Metuchen Baseball & Softball, Inc Mission Statement The objective of Metuchen Baseball & Softball ( MBS ) shall be to implant in the children of our community, the ideals of good sportsmanship, honesty, loyalty, courage and respect, so that they may be well adjusted, stronger and happier children and will grow to be good, decent, healthy and trustworthy citizens. The Babe Ruth Baseball/Softball program, using regulation competitive baseball and softball rules, teaches skills, mental and physical development, a respect for the rules of the game, and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. In all aspects, Babe Ruth League, Inc. is committed to providing our participants the very best educational sports experience possible. It is our fundamental belief that every child with a desire to play baseball or softball be afforded that opportunity. To achieve this objective, the MBS will provide a supervised program under the Rules and Regulations of Babe Ruth League, Inc. All Directors, Officers, Managers, and other volunteers shall bear in mind that the attainment of exceptional athletic skill or the winning of games is secondary, and the molding of future citizens is of prime importance. Article I Composition (a) The League shall be composed of the following divisions to accommodate all registered players Senior Division (Babe Ruth Baseball League 16-18yo) Approximately 11-15 players per team All 16-18 year-old players. Number of teams based on registration totals. Junior Division (Babe Ruth Baseball League 13-15yo) Approximately 11-15 players per team. All 13-15 year-old players. Number of teams based on registration totals. Intermediate 50/70 Division (Cal Ripken Major 70 ) 10-12 players per team All 11 and 12 year-old players, and those 13 s based on showcase score and who elect to play in this division Number of teams based on registration totals. Participation rules detailed in Annex 1. Majors Division (Cal Ripken Major 60 ) 10-12 players per team. All 9 and 10 year-old players based upon showcase results, year-end Manager reviews, availability and provided they have participated at least one year in the Minors. Number of teams based on registration totals. Participation rules detailed in Annex 1.
Minors Division (Cal Ripken Minor ) 10-12 players per team. All 8 year-old players. Select 7 year olds based on show case scores results, year-end manager reviews and availability. Number of teams based on registration totals. Participation rules detailed in Annex 1. Farm Division (Cal Ripken Rookie ) Will attempt to have no more than 10 players per team. Remaining 7 year-olds and 6 year-olds who have played at least one year of T-ball. 8 year-old players by parental request and discretion of Player Agent. Number of teams based on registration totals. Coach pitch, safety baseball, modified game rules detailed in Annex 1. T-Ball Division (Cal Ripken T-Ball ) Will attempt to have no more than 10 players per team, All 5 year-olds, and 6 year-olds who have not played T-ball before or who did not request to play in the Farm division, and 4 year-olds (boys and girls) who are entering Kindergarten in 2016. Number of teams based on registration totals. U15 Seniors Softball (Babe Ruth Softball League) 12 or more players per team, teams participate in inter-league play with other town leagues. All 13, 14, and 15 year-olds. U12 Majors softball (Babe Ruth Softball League) 12 players per team, teams participate in inter-league play with other town leagues. All 12 and 11 year-olds. U10 Minors softball (Babe Ruth Softball League) Approximately 10-13 players per team, All 10 and 9 year-olds. U8 Minors softball (Babe Ruth Softball League) Approximately 8-10 players per team All 8 and 7 year-olds. U6 Pony softball (Babe Ruth Softball League) Approximately 8-10 players per team, All 5, and 6 year-olds. Four year-old girls will be placed in the Tball division with the boys.
