RED JACKET
PAL-MAC/RED JACKET/MIDLAKES/NEWARK 2017 Minor League Local Rules Revision – April 7, 2017 IN PRECEDENCE OF: 1. Interleague Rules 2. Cal Ripken/Official Baseball Rules The current edition of Babe Ruth League, Inc Rules will govern the conduct of administration and field play in all cases, unless specifically addressed by this publication. UMPIRE: The home plate umpire will be the Umpire-in-Chief in all games. The Umpire-in-Chief will take control of the playing field and conduct of the game at the appointed time to begin play. 1. The decisions of the Umpire-in-Chief shall be final. 2. Any decision involving judgment, such as (but not limited to); whether a batted ball is foul or fair, whether a pitch is a strike or ball, or whether a runner is safe or out is final, no player, manager, coach or substitute shall object to any such decision. a. Players leaving their position in the field or on base, or managers or coaches leaving the bench or coaches box to argue BALLS and STRIKES will not be permitted. They should be warned if they start for the plate to protest the call. If they continue, they will be ejected from the game. b. If there is reasonable doubt that any decision may be in conflict with the rules, the manager may appeal the decision and ask that the correct ruling be made. 3. The desired objective is to encourage the players to swing at any hittable ball. The strike zone will be defined as the distance between the top of the forward shoulder to the kneecap and one ball width inside and outside of home plate. 4. Once the game has started, the Umpire -in-Chief may end the game when the conditions are not safe for players due to weather or darkness. 5. The Umpire-in-Chief shall have the right to disqualify a player or eject anyone from the playing field and spectator area for misconduct or un-sportsman like conduct. All managers and coaches are responsible for both player and spectator conduct on or in the immediate vicinity of the playing field. Failure of the individuals to comply with the decision will result in the offending team's forfeiture of the game. All incidences shall be reported to both league commissioners and presidents within 48 hours. GAME PRELIMINARIES: Starting and Ending the Game 1. The managers of both teams shall agree on the fitness of the playing field before the game starts. In the event that the two managers cannot agree, the Umpire-in-Chief will make the decision. 2. Games shall start promptly at the scheduled time. New innings shall not be started after 8:15 pm. A new inning begins the instant the last out of the preceding inning is made. An inning that started before 1
8:15 pm will proceed past 8:15 pm until the bottom half is completed, or the game is ended, or suspended by the Umpire-in-Chief. 3. A game may be started before the scheduled time if both team managers and the officials agree. 4. Players must be in complete uniform as provided by each respective league. 5. Each team manager will provide a new game ball to the Umpire-in-Chief prior to the start of game play. 6. Game Roster Rules a. The defensive line-up will consist of ten (10) players. The tenth player shall be positioned in the outfield. At no time shall the tenth player be allowed to take a position in the infield. However, it is permissible for the tenth player to assist in a defensive play anywhere on the playing field after the ball is batted. b. A minimum of eight (8) players are required to start an official game. The Umpire-in-Chief will declare the game forfeited at the scheduled start time to the opposing team providing that the eight (8) player minimum is achieved. In the event that both teams are unable to meet the eight (8) player minimum, the game is stricken from the schedule. Neither team will be charged with a win or a loss. Forfeited games are not to be made up. c. Players that arrive late shall be inserted into the game during the top of the inning preceding their arrival. d. Players shall not be inserted into the game during the bottom of an inning. e. Batting rosters MUST be exchanged between managers prior to the game.
