23 Club Baseball and Softball Rules for 2011 Approved March 30Th, 2011 Softball Rules Updated February 2014

23 Club Baseball and Softball Rules for 2011 Approved March 30th, 2011 Softball rules updated February 2014

1. Player Eligibility:

a. Players shall be assigned to leagues based on their age determined as of April 30 for Baseball and January 1 for Softball. Each player may be required to produce a copy of their birth certificate. The leagues shall be as follows: Baseball 5/6 Year-Old: T-Ball 7/8 Year-Old: Pacific “Pitching Machine” 9/10 Year-Old American 11/12 Year-Old National 13-15 Year-Old Babe Ruth

Softball 5/6 Year-Old: T-Ball 7/8 Year-Old: 8U “Coach Pitch” 9/10 Year-Old 10U 11/12 Year-Old 12U 13-14 Year-Old 14U

b. Each player must pay a registration fee before the player is allowed to play in a league game unless the player has a signed waiver from the 23 Club President or Commissioner of that league.

c. Players are strongly encouraged to play in the league designated for their own age group. Players will be permitted to "play up" in another league that is generally for players one year older than the player. Playing in any other league shall require the approval of the 23 Club Board (the “Board”).

d. A player with a known medical abnormality must have a written statement from a doctor stating that baseball activity will not adversely affect or pose an additional health hazard to the player before the player will be allowed to participate.

e. Each league shall have a Commissioner as appointed by the Board.

2. Conduct:

a. Coaches and players are to refrain from arguing. The umpire's decision is final.

b. There shall be no distractions from opposing coaches or players in the bench or dugout area. The first violation by anyone on a team during a game will result in a warning from the Umpires. A second violation by the same or any other member of a team will result in ejection of the offending player/coach.

c. No profanity, foul language, throwing of equipment or other unsportsmanlike actions shall be tolerated during any game from coaches or players. A violation of this rule may, at the sole discretion of the umpire, subject the offender to ejection from the game or forfeit of the game by the offender's team if the offender refuses to leave the premises. In leagues where umpires are not used, the team's coach is expected to enforce this rule.

d. No tobacco products shall be used at any practices or games by umpires, coaches or players participating in the practice or game. Any person violating this rule will be warned, and if the noncompliance continues, excluded from practice or the game.

3. Grievance, Discipline and Dispute Resolution Process:

a. If a complaint is logged with a league Commissioner by a member of the organization, Commissioner, coach, player, parent, or fan pertaining to any player or coach, the complaint shall be handled as follows:

Step 1: Upon a first complaint against a person, the responsible league Commissioner shall handle and resolve the complaint unless the Commissioner in his or her discretion elects to refer the matter to Step 2;

Step 2: Upon a referred or additional complaint, the matter shall be brought before a Disciplinary Review Committee appointed by the President. A Disciplinary Review Committee shall be composed of one officer, one other member of the Board and the responsible Commissioner.

b. A Disciplinary Review Committee shall conduct any investigation and/or conferences they deem appropriate in the time frame that they choose to act. The Committee shall have the sole discretion to effect any remedy to resolve the matter even to the extent of totally disqualifying a player from playing any further and/or dismissing a coach for the balance of the season. The decision of the Disciplinary Review Committee is final and no further appeal shall be allowed.

c. A "complaint" may include, without limitation, improper behavior by a coach or player such as criminal activities (baseball related or not), baseball activities on a field (whether home or away), activities at or around tournaments (away or home), activities around a baseball field (whether home or away), actions which reflect adversely upon the organization, or any similar actions which are taken by player(s) and/or coach(s), separately or jointly, whether alone or combined with other individuals whether or not the others are involved in the baseball program.

d. There shall be no protests of judgment calls. If a coach desires to protest a rule interpretation by an umpire, the umpires and the coaches of the teams involved shall review the applicable rules. However, if evidence is not presented which will cause the ruling to be changed within 5 minutes of the original call, then the original ruling shall stand. Game time shall be suspended during the review time.

4. Organization of Teams:

a. The President, along with each league Commissioner, shall set up and arrange the league teams for each season.

b. Except for T-Ball and the 7/8 year-old league, it is the organization's policy to achieve the most uniform and competitive teams in each league. The following suggested procedure shall be used unless the Commissioner and the league coaches agree to another procedure:

c. The Commissioner and coaches shall meet and impartially select team members. Every effort will be made to equalize the skill level of the teams.

d. All league teams will consist of no more than 12 players. A maximum of 2 preferred players per team are allowed in all leagues except T-Ball.

e. Each team shall be entitled to the preferred players assigned to the coaches of that team. All other players shall be divided into groups equal to the number of teams to be selected using a procedure to balance the skill level of the teams.

f. There shall be absolutely no team preferences for late registrations.

g. This procedure is not subject to the dispute resolution process provided for above.

