2016 skiles test âaâ league official rules
2016 SKILES TEST “A” LEAGUE OFFICIAL RULES 1.0 General 1.01 The current National Federation of High School (NFHS) rulebook shall serve as the basis for the rules governing the Skiles Test “A” League. Certain exceptions to these rules are enumerated below. 1.02 Participation is limited to boys and girls who are seven (7) or eight (8) years old by May 1. The commissioner of the “A” League shall be entitled, in his or her sole discretion, to make exceptions to this rule. 1.03 The objective of each team in the Skiles Test “A” League is to win by scoring more runs than the opponent scores. The Board of Directors would like to emphasize that although scores are kept, the overriding objective at Skiles Test is for each participant to become a better baseball player. 1.04 The baselines shall be 60 feet in length. 1.05 A pitching circle with a radius of approximately 10 feet from the front of the pitcher’s plate will be marked on the field. 1.06 Bats must (a) have a maximum length of 33 inches, (b) have a maximum diameter of 2 ¼ inches, and (c) carry a maximum performance factor (BPF) of 1.15 or be marked as approved for play in Little League and/or Babe Ruth (Cal Ripken) programs. 1.07Players will participate in an evaluation where their throwing, batting, and running skills will be evaluated. Teams will then be selected by a draft conducted by the “A” League coaches. 1.08 Practice is limited to two (2) times per week after Opening Day. Practice is defined as the presence of one coach and at least three (3) team members. A week is defined as Sunday – Saturday. 2.0 The Game: Starting, Regulation, Official, Ending 2.01 The Head Groundskeeper, in consultation with the Commissioner of the “A” League, shall determine the fitness of the playing field before the game starts. 2.02 The Head Groundskeeper, or in his/her absence, the Officer of the Day, shall decide whether and when play shall be suspended during a game because of unsuitable weather conditions or the unfit condition of the playing field and as to whether and when a game shall be terminated after such suspension. In the event of a terminated game that is not official, the Commissioner of the “A” League, in consultation with the Head Coaches, shall reschedule a time to complete the game.
2.03 The Head Coaches from each team or his/her representatives are responsible for preparing the field for play before the start of the game. 2.04 The league will provide one (1) youth umpire at each game. The umpire, who will be positioned behind home plate, will keep track of strikes and pitches, number of outs, and rule on all plays in the field. 2.05 The home team will occupy the third base dugout. 2.06 A team must have a minimum of eight (8) players to start a game. A team can bring players up from the Rookie League to field a team of eight (8) or nine (9) players. If a team only has eight (8) players the ninth position in the batting order will be skipped and no out will be recorded. 2.07 If a team only has seven (7) players it shall forfeit the game; however, the teams are encouraged to scrimmage and share players as necessary to play the scrimmage. 2.08 The official start time for a game shall be the scheduled start time per the league schedule or fifteen (15) minutes after the end of the previous game, whichever is later. It shall be the responsibility of both Head Coaches to write the official start time in their respective scorebooks. 2.09 The Home team scorebook shall be the official scorebook in resolving any disputes. It is recommended that the scorekeepers for each team compare and agree upon runs scored and batting order after each half inning. 2.10 Regulation games are six (6) innings long unless shortened because of the following: 2.10.1 The home team needs none of its half of the sixth inning or only a fraction of it; 2.10.2 The home team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more runs after 3 ½ innings; 2.10.3 The visiting team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more runs after 4 innings; 2.10.4 The field is unfit for play to continue. 2.10.5 The Commissioner of the “A” League, or in his/her absence, the Officer of the Day, calls the game.
