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Division Rules

SPRING 2022 PARK RULES

Revised March 1, 2019
 
These local rules represent reiterations, additions, amendments and/or modifications to the Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth 2018 Baseball Rules and Regulations. These local rules supersede, preempt and replace any contrary rule. For any matter not addressed by these rules, please refer to the Cal Ripken and Babe Ruth 2018 Baseball Rules and Regulations or the Official Baseball Rules promulgated by the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball. There shall be no gentleman’s agreements or any other attempt to compete by other rules.

ALL DIVISIONS

On-field Participation

  • Only Players and WCAA Approved Volunteers are allowed in the dugout or on the playing fields.
  • All WCAA Approved Volunteers must wear their identification badges while in the dugout or on the field.
  • Four (4) coaches, consisting of one (1) team manager and three (3) assistant coaches are allowed to participate for each team.
  • Only the Team Manager may speak to the umpire or represent the team.
  • In the absence of the Team Manager, one of the team’s coaches shall be designated as the acting Manager.

Field Preparation and Game Requirements

  • Home Team – [1] Rake the infield and prepare the pitcher’s mound; [2] Provide the Official Scorekeeper; [3] Obtain two (2) game balls from the concession stand and deliver them to the umpire; and [4] Report the official score and pitch counts (if applicable) after the game is complete; and [5] Set-up the pitching machine if necessary.
  • Visiting Team – [1] Chalk the playing field; [2] Obtain the scoreboard remote if necessary; and [3] Provide the scoreboard operator.
  • The home team’s official scorekeeper and the visiting team’s scoreboard operator shall work together to ensure that the official score and the scoreboard remain in agreement.                           
  • A team failing to field at least eight (8) uniformed players within fifteen (15) minutes after the scheduled start time of a game, or at any time during the game, shall forfeit the game.

Code of Conduct

  • All participants and spectators shall conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, being respectful and courteous to all umpires, coaches, players, parents and fans; 
  • All participants and spectators should seek to support and encourage everyone involved for the benefit and welfare of all and for the good of baseball;
  • No one shall taunt, ridicule, openly criticize or argue with any umpire, coach, player, parent or fan;
  • No one shall use abusive or vulgar language;
  • No one shall display fits of rage or any other violent or abusive behavior;
  • No one will intentionally injure or attempt to injure any other person; and
  • No one will throw a bat, batting helmet or any other piece of equipment.

Penalties

  • Contact Rule
  • If, in the umpire’s judgment, a runner attempting to reach home plate or a base intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player, he will be called out on the play and ejected from the game.
  • Bat Throwing
  • Unintentional Bat Throws – If a player, in the sole judgment of the umpire, unintentionally throws his bat, he shall receive one warning.  If the same player, in the same game, throws his bat for a second or subsequent time, he shall be called out and no runners may advance. 
  • Intentional Bat or Equipment Throws – If a player, in the umpire’s judgment, intentionally throws his bat or helmet, he shall be ejected from the game upon completion of any play in progress at the time.  This does not constitute an out and the ejected player will be replaced as batter or baserunner, if appropriate.
  • Illegal Bats
  • If a batter is deemed by the umpire to be using an illegal bat, a team warning will be issued and the bat will be removed from the game.  If an illegal bat is used again by the same team in the same game, the offending batter will be called out.  The permissible bats for each division are listed under their respective section.  As of January 1, 2018, all players are required to use bats conforming to the USA Baseball standard and stamped with the “USA Baseball” emblem below.  Any bat not bearing this emblem is considered illegal.

  • Head First Slides
  • Any baserunner who, in the umpire’s judgment, intentionally slides head first into any base, shall be called “out” regardless of the outcome of any play made on that runner.  However, unintentional head first stumbles or falls shall not result in an automatic out.  Head first returns to a base previously attained are permitted.
  • Ejections
  • Violators of the Code of Conduct may be subject to ejection.  If a Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan is ejected by an Umpire or a WCAA Official, he or she must leave the playing field immediately and must vacate the grounds of the park.  In addition to the above, any Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan who is ejected from a game shall automatically receive an additional one game suspension which shall be served at the next scheduled game following his or her ejection.  Furthermore, additional suspensions and/or penalties may be imposed by Wesley Chapel Baseball and/or the WCAA Executive Board of Directors. 
  • Two (2) ejections in one season will disqualify the Manager, Coach, Player, Parent or Fan for the remainder of the season and may also disqualify the adult and any associated player from consideration for post-season play. 
  • A written appeal of an ejection and the resulting punishment may be filed with the Director of Baseball within two (2) business days of the ejection.  Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
  • Equipment
  • Catchers (except in T-Ball and A-Ball) are required to wear proper protective equipment including a mask with throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, athletic supporter with protective cup and NOCSAE approved headgear which gives protection to the top of the head and both ears when catching behind the plate.  Hockey style masks are acceptable as proper protection for catchers.  Mask extensions are not needed.  Any player serving as a catcher to warm up a pitcher shall wear a mask, whether the pitcher is warming up from the mound, in the bullpen or elsewhere.
  • Athletic supporters with protective cup, chest guards and mouth guards are strongly recommended for all players. 
  • Metal Cleats
  • Metal cleats are not permitted in: T-Ball, A-Ball, Rookie, Minor and Major.
  • Metal cleats are permitted in Babe Ruth League only.
    • Batting helmets may have decals consisting of: [1] the player’s name; [2] the player’s number; [3] the team logo; [4] the WC park logo; [5] performance awards; [6] the flag of the State of Florida; and [7] the American flag.  No other decals, designs or depictions may appear on batting helmets.
    • No jewelry shall be worn by players except for medical identification and non-metallic breakaway sports necklaces.
    • Sweatbands are permitted.  However, no accessory shall be permitted to create, in the umpire’s judgment, a visual distraction for the batter.  (e.g. white sweatband on the wrist of a pitcher)
Bats with a barrel diameter of 2 3/4 inches or greater are prohibited in all divisions.