MINIMUM PLAY / PLAYER SUBSTITUTION: Each player present for the game is required to participate in the field for two (2) complete defensive innings in the first four (4) innings. Managers should recognize that many games scheduled early in the season will end after four (4) innings due to time limitations. Therefore, the following substitution rules will apply: 1. All players present at the start of the game will play a minimum of two (2) defensive innings during the first four (4) innings of the game. The manager can substitute in any manner as long as this rule is adhered to. Also, during regular season play only, each player must play one defensive inning in the infield. See infield playing rule under The Fielder. 2. A player once removed as a pitcher may NOT pitch again in the same game. This applies regardless if the game is postponed and continued at a later date. The pitcher is considered and infield position. 3. Players who arrive at the ball field after the beginning of the 4th inning are not subject to the minimum play/substitution rule and are NOT required to be played during the game. 2
4. Substitutes are considered to have entered the game: a) If a pitcher, the substitute takes the position on the mound and throws one warm-up pitch to the catcher. b) If a fielder, the substitute reaches the position usually occupied by the fielder and play commences. c) If a runner, the substitute takes the base of the runner being replaced and play is resumed. d) Infractions of the substitution rules will be cause for a game protest and will be submitted to the League Commissioner for final action. Games under protest will continue as prescribed by the general rules. SUBSTITUTIONS DUE TO INJURY OR PLAYER: 1. Substitutions for defensive players are made from team members on the bench. A player who is injured or removed from the game is not subject to the two (2) defensive innings minimum play rule. This applies even if an injured player is later able to re-enter the game. The decision to re-enter an injured player is at the discretion of the manager. If an injured player is subsequently re-entered into the game, he/she cannot do so until the substitute has played a minimum of one (I) complete defensive inning from the point of entry in the game. For example, if the substitute enters the game part way through an inning, he/she must complete the current inning and the next full inning before the injured player can be returned to the game. 2. If the injury occurs to the batter as a result of a hit-by-pitch, the substitute will be the last previous batter who is not on base. The substitute will act as a courtesy runner for the injured player. 3. If the injury occurs to the batter, but does not result in the batter being awarded first base, the next batter in the batting order will assume the injured batter's count and the batting order will resume from this point. 4. An injured player will retain his position in the batting order for his next batting appearance. If the player is unable to bat in the next plate appearance, his position will be skipped over with no penalty. Subsequently, if the injured player is able to re-enter the game, he/she will bat in the same position as initially established on the batting roster. Under no circumstances will the injured player be placed in a different position from the starting batting order, even if he/she has not batted earlier in the game.
MANAGERS/COACHES: 1. No manager or coach shall be allowed on the playing field when the game is in progress, except for offensive team 1st and 3rd base coaches. They must remain in the respective coaching boxes. 2. If a manager/coach causes an interference play (umpire's judgment), the following penalties shall apply: a. There is no contact with a runner from a coach when there is a live play. If this happens, the runner will be called out. The ball will be called dead and the runners will be placed at the base that they have acquired at the time of the infraction. b. If offensive interference impedes a defensive player, any runner(s) involved in the play shall be called out. The ball will be called dead and the runners not involved will be placed at the base that 3
they have acquired at the time of the infraction. c. If, in the umpire's judgment, the infraction causes no interference, the offending manager/coach shall be first warned. A second infraction shall be cause for immediate ejection of the offending manager/coach from the game
RUNS PER INNING RULE: 1. A five (5) run rule per inning. A home run over the fence - all runs will count. In the park home runs - all runs will not count if it exceeds five (5) runs. No new inning can start after 8:15 pm. Exception: The above rule does not pertain to the 6th inning or any extra innings, or the last inning per time limit (i.e., at 8:10 pm, it’s the 4th or 5th inning - the umpire shall declare last inning and it will be considered the unlimited run inning). 2. A twelve (12) run mercy rule will apply. If one team is ahead by twelve (12) runs anytime after 4 innings, the game is over and complete (3 ½ innings may only need to be played if the home team is winning by twelve (12) runs after the visiting team gets there 4th inning at bat). If the visiting team is ahead by 12 runs after any ½ inning, the home team gets equal number of bats. Example: If the visiting team is up by 12 runs after 4 ½ innings, the home team gets to bat. 3. Games are official after four (4) completed innings are played or the home team is ahead after 3 ½ innings. 4. Game play shall end after six (6) innings are complete with the visiting team ahead or 5 ½ innings with the home team ahead. Extra innings shall be played when necessary to complete a tied game. No games shall end in a tie unless there is no feasible way of completing the game prior to the end of the regular season. SUSPENDED GAMES & MAKE-UP GAMES: 1. Suspended and postponed games will be made up on the next available day. 2. Suspended games shall resume at the point in which play was discontinued like they were never suspended. If there was an absent player at the time that play was suspended but shows up to the conclusion, they will be inserted into the last spot in the batting lineup. If there is a player who can’t make the conclusion, their spot in the order will be skipped over without penalty. 3. The pitchers shall be charged with the number of innings pitched in the current calendar week. 4. For score keeping purposes, all batting, fielding, and pitching records will be utilized for the make-up game. THE BATTER: 1. All players present at the start of the game will be placed in the batting order. No changes or substitutions will be made except to add additional players to the batting order who arrive after the start of the game 2. All batters must wear protective head gear. 3. Batting out of order rule: a. Any batter batting out of order may be replaced by the correct batter with no penalty before the incorrect batter has completed a time at bat. The correct batter will assume the ball/strike count of the incorrect batter. 4
