mercersburg youth baseball major and minor leag ue 2017
M E RC E RS B U RG YO UT H BA S E BA L L RULE BOOK
MAJOR AND MINOR LEAG UE
2017
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book
It is the intent of Mercersburg Youth Baseball to promote the “Life Skills” of team work, fair play, endurance, justice and sportsmanship, by the use of supervised competition and volunteerism. All players, managers, coaches, parents/caregivers and umpires should conduct themselves in a manner that promotes and reinforces these “Life Skills”.
Facility Guidelines
Facility Guidelines
Guidelines Safety will be a priority concern at all times. Managers are responsible to maintain order on the practice field, game field, dug outs, and in the stands. Ridicule, taunting and foul languor are prohibited. Teams are responsible for leaving the dug outs and fields clean and orderly. Taking with them all equipment and ensuring all trash and other debris has been placed in the trash. The HOME team is responsible for the preparation of the field prior to the game. The VISITING team is responsible for the press box during the game. Ensuring that all trash and other debris in the press box has been placed in the trash bins provided after the game. Five people ages 18 and up will be allowed in the press box at any given time. Spectators are not permitted behind the backstop during game play. The use of tobacco products in or around the backstop, dug outs, or on the playing field is prohibited. Please be courteous to others when using tobacco products elsewhere on the league grounds. Intentional or deliberate non-compliance to these guidelines may result in the following: • • •
Loss of game Ejection from the grounds Meeting with the Board of Directors
Mercersburg Youth Baseball is an independent recreational league, with programs for children 4 through 12 years of age.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Rules of Play and Amendments to these Rules for Mercersburg Youth Baseball
1. Regulation Game a. A regulation game shall consist of 6 innings; or 4 innings if the game is called. (If the home team has scored more runs in 3.5 innings, then the visiting team has scored in 4 complete innings) b. If after 4 innings (or if the home team has scored more runs in 3.5 innings then the visiting team has scored in 4) one team has a lead of 10 rungs or more, then the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the opposing team. c. In the interest of time; When a regular season game is tied after 6 innings, and it is a game which precedes another game, the game will be suspended after 7 complete innings. d. In the interest of safety; Regular season games will be suspended after 8 complete innings.
e. 2. Suspended or make-up games a. All suspended games will begin “where they were” at the time of suspension. b. All pitcher restrictions will apply to the suspended or make-up game. c. All forfeiture rules will apply to the suspended or make-up game. d. See 2017 amendments for further explanation 3. Player Counts a. A team may not forfeit a game if it is able to field at least 8 players. b. A non-regulation game may be played if 7 players are available and managers from both teams agree.
Rules/Amendments
Playing rules shall comply with The Official Playing Rules of Major League Baseball. As amended by the Mercersburg Youth Baseball Board of Directors and referred to as “The Rules of Play for Mercersburg Youth Baseball”.
4. Starting the game a. Batting orders will be provided to the opposing team’s scorekeeper prior to each game. b. The Umpire in Chief is not responsible for calling batting order infraction. c. Dugout d. No more than 5 adults are allowed in the dugout. e. Managers and coaches take primary responsibility for the actions of the player in the dugout. Ridicule, taunting and foul language are prohibited. f. There will be and emphasis on good sportsmanship, clean and timely play. g. Players must hustle when entering and exiting the playing field as not to delay the game. h. The catcher should keep shin guards on in the innings that he is not expected to be “At bat”.
i. j. Extra hitter k. At the beginning of the contest, a manager may elect to use an extra hitter (a 10th batter). l. The extra hitter may be positioned anywhere in the batting order. m. Once installed, the extra slot must be maintained the entire game. n. Substituting for this position will be the same as for any other position in the line-up. They must be in the line-up for 6 consecutive outs.
o. p. Substitutes q. Substitutes need not report to the Umpire in Chief, but must be identified to the r. s. t.
u. v. w. x. y.
scorekeeper of the opposing team. The substitute must complete one time at bat and played defensively for a minimum of 6 consecutive outs. Only players in the starting line-up whom have been removed for a substitute may reenter the game. The player may re-enter the game once, a player re-entering the game cannot be put in a position in the line-up that would allow them to bat before they would have batted had they not been removed from the game. (A number 5 batter can bat in the slots 6 through 9 spots, but not the 4 and above). Injury or Illness If during the game either team is unable to place 9 eligible players on the field due to illness, injury or ejection, the opposing manager shall select a player previously used in the line-up to re-enter the game. A player who has been ejected from the game may not re-enter the game. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 9 players then the team may finish the game with 8 players. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 7 players then the team will forfeit and the remaining team shall win by 1 run for each of its’ remaining innings.
