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Rules of Play for Babe Ruth & Cal Ripken Rec Divisions Montgomery League [REVISED 2/8/2019]

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Summary of Rule Changes...... 2

1. General Field Rules & Policies for All Divisions ...... 3

2. Pre-Game Rules & Policies for All Divisions ...... 4

3. General Rules of Play for All Divisions ...... 7

4. Post-Game Rules & Policies for All Divisions ...... 9

5. Divisional Specific Rules of Play: 5.1 Instructional Ball ...... 10 5.2 Developmental Ball...... 10 5.3 Rookie ...... 11 5.4 Minors ...... 12 5.4 Majors ...... 12 5.5 Babe Ruth 13-Prep ...... 14 5.6 Babe Ruth 13-15 ...... 14

6. Interleague Rules of Play 6.1 Hopewell AAA and Hopewell Majors vs. MBL Minors and MBL Majors ...... 15 6.2 HBL Juniors vs. MBL Babe Ruth 13 Prep ...... 16 6.3 HBL Seniors vs. MBL Babe Ruth 13-15 ...... 17

7. Pitching Rules of Play for All Divisions ...... 18

8. USA Bat Compliance for All Divisions ...... 19

Summary of Rule Changes

Effective for the MBL Spring 2019 Season

1. Team Composition – Cal Ripken & Babe Ruth Baseball – Rec teams are now allowed one (1) manager, and three (3) coaches.

2. Cougar Cubs Division - Any player that turns 4-years-old in the months of May, June, July, and August is eligible to participate in Cougar Cubs Division.

3. Rookie Division - If a batted fair ball hits any part of the without touching any defensive player, the ball is immediately dead. The batter will be awarded first base. All other runners return to the base they last occupied before the ball was , unless forced to advance as a result of the batter being awarded first base. If a batted fair ball is first touched by a defensive player and then hits any part of the pitching machine, it is a live ball. If a thrown ball hits any part of the pitching machine, it is a live ball.

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1. General Field Rules & Policies for All Divisions 1. Conduct • Player safety and the values of good sportsmanship are to be emphasized above all other considerations. , including off-color language, trash-talk, intentional base path collisions, bean balls and any equipment throwing are not to be tolerated by any League representative. Following one warning, repeat offenders may be asked to leave the field or the stands. If, in the ’s discretion, a player intentionally and maliciously commits a second act, following an initial warning, that i s or may be harmful to any other participant (collision, thrown equipment, bean ball, etc.), that player will be ejected from the game and will not be eligible for the following game. There will be no exceptions made for playoff games. Accidents are tolerated, but in the interests of safety and sportsmanship, intentional acts are not. • The umpires are in charge of the game. All league representatives, participants and their families should show the utmost respect and sportsmanship in their interactions with our umpires. Berating umpires will not be tolerated. The MBL takes its relationships with its umpires very seriously and will take appropriate steps to ensure that the ongoing interactions remain appropriate and productive. 2. Injury Reporting • Injuries should be reporting in accordance with the MBL "Procedure for Injury Reporting" which can be found on “Safety” and/or the "Documents" links on the MBL Web Site. 3. Lightning/ • Umpires shall stop play at the first sign of lightning or clap of thunder. Players and spectators should seek cover away from Thunder the field and bleachers, preferably in a motor vehicle. Do not leave the premises as the league will make every effort to continue the game once the storm has passed. The allotted time for delay is 30 minutes and any subsequent lightning or close thunder will trigger a new 30 minute delay. If the game does have to be called but is not yet regulation, it will resume from the exact point where it was halted regardless of . If a game is considered regulation and is called due to inclement weather or other conditions deemed unsafe by the umpire, the game is considered final and the score at the end of the last full inning is the final score. • For more details on Weather Related Safety, Rain Outs, and Rain Delays, please refer to the “Safety” link on the MBL Web Site.

4. Other Inclement • League Directors will arrange to have managers contacted by 4:00 pm, or about one and one-half hours before game time, if fields Weather are deemed unplayable. Managers are responsible for rescheduling rainouts ideally within 10 days of postponement. Managers should also familiarize their families with the MBL Weather Hotline facility. • Games should be played during showers until the umpire halts play, or, if an umpire is not present, until the managers agree to stop play. If umpires are not present, managers must follow decisions made on adjacent fields if those games are umpired. • For more details on Weather Related Safety, Rain Outs, and Rain Delays, please refer to the “Safety” link on the MBL Web Site. 5. General Safety • It is the full intention of the MBL to provide a environment for our community members to enjoy. With that said, we strongly encourage members to bring to the MBL attention any matters of safety that may be of concern to them. We also want participants to enforce the safety rules of play, equipment, etc., that are stated in this document or in other MBL published documents. • For more details on General Safety policies, please refer to the “Safety” link on the MBL Web Site.