2.11 When a game is scheduled after the game being played, no new inning shall start in the game being played 1 hour and 30 minutes (1:30) past the official start time. For purposes of this rule, a new inning starts immediately at the time the third out is recorded in the previous inning. This rule shall not apply during the postseason tournament. 2.11.1 In order to achieve the completion of 6 full innings, coaches are encouraged and expected to move their players quickly from Offense to Defense or Defense to Offense. An adequate time for players to switch in between innings (on the field, in gear and ready to play) should be 2 minutes and 30 seconds or less. In order to keep the flow of the game, coaches or parent helpers should prepare their catchers and pitcher helpers for the next inning and help them put on gear. Coaches should also know the defensive positions or batting order their players will be playing the next inning. Intentional delay tactics preventing the start of another inning will not be tolerated. Coaches are expected to be prepared and do their best to keep the game moving. 2.11.2 Defensive Teams are not permitted to take balls out on to the field to warm up in between innings. In an attempt to play all 6 innings during a game, warming up will only be permitted before the start of the game. 2.12 If the end of an inning occurs 1 hour and 30 minutes (1:30) past the official start time or later and the score is tied, the game is over and recorded as a tie in the standings. This rule shall not apply during the postseason tournament. 2.13 A game shall be considered official if 2.13.1 The home team is ahead after 3 ½ innings; 2.13.2 The visiting team is ahead after 4 innings; 2.13.3 The Commissioner of the “A” League, or in his/her absence, the Officer of the Day, rules that the game is official. 2.14 If a game has been played long enough to be considered official but is suspended due to weather, darkness, etc., the following shall apply: 2.14.1 If the visiting team is still batting, the score reverts back to the previously completed inning and a winner is declared 2.14.2 If the visiting team has completed their turn at bat and is behind in the score, the home team is declared the winner 2.14.3 If the home team is still batting but is behind in the score, the score reverts back to the previously completed inning and a winner is
declared 2.14.4 If the home team is still batting and is ahead in the score, the home team shall be declared the winner 2.14.5 Rules 2.14.1 through 2.14.4 shall not apply during the postseason tournament. During the postseason tournament games suspended due to weather, darkness, etc., shall be governed by rules 2.15.1 through 2.15.4. 2.15 If a game has not been played long enough to be considered official but is suspended due to weather, darkness, etc., the game will be suspended and the following shall apply: 2.15.1 Both teams will compare scorebooks and confirm their agreement as to score, number of inning, position of runners, and current place in the batting order. 2.15.2 The game will be resumed at a time determined by the Commissioner of the “A” League in consultation with the Head Coaches. 2.15.3 Players not present at the original game are eligible to participate when the game is completed and will be added to the end of the batting order. 2.15.4 If a player is unable for any reason to be present when the game is to be completed, his/her spot in the batting order is skipped and no out is recorded. 3.0 Pitching 3.01 Each team will have an adult pitch overhand to their batters. The pitcher shall keep one foot in the pitching circle when delivering the pitch. 3.02 The pitcher may coach from the pitcher’s position before the ball is pitched. Coaches should keep instruction to the batter brief, as more detailed instruction should be given during practices and not during the players’ at bat in a game. Once the ball is pitched, the pitching Coach must refrain from the act of coaching while the ball is in play. 3.03 At all times the pitcher shall make every effort to not interfere with the runner or play, until the ball is called dead by the umpire. 3.04 If a batted ball hits the pitcher, the ball is dead and the batter shall return to the plate with the same count as if the last pitch had not been made. Runners
must return to the base they occupied before the last pitch. 3.05 A thrown ball hitting the adult pitcher is in play. 4.0 Batting 4.01 All players present for the game will bat. Players will bat in the same order the entire game. If a player arrives at a game after the game has started that player will be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. 4.02 Each batter will receive a maximum of seven (7) pitches, unless the seventh or any consecutive pitch is a foul ball. 4.03 Three swinging strikes or a seventh pitch that is not hit constitutes an out. 4.04 There shall be no called strikes or bases on balls. 4.05 Batters hit by a pitch will not be awarded first base. 4.06 Bunting is not allowed. 4.07 The maximum number of runs a team can score per inning is six (6). This rule shall not be enforced in the sixth inning nor any subsequent inning should the game go into extra innings. 4.08 The first time a player from a team throws their bat after hitting the ball, the team is given a warning. 4.09 The second infraction of throwing a bat by any player on the same team shall result in that player being called out. The umpire will immediately call the ball dead and the runners cannot advance. 4.10 The infield fly rule will not be enforced. 5.0 Fielding 5.01 All players present for the game will take a position in the field when his/her team is on defense. 5.02 When a team has nine (9) or more players present it must play either six (6) or seven (7) players in the infield. This number includes a child catcher. 5.03 When a team has only eight (8) players present it must play five (5) players in the infield. This number includes a child catcher.
