RULE 7.00 – RULES OF PLAY
7.01 Playing Field, Equipment & Safety:
7.01.A (Chart 7.01.A-1) The playing field shall be laid out according to
the recommended dimensions contained within these rules.
7.01.B For details on field layout including recommended direction of play,
fair and foul territory requirements, infield and outfield grades,
pitcher’s mound height and slope, batter’s and catcher’s box
dimensions, and base and home plate size and construction
should be referred to the Official Rules of Baseball as published
by Major League Baseball on MLB.com.
7.01.C (Chart 7.01.C-1) All bats for age divisions 12U and younger
must be permanently stamped with the new USSSA 1.15 BPF
Mark, or BBCOR.50 Certified Mark or made of wood
All bats for
15U must conform to the National
Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) bat standards
including a length to weight ratio no greater than negative three (-
3) ounces or drop 5 (-5) usssa stamped bats. These bats must be permanently stamped with the
BBCOR.50 Certified Mark or made of wood
Rule 7.01.C Penalty: (First Offense) – If the Umpire discovers
that a bat does not conform to Rule 7.01.C until a time
during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be
grounds for declaring the batter out and / or ejection from the
game. If the Umpire discovers that a bat has been used to put a
ball in play and before the next legal pitch, the defensive team shall
have the choice of the result of play or the batter being called out and all runners returning to the base occupied at the time
of the pitch. (Second Offense) – If a team is found in violation of this rule a second time, then the manager shall be ejected
in addition to the First Offense penalty.
7.01.E In age divisions 4U – 12U, non-metal cleats shall be worn. In age divisions 13U and older, traditional metal baseball spikes shall be permitted.
7.01.F The catcher shall wear all appropriate protective gear including a catcher’s helmet with facemask and either a built in chest protector, shin and / or leg guards, and protective cup.
Rule 7.01.G Comment: In age divisions 4U – 12U, the catcher’s helmet shall fully cover both ears.
7.01.G All offensive players shall use a double ear-flap batting helmet whenever at bat, on deck, on base or any other time outside of the dugout and the ball is live and in play.
Base path and Pitching mound distances
DIVISION OF PLAY BASEPATHS PITCHINGDISTANCE
6U 55’ N/A
8U 60’ 40’
10U 65’ 46’
12U 70’ 50’
15U 90’ 60’ 6”
7.01.H Special Protective Gear: USSSA continues its long standing policy of permitting players to determine the use of the protective equipment when they deem it appropriate..
7.01.I Bat / ball boys / girls under the age of eighteen (18) shall not be permitted.
7.01.J All Playing equipment shall not contain undue commercialization of the product.
7.01K All leagues with kid pitch will play normal baseball rules (i.e. drop third strike, lead offs and pick offs)
7.02.D Approved Team Line-ups:
7.02.D.1 Teams Must bat the entire roster which allows for free substitution.
7.02.D.1 (a) No player may sit out two (2) innings consecutively in the field.
Coaches found in violation of this will be ejected from the game and suspended for the next scheduled game. If it is found out after the game is over the coach will be suspended for the next scheduled game.
7.02.D.1(c) If a team uses a continuous line-up, all players other than the nine (9) defensive position
players are Extra Hitters and may move freely in defensive positions with the exception of the
pitching position. Any player(s) arriving after the game has begun, shall be added to the bottom
of the batting line-up. When using the continuous lineup and a player has to leave the game
for any reason, that position in the line-up does not become an out when that at bat comes around.
7.02.F Teams may play an official game with an eight (8) player line-up. If a team plays with an eight (8) player line-up, an out shall be declared for the ninth (9th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat. A ninth (9th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
7.02.G A team may continue a game with a minimum of eight (8) eligible players.
7.03 Starting and Ending a Game:
7.03.A A regulation game consists of six (6) innings for age divisions 4U – 12U and seven (7) innings for age divisions 13U and older, unless the game is:
7.03.A.1 Extended because the score is tied after the completion of the regulation number of innings and there is still time left in the game, in which case, play shall continue until the visiting team has scored more total runs than the home team at the end of a completed inning, or the home team scores the winning run in an uncompleted inning.
7.03.A.2 Shortened because the home team needs none of its half of the last inning or only a fraction of it to win.
7.03.A.3 Shortened because an imposed Time Limit expires; or
7.03.A.4 Shortened because any applicable part of USSSA Rule 7.03.B has been met.
7.03.A.5 Shortened because any applicable part of USSSA Rule 7.03.C has been met.
7.03.A.6 Games can end in a tie if the time limit is up or a complete game has been played.
