2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules
Winder Dixie Youth Baseball Local League Rules and Regulations 2015
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book. General rules for all Leagues!
1. WDYB will schedule your practice times before the season begins. You are guaranteed one practice during the week and one practice on Saturday. There will not be any scheduled practices on Sundays. If you wish to practice on Sundays, you may do so without making it mandatory for the players. Please be aware that there will not be any lights or restrooms available for use these days. You will need to contact the director to make sure the field is available for use. 2. Once the season begins, practices will not be guaranteed due to the amount of teams and limited field space. If there are available time slots during the week, you will be scheduled a practice. This will be a week-by-week decision by the Director. 3. A player may request to move up one age group, but only with the approval of the Director and the Winder Dixie Youth Board, but the player will remain ineligible for All-stars that season. 4. All players batting, on-deck batters, and base runners must wear a batting helmet. Base coaches must adhere to Dixie playing rules in regards to protective helmets: Dixie Youth rule #1.16—(c) “The batter’s helmet shall be worn by any offensive player while on the playing field, such as a bat boy, on-deck batter, batter, base runner or player base coach.”. With the exception of Dixie Boys and Majors, batting helmets must have face masks and chin straps. 5. Pitchers with long white sleeves are prohibited. 6. Pitchers glove must be uniform in color. It may be grey in color. 7. No personal cell phones or other personal electronic communication equipment, excluding those carried by on-duty medical or security personnel, or required to be “on call” by their profession, are allowed on the playing field or in the dugouts during all local league games. 8. Metal cleats are prohibited at all times for all age groups with the exception of Dixie Boys. 2
9. No player will be allowed to wear jewelry while playing. 10.If the home team does not have an official scorekeeper in place and ready to start at game time, there will be a fifteen (15) minute grace period in order to get one ready. If a scorekeeper is not ready to begin play after the grace period, the following penalties will apply to the home team manager for repeated violations of this offense: 1st Offense—Warning 2nd Offense—Game suspension for Manager There should not be a third time! 11.All line-ups will be turned into the official scorekeeper ten (10) minutes prior to the game time. All line-up changes must be reported to the official scorekeeper. After the official line-up is turned in, any player arriving late will be added to the bottom of the line-up. 12.“Pick-up” players must be approved before game time. All players must be registered as a player with Winder Dixie Youth and must be registered as a player in that age level or one age group younger. You may only “pick-up” a player to make a team of 9. They must play in the outfield and bat at the end of the lineup. 13.Each team will be allowed 5 minutes of warm ups on the infield if time allows it – The second game will start 15 minutes after the completion of the first game, unless the first game is a forfeit. In that case, the second game will start on time. 14.Visiting team will be in the dugout on the 3rd base line. Home team will be in the dugout on the 1st base line. 15.League Officials will determine the fitness of the playing field before the game starts. In the event of rain, League Officials may call a time-out to inspect the condition of the playing field. 16.Games shortened due to weather related events shall be considered an official game provided both teams have batted three times or the home team is leading after two and one half inning. 17.The Winder Dixie Youth Board will reschedule all rainouts as time permits. Head coaches will be notified as soon as their game has been rescheduled. 18.Each team must field a minimum of 8 players - any less than 8 players will be a forfeit. There will be no automatic outs on the 9th batter. Coaches will be given a 10 minute grace period from the scheduled starting time to allow the team to field a minimum of 8 players. 3
19.Coaches are not allowed to touch the base runners while the ball is live, first time is a warning to the coach, and the second time the runner is automatically out. 20.A coach is limited to 2 time-outs in any one inning (except for time-outs called for injuries); this includes visits to the mound. The pitcher must be replaced at the third timeout. 21.No equipment shall be left on the playing field with the exception of bat weights. Only one weight may be left and must be against the dugout unless it is being used. 22.All gates shall remain closed during the game. 23.No one will be allowed on the playing field during a game except for uniformed players, coaches, umpires or League Officials. If an adult steps on the field they will be ask to leave the premises. 24.Only the head coach/manager for the team is allowed to argue calls with the umpire. He must do so in a cordially fashion or risk ejection and forfeiting his chance to coach in the All-star season. The head coach must control his assistant coaches and parents at all time or risk a one game suspension and loss of All-Star privileges. Once the coach is ejected from the game a kid must put on a helmet and coach an available base, so the remaining three coaches can supervise the dugout and kids on the field. 25.In the umpire’s judgment, if the runner does not slide or attempt to avoid contact with a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag, the runner is out. Headfirst slides are not allowed into a base unless they are trying to get back on a passed base. 26.Umpires must record the game’s starting time with the official scorekeeper. 27.Players with a cast, either soft or hard, are not allowed on the field. The player is allowed to be in the dugout with his/her team but may not play in the field or bat. 28.All head coaches are responsible for making sure that the dugout(s) are left clean and that all trash is put into the trash cans provided.
29.Any player who consistently misses practice or is creating a disciplinary problem may be placed on the bench for a one game suspension in an effort to solve the problem. In the event of a player being benched, a written explanation or some form of notification should be given to the Direct or his designee outlining the situation before any action is taken, except for the following situation( see below) 4
30.If a situation happens during a game you have the right to remove the player from the game and place them on the bench. If they continue to have disciplinary problems during the game they may be sent outside the fence with their parents. (Inform your parents of how you plan on handling these situations before the season begins) and please contact a board member as soon as possible about the issue. 31.Any player that throws any object or verbally expresses their temper may be ejected from the game without warning.