b. If the at bat is completed, the batter who was supposed to bat will simply get skipped until their next at bat. The result of the at bat will stand. 4. Bunting IS allowed. Regular Little League Rules will apply. NO SLASH BUNTS - A slash bunt is where the batter fakes a bunt and takes a swing. No matter if the ball was struck or not, the batter is automatically out. 5. Infield fly rule does apply. 6. Batters CANNOT take first base on a dropped third strike. 7. Batter is out on a foul tip third strike when caught. This is also a live ball. 8. Batters who throw the bat (umpire's judgment) after contact with the ball will be penalized as follows: a. First violation: Umpire will call a strike and the ball is dead. Runners may not advance. The umpire will call the batters team manager to home plate and explain the infraction to the batter and team manager, and a warning issued to the batter. b. Second violation: The batter will be declared “out”. If the ball is hit in fair territory, it is playable and any runners may advance. As soon as play has stopped, the umpire will inform the team manager that the batter is removed from the game. The batter may not re-enter the game for any reason, even if it is continued at a later date. The team manager will make a legal defensive substitution (if available) or continue play with a short roster. If the team only has eight (8) available players , the batter may continue play in this game, but will not play in the next scheduled game. THE RUNNERS: 1. All runners must wear protective head gear. 2. Base stealing SHALL BE allowed: a. No lead offs are allowed at any time. b. A runner attempting a stolen base CANNOT advance an additional base in the event of an overthrow by the catcher or a failed attempt to field a ball thrown by the catcher. c. A runner attempting a stolen base CANNOT leave the bag until the ball crosses home plate. d. A runner CAN steal home on a passed ball or a pitched ball that has passed home plate. In order to steal home base, the runner going home must have originally started at third base. e. A runner attempting to steal a base MUST slide if a play is being made at that base. If a defensive player has the ball between bases, the runner MUST make an attempt to get around the defensive player. 3. Sliding will be allowed at all bases. The runner must slide feet first going into a base. The may only slide head first when returning to a base. Runners MUST slide at home if it is obvious that the catcher is attempting to make a play at the plate. Catchers cannot block the home plate or base line unless they have possession of the ball. A runner MUST slide or attempt to get around a catcher with the ball that is 5
blocking the line towards third. If a standing runner collides with the catcher who is holding the ball and attempting to make a play, the Umpire-in-Chief will call time as soon as the play is complete. No succeeding runners will be allowed to advance regardless of the consequences of the play made at the plate. An out made at the plate will stand. If a run is scored at the plate, it will be disallowed and the base runner retired to the bench. Both the Umpire-in-Chief and the offending runner’s manager will explain the rule infraction to the player and the potential serious consequences that such action could have caused. A second incident by the same player in the game will be cause for the player being removed from the game. a. Any contact with a defensive player with the arms held in front of the chest, head held in a ramming position, leading with the shoulder or a cross-body block is interpreted as intentional ramming of the player and the runner is called out and immediately ejected from the game. No other runners may advance beyond the current base already attained. 4. Runners may advance a maximum of the next base on an overthrow inside the playing field. The runners can be played upon and must earn the next base. The runners may advance one base further on each subsequent overthrow during the same play sequence, and be played upon, if the ball remains in play. Anytime the overthrow is outside the playing field, all runners are given the next base. Only one base is allowed on a stolen base attempt. This is to promote throws from the catcher. 5. Substitute runners shall not be allowed unless a runner is injured. 6. One (1) adult coach or player will be allowed at first and third for the team at bat only. Any PLAYER being use as a base coach must wear a batting helmet. Base coaches will remain in the coaching boxes unless attempting to avoid a ball or player while the ball is in play. Coaches will not contact any defensive or offensive player, or contact the ball while it is in play. Infractions of this rule will result in the penalties described in item 2 under MANAGER/COACHES. THE FIELDERS: 1. INFIELD PLAYING RULE – A player must have a minimum of one (1) inning in an infield position during the first four (4) innings of each regular season game. It is encouraged to play the players more than this minimum in order to keep their interest in the game. The pitcher and catcher are considered infield positions for the purpose of this rule. Games against PalMac do not use this infield playing rule. 2. Catchers must wear complete catchers equipment, including protective cup and strap, while playing position. Protective cups and straps will be worn under the pants. Female catchers do not need to wear a protective cup. Protective cups cannot be shared among players. 3. All infielders must assume the standard normal position until the ball is hit. Outfielders may be positioned anywhere in the outfield. 4. All players must play a minimum of two (2) complete innings in the first four (4) innings of the game.