Article II Eligible candidates Every boy and girl whose league determinant age is between 5 and 17, residing within the boundary limits of MBS and/or attends a school within the Borough of Metuchen. There will be no discrimination as to abide by the any state equal opportunity laws, policies or guidelines. Article III Tournament Teams Player eligibility and selection process detailed in Annex 2. Article IV The Board of Directors in 2016 is comprised of the following seven (7) positions: President, Vice President-Baseball, Vice President-Softball, Treasurer, Secretary, Player Agent and Safety Director. Article V (a) By-laws may be amended or repealed by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at any regularly scheduled meeting. To the extent rules in the By-Laws differ from those of Babe Ruth League Inc., the local rules as defined within the By-Laws shall prevail. (b) These By-Laws are approved as presented by a majority vote of the Board of Directors at the March 23, 2016 Metuchen Little League meeting. Other documents to reference: 2016 MBS Safety Plan 2016 MBS Volunteer Responsibilities (including Code of Conduct) 2016 Bylaws Annex 2 & 3
ANNEX 1 Intermediate Division Division size: 10-12 players per team. Playing ages: All 11 and 12 year-old players, and select 10 s or those 13 s based on showcase score and who elect to play in this division based upon showcase results, year-end Manager reviews, availability and provided they have participated at least one year in the Majors. Showcase: Team selection: Playing guidelines: Player participation: Yes Year-end Manager review. Player draft by all managers in the Intermediate division Standard Babe Ruth League rules except as noted below. Game scores and standings will be maintained. Year end single-elimination tournament will determine division champion. The Division Commissioner, along with each division manager, and the league player agent will have the ability to establish local game rules in order to ensure fair competition and proper player development throughout the season. These rules must be agreed upon by all division managers and used throughout both the regular and playoff games. Participation o All players dressed for the game will bat o No players shall sit out for consecutive innings o Each player must play at least 1 inning in both an infield and outfield position unless there is a safety concern with putting a player in the infield. Catchers and Pitchers are considered infielders. o No exceptions to the minimum playing guidelines without a written request being received by Player Agent. Pitching and Catching o Players are limited to pitching 3 innings per game, 6 innings per week and must adhere to pitch count and days rest as described in Pitching and Catching Rules o Players may not play catcher and pitcher more than 4 innings combined in a day. All Managers will be requested to complete and retain a schedule of each player and where they played each inning along with the pitch counts for each pitcher. Adult base coaches Callups will come from a predefined player pool made up of 10yo players from Majors teams. Both commissioners along with the player agent will manage the list of call-up players to ensure proper rotation of players.
Stretching and warm up drills will be performed by each team prior to start of game. Violations of any of the player participation guidelines above will result in the following penalties for the Manager: Violation Penalty 1 st Warning 2 nd 1 game suspension from coaching 3 rd Prohibited from coaching Majors Division Division size: 10-12 players per team. Playing ages: All 9 and 10 year-old players, and select 8 s based on showcase score and who elect to play in this division based upon showcase results, year-end Manager reviews, availability and provided they have participated at least one year in the Minors. Showcase: Team selection: Playing guidelines: Player participation: Yes Year end Manager review. Player draft by all managers in the Majors division Standard Babe Ruth League rules except as noted below. Game scores and standings will be maintained. Year end single-elimination tournament will determine division champion. The Division Commissioner, along with each division manager, and the league player agent will have the ability to establish local game rules in order to ensure fair competition and proper player development throughout the season. These rules must be agreed upon by all division managers and used throughout both the regular and playoff games. Participation o Each player must play a minimum of 4 innings each game. o No player will sit-out for consecutive innings. o All players dressed for the game will bat. o Each player must play at least 1 inning at both an infield & outfield position unless there is a safety concern with putting a player in the infield. Catchers and Pitchers are considered infielders. o No exceptions to the minimum playing guidelines without a written request from the player s parents being received by Player Agent. Pitching and Catching o Players are limited to pitching 2 innings per game, 6 innings per week and must adhere to pitch count and days rest as described in Pitching and Catching Rules
o Players may not play catcher and pitcher more than 4 innings combined in a day. No stealing of home. One stolen base per batter. Leading is permitted after the ball crosses the plate. Runners may only advance to home after the ball has been put into play by the batter or when forced in by virtue of a base on balls. Players may only take one base on an overthrow. All Managers will be requested to complete and retain a schedule of each player and where they played each inning along with the pitch counts for each pitcher. Adult base coaches A five run maximum per inning except for the agreed upon last inning where no maximum will be observed. Callups will come from a predefined player pool made up of 8yo players from Minors teams. Both commissioners along with the player agent will manage the list of call-up players to ensure proper rotation of players. Stretching and warm up drills will be performed by each team prior to start of game. Violations of any of the player participation guidelines above will result in the following penalties for the Manager: Violation Penalty 1 st Warning 2 nd 1 game suspension from coaching 3 rd Prohibited from coaching Minors Division Division size: 10-12 players per team. Playing ages: 8 year olds based on showcase scores and year-end Manager reviews. Select 7 year olds based on showcase results, year-end Manager reviews and availability. Showcase: Team selection: Playing guidelines: Player participation: Yes Year end Manager review. Player draft by all managers in the Minors division Standard Babe Ruth League rules except as noted below. Participation o No player will sit-out for consecutive innings. o All players dressed for the game will bat.