5. Equipment:

a. All bats must be official league baseball bats. No fungo or weighted bats will be permitted. Bats for all 12 year-old and younger leagues shall not be more than 33

3 inches in length, nor have a bat barrel in excess of 2 5/8 inches. Bats for all 10 year-old and younger leagues shall not be more than 33 inches in length, nor have a bat barrel in excess of 2 ¼ inches. No softball bats will be permitted in baseball games. b. Shoes with metal cleats or spikes are not permitted by any player or coach in all 12 year-old and younger leagues. c. Full protective headgear must be worn by all batters and base runners. This rule applies to regular games and practices and will be strictly enforced for the protection of the players. d. All catchers shall be required to wear throat protectors and male catchers shall wear protective cups. Failure to comply will result in that player not playing being allowed to play catcher. Catcher's masks must also be worn between innings when warming up the pitcher. e. Any player abusing baseball equipment will be dealt with accordingly. This may include suspension from the present or a future game.

6. General Playing Rules: a. Official Baseball Rules, as modified by Babe Ruth or Cal Ripken League Rules, will be followed except as otherwise provided for in these Rules. b. These Rules apply to all practice, regular season and tournament games except when tournament rules conflict with these Rules. c. There shall be no unnecessary contact by either a base runner or a defensive player. In addition:

(1) Defensive players shall position themselves ahead of or behind the base path at all times unless fielding a hit ball.

(2) In all 12 year-old and younger leagues, base runners must slide to avoid a collision on a close play, except at first base. The umpire will determine whether the player is counted out and/or ejected from the game. d. Hidden ball tricks are not allowed.

4 e. Dead ball areas in a non-enclosed field shall be designated by the umpire, but not less than a line from the corner of the backstop to the protective fence in front of the players bench and extended out indefinitely.

f. Official Baseball Rules 6.02 and 8.04 concerning delays or stalling by the batter and pitcher shall be strictly enforced.

7. Games:

a. All games will be played as scheduled, unless postponed because of weather. Postponement for any other reason must have the agreement of both head coaches and have the approval of the league Commissioner. Coaches are encouraged to have players on the field a minimum of 30 minutes before game. If teams desire to take infield, there shall be a 10 minute limit per team with the visiting team beginning infield 25 minutes before game time and the home team beginning infield 15 minutes before game time. There will be no infield prior to the second game unless time allows due to first game ending early.

b. 23 Club shall arrange for Umpires for all League games.

(1) 23 Club shall hold a clinic each spring for those interested in being Jr. Umpires. Those attending that year will receive a 23 Club Umpire T-Shirt at no cost to the participant. Those attending in that year and in the prior year shall be included on the 23 Club approved Umpire list. The umpires that have attended the clinic will be the Umpires that are called first to fill positions.

(2) The coach of the home team shall be responsible for the Umpires at each game. In sure they have what they need to start the game.

(3) 23 Club will try not to use immediate family members of coaches or team members to umpire games. Only on unforeseen circumstances this may occur.

c. Official scoring of games shall be kept by the home team.

d. Game times will be as scheduled by the league Commissioner. In addition:

5 (1) No inning can start after 1 hour 45 minutes has elapsed from the start time in all 12 year-old and younger leagues (except for T-Ball). No inning can start after 2 hours has elapsed from the start time in all 13 year-old and older leagues. The next inning begins at the time of the third out of the prior inning. Notwithstanding any other inning requirements contained in these Rules, a game which reaches the time limit shall be considered as an official game. In order to move games along and to get in as many innings as possible, coaches are expected to encourage their players to hustle on and off the field.

(2) Official time of the beginning and ending of play is determined by the plate umpire and recorded in the home team score book. The head coach of the home team shall be responsible for recording the start time in the score book.

(3) Where a late game is scheduled on the same field and the first game is not started on time due to delays caused by the participating teams, then the game start time shall be considered as the time scheduled for the game.