5. Dugout
a. No more than 5 adults are allowed in the dugout. b. Managers and coaches take primary responsibility for the actions of the player in the dugout. Ridicule, taunting and foul language are prohibited.
c. There will be and emphasis on good sportsmanship, clean and timely play. d. Players must hustle when entering and exiting the playing field as not to delay the game. e. The catcher should keep shin guards on in the innings that he is not expected to be “At bat”. 6. Extra hitter a. At the beginning of the contest, a manager may elect to use an extra hitter (a 10th batter). b. The extra hitter may be positioned anywhere in the batting order. c. Once installed, the extra slot must be maintained the entire game. d. Substituting for this position will be the same as for any other position in the line-up. They must be in the line-up for 6 consecutive outs. 7. Substitutes a. Substitutes need not report to the Umpire in Chief, but must be identified to the scorekeeper of the opposing team. b. The substitute must complete one time at bat and played defensively for a minimum of 6 consecutive outs. c. Only players in the starting line-up whom have been removed for a substitute may reenter the game. d. The player may re-enter the game once, a player re-entering the game cannot be put in a position in the line-up that would allow them to bat before they would have batted had they not been removed from the game. (A number 5 batter can bat in the slots 6 through 9 spots, but not the 4 and above). 8. Injury or Illness a. If during the game either team is unable to place 9 eligible players on the field due to illness, injury or ejection, the opposing manager shall select a player previously used in the line-up to re-enter the game. b. A player who has been ejected from the game may not re-enter the game. c. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 9 players then the team may finish the game with 8 players. d. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 7 players then the team will forfeit and the remaining team shall win by 1 run for each of its’ remaining innings. 9. Inclement Weather a. The manager from both teams must agree on the fitness of the field before the game begins. If the managers cannot agree the Umpire in Chief makes the decision. b. Once the game has started the Umpire in Chief shall be the sole judge as to inclement weather and when a game shall be suspended, due to inclement weather. Play will resume at the judgement of the umpire.
c. Inclement weather involving strong winds or lighting shall not continue before a 30minute waiting period has occurred.
d. The umpire shall also decide whether to resume or terminate a game. e. The umpire hall wait 30 minutes before calling a game and may delay longer if there is a reason to believe that conditions will improve. 10. Courtesy Runner a. To speed up play, a courtesy runner may be used for the catcher in the event that there are 2 outs. b. The courtesy runner must be a team member not in the current batting line-up. c. In the event that this player does not exist, the player that made the last out will serve as the courtesy runner. d. A courtesy runner is not a substitution. Nor can courtesy running count as an inning played. 11. The Base Runner a. At no time is base runner required to slide. b. In the interest of safety, a base runner who is advancing to any base and chooses to slide, must slide feet first. c. Head first sliding is only permitted when returning to a base. d. A base runner that slides head first while advancing to any base will be called out. e. A base runner will be called out, if the base coach prevents the runner from over sliding or overrunning a base. f. The Umpire in Chief shall determine if contact by a base coach is incidental or intentional. 12. Intentional Collisions a. If the catcher or baseman has possession of the ball and is in the base path to apply the tag, a base runner trying to avoid the tag may: i. Turn back ii. Step around iii. Slide under the tag b. The base runner is not permitted to jump over, high slide (in the Ty Cobb fashion), or intentionally collide with the catcher or baseman. c. The Umpire in Chief shall determine if contact is incidental or intentional. d. A base runner that intentionally collides with a catcher or baseman will be called out and the ejected. (The objective is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate and unwarranted action by the runner for the obvious purpose of crashing in the defensive player, rather than trying to reach the base.
13. The Pitcher a. A team may only pitch two 12 year olds per calendar week. (Sunday through Saturday) b. A team will be restricted to using 5 or fewer pitchers per game. c. All pitchers are restricted to pitching 6 innings per week. d. If a pitcher works 4 or more innings in 1 game, he will be required to take a 3 day rest. e. If a pitcher works 3 or less innings in 1 game, he will not be required to take a rest before pitching in the next game.