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2. Pre-Game Rules & Policies for All Divisions 1. Jewelry/Glasses • All jewelry is to be removed, except for medical emergency alert chains or jewelry worn for religious purposes, which must be taped over if they present a hazard. Players appearing in the position will be required to tape over these items to eliminate distractions to the batter. At the umpires discretion a player not wearing ‘Rec-Specs’ could be asked to remove his/her glasses for safety reasons. 2. Protective Cups • The MBL mandates the use of a protective cup for individuals playing the ’s position. The league does not mandate the use of a protective cup for the other field positions, but strongly recommends that all players wear one. 3. Catcher’s Gear • Catcher’s gear must be properly worn at all times while playing the position. Managers and coaches are required to ensure tha t buckles and clips are properly fastened, masks and helmets are properly fitted and that cups are worn. There will be no exceptions made for players not wearing a protective cup. It is best practice to use a courtesy for your catcher with 2-outs to speed up the game. Chrome catcher’s mask/helmets are not permitted. 4. Pitcher’s Attire • Umpires have authority to determine if a pitcher’s glove color, undershirt, wristbands, etc. create a possible unfair advantage for the pitcher. The umpire can order appropriate changes. 5. Helmets • Batting helmets must be worn at all times while in the batting cages, soft toss cages, the on deck areas, while in the batting box and on the base-paths. Violations will result in a team warning initially, with a second offense resulting in the base runner or batter being called . Ejection may follow on a third offense, if necessary. Chrome batting helmets are not permitted. 6. Pre-Game • All pre-game activity is to be conducted in the batting cages, soft toss cages or in area, leaving the in game -ready A ctivity condition. 7. Home Team • Home Teams occupy the first base . 8. Minimum Players • In all divisions in which scores and records are maintained, at least seven (7) players are required for a team to start an official game. • If a team will not be able to field the minimum number of players for a scheduled game, the manager should contact the opposing manager at least 24 hours’ in advance to reschedule that game so as to not inconvenience players/families, avoid unnecessary umpire fees, and avoid a . • In Call Ripken divisions, if a team can field the minimum number of players but has fewer than 9, they may “borrow” fielders from the opposing team. Under no circumstances may a team introduce a non-MBL player, recruit players from another team, or “call up” players from another higher or lower-age division (NOTE:“Call-up and Call-over players” are permitted in the Babe Ruth divisions). • “Borrowed Fielders” will be the player(s) at the bottom of the opposing team’s batting lineup (at the start of a game) or the last player(s) to bat in the previous inning (during the game). Exceptions may be made for new (if they need to warm up) or players scheduled to in the next inning (so they can put on catcher’s gear without delaying the game). • “Borrowed Fielders” will play outfield positions only and will play the field for the entire half-inning, or until it is their turn to be bat (“on deck”), at which time they will be replaced by the last batter to make an out. • “Borrowed Fielders” are expected to demonstrate good sportsmanship and play their position as if they were playing for their own team; “Feigned Effort” when attempting to field a ball – as determined by the umpire or “Borrowed Fielder’s” manager - will result in an automatic out. • Players who arrive late must be placed at the bottom of the . • If a player must leave prior to the end of the game, the player’s manager must inform the opposing manager. That player’s turn in the batting order will be skipped; no out declared. • In the event that a team is unable to field the minimum number of players during a game (due to injury or if players leave the game early), the game shall be declared a Forfeit (see Forfeits rule).

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2. Pre-Game Rules & Policies for All Divisions 9. Forfeits • If a team will not be able to field the minimum number of players for a game (see Minimum Players rule) within 15 minutes of the scheduled start time of a game (“grace period”), a forfeit shall be declared. • If a sufficient number of players arrive within the grace period, the game may proceed. However, the game “hard-stop” time rules still apply regardless of the late game-start time. • During the Regular Season (only), if there is reason to believe that a sufficient number of players will arrive shortly after the grace period, a manager may request additional time to field a team. In the spirit of good sportsmanship and to allow the participants to play a meaningful game, the opposing manager and umpire(s) are encouraged to grant this request to avoid a forfeit. The opposing manager and umpire(s) – at their discretion - may declare a forfeit at any time after the grace period without arrival of a sufficient number of players. However, during Playoffs, the grace period cannot be extended. • The Forfeit rule is not applicable in the Instructional and Developmental divisions. • A forfeited game is recorded as one run scored for each inning not played. For example, a 6-inning Cal Ripken game that is forfeited prior to the start of the game will be reported as a score of 6-0; a similar Babe Ruth game will be reported as 7-0. • If a game is forfeited during a game (due to injury or when fewer than the minimum number of players can field), the score will be recorded as N-0, where N equals the number of remaining in the game, with no regard for runs already scored by either team. For example, should a forfeit be declared in a 6-inning Cal Ripken game where the score is 3-1 in the 2nd inning (4 innings remain), the final score shall be recorded as 4-0; a similar Babe Ruth game (with 5 innings remaining) shall be reported as 5-0. 10. Regulation • A regulation game shall consist of seven (7) innings in Babe Ruth divisions (BR 13-15, BR 13-Prep) and six (6) innings in Cal Ripken Game divisions (Instructional, Developmental, Rookie, Minors, Majors). • If a game is called due to inclement weather or other conditions deemed unsafe by the umpire, the game is considered official upon completion of: . Cal Ripken: 3 ½ innings if the home team is in the lead or 4 innings if the visiting team is in the lead or if the score is tied. . Babe Ruth: 4 ½ innings if the home team is in the lead or 5 innings if the visiting team is in the lead or if the score is ti ed. • Games called because of the Time Limit will be considered regulation games regardless of the number of innings played (see Start and End of Play: Time Limits).