7.03.B (Chart 7.03.B-1) An imposed Mercy (run) Rule shall be used to complete a
regulation game when one team’s margin of lead is greater than or equal to the
listed run differential in the corresponding listed start inning. In enforcing this rule,
the home team shall not bat if they are winning and the mercy requirement is met
prior to the start of the bottom half of the listed inning. Similarly, if the home team
is batting and meets the mercy requirement in the bottom half of a listed inning the
home team shall cease batting and the game shall end.
7.03.C If a game is called due to rain, Weather, light failure or other acts of Nature and
cannot be resumed it is a regulation game if:
7.03.C.1 For a six (6) inning game, if three (3) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after two and one half (2 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
7.03.C.2 For a seven (7) inning game, if four (4) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs
after three and one half (3 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
7.03.D All games that for any reason cannot be declared a regulation game pursuant to Rule 7.03.C shall be a suspended game. A suspended game when resumed, shall resume from the exact point of suspension.
LENGTH OF GAME RUN DIFFERENTIAL START INNING
6 Innings 15 3rd Inning
6 Innings 8 4th Inning
7 Innings 15 3rd Inning
7 Innings 12 4th Inning
7 Innings 8 5th Inning
7.04 The Batter, Batter Runner & Runner:
7.04.A An Intentional Walk may be issued upon announcement from either the pitcher or catcher or manager without throwing pitches.
7.04.B At any time, the offensive team may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher of record from the previous inning on defense. The courtesy runner must be a player not presently in the line-up. If no players not presently in the line-up are available, the courtesy runner shall be the player making the last batted out. The re-entry status of the courtesy runner, pitcher, and catcher shall not be affected by this rule. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligible, a proper replacement pursuant to these rules (if available) shall be used without penalty.
7.04.C Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and / or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire.
Rule 7.04.C Penalty: The runner shall be called out and may be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpires.
7.05 The Pitcher:
7.05.A A player removed from the pitching position (starting pitcher or subsequent relief pitcher) may not return to the pitching position for the remainder of the game. The defensive team may correct this rules infraction at any time by substituting a legal pitcher without penalty. If an illegal pitcher is permitted to pitch, any pitch or play that results is legal. The rule violation should be caught by the Umpire or the offensive team and immediately corrected. If the violating pitcher has legal pitches remaining, the violation is deemed an improper substitution and is corrected without penalty. If the violating pitcher has no legal pitches remaining, it’s deemed a pitching limitations violation, and shall result in an ejection of the manager.
7.05.B (Chart 7.05.B-1) The end of the day for the purpose of this rule shall be the time of day or night when the ballpark is shutdown and the teams go home for the night break. Games that for any reason extend past midnight (12:00 AM) or start late at night, past midnight (12:00 AM) and are completed before the teams take the night break, shall count as being played on the scheduled day. A game not completed before the night break pursuant to USSSA Rules 7.03.D shall be a suspended game. Suspended games, when resumed (the next day or another day), shall count as being played on two different days.
The outs recorded during the portion of the game played prior to suspension shall count as being played on the regularly scheduled day and the outs recorded during the portion of the game played once resumed, shall count as being played on the resumed day.
RULE 8.00 – COACH PITCH SPECIFIC RULES
8.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball.
8.03 Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.
8.04.B The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position
8.04.C The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball has been hit.
Rule 8.04.C Penalty: If a coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction shall be called.
Rule 8.04.C Additional Penalty: If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game.
8.05 Pitching Coach: The Pitching Coach shall be an adult at least eighteen (18) years of age.
8.06 The catcher shall receive the pitch in the catcher’s box in a normal baseball manner. If in the Umpire’s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there shall be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams’ manager shall be ejected.
8.07 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. All outfielders shall stay behind the grass line.
8.08 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit.
Rule 8.08 Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.
Rule 8.08 Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
8.09 Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout.
8.10 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
8.11 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
8.11.A Teams may start a game with nine (9) players. The tenth (10th) positions in the batting order shall be declared an out each turn at bat.
Rule 8.11.A Approved Ruling: A tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
8.12 Teams must use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same.
8.13 Bunting shall not be allowed.
8.14 The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes. The at bat can not end on a foul ball.
8.16 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.
8.17 A courtesy runner for catcher of record for the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the last out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the last batter not on base. If the team batting has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.
8.18 A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning.
8.19 Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the all runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for this rule.
Rule 8.19 Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
8.20 When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply:
8.20.A If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance.
8.20.B If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared.
RULE 10.00 – 5u T-BALL SPECIFIC RULES
10.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be fair.