f. If a pitcher throws 1 pitch in an inning, he is considered to have pitched an entire inning. g. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound in a game, he may not re-enter the game as a pitcher. h. The pitcher shall be given at least 10 preparatory pitches for his first inning pitched, and 6 for the remaining innings. i. Between innings, a manager or coach may warm up the pitchers, or confer with infielders and outfielders. This will not be counted as a mound visit. 14. Mound Visits a. A manager or coach may confer with a pitcher 2 times in a game; on the 3rd trip to the mound the pitcher must be replaced. b. Once an inning begins; any time a manager or coach crosses the baseline it will be counted as a mound visit. c. A manager or coach having requested time, and being granted time by an umpire, may cross the baseline to confer with the opposing team, Umpire in Chief, base umpire, or ad an injured player. This will not be counted as a mound visit. (A manager or coach MAY NOT take this opportunity to confer with the pitcher) d. A manager or coach may confer with the catcher and infield players during a mound visit with the pitcher. e. The team scorekeeper is responsible to monitor the number of mound visits by the opposing team and should notify the Umpire in Chief as to how many have been made after the inning in which mound visits occur. 15. Pitcher’s Glove a. The pitcher’s glove may be “varying shades” of the same color, including all stitching, lacing and webbing. b. Neither the glove nor it’s stitching, lacing or webbing may be white, gray or “optical colors”. c. No pitcher shall attach to his glove any foreign material of a color different from the glove. d. A pitcher may wear a batting type glove, under the pitcher’s glove providing the under glove Is not white, gray or “optical color”. e. A pitcher will not wear a batting or any type of glove on the throwing hand. f. A pitcher will not wear a wrist sweatband on either arm.
16. Balks a. There will be no balks called. b. If the action of a balk occurs, it will be called and counted as a ball. c. The Umpire in Chief shall make all calls regarding the pitcher at his discretion. 17. Catcher’s Gear a. The catcher will wear a “catcher’s mitt” designed for baseball. (Not a first baseman’s glove, not a field’s glove, or a catcher’s mitt designed for use in slow or fast pitch softball). b. All catcher’s protective gear must meet the specifications and standards for regular season and tournament play by one or more of the nationally recognized youth leagues. c. All catcher’s must wear a protective helmet full sides. “Skull Caps” are not permitted. d. Catchers will wear all protective gear during games, infield/outfield practice, and pitcher warm up. 18. Protective Cups a. A male catcher is the only player required to wear the athletic supporter and protective cup. (Type made of metal, fiber or plastic). 19. Double Headers a. Double headers may be played if necessary to make up rained out or suspended games. b. A pitcher may pitch any combination of innings between the two games for a total of 6 innings. c. The 6 innings per week rule must be obeyed, for the calendar week in which double header games are played. 20. Helmets a. The league shall provide for each bench no less than 4 protective helmets, which must meet NOCSAE specification and standards and have an exterior warning label. b. A player may use their own helmet, providing that it meets all NOCSAE specifications. c. Use of protective helmets by an adult base coach is optional. 21. Bats
a. The bat shall be a baseball bat, license for regular season play by one or more of the nationally recognized youth leagues. The bat will be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part, not less than 15/16 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part and not than 33 inches in length. For bats less than 30 inches in length, not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part and not less than 7/8 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part. b. The bat shall be of one piece of solid wood or recognized materials, tested and accepted for youth league play by one or more nationally recognized youth leagues. c. Bats may have grip tape or be fitted with a sleeve for distance not to exceed 16 inches from the bottom or small end of the bat. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and that grip must extend a minimum of 10 but not more then 16 inches from the small end of the bat.
d. No bats used may be modified from its’ original licensed condition. No damaged bats will be allowed, not bats fixed by lamination, screws, nails, or fastened in any way (such as duct tape) will be used. e. Bats f. The bat shall be a baseball bat, license for regular season play by one or more of the nationally recognized youth leagues. The bat will be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part, not less than 15/16 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part and not than 33 inches in length. For bats less than 30 inches in length, not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part and not less than 7/8 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part. g. The bat shall be of one piece of solid wood or recognized materials, tested and accepted for youth league play by one or more nationally recognized youth leagues. h. Bats may have grip tape or be fitted with a sleeve for distance not to exceed 16 inches from the bottom or small end of the bat. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and that grip must extend a minimum of 10 but not more than 16 inches from the small end of the bat. i. No bats used may be modified from its’ original licensed condition. No damaged bats will be allowed, not bats fixed by lamination, screws, nails, or fastened in any way (such as duct tape) will be used. **The local league board may authorize the regular season use of a special bat in the case of a special needs player, prior to the first day of the regular season ** 22. Protesting a Game a. The protesting manager shall serve notice to the Umpire in Chief immediately, and before any succeeding play begins, that game is being played “under protest”. b. The protesting manager must present his protest to the league Board of Directors in writing within 3 days. c. The league Board of Directors shall hold a protest hearing within 7 days. d. The protesting manager and opposing manager and Umpire in Chief of the game shall be present for the league Board of Directors for questioning, during the protest hearing. e. Failure of a manager to show for the hearing will result in a favorable judgement for the manager present. 23. The Official Scorekeeper a. An official scorekeeper is not required for a game. b. Each team involved in a contest shall have a team scorekeeper. c. The team scorekeeper is responsible for finding and calling batting order, substitution or pitcher infraction made by opposing team. 24. Umpires a. The minimum age for an Umpire in Chief shall be 18 years of age. b. The minimum age for a base umpire shall be 14 years of age. c. Umpires will conduct themselves in a professional manner. d. The umpire are responsible for the conduct of the game on the field. e. The umpire shall enforce all rules and regulations of game play.