11. Time Limits • The home plate umpire keeps the official time. The beginning of an inning is defined as the time of the third out of the bottom of the previous inning. • In Cal Ripken divisions (Instructional, Developmental, Rookie, Minors, Majors) no new inning may start after 1 hour and 45 minutes from the actual starting time and all innings started must be completed. • In Babe Ruth divisions (BR 13-15, BR 13-Prep) no new inning may start after 2 hours from the actual starting time and all innings started must be completed. It is the responsibility of the managers and umpire to make certain the game begins at its scheduled time, including the assigning of a suitable replacement umpire if the scheduled umpire is not available. • Games delayed by weather remain bound by the time limit, according to the actual start time. • Games ending in a tie will be recorded as such. • Delay tactics by managers, coaches or players are considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will not be tolerated. • Please utilize the courtesy runner option for the catcher position and have your catcher dressed and ready to play. • There are no time limits in the playoffs.

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2. Pre-Game Rules & Policies for All Divisions 12. Mercy Rule • In Babe Ruth divisions (BR 13-15, BR 13-Prep), upon reaching regulation, the game will end if the visiting team is ahead by 12 or more runs after the completion of the full inning or if the home team is ahead by 12 or more runs after the completion of the top half of the inning. This rule also applies in the playoffs. • In Cal Ripken divisions (Rookie, Minors and Majors), upon reaching regulation, the game will end if the visiting team is ahead by 10 or more runs after the completion of the full inning or if the home team is ahead by 10 or more runs after the completion of the top half of the inning. This rule also applies in the playoffs. 13. • Upon completion of a full game (6 innings in Cal Ripken, 7 innings in Babe Ruth), if the score is tied, the game will go into extra innings IF AND ONLY IF it has not reached its time limit. The game will then end either by a break of the tie after each new full inning or reaching the time limit. 14. Protests • A protest may be filed by either manager or a manager’s designate. The protest must be made at the time of the alleged rules infraction and be presented to the umpire in charge and the opposing manager. Judgment calls by umpires cannot be protested. The league director or co-directors will rule on the protest and, if one of the directors is directly involved in the protest, the VP of Recreation Baseball will then rule. The ruling is final and binding. 15. Playoffs • All playoff games are played under the same league-wide and division rules used except where specified.

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3. General Rules of Play for All Divisions 1. Batting • All players bat. 2. On-Deck Batter • The on-deck batter must be in the while swinging a bat to loosen up. The batter “in the hole” may be positioned out of play, near the opening between the on-deck area and the field, in order to retrieve a bat from the field of play after use. This player must wear a helmet and stay off the field until time is out. 3. Courtesy Runner • A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher with two outs. The player who made the last batted out becomes the courtesy runner. The catcher, who was replaced by the courtesy runner, must take the field as the catcher in the following inning. 4. or A void • The general rule is always slide. The runner may choose not to slide into a bag on a tag or but must avoid the fielder. If Rule there is a collision between the runner and fielder, other than at first base, the runner is declared out, the ball is ruled dead at the time of impact and other runners are returned to their last-touched base. This rule may be invoked on a play at first base if the collision is caused by the malicious act of the base runner. It will be the umpire’s discretion as to whether or not the base runner violated the spirit of this rule. 5. Head First • Head-first sliding while returning to a base is permitted. Sliding • In intra-league play (MBL vs. MBL) head-first sliding while attempting to advance to any base is prohibited and the runner will be declared out. In inter-league play (MBL vs. non-MBL) head first sliding may be permitted by the non-MBL participant's home league. MBL does not condone head-first sliding but to avoid confusion in inter-league play, there will be no for head-first sliding although MBL managers should coach players to use feet first when advancing to any base. 6. Player Rotation • In all divisions; • No player shall sit out a second consecutive inning, unless injured or disciplined • No player shall sit out a second inning until every player has sat out at least one or a third inning until every player has sat out at least two, unless injured or disciplined. The only exception to this rule is for starting pitchers who more than 3 innings though they must next sit out an inning if any other player has sat more than one inning. If everyone has not yet sat out an inning the next position for such pitcher should be the bench or outfield. In Cal Ripken divisions (Instructional, Developmental, Rookie, Minors, Majors) • Each player must play at least one full inning in the outfield and one full inning in the infield by the end of the fourth inning. The catching and pitching positions are considered infield positions. The bench is not considered a position and cannot be used to meet the rotation requirement. Further rotation of players through positions is strongly encouraged. • Major’s division exception: starting pitchers in Majors who pitch three innings. If the player has not yet met the "Fielding" rule the next position in the 4th inning may be the bench before the outfield. However, the next fielding position after the bench must be the outfield. • Teams with more than 12 players on a roster are granted an exception as it is impossible for more than 12 players to occupy 3 outfield spots in 4 innings; for these teams, all players must rotate by the 5th inning. • Teams that violate the Player Rotation rule are subject to forfeiture of that game. However, the opposing manager should notify the manager at the time of the infraction and allow the manager to remedy the situation in order to comply with the rule. In the Babe Ruth divisions • Rotation of players through positions is strongly encouraged but not required. Players should be encouraged to play both infield and outfield positions, pitcher and catcher.