10.02 Defensive plays must be made in a normal baseball manor. If a player is more than four steps from a base that is not their position a throw must be made. (I.e. If the short stop gets the ball at his normal position in between second and third he may run the ball to second but must throw the ball to third if more than four steps from third base) If a player is playing a base position they may cover that base even if it is more than four steps.
10.02(a) The pitcher position is has to be outside the circle to run with the ball and only in the direction they went to field the ball. (i.e. if the ball is hit down the 3rd base line the only play that can be run to is one on the 3rd base line.)
10.03 All tball games will be played to a drop dead time limit, the game will end regardless of score or orientation of home team and away team.
10.04 Stalling will not be allowed, calling time out excessively on defense or allowing kids to take time getting to the plate on offense will result in a warning to the coach the first time and ejection of the coach if a second warning is issued during the same game.
10.05 The catcher shall wear a dual ear-flap catcher’s helmet with mask.
10.06 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.
10.07 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall stay within the pitchers’ circle until the ball is hit.
Rule 10.07 Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.
Rule 10.07 Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
10.08 Defensive coaches shall be allowed on the field of play. But are not allowed to move players physically.
10.09 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
10.10 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
10.10.A Teams may start a game with seven (7) players.
Rule 10.10.A Approved Ruling: A tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
10.11 Teams must use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same.
10.12 Bunting shall not be allowed.
10.13 A batter shall receive a maximum of Five (5) swings to put the ball in play or be called out.
10.15 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.
10.16 A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning, including the last inning or record three (3) outs.
10,17 The game is over, when the opposing team is mathematically eliminated from scoring enough runs to win or tie the game.
10.18 Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the lead runner is not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule.
Rule 10.18 Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
RULE 11.00 6u Modified Tball specific Rules
11.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be fair.
11.02 Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.
11.03 The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position
11.03.a The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball has been hit.
Rule 11.03.B Penalty: If a coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction shall be called.
Rule 11.03.C Additional Penalty: If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game.
11.04 Pitching Coach: The Pitching Coach shall be an adult at least eighteen (18) years of age.
11.05 The catcher shall receive the pitch in the catcher’s box in a normal baseball manner. If in the Umpire’s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there shall be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams’ manager shall be ejected.
11.06 Defensive plays must be made in a normal baseball manor. If a player is more than four steps from a base that is not their position a throw must be made. (I.e. If the short stop gets the ball at his normal position in between second and third he may run the ball to second but must throw the ball to third if more than four steps from third base) If a player is playing a base position they may cover that base even if it is more than four steps.
11.06(a) The pitcher position is has to be outside the circle to run with the ball and only in the direction they went to field the ball. (i.e. if the ball is hit down the 3rd base line the only play that can be run to is one on the 3rd base line.)
11.07 All tball games will be played to a drop dead time limit, the game will end regardless of score or orientation of home team and away team.
11.08 Stalling will not be allowed, calling time out excessively on defense or allowing kids to take time getting to the plate on offense will result in a warning to the coach the first time and ejection of the coach if a second warning is issued during the same game.
11.09 The catcher shall wear a dual ear-flap catcher’s helmet with mask.
11.10 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.
11.11 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall stay within the pitchers’ circle until the ball is hit.
Rule 11.11 Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.
Rule 11.11 Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
Rule 11.12 Batters shall receive three (3) pitches from the pitcher, if the last pitch is fouled off another pitch will be given, if no ball is put in play the batter will get one (1) swing off the Tee to put the ball in play. If the ball is fouled off from the swing on the Tee the batter will get another swing. If the batter does not make contact on the Tee the batter will be out.
11.13 Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout.
11.14 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
11.15 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
11.15.A Teams may start a game with nine (9) players. The tenth (10th) positions in the batting order shall be declared an out each turn at bat.
Rule 11.15.A Approved Ruling: A tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
11.16 Teams must use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same.
11.17 Bunting shall not be allowed.
11.18 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.
11.19 A courtesy runner for catcher of record for the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the last out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the last batter not on base. If the team batting has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.
11.20 A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning or three (3) outs whichever is first
11.21 Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the all runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for this rule.
Rule 11.22 Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
11.23 When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply:
11.23.A If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance.
11.23.B If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared.
RULE 14.00 – SPORTSMANSHIP & EJECTIONS
14.01 All players, coaches, managers, sponsors and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.
The league board members have the authority to remove anyone from the event at any time for unsportsmanlike conduct. Any player, coach, manager, sponsor or spectator whose conduct is unbecoming or abusive shall at a minimum be reprimanded with a warning. If warranted, the offending party shall be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpires and / or the League
14.02 Any player, coach, manager, sponsor or spectator leaving their position or base, in the field, on the bench, in the dugout area or grandstands to participate in a fight, brawl or altercation shall be immediately ejected from the game and may be disbarred / suspended.