ARTICLE VII – Code of Conduct – Coaches 7.1 Each coach plays a key role in the success of the League. The coach is responsible for training the children in baseball and in good sportsmanship while meeting individual and team needs. It is not the coach’s job to question an umpire’s decision on any call (unless it is a rule interpretation and then only in a respectful manner). Each coach is also responsible for the conduct of the fans of his or her team. Disciplinary action can and will be taken by the Board when necessary. It is each coach’s responsibility to follow and support all programs developed and adopted by the board. Any manager or coach involved in disciplinary action shall have the opportunity to appear before the Board and explain his or her conduct before the Board takes any disciplinary action. 7.2 If a coach is ejected from a game for improper conduct, the coach ejected shall, in addition to any other discipline imposed by the Board, sit out one additional full game before being permitted to manage or coach in another game. 7.3 The Board may vote to suspend or expel a manager or coach or impose such other discipline upon a manager or coach as the Board deems appropriate for his or her failure to act in the manner prescribed herein. Such action shall require a majority vote of the Board. ARTICLE VIII – Protest of Game 8.1 To be valid, a protest regarding a call made in a game (1) must be made verbally by the manager or coach to the umpire in charge immediately at the time of the disputed decision and before the next ball is pitched, and (2) the manager or coach must submit a written report of the protest to the Director for the relevant division within 24 hours after the start of the game being protested. Both steps must be taken in a timely manner for the protest to be considered. If these timelines are not adhered to, the protest will not be considered. 8.2 If the protest is submitted as required herein, the Board shall convene as soon as possible and shall hear from the manager or coach filing the protest, the opposing team’s manager or coach, the umpire of the game under protest and others as the Board deems appropriate. The Board shall render a decision as quickly as the circumstances will allow. The Director shall report the Board’s decision to the manager or coach and umpire involved. All decisions of the Board regarding protests are final. 5
ARTICLE IX – Complaints and Disciplinary Guidelines 9.1 All complaints regarding the behavior or actions of players, parents, coaches, spectators and umpires shall be submitted to the Director. 9.2 The complaint must be submitted in writing. If the complaint is not in writing, it will not be considered. 9.3 If the complaint is submitted as required herein, it shall be added to the agenda of the next regularly scheduled board meeting. If a meeting is not scheduled at that time, the Board shall convene as quickly as possible, shall review the report, and shall hear from the complainant, the person(s) subject to the complaint and others as the Board deems appropriate. The Board shall render a decision as quickly as the circumstances will allow. The Director of the relevant division, or the President, shall report the Board’s decision to the complainant and person(s) subject to the complaint as soon as possible. All decisions of the Board regarding the complaints of an individual’s behavior or actions are final. 9.4 If the Board determines that discipline is appropriate, the range of discipline shall include a verbal warning, written warning, suspension and expulsion. 9.5 In determining the appropriate level of discipline, the Board adopted the following guidelines: a. Conduct that may warrant immediate expulsion from the League includes (a) the physical assault or battery of a person at any League activity; (b) the bringing of a firearm or other weapon to a League activity; (c) the attendance by any person at a game or practice while intoxicated or under the influence of an illegal substance; and (d) the discovery of an individual’s criminal history or other activity which the Board, as appropriate, deems inconsistent with the objectives of the League, given the nature and severity of the conduct and the time that has passed since the conduct occurred. b. Conduct that may warrant the imposition of a minimum three game suspension includes (a) the verbal assault of a person at any League activity and (b) any unwelcomed physical contact (unless the contact is made in an attempt to break up an altercation). c. Conduct that may warrant the imposition of a minimum one game suspension includes (a) the ejection by an umpire of a player, parent, coach, manager or spectator; (b) the use of profanity or the making of a profane gesture by a player, parent, coach, manager or spectator at any game or practice; (c) the violation of a player participation rule or a pitching rule by a manager or coach; or (d) unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, parent, coach, manager or spectator at any game or practice. 9.6 The above are guidelines. The Board, as appropriate, reserves the right to exercise it’s discretion to impose whatever discipline it deems appropriate based on the circumstances at hand. The Board, as appropriate, reserves the right to impose harsher discipline on any person who violates multiple rules or standards of conduct or who violates the same rule or standard of conduct more than once. 9.7 During the period of suspension, the player, parent, manager, coach or spectator may not attend the game(s) of his or her team unless the Board determines otherwise. 9.8 The child of any adult suspended or expelled from the League may also be excused from games or practices. 6
9.9 After being ejected from a second game in any league capacity in a calendar year, the coach is prohibited in any form with WDYB for 1 calendar year. After the year is completed, he/she can apply for reinstatement pending the board’s approval (a Calendar year is equal to 12 months).
2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book. General rules for all Leagues!
Draft Rules Regular Season: Players will go through an evaluation. On the day of or next available date following the evaluation, coaches will meet to draft players. If the participant was a no show to the draft the will be drafted blindly from the hat. Draft order will be drawn from “The Hat”. This will remain the order throughout the entire draft. Trades will be made after draft, pending approval. If a coach has two children in the same then a provision will be made to freeze the coach’s children until after the third round. This will give the coach a fair chance to draft a level “A” player.
All-Star Selection: All players are eligible for All-Stars unless they are playing up from a different league or their birthday misses the cut off deadline. We recommend that players be picked for talent and not for favoritism. All coaches in the age group must be present for All-Star recommendations and selections. 7
The All-Star head coach will be determined by whichever head coach has the winning record of in park teams. If that coach chooses not to coach the All-star team, then the WDY Board will chose according to who will best represent Winder Dixie Youth Baseball. The All-Star head coach will pick his assistant coaches; they must be listed on the official Dixie Youth roster forms to be eligible assistants. Assistant coaches are to be chosen after the All-Star players have been selected. An Assistant or head coach’s own child will not be automatically declared to the All-Star team.