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3. General Rules of Play for All Divisions 7. Pitcher Sideline • In divisions where players pitch, pitchers warming up in grounds should face the outfield fence (back to plate). A spotter facing Warm-up the field must be used. The spotter may be an adult or player. If the spotter is a player or someone younger than 18 years of age then a helmet must be worn. Catcher must wear a protective mask. Managers, coaches and adults should also wear a protective mask, but if they choose not to use a mask – they do so at their own risk 8. Pitcher Warm- • Eight pitches allowed upon entering a game. Five pitches allowed in subsequent innings. 9. Pitcher • A manager / manager's designee may visit the mound twice in an inning. Upon the second visit, the pitcher must be removed from Conferences the pitcher’s position; this does not apply if a visit is deemed an injury exception. That determination will be made by the umpire. 10. Pitcher • Once removed from pitching, regardless of whether the player remains in the game, the player may not return to pitch. Removal

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4. Post-Game Rules & Policies for All Divisions 1. Game Results • Managers are to immediately file game results and record pitchers used (including innings and number of pitches). Procedure for score reporting can be found on the MBL website. 2. Post-Game Field • Both tea ms (not just the home team) are responsible for raking and prepping the field after games are played. The lone exception Preparation to this rule is after the final game on the day immediately preceding scheduled maintenance by the paid field maintenance contractor (fields maintained Monday and Friday mornings). • Preparing fields should be done by adults and extra care should be taken where dirt areas and grass areas come together. Raking should be done away from grass are onto the dirt to prevent "lips" from forming which cause balls to hop, players to get injured and are costly to repair.

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5. Division-Specific Rules of Play 1. Instructional (I-Ball) 2. Developmental (D-Ball) 1. Field • The bases are 45 feet apart. • The bases are 60 feet apart. 2. End of Turn at 3. • A team’s turn ends after all of its players have batted • A team’s turn at bat ends after all of its players have batted Bat once. once, regardless of outs. • No scores are kept. • No scores are kept. • Outs are not recorded. • Outs are recorded - batters put out return to their bench. 3. Hitting • Players hit from a tee. • No or walks. • No strikeouts. 4. Pitching • No pitching (hitters use a tee), wears a • Coaches pitch overhand, with exceptions for less advanced Facemask and must keep at least 1 foot on the ‘dirt’ of the players, who may be pitched to underhand. Coaches may pitch from mound. varied distances that are appropriate to the batters ability • In the final month of the season, coaches may pitch • At a reasonable time in an at-bat the pitching can be replaced underhand to batters, or overhand to the most advanced with a tee option to ensure the game moves along at a players. comfortable rate. • In the final month of the season, as a transitional period, players may pitch up to four pitches per batter. Coaches will resume pitching after the four-pitch limit. • Pitching position must keep at least 1 foot in the ‘dirt’ of the mound 5. Fielding • Coaches are on the field to provide instruction, though they • Coaches are on the field to provide instruction, though they should not handle batted or thrown balls. should not handle batted or thrown balls. • Everyone plays the field. No sitting out. • Everyone plays the field. No sitting out. • Infield positions remain intact, including a pitcher’s position. • Infield positions remain intact, including a pitcher’s position. All others play outfield. All others play outfield. • Pitching position must wear a helmet with face guard. We also • Pitching position must wear a helmet with face guard. We also encourage the 1st baseman to wear a helmet with a face encourage the 1st baseman to wear a helmet with a face guard as guard as well. well. 6. • Players advance only one base at a time except for the last • Runners, including the batter-runner, are permitted to batter when all the players on the bases and the batter can advance more than one base only on clean hits to the outfield. circle all 4 bases. Advancement stops when the ball is returned to the infield, even if not controlled by an . • Any runner who is put out on the base paths will return to the bench area. Base running rules apply at all times, including the last batter of an inning. No running around the bases for everyone upon the last ball put into play of the inning. 7. Catching • No catcher (Coaches catch). • Players catch. Players may only catch using full protective gear, including a cup. 8. Bunting • Not permitted. • Not permitted. 9. Stealing • Not permitted. • Not permitted.