o Each player must play at least 1 inning at both an infield & outfield position unless there is a safety concern with putting a player in the infield. Catchers and Pitchers are considered infielders. o All players play in the field (4 outfielders), or participate in development drills in a safe location off the field and away from play. o No exceptions to the minimum playing guidelines without a written request from the player s parents. Pitching and Catching: o Players pitch from 40ft or 46ft depending on ability. By May 1 st, all players capable of pitching effectively at 46ft must pitch from that distance the rest of the season. o Players are limited to pitching 2 innings per game, 4 innings per week and must adhere to pitch count and days rest as described in Pitching and Catching Rules o After 4 balls, a coach will pitch to the batter. If there are 1 or 2 strikes on the batter when the coach comes in to pitch, the player's count against the coach pitcher will begin with 1 strike. If there are no strikes on the batter when the coach comes in to pitch, the player's count against the coach pitcher will begin with no strikes. When the coach is pitching, the pitcher will play the position defensively and then resume pitching to the next batter. o No walking, but a batter may take first base if hit by pitch. The decision to continue batting after being hit by a pitch is left to the batter and Manager s discretion. o Players may not play catcher and pitcher more than 4 innings combined per game. Inning ends after 3 outs or team bats around. A team with fewer players can bat up the maximum number of players of the opponent. Game score, but no standings maintained. Adult base coaches. Stretching and warm up drills will be performed by each team prior to start of game. All Managers are encouraged to complete and retain a schedule of each player and where they played each inning along with pitch counts for each pitcher. Farm league players should only be called up when there are 8 or 9 players present. Call-up players cannot pitch. There will be no stealing. Leading is permitted after the ball crosses home plate. No player may advance any base on an overthrow.
Pitching and Catching Rules Metuchen Baseball and Softball, Inc Violations to any of the player participation guidelines above will result in the following penalties: 1.) Maximum pitches per day allowed: Violation Penalty 1 st Warning 2 nd 1 game suspension from coaching 3 rd Prohibited from coaching 11/12/13 year olds 70 pitches per day; 3 innings per game 9/10 year olds 55 pitches per day; 2 innings per game 8 year olds 40 pitches per day; 2 innings per game 2.) Pitchers must adhere to the maximum inning and/or pitch count as specified for the division (s)he plays in and are not allowed to pitch in both games of a doubleheader. (A week starts on Sunday. One pitch counts as one inning.) 3.) In accordance with Babe Ruth rules, a pitcher shall be removed in a game following two hit batters in one inning or three in a game. 4.) A player who catches a certain number of innings per game may not enter the game as a pitcher: a. Intermediate 4 innings b. Majors 3 innings c. Minors 2 innings 5.) A player who throws more than a certain number of pitches per game may not enter the game as a catcher: a. Intermediate 41 pitches b. Majors 31 pitches c. Minors 31 pitches 6.) A pitcher may pitch on back to back days so long as he throws 20 or less pitches on the first day. The maximum pitch count for the second day includes the pitches thrown of the first day. (Example: 12 year old throws 10 pitches on Friday may throw up to 65 pitches on Saturday) 7.) Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements: a. If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, 4 calendar days of rest must be observed. b. If a player pitches 51 to 65 pitches in a day, 3 calendar days of rest must be observed. c. If a player pitches 35 to 50 pitches in a day, 2 calendar days of rest must be observed. d. If a player pitches 21 to 34 pitches in a day, 1 calendar day of rest must be observed. e. If a player pitches 1 to 20 pitches in a day, 0 calendar day of rest may be observed.
Farm Division Playing ages Showcase: Team selection: Playing rules: Remaining 7 s who along with 6 s who have played a year of T-Ball (with Parental request). 8s may play at request of parent. None Manually by Division Commissioner utilizing showcase and Manager reviews. Some team requests honored. Coaches Pitch Drills for first ½ hour and then a 2 or 3 inning game + 5 swings and a tee is used. + All batters hit in each inning. + No stealing. + Runners may not advance on errors. + Outs recorded, bases are cleared after 3 outs, but the offensive team continues to bat until completely through the line-up. + On a base hit in the outfield runner may only advance to 2 nd base. Stretching and warm up drills will be performed by each team prior to start of game. Practice drills will be performed by each team prior to the start of the game. Add double bag first base for safety. Player participation: All players must play the infield and outfield each game.