T-Ball Division

  • 50’ Bases
  • All games are a maximum of six (6) innings.
  • There is no minimum number of innings required for a complete game.
  • Games that are called for weather or other reasons or games that are cancelled will not be rescheduled. 
  • Time Limit – There is a seventy five (75) minute (1hr 15min) no-new-inning time limit.  There is no drop-dead time limit.  No new inning shall be commenced after seventy five (75) minutes of game time has expired.  The umpire shall keep the official game time.  At the moment of play stoppage that ends each inning, the umpire shall check the game time remaining.  If any of the seventy five (75) minutes of game time remains, then another inning shall be commenced.  If none of the seventy five (75) minutes of game time remains, then the game shall be concluded.  
  • No score shall be kept for T-Ball games and no winner shall be declared.

Field Preparation

  • Field Markings:  The following markings shall be chalked or painted on the playing field for all T-Ball games: [1] the foul lines; [2] hash marks at the mid-point between all bases; [3] the pitcher’s circle; and [4] the batted ball minimum distance arc.

Offense

  • Each team shall bat through their entire roster one time each inning.
  • Batting
  • Batting shall be accomplished by placing a tee on home plate, setting a ball on the tee and having the player swing until he or she puts the ball in play.  Strikes shall not be called.
  • Bunting at the ball is not permitted.
  • An arc shall be marked from the first base foul line to the third base foul line with a radius of eight (8) feet from the apex of home plate.  Any ball that does not travel beyond that line shall be a foul ball.
  • The offensive team must verbally notify the defensive team when the “Last Batter” begins his or her at bat.
    • Baserunners shall be awarded the base closest to their position at the moment play is stopped.
    • Stealing is not permitted
    • Leading off is not permitted. 
  • Pinch Hitting
  • Pinch hitting is not permitted.
  • Pinch Running
  • Pinch running is not permitted.

Defense

  • Ten (10) players shall be utilized on defense.  The defensive positions shall consist of the traditional six (6) infield positions and four (4) outfield positions.
  • Outfielders must remain beyond the infield dirt at all times and are not allowed to enter the infield to tag a runner, tag a base, or make any other defensive play.  Outfielders must throw the ball into the infield.
  • The catcher shall not assume the position behind home plate and shall stand away from the plate until the batter swings.  After the swing, the catcher may field the position defensively.  While standing away, the catcher must be careful not to interfere with the batter in any way.
  • The offensive coach shall remove the tee prior to any play at home plate.
  • The pitcher, when fielding a ball inside the pitching circle, must throw the ball in order to make an out.  The pitcher shall not be permitted to field a ball in the pitcher’s circle and then run to tag a base or tag a player.  For balls fielded outside the pitcher’s circle, the pitcher may attempt to put a runner out by any legal means.
  • Play Stoppage
  • “Time” shall be immediately granted if verbally called for by any infielder who has possession of the ball inside the pitching circle or verbally called for while an infielder possesses the ball and is clearly established in the base path ahead of the lead runner.
  • The infield fly rule in not in effect.

Participation

  • Any players not present at the start of the game, who arrive later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order in the order in which they arrive.
  • By the end of the third inning, every player must have played one complete inning in the infield.
  • By the end of the fourth inning, every player must have played at least one complete inning in the outfield or spent one inning on the bench.
  • No player shall sit on the bench for consecutive innings.
  • No guest players are permitted.

Equipment

  • All batters and baserunners are required to wear a batting helmet with an approved faceguard and chinstrap.
  • All pitchers and catchers are required to wear a batting helmet with an approved faceguard and chinstrap.
  • Bats shall be no more than 27 inches in length with a barrel diameter no greater than 2 1/4 inches.

A-BALL DIVISION

  • 50’ Bases
  • All games are a maximum of six (6) innings.
  • Four innings is considered a complete game or 3 ½ innings if the home team possesses the lead after the top of the fourth.
  • Time Limit – There is a ninety (90) minute (1hr 30min) no-new-inning time limit.  There is no drop-dead time limit.  No new inning shall be commenced after ninety (90) minutes of game time has expired.  The umpire shall keep the official game time.  At the moment of the third out or the scoring of the fifth (5th) run that ends the inning, the umpire shall check the game time remaining.  If any of the ninety (90) minutes of game time remains, then another inning shall be commenced.  If none of the ninety (90) minutes of game time remains, then the game shall be concluded and the results are final.
  • Regular season games can end in a tie.  Playoff games will continue until a winner is determined.