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5. Division-Specific Rules of Play 3. Rookie 1. Field • The bases are 60 feet apart. 2. End of Turn at • A team’s turn at bat ends after three outs or five runs are recorded. Bat • The play is considered over when the pitcher controls the ball on the pitching mound, defined as the dirt rise in the middle of the infield about 6 feet in diameter. A runner in the act of advancing toward a base at that time (not stopped or slowed) may continue his attempt to advance at his own risk, with the pitcher permitted to make any attempt to put that runner out. 3. Infield Fly & • Not used. Dropped 3rd Strike 4. Hitting • Outs, including strikeouts, are recorded. No walks are issued 5. Pitching • A pitching machine will be used on weeknights, Mondaythrough Friday while a combination of player and coach pitch will be used on weekends. If a batted fair ball hits any part of the pitching machine without touching any defensive player, the ball is immediately dead. The batter will be awarded first base. All other runners return to the base they last occupied before the ball was hit, unless forced to advance as a result of the batter being awarded first base. If a batted fair ball is first touched by a defensive player and then hits any part of the pitching machine, it is a live ball. If a thrown ball hits any part of the pitching machine, it is a live ball. • All pitching, whether by player, coach or machine, is done from the standard pitching rubber, 46 feet from home plate. There are no exceptions: not even in the first few weeks of the season. • No bases on balls. • No are called. • Three strikes for a with the 3rd strike being a swing and miss, or called 3rd strike by an umpire. • A coach from the offensive team will call strikes from a position safely behind the catcher, where the coach also can in retrieving pitches and foul balls. This coach must wear a face mask. • Pitcher will throw a min of three and max of five pitches to a batter. The exact number will be determined by coach's assessment and proximity of the pitches to home plate. Pitcher may continue to pitch while throwing strikes during a at bat. Once the player-pitcher pitches 4 balls during a single at bat, a coach from the offensive team will complete the pitching duties for that at bat. Any strikes obtained by the player-pitcher carry over to the coach-pitcher’s turn. Player will resume pitching for next batter. 6. Pitching Limits • See “Pitching Limits and Rest Rules” on page 18 and on the MBL website under “Documents”. 7. Baserunners • Rookie Baserunner advancement on overthrows. When a batter hits the ball in play and the fielding team overthrows 1st base - No baserunner may advance. When the fielding team overthrows 2nd or 3rd Base – a baserunner may advance 1 base only 7. Hit Batters • Any pitcher who hits three batters in one game or two batters in the same inning will be removed from the pitching position. 8. Fielding • Ten fielders are permitted, provided that four are . Outfield is a good distance i nto the outfield grass. 9. Bunting • Not permitted. 10. Stealing • Not permitted. 11. Umpires • Regular season: there are no official umpires for this division’s. Managers and coaches must work collaboratively to umpire the game and enforce the league’s rules and conduct. • Playoffs: official umpires are provided. Montgomery Baseball League – Rules of Play Page 11 of 19

5. Division-Specific Rules of Play 4. Minors 5. Majors 1. Field • The bases are 60 feet apart. • The bases are 70 feet apart. 2. End of Turn at • A team’s turn at bat ends after three outs or five runs are • A team’s turn at bat ends after 3 outs or 7 runs are recorded. Bat recorded. • The play is considered over when the pitcher controls the ball on the • The play is considered over when the pitcher controls the ball on pitching mound, defined as the dirt rise in the middle of the infield the pitching mound, defined as the dirt rise in the middle about 6 feet in diameter. A runner in the act of advancing toward a of the infield about 6 feet in diameter. A runner in the act of base at that time (not stopped or slowed) may continue his attempt advancing toward a base at that time (not stopped or slowed) to advance at his own risk, with the pitcher permitted to make any may continue his attempt to advance at his own risk, with the attempt to put that runner out. pitcher permitted to make any attempt to put that runner out. 3. Infield Fly & • Not used. • The and the dropped third strike rule are BOTH in Dropped 3rd Strike effect. 4. Pitching • No intentional walks. • No intentional walks. • No balks are called. • Umpires shall call balks. However, there is no base advancement awarded to the runner(s) upon the first infractions by each pitcher per game in the regular season. Such infractions without penalty will be known as warnings. No warnings permitted in the playoffs. This allowance is not intended to give an unfair advantage to the defensive team. If, in the umpire’s judgment, a base runner is clearly attempting to steal when the pitcher balks, the ball is dead and the runner will be allowed to advance to the next base. 5. Pitching Limits • See “Pitching Limits and Rest Rules” on page 18 and on • See “Pitching Limits and Rest Rules” on page 18 and on the & Safety the MBL website under “Documents”. MBL website under “Documents”.