5.04 When a team has only eight (8) players present and plays five (5) players in the infield, it does not have to play a pitcher’s helper. 5.05 Teams that play six (6) players in the infield must play one (1) pitcher’s helper. 5.06 Teams that play seven (7) players in the infield must play two (2) pitcher’s helpers. 5.07 The pitcher’s helper(s) must have at least one foot inside the pitching circle until the adult pitcher releases the ball. 5.08 A player can play a single defensive position for no more than three (3) innings. This rule does not apply during tournament play. 5.09 All players must play at least one (1) inning in the infield and one (1) inning in the outfield of the same game by the 5th inning. This requirement is not in affect for the tournament play. The commissioner of the A League, if agreed upon by the parents, coach, and commissioner for a particular player, can grant special exception to this rule if player safety is a concern. 5.10 The pitcher’s helper(s) must wear a helmet with a facemask while in the field. 5.11 No infielder may begin play closer to home plate than the pitcher’s helper. 5.12 Outfielders must begin each play on the grass outside the skinned infield and must remain in the grass outside the skinned infield during the entire play unless they are in foul territory backing up a play at first or third. No outfielder shall enter the skinned area to make a play on the ball or throw a player out, they must remain in the outfield grass to do so. 5.13 The defensive team may have two (2) coaches on the field to assist their team. One coach shall be positioned down the left field line in the outfield and the other down the right field line in the outfield. These two (2) coaches shall remain in foul territory at all times unless the ball is dead or there is an injury. 6.0 Base running / Sliding 6.01 Runners may not leave the base until the pitched ball crosses the plate. 6.02 Base stealing is not permitted.
6.03 The first time a player from a team leaves the base early, the team is given a warning. The umpire shall immediately call the ball dead and the runners cannot advance. The pitch will count as one of the seven pitches thrown to the batter. 6.04 The second time any player from the same team leaves the base early, that player shall immediately be called out. The umpire shall immediately call the ball dead and the runners cannot advance. The pitch will count as one of the seven pitches thrown to the batter. 6.05 Runners may continue to advance until 1) a defensive player forces the lead runner to stop their advancement to his or her next base or 2) an infielder has gained control of the ball, has moved their body inside the “Baseline”, and is requesting a timeout from the umpire by verbal request and/or by placing their hands up in the air. As soon as either of those two scenarios occurs, the umpire shall immediately call the ball dead and any runner who is not halfway to the next base must return to the last base touched those that are at least halfway will be awarded the next base. The Umpire has the discretion to call the play over and award a timeout for various other scenarios including, but not limited to, an injured player or a thrown bat. The umpire will be given complete authority to enforce Rule 6.05 and their decision is FINAL. (See page 7 for full explanation and examples on Rule 6.05). 6.06 The overthrow rule is applicable whether the ball is overthrown or is missed by the first baseman. It does not matter how far away the ball lands from the first baseman. The runner may take second but does so at his own risk. For example, the ball may land next to the fence along the first base side and the runner may advance to second without problem. The runner may not advance any further unless the first baseman throws the ball to second base. Should throw be made the runner may advance further. As a second example, if the first basemen merely drops the ball and the ball lands near him, the runner may advance only one base. In this example, the first basemen may choose not to throw it. Should the first basemen throw the ball, the runner may continue to advance. The intent of this rule is to cut down on coaches intentionally forcing the opposing team to make a play and allowing the runner to continue to advance at the expense of the other teams inability to stop the runner 6.07 Players are not required to slide when a play is being made on them at a base; however, any runner who deliberately runs into a fielder who has the ball will be called out and ejected from the game. 6.08 No head first slides will be allowed. The umpire shall immediately call the player out, but play will continue until the ball becomes dead.
