimmages or practices are to be held. 19.0 PLAYERS REQUIRED FOR STARTING A GAME: 19.1 Team may start a game with eight (8) players, but an out will be recorded each time the ninth (9 th ) spot in the batter order comes up. If the ninth (9 th ) player arrives, they may be added in the ninth (9 th ) spot at any time during the game. 19.2 Team cannot start with seven (7) players. 19.3 Teams are not permitted to borrow a player(s) from other teams. 19.3.1 EXCEPTION: School teams that have 16U and 18U teams, players can go between teams. Player must be in the proper uniform of the team that they are playing with. 19.4 If a team is playing with eight (8) players and a player leaves for any reason, thus leaving the team with seven (7) players, the game will be forfeited at that point to the opposing team. In this instance both teams will leave the field and further practices or scrimmages will be held on the field. 20.0 SUBSTITUTION: 20.1 Free substitution is permitted however, the starter and substitutes MUST remain in the same spot in the batting order. There is no moving of players around the batting order. 21.0 BATTING ORDER: 21.1 Teams will have the following batting order options: 21.1.1 Bat eight (8) and out will be recorded every time the ninth (9 th ) spot comes up to bat. 21.1.2 Bat nine (9) or 21.1.3 Bat ten (10) (Extra Hitter-EH) or 21.1.4 Bat eleven (11) ( Two Extra Hitters) 21.1.5 The EH may be in any spot in the lineup and the player that is the EH can go into the game and play defense. 21.1.6 The player that comes out of the game that spot in the line up now becomes the EH spot in the order. 21.1.7 The lineup option used must be declared at the pre-game meeting at home plate. Once declared a team cannot go back. 21.1.8 If a player is injured or ill and no eligible substitutes are available the lineup is simply collapsed with no penalty.
21.1.9 If a player is ejected or restricted to the bench and there are no eligible substitutes that spot in the batting order will be recorded as an out for the remainder of the game. 22.0 COURTESY RUNNER: 22.1 For the pitcher and catcher at anytime 22.2 Mandatory for the catcher with two (2) outs. 22.3 Players not in the game must be used as courtesy runners first. 22.4 If not eligible players, then the last out is used in the mandatory situation ONLY. 23.0 HOME TEAM: 23.1 The game s designated HOME TEAM as identified on the league schedule will occupy the third base dugout. 23.2 If playing a doubleheader on the same field, the team remains in the same dugout. 23.3 If school fields are used, the host team may keep their dugout. 23.4 The Home Team will provide the games official scorekeeper. 24.0 PRE-GAME PLATE MEETING: 24.1 NFHS RULE 3-2-4 in effect. 24.2 The Head Coach of the team must attend the pre-game meeting if available. 24.3 If the head coach refuses to attend the pre-game meeting, then he shall be restricted to the bench for the remainder of the game except to attend to an injured or sick player. 24.4 The individual that comes to the plate meeting will be the ONLY individual from the team recognized and authorized to discuss issues with the umpires during the game all other individuals will not be recognized and in some instances are subject to ejection if warranted. 25.0 LINE UP CARD 25.1 The league will provide line up cars. The card must include the player s uniform number, last name, first name and position. 25.2 List all substitutes using uniform number and last name at the bottom of the line up card. 25.3 If a player is omitted from the line up card and arrives after the game begins, the player can be added to the bottom of the lineup card without penalty. 25.4 The line up card is mandatory. The game time limit will start at game time. However the game will not start without both teams having submitted a line up card. 25.4.1 PENALTY: The umpires will report to the league any team that fails to present a line up card at the pre-game meeting. The team in violation will be assessed a monetary fine from the league. 26.0 FORFEITS: 26.1 Refer to the league policy/handbook (KBL 11.0) website: www.kinobaseball.com that will describe the penalties and fines associated with forfeiting a game. 27.0 PROTESTS: 27.1 During regular season play only Pitching eligibility protests will be dealt with by the league. 27.2 For post-season tournament play: 27.2.1 Only rules and rules interpretations can be protested. 27.2.2 Team manager wishing to protest a rule must inform the home plate umpire prior to the next play or pitch. 27.2.3 The umpires will suspend the game (make note of the time of suspension) and meet to review the rule that has been in question. If they cannot make a ruling they are to contact the league Umpire in Chief for a ruling that will be final and binding. 27.2.4 Once the game is resumed the umpires will note the length of time that the game was suspended and add that time back to the time limit clock. 28.0 STANDINGS:
28.1 For those leagues that have a post-season tournament to determine the league champion, standings will be maintained. 28.2 A point system will be used: 28.2.1 Win = 2 points 28.2.2 Tie = 1 point 28.3 The final standings will determine the seeding for the league tournament. 28.4 Tiebreakers: 28.4.1 Head to head results OR if still tied 28.4.2 Least amount of runs allowed for the entire season OR if still tied 28.4.3 Random selection out of hat. 29.0 DIVISION TOURNAMENTS: 29.1 End of season league tournaments to determine a league champion will be held in some of the age divisions. 29.2 Format will be single elimination. 29.3 Final standings will determine the team seeding. 29.4 Regular season rules will apply. EXCEPTION: Championship games the time limit is waived. 29.5 Individual awards presented to the league champion and 2 nd place team. 30.0 FINES: 30.1 Monetary fines that are assessed to an individual or to a team are required to be paid in full prior to the team s next scheduled game. Failure to pay the assessed fine will result in the individual not permitted on the field and if the assessment is against the team, it will result in the game being a forfeit, then the team will be required to pay the forfeit fine on top of what has already be accrued. 30.2 Fines are to be paid in either cash or money order no personal checks. 30.3 Fines collected by the league are donated to a local charity that the league will announce prior to the start of each season. 11/2012