Lancaster-Depew Leagues, Inc

LANCASTER-DEPEW LEAGUES, INC.

HOUSE LEAGUE RULES & CODE OF CONDUCT/ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

2007 SEASON LANCASTER-DEPEW LEAGUES, INC. GENERAL RULES – 200 7 SEASON

Our League is governed by official baseball rules published in the annual Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken League Rulebook along with the following amendments herein.

MISSION STATEMENT To provide the youth of our community with a fair, competitive and structured environment in which to learn, play and enjoy the game of baseball.

SECTION A. CODE OF CONDUCT/ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY

Our League enforces a “zero-tolerance policy” relative to any action (direct of implied) which negatively impacts the “sportsmanship” and “fair play” environment of our youth baseball programs and the League’s reputation. Our programs will always uphold the fundamental principals of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good sportsmanship.

As such, all board members, league officials including umpires, managers, coaches, volunteers as well as supporters, sponsors, participants and their families agree to abide by the following while involved in League sponsored activities.

1. Cultivate an environment of good sportsmanship demonstrated by positive, encouraging support for all participants, parents, managers, coaches, league officials, umpires, volunteers, supporters, sponsors and board members at all league events both within and outside of our facilities.

2. Always place the well being of all youth participants FIRST. Remember that our programs are for the benefit and enjoyment of our youth, not adults.

3. Insist that all participants be exposed to a safe, healthy environment both physically and emotionally. This includes insuring that all League sponsored events and facilities are free of drugs, alcohol, weapons and hostile behavior.

4. Support and encourage all participants regardless of ability so that everyone’s experience is fun and enjoyable.

5. Uphold and enforce the League’s “zero tolerance” toward any action which threatens and/or demeans board members, league officials, umpires, managers, coaches, volunteers, supporters, sponsors, participants and their families regardless of race, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed or ability.

6. Refrain from any and all conduct deemed unsportsmanlike, vulgar, lewd, obscene, demeaning and/or criminal while present at any League event both within and outside our facilities. This includes actions s/a booing, taunting, exhibiting physical and/or emotional hostility, refusing to shake hands with any program participant, using profane language or gestures, and/or threatening harm both physical and mental. 7. Resolve all conflicts regarding League programs and events away from youth participants with appropriate League officials at an agreeable time/location and in a manner that is calm, constructive and respectful. Never will such a feedback be delivered on the game field or other public area nor will it ever lead to physical and/or verbal confrontation.

8. Be familiar with the basic rules and policies of the League and adhere to your obligations with respect to said rules and policies.

9. Refrain from acting as, or influencing in any way, the role of manager, coach or umpire during League events unless officially recognized by the League in any of those capacities.

10. Insure that the FUN aspects of our baseball programs are never compromised.

POLICY STATEMENT

Violation of this Code of Conduct/Zero Tolerance Policy and its governing principals will result in disciplinary action at the discretion of the League’s Disciplinary Committee of the Board of Directors to include but not be limited to any of the following:  Verbal warning by League officials  Written warning from League officials  Game suspension  Game forfeit  Limited term suspension from League participation  Permanent suspension from League participation

In order to participate in any League affiliated program a signed copy of this document must be on file for all participating families PRIOR to the season opening day. Failure to comply will render those families ineligible. Forms are distributed to families through their team manager.

This Code of Conduct/Zero Tolerance Policy binds all those affiliated with the League to the principals set forth above and, to conduct themselves in an appropriate manner. Failure to do so will AUTOMATICALLY result in a suspension of that person(s) affiliation with the League until a formal hearing is conducted before the League’s Disciplinary Committee of the Board of Directors. The League’s Board of Directors has sole discretion in administering this policy without exception.

I hereby acknowledge and agree to the terms and conditions of the Lancaster-Depew League’s Inc. Code of Conduct/Zero Tolerance Policy as noted above:

Print Name ______Signature ______

Date ______SECTION B – GENERAL GAME RULES

1. Protests – allowed only on rule interpretations, not judgment calls. Before an official protest is enacted, all efforts should be made to resolve the conflict.

To officially enact a protest, the protesting manager must notify the umpires and opposing manager of the intent to protest. At that time the umpire must sign and time the scorebook. Division Presidents must receive formal written notice of protest within 24 hours.