All coaches will come into the All-Star Draft with a list of 12 players (from all the teams) that they personally think are All-Star eligible. Please pay attention to other teams players, not only when they are playing your team but when they are playing other teams as well. We are looking to build a tradition of winning at WDYB and would like for the best of our players to be involved in All-Stars. This list will be compared to the other coaches in your age group for names that make it on all coaches’ lists. All players on each list will be declared All-Stars.
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules Pre-Tee 1. Batters will be allowed five (5) swings to put the ball in play off the Tee (after that the coach may need to assist the player in hitting). If the batter is capable of hitting from the tee consistently, the coach may elect to throw the ball overhanded (3 pitches (half the distance from the pitching circle) and then give the batter 2 chances off the tee). 2. Each team will bat their roster and then rotate into the field each inning. This will continue until each player on each team has had an opportunity to bat twice. 3. Players on defense will alternate between the infield and the outfield each inning (depending on team size you could rotate them per game). This rule is to encourage equal skill development between all players. This rule will be monitored by the Board and strictly enforced. 4. There should be at least two (2) coaches in the outfield and two (2) coaches on the infield at all times. (Parents are allowed to come help out with their child on the field) 5. Fair or foul ball calls will be made by the coach at home plate or the nearest coach. 6. No scores will be recorded. 7. Coaches should change the line up to ensure children at the bottom of the lineup are getting the same opportunity to run the bases as the other children. 8. Helmets must be worn while on deck, batting, and on the bases. 9. Players are to be inside the dugout area, if not on the field of play or on deck. No siblings in the dugout unless they are playing on the same team. 10.Try to teach making plays to first and getting the ball back into the circle (pitcher’s mound). 9
2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
TEE-BALL RULES 1. Each team may have 1 head coach and 4 assistant coaches. Only the head coach may speak for the team to the umpire or League Officials 2. Regulation games are 5 innings long or a 75 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after 70 minutes. Mercy rule is 11 runs after 4 innings or if the home is leading by 15 runs after three and one half innings. 3. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 5th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in that case, the batter and all base runners will score (5th inning only). If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score (in the 5th inning.) 4. Any attempt to distract the opposing team by coaches or spectators is forbidden. If the head coach cannot control the situation, the game may be awarded to the opposing team on the judgment of the umpire. No Heckling, the person doing this will be asked to leave. 5. After a team has been warned for slinging the bat, the batter will be out on the second occurrence. The umpire should note the occurrence with the score keeper. 6. The batter will receive 3 pitches from the coach, which must be overhand and from the pitching rubber. (the ball does not have to travel outside the inside arc off of the coach pitch, but it does have to be in fair territory) 7. The player gets 2 swings off of the tee. If the second swing is a foul, the batter is out (the ball must travel outside the arch line to be considered fair). 8. (Tee batters only) If the batter fouls the third pitch from the coach, the batter can elect to receive another pitch or choose to hit from the tee. (5 pitches total) So the batter can have 4 pitches and one off the tee, or elect to receive all five pitches.
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9. Tees will be removed from 6-year-old players half way through the season (First time players only). If they have played T-ball before and are 6 years old at the start of the season they should be coach pitch only (5 swings) and at the half way point of the season they go to 5 pitches but only 3 swings. The director will inform head coaches of this date. (If the Fifth strike is fouled off the batter gets another pitch, if he misses that pitch or takes the pitch he is out.)(After the halfway point this becomes the third strike)(Some parks we play say half your team should be off the tee at the half way point of the season, so be prepared to remove the tee from half the players.) 10.The coach pitcher must exit the field as soon as the ball is hit. Any interference by the coach will be to the judgment of the umpire. If the adult pitcher is hit by the ball, it becomes an automatic dead ball and the batter is awarded first base. 11.Any pitch that is hit off the coach pitch in fair territory will be considered a live ball, even if it does not travel outside the arch line. 12.The defensive pitcher (player) must stand even or behind the white line(pitching rubber) with one foot inside the circle until the ball is in play. 13.Coaches should stress throwing the ball. Intentionally rolling the ball in an attempt to get an out or to make it easier to field a ball may result in the base runner being called safe by the judgment of the umpire. 14.A player passing through the circle will not end the play if the player is going for an out. The player must call time to end the play. (see rule 23) Time can only be called inside the circle or in front of the lead runner. 15.The two coaches in the outfield for defense cannot come into the infield during the play. They must remain in the outfield and only coach the outfield until time is called. 16.Base coaches are not allowed to touch the base runners while the ball is in play. 1st time is a warning and the second time the runner is out. 17.Base runners shall not advance to another base until the ball is batted live by being hit in fair territory or a foul ball caught in the air(advance at your own risk). 18.Once time is called by the umpire, any base runner behind the lead runner will be awarded their base position determined by their position when time was called according to the chalked lines between the bases. 19.No infield fly rule 20.The maximum number of players is 10 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 11
21.All teams must have a regular baseball infield including a catcher. (Catcher is optional, if only fielding 8 players) The defensive team can use a coach as a catcher to speed up the game. The coach catcher must wear a face mask. 22.Bats may not exceed 33” in length and must be stamped Dixie Youth for all 2 ¼ bats(see bat list) . We are now allowing big barrel bats, 2 5/8 diameter only and they will currently only be allowed at our park ,versus only Winder teams(This is subject to change as other parks adopt this rule) 23.If a ball is hit inside the circle or on the third base side of the circle, the pitcher must throw the ball to 1st base rather than running down the batter at first base. 24.The third baseman and first baseman cannot be closer to home plate than the pitcher. 25.Defensive players may not pursue runners past the next base position. Example: the 1 st baseman can only chase a runner to 2nd base or cover home plate to make an out (if you have no catcher). Once again, this is a learning age - please stress throwing the ball. Exception: If the first baseman is the established catcher, he can run a player back to third if receiving a throw at home plate from another fielding position (he must round the bases backwards. He cannot cut across the field). Short stop and the second base can run a runner back to first if they were covering the bag or to third depending on the player’s position. 26.A ball thrown over/under the fence or in the dugout becomes a dead ball and the runner is entitled to one base. 27.No walks 28.No bunting 29.Outfielders are not allowed to make a play on the infield. The runner will be declared safe if this happens.