6.09 Runners must stay within the boundaries of the baseline when advancing to another base (The Baseline is considered 3ft away inside or outside from the direct line that runs from base to base). Any runner that intentionally runs out of the baseline to avoid a tag will immediately be called out regardless of if the defensive player has tagged them or not. 6.10 All defensive players, who are not in possession of the baseball or is not attempting to make a play on the runner, must stay out of the baseline when a runner is advancing to the next base and allow the runner the opportunity to safely make it to the next base (The Baseline is considered 3ft away inside or outside from the direct line that runs from base to base). If a defensive player does not move out of the way or impedes a runner’s advancement to the next base, the play will result in that runner being awarded the base safely regardless of if they were safe or out. Coaches must teach this. 7.0 Ground Rules 7.01 The fence running down the right side of the field and the outfield fence in right field will be treated as if they were extended until they met. 7.02 Any thrown ball that goes past the boundary of this “extended” fence shall be considered out of play and called dead immediately. All runners will be awarded two bases from the last base they legally touched. 7.03 Any batted ball that is considered a fair ball that goes past the boundary of this “extended” fence shall be considered out of play and called dead immediately. The batter will be awarded a ground rule double. 7.04 Any thrown or batted ball caught by a fielder with both feet within the boundary of this “extended” fence when the ball is caught and then carried past its boundary shall be considered live and the play continues. 7.05 Any thrown ball caught by a fielder with a foot outside the boundary of this “extended” fence when the ball is caught shall be considered out of play and called dead immediately. All runners will be awarded two bases from the last base they legally touched. 7.06 Any batted ball caught by a fielder with a foot outside the boundary of this “extended” fence when the ball is caught shall be considered dead and the batter will not be considered out. It will be considered a strike if the batter has less than two strikes and it will be counted as one of the seven (7) pitches allowed a batter.
6.05 HOW TO DETERMINE THE PLAY IS OVER AND A TIMEOUT SHOULD BE AWARDED TO THE DEFENSIVE TEAM 1) A timeout should be awarded to the Defensive Team and play stopped when the defenders in the infield have stopped the advancement of the Lead Runner. This includes; a Lead Runner, whom is no longer advancing to the next base through active and constant movement, is standing still in the base path, is standing on the base or is retreating back to the previous base occupied. At this point, through umpire discretion, the play should be determined as over and a timeout awarded to the defensive team. All runners behind the lead runner who are not halfway to the next base must retreat to their previous base; those who are halfway may advance to their next base, but no further. Play will also be stopped and a timeout awarded to the defensive team through the below scenario: Runners may continue to advance to the next base and umpires should refrain from awarding a timeout to the defensive team until #2 has occurred and/or the lead runner on base has stopped his or her advancement to the next base. At this point the play should be deemed over by the umpire and timeout awarded to the defense. 2)
#2-An infielder has gained control of the ball, has moved their body inside the “Baseline”, and is requesting a timeout from the umpire by verbal request and/or by placing their hands up in the air. If and when #2 has occurred, the umpire should award a timeout to the defensive team and play should be stopped. Runner scenarios and where they end up on the bases are as follows: a.
b.
Any runner who IS at or past the halfway mark to the next base they are pursuing may continue to advance to that base but can advance no further. All runners who are NOT yet to the halfway point to the next base must retreat to their previous base. If a defensive player fields the ball inside of the “Baseline”, and chooses to immediately request a timeout, and is awarded the timeout, any runner who IS at or past the halfway mark to the next base they are pursuing may continue to advance to that base but can advance no further. All runners who are NOT yet to the halfway point to the next base must retreat to their previous base. In the scenario where runners are forced to advance to the next base due to runners behind them, those runners may advance to the next base and do so safely.