(4) A game is considered a 9-0 forfeit if not started within 15 minutes after the scheduled game time where a team is not present or does not have the required number of players. e. Games in each league are scheduled to last the following number of innings or the applicable time limit, whichever occurs first: Baseball Softball 7/8 Year-Old: 4 innings 7/8 Year-Old: 4 innings 9/10 Year-Old: 6 innings 9/10 Year-Old: 6 innings 11/12 Year-Old: 6 innings 11/12 Year-Old: 6 innings 13-15 Year-Old: 7 innings 13-14 Year-Old: 7 innings

Extra innings will be played to determine the winner in case of a tie if the time limit has not yet expired. If time has expired, the game will end in a tie. f. A game shall be considered as complete after the following number of innings for each league: Baseball and Softball 7/8 Year-Old: 3 innings (2 ½ innings where the home team is leading) 9/10 Year-Old: 4 innings (3 ½ innings where the home team is leading) 11/12 Year-Old: 4 innings (3 ½ innings where the home team is leading)

6 13-15 Year-Old: 5 innings (4 ½ innings where the home team is leading)

Subject to the applicable game time limit, a game which is suspended due to weather or darkness prior to it becoming a complete game shall be continued at the point of suspension.

g. The following mercy rules shall be in effect in leagues where the score is kept:

(1) Except for the 7/8 Year-Old leagues, a team which is ahead by 10 or more runs at the time that the game is considered a complete game shall be considered the winner. In the 7/8 Year-Old league, there is no 10 run mercy rule.

(2) There will not be any other run mercy rules due to the pitching requirements for younger pitchers.

Subject to the applicable game time limit, a game which is called due to runs may, by agreement of the umpire and the coaches, continue as practice only.

h. Each regular season league champion shall be determined based on season records. Where a league plays games with teams outside of 23 Club, then only the games against other 23 Club teams shall be considered. Ties shall count in the standings as ½ win and ½ loss. In the event of a tie for the league championship, the tie shall be broken by considering the following factors in the order listed:

Head to head games. Total season run differential with a maximum of 10 runs per game. Least amount of runs allowed. Play-off Game (or a Coin Flip if the coaches of both teams agree)

A league may also hold a tournament to determine a tournament champion if scheduled by the league Commissioner.

8. Use of Players:

a. Any player missing practice without an excuse may be excluded from playing in the following game by the player's head coach. If this occurs or if a player is present and not playing for any other valid reason (i.e., injury or discipline), the

7 opposing coach shall be notified and the reason for the player not playing shall be noted in the official scorebook.

b. Playing Time:

(1) Batting/Offense: All players present must be listed in the team's batting order and shall bat even if not currently playing a defensive position.

(2) Fielding/Defense: No player is permitted to sit on the bench more than one inning until all other players have sat out one inning, unless a special situation warrants otherwise (i.e., injury or discipline). All players should start an equal number of games to the extent reasonably possible.

c. No pitcher shall be allowed to pitch more than the following number of innings:

12 Year-Old and younger: Maximum of 6 innings per week. A week is considered Monday through Sunday.

13 Year-Old and older: Babe Ruth rules shall apply.

For purposes of this rule, the delivery of 1 pitch in an inning shall constitute an inning. This rule does not apply to softball pitchers. See softball rules for further explanation.

d. If a team has only 7 or 8 players available for a game, 1 or 2 registered players can be borrowed from another team “spike”. If 13-15 Year-Old Teams spike a player they have to use a player from within their league. Any borrowed players must play in the outfield and bat last in the batting lineup.

e. Teams must have at least 7 players to play. If a team has less than 9 players, the "at bats" for the missing No. 8 and/or No. 9 batters shall be placed at the end of the lineup and considered as "outs".

f. Teams have the option to use a courtesy runner for their catcher. The purpose of this rule is to help speed up games by getting the catcher back to the dugout to put on equipment. If used, the courtesy runner:

(1) Must be declared during the "at bat" of the batter following the catcher;

(2) Shall be the last player to be put out; and

(3) Can only be used for the player who will be playing catcher in the next half inning. The player run for must then enter the game as the catcher.

9. All-Star and Traveling Teams:

a. All-Star teams and 23 Club-sanctioned Traveling teams will be selected in a manner decided by each leagues' Commissioner and coaches subject to approval by the Board.

b. Players are strongly encouraged to try out for the All-Star or Traveling Team designated for their league and/or age group. A player will, however, be permitted to try out for an All-Star or Traveling Team that is for players one year older than the player, provided they play in the league that is a part of that all Star Team. Playing for any other All-Star or Traveling Team shall require the approval of the Board. In no event, however, can a player try out for or participate on an All-Star or Traveling Team where participation would be in violation of Babe Ruth or Cal Ripken League Rules.

c. Managers and coaches for All-Star and sanctioned Traveling Teams will be selected by the league Commissioner and approved by the Board.

d. All-Star and sanctioned Traveling Teams will consist of no more than 15 players.

e. The following shall apply to fund raising by All-Star and Traveling Teams:

(1) All-Star and Traveling Teams may solicit uniform sponsors, but generally are not to solicit sponsors from businesses who are current sponsors of league teams.