All-Star rules will begin at the half way point of the season. (See the Director!)
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
PEE-WEE RULES 1. Coaches will pitch the first 2 innings of each game. A limit of 5 pitches will be thrown and only three swings allowed (except for foul ball situations on the third pitch). No walks allowed under coach pitch. If a coach pitcher beans a batter, well let’s hope you don’t! 2. During kid pitch: No walks will be allowed. If the kid pitcher walks a batter, the coach will come in and give the batter two pitches to put the ball in play(foul ball exception, if the batter fouls the second pitch off he gets another pitch to strike out or put the ball in play). If the kid pitcher hits a batter, the batter takes first base. 3. The coach will have to stand on the rubber and pitch to the batters. The coach will make every attempt to move off the playing field once the ball is batted live. If the coach is hit by the ball it will be declared a dead ball. The batter will be award first base. 4. Half way through the season the board will make a decision to remove coach pitch (No walks will remain in place).( We will start playing by all-star rules.) 5. 4 Coaches are allowed in the dugout during a game. Head coaches are the official speakers for the teams. 6. Coaches will only be allowed to visit the mound twice, on the third visit the pitcher is removed from pitching. 7. Regulation games are 6 innings long with a 75 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after 70 minutes. Mercy rule is 15 runs after 3 innings or 11 runs after 4 innings. 8. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 5th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in this case the batter and all base runners will score. If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score.
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9. Pitchers will be limited to 5 innings in any calendar week (Monday-Sunday). If a player pitches 3 or more innings in one game, they must have 36 hours rest before pitching again. If a pitcher pitches one pitch in an inning, it will be considered a full inning pitched. 10.A coach’s failure to comply with rest periods rules are subject to disciplinary actions by the WDY board. The score keeper(s) from the home team must keep up with the pitch count 11.If a kid pitcher hits 3 batters in the same inning or 4 batters during a game they must be removed from the mound 12.All players in the line-up will bat through rotation. Players must play 2 innings in the field (does not have to be consecutive). 13.The maximum number of players is 10 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 13.Bat lengths are not to exceed 33” and must be stamped for Dixie Youth baseball for all 2 ¼ inch bats(see bat list). Big Barrel bats are allowed to be used in Park and against Winder teams only at this time (This is subject to change as other parks adopt this rule). 14. No Infield Fly rule. 14.Outfielders must throw the ball back into the infield. You will be allowed 4 outfielders during a game.(no coaches in the outfield) 15.Once the ball is in play, any infielder must have full control of the ball and be in front of the lead runner to call time. The umpire will award bases once time is called based on the lead runner and where secondary runners are located. 16.Bunting is only allowed during kid pitch innings. 17.A runner may not leave a base until the ball is put in play. 18. If the kid is hit by the ball from the kid pitcher he is to be award his base.
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
MINOR RULES 1. 3 Coaches are allowed in the dugout during a game. Head coaches are the official speakers for the teams. 2. Regulation games are 6 innings long with a 90 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after 85 minutes. Mercy rule is 16 runs after 4 innings or 11 runs after 5 innings. 3. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 6th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in this case, the batter and all base runners will score. If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score. 4. Pitcher will be limited to 6 innings in any calendar week (Monday-Sunday). If a player pitches 3 or more innings in one game, they must have 36 hours rest before pitching again. If a pitcher pitches one pitch in an inning, it will be considered a full inning pitched. 5. All players in the line-up will bat through rotation. Players must play 2 innings in the field (does not have to be consecutive). 6. The maximum number of players is 9 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 7. Infield Fly rule is in effect. 8. Base runners will not be allowed to leave a base until the pitched ball crosses home plate.
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9. Bat lengths are not to exceed 33” and must be stamped for Dixie Youth Baseball for all 2 ¼ bats (see bat list). Big Barrel bats will be allowed to be used in park only, versus Winder teams only(This is subject to change as other parks adopt this rule).
10.Stealing is allowed but only after the ball crosses home plate.
11.Stealing Home- When a pitcher has the ball at a temporary mound, and a catcher has control of home plate and any runner at third or any other bases has stopped their forward momentum will a player be allowed to request a time out. When time is granted all runners must return to their bases. The catcher or player must throw the ball back to the pitcher within 5’ of the mound. If the pitcher does not catch the ball the runners may advance at their own risk.
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
MAJOR RULES 1. 3 Coaches are allowed in the dugout during a game. Head coaches are the official speakers for the teams. 2. Regulation games are 6 innings long with a 105 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after100 minutes. Mercy rule is 16 runs after 4 innings or 11 runs after 5 innings. 3. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 6th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in this case, the batter and all base runners will score. If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score. 4. Players will pitch using Dixie Youth All-Star rules. 5. Pitcher will be limited to 6 innings in any calendar week (Monday-Sunday). If a player pitches 3 or more innings in one game, they must have 36 hours rest before pitching again. If a pitcher pitches one pitch in an inning, it will be considered a full inning pitched. 6. All players in the line-up will bat through rotation. Players must play 2 innings in the field (does not have to be consecutive). 7. The maximum number of players is 9 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 8. Big-barrel bats are permitted up. 2 ¼” (tight bases) and 2 5/8” (O-Zone). 9. Bat lengths are not to exceed 33”. 10. Infield Fly rule is in effect. 17
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book. General rules for all Leagues!