THE PITCHERS: 1. Players playing the position of pitcher shall pitch from the pitchers plate. 2. Maximum warm-up pitches: a. New pitcher entering the game at any point: eight (8). b. Prior to the start of an inning for a pitcher currently in the game: four (4). 6
c. Special circumstances during the game: umpire's decision. 3. Once a pitcher has been removed, the same player may NOT retake the position of pitching during the same game. This rule applies regardless of whether the player stays in the game in another position or the game is postponed and continued at a later date. 4. A pitcher can pitch a maximum of three (3) innings in any one game. 5. Pitchers can pitch no more than six (6) innings per week defined explicitly as Monday through Sunday. Weeks are NOT defined on a seven day rotating basis. Delivery of a single pitch to a batter constitutes having pitched a full inning. 6. Pitching rotation and rest periods between mound appearances will be governed by the following table to include all season league games and playoff games. Day Pitched
Mon. Tue.
Wed.
Thur.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Next day available (1-2 innings)
Wed. Thur.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
Next day available (3 innings)
Thur. Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
7. Balks will NOT be called. The coach and umpire shall explain the infraction to the pitcher and no runners may advance or balls called. 8. Intentional walks are NOT allowed. The Umpire-in-Chief will judge the pitcher's intent to deliberately walk a batter. He has the authority to order the pitcher to continue pitching to the batter for another full time at bat if an intentional walk is suspected. 9. A pitcher will be removed from the position of pitcher if he/she hits three (3) batters in the same game and the batters have made a deliberate effort to avoid the contact. The player may be placed at any other defensive position. 10. The manager is allowed one (1) trip to the mound per inning and three (3) trips per pitchers appearance. If the manager visits the pitcher twice in one inning or three times in one appearance, the pitcher must be removed from the mound. 11. All other pitching rules as outlined in the rule book shall prevail.
PROTESTS AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURE: 1. Players removed from the game for any reason will be removed from all further offensive and defensive play. When a batter is ejected from the game, the team will be charged with an out. 2. In the case of playing rules interpretation protest, the manager must notify the Home Plate Umpire that game is under protest before another pitch is thrown. If the manager or in the manager’s absence a coach does not file a protest before another pitch is thrown, there is no protest allowed. The exception is if a protest is a result of the final play of the game, but they still must notify the Home Plate Umpire. After 7
filing the protest with the Home Plate Umpire, the protesting manager must notify there respective league commissioner in writing within 24 hours from the game ending. The protesting manager should put in writing the situation of what occurred and what rule they are protesting. 3. When two teams are from the same organization, a protest will be handled internally amongst the respective organization. When there is a protest filed when 2 teams are involved from two different organizations, the protest committee will be made of one (1) person from all organizations. 4. Pal-Mac, Red Jacket, Newark, and Midlakes will name their protest committee people before the start of each season. Each organization will submit three (3) people. They should be people that have baseball knowledge and have nothing to do with the team or the league that is filing the protest.
8
8:15 pm will proceed past 8:15 pm until the bottom half is completed, or the game is ended, or suspended by the Umpire-in-Chief. 3. A game may be started before the scheduled time if both team managers and the officials agree. 4. Players must be in complete uniform as provided by each respective league. 5. Each team manager will provide a new game ball to the Umpire-in-Chief prior to the start of game play. 6. Game Roster Rules a. The defensive line-up will consist of ten (10) players. The tenth player shall be positioned in the outfield. At no time shall the tenth player be allowed to take a position in the infield. However, it is permissible for the tenth player to assist in a defensive play anywhere on the playing field after the ball is batted. b. A minimum of eight (8) players are required to start an official game. The Umpire-in-Chief will declare the game forfeited at the scheduled start time to the opposing team providing that the eight (8) player minimum is achieved. In the event that both teams are unable to meet the eight (8) player minimum, the game is stricken from the schedule. Neither team will be charged with a win or a loss. Forfeited games are not to be made up. c. Players that arrive late shall be inserted into the game during the top of the inning preceding their arrival. d. Players shall not be inserted into the game during the bottom of an inning. e. Batting rosters MUST be exchanged between managers prior to the game.