Field Preparation

  • Field Markings:  The following markings shall be chalked or painted on the playing field for all Shetland 6U games: [1] the foul lines; [2] the portion of the cut out located in foul territory at first and third base; [3] the pitcher’s circle; [4] the batted ball minimum distance arc; [5] the coach’s minimum pitching distance line; and [6] the batter’s boxes.

Offense

  • Teams shall not score more than five (5) runs per inning.  There are no open innings.
  • The offensive team’s half inning will conclude once the defense has registered three (3) outs or the offensive team has scored five (5) runs, whichever occurs first. 
  • Pitching
    • A line shall be chalked twenty five feet (25’) from the apex of home plate, perpendicular to the direct path between home plate and second base.  This line shall establish the minimum distance from which an offensive coach may pitch to his or her players.  The coach-pitcher shall pitch with one or both knees in contact with the ground and the body of the coach-pitcher shall remain behind the pitching line.  However, the coach-pitcher’s arm may extend over the line during the pitching motion. 
    • The batter shall receive a maximum of five (5) pitches from the coach-pitcher.  However, if the last pitch is fouled off, an additional pitch will be delivered.  The at bat may be extended indefinitely by the fouling off of the last pitch.
    • An arc shall be marked from the first base foul line to the third base foul line with a radius of eight (8) feet from the apex of home plate.  Any ball that does not travel beyond that line shall be a called a foul ball.
    • If a pitched ball is put into play, the coach-pitcher shall exit the field of play as quickly as possible without interfering with play.
    • After the maximum number of pitches without the ball being put in play, the batter will be allowed up to three (3) additional swings with the ball set on a tee.   There will be no extension of the at bat based on fouling off the third swing from the tee.
    • If the batter fails to put the ball in play after three (3) swings from the tee, the batter shall be called out.
  • Bunting
    • Bunting is not permitted.  This includes soft swinging and drag bunts.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, a bunt was attempted, the pitch counts toward the batter’s total and the ball is dead.  If the bunt attempt occurs while batting from the tee, the bunt attempt is a strike and the ball is dead.  If it constitutes the third strike, the batter is out.
    • Fake bunting is not permitted. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a batter fakes a bunt and then swings at the pitch, the ball is dead, no runners shall advance, and the batter shall be called out.
  • Stealing/Baserunning
    • Stealing is not permitted.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, a steal was attempted, the baserunner shall be given one warning and returned to the previous base.  If the baserunner attempts to steal again, the baserunner shall be called out.
    • Leading off is not permitted.  The baserunner shall remain in contact with the base until the ball has been hit by the batter or crossed the front of home plate.  If at the time a ball is hit, the baserunner is off the bag by such a distance that it is clear, in the umpire’s judgment, that the runner left early, that baserunner shall be declared out.
    • Any baserunner attempting to score may not initiate an otherwise avoidable collision and shall attempt to slide in an appropriate manner if a collision is likely.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 6.01(i) and the Contact Rule contained herein.)
  • Pinch Hitting
    • Pinch hitting is not permitted.
  • Pinch Running
    • Pinch running is not permitted.

Defense

  • Ten (10) players shall be utilized on defense.  The defensive positions shall consist of the traditional six (6) infield positions and four (4) outfield positions.
  • Outfielders shall be positioned at least fifteen (15) feet beyond the infield dirt when the pitching motion is made or when the batter swings at a ball set on the tee.
  • Outfielders must remain beyond the infield dirt at all times and are not allowed to enter the infield to tag a runner, tag a base, or make any other defensive play.  Outfielders must throw the ball into the infield.
  • The catcher shall not assume the position behind home plate and shall stand away from the plate until the batter swings.  After the swing, the catcher may field the position defensively.  While standing away, the catcher must be careful not to interfere with the batter in any way.
  • The umpire shall, if necessary, remove the batting tee prior to any play at home plate.
  • The pitcher shall take position to the rear of the pitching plate, on the right or left side of the coach-pitcher with at least one foot inside the pitcher’s circle and shall remain there until the ball is hit.
  • The pitcher, when fielding a ball inside the pitching circle, must throw the ball in order to make an out.  The pitcher shall not be permitted to field a ball in the pitcher’s circle and then run to tag a base or tag a player.  For balls fielded outside the pitcher’s circle, the pitcher may attempt to put a runner out by any legal means.
  • One Base on an Overthrow to the Corners
    • A thrown ball that passes through the portion of the cut out that forms an arc in foul territory at first base or third base and continues, in the umpire’s judgment, beyond all areas expected to be played by a defensive player, either in the air or on the ground, shall be called a dead ball and all runners shall advance one (1) base.
  • Base coaches are not permitted to make physical contact with any baserunner while play is live.  One team warning shall be issued.  Subsequent violations shall result in the touched baserunner being declared out.
  • Play Stoppage
    • When the ball is in the possession of an infielder and, in the umpire's judgment, all play on the runner or runners has ceased, the umpire shall call "Time".  Once the umpire has called “Time”, the ball is dead and shall be returned to the coach- pitcher.
      NOTE: A runner or runners simply being off the bag does not constitute a continuation of play.In order for play to continue, the runner or runners must be actively attempting to advance.
    • Players shall not be able to stop play by calling “Time”.
  • The infield fly rule in not in effect.