14.03 Any coach, manager, sponsor or spectator ejected from a game shall immediately remove themselves from the vicinity of the playing
field and / or grandstands for the remainder of the game. Any player ejected from a game shall either immediately remove them self from the vicinity of the playing field for the remainder of the game or be confined to the dugout area for the remainder of the game at the discretion of the League. Additional penalties may be assessed at the discretion of the League
14.04 If necessary, a team may be forced to forfeit a game and / or be removed from the league /
RULE 16.00 – PROTESTS
16.01 Umpires shall work to settle all situations on the field. Protests shall be allowed for age and pitching violations or rule interpretations
only. Protests must be declared to the Umpire-in-Chief and then to the League / Tournament Director before the next pitch following
the dispute. If a call to be protested is the last recorded out of a game or on a game ending play, the protest MUST be filed prior to the
Umpires and the protesting team leaving the field of play. No protest shall be allowed following the game. League officials shall rule on all protests and their decisions shall be final.
16.02 The Protest fee shall be $25 CASH. The fee shall be returned only if the protest is upheld. Leagues may develop their own fee
structure and methods of recording and settling protests.
Note: Parent must show proof of child’s school grade at registration, if a parent elects to move a child up that child must participate with that age group for the rest of their time with EBA, no child will play more than 2 years in a division.
BADGES
ID badges will issued by EBA. ID badges shall be worn by approved coaches and volunteers in accordance with the procedures mandated by the board of directors.
REGISTRATION
A registered player is defined as one that has completed their registration form and has their financial responsibilities taken care of. These players will be guaranteed a place on a team. No player will be placed to a team until their financial responsibilities are paid in full unless other arrangements have been made through the President and/or designee. All hardships will be subject to approval through the president and/or designee.
Registration will be held in the month of January and February. The dates of the registration will be advertised.
No Player can be added after completion of regular season. If a play off team falls below minimum playing positions a player from a non-play-off team will be placed on the affected team by a hat drawing.
WAITING LIST
Players will be placed on the waiting list in order they signed up. The player agents will maintain list and a copy will be given to the president, vice president and head commissioner. Any teams that have openings not consistent with the rest of the league after the draft will have their team name put into the process to determine which team each player will be placed on.
Drawing will take place with at least 1 player agent and the Head Commissioner/or their designee
REFUND POLICY
Refunds will be issued on a case-by-case basis, final decision being made by the president or designee.
ROSTER VERIFICATION
League commissioners will check the rosters of their league teams upon notification by the head commissioner. Players will be added to any team not having a consistent roster within their league.
PLAYER QUITS
A player who quits after being drafted or placed on their team will not be permitted to play on another team during the current season. This player is not allowed to return to that team the next year. He must go into the draft. Mangers must notify commissioner within 24 hours. League commissioner will contact parents to confirm information.
GAMES
SCHEDULING
Scheduling of games will be set by league commissioner and approved by the head commissioner.
Practice field signups will take place at the draft. ****EBA fields are not included****
SCHEDULE CONFLICTS
Any scheduled conflict with school activities must be submitted in writing with the respective league commissioner at least 48 hours prior to the ball game in conflict. Manager must submit documentation. Any team capable of fielding eight players must play that game.
TIME LIMITS
Time limits for regular season games are as follows:
15u – 100 minutes or 6 innings
12u – 90 minutes or 5 innings
10u – 75 minutes or 5 innings
8u – 75 minutes or 5 innings
6u – 60 minutes or 5 innings
In the event a game is tied at the end of regulation time (8u- 15u) one extra inning will be played. After completion of extra inning and score is still tied then it will be considered a tie in the standings.
All 6u games will play a drop dead time.
MAKE UP GAMES
Any regular scheduled season game called due to rain out or school function will be played at the earliest possible date as determined by the head commissioner.
Games will be considered complete after 3 innings or 2.5 innings if home team is ahead.
DUGOUT OCCUPATION
Only the coaching staff and players are permitted in the dugout/field. The field scoreboard will designate Home/Visitor team dugouts. Coaches need to be within arm’s length of the dugout during play. 1 warning will be issued if Teams are allowed 4 coaches on the playing field. Teams are responsible for cleaning dugouts and trash picked up in their area. Any team not cleaning their area after their game will have the manager of that team suspended for one game.