****Note: If any of the above scenarios would result in two players occupying the same base, the lead runner’s action (i.e. advancing or retreating) dictates occupation of the base and that of subsequent runners. Example #1: Upon timeout being awarded, if the lead runner is not halfway to the base they are pursuing (i.e. Home Plate), but runner pursuing 3rd base is more than halfway. In this scenario the lead runner would retreat back to 3rd base and the runner pursuing 3rd base would be forced to retreat back to 2nd base. Example #2: If a defender fields the ball inside the “Baseline” and chooses to immediately call for a time out, without making a play on a runner, and is awarded that time out by the umpire then all runners on base are safe. If the runners on base ARE halfway to their next base before timeout has been awarded than the runner will be awarded that next base. If the runners are NOT halfway to their next base before the timeout is awarded than they must retreat back to their previous base unless they are forced to move up due to runners behind them being forced to advance forward (i.e. bases loaded before the at bat), in this scenario they would go ahead and advance to the next base safely but go no further.
3)
The Umpire has the discretion to call the play over and award a timeout for various other scenarios including, but not limited to, an injured player or a thrown bat. The umpire will be given complete authority to enforce Rule 6.05 and their decision is FINAL.
2.03 The Head Coaches from each team or his/her representatives are responsible for preparing the field for play before the start of the game. 2.04 The league will provide one (1) youth umpire at each game. The umpire, who will be positioned behind home plate, will keep track of strikes and pitches, number of outs, and rule on all plays in the field. 2.05 The home team will occupy the third base dugout. 2.06 A team must have a minimum of eight (8) players to start a game. A team can bring players up from the Rookie League to field a team of eight (8) or nine (9) players. If a team only has eight (8) players the ninth position in the batting order will be skipped and no out will be recorded. 2.07 If a team only has seven (7) players it shall forfeit the game; however, the teams are encouraged to scrimmage and share players as necessary to play the scrimmage. 2.08 The official start time for a game shall be the scheduled start time per the league schedule or fifteen (15) minutes after the end of the previous game, whichever is later. It shall be the responsibility of both Head Coaches to write the official start time in their respective scorebooks. 2.09 The Home team scorebook shall be the official scorebook in resolving any disputes. It is recommended that the scorekeepers for each team compare and agree upon runs scored and batting order after each half inning. 2.10 Regulation games are six (6) innings long unless shortened because of the following: 2.10.1 The home team needs none of its half of the sixth inning or only a fraction of it; 2.10.2 The home team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more runs after 3 ½ innings; 2.10.3 The visiting team is ahead by fifteen (15) or more runs after 4 innings; 2.10.4 The field is unfit for play to continue. 2.10.5 The Commissioner of the “A” League, or in his/her absence, the Officer of the Day, calls the game.
2.11 When a game is scheduled after the game being played, no new inning shall start in the game being played 1 hour and 30 minutes (1:30) past the official start time. For purposes of this rule, a new inning starts immediately at the time the third out is recorded in the previous inning. This rule shall not apply during the postseason tournament. 2.11.1 In order to achieve the completion of 6 full innings, coaches are encouraged and expected to move their players quickly from Offense to Defense or Defense to Offense. An adequate time for players to switch in between innings (on the field, in gear and ready to play) should be 2 minutes and 30 seconds or less. In order to keep the flow of the game, coaches or parent helpers should prepare their catchers and pitcher helpers for the next inning and help them put on gear. Coaches should also know the defensive positions or batting order their players will be playing the next inning. Intentional delay tactics preventing the start of another inning will not be tolerated. Coaches are expected to be prepared and do their best to keep the game moving. 