Participation

  • Each team shall bat their entire roster available for that game.
  • Any players not present at the start of the game, who arrive later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order in the order in which they arrive.
  • By the end of the third inning, every player must have played one complete inning in the infield.
  • By the end of the fourth inning, every player must have played at least one complete inning in the outfield or spent one inning on the bench.
  • No player shall sit on the bench for consecutive innings.

Equipment

  • All batters and baserunners are required to wear a batting helmet with an approved faceguard.
  • All pitchers and catchers are required to wear a batting helmet with an approved faceguard and a chest guard.
  • Any bat specifically designed for or marked for use in Tee Ball is prohibited. 
  • Bats shall be no more than 29 inches in length with a barrel diameter no greater than 2 5/8 inches.

ROOKIE DIVISION

  • 60’ Bases
  • All games are a maximum of six (6) innings. 
  • Four innings is considered a complete game or 3 ½ innings if the home team possesses the lead after the top of the fourth.
  • Time Limit – There is a one hundred and five (105) minute (1hr 45min) no-new-inning time limit.  There is no drop-dead time limit.  No new inning shall be commenced after one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time has expired.  The umpire shall keep the official game time.  At the moment of the third out or the scoring of the fifth (5th) run that ends the inning, the umpire shall check the game time remaining.  If any of the one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time remains, then another inning shall be commenced.  If none of the one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time remains, then the game shall be concluded and the results are final.
  • Regular season games can end in a tie.  Playoff games will continue until a winner is determined.

Ten Run Rule and Mathematical Elimination  

  • Ten Run Rule – If the visiting team is leading by at least ten (10) runs at the end of four (4) or more complete innings, the game shall be declared complete and the visiting team shall be declared the winner. If the home team is leading by at least ten (10) runs after the visiting team has completed batting in the 4th inning or later, the game shall be declared complete and the home team shall be declared the winner.
    • Mathematical Elimination – If either team is winning by six (6) runs or more after five (5) complete innings, the game shall be concluded and the team possessing such a lead shall be declared the winner.

Offense

  • A team may score a maximum of five (5) runs in a single inning.  There are no open innings.
  • The offensive team’s half inning will conclude once the defense has registered three (3) outs or the offensive team has scored five (5) runs, whichever occurs first. 
  • Pitching & Batting
    • Pitching shall be accomplished by pitching machine provided by the league.
    • Umpire may call a “no pitch” if in the umpire’s sole discretion the pitch was a result of the machine error.  Even if player swings and misses.  If player swings and makes contact, the pitch shall count and be played out.
    • Each team will designate a coach to feed the pitching machine.
    • The pitcher-coach shall be permitted to coach his or her players.
    • Each batter shall receive a maximum of five (5) pitches.  However, if the last pitch is fouled off, another pitch will be delivered.  The at bat may be extended indefinitely by fouling off the last pitch.
    • Spring Season: If the batter reaches three (3) swinging strikes prior to the maximum number of pitches, the batter shall be called out.
      NOTE: There are no called strikes, only swinging strikes.  
    • Fall Season: Batters shall not be called out on 3 swinging strikes and will see all 6 pitches.
    • If, after the maximum number of pitches, the batter has failed to put the ball in play or failed to foul the ball off, the batter shall be called out. If batter fouls the 6th pitch off, he will receive another pitch.  If a foul tip is caught by the catcher for the third strike, the batter shall be called out. 
    • There are no walks.  A player may not take a base on balls from the pitching machine nor be awarded first base as a result of being hit by a pitch.
  • The Pitcher-Coach
    • The pitcher-coach may not attempt to make any defensive play.
    • The pitcher-coach shall make an effort to exit the field of play after a ball is hit, if he or she can do so without affecting the play.  However, if the pitcher-coach is unable to do so, and the batted ball strikes the pitcher-coach the play is considered dead and the batter is awarded a single and all runners advance one base.
    • If the pitcher-coach inadvertently interferes with the defensive play through no fault of his or her own, the ball shall remain live and play shall continue.  (e.g. The player-pitcher fields a sharply batted ball just to the right of the pitcher-coach. The pitcher-coach crouches down to avoid being in the midst of the play. However, while attempting to throw to first base, the player-pitcher makes an errant throw that hits the pitcher-coach. The pitcher-coach made a reasonable attempt to avoid interfering with the play and any interference with the play was not his or her fault.  Thus, the ball would remain live and the defense would continue on with the play.)
    • If, in the umpire’s judgment, the pitcher-coach carelessly or intentionally interferes with the defensive play, the umpire shall call the ball dead and declare the lead runner out.
  • Bunting
    • Bunting is not permitted.  This includes soft swinging and drag bunts.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, a bunt was attempted, the pitch is a strike and the ball is dead.  If it constitutes the third strike, the batter is out.
    • Fake bunting (a/k/a slash bunt) is not permitted. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a batter shows bunt and then swings away at the pitch, the ball is dead, no runners shall advance, and the batter shall be called out.
  • Stealing/Baserunning
    • Stealing is not permitted.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, a steal was attempted, the baserunner shall be given one warning and returned to the previous base.  If the baserunner attempts to steal again, the baserunner shall be called out.
    • Leading off is not permitted.  The baserunner shall remain in contact with the base until the ball has been hit by the batter or crossed the front of home plate.  If at the time a ball is hit, the baserunner is off the bag by such a distance that it is clear, in the umpire’s judgment, that the runner left early, that baserunner shall be declared out.
    • Any baserunner attempting to score may not initiate an otherwise avoidable collision and shall attempt to slide in an appropriate manner if a collision is likely.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 6.01(i) and the Contact Rule contained herein.)
  • Pinch Hitting
    • Pinch hitting is not permitted.
  • Pinch Running
    • In the interest of pace of play, the last recorded out may pinch run for the catcher (courtesy runner).
    • No other pinch running is permitted.