f. The umpire shall have the authority to warn, reprimand, or eject any player, coach, spectator from a game for any actions he deems un-sportsman like.
g. It is the responsibility of all managers, coaches, parents, and guardians or caregivers, to support the umpire in all matters of behavior and sportsmanship.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Additions and Amendments to Rules and Regulations By Board of Directors, Coaches, Umpires and Parents 2013
2. 7 Teams vs. 8 Teams in Regular Season a. All teams will play each other 3 times for a total of 18 games. Top 4 teams go to playoffs (if there is a tie, then coaches will look at regular season record to see which team won against the other team more often). During playoffs, the #1 team will play #4 team and the #2 team will play the #3 team. This will be 1 game game each and not a 3 game series. b. Championship game will be a 3-game series. *We still need to resolve scheduling so that we keep the pitch count rule for the regular season in place, but use the best pitchers for the end of season games, playoffs and championship series* 3. Night Games at 8:00 pm a. No 8:00 games Monday-Thursday. b. Rain dates will be Friday, Saturday or Sunday as needed. c. Games can be played on some evenings on the back field to help with scheduling or rain dates. 4. Team Responsibilities a. Home team will prep the field, run concession stand, hang/take down the flag, turn all lights out. b. Away team will cover the pressbox, play the national anthem before first game, and the parents are in charge of the 50/50 drawings.
Rules/Amendments
1. Drafting Extra Players a. All teams will draft players under the regular system until all teams have 11 players or the agreed upon number or players. Any extra players will be left on the table to be selected after the regular draft. Coaches will draw to see which team will be required to take an extra player. The coaches will choose the extra player based on their needs as a team.
5. Pitch Count a. Will be doing innings instead of pitch count. Maximum number of any innings any player can pitch is 6 innings per week. b. If a player pitches more than 3 innings in a single game, the pitcher must rest 3 minimal days. 6. Bats a. A list of approved or unapproved bats from Little League will be hung up for coaches and parents to see. Coaches should communicate with parents about bats being purchased due to the changes from Little League. If a coach notices a player on the other team using an unapproved bat, the Umpire in Chief must be told and he will need to review the bat and determine if that bat should be removed from play.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Additions and Amendments to Rules and Regulations By Board of Directors, Coaches, Umpires and Parents 2014 1. Time of Games a. If there is an 8:00 pm game played on the front field, a new inning may not be started after 10:30 pm, an all games end precisely at 11:00 pm due to the noise ordinance of the Mercersburg Borough. 2. Innings a. For any reason if a game is called for weather or time the game is considered complete as long as the losing team have completed 4 innings. b. If a game continues past the 4th inning but is not completed due to weather or time the score will be reverted back to the 4th inning or the last full inning played.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Additions and Amendments to Rules and Regulations By Board of Directors, Coaches, Umpires and Parents 2017 1. Any runner shall slide into the base if there is a close play at any bag. 2. *Minors Only; all players must bat. Minors can play with 7 players, but have to take two outs in order. 3. All teams in Mercersburg Youth Baseball must abide by the 5-5-5 rule in regard to ages on teams. No more than 5 of the same age is allowed on a single team. 4. *Minors Only; Any single player is only allowed to pitch in a single game for a two inning maximum. 5. Rescheduling Games a. The head coaches of a rescheduled game have a one week maximum to have a makeup date scheduled on the game calendar. If the makeup game is not scheduled within that one week time period of it being cancelled, it will be scheduled at the discretion of the Mercersburg Youth Baseball President and dependent upon the availability of the umpires.