T-Ball Division Playing ages: Showcase: Team selection: Playing format: Must be entering kindergarten in fall of season based on state age requirements 6 year-olds who have not played T-ball before or have chosen to play a 2 nd year of T-ball. No Manually by Division Commissioner. Some requests honored. Important to balance ages, gender, and schools within each team. Drills for 45 minutes and then a 2 or 3 inning game. Stretching and warm up drills will be performed by each team prior to start of game. Practice drills will be performed by each team prior to the start of the game. Add double bag first base for safety. Player participation: Equal opportunity at all positions
U12 - Softball Division size: 2 teams, 12-13 players per team. Playing ages: 11 and 12 year olds (as of December 31) Team selection: Playing format: Playing guidelines: Player participation: Manager drafts teams. Based upon showcase results, year-end Manager reviews, availability and provided they have participated at least one year in U10. Play 1 weekday game and 1 Saturday game per week. Additional practices per manager s discretion. Teams will also play inter-league games with other Girls U12 Softball leagues. Standard Babe Ruth League rules except as noted below. Game scores and standings will be maintained. This division will use Umpires. Year-end single elimination tournament will determine division champion. The Division Commissioner, along with each division manager, and the league player agent will have the ability to establish local game rules in order to ensure fair competition and proper player development throughout the season. These rules must be agreed upon by all division managers and used throughout both the regular and playoff games. Each player must play a minimum of 4 innings each game. No player will sit out for consecutive innings. All players dressed for the game will bat. Each player must play the infield and outfield each game. Catchers and Pitchers are considered infield positions. Players are limited to pitching 4 innings in one game and a maximum of 6 innings in 2 consecutive games. Pitchers may re-enter the pitching position after moving to another fielding position. Pitching distance is 40 feet. There is no pitch count required. A Maximum of 10 players may be on the field, and the game can be started with a minimum of 7 players. 10 year old players can be called up when there are 8 players anticipated for a game, to prevent a forfeit. For inter-league games, players may be borrowed from other U12 teams to prevent a forfeit. Stretching and warm up drills will be performed by each team prior to start of game. Regulation game is 6 innings. Official game is 4 innings or when official time reaches 1 hour and 50 minutes. Mercy rule is 10 runs, after game is official.
Players can steal 2 nd, 3 rd or Home after the ball leaves the pitchers hand. A player may attempt to advance to 1 st base on a dropped 3 rd strike if there is no runner on 1B. This division will use a 12 raised seam fast-pitch softball. U10 - Softball Division size: Approximately10 players per team. Playing ages: 9 and 10 year olds (as of December 31) Team selection: Playing format: Playing guidelines: Manager drafts teams. Based upon showcase results, year-end Manager reviews, availability and provided they have participated at least one year in U-8. Teams will also play some inter-league games with other town U10 Softball Divisions. Standard Babe Ruth League rules except as noted below. Game scores and standings will be maintained. This division will use Umpires. Year-end single elimination tournament will determine division champion. The Division Commissioner, along with each division manager, and the league player agent will have the ability to establish local game rules in order to ensure fair competition and proper player development throughout the season. These rules must be agreed upon by all division managers and used throughout both the regular and playoff games. Player participation: o No player will sit out for consecutive innings. o All players at the game will bat. o Add a double 1 st base for safety. o A team will bat until the earlier of 3 outs or 10 batters. o Each player must play the infield for at least one inning each game. Catchers and Pitchers are considered infielders. o Players are limited to pitching 3 innings in one game and a maximum of 6 innings in 2 consecutive games. Innings can be non-consecutive o Pitchers may re-enter the pitching position after moving to another fielding position. o Pitching If 2 hit-by-pitches in inning, the pitcher is removed from the inning at umpires discretions (safety rule). Third HBP in game, pitcher is removed at umpire s discretion. o Pitching distance is 35 feet. Coaches do not pitch. o Speed up rule for catchers on base with 2 outs, to put on gear, who will catch the next inning. o Coaches are allowed in the first base and third base coaches boxes only. o A Maximum of 10 players may be on the field, and the game can be started with a minimum of 7 players.