(2) All-Star and Traveling Teams may conduct fund-raising activities such as car washes and raffles (and to solicit prizes for raffles). There shall be no door-to-door solicitation of funds.

(3) All-Star and Traveling Teams may Conduct fund raising activities at the 23 Club fileds while the complex is not in use by league teams and has approval from the 23 Club Board. There will be no parent to parent solicitation at the 23 Club Complex during the season.

9 (4) 23 Club will provide a designated amount of money for all All-Star Teams participating in Regional Tournaments. Funds are to be utilized for players and coaches, and their transportation, lodging and meals.

f. Coaches of Traveling Teams are expected to communicate with league coaches with respect to the use of pitchers and to coordinate pitching innings so as to discourage over-use of pitchers. League coaches are encouraged to include the use of pitchers other than those pitching for Traveling Teams so as to give more players the opportunity to pitch.

g. Unless other arrangements are made, all revenues from hosting District, State or Regional Tournaments shall belong to 23 Club and 23 Club shall be responsible for all expenses.

h. All-Star teams who enter post-season competition must continue through all levels of post-season play until eliminated. Coaches of All-Star teams must agree to this commitment prior to being approved.

10. Rules Applicable only to the T-Ball League: Baseball and Softball

a. 1 practice a week is encouraged prior to and through out the season. There will not be scheduled practice time before games due to time restraints on game nights. Once the game starts, each team shall bat an equal number of times until the end of 3 innings or after 1 hour from the start of play has elapsed.

b. No scores or win-loss records will be kept.

c. Batting:

(1) A team's entire lineup shall bat each inning.

(2) The ball will be hit off an adjustable tee.

(3) When the batter is ready to hit, the batter shall step up to the tee, but not swing until a defensive coach has indicated that the defensive team is "ready".

(4) A batter will have an unlimited number of swings to get the ball in play in fair territory.

10 (5) The batter must drop the bat in close proximity to the batter's box after hitting the ball.

d. A batted ball which does not leave the infield is dead after a play has been made. A ball batted into the outfield is dead after it reaches the infield area.

e. Base runners:

(1) Leading off and base stealing is not permitted.

(2) Unless subject to a force play, a runner advancing to second, third, or home base may not proceed to the next base unless they are past the half- way point between bases before the ball is dead.

(3) Base runners will not be allowed an extra base on overthrows to any base.

f. Teams must announce when their last batter is up to bat. The inning is over when the last batter is played into a dead ball situation.

g. Defense:

(1) All players will play in the field each inning. The infield shall consist of 6 players (pitcher, catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd base, and shortstop). All other players will play in the outfield.

(2) Fielders shall rotate positions each inning. No player may play the same position more than once during a game.

(3) Catchers must always wear a helmet provided by the league.

(4) Coaches may be stationed beyond infielders in order to provide instructions to all defensive players. The coaches in the field will also act as base umpires.

11. Rules Applicable Only to the 7/8 Year-Old League: Baseball REMINDERS a. Coaches for the home team of the 6:00 game are responsible for getting to the field and getting the pitching machine ready for the first game. Coaches for the home