1. WDYB will schedule your practice times before the season begins. You are guaranteed one practice during the week and one practice on Saturday. There will not be any scheduled practices on Sundays. If you wish to practice on Sundays, you may do so without making it mandatory for the players. Please be aware that there will not be any lights or restrooms available for use these days. You will need to contact the director to make sure the field is available for use. 2. Once the season begins, practices will not be guaranteed due to the amount of teams and limited field space. If there are available time slots during the week, you will be scheduled a practice. This will be a week-by-week decision by the Director. 3. A player may request to move up one age group, but only with the approval of the Director and the Winder Dixie Youth Board, but the player will remain ineligible for All-stars that season. 4. All players batting, on-deck batters, and base runners must wear a batting helmet. Base coaches must adhere to Dixie playing rules in regards to protective helmets: Dixie Youth rule #1.16—(c) “The batter’s helmet shall be worn by any offensive player while on the playing field, such as a bat boy, on-deck batter, batter, base runner or player base coach.”. With the exception of Dixie Boys and Majors, batting helmets must have face masks and chin straps. 5. Pitchers with long white sleeves are prohibited. 6. Pitchers glove must be uniform in color. It may be grey in color. 7. No personal cell phones or other personal electronic communication equipment, excluding those carried by on-duty medical or security personnel, or required to be “on call” by their profession, are allowed on the playing field or in the dugouts during all local league games. 8. Metal cleats are prohibited at all times for all age groups with the exception of Dixie Boys. 2
9. No player will be allowed to wear jewelry while playing. 10.If the home team does not have an official scorekeeper in place and ready to start at game time, there will be a fifteen (15) minute grace period in order to get one ready. If a scorekeeper is not ready to begin play after the grace period, the following penalties will apply to the home team manager for repeated violations of this offense: 1st Offense—Warning 2nd Offense—Game suspension for Manager There should not be a third time! 11.All line-ups will be turned into the official scorekeeper ten (10) minutes prior to the game time. All line-up changes must be reported to the official scorekeeper. After the official line-up is turned in, any player arriving late will be added to the bottom of the line-up. 12.“Pick-up” players must be approved before game time. All players must be registered as a player with Winder Dixie Youth and must be registered as a player in that age level or one age group younger. You may only “pick-up” a player to make a team of 9. They must play in the outfield and bat at the end of the lineup. 13.Each team will be allowed 5 minutes of warm ups on the infield if time allows it – The second game will start 15 minutes after the completion of the first game, unless the first game is a forfeit. In that case, the second game will start on time. 14.Visiting team will be in the dugout on the 3rd base line. Home team will be in the dugout on the 1st base line. 15.League Officials will determine the fitness of the playing field before the game starts. In the event of rain, League Officials may call a time-out to inspect the condition of the playing field. 16.Games shortened due to weather related events shall be considered an official game provided both teams have batted three times or the home team is leading after two and one half inning. 17.The Winder Dixie Youth Board will reschedule all rainouts as time permits. Head coaches will be notified as soon as their game has been rescheduled. 18.Each team must field a minimum of 8 players - any less than 8 players will be a forfeit. There will be no automatic outs on the 9th batter. Coaches will be given a 10 minute grace period from the scheduled starting time to allow the team to field a minimum of 8 players. 3
19.Coaches are not allowed to touch the base runners while the ball is live, first time is a warning to the coach, and the second time the runner is automatically out. 20.A coach is limited to 2 time-outs in any one inning (except for time-outs called for injuries); this includes visits to the mound. The pitcher must be replaced at the third timeout. 21.No equipment shall be left on the playing field with the exception of bat weights. Only one weight may be left and must be against the dugout unless it is being used. 22.All gates shall remain closed during the game. 23.No one will be allowed on the playing field during a game except for uniformed players, coaches, umpires or League Officials. If an adult steps on the field they will be ask to leave the premises. 24.Only the head coach/manager for the team is allowed to argue calls with the umpire. He must do so in a cordially fashion or risk ejection and forfeiting his chance to coach in the All-star season. The head coach must control his assistant coaches and parents at all time or risk a one game suspension and loss of All-Star privileges. Once the coach is ejected from the game a kid must put on a helmet and coach an available base, so the remaining three coaches can supervise the dugout and kids on the field. 25.In the umpire’s judgment, if the runner does not slide or attempt to avoid contact with a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag, the runner is out. Headfirst slides are not allowed into a base unless they are trying to get back on a passed base. 26.Umpires must record the game’s starting time with the official scorekeeper. 27.Players with a cast, either soft or hard, are not allowed on the field. The player is allowed to be in the dugout with his/her team but may not play in the field or bat. 28.All head coaches are responsible for making sure that the dugout(s) are left clean and that all trash is put into the trash cans provided.
29.Any player who consistently misses practice or is creating a disciplinary problem may be placed on the bench for a one game suspension in an effort to solve the problem. In the event of a player being benched, a written explanation or some form of notification should be given to the Direct or his designee outlining the situation before any action is taken, except for the following situation( see below) 4
30.If a situation happens during a game you have the right to remove the player from the game and place them on the bench. If they continue to have disciplinary problems during the game they may be sent outside the fence with their parents. (Inform your parents of how you plan on handling these situations before the season begins) and please contact a board member as soon as possible about the issue. 31.Any player that throws any object or verbally expresses their temper may be ejected from the game without warning.