Defense

  • Ten (10) players are permitted on defense.  The defensive positions shall consist of the traditional six (6) infield positions and four (4) outfield positions. 
  • At all times, regardless of the number of players present, each team shall field all six (6) infield positions.
  • Outfielders shall be positioned at least twenty (20) feet beyond the infield dirt when the ball is inserted into the pitching machine.
  • Outfielders must remain beyond the infield dirt at all times and are not allowed to enter the infield to tag a runner, tag a base, or make any other defensive play.  Outfielders must throw the ball into the infield.
  • Defensive substitutions are unlimited and do not affect the batting order.
  • The pitcher shall take position to the rear of the pitching machine, on the right or left side of the machine with at least one foot on the dirt portion of the pitcher’s mound.
  • The catcher must assume the position behind home plate.
  • Play Stoppage
    • When the ball is in the possession of an infielder and, in the umpire's judgment, all play on the runner or runners has ceased, the umpire shall call "Time".  The ball is dead and shall be returned to the pitcher-coach.
      NOTE: A runner or runners simply being off the bag does not constitute a continuation of play.In order for play to continue, the runner or runners must be actively attempting to advance.
  • The dropped third strike rule is not in effect.
  • The infield fly rule is not in effect.

Participation

  • Each team shall bat their entire roster available for that game.
  • Any players not present at the start of the game, who arrive later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order in the order in which they arrive.
  • There is no requirement that a player play in the infield or the outfield.
  • No player shall sit on the bench in consecutive innings.
  • If a team has eight (8) players or less available from its own roster, a guest player may be allowed to play (if available) or a player/players may be voluntarily loaned from the opposing team.  Guest players shall only be permitted to play outfield and bat last in the lineup.

Equipment

  • All batters and baserunners are required to wear a batting helmet with an approved faceguard and chinstrap.
  • All pitchers are required to wear a batting helmet with an approved faceguard and chinstrap and a chest guard.  A protective mouthpiece is strongly recommended.
  • Any bat specifically designed for or marked for use in Tee Ball is prohibited.
  • Bats shall be no more than 31 inches in length with a barrel diameter no greater than 2 5/8 inches.

MINOR DIVISION

  • 60’ Bases
  • Pitching Distance: 46’
  • All games are a maximum of six (6) innings. 
  • Four innings is considered a complete game or 3 ½ innings if the home team possesses the lead after the top of the fourth.
  • Time Limit – There is a one hundred and five (105) minute (1hr 45min) no-new-inning time limit.  There is no drop-dead time limit.  No new inning shall be commenced after one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time has expired.  The umpire shall keep the official game time.  At the moment of the third out or the scoring of the fifth (5th) run that ends the inning, the umpire shall check the game time remaining.  If any of the one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time remains, then another inning shall be commenced.  If none of the one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time remains, then the game shall be concluded and the results are final.
  • Regular season games can end in a tie.  Playoff games will continue until a winner is determined.

Ten Run Rule and Mathematical Elimination

  • Ten Run Rule – If the visiting team is leading by at least ten (10) runs at the end of four (4) or more complete innings, the game shall be declared complete and the visiting team shall be declared the winner. If the home team is leading by at least ten (10) runs after the visiting team has completed batting in the 4th inning or later, the game shall be declared complete and the home team shall be declared the winner.
    • Mathematical Elimination – If either team is winning by six (6) runs or more after five (5) complete innings, the game shall be concluded and the team possessing such a lead shall be declared the winner.