MAJOR AND MINOR LEAG UE
2017
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book
It is the intent of Mercersburg Youth Baseball to promote the “Life Skills” of team work, fair play, endurance, justice and sportsmanship, by the use of supervised competition and volunteerism. All players, managers, coaches, parents/caregivers and umpires should conduct themselves in a manner that promotes and reinforces these “Life Skills”.
Facility Guidelines
Facility Guidelines
Guidelines Safety will be a priority concern at all times. Managers are responsible to maintain order on the practice field, game field, dug outs, and in the stands. Ridicule, taunting and foul languor are prohibited. Teams are responsible for leaving the dug outs and fields clean and orderly. Taking with them all equipment and ensuring all trash and other debris has been placed in the trash. The HOME team is responsible for the preparation of the field prior to the game. The VISITING team is responsible for the press box during the game. Ensuring that all trash and other debris in the press box has been placed in the trash bins provided after the game. Five people ages 18 and up will be allowed in the press box at any given time. Spectators are not permitted behind the backstop during game play. The use of tobacco products in or around the backstop, dug outs, or on the playing field is prohibited. Please be courteous to others when using tobacco products elsewhere on the league grounds. Intentional or deliberate non-compliance to these guidelines may result in the following: • • •
Loss of game Ejection from the grounds Meeting with the Board of Directors
Mercersburg Youth Baseball is an independent recreational league, with programs for children 4 through 12 years of age.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Rules of Play and Amendments to these Rules for Mercersburg Youth Baseball
1. Regulation Game a. A regulation game shall consist of 6 innings; or 4 innings if the game is called. (If the home team has scored more runs in 3.5 innings, then the visiting team has scored in 4 complete innings) b. If after 4 innings (or if the home team has scored more runs in 3.5 innings then the visiting team has scored in 4) one team has a lead of 10 rungs or more, then the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory to the opposing team. c. In the interest of time; When a regular season game is tied after 6 innings, and it is a game which precedes another game, the game will be suspended after 7 complete innings. d. In the interest of safety; Regular season games will be suspended after 8 complete innings.
e. 2. Suspended or make-up games a. All suspended games will begin “where they were” at the time of suspension. b. All pitcher restrictions will apply to the suspended or make-up game. c. All forfeiture rules will apply to the suspended or make-up game. d. See 2017 amendments for further explanation 3. Player Counts a. A team may not forfeit a game if it is able to field at least 8 players. b. A non-regulation game may be played if 7 players are available and managers from both teams agree.
Rules/Amendments
Playing rules shall comply with The Official Playing Rules of Major League Baseball. As amended by the Mercersburg Youth Baseball Board of Directors and referred to as “The Rules of Play for Mercersburg Youth Baseball”.
4. Starting the game a. Batting orders will be provided to the opposing team’s scorekeeper prior to each game. b. The Umpire in Chief is not responsible for calling batting order infraction. c. Dugout d. No more than 5 adults are allowed in the dugout. e. Managers and coaches take primary responsibility for the actions of the player in the dugout. Ridicule, taunting and foul language are prohibited. f. There will be and emphasis on good sportsmanship, clean and timely play. g. Players must hustle when entering and exiting the playing field as not to delay the game. h. The catcher should keep shin guards on in the innings that he is not expected to be “At bat”.
i. j. Extra hitter k. At the beginning of the contest, a manager may elect to use an extra hitter (a 10th batter). l. The extra hitter may be positioned anywhere in the batting order. m. Once installed, the extra slot must be maintained the entire game. n. Substituting for this position will be the same as for any other position in the line-up. They must be in the line-up for 6 consecutive outs.
o. p. Substitutes q. Substitutes need not report to the Umpire in Chief, but must be identified to the r. s. t.
u. v. w. x. y.
scorekeeper of the opposing team. The substitute must complete one time at bat and played defensively for a minimum of 6 consecutive outs. Only players in the starting line-up whom have been removed for a substitute may reenter the game. The player may re-enter the game once, a player re-entering the game cannot be put in a position in the line-up that would allow them to bat before they would have batted had they not been removed from the game. (A number 5 batter can bat in the slots 6 through 9 spots, but not the 4 and above). Injury or Illness If during the game either team is unable to place 9 eligible players on the field due to illness, injury or ejection, the opposing manager shall select a player previously used in the line-up to re-enter the game. A player who has been ejected from the game may not re-enter the game. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 9 players then the team may finish the game with 8 players. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 7 players then the team will forfeit and the remaining team shall win by 1 run for each of its’ remaining innings.