ARTICLE VII – Code of Conduct – Coaches 7.1 Each coach plays a key role in the success of the League. The coach is responsible for training the children in baseball and in good sportsmanship while meeting individual and team needs. It is not the coach’s job to question an umpire’s decision on any call (unless it is a rule interpretation and then only in a respectful manner). Each coach is also responsible for the conduct of the fans of his or her team. Disciplinary action can and will be taken by the Board when necessary. It is each coach’s responsibility to follow and support all programs developed and adopted by the board. Any manager or coach involved in disciplinary action shall have the opportunity to appear before the Board and explain his or her conduct before the Board takes any disciplinary action. 7.2 If a coach is ejected from a game for improper conduct, the coach ejected shall, in addition to any other discipline imposed by the Board, sit out one additional full game before being permitted to manage or coach in another game. 7.3 The Board may vote to suspend or expel a manager or coach or impose such other discipline upon a manager or coach as the Board deems appropriate for his or her failure to act in the manner prescribed herein. Such action shall require a majority vote of the Board. ARTICLE VIII – Protest of Game 8.1 To be valid, a protest regarding a call made in a game (1) must be made verbally by the manager or coach to the umpire in charge immediately at the time of the disputed decision and before the next ball is pitched, and (2) the manager or coach must submit a written report of the protest to the Director for the relevant division within 24 hours after the start of the game being protested. Both steps must be taken in a timely manner for the protest to be considered. If these timelines are not adhered to, the protest will not be considered. 8.2 If the protest is submitted as required herein, the Board shall convene as soon as possible and shall hear from the manager or coach filing the protest, the opposing team’s manager or coach, the umpire of the game under protest and others as the Board deems appropriate. The Board shall render a decision as quickly as the circumstances will allow. The Director shall report the Board’s decision to the manager or coach and umpire involved. All decisions of the Board regarding protests are final. 5
ARTICLE IX – Complaints and Disciplinary Guidelines 9.1 All complaints regarding the behavior or actions of players, parents, coaches, spectators and umpires shall be submitted to the Director. 9.2 The complaint must be submitted in writing. If the complaint is not in writing, it will not be considered. 9.3 If the complaint is submitted as required herein, it shall be added to the agenda of the next regularly scheduled board meeting. If a meeting is not scheduled at that time, the Board shall convene as quickly as possible, shall review the report, and shall hear from the complainant, the person(s) subject to the complaint and others as the Board deems appropriate. The Board shall render a decision as quickly as the circumstances will allow. The Director of the relevant division, or the President, shall report the Board’s decision to the complainant and person(s) subject to the complaint as soon as possible. All decisions of the Board regarding the complaints of an individual’s behavior or actions are final. 9.4 If the Board determines that discipline is appropriate, the range of discipline shall include a verbal warning, written warning, suspension and expulsion. 9.5 In determining the appropriate level of discipline, the Board adopted the following guidelines: a. Conduct that may warrant immediate expulsion from the League includes (a) the physical assault or battery of a person at any League activity; (b) the bringing of a firearm or other weapon to a League activity; (c) the attendance by any person at a game or practice while intoxicated or under the influence of an illegal substance; and (d) the discovery of an individual’s criminal history or other activity which the Board, as appropriate, deems inconsistent with the objectives of the League, given the nature and severity of the conduct and the time that has passed since the conduct occurred. b. Conduct that may warrant the imposition of a minimum three game suspension includes (a) the verbal assault of a person at any League activity and (b) any unwelcomed physical contact (unless the contact is made in an attempt to break up an altercation). c. Conduct that may warrant the imposition of a minimum one game suspension includes (a) the ejection by an umpire of a player, parent, coach, manager or spectator; (b) the use of profanity or the making of a profane gesture by a player, parent, coach, manager or spectator at any game or practice; (c) the violation of a player participation rule or a pitching rule by a manager or coach; or (d) unsportsmanlike conduct by a player, parent, coach, manager or spectator at any game or practice. 9.6 The above are guidelines. The Board, as appropriate, reserves the right to exercise it’s discretion to impose whatever discipline it deems appropriate based on the circumstances at hand. The Board, as appropriate, reserves the right to impose harsher discipline on any person who violates multiple rules or standards of conduct or who violates the same rule or standard of conduct more than once. 9.7 During the period of suspension, the player, parent, manager, coach or spectator may not attend the game(s) of his or her team unless the Board determines otherwise. 9.8 The child of any adult suspended or expelled from the League may also be excused from games or practices. 6
9.9 After being ejected from a second game in any league capacity in a calendar year, the coach is prohibited in any form with WDYB for 1 calendar year. After the year is completed, he/she can apply for reinstatement pending the board’s approval (a Calendar year is equal to 12 months).
2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book. General rules for all Leagues!
Draft Rules Regular Season: Players will go through an evaluation. On the day of or next available date following the evaluation, coaches will meet to draft players. If the participant was a no show to the draft the will be drafted blindly from the hat. Draft order will be drawn from “The Hat”. This will remain the order throughout the entire draft. Trades will be made after draft, pending approval. If a coach has two children in the same then a provision will be made to freeze the coach’s children until after the third round. This will give the coach a fair chance to draft a level “A” player.
All-Star Selection: All players are eligible for All-Stars unless they are playing up from a different league or their birthday misses the cut off deadline. We recommend that players be picked for talent and not for favoritism. All coaches in the age group must be present for All-Star recommendations and selections. 7
The All-Star head coach will be determined by whichever head coach has the winning record of in park teams. If that coach chooses not to coach the All-star team, then the WDY Board will chose according to who will best represent Winder Dixie Youth Baseball. The All-Star head coach will pick his assistant coaches; they must be listed on the official Dixie Youth roster forms to be eligible assistants. Assistant coaches are to be chosen after the All-Star players have been selected. An Assistant or head coach’s own child will not be automatically declared to the All-Star team.
All coaches will come into the All-Star Draft with a list of 12 players (from all the teams) that they personally think are All-Star eligible. Please pay attention to other teams players, not only when they are playing your team but when they are playing other teams as well. We are looking to build a tradition of winning at WDYB and would like for the best of our players to be involved in All-Stars. This list will be compared to the other coaches in your age group for names that make it on all coaches’ lists. All players on each list will be declared All-Stars.