Offense

  • A team may score a maximum of five (5) runs in a single inning.  There are no open innings.
    • The offensive team’s half inning will conclude once the defense has registered three (3) outs or the offensive team has scored five (5) runs, whichever occurs first. 
  • The one-foot in the batter’s box rule is in effect.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 5.04(b)(4))
  • Bunting
    • Bunting is permitted.
    • Fake bunting (a/k/a slash bunt) is not permitted. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a batter shows bunt and then swings away at the pitch, the ball is dead, no runners shall advance, and the batter shall be called out.
  • Stealing/Baserunning
    • Stealing is permitted, but baserunners may not leave until the pitched ball has crossed the front of home plate.  When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and in possession of the ball and the catcher is in the cather’s box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached home plate.  Once the catcher has secured the ball and the runner has stopped his forward progress, the runner must immediately return to the base.
    • Leading off is not permitted.  The baserunner shall remain in contact with the base until the pitched ball has been hit by the batter or crossed the front of home plate.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, a baserunner left early, that team shall be issued one team warning.  If on any subsequent play, the umpire determines that a baserunner from the warned team left early, that runner shall be declared out.
    • Any runner attempting to score may not initiate an otherwise avoidable collision and shall attempt to slide in an appropriate manner if a collision is likely.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 6.01(i) and the Contact Rule contained herein.)
  • Pinch Hitting
    • Pinch hitting is not permitted.
  • Pinch Running
    • In the interest of pace of play, the last recorded out may pinch run for the catcher (courtesy runner).
    • No other pinch running is permitted.

Defense

  • In seasons where 12 players are rostered, ten (10) players are permitted on defense.  The defensive positions shall consist of the traditional six (6) infield positions and four (4) outfield positions.  In seasons where 11 players are rostered, nine (9) players are permitted on defense.  The defensive positions shall consist of the traditional six (6) infield positions and three (3) outfield positions. 
  • At all times, regardless of the number of players present, each team shall field all six (6) infield positions.
  • Defensive substitutions are unlimited. 
  • Defensive substitutions do not affect the batting order.
  • Pitching
    • Balks shall be called, but shall not result in a penalty.
    • If a balk is committed, it shall result in an immediate dead ball and no runners may advance nor be put out.
    • After each balk, a coach from the pitcher’s team shall be permitted to visit the mound to coach the pitcher regarding the balk.  This visit shall not constitute an official visit.
    • A pitcher shall not deliver more than seventy-five (75) competitive pitches in the same game or on the same calendar day.  A competitive pitch is one that is delivered from the field mound to an opposing batter during game play.  However, if a pitcher reaches the maximum number of pitches while still in the midst of facing a batter, the pitcher may continue until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.  The pitcher must then immediately exit the game as the pitcher, but may continue to play at any other position in the field.
    • It is the responsibility of the Official Scorekeeper provided by the Home Team to keep track of the pitches thrown by each pitcher who enters the game. After each half inning both managers and the Official Scorekeeper shall conference to ensure that the pitch count is accurate.  It shall be the Official Scorekeeper’s responsibility to make the umpire aware when the pitcher has reached his or her maximum pitches.  The umpire will ensure that a spent pitcher is removed from the mound.
    • A pitcher must be given the rest listed below following any outing.  For the purposes of this rule, a day equals one calendar day beginning with the day following the one in which the pitches were delivered. (e.g. Pitcher delivers 66 pitches on Saturday, he or she is ineligible to deliver any competitive pitches on Sunday and Monday.  The pitcher becomes available again beginning with Tuesday.)

PITCHING REST REQUIREMENTS

AGE

MAX PITCHES

REST PERIOD

0 Days

1 Day

2 Days

9-10

75

1-40

41-65

66+

 

  • Unless incapacitated, the pitcher named in the line-up card provided before the game, shall pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches base.
  • Any pitcher withdrawn from the mound shall not be permitted to pitch again in the same game. 
  • On the second visit to the mound by a manager or coach, to the same pitcher in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound.
    NOTE: A withdrawn pitcher may remain in the field and assume any other defensive position
  • If a relief pitcher comes in “cold” the umpire shall allow the pitcher to warm up properly with at least ten (10) warm-up pitches.
  • In the interest of pace of play, Managers should make every effort to warm up a relief pitcher in the bullpen prior to inserting him or her into the game.
  • The dropped third strike rule is not in effect. 
  • The infield fly rule is not in effect. 

Participation

  • Each team shall bat their entire roster available for that game.
  • Any players not present at the start of the game, who arrive later, shall be moved to the end of the batting order in the order in which they arrive.
  • There is no requirement that a player play in the infield or the outfield.
  • No player shall sit on the bench in consecutive innings.
  • If a team has eight (8) players or less available from its own roster, a guest player may be allowed to play (if available) or a player/players may be voluntarily loaned from the opposing team.  Guest players shall only be permitted to play outfield and bat last in the lineup.

Equipment

  • All batters and baserunners are required to wear a batting helmet.
  • Any bat specifically designed for or marked for use in Tee Ball is prohibited.
  • Bats shall be no more than 33 inches in length with a barrel diameter no greater than 2 5/8 inches.