2. Game Scores – managers must agree to report all game results as directed by their Division President.

3. On Field Personnel – Only the team’s manager (1), coaches (no more than 2), and scorekeeper (1) may be in the dugout area during a game. No others are allowed.

4. Time Limits A. T-Ball – 1 hour and 45 minutes B. 12U (Pitching Machine, Federal, Major) – 2 hours and 15 minutes C. Senior/Big League – No official time limit other than darkness as applicable.

5. Official Game – to officially begin play, all 12U divisions must field 9 players; Senior/Big League, 8 players.

A 15-minute grace period will be granted as necessary to field an official game. If an official game can not be fielded in 15 minutes, the team unable to field the requisite number of players will forfeit. An exhibition game may be pursued if so desired once a forfeit is called.

Due to insurance liability risks, ALL players must be officially registered in order to play within any age division. Players seeking to join the League after its official registration periods have closed must first obtain the permission of the League’s Board of Directors in total. AN UNREGISTERED PLAYER MAY NOT TAKE THE FIELD UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES. No individual director, manager, coach, volunteer, sponsors or participating family has authority to violate this condition. Anyone caught in violation of this rule is in automatic violation of the League’s Code of Conduct/Zero Tolerance Policy and they along with their team subject to disciplinary action by the League.

6. Call-Up Rule – managers may call up players from lower age divisions using the “farm system” approach to address a depleted roster due to illness, injury or personal schedule conflict.

The “farm system” approach assigns similar named teams in all age divisions where feasible. Managers in need of call up players must first consult with their “farm team” manager to offer the opportunity to a qualified player(s) on that team. IF those players decline the opportunity, another player regardless of team affiliation may be chosen provided the call-up does not conflict with their team’s schedule. The Age Division Presidents prior to the season will confirm farm system teams.

All call ups for 12U games must be assigned to the outfield and bat last in the order. There is no such limitation for Senior and Big League. SECTION B – GENERAL GAME RULES (con’t)

7. Player Substitutions

T-Ball and 12U – Free substitutions IS allowed. NO player may sit the bench for more than 1 consecutive inning and, all players must rotate so that all players experience both an infield and outfield position for at least one complete defensive inning per game. NEW FOR 2007: NO player may sit the bench more than twice per game.

SECTION C – PITCHING GUIDELINES

1. Federal and Major – Pitchers may pitch a maximum of 2 innings per game and all innings must be consecutive. One (1) pitch thrown in an inning constitutes an inning pitched. Pitchers may not re-enter a game once they have been removed. This applies to any pitcher who has been removed a) after pitching less than 2 consecutive innings or b) meeting their 2 consecutive inning limitation. Players may pitch in a maximum of 6 innings per week (included both house league and travel ball). This is for protection of a young players arm. There are no other limitations.

NEW FOR 2007 FOR FEDERAL LEAGUE (regular season and playoffs): At least 6 outs or 2 innings (with an inning being defined as either 3 outs or the bench being batted) must be pitched by a 9 year old or younger player(s) per game. This allows for player development as well as fairness of play between all teams.

NEW FOR 2007 FOR MAJOR LEAGUE (regular season only, playoffs are excluded): At least 6 outs or 2 innings (with an inning being defined as either 3 outs or the bench being batted) must be pitched by a 11 year old or younger player(s) per game. This allows for player development as well as fairness of play between all teams.

2. Mound Visits – a manager or coach may visit the pitcher and catcher on the mound a maximum of 2 times per inning. The pitcher MUST be removed from the position after the second visit in an inning. The participation of other players beyond the pitcher and catcher in these discussions shall be managed prudently by team managers/coaches.

3. Hit Batter Rule – Any pitcher hitting 2 batters in one inning or 3 times over the course of the game shall be removed from the position immediately upon reaching the hit batter limit.

SECTION C – BASERUNNING

1. Collision Rule – No collision rule will be in effect at all age levels. Base runners should make every attempt to avoid collision by preferably sliding or, moving around the opposing fielder.