Note: Coaches will not be ejected for not being arm length of the dugout unless the opposing manager complains, once a complaint is made the umpire will warn both sides and the next coach from either team not arm length from the dugout will be ejected.
SCOREKEEPER AND SCOREBOARD OPERATOR
The EBA will be furnishing Scorekeepers and Scoreboard operators for 8u-15u. 6u will furnish a scorekeeper from the home team and a scoreboard operator from the away team.
MININUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS
A team may begin and play the game with eight players. Teams not fielding eight players by scheduled game time will forfeit that game. If a Coach knows that he/she will not have the minimum number of players he/she may call in a forfeit to the league president and opposing coach, the league president will notify the umpires and opposing coach for it to be official. Any player arriving before that start of the third inning will be inserted at the bottom of the lineup and allowed to play.
INTENTIONAL WALKS
10u only: the manager may point the batter to 1st base. (A player can only be pointed for a walk once per a game, they must pitch to the batter in their next bat if they choose to walk the player)
BUNTING
10u league batters are not allowed to wiggle bat while bunting or fake bunting at any time. If batter wiggles bat automatic dead ball and strike will be called.
SLASHING
Slashing is not allowed in any league. Slashing is when batter shows bunt and then pulls bat back and then swings bat. Penalty: Batter is automatically out and 3rd base coach is ejected from game.
BASE STEALING
10u, 12u and 15u league will play open bases in Fall and Spring.
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS
All leagues must substitute players every other inning and bat entire roster.
MINIMUM PLAY RULE VIOLATIONS
First Offense – any player not playing required amount must play the remainder of that game and play double the minimum playing time during the next game.
Second Offense – same as above and the manager will be suspended their next game.
Third Offense – same as above and the manager will be fired and loses that year of seniority.
ILLEGAL PITCHER
Any manager who uses an illegal pitcher must come before the league commissioner to discuss the violation. Manager is ejected at the point of violation and ejected for team’s next game. Any subsequent violation constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal.
PITCHING RULES
Maximum pitches per pitcher per day is 5 times the pitchers age.
0-20 pitches equals zero days’ rest.
21-40 pitches equal one days rest.
41-60 pitches equal two days’ rest.
61-Max pitches equal three days’ rest.
(Example: If a player pitches on Monday and requires 1 day rest he cannot pitch until Wednesday,
If a player pitches on Monday and requires 2 days rest he cannot pitch until Thursday, If a player
pitches on Monday and requires 3 days rest he cannot pitch until Friday)
If a Pitcher exceeds his pitch count (not including finishing a batter started before exceeding the pitch count) the manager and pitcher will be ejected from the game. The manger will also be suspended from the next scheduled game. The pitcher may play a regular position in the next game and can pitch after the appropriate days of rest.
Pitcher is allowed to exceed maximum pitch count per day to complete current at bat. Managers are responsible for notating reason for exceeding pitch count.
The official scorekeeper of the official score book will keep the official pitch count and record it at the bottom of the book each half inning.
If a pitcher is removed from the pitching mound he may not return to pitch for the remainder of the game.
BENCHING FOR DISCIPLINE
Any manager who plans on disciplining a player or has been notified that a parent plans to discipline a player must verbally contact the parent and league commissioner or board member on duty before the game. This will be noted on the line-up card. The player being disciplined must show up in uniform and watch the game from the dugout or the suspension will carry over to the next game and so on.
WRITTEN PROTEST PROCEDURES
A protest will be considered valid only if it is done before the next pitch, play or attempted play. A protest arising on a game-ending play must be filed before leaving the field. All protests will be noted in the scorebook. Protests should be submitted to the protest committee within 48 hours and shall be in legible print or type citing the exact violation or complaint and the specific referenced rule and source.
The protest committee will consist of Head Commissioner, Both Player Agents, President/or designee, Vice President/or designee. A minimum of three members of the protest committee must be present before a decision can be rendered. Any of the above having direct conflict of interest in any protest must abstain from the ruling.
MANAGERS AND COACHES
A manager, coach, or assistant coach may be only listed in one league.
Each Manager/coach will sign a Code of Ethics form and any violation will result in immediate suspension for the rest of the year.
All umpires will issue a letter and turn into the umpire in chief explaining why an ejection was needed.
Anyone denied a coaching position by the Board will not be permitted within the confines of the playing field for the time dismissed. Failures to comply with suspension will double the original suspension.
PRACTICE GATHERING
Neither gatherings nor practice will be held on Sunday unless necessary to complete the season prior to the City Championship. Neither gatherings nor practice will exceed two hours (excluding games