U8 - Softball Metuchen Baseball and Softball, Inc o 8 year old players can be called up when there are 7 or 8 players anticipated for a game, to prevent a forfeit. o Regulation game is 6 innings. Official game is 4 innings or when official time runs out. o Mercy rule is 10 runs after game is official. o Players are allowed to steal one base per at bat (2 nd or 3 rd base) after the ball crosses the plate. (No stealing of bases until May). Leading is allowed after ball crosses the plate. o Players cannot steal home, run must score on contact or a walk o Overthrow next base plus one base (runner must stop there, yet runs there at own risk). Play will stop when the ball is secured within the pitching circle. If a runner is in process, the umpire will decide if the runner has passed the halfway mark on the base path, if not, then the runner will return to the previous base. o This division will use an 11 raised seam fast-pitch softball Division size: 8-10 players per team Playing ages: 7 and 8 year olds, (as of December 31) Team Selection: Playing format: Showcase. Modified draft by managers with focus on balancing talent, ages and schools within each team. Standings will not be kept. Standardized drills to be emphasized along with game play. Player participation: All players must play the infield and outfield each game. Drills for first ½ hour and then an 80 minute game Time slots for games are limited to 1 hour and 50 minutes. No player will sit out for consecutive innings. Each player must be given an opportunity to play the infield and outfield each game. All players at the game will bat. Add a double 1 st base for safety. Pitching distance is 32 feet. This division will use an 11-inch incrediball softball. For the first 3 games, a team will bat throughout the whole batting order each inning. From the 4 th game on, outs and runs will be recorded and a team will bat until three outs or five runs have been scored. For the first 3 games, batters will have five swinging strikes after which a Tee can be brought out to help the batter. From the fourth game on, Umpires will call balls and strikes. Fourth strike on batter must be swinging; batter will be recorded as an out. (no tee) (no walks) Coaches will pitch; after week 4 players will be permitted to pitch one or two innings per game. After 4 balls, a coach will pitch to the batter. If there are 1 or 2 strikes on the batter when the coach comes in to pitch, the player's count against the coach pitcher will begin with 1 strike. If there are no strikes on the batter when the coach comes in to pitch, the player's count
against the coach pitcher will begin with no strikes. When the coach is pitching, the pitcher will play the position defensively and then resume pitching to the next batter. In-season pitching skills clinics may be utilized to advance player-pitching development. If a player pitches four balls to three batters or hits 2 batters, the coach will pitch the rest of the inning. No walking, but a batter may take first base if hit by pitch. The decision to continue batting after being hit by a pitch is left to the batter and coaches discretion. Coach allowed on the field as a pitcher and as back up to the catcher (speed up rule). Players cannot steal bases. The game can be started with a minimum of five players. Call up of top rated 6 year old players allowed from the 4 th week on to complete a team (up to 8 players combined) Runners cannot advance on an overthrow Runners must avoid contact Play stops when ball is controlled by an infielder Scorebooks will be kept to track outs and runs The umpire s decision is final. There are no protests of umpire calls.
U6- Softball (Pony Division) Division size: Playing ages: Team Selection: Playing format: Player participation: 8-10 players per team. Five and 6 year olds, (as of December 31). Four year-olds entering Kindergarten will be placed in T-ball. No showcase or draft. The Commissioner and managers will make team assignments, with focus on balancing talent, ages, and schools within each team. Some requests will be honored. Games will consist of a 30-minute practice followed by a 2-3 inning game. Game scores and standings will not be kept. This division will not use Umpires. Standardized drills to be emphasized along with game play. Players to have equal opportunity at all positions. Play will consist of a 30-minute practice followed by game. Minimum of 2 innings for each game. Time slots for games are limited to 1 hour and 30 minutes. Players will play entire game. All players at the game will bat. Add a double 1 st base for safety. Coach pitch, with Tee option Batters will have three swinging strikes after which a Tee will be brought out for the batter. Coaches will pitch and catch for games. Pitching distance will be based on batters ability and skill. The game can be started with a minimum of four players. Players cannot steal bases. Runners cannot advance on an overthrow. This division will use an 11-inch incrediball softball.