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules Pre-Tee 1. Batters will be allowed five (5) swings to put the ball in play off the Tee (after that the coach may need to assist the player in hitting). If the batter is capable of hitting from the tee consistently, the coach may elect to throw the ball overhanded (3 pitches (half the distance from the pitching circle) and then give the batter 2 chances off the tee). 2. Each team will bat their roster and then rotate into the field each inning. This will continue until each player on each team has had an opportunity to bat twice. 3. Players on defense will alternate between the infield and the outfield each inning (depending on team size you could rotate them per game). This rule is to encourage equal skill development between all players. This rule will be monitored by the Board and strictly enforced. 4. There should be at least two (2) coaches in the outfield and two (2) coaches on the infield at all times. (Parents are allowed to come help out with their child on the field) 5. Fair or foul ball calls will be made by the coach at home plate or the nearest coach. 6. No scores will be recorded. 7. Coaches should change the line up to ensure children at the bottom of the lineup are getting the same opportunity to run the bases as the other children. 8. Helmets must be worn while on deck, batting, and on the bases. 9. Players are to be inside the dugout area, if not on the field of play or on deck. No siblings in the dugout unless they are playing on the same team. 10.Try to teach making plays to first and getting the ball back into the circle (pitcher’s mound). 9
2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
TEE-BALL RULES 1. Each team may have 1 head coach and 4 assistant coaches. Only the head coach may speak for the team to the umpire or League Officials 2. Regulation games are 5 innings long or a 75 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after 70 minutes. Mercy rule is 11 runs after 4 innings or if the home is leading by 15 runs after three and one half innings. 3. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 5th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in that case, the batter and all base runners will score (5th inning only). If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score (in the 5th inning.) 4. Any attempt to distract the opposing team by coaches or spectators is forbidden. If the head coach cannot control the situation, the game may be awarded to the opposing team on the judgment of the umpire. No Heckling, the person doing this will be asked to leave. 5. After a team has been warned for slinging the bat, the batter will be out on the second occurrence. The umpire should note the occurrence with the score keeper. 6. The batter will receive 3 pitches from the coach, which must be overhand and from the pitching rubber. (the ball does not have to travel outside the inside arc off of the coach pitch, but it does have to be in fair territory) 7. The player gets 2 swings off of the tee. If the second swing is a foul, the batter is out (the ball must travel outside the arch line to be considered fair). 8. (Tee batters only) If the batter fouls the third pitch from the coach, the batter can elect to receive another pitch or choose to hit from the tee. (5 pitches total) So the batter can have 4 pitches and one off the tee, or elect to receive all five pitches.
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9. Tees will be removed from 6-year-old players half way through the season (First time players only). If they have played T-ball before and are 6 years old at the start of the season they should be coach pitch only (5 swings) and at the half way point of the season they go to 5 pitches but only 3 swings. The director will inform head coaches of this date. (If the Fifth strike is fouled off the batter gets another pitch, if he misses that pitch or takes the pitch he is out.)(After the halfway point this becomes the third strike)(Some parks we play say half your team should be off the tee at the half way point of the season, so be prepared to remove the tee from half the players.) 10.The coach pitcher must exit the field as soon as the ball is hit. Any interference by the coach will be to the judgment of the umpire. If the adult pitcher is hit by the ball, it becomes an automatic dead ball and the batter is awarded first base. 11.Any pitch that is hit off the coach pitch in fair territory will be considered a live ball, even if it does not travel outside the arch line. 12.The defensive pitcher (player) must stand even or behind the white line(pitching rubber) with one foot inside the circle until the ball is in play. 13.Coaches should stress throwing the ball. Intentionally rolling the ball in an attempt to get an out or to make it easier to field a ball may result in the base runner being called safe by the judgment of the umpire. 14.A player passing through the circle will not end the play if the player is going for an out. The player must call time to end the play. (see rule 23) Time can only be called inside the circle or in front of the lead runner. 15.The two coaches in the outfield for defense cannot come into the infield during the play. They must remain in the outfield and only coach the outfield until time is called. 16.Base coaches are not allowed to touch the base runners while the ball is in play. 1st time is a warning and the second time the runner is out. 17.Base runners shall not advance to another base until the ball is batted live by being hit in fair territory or a foul ball caught in the air(advance at your own risk). 18.Once time is called by the umpire, any base runner behind the lead runner will be awarded their base position determined by their position when time was called according to the chalked lines between the bases. 19.No infield fly rule 20.The maximum number of players is 10 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 11
21.All teams must have a regular baseball infield including a catcher. (Catcher is optional, if only fielding 8 players) The defensive team can use a coach as a catcher to speed up the game. The coach catcher must wear a face mask. 22.Bats may not exceed 33” in length and must be stamped Dixie Youth for all 2 ¼ bats(see bat list) . We are now allowing big barrel bats, 2 5/8 diameter only and they will currently only be allowed at our park ,versus only Winder teams(This is subject to change as other parks adopt this rule) 23.If a ball is hit inside the circle or on the third base side of the circle, the pitcher must throw the ball to 1st base rather than running down the batter at first base. 24.The third baseman and first baseman cannot be closer to home plate than the pitcher. 25.Defensive players may not pursue runners past the next base position. Example: the 1 st baseman can only chase a runner to 2nd base or cover home plate to make an out (if you have no catcher). Once again, this is a learning age - please stress throwing the ball. Exception: If the first baseman is the established catcher, he can run a player back to third if receiving a throw at home plate from another fielding position (he must round the bases backwards. He cannot cut across the field). Short stop and the second base can run a runner back to first if they were covering the bag or to third depending on the player’s position. 26.A ball thrown over/under the fence or in the dugout becomes a dead ball and the runner is entitled to one base. 27.No walks 28.No bunting 29.Outfielders are not allowed to make a play on the infield. The runner will be declared safe if this happens.