MINIMUM PLAY / PLAYER SUBSTITUTION: Each player present for the game is required to participate in the field for two (2) complete defensive innings in the first four (4) innings. Managers should recognize that many games scheduled early in the season will end after four (4) innings due to time limitations. Therefore, the following substitution rules will apply: 1. All players present at the start of the game will play a minimum of two (2) defensive innings during the first four (4) innings of the game. The manager can substitute in any manner as long as this rule is adhered to. Also, during regular season play only, each player must play one defensive inning in the infield. See infield playing rule under The Fielder. 2. A player once removed as a pitcher may NOT pitch again in the same game. This applies regardless if the game is postponed and continued at a later date. The pitcher is considered and infield position. 3. Players who arrive at the ball field after the beginning of the 4th inning are not subject to the minimum play/substitution rule and are NOT required to be played during the game. 2
4. Substitutes are considered to have entered the game: a) If a pitcher, the substitute takes the position on the mound and throws one warm-up pitch to the catcher. b) If a fielder, the substitute reaches the position usually occupied by the fielder and play commences. c) If a runner, the substitute takes the base of the runner being replaced and play is resumed. d) Infractions of the substitution rules will be cause for a game protest and will be submitted to the League Commissioner for final action. Games under protest will continue as prescribed by the general rules. SUBSTITUTIONS DUE TO INJURY OR PLAYER: 1. Substitutions for defensive players are made from team members on the bench. A player who is injured or removed from the game is not subject to the two (2) defensive innings minimum play rule. This applies even if an injured player is later able to re-enter the game. The decision to re-enter an injured player is at the discretion of the manager. If an injured player is subsequently re-entered into the game, he/she cannot do so until the substitute has played a minimum of one (I) complete defensive inning from the point of entry in the game. For example, if the substitute enters the game part way through an inning, he/she must complete the current inning and the next full inning before the injured player can be returned to the game. 2. If the injury occurs to the batter as a result of a hit-by-pitch, the substitute will be the last previous batter who is not on base. The substitute will act as a courtesy runner for the injured player. 3. If the injury occurs to the batter, but does not result in the batter being awarded first base, the next batter in the batting order will assume the injured batter's count and the batting order will resume from this point. 4. An injured player will retain his position in the batting order for his next batting appearance. If the player is unable to bat in the next plate appearance, his position will be skipped over with no penalty. Subsequently, if the injured player is able to re-enter the game, he/she will bat in the same position as initially established on the batting roster. Under no circumstances will the injured player be placed in a different position from the starting batting order, even if he/she has not batted earlier in the game.
MANAGERS/COACHES: 1. No manager or coach shall be allowed on the playing field when the game is in progress, except for offensive team 1st and 3rd base coaches. They must remain in the respective coaching boxes. 2. If a manager/coach causes an interference play (umpire's judgment), the following penalties shall apply: a. There is no contact with a runner from a coach when there is a live play. If this happens, the runner will be called out. The ball will be called dead and the runners will be placed at the base that they have acquired at the time of the infraction. b. If offensive interference impedes a defensive player, any runner(s) involved in the play shall be called out. The ball will be called dead and the runners not involved will be placed at the base that 3
they have acquired at the time of the infraction. c. If, in the umpire's judgment, the infraction causes no interference, the offending manager/coach shall be first warned. A second infraction shall be cause for immediate ejection of the offending manager/coach from the game
RUNS PER INNING RULE: 1. A five (5) run rule per inning. A home run over the fence - all runs will count. In the park home runs - all runs will not count if it exceeds five (5) runs. No new inning can start after 8:15 pm. Exception: The above rule does not pertain to the 6th inning or any extra innings, or the last inning per time limit (i.e., at 8:10 pm, it’s the 4th or 5th inning - the umpire shall declare last inning and it will be considered the unlimited run inning). 2. A twelve (12) run mercy rule will apply. If one team is ahead by twelve (12) runs anytime after 4 innings, the game is over and complete (3 ½ innings may only need to be played if the home team is winning by twelve (12) runs after the visiting team gets there 4th inning at bat). If the visiting team is ahead by 12 runs after any ½ inning, the home team gets equal number of bats. Example: If the visiting team is up by 12 runs after 4 ½ innings, the home team gets to bat. 3. Games are official after four (4) completed innings are played or the home team is ahead after 3 ½ innings. 