Base runners in violation of this rule will be called out by the umpire(s) and at the umpires discretion, subject to ejection from the game. Conversely, a runner may be called safe if they attempt to avoid collision and their progress and/or ability to reach a base is impeded by an opposing defensive player. 2. Sliding Rule  For all 12U league play, only “feet first” slides are allowed. NO “head first” slides under any circumstances with the sole exception of a runner “diving back” to a base to avoid being picked off.

3. Leadoffs  For 12U divisions, NO leadoffs. Base runner must remain on base from the point the pitcher has possession of the ball on the mound to when the ball crosses the plate once pitched or, is hit into play. Warnings will be issued for a first violation in a game (not per inning). An “out” will be called for any subsequent violations during the game.

4. Base Coaches

 Managers, coaches, or players may coach bases. If players coach a base, they must wear a helmet. Base coaches may not come into physical contact with a base runner.

5. Special Rules

 Dropped third strike, infield fly and balks: See attachments for application to 12U divisions.  Pinch Runners may only be utilized to replace an injured player or to pinch run for the catcher with 2 outs in an inning. The last player to record an out shall be utilized as the pinch runner.

SECTION E – EQUIPMENT  No metal spikes  All players must wear a protective cup  Bat Barrel size: For T-Ball, Pitching Machine, Federal and Majors: In compliance with Cal Ripken rules, for insurance purposes and for the protection of those players in the field, no player may use a bat with a bat barrel in excess of 2-1/4 inches.  Bat Drop o 12U – No specific drop T-Ball Specific Rules

 Dimensions: 60 ft. bases. Pitching rubber 43 ft. from back of home plate.

 All teams must field players in appropriate positions per the rules of baseball. A team may field up to 10 players with the extra player being a “4th” outfielder. All outfielders must be at least 10 feet from the edge of the infield baseline.

 A batting tee will be placed at home plate and administered by the “at bat” team.

 All players must wear league authorized uniform hats/shirts, protective cup, baseball or gym/sweat pants (no shorts allowed) and rubber cleats or sneakers.

 Batters and runners must wear protective helmets at all times while in play.

 Players in the pitchers position must wear a protective helmet at all times while in play and keep one foot on the “rubber” until the ball is hit from the tee.

 A “fair ball” is defined as one traveling at least 10 feet from the tee & remaining in fair play.

 No bunting, leadoffs, stealing or sliding allowed.

 Unless hit beyond the outfielder, only one base will be advanced at a time. There will be no advancing of bases on overthrows.

 Play is “dead” when the ball is within the 10 ft. circle surrounding the pitchers mound.

 3 to 6 innings should be played during each game within established time limits.

 No plays at home plate.

 No re-entry per inning unless injury or illness.

 All players MUST rotate …. NO player can play the same position 2 innings in a row NOR can a player play the outfield 2 innings in a row.

 All teams “bat HALF their bench” FOR THE FIRST 6 GAMES in an attempt to play a full 6 inning game. AT GAME 7 UNTIL THE SEASON ENDS, all teams will play the traditional “3 outs” format during which time teams may bat their full bench to complete an inning.

 AT THE QUARTER-SEASON (4th game), all teams will be required to “coach pitch” for games and practices as follows: o Pitches should be thrown from a reasonable distance to allow the player a chance to hit. o Overhand pitching preferred. o After 4 pitches, if the ball is not hit fair, the tee will be reinstated for that batter.

 Managers/coaches or parents act as “umpires”… Scores will be kept beginning at the half-season mark but not reported. There will be no standings or playoffs. All T-Ball teams play on the League’s Championship/All Star Day in July. Pitching Machine Specific Rules

1. Teams will utilize 10 defensive players – 6 infielders and 4 outfielders.

2. Players MUST be rotated between infield and outfield positions. No player may sit more than 1 consecutive inning. NOTE: The catcher position is a separate position and DOES NOT satisfy the infield position requirement noted above.

3. Defensive Stoppage of Play

Any defensive player (infield, outfield, pitcher or catcher) may make an assisted or unassisted out on an offensive player (defined as any runner or batter). Play will be stopped once the ball is in the possession (defined as the hand and/or glove) of any defensive player located in the “Pitchers Circle” as determined by the umpire.