11 team of the 7:30 game are responsible for putting the pitching machine back in the equipment room after the game. b. Coaches for the visiting team of the 6:00 game are responsible for getting two new baseballs from the concession stand for use in both games. Please leave the balls with the pitching machine after the first game. Coaches of the 7:30 game can split up the balls and keep them after their game is completed. Coaches of the visiting team of the 7:30 game are responsible for picking up litter from the field and dugouts. c. Play all your players in the field each inning. If you have more than 9 players, you may play extra outfielders. Please play each of your players at every position with the exception of catcher. Let each of your players decide if they want to play catcher. d. An out recorded by the fielding team will be played as an actual out and the batter making the out will return to the dugout. GENERAL a. The batting order will consist of all players in attendance. b. The defensive line-up shall consist of ten players at the following positions: catcher, pitching machine, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and four outfielders (four across, no short fielder). If there are eleven players in attendance, five outfielders may be used. All players must play a minimum of two innings in the infield (catcher, pitching machine, first, second, third, or shortstop). No middle infielder (shortstop or second baseman) shall be positioned inside the base line before the ball is pitched or hit. The corners (first and third basemen) may be positioned at the edge of the infield grass. c. No player shall play more than one (1) inning at the same infield position. d. Teams will be allowed to start and/or finish a game with however many players are in attendance. There will be no forfeits due to player attendance. e. Teams will be allowed to “Spike” players from other Pacific League Team if less than 9 players are in attendance. The spike’d player must play outfield and bat last. f. Keeping score is encouraged at this level. If the game is clearly one sided by regulation innings, if continued play is agreed upon, the score books should be eliminated at this point. g. An inning ends with the third out or at the conclusion of the at bat at which the maximum number of batters has been reached for the inning. The maximum number of batters that either team may send to the plate in any inning is defined by the greater of the two numbers of players in each teams line-up. If Team A has 11 players and team B has 10 players in their lineups for the game in question, each team will bat a maximum of 11 players per inning. The leadoff hitter in the next inning after an inning in which the maximum is reached will be the next player in the batting order after the last batter in the previous inning.

12 GAME LENGTH a. Minimum of three, maximum of six innings. No extra innings are permitted. b. No inning may start after 1:30 of play provided a minimum of three innings are played. PLAYING RULES a. Coaches of the fielding team will act as the umpires. Arguing calls by batting team’s coaches or parents will not be tolerated. BATTING/BASERUNNING b. Each batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches unless the sixth pitch results in a foul ball. The sixth pitch shall be considered as a pitch with two strikes per regular baseball rules. The batter is out when the sixth pitch results in a foul tip. Note: “A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught.” If the pitched ball is considerably out of the strike zone (i.e. over their head or in the dirt) due to machine malfunction, it shall be called a no-pitch. There will be no walks when using the pitching machine. If the ball has not been put in play by the sixth pitch, the batter is out. c. The batter is out when his foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally caught by a fielder on any pitch. d. Baserunners may advance on a batted ball only. No advances on passed balls. e. Bunting is not allowed. f. Leading off and stealing is not allowed. g. The infield fly rule shall not be called. h. On a ball hit to the outfield, the ball is dead when it has been returned to the infield and is in the possession of an infielder, the catcher, or the designated pitcher or is inside or has passed through the grass area of the infield on a throw from an outfielder. Any baserunner not past half way will return to the previous base. Any baserunner forced to return to a previous base will take precedence over a trailing runner who was over half way. (Example: Runner A is on second, runner B is on first. On a single to the outfield, Runner A advances home but was not past half way. Runner B advances to third and was over half way. Result: Runner A returns to third. Runner B returns to second.) The above shall also apply to a ball hit to the infield, however, only after a play on a baserunner or the batter-baserunner. i. A throw by an infielder to the pitcher will stop play if an attempt is made by the pitcher to catch the ball. The pitcher may make a play on a baserunner at any time he or she is advancing to a base. Baserunners may advance only ONE base in the event that a play is being made on any baserunner. After an infield hit, if a fielder secures the ball and no play is being made on a baserunner, runners more than half way to a base may take the base; otherwise must go back to previous base. (See Number 26 for an example.) Fielding team’s coaches have final ruling in this instance. j. When a ball is overthrown and hits the screen at first or third base, all runners will

13 stop at that base. No advancement. k. There will be no head sliding in practices or games. The runner will be declared out if a head slide takes place. Diving back head first to a base is allowed. FIELDING l. No outfielder shall be positioned within five (5) feet of the infield dirt before the ball is hit. Penalty: The batter-baserunner and all baserunners will be awarded a minimum of one base if the play resulted in less. m. Outfielders will not be allowed to take a throw at a base or tag a baserunner. n. Pitching machine is set up at the 35-40 mph indicator on the machines. Speed will be mutually agreed upon prior to game commencing. The machine should be approximately 46 feet from home plate. The circle around the machine will be 8 feet in diameter, and the pitcher must stand on either side outside of the circle. o. Any ball hitting the pitching machine, pitching rubber, or coming to rest in the circle (8 foot circle can be cut in by foot or chalk if available) will be considered a dead ball and a ground-rule single. All baserunners will advance one base. Any encroachment in the circle by the defensive player after the ball has been hit will result in the batter being given first base. Runners don't advance unless first base is occupied. p. Outfielders should be taught to throw to a cutoff man. SCORING q. A maximum of six runs may be scored by each team in an inning. As the sixth run crosses home plate, the scoring ends for that inning, but the batting team continues to bat until the maximum number of batters per inning is reached or the fielding team makes the third out. r. Maximum of eleven (11) batters per inning. The 11th batter can be forced at any base to end an inning, or a regular out may end an inning. s. If a regular force out has taken place with the 11th batter, then the runs do not count. t. If the 11th batter hits a ball to the infield, runners may advance at their own risk, but once a play is made, the inning is over when: an out is a result of the play, or in the case of an overthrow runners advance one base to their logical progression on the field and the inning is over. If this results in a run scored, the run counts. u. If the 11th batter hits a ball to the outfield, once it is controlled by any infielder in the infield, the inning is over. v. If the 11th batter advances past first base, then all runs that cross home plate prior to the 11th batter being put out shall count. Home plate may be tagged as a forced out. w. Home team may bat at the bottom of the last inning if both coaches agree when home team is ahead in runs.