MAJOR DIVISION

  • 70’ Bases
  • Pitching Distance: 50’
  • All games are a maximum of six (6) innings. 
  • Four innings is considered a complete game or 3 ½ innings if the home team possesses the lead after the top of the fourth.
  • Time Limit – There is a one hundred and twenty (105) minute (1hr 45 min) no-new-inning time limit.  There is no drop-dead time limit.  No new inning shall be commenced after one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time has expired.  The umpire shall keep the official game time.  At the moment of the third out that ends an inning, the umpire shall check the game time remaining.  If any of the one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time remains, then another inning shall be commenced.  If none of the one hundred and five (105) minutes of game time remains, then the game shall be concluded and the results are final.
  • There is no maximum number of runs that a team can score in a single inning.
  • Regular season games can end in a tie.  Playoff games will continue until a winner is determined.

Ten Run Rule

  • If the visiting team is leading by at least ten (10) runs at the end of four (4) or more complete innings, the game shall be declared complete and the visiting team shall be declared the winner. If the home team is leading by at least ten (10) runs after the visiting team has completed batting in the 4th inning or later, the game shall be declared complete and the home team shall be declared the winner.

Offense

  • The one-foot in the batter’s box rule is in effect.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 5.04(b)(4))
  • Bunting
  • Bunting is permitted.
  • Fake bunting (a/k/a slash bunt) is not permitted. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a batter shows bunt and then swings away at the pitch, the ball is dead, no runners shall advance, and the batter shall be called out.
  • Stealing/Baserunning
  • Bases are open.  All runners may lead off and steal as permitted in the Official Baseball Rules.
  • Any runner attempting to score may not initiate an otherwise avoidable collision and shall attempt to slide in an appropriate manner if a collision is likely.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 6.01(i) and the Contact Rule contained herein.)
  • Pinch Hitting
  • Pinch hitting is not permitted.
  • Pinch Running
  • In the interest of pace of play, the last recorded out may pinch run for the catcher (courtesy runner).
  • No other pinch running is permitted.

Defense

  • Defensive substitutions are unlimited. 
  • Defensive substitutions do not affect batting order.
  • Pitching
  • Balks shall be called. 
  • A pitcher will receive a warning on his or her first balk.  A coach from the pitcher’s team shall be permitted to visit the mound after the warning to coach the pitcher regarding the balk.  This visit shall not constitute an official visit.
  • A pitcher shall not deliver more than eighty-five (85) competitive pitches in the same game or on the same calendar day.  A competitive pitch is one that is delivered from the field mound to an opposing batter during game play.  However, if a pitcher reaches the maximum number of pitches while still in the midst of facing a batter, the pitcher may continue until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.  The pitcher must then immediately exit the game as the pitcher, but may continue to play at any other position in the field.
  • It is the responsibility of the Official Scorekeeper provided by the Home Team to keep track of the pitches thrown by each pitcher who enters the game. After each half inning both managers and the Official Scorekeeper shall conference to ensure that the pitch count is accurate.  It shall be the Official Scorekeeper’s responsibility to make the umpire aware when the pitcher has reached his or her maximum pitches.  The umpire will ensure that a spent pitcher is removed from the mound.
  • A pitcher must be given the rest listed below following any outing.  For the purposes of this rule, a day equals one calendar day beginning with the day following the one in which the pitches were delivered. (e.g. Pitcher delivers 66 pitches on Saturday, he or she is ineligible to deliver any competitive pitches on Sunday and Monday.  The pitcher becomes available again beginning with Tuesday.)

 

PITCHING REST REQUIREMENTS

AGE

MAX PITCHES

REST PERIOD

0 Days

1 Day

2 Days

11-12

85

1-40

41-65

66+

 

  • Unless incapacitated, the pitcher named in the line-up card provided before the game, shall pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches base.
  • Any pitcher withdrawn from the mound shall not be permitted to pitch again in the same game. 
  • On the second visit to the mound by a manager or coach, to the same pitcher in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound.
    NOTE: A withdrawn pitcher may remain in the field and assume any other defensive position
  • If a relief pitcher comes in “cold” the umpire shall allow the pitcher to warm up properly with at least ten (10) warm-up pitches.
  • In the interest of pace of play, Managers should make every effort to warm up a relief pitcher in the bullpen prior to inserting him or her into the game.
  • The dropped third strike rule is in effect.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 5.05)
  • The infield fly rule is in effect.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 2.00)

Participation

  • Each team shall bat their entire roster available for that game.
  • There is no requirement that a player play in the infield or the outfield.
  • No player shall sit on the bench in consecutive innings.
  • If a team has eight (8) players or less available from its own roster, a guest player may be allowed to play (if available) or a player/players may be voluntarily loaned from the opposing team.  Guest players shall only be permitted to play outfield and bat last in the lineup.

Equipment

  • All batters and baserunners are required to wear a batting helmet.
  • Any bat specifically designed for or marked for use in Tee Ball is prohibited.
  • Bats shall be no more than 36 inches in length with a barrel diameter no greater than 2 5/8 inches.