2.11.2 Defensive Teams are not permitted to take balls out on to the field to warm up in between innings. In an attempt to play all 6 innings during a game, warming up will only be permitted before the start of the game. 2.12 If the end of an inning occurs 1 hour and 30 minutes (1:30) past the official start time or later and the score is tied, the game is over and recorded as a tie in the standings. This rule shall not apply during the postseason tournament. 2.13 A game shall be considered official if 2.13.1 The home team is ahead after 3 ½ innings; 2.13.2 The visiting team is ahead after 4 innings; 2.13.3 The Commissioner of the “A” League, or in his/her absence, the Officer of the Day, rules that the game is official. 2.14 If a game has been played long enough to be considered official but is suspended due to weather, darkness, etc., the following shall apply: 2.14.1 If the visiting team is still batting, the score reverts back to the previously completed inning and a winner is declared 2.14.2 If the visiting team has completed their turn at bat and is behind in the score, the home team is declared the winner 2.14.3 If the home team is still batting but is behind in the score, the score reverts back to the previously completed inning and a winner is
declared 2.14.4 If the home team is still batting and is ahead in the score, the home team shall be declared the winner 2.14.5 Rules 2.14.1 through 2.14.4 shall not apply during the postseason tournament. During the postseason tournament games suspended due to weather, darkness, etc., shall be governed by rules 2.15.1 through 2.15.4. 2.15 If a game has not been played long enough to be considered official but is suspended due to weather, darkness, etc., the game will be suspended and the following shall apply: 2.15.1 Both teams will compare scorebooks and confirm their agreement as to score, number of inning, position of runners, and current place in the batting order. 2.15.2 The game will be resumed at a time determined by the Commissioner of the “A” League in consultation with the Head Coaches. 2.15.3 Players not present at the original game are eligible to participate when the game is completed and will be added to the end of the batting order. 2.15.4 If a player is unable for any reason to be present when the game is to be completed, his/her spot in the batting order is skipped and no out is recorded. 3.0 Pitching 3.01 Each team will have an adult pitch overhand to their batters. The pitcher shall keep one foot in the pitching circle when delivering the pitch. 3.02 The pitcher may coach from the pitcher’s position before the ball is pitched. Coaches should keep instruction to the batter brief, as more detailed instruction should be given during practices and not during the players’ at bat in a game. Once the ball is pitched, the pitching Coach must refrain from the act of coaching while the ball is in play. 3.03 At all times the pitcher shall make every effort to not interfere with the runner or play, until the ball is called dead by the umpire. 3.04 If a batted ball hits the pitcher, the ball is dead and the batter shall return to the plate with the same count as if the last pitch had not been made. Runners
must return to the base they occupied before the last pitch. 3.05 A thrown ball hitting the adult pitcher is in play. 4.0 Batting 4.01 All players present for the game will bat. Players will bat in the same order the entire game. If a player arrives at a game after the game has started that player will be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. 4.02 Each batter will receive a maximum of seven (7) pitches, unless the seventh or any consecutive pitch is a foul ball. 4.03 Three swinging strikes or a seventh pitch that is not hit constitutes an out. 4.04 There shall be no called strikes or bases on balls. 4.05 Batters hit by a pitch will not be awarded first base. 4.06 Bunting is not allowed. 4.07 The maximum number of runs a team can score per inning is six (6). This rule shall not be enforced in the sixth inning nor any subsequent inning should the game go into extra innings. 4.08 The first time a player from a team throws their bat after hitting the ball, the team is given a warning. 4.09 The second infraction of throwing a bat by any player on the same team shall result in that player being called out. The umpire will immediately call the ball dead and the runners cannot advance. 4.10 The infield fly rule will not be enforced. 5.0 Fielding 5.01 All players present for the game will take a position in the field when his/her team is on defense. 5.02 When a team has nine (9) or more players present it must play either six (6) or seven (7) players in the infield. This number includes a child catcher. 5.03 When a team has only eight (8) players present it must play five (5) players in the infield. This number includes a child catcher.