5. Dugout
a. No more than 5 adults are allowed in the dugout. b. Managers and coaches take primary responsibility for the actions of the player in the dugout. Ridicule, taunting and foul language are prohibited.
c. There will be and emphasis on good sportsmanship, clean and timely play. d. Players must hustle when entering and exiting the playing field as not to delay the game. e. The catcher should keep shin guards on in the innings that he is not expected to be “At bat”. 6. Extra hitter a. At the beginning of the contest, a manager may elect to use an extra hitter (a 10th batter). b. The extra hitter may be positioned anywhere in the batting order. c. Once installed, the extra slot must be maintained the entire game. d. Substituting for this position will be the same as for any other position in the line-up. They must be in the line-up for 6 consecutive outs. 7. Substitutes a. Substitutes need not report to the Umpire in Chief, but must be identified to the scorekeeper of the opposing team. b. The substitute must complete one time at bat and played defensively for a minimum of 6 consecutive outs. c. Only players in the starting line-up whom have been removed for a substitute may reenter the game. d. The player may re-enter the game once, a player re-entering the game cannot be put in a position in the line-up that would allow them to bat before they would have batted had they not been removed from the game. (A number 5 batter can bat in the slots 6 through 9 spots, but not the 4 and above). 8. Injury or Illness a. If during the game either team is unable to place 9 eligible players on the field due to illness, injury or ejection, the opposing manager shall select a player previously used in the line-up to re-enter the game. b. A player who has been ejected from the game may not re-enter the game. c. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 9 players then the team may finish the game with 8 players. d. If an injury or illness causes the team’s roster to fall below 7 players then the team will forfeit and the remaining team shall win by 1 run for each of its’ remaining innings. 9. Inclement Weather a. The manager from both teams must agree on the fitness of the field before the game begins. If the managers cannot agree the Umpire in Chief makes the decision. b. Once the game has started the Umpire in Chief shall be the sole judge as to inclement weather and when a game shall be suspended, due to inclement weather. Play will resume at the judgement of the umpire.
c. Inclement weather involving strong winds or lighting shall not continue before a 30minute waiting period has occurred.
d. The umpire shall also decide whether to resume or terminate a game. e. The umpire hall wait 30 minutes before calling a game and may delay longer if there is a reason to believe that conditions will improve. 10. Courtesy Runner a. To speed up play, a courtesy runner may be used for the catcher in the event that there are 2 outs. b. The courtesy runner must be a team member not in the current batting line-up. c. In the event that this player does not exist, the player that made the last out will serve as the courtesy runner. d. A courtesy runner is not a substitution. Nor can courtesy running count as an inning played. 11. The Base Runner a. At no time is base runner required to slide. b. In the interest of safety, a base runner who is advancing to any base and chooses to slide, must slide feet first. c. Head first sliding is only permitted when returning to a base. d. A base runner that slides head first while advancing to any base will be called out. e. A base runner will be called out, if the base coach prevents the runner from over sliding or overrunning a base. f. The Umpire in Chief shall determine if contact by a base coach is incidental or intentional. 12. Intentional Collisions a. If the catcher or baseman has possession of the ball and is in the base path to apply the tag, a base runner trying to avoid the tag may: i. Turn back ii. Step around iii. Slide under the tag b. The base runner is not permitted to jump over, high slide (in the Ty Cobb fashion), or intentionally collide with the catcher or baseman. c. The Umpire in Chief shall determine if contact is incidental or intentional. d. A base runner that intentionally collides with a catcher or baseman will be called out and the ejected. (The objective is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate and unwarranted action by the runner for the obvious purpose of crashing in the defensive player, rather than trying to reach the base.
13. The Pitcher a. A team may only pitch two 12 year olds per calendar week. (Sunday through Saturday) b. A team will be restricted to using 5 or fewer pitchers per game. c. All pitchers are restricted to pitching 6 innings per week. d. If a pitcher works 4 or more innings in 1 game, he will be required to take a 3 day rest. e. If a pitcher works 3 or less innings in 1 game, he will not be required to take a rest before pitching in the next game.
f. If a pitcher throws 1 pitch in an inning, he is considered to have pitched an entire inning. g. Once a pitcher has been removed from the mound in a game, he may not re-enter the game as a pitcher. h. The pitcher shall be given at least 10 preparatory pitches for his first inning pitched, and 6 for the remaining innings. i. Between innings, a manager or coach may warm up the pitchers, or confer with infielders and outfielders. This will not be counted as a mound visit. 14. Mound Visits a. A manager or coach may confer with a pitcher 2 times in a game; on the 3rd trip to the mound the pitcher must be replaced. b. Once an inning begins; any time a manager or coach crosses the baseline it will be counted as a mound visit. c. A manager or coach having requested time, and being granted time by an umpire, may cross the baseline to confer with the opposing team, Umpire in Chief, base umpire, or ad an injured player. This will not be counted as a mound visit. (A manager or coach MAY NOT take this opportunity to confer with the pitcher) d. A manager or coach may confer with the catcher and infield players during a mound visit with the pitcher. e. The team scorekeeper is responsible to monitor the number of mound visits by the opposing team and should notify the Umpire in Chief as to how many have been made after the inning in which mound visits occur. 15. Pitcher’s Glove a. The pitcher’s glove may be “varying shades” of the same color, including all stitching, lacing and webbing. b. Neither the glove nor it’s stitching, lacing or webbing may be white, gray or “optical colors”. c. No pitcher shall attach to his glove any foreign material of a color different from the glove. d. A pitcher may wear a batting type glove, under the pitcher’s glove providing the under glove Is not white, gray or “optical color”. e. A pitcher will not wear a batting or any type of glove on the throwing hand. f. A pitcher will not wear a wrist sweatband on either arm.
16. Balks a. There will be no balks called. b. If the action of a balk occurs, it will be called and counted as a ball. c. The Umpire in Chief shall make all calls regarding the pitcher at his discretion. 17. Catcher’s Gear a. The catcher will wear a “catcher’s mitt” designed for baseball. (Not a first baseman’s glove, not a field’s glove, or a catcher’s mitt designed for use in slow or fast pitch softball). b. All catcher’s protective gear must meet the specifications and standards for regular season and tournament play by one or more of the nationally recognized youth leagues. c. All catcher’s must wear a protective helmet full sides. “Skull Caps” are not permitted. d. Catchers will wear all protective gear during games, infield/outfield practice, and pitcher warm up. 18. Protective Cups a. A male catcher is the only player required to wear the athletic supporter and protective cup. (Type made of metal, fiber or plastic). 19. Double Headers a. Double headers may be played if necessary to make up rained out or suspended games. b. A pitcher may pitch any combination of innings between the two games for a total of 6 innings. c. The 6 innings per week rule must be obeyed, for the calendar week in which double header games are played. 20. Helmets a. The league shall provide for each bench no less than 4 protective helmets, which must meet NOCSAE specification and standards and have an exterior warning label. b. A player may use their own helmet, providing that it meets all NOCSAE specifications. c. Use of protective helmets by an adult base coach is optional. 21. Bats
a. The bat shall be a baseball bat, license for regular season play by one or more of the nationally recognized youth leagues. The bat will be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part, not less than 15/16 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part and not than 33 inches in length. For bats less than 30 inches in length, not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part and not less than 7/8 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part. b. The bat shall be of one piece of solid wood or recognized materials, tested and accepted for youth league play by one or more nationally recognized youth leagues. c. Bats may have grip tape or be fitted with a sleeve for distance not to exceed 16 inches from the bottom or small end of the bat. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and that grip must extend a minimum of 10 but not more then 16 inches from the small end of the bat.
d. No bats used may be modified from its’ original licensed condition. No damaged bats will be allowed, not bats fixed by lamination, screws, nails, or fastened in any way (such as duct tape) will be used. e. Bats f. The bat shall be a baseball bat, license for regular season play by one or more of the nationally recognized youth leagues. The bat will be a smooth, round stick not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part, not less than 15/16 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part and not than 33 inches in length. For bats less than 30 inches in length, not more than 2 ¼ inches in diameter at its’ biggest part and not less than 7/8 inches in diameter at its’ smallest part. g. The bat shall be of one piece of solid wood or recognized materials, tested and accepted for youth league play by one or more nationally recognized youth leagues. h. Bats may have grip tape or be fitted with a sleeve for distance not to exceed 16 inches from the bottom or small end of the bat. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and that grip must extend a minimum of 10 but not more than 16 inches from the small end of the bat. i. No bats used may be modified from its’ original licensed condition. No damaged bats will be allowed, not bats fixed by lamination, screws, nails, or fastened in any way (such as duct tape) will be used. **The local league board may authorize the regular season use of a special bat in the case of a special needs player, prior to the first day of the regular season ** 22. Protesting a Game a. The protesting manager shall serve notice to the Umpire in Chief immediately, and before any succeeding play begins, that game is being played “under protest”. b. The protesting manager must present his protest to the league Board of Directors in writing within 3 days. c. The league Board of Directors shall hold a protest hearing within 7 days. d. The protesting manager and opposing manager and Umpire in Chief of the game shall be present for the league Board of Directors for questioning, during the protest hearing. e. Failure of a manager to show for the hearing will result in a favorable judgement for the manager present. 23. The Official Scorekeeper a. An official scorekeeper is not required for a game. b. Each team involved in a contest shall have a team scorekeeper. c. The team scorekeeper is responsible for finding and calling batting order, substitution or pitcher infraction made by opposing team. 24. Umpires a. The minimum age for an Umpire in Chief shall be 18 years of age. b. The minimum age for a base umpire shall be 14 years of age. c. Umpires will conduct themselves in a professional manner. d. The umpire are responsible for the conduct of the game on the field. e. The umpire shall enforce all rules and regulations of game play.
f. The umpire shall have the authority to warn, reprimand, or eject any player, coach, spectator from a game for any actions he deems un-sportsman like.
g. It is the responsibility of all managers, coaches, parents, and guardians or caregivers, to support the umpire in all matters of behavior and sportsmanship.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Additions and Amendments to Rules and Regulations By Board of Directors, Coaches, Umpires and Parents 2013
2. 7 Teams vs. 8 Teams in Regular Season a. All teams will play each other 3 times for a total of 18 games. Top 4 teams go to playoffs (if there is a tie, then coaches will look at regular season record to see which team won against the other team more often). During playoffs, the #1 team will play #4 team and the #2 team will play the #3 team. This will be 1 game game each and not a 3 game series. b. Championship game will be a 3-game series. *We still need to resolve scheduling so that we keep the pitch count rule for the regular season in place, but use the best pitchers for the end of season games, playoffs and championship series* 3. Night Games at 8:00 pm a. No 8:00 games Monday-Thursday. b. Rain dates will be Friday, Saturday or Sunday as needed. c. Games can be played on some evenings on the back field to help with scheduling or rain dates. 4. Team Responsibilities a. Home team will prep the field, run concession stand, hang/take down the flag, turn all lights out. b. Away team will cover the pressbox, play the national anthem before first game, and the parents are in charge of the 50/50 drawings.
Rules/Amendments
1. Drafting Extra Players a. All teams will draft players under the regular system until all teams have 11 players or the agreed upon number or players. Any extra players will be left on the table to be selected after the regular draft. Coaches will draw to see which team will be required to take an extra player. The coaches will choose the extra player based on their needs as a team.
5. Pitch Count a. Will be doing innings instead of pitch count. Maximum number of any innings any player can pitch is 6 innings per week. b. If a player pitches more than 3 innings in a single game, the pitcher must rest 3 minimal days. 6. Bats a. A list of approved or unapproved bats from Little League will be hung up for coaches and parents to see. Coaches should communicate with parents about bats being purchased due to the changes from Little League. If a coach notices a player on the other team using an unapproved bat, the Umpire in Chief must be told and he will need to review the bat and determine if that bat should be removed from play.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Additions and Amendments to Rules and Regulations By Board of Directors, Coaches, Umpires and Parents 2014 1. Time of Games a. If there is an 8:00 pm game played on the front field, a new inning may not be started after 10:30 pm, an all games end precisely at 11:00 pm due to the noise ordinance of the Mercersburg Borough. 2. Innings a. For any reason if a game is called for weather or time the game is considered complete as long as the losing team have completed 4 innings. b. If a game continues past the 4th inning but is not completed due to weather or time the score will be reverted back to the 4th inning or the last full inning played.
Mercersburg Youth Baseball Rule Book Additions and Amendments to Rules and Regulations By Board of Directors, Coaches, Umpires and Parents 2017 1. Any runner shall slide into the base if there is a close play at any bag. 2. *Minors Only; all players must bat. Minors can play with 7 players, but have to take two outs in order. 3. All teams in Mercersburg Youth Baseball must abide by the 5-5-5 rule in regard to ages on teams. No more than 5 of the same age is allowed on a single team. 4. *Minors Only; Any single player is only allowed to pitch in a single game for a two inning maximum. 5. Rescheduling Games a. The head coaches of a rescheduled game have a one week maximum to have a makeup date scheduled on the game calendar. If the makeup game is not scheduled within that one week time period of it being cancelled, it will be scheduled at the discretion of the Mercersburg Youth Baseball President and dependent upon the availability of the umpires.