6. Hit Batters • Any pitcher who hits three batters in one game or two batters • No rule calling for automatic replacement. in the same inning will be removed from the pitching position. 7. Bunting • Bunting is permitted. • Bunting is permitted. • Slash bunting, where the batter fakes a then takes a full • Slash bunting, where the batter fakes a bunt then takes a full swing, swing, is prohibited and will result in a and the is prohibited and will result in a dead ball and the batter being declared out. batter being declared out. 8. Stealing • Only one base is permitted per runner per batter, with no • Delayed steals are permitted. In the interest of pace of further advancement on errant or late throws. Stealing is games, however, managers should not encourage delayed steals or not permitted on any catcher’s return throw to the pitcher. especially feinting and baiting tactics associated with • A maximum of two successful steals of home per inning is them. permitted. Exception: Any throw attempt of runner at • A dvancement on errant or late throws is permitted including when any base is considered a live ball. The runner may attempt to runners are attempting to steal a base and any pickoff attempt by advance on such throws regardless of the number of previous the catcher or pitcher. steals of homes that inning. Runners attempting a 3rd steal

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5. Division-Specific Rules of Play 4. Minors 5. Majors of home after 2 successful steals can be put out by • No limit to the number of successful steals of home. the defensive team. If these runners reach home plate • Stealing is not permitted on any catcher’s return throw to the successfully they must return to 3rd and the run does not pitcher. . Coaches that attempt a 3rd steal in an effort to draw • Steals after walks are allowed. an errant throw will be considered unsportsmanlike and not tolerated • No delayed stealing. For example: with runners at first and third and an attempt to steal second base, the runner at third base cannot advance on the catcher’s throw to second base. Exception: if the runner at third breaks for home clearly before the catcher throws to second base and provided that the runner’s team has not already recorded two steals of home in the inning. • Note: The spirit of the rule is to develop catcher’s throwing skills and ’ skills at by encouraging throws without penalty. Any attempt by managers to violate the spirit of this rule will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct and will not be tolerated. st rd • Catcher/Pitcher's errant pickoff attempts (typically 1 or 3 but in some instances of 2nd) are considered a live ball and runners are permitted to advance at their own risk • Steals after walks are not permitted (player may not steal second).

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5. Division-Specific Rules of Play 6. Babe Ruth 13-Prep 7. Babe Ruth 13-15 1. Field • The bases are 90 feet apart. • The bases are 90 feet apart. 2. End of Turn at • In the first five (5) innings, a team’s turn at bat ends after • In the first five (5) innings, a team’s turn at bat ends after Bat three outs or 10 runs are recorded. In the event that a batter three outs or 10 runs are recorded. In the event that a with 9 or fewer runs having scored hits an over the fence batter with 9 or fewer runs having scored hits an over the that results in more than 10 runs, all runs will count fence home run that results in more than 10 runs, all runs and the teams will switch. will count • In the 6th and 7th innings, there is no restriction on the and the teams will switch. number of runs that can be scored. • In the 6th and 7th innings, there is no restriction on the • If, at the start of the 5th inning, the umpire declares it will be number of runs that can be scored. the final inning, there will be no run limit. If the visiting team • If, at the start of the 5th inning, the umpire declares it will be has batted before the umpire declares the inning to be the the final inning, there will be no run limit. If the visiting final inning, the 10 run rule described above will be in force. team has batted before the umpire declares the inning to be the 3. Infield Fly & • The infield fly rule and the dropped third strike rule are used. • Tfihe li ni fieild fly h ru le10 a nd t hel d rdoppeidb thdi rdb strik e illru ble aire f used. Dropped 3rd Strike 4. Pitching • No intentional walks. • No intentional walks. • One warning per pitcher per game will be issued in the • One balk warning per pitcher per game will be issued in the regular season with no warnings in the playoffs. regular season with no warnings in the playoffs. 5. Pitching Limits • See “Pitching Limits and Rest Rules” on page 18 and • See “Pitching Limits and Rest Rules” on page 18 and & Safety on the MBL website under “Documents”. on the MBL website under “Documents”. 6. Hit Batters • No rule calling for au tomatic replacement. • No rule calling for au tomatic replacement. 7. Bunting • Bunting is permitted • Bunting is permitted 8. Stealing • Stealing at any time is permitted with advancement permitted. • Stealing at any time is permitted with advancement on errant throws permitted. 9. “Call-up” Player • Must be a Majors player and in 7th grade; (Grade only). • Must be a Majors player and in 7th grade; (Grade only). Option 10. “Call-over” Player • Will “call over” from other Babe Ruth 13-Prep Teams. • Will “call over” from other Babe Ruth 13-15 Teams. Option