14 12. Rules Applicable Only to the 9/10 Year-Old League:

a. The diamond shall be laid out with bases 60' apart and the pitching rubber shall be set at 46' from home plate.

b. An inning at bat will end when there are 3 outs, but if the entire team has batted through its lineup once and there are less than 2 outs, then 2 outs shall be recorded for the team. Players will then continue to bat until the earlier of 3 outs or the entire team having batted one more time. If the two teams do not have the same number of players present, then batting through a lineup shall mean that both teams bat the same number of players using the number of batters from the team that has the most players.

c. Base stealing is allowed. However, runners may not lead off base until the ball crosses home plate. If a runner improperly leads off and then steals a base, and the pitch is not hit, the runner must return to the base the runner was at before the pitch. If a runner leads off or attempts a steal and the pitch is hit, the runner may only advance to the base in front of the base reached by the batter, assuming that the runner reached that base safely. After receiving a warning the runner may be called out by the umpire.

d. 9 defensive players shall be on the field at one time unless the opposing coaches agree to use 4 outfielders, in which case 10 defensive players may be on the field. A player shall play no more than 3 innings per game in the outfield.

f. Balls which stay within the fenced area of enclosed fields are "live" and not subject to any limit on bases for overthrows unless otherwise non-playable or restricted as per these Rules or Official Baseball Rules.

g. Runners may not advance a base on an overthrow when the catcher is returning the ball to the pitcher.

13. Rules Applicable Only to the 11/12 Year-Old League:

15 a. The diamond shall be laid out with bases 70' apart and the pitching rubber shall be set at 50' from home plate.

c. In order to encourage the use of younger pitchers, during each game each team must use one or more 11-year old pitchers for the lesser of (a) 2 innings, or (b) 8 batters. Innings or batters for 11-year old pitchers do not have to be consecutive. To count as a batter the Pitcher must start and end that Batters at Bat. Coaches are required to indicate the use of 11-year old pitchers to the opposing team and to track their innings. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in the game being forfeited.

14. Rules Applicable Only to the 13-15 Year-Old League:

a. In order to encourage the use of younger pitchers, during each game each team must use one or more 13-year old pitchers for the lesser of (a) 2 innings, or (b) 8 batters. Innings or batters for 13-year old pitchers do not have to be consecutive. To count as a batter the Pitcher must start and end that Batters at Bat. Coaches are required to indicate the use of 13-year old pitchers to the opposing team and to track their innings. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in the game being forfeited.

b. All other Babe Ruth League Baseball rules shall apply.

16 SOFTBALL: updated: February 2014

15. Rules Applicable to 8U Softball League: REMINDERS a. Coaches for the Home team are responsible for getting two new softballs from the concession stand for use in the game. b. Play all your players in the field each inning. If you have more than 9 players, you may play extra outfielders. Please play each of your players at every position with the exception of catcher. Let each of your players decide if they want to play catcher. c. An out recorded by the fielding team will be played as an actual out and the batter making the out will return to the dugout. GENERAL a. The batting order will consist of all players in attendance. b. The defensive line-up shall consist of ten players at the following positions: catcher, pitcher, first base, second base, third base, shortstop, and four outfielders (four across, no short fielder). If there are eleven players in attendance, five outfielders may be used. All players must play a minimum of two innings in the infield (catcher, pitching machine, first, second, third, or shortstop). No middle infielder (shortstop or second baseman) shall be positioned inside the base line before the ball is pitched or hit. The corners (first and third basemen) may be positioned at the edge of the infield grass. c. No player shall play more than one (1) inning at the same infield position. d. Teams will be allowed to start and/or finish a game with however many players are in attendance. There will be no forfeits due to player attendance. e. Teams will be allowed to “Spike” players from other 8U Softball team if 9 players are not in attendance. The spike’d player must play outfield and bat last. f. Keeping score is encouraged at this level. If the game is clearly one sided by regulation innings, if continued play is agreed upon, the score books should be eliminated at this point. g. An inning ends with the third out or at the conclusion of the at bat at which the maximum number of batters has been reached for the inning. The maximum number of batters that either team may send to the plate in any inning is defined by the greater of the two numbers of players in each teams line-up. If Team A has 11 players and team B has 10 players in their lineups for the game in question, each team will bat a maximum of 11 players per inning. The leadoff hitter in the next inning after an inning in which the maximum is reached will be the next player in the batting order after the last batter in the previous inning. GAME LENGTH a. Minimum of three, maximum of six innings. No extra innings are permitted.