4. Game play shall end after six (6) innings are complete with the visiting team ahead or 5 ½ innings with the home team ahead. Extra innings shall be played when necessary to complete a tied game. No games shall end in a tie unless there is no feasible way of completing the game prior to the end of the regular season. SUSPENDED GAMES & MAKE-UP GAMES: 1. Suspended and postponed games will be made up on the next available day. 2. Suspended games shall resume at the point in which play was discontinued like they were never suspended. If there was an absent player at the time that play was suspended but shows up to the conclusion, they will be inserted into the last spot in the batting lineup. If there is a player who can’t make the conclusion, their spot in the order will be skipped over without penalty. 3. The pitchers shall be charged with the number of innings pitched in the current calendar week. 4. For score keeping purposes, all batting, fielding, and pitching records will be utilized for the make-up game. THE BATTER: 1. All players present at the start of the game will be placed in the batting order. No changes or substitutions will be made except to add additional players to the batting order who arrive after the start of the game 2. All batters must wear protective head gear. 3. Batting out of order rule: a. Any batter batting out of order may be replaced by the correct batter with no penalty before the incorrect batter has completed a time at bat. The correct batter will assume the ball/strike count of the incorrect batter. 4
b. If the at bat is completed, the batter who was supposed to bat will simply get skipped until their next at bat. The result of the at bat will stand. 4. Bunting IS allowed. Regular Little League Rules will apply. NO SLASH BUNTS - A slash bunt is where the batter fakes a bunt and takes a swing. No matter if the ball was struck or not, the batter is automatically out. 5. Infield fly rule does apply. 6. Batters CANNOT take first base on a dropped third strike. 7. Batter is out on a foul tip third strike when caught. This is also a live ball. 8. Batters who throw the bat (umpire's judgment) after contact with the ball will be penalized as follows: a. First violation: Umpire will call a strike and the ball is dead. Runners may not advance. The umpire will call the batters team manager to home plate and explain the infraction to the batter and team manager, and a warning issued to the batter. b. Second violation: The batter will be declared “out”. If the ball is hit in fair territory, it is playable and any runners may advance. As soon as play has stopped, the umpire will inform the team manager that the batter is removed from the game. The batter may not re-enter the game for any reason, even if it is continued at a later date. The team manager will make a legal defensive substitution (if available) or continue play with a short roster. If the team only has eight (8) available players , the batter may continue play in this game, but will not play in the next scheduled game. THE RUNNERS: 1. All runners must wear protective head gear. 2. Base stealing SHALL BE allowed: a. No lead offs are allowed at any time. b. A runner attempting a stolen base CANNOT advance an additional base in the event of an overthrow by the catcher or a failed attempt to field a ball thrown by the catcher. c. A runner attempting a stolen base CANNOT leave the bag until the ball crosses home plate. d. A runner CAN steal home on a passed ball or a pitched ball that has passed home plate. In order to steal home base, the runner going home must have originally started at third base. e. A runner attempting to steal a base MUST slide if a play is being made at that base. If a defensive player has the ball between bases, the runner MUST make an attempt to get around the defensive player. 3. Sliding will be allowed at all bases. The runner must slide feet first going into a base. The may only slide head first when returning to a base. Runners MUST slide at home if it is obvious that the catcher is attempting to make a play at the plate. Catchers cannot block the home plate or base line unless they have possession of the ball. A runner MUST slide or attempt to get around a catcher with the ball that is 5
blocking the line towards third. If a standing runner collides with the catcher who is holding the ball and attempting to make a play, the Umpire-in-Chief will call time as soon as the play is complete. No succeeding runners will be allowed to advance regardless of the consequences of the play made at the plate. An out made at the plate will stand. If a run is scored at the plate, it will be disallowed and the base runner retired to the bench. Both the Umpire-in-Chief and the offending runner’s manager will explain the rule infraction to the player and the potential serious consequences that such action could have caused. A second incident by the same player in the game will be cause for the player being removed from the game. a. Any contact with a defensive player with the arms held in front of the chest, head held in a ramming position, leading with the shoulder or a cross-body block is interpreted as intentional ramming of the player and the runner is called out and immediately ejected from the game. No other runners may advance beyond the current base already attained. 