11. Rules to “Call-up” • Call-ups and Call-overs are allowed to get to up to a • Call-ups and Call-overs are allowed to get to up to a and “Call –over” 9th player for a game. 9th player for a game. Players • Call-ups and Call-overs must bat last in the order. • Call-ups and Call-overs must bat last in the order. (Both BR Divisions) • Call-ups are NOT allowed to pitch; Call-overs are only • Call-ups are NOT allowed to pitch; Call-overs are only allowed to pitch after all regular roster players have allowed to pitch after all regular roster players have been exhausted. Limited to 1 inning only. been exhausted. Limited to 1 inning only. • NOT allowed to miss their primary team’s game. • NOT allowed to miss their primary team’s game. • NOT allowed in playoffs. • NOT allowed in playoffs. • Procedures under LD’s supervision. • Procedures under LD’s supervision. Montgomery Baseball Lea gue – Rules of Play Page 14 of 19

6. Interleague Rules of Play

6.1 Hopewell AAA and Hopewell Majors vs MBL Minors and MBL Majors

• Interleague Rules, that govern play with Hopewell AAA and Hopewell Majors vs MBL Minors and MBL Majors; Home field rules will be followed as each league’s rules are very similar under Cal Ripken official playing rules. MBL’s pitching rules are always in effect for MBL players.

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6.2 HBL Junior vs. MBL BR 13-Prep

1. Bats : “Big-Barrel” bats are permitted. Otherwise, follow 17. Time Limits : No new inning can start after 2 hours. Any the official Cal Ripken bat rules. inning started must complete irrespective of the scheduled 2. Metal Cleats : Permitted. start time of a game following it. 3. Bunting: Permitted. 18. Pitcher Limits : 7 innings per game or 95 pitches per game 4. Leading: Permitted. (whichever comes first). Pitchers must adhere to the Babe 5. Stealing: Permitted. Ruth League mandatory rest periods before appearing as a 6. Delayed Steals : Permitted. pitcher in another game. These rules apply to all pitching appearances a player may make across any team (rec, 7. Stealing Home : Permitted; no limit. travel, school, and/or club team). 8. Steals following a Walk: Permitted. 19. Player Equity: No player will sit out defensively two (2) 9. Advancing on an Errant Throw/Pickoff: Permitted. innings until all other players have sat out one (1) inning. 10. Head-First Sliding: Permitted into any base. No player will have sat out three (3) innings until all other 11. Balks : Will be called, but umpires will give each pitcher players have sat out two (2) innings. The only exception one warning (no warnings given during playoffs). would be if the pitcher is pitching a . 12. Infield Fly Rule : In effect. 20. Fielding Rotations : Managers are encouraged (but not rd 13. Dropped 3 Strike Rule : In effect. required) to rotate defensive players from position to 14. Intentional Walks : Not permitted. position so no player plays the same position more than 3 15. Run Limits : No more than 10 runs scored per inning. innings. Each player should be given the opportunity to through the first 5 innings (exception: All runs scored on play a minimum of two innings in the infield during each an over-the-fence homerun will count); no run limit in the regular season game, if practical. th th 6 or 7 innings or the “last inning” as declared by the 21. Batting Rotations : Managers should rotate their batting umpire (Note: The “last inning” must be declared before order from game to game to ensure that the same players do the start of the top of the inning so that each team can not bat in the same position in the order for every game. benefit from the no-run-limit rule). 22. Game Results : Both teams must report game results and 16. Mercy Rule : 12 runs after 5 innings (4½ innings if home pitcher pitch-counts to their respective leagues within 24 team is leading). hours of the conclusion of the game or prior to the next scheduled game (whichever comes first).