Offensive players running bases will be awarded the next base if the umpire determines the offensive player was half way or further to the next unoccupied base when the play was stopped. If offensive runners occupy the same base when play is stopped, the trailing runner will be returned to the previous base. The lead runner will only move forward if the trailing runner can’t be moved backward to the previous base. If more than 1 offensive player is on base, each runner will be treated separately in determining their base position after stoppage of play.

If an offensive player is “forced” to advance (meaning at the time the ball is batted into play they are the batter, or are an offensive player where all bases are occupied behind that given offensive player) and the defense decides to hold the ball in the Pitchers Circle and not attempt to make outs before the offensive player(s) reach the half-way point, the offensive player(s) will be awarded the next base (the base in front of where they started before the ball was batted in play). Offensive players not “forced” to advance are treated under the half way rule noted above.

4. A pitching machine will be used. If for some reason the machine is malfunctioning and/or unavailable, a “coach pitch format will be used.

5. Play is officially “dead” when a player or ball (either directly hit or deflected off a player) comes in contact with the machine. The batter and base runners are awarded 1 base.

6. Pitching machine adjustments are made by the umpire only. At the umpires discretion, if input from managers/coaches is required, a representative of both teams will be called to the mound. Pitching Machine Specific Rules (con’t)

7. The batter  There are no called “balls and strikes”. A swing and a miss and/or foul balls at the first AND second strike will be recorded as strikes. Upon 3 strikes, the batter is called out.  No batter can walk. Each batter has a 5 pitch maximum. At the 5th pitch, umpires will advise the batter accordingly. On the last pitch, the batter must either hit the ball in to fair play or, if its missed or taken (no swing), is out. A batter “fouling off” the last pitch remains at bat.  A pitch from the machine deemed “unhittable” by the umpire due to malfunction of the machine will be called “no pitch” and does not count toward the 5 pitch maximum. Only umpires may call a “no pitch”.  No bunting allowed.

8. No base stealing is allowed.

9. An inning is concluded after 3 outs or, a team has: batted the bench” except for the final inning when 3 outs must be recorded to end an inning. Note: for batting purposes, a bench will equal the team with the MOST numbers of players available. Managers/coaches of the team at bat must notify the umpire and opposition of the last batter in “bat the bench” situations.

10. Players in the pitchers position must wear a protective helmet while on the field and be positioned “on the mound” near the machine while the opposition is at bat. Pitchers must remain on the mound until the ball is hit in to play.

11. Catchers must be in full catcher’s gear (including protective cup) and be positioned in a “catchers crouch” within 5 feet of home plate on all pitches.

12. Pitching machine set-up and takedown is the responsibility of the “home team” as noted on the schedule. Park employees may be available to cart a machine to a diamond, but are not required to so. They do not work for the league and are nice enough to let us store the machines in the Town’s facility. They will not carry nor lift any machinery. PLEASE BE COUTEOUS TO THEM. Federal League Specific Rules

1. Infield fly rule does not apply.

2. Runners may not lead off until the ball is pitched and crosses home plate. If a runner “leaves the base early”, an umpire warning will be given on the first instance with an out called for any subsequent instances.

3. Base stealing is allowed of second and third base following the rule outlined in number 2 above. However, runners may not steal home on passed balls.

A runner on third may advance home if a.) a play is made on a runner at a different base and/or b.) the catcher overthrows the ball back to the pitcher by 10 feet (approximately to the grass portion of the infield beyond the pitchers mound).

4. An inning is concluded after 3 outs or, a team has “batted the bench” except for the final inning when 3 outs must be recorded to end an inning. Note: for batting purposes, a bench will equal the team with the MOST numbers of players available. Managers/coaches of the team at bat must notify the umpire and opposition of the last batter in “bat the bench” situations.

5. 9 defensive players are to take the field. 3 outfielders. Major Specific Rules

1. Infield fly rule does not apply.

2. Runners may not lead off until the ball is pitched and crosses home plate. If a runner “leaves the base early”, an umpire warning will be given on the first instance with an out called for any subsequent instances.

3. Base stealing is allowed for all bases including home following the rule outlined in number 2 above.

4. The “balk” rule does not apply.

5. Umpires must sign and print their name on the home team’s scorebook upon receipt of payment from the manager/coach.