17 b. No inning may start after 1:30 of play provided a minimum of three innings are played. PLAYING RULES a. Coaches of the fielding team will act as the umpires. Arguing calls by batting team’s coaches or parents will not be tolerated. BATTING/BASERUNNING b. Each batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches unless the sixth pitch results in a foul ball. The sixth pitch shall be considered as a pitch with two strikes per regular baseball rules. The batter is out when the sixth pitch results in a foul tip. Note: “A foul tip is a batted ball that goes sharp and direct from the bat to the catcher’s hands and is legally caught.” If the pitched ball is considerably out of the strike zone (i.e. over their head or in the dirt) due to machine malfunction, it shall be called a no-pitch. There will be no walks when using Coach Pitch. If the ball has not been put in play by the sixth pitch, the batter is out. c. The batter is out when his foul fly ball (other than a foul tip) is legally caught by a fielder on any pitch. d. Baserunners may advance on a batted ball only. No advances on passed balls. e. Bunting is not allowed. f. Leading off and stealing is not allowed. g. The infield fly rule shall not be called. h. On a ball hit to the outfield, the ball is dead when it has been returned to the infield and is in the possession of an infielder, the catcher, or the designated pitcher or is inside or has passed through the grass area of the infield on a throw from an outfielder. Any baserunner not past half way will return to the previous base. Any baserunner forced to return to a previous base will take precedence over a trailing runner who was over half way. (Example: Runner A is on second, runner B is on first. On a single to the outfield, Runner A advances home but was not past half way. Runner B advances to third and was over half way. Result: Runner A returns to third. Runner B returns to second.) The above shall also apply to a ball hit to the infield, however, only after a play on a baserunner or the batter-baserunner. i. A throw by an infielder to the pitcher will stop play if an attempt is made by the pitcher to catch the ball. The pitcher may make a play on a baserunner at any time he or she is advancing to a base. Baserunners may advance only ONE base in the event that a play is being made on any baserunner. After an infield hit, if a fielder secures the ball and no play is being made on a baserunner, runners more than half way to a base may take the base; otherwise must go back to previous base. (See Number 26 for an example.) Fielding team’s coaches have final ruling in this instance. j. When a ball is overthrown and hits the screen at first or third base, all runners will stop at that base. No advancement. k. There will be no head sliding in practices or games. The runner will be declared

18 out if a head slide takes place. Diving back head first to a base is allowed. FIELDING l. No outfielder shall be positioned within five (5) feet of the infield dirt before the ball is hit. Penalty: The batter-baserunner and all baserunners will be awarded a minimum of one base if the play resulted in less. m. Outfielders will not be allowed to take a throw at a base or tag a baserunner. n. Outfielders should be taught to throw to a cutoff man. SCORING o. A maximum of six runs may be scored by each team in an inning. As the sixth run crosses home plate, the scoring ends for that inning, but the batting team continues to bat until the maximum number of batters per inning is reached or the fielding team makes the third out. p. Maximum of eleven (11) batters per inning. The 11th batter can be forced at any base to end an inning, or a regular out may end an inning. q. If a regular force out has taken place with the 11th batter, then the runs do not count. r. If the 11th batter hits a ball to the infield, runners may advance at their own risk, but once a play is made, the inning is over when: an out is a result of the play, or in the case of an overthrow runners advance one base to their logical progression on the field and the inning is over. If this results in a run scored, the run counts. s. If the 11th batter hits a ball to the outfield, once it is controlled by any infielder in the infield, the inning is over. t. If the 11th batter advances past first base, then all runs that cross home plate prior to the 11th batter being put out shall count. Home plate may be tagged as a forced out. u. Home team may bat at the bottom of the last inning if both coaches agree when home team is ahead in runs.

16. Rules Applicable to 10U Softball League:

a. An inning at bat will end when there are 3 outs, but if the entire team has batted through its lineup once and there are less than 2 outs, then 2 outs shall be recorded for the team. Players will then continue to bat until the earlier of 3 outs or the entire team having batted one more time. If the two teams do not have the same number of players present, then batting through a lineup shall mean that both teams bat the same number of players using the number of batters from the team that has the most players.

b. Base stealing is allowed, with the exception of stealing home. Runners may not lead off base until the ball crosses home plate. If a runner improperly leads off and then steals a base, and the pitch is not hit, the runner must return to the base the

19 runner was at before the pitch. If a runner leads off or attempts a steal and the pitch is hit, the runner may only advance to the base in front of the base reached by the batter, assuming that the runner reached that base safely. After receiving a warning the runner may be called out by the umpire.

c. There will be no stealing home on a pass ball.

e. Coaches are encouraged to develop 9-year old pitchers by using them in games. In an effort to drive this development, coaches must use 9 year old player(s) to pitch to six consecutive batters or 1 full inning “3 outs” in every game. There is no limit to the number of innings girls may pitch, but it is encouraged to develop and give opportunity to girls who are interested.

f. Pitching distance will be 35 feet. Coaches may agree to move a player up one to two feet for younger pitchers.

g. Balls which stay within the fenced area of enclosed fields are "live" and not subject to any limit on bases for overthrows unless otherwise non-playable or restricted as per these Rules or Official Baseball Rules.

h. Runners may not advance a base on an overthrow when the catcher is returning the ball to the pitcher.

17. Rules Applicable to 12U Softball League:

In order to encourage the use of younger pitchers, during each game each team must use one or more 11-year old pitchers for the lesser of (a) 1 innings, or (b) 6 consecutive batters. To count as a batter the Pitcher must start and end that Batters

20 at Bat. Coaches are required to indicate the use of 11-year old pitchers to the opposing team and to track their innings. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in the game being forfeited. There is no limit to the number of innings girls may pitch, but it is encouraged to develop and give opportunity to girls who are interested.

b. Slide when close play, slide at home.

c. Pitching from 40ft unless pitcher needs 35 ft to get to the plate both coaches can agree to move up and work on moving to 40ft by the end of the year. Pitchers must start pitching motion with two feet on the pitching rubber.

d. Base stealing is allowed. Runners may not lead off base until the ball has been released from the pitchers hand. If a runner improperly leads off and then steals a base, and the pitch is not hit, the runner must return to the base the runner was at before the pitch. If a runner leads off or attempts a steal and the pitch is hit, the runner may only advance to the base in front of the base reached by the batter, assuming that the runner reached that base safely. After receiving a warning the runner may be called out by the umpire.

e. Bunting is allowed.

f. Dropped third strike rule applies.

g. Infield fly rule does not apply

18. Rules Applicable to 14U Softball League:

h. An inning at bat will end when there are 3 outs, but if the entire team has batted through its lineup once and there are less than 2 outs, then 2 outs shall be recorded for the team. Players will then continue to bat until the earlier of 3 outs or the entire team having batted one more time. If the two teams do not have the same number of players present, then batting through a lineup shall mean that both teams bat the same number of players using the number of batters from the team that has the most players.

i. In order to encourage the use of younger pitchers, during each game each team must use one or more 13-year old pitchers for the lesser of (a) 1 innings, or (b) 6

21 consecutive batters. To count as a batter the Pitcher must start and end that Batters at Bat. Coaches are required to indicate the use of 13-year old pitchers to the opposing team and to track their innings. Failure to comply with this rule shall result in the game being forfeited. There is no limit to the number of innings girls may pitch, but it is encouraged to develop and give opportunity to girls who are interested.

i. Slide when close play, slide at home. j. Pitching distance is 40 feet. Pitchers must start pitching motion with two feet on the pitching rubber. k. Base stealing is allowed. Runners may not lead off base until the ball has been released from the pitchers hand. If a runner improperly leads off and then steals a base, and the pitch is not hit, the runner must return to the base the runner was at before the pitch. If a runner leads off or attempts a steal and the pitch is hit, the runner may only advance to the base in front of the base reached by the batter, assuming that the runner reached that base safely. After receiving a warning the runner may be called out by the umpire. l. Bunting is allowed.

m. Dropped third strike rule applies.

n. Infield fly rule does not apply.