BABE RUTH JUNIOR DIVISION

  • 90’ Bases
  • Pitching Distance: 60’ 6”
  • All games are a maximum of seven (7) innings. 
  • Four innings is considered a complete game or 3 ½ innings if the home team possesses the lead after the top of the fourth.
  • Time Limit – There is a one hundred and fifty (150) minute (2hr 30min) no-new-inning time limit.  There is no drop-dead time limit.  No new inning shall be commenced after one hundred and fifty (150) minutes of game time has expired.  The umpire shall keep the official game time.  At the moment of the third out that ends the inning, the umpire shall check the game time remaining.  If any of the one hundred and fifty (150) minutes of game time remains, then another inning shall be commenced.  If none of the one hundred and fifty (150) minutes of game time remains, then the game shall be concluded and the results are final.
  • There is no maximum number of runs that a team can score in a single inning.
  • Regular season games can end in a tie.  Playoff games will continue until a winner is determined.

Ten Run Rule

  • If the visiting team is leading by at least ten (10) runs at the end of five (5) or more complete innings, the game shall be declared complete and the visiting team shall be declared the winner. If the home team is leading by at least ten (10) runs after the visiting team has completed batting in the 5th inning or later, the game shall be declared complete and the home team shall be declared the winner.

Offense

  • The one-foot in the batter’s box rule is in effect.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 5.04(b)(4))
  • Bunting
    • Bunting is permitted.
    • Fake bunting (a/k/a slash bunt) is not permitted. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a batter shows bunt and then swings away at the pitch, the ball is dead, no runners shall advance, and the batter shall be called out.
  • Stealing/Baserunning
    • Bases are open.  All runners may lead off and steal as permitted in the Official Baseball Rules.
    • Any runner attempting to score may not initiate an otherwise avoidable collision and shall attempt to slide in an appropriate manner if a collision is likely.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 6.01(i) and the Contact Rule contained herein.)
  • Pinch Hitting
    • Pinch hitting is not permitted.
  • Pinch Running
    • In the interest of pace of play, the last recorded out may pinch run for the catcher (courtesy runner).
    • No other pinch running is permitted.

Defense

  • Defensive substitutions are unlimited.
  • Defensive substitutions do not affect batting order.
  • Pitching
    • Balks shall be called. 
    • A pitcher will receive a warning on his or her first balk.  A coach from the pitcher’s team shall be permitted to visit the mound after the warning to coach the pitcher regarding the balk.  This visit shall not constitute an official visit.
    • A pitcher shall not deliver more than ninety-five (95) competitive pitches in the same game or on the same calendar day.  A competitive pitch is one that is delivered from the field mound to an opposing batter during game play.  However, if a pitcher reaches the maximum number of pitches while still in the midst of facing a batter, the pitcher may continue until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.  The pitcher must then immediately exit the game as the pitcher, but may continue to play at any other position in the field.
    • It is the responsibility of the Official Scorekeeper provided by the Home Team to keep track of the pitches thrown by each pitcher who enters the game. After each half inning both managers and the Official Scorekeeper shall conference to ensure that the pitch count is accurate.  It shall be the Official Scorekeeper’s responsibility to make the umpire aware when the pitcher has reached his or her maximum pitches.  The umpire will ensure that a spent pitcher is removed from the mound.
    • A pitcher must be given the rest listed below following any outing.  For the purposes of this rule, a day equals one calendar day beginning with the day following the one in which the pitches were delivered. (e.g. Pitcher delivers 76 pitches on Saturday, he or she is ineligible to deliver any competitive pitches on Sunday and Monday.  The pitcher becomes available again beginning with Tuesday.)

 

PITCHING REST REQUIREMENTS

AGE

MAX PITCHES

REST PERIOD

0 Days

1 Day

2 Days

13+

95

1-45

46-75

76+

 

  • Unless incapacitated, the pitcher named in the line-up card provided before the game, shall pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches base.
  • Any pitcher withdrawn from the mound shall not be permitted to pitch again in the same game. 
  • On the second visit to the mound by a manager or coach, to the same pitcher in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound.
    NOTE: A withdrawn pitcher may remain in the field and assume any other defensive position
  • If a relief pitcher comes in “cold” the umpire shall allow the pitcher to warm up properly with at least ten (10) warm-up pitches.
  • In the interest of pace of play, Managers should make every effort to warm up a relief pitcher in the bullpen prior to inserting him or her into the game.
  • The dropped third strike rule is in effect.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 5.05)
  • The infield fly rule is in effect.  (See Official Baseball Rules – Rule 2.00)

Participation

  • Each team shall bat their entire roster available for that game.
  • There is no requirement that a player play in the infield or the outfield.
  • No player may sit for more than two consecutive defensive innings unless there is an injury preventing that player from taking the field.
  • If a team has eight (8) players or less available from its own roster, a player from the Major Division may guest play, but is not required.  No other guest players are permitted.  A maximum of one (1) guest player is permitted per team.

Equipment

  • All batters and baserunners are required to wear a batting helmet.
  • Any bat specifically designed for or marked for use in Tee Ball is prohibited.
  • Bats shall be no more than 42 inches in length with a barrel diameter no greater than 2 5/8 inches.
  • If a 2 5/8 inch barrel bat is a drop three (-3), it shall be BBCOR Certified .50 (stamped on the bat).