5.04 When a team has only eight (8) players present and plays five (5) players in the infield, it does not have to play a pitcher’s helper. 5.05 Teams that play six (6) players in the infield must play one (1) pitcher’s helper. 5.06 Teams that play seven (7) players in the infield must play two (2) pitcher’s helpers. 5.07 The pitcher’s helper(s) must have at least one foot inside the pitching circle until the adult pitcher releases the ball. 5.08 A player can play a single defensive position for no more than three (3) innings. This rule does not apply during tournament play. 5.09 All players must play at least one (1) inning in the infield and one (1) inning in the outfield of the same game by the 5th inning. This requirement is not in affect for the tournament play. The commissioner of the A League, if agreed upon by the parents, coach, and commissioner for a particular player, can grant special exception to this rule if player safety is a concern. 5.10 The pitcher’s helper(s) must wear a helmet with a facemask while in the field. 5.11 No infielder may begin play closer to home plate than the pitcher’s helper. 5.12 Outfielders must begin each play on the grass outside the skinned infield and must remain in the grass outside the skinned infield during the entire play unless they are in foul territory backing up a play at first or third. No outfielder shall enter the skinned area to make a play on the ball or throw a player out, they must remain in the outfield grass to do so. 5.13 The defensive team may have two (2) coaches on the field to assist their team. One coach shall be positioned down the left field line in the outfield and the other down the right field line in the outfield. These two (2) coaches shall remain in foul territory at all times unless the ball is dead or there is an injury. 6.0 Base running / Sliding 6.01 Runners may not leave the base until the pitched ball crosses the plate. 6.02 Base stealing is not permitted.
6.03 The first time a player from a team leaves the base early, the team is given a warning. The umpire shall immediately call the ball dead and the runners cannot advance. The pitch will count as one of the seven pitches thrown to the batter. 6.04 The second time any player from the same team leaves the base early, that player shall immediately be called out. The umpire shall immediately call the ball dead and the runners cannot advance. The pitch will count as one of the seven pitches thrown to the batter. 6.05 Runners may continue to advance until 1) a defensive player forces the lead runner to stop their advancement to his or her next base or 2) an infielder has gained control of the ball, has moved their body inside the “Baseline”, and is requesting a timeout from the umpire by verbal request and/or by placing their hands up in the air. As soon as either of those two scenarios occurs, the umpire shall immediately call the ball dead and any runner who is not halfway to the next base must return to the last base touched those that are at least halfway will be awarded the next base. The Umpire has the discretion to call the play over and award a timeout for various other scenarios including, but not limited to, an injured player or a thrown bat. The umpire will be given complete authority to enforce Rule 6.05 and their decision is FINAL. (See page 7 for full explanation and examples on Rule 6.05). 6.06 The overthrow rule is applicable whether the ball is overthrown or is missed by the first baseman. It does not matter how far away the ball lands from the first baseman. The runner may take second but does so at his own risk. For example, the ball may land next to the fence along the first base side and the runner may advance to second without problem. The runner may not advance any further unless the first baseman throws the ball to second base. Should throw be made the runner may advance further. As a second example, if the first basemen merely drops the ball and the ball lands near him, the runner may advance only one base. In this example, the first basemen may choose not to throw it. Should the first basemen throw the ball, the runner may continue to advance. The intent of this rule is to cut down on coaches intentionally forcing the opposing team to make a play and allowing the runner to continue to advance at the expense of the other teams inability to stop the runner 6.07 Players are not required to slide when a play is being made on them at a base; however, any runner who deliberately runs into a fielder who has the ball will be called out and ejected from the game. 6.08 No head first slides will be allowed. The umpire shall immediately call the player out, but play will continue until the ball becomes dead.