All-Star rules will begin at the half way point of the season. (See the Director!)
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
PEE-WEE RULES 1. Coaches will pitch the first 2 innings of each game. A limit of 5 pitches will be thrown and only three swings allowed (except for foul ball situations on the third pitch). No walks allowed under coach pitch. If a coach pitcher beans a batter, well let’s hope you don’t! 2. During kid pitch: No walks will be allowed. If the kid pitcher walks a batter, the coach will come in and give the batter two pitches to put the ball in play(foul ball exception, if the batter fouls the second pitch off he gets another pitch to strike out or put the ball in play). If the kid pitcher hits a batter, the batter takes first base. 3. The coach will have to stand on the rubber and pitch to the batters. The coach will make every attempt to move off the playing field once the ball is batted live. If the coach is hit by the ball it will be declared a dead ball. The batter will be award first base. 4. Half way through the season the board will make a decision to remove coach pitch (No walks will remain in place).( We will start playing by all-star rules.) 5. 4 Coaches are allowed in the dugout during a game. Head coaches are the official speakers for the teams. 6. Coaches will only be allowed to visit the mound twice, on the third visit the pitcher is removed from pitching. 7. Regulation games are 6 innings long with a 75 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after 70 minutes. Mercy rule is 15 runs after 3 innings or 11 runs after 4 innings. 8. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 5th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in this case the batter and all base runners will score. If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score.
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9. Pitchers will be limited to 5 innings in any calendar week (Monday-Sunday). If a player pitches 3 or more innings in one game, they must have 36 hours rest before pitching again. If a pitcher pitches one pitch in an inning, it will be considered a full inning pitched. 10.A coach’s failure to comply with rest periods rules are subject to disciplinary actions by the WDY board. The score keeper(s) from the home team must keep up with the pitch count 11.If a kid pitcher hits 3 batters in the same inning or 4 batters during a game they must be removed from the mound 12.All players in the line-up will bat through rotation. Players must play 2 innings in the field (does not have to be consecutive). 13.The maximum number of players is 10 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 13.Bat lengths are not to exceed 33” and must be stamped for Dixie Youth baseball for all 2 ¼ inch bats(see bat list). Big Barrel bats are allowed to be used in Park and against Winder teams only at this time (This is subject to change as other parks adopt this rule). 14. No Infield Fly rule. 14.Outfielders must throw the ball back into the infield. You will be allowed 4 outfielders during a game.(no coaches in the outfield) 15.Once the ball is in play, any infielder must have full control of the ball and be in front of the lead runner to call time. The umpire will award bases once time is called based on the lead runner and where secondary runners are located. 16.Bunting is only allowed during kid pitch innings. 17.A runner may not leave a base until the ball is put in play. 18. If the kid is hit by the ball from the kid pitcher he is to be award his base.
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
MINOR RULES 1. 3 Coaches are allowed in the dugout during a game. Head coaches are the official speakers for the teams. 2. Regulation games are 6 innings long with a 90 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after 85 minutes. Mercy rule is 16 runs after 4 innings or 11 runs after 5 innings. 3. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 6th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in this case, the batter and all base runners will score. If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score. 4. Pitcher will be limited to 6 innings in any calendar week (Monday-Sunday). If a player pitches 3 or more innings in one game, they must have 36 hours rest before pitching again. If a pitcher pitches one pitch in an inning, it will be considered a full inning pitched. 5. All players in the line-up will bat through rotation. Players must play 2 innings in the field (does not have to be consecutive). 6. The maximum number of players is 9 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 7. Infield Fly rule is in effect. 8. Base runners will not be allowed to leave a base until the pitched ball crosses home plate.
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9. Bat lengths are not to exceed 33” and must be stamped for Dixie Youth Baseball for all 2 ¼ bats (see bat list). Big Barrel bats will be allowed to be used in park only, versus Winder teams only(This is subject to change as other parks adopt this rule).
10.Stealing is allowed but only after the ball crosses home plate.
11.Stealing Home- When a pitcher has the ball at a temporary mound, and a catcher has control of home plate and any runner at third or any other bases has stopped their forward momentum will a player be allowed to request a time out. When time is granted all runners must return to their bases. The catcher or player must throw the ball back to the pitcher within 5’ of the mound. If the pitcher does not catch the ball the runners may advance at their own risk.
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2015 Winder Dixie Youth Local Playing Rules These rules apply to local rules only. Any further issues, not stated here, should refer to 2015 Dixie Youth Rule Book.
MAJOR RULES 1. 3 Coaches are allowed in the dugout during a game. Head coaches are the official speakers for the teams. 2. Regulation games are 6 innings long with a 105 minute time limit. A new inning may not be started after100 minutes. Mercy rule is 16 runs after 4 innings or 11 runs after 5 innings. 3. There will be a five run limit per inning, except for the 6th inning, during which a 10 run limit will apply. The only exception to this rule is if the batter hits an out-of-the-park home run; in this case, the batter and all base runners will score. If there is ground-rule double, base runners on second and third will score. 4. Players will pitch using Dixie Youth All-Star rules. 5. Pitcher will be limited to 6 innings in any calendar week (Monday-Sunday). If a player pitches 3 or more innings in one game, they must have 36 hours rest before pitching again. If a pitcher pitches one pitch in an inning, it will be considered a full inning pitched. 6. All players in the line-up will bat through rotation. Players must play 2 innings in the field (does not have to be consecutive). 7. The maximum number of players is 9 with a minimum of 8 in the field at any time. 8. Big-barrel bats are permitted up. 2 ¼” (tight bases) and 2 5/8” (O-Zone). 9. Bat lengths are not to exceed 33”. 10. Infield Fly rule is in effect. 17
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