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6.3 HBL Senior vs. MBL BR 13-15

1. Bats : “Big-Barrel” bats are permitted. Otherwise, follow 17. Time Limits : No new inning can start after 2 hours. Any the official Babe Ruth bat rules (i.e., maximum barrel inning started must complete irrespective of the scheduled 2 5/8”). start time of a game following it. 2. Metal Cleats : Permitted. 18. Pitcher Limits : 7 innings per game or 95 pitches per game 3. Bunting: Permitted. (whichever comes first). Pitchers must adhere to the Babe 4. Leading: Permitted. Ruth League mandatory rest periods before appearing as a 5. Stealing: Permitted. pitcher in another game. These rules apply to all pitching appearances a player may make across any team (rec, 6. Delayed Steals : Permitted. travel, school, and/or club team). 7. Stealing Home : Permitted; no limit. 19. Player Equity: No player will sit out defensively two (2) 8. Steals following a Walk: Permitted. innings until all other players have sat out one (1) inning. 9. Advancing on an Errant Throw/Pickoff: Permitted. No player will have sat out three (3) innings until all other 10. He ad-Firs t Sliding: Permitted only when returning to players have sat out two (2) innings. The only exception a base. would be if the pitcher is pitching a perfect game. 11. Balks : Will be called, but umpires will give each pitcher 20. Fielding Rotations : There are no player field rotation one warning (no warnings given during playoffs). Balks requirements at this level, but are recommended if feasible. are an immediate dead ball. 21. Batting Rotations : Not required, but managers should 12. Infield Fly Rule : In effect. rotate their batting order from game to game to ensure that rd 13. Dropped 3 Strike Rule : In effect. the same players do not bat in the same position in the order 14. Intentional Walks : Not permitted. for every game, if feasible. All players bat. 15. Run Limits : No more than 10 runs scored per inning 22. Game Results : Both teams must report game results and through the first 5 innings (exception: All runs scored on pitcher pitch-counts to their respective leagues within 24 an over-the-fence homerun will count); no run limit in the hours of the conclusion of the game or prior to the next th th 6 or 7 innings or the “last inning” as declared by the scheduled game (whichever comes first). umpire (Note: The “last inning” must be declared before 23. Third Base to First Base fake throw is a balk. the start of the top of the inning so that each team can benefit from the no-run-limit rule). 16. Mercy Rule : 12 runs after 5 innings (4½ innings if home team is leading).

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7. Pitching Rules of Play for All Divisions

MBL Pitching and Rest Rules

Pitchers Required Rest will be based on number of pitches, not innings

Required Rest Division Daily Max (Pitches) 0 Days 1 Day 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days Rookie 2 Innings or 50 Pitches 1-20 21-35 36-50 N/A N/A (whichever is first)

Minors 2 Innings or 50 Pitches 1-20 21-35 36-50 N/A N/A (whichever is first)

Majors 3 Innings or 75 Pitches 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+ (whichever is first) BR 13 Prep & 7 Innings or 95 Pitches 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+ BR 13-15 (whichever is first)

Wood Bat 7 Innings or 95 Pitches 1-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 75+ (whichever is first)

Montgomery Baseball League – Rules of Play Page 18 of 19 8. USA Bat Compliance

Starting January 1, 2018 – Cal Ripken & Babe Ruth Baseball Leagues are adopting a new standard for Baseball Bats. Cal Ripken & Babe Ruth are participating members of USA Baseball. USA Baseball is the national governing body for the sport of baseball in the US. Other participating National Member Organizations (NMO) within USA Baseball include: Little League, Pony, Dixie Baseball, Dixie Youth Baseball and American Amateur Baseball Congress. USA Baseball has ongoing research on how to best measure bat performance in youth baseball. With a focus on player safety and quality play, USA Baseball has concluded that the technology now exists to allow manufactures to construct youth bats with wood-like level performance across all ranges of lengths and weights of youth bats.

Cougar Cubs & I-ball Division Bats used in the Tee-ball (MBA Cougar Cubs and I-ball) Divisions with a length of 26 inches and shorter are not required to undergo this testing so long as the bats are used with approved (soft) tee-balls. To be used for league play these tee-ball bats must have a USA Baseball Mark or sticker. Stickers are available for purchase online via www.USABaseballShop.com. Anyone purchasing a new tee-ball bat should seek to purchase bats that adhere USA standards.

Cal Ripken Divisions - D-ball, Rookies, Minors and Majors ALL BATS IN THESE CAL RIPKEN DIVISIONS MUST ADHERE TO THESE NEW STANDARDS. This means most every player in these divisions will need a new bat for the 2018 season. The maximum size of a bat barrel has been increased from 2 and 1/4” barrels to 2 and 5/8” barrels. All bats used in any 2018 season MUST have a USA Baseball Marking. No BBCOR bats may be used in any Cal Ripken League.

Babe Ruth (ages 13-15) All bats must have USA Baseball Markings or BBCOR .50 Markings with no greater than a 2 and 5/8” barrels. There may have been players using these types of bats during the 2017 and prior. If you bat has one of these markings you will not need to replace the bat. If your bat does not include the markings described, it is not able to be used for the 2018 season and beyond.

Babe Ruth (ages 16-18) Any bats used in this league must be BBCOR .50 and no greater than -3 weight drop.

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