6.09 Runners must stay within the boundaries of the baseline when advancing to another base (The Baseline is considered 3ft away inside or outside from the direct line that runs from base to base). Any runner that intentionally runs out of the baseline to avoid a tag will immediately be called out regardless of if the defensive player has tagged them or not. 6.10 All defensive players, who are not in possession of the baseball or is not attempting to make a play on the runner, must stay out of the baseline when a runner is advancing to the next base and allow the runner the opportunity to safely make it to the next base (The Baseline is considered 3ft away inside or outside from the direct line that runs from base to base). If a defensive player does not move out of the way or impedes a runner’s advancement to the next base, the play will result in that runner being awarded the base safely regardless of if they were safe or out. Coaches must teach this. 7.0 Ground Rules 7.01 The fence running down the right side of the field and the outfield fence in right field will be treated as if they were extended until they met. 7.02 Any thrown ball that goes past the boundary of this “extended” fence shall be considered out of play and called dead immediately. All runners will be awarded two bases from the last base they legally touched. 7.03 Any batted ball that is considered a fair ball that goes past the boundary of this “extended” fence shall be considered out of play and called dead immediately. The batter will be awarded a ground rule double. 7.04 Any thrown or batted ball caught by a fielder with both feet within the boundary of this “extended” fence when the ball is caught and then carried past its boundary shall be considered live and the play continues. 7.05 Any thrown ball caught by a fielder with a foot outside the boundary of this “extended” fence when the ball is caught shall be considered out of play and called dead immediately. All runners will be awarded two bases from the last base they legally touched. 7.06 Any batted ball caught by a fielder with a foot outside the boundary of this “extended” fence when the ball is caught shall be considered dead and the batter will not be considered out. It will be considered a strike if the batter has less than two strikes and it will be counted as one of the seven (7) pitches allowed a batter.
6.05 HOW TO DETERMINE THE PLAY IS OVER AND A TIMEOUT SHOULD BE AWARDED TO THE DEFENSIVE TEAM 1) A timeout should be awarded to the Defensive Team and play stopped when the defenders in the infield have stopped the advancement of the Lead Runner. This includes; a Lead Runner, whom is no longer advancing to the next base through active and constant movement, is standing still in the base path, is standing on the base or is retreating back to the previous base occupied. At this point, through umpire discretion, the play should be determined as over and a timeout awarded to the defensive team. All runners behind the lead runner who are not halfway to the next base must retreat to their previous base; those who are halfway may advance to their next base, but no further. Play will also be stopped and a timeout awarded to the defensive team through the below scenario: Runners may continue to advance to the next base and umpires should refrain from awarding a timeout to the defensive team until #2 has occurred and/or the lead runner on base has stopped his or her advancement to the next base. At this point the play should be deemed over by the umpire and timeout awarded to the defense. 2)
#2-An infielder has gained control of the ball, has moved their body inside the “Baseline”, and is requesting a timeout from the umpire by verbal request and/or by placing their hands up in the air. If and when #2 has occurred, the umpire should award a timeout to the defensive team and play should be stopped. Runner scenarios and where they end up on the bases are as follows: a.
b.
Any runner who IS at or past the halfway mark to the next base they are pursuing may continue to advance to that base but can advance no further. All runners who are NOT yet to the halfway point to the next base must retreat to their previous base. If a defensive player fields the ball inside of the “Baseline”, and chooses to immediately request a timeout, and is awarded the timeout, any runner who IS at or past the halfway mark to the next base they are pursuing may continue to advance to that base but can advance no further. All runners who are NOT yet to the halfway point to the next base must retreat to their previous base. In the scenario where runners are forced to advance to the next base due to runners behind them, those runners may advance to the next base and do so safely.
****Note: If any of the above scenarios would result in two players occupying the same base, the lead runner’s action (i.e. advancing or retreating) dictates occupation of the base and that of subsequent runners. Example #1: Upon timeout being awarded, if the lead runner is not halfway to the base they are pursuing (i.e. Home Plate), but runner pursuing 3rd base is more than halfway. In this scenario the lead runner would retreat back to 3rd base and the runner pursuing 3rd base would be forced to retreat back to 2nd base. Example #2: If a defender fields the ball inside the “Baseline” and chooses to immediately call for a time out, without making a play on a runner, and is awarded that time out by the umpire then all runners on base are safe. If the runners on base ARE halfway to their next base before timeout has been awarded than the runner will be awarded that next base. If the runners are NOT halfway to their next base before the timeout is awarded than they must retreat back to their previous base unless they are forced to move up due to runners behind them being forced to advance forward (i.e. bases loaded before the at bat), in this scenario they would go ahead and advance to the next base safely but go no further.
3)
The Umpire has the discretion to call the play over and award a timeout for various other scenarios including, but not limited to, an injured player or a thrown bat. The umpire will be given complete authority to enforce Rule 6.05 and their decision is FINAL.