4. Runners may advance a maximum of the next base on an overthrow inside the playing field. The runners can be played upon and must earn the next base. The runners may advance one base further on each subsequent overthrow during the same play sequence, and be played upon, if the ball remains in play. Anytime the overthrow is outside the playing field, all runners are given the next base. Only one base is allowed on a stolen base attempt. This is to promote throws from the catcher. 5. Substitute runners shall not be allowed unless a runner is injured. 6. One (1) adult coach or player will be allowed at first and third for the team at bat only. Any PLAYER being use as a base coach must wear a batting helmet. Base coaches will remain in the coaching boxes unless attempting to avoid a ball or player while the ball is in play. Coaches will not contact any defensive or offensive player, or contact the ball while it is in play. Infractions of this rule will result in the penalties described in item 2 under MANAGER/COACHES. THE FIELDERS: 1. INFIELD PLAYING RULE – A player must have a minimum of one (1) inning in an infield position during the first four (4) innings of each regular season game. It is encouraged to play the players more than this minimum in order to keep their interest in the game. The pitcher and catcher are considered infield positions for the purpose of this rule. Games against PalMac do not use this infield playing rule. 2. Catchers must wear complete catchers equipment, including protective cup and strap, while playing position. Protective cups and straps will be worn under the pants. Female catchers do not need to wear a protective cup. Protective cups cannot be shared among players. 3. All infielders must assume the standard normal position until the ball is hit. Outfielders may be positioned anywhere in the outfield. 4. All players must play a minimum of two (2) complete innings in the first four (4) innings of the game.
THE PITCHERS: 1. Players playing the position of pitcher shall pitch from the pitchers plate. 2. Maximum warm-up pitches: a. New pitcher entering the game at any point: eight (8). b. Prior to the start of an inning for a pitcher currently in the game: four (4). 6
c. Special circumstances during the game: umpire's decision. 3. Once a pitcher has been removed, the same player may NOT retake the position of pitching during the same game. This rule applies regardless of whether the player stays in the game in another position or the game is postponed and continued at a later date. 4. A pitcher can pitch a maximum of three (3) innings in any one game. 5. Pitchers can pitch no more than six (6) innings per week defined explicitly as Monday through Sunday. Weeks are NOT defined on a seven day rotating basis. Delivery of a single pitch to a batter constitutes having pitched a full inning. 6. Pitching rotation and rest periods between mound appearances will be governed by the following table to include all season league games and playoff games. Day Pitched
Mon. Tue.
Wed.
Thur.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Next day available (1-2 innings)
Wed. Thur.
Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
Next day available (3 innings)
Thur. Fri.
Sat.
Sun.
Mon.
Tue.
Wed.
7. Balks will NOT be called. The coach and umpire shall explain the infraction to the pitcher and no runners may advance or balls called. 8. Intentional walks are NOT allowed. The Umpire-in-Chief will judge the pitcher's intent to deliberately walk a batter. He has the authority to order the pitcher to continue pitching to the batter for another full time at bat if an intentional walk is suspected. 9. A pitcher will be removed from the position of pitcher if he/she hits three (3) batters in the same game and the batters have made a deliberate effort to avoid the contact. The player may be placed at any other defensive position. 10. The manager is allowed one (1) trip to the mound per inning and three (3) trips per pitchers appearance. If the manager visits the pitcher twice in one inning or three times in one appearance, the pitcher must be removed from the mound. 11. All other pitching rules as outlined in the rule book shall prevail.
PROTESTS AND DISCIPLINARY MEASURE: 1. Players removed from the game for any reason will be removed from all further offensive and defensive play. When a batter is ejected from the game, the team will be charged with an out. 2. In the case of playing rules interpretation protest, the manager must notify the Home Plate Umpire that game is under protest before another pitch is thrown. If the manager or in the manager’s absence a coach does not file a protest before another pitch is thrown, there is no protest allowed. The exception is if a protest is a result of the final play of the game, but they still must notify the Home Plate Umpire. After 7
filing the protest with the Home Plate Umpire, the protesting manager must notify there respective league commissioner in writing within 24 hours from the game ending. The protesting manager should put in writing the situation of what occurred and what rule they are protesting. 3. When two teams are from the same organization, a protest will be handled internally amongst the respective organization. When there is a protest filed when 2 teams are involved from two different organizations, the protest committee will be made of one (1) person from all organizations. 4. Pal-Mac, Red Jacket, Newark, and Midlakes will name their protest committee people before the start of each season. Each organization will submit three (3) people. They should be people that have baseball knowledge and have nothing to do with the team or the league that is filing the protest.
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