2015 AA Division (Machine ) Special Rules

The 2015 Babe Ruth League, Inc - Rules and Regulations & Official Playing Rules book will be used to govern the AA rules of play. The rules stated in this document are to outline any variances to the rules stated in the official rule book.

Games 1) Games will consist of 6 and may end in a tie. Regulation game will remain 3.5 or 4 innings (see Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations.) All games stopped short of the regulation will not be replayed at a later date. 2) Saturday games—No games shall go over 1 hour 30 minutes. 3) Home team prepares and lines the field for each game. Away team rakes the field when game concludes. Each team is responsible for clean up at the end of every game. Also, each team is to empty the trashcans after each game. 4) Please exercise safety. Bat swinging in dugouts is strictly prohibited.

Offense 1) The pitcher of each team shall be the manager/coach of the team feeding the . 2) Each child will bat in a continuous order whether the playing field or not. 3) Each half- shall end upon the 5th scored or the third offensive . 4) There will be no walks. The batter will be encouraged to swing at strikes until ball is put into play or he/she swings and misses on a third strike. (5 pitch maximum—after 5th pitch batter will be out.) 5) There will be no bunting allowed during games. Bunting will be introduced in practices only. 6) No leading on the base paths or stealing. Runners may not leave the base until batter makes contact with the ball. 7) Sliding is permitted but not mandatory. Feet-first only is permitted. Diving back to the base after over- running is permitted. 8) Runners may not advance on over throws to any bases (1st, 2nd, 3rd or home) 9) Each runner should advance one base only on an . 10) Each runner shall be permitted to advance unlimited bases on a ball hit to the . However, once the ball is thrown back and reaches the infield, the runners can no longer advance. If the runner is between bases when this occurs, he/she will be awarded the approaching base unless tagged out. 11) No tag ups.

Defense 1) The playing field shall consist of 10 players—4 outfielders and 6 infielders. The pitcher should stand behind or on either side of the pitching machine. 2) All children will play a minimum of 3 innings in the field. No player is permitted to play more than 2 consecutive innings in either the infield or outfield. It is strongly recommended that all players are provided the opportunity to play all positions unless there is a safety concern about the player’s abilities. The concern should be explained to the player’s parents. 3) Catchers must wear a protective cup (not provided) and protective gear provided by the league and can squat in the normal catchers position or stand at the backstop. It is strongly encouraged that all players were a protective cup. 4) Fielding team is responsible for having the pitcher position cover home for plays when no catcher is present. When no catcher is present, a coach must man that position at the backstop for pitch retrieval. 5) There is no at the AA level. 6) Outfielders can’t make a play in the infield (tag a runner or a base). They must throw the ball to an infielder. If an outfielder does make a play in the infield, the runner is and awarded the base they were attempting to reach. Outfielders must throw to 2nd base or 3rd base or home plate; they cannot throw to 1st base nor can they run and tag 1st base in an attempt to get the batter out; if they do the runner

Updated 3/20/2015

is automatically safe at 1st base. Yes, we realize it is an exceptional baseball play if they do make it work, but we want to encourage outfielders to not throw to 1st base at this level.

Umpiring 1) The manager/coach of the team , umpires for the 1/2 inning. A second offensive coach may also aid in the umpiring. 2) Manager appeals can only occur on question of rules and not judgment calls. 3) At no time, during or after a game, shall umpires be argued with. A rules call may be questioned, but no judgment calls shall be challenged. 4) Managers are responsible for the conduct of their coaches and fans.

Additional Rules 1) If the ball is hit and lands in the designated circle around the pitching machine and/or hits the pitching machine or bucket of balls, then it is considered a and, therefore, will be an automatic base hit. 2) For all additional rules not contained herein, please refer to 2015 Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations.

Division Coordinator It is encouraged that all questionable matters are settled at the team/manager level. Managers are encouraged to have a conversation prior to the game start to clarify any adjustments the two agree on but only in the benefit of the kids. If for any reason this is not possible, those matters must be brought to the division coordinator.

2015 AA Division Coordinator --- Tom Jackson (302) 540-3771

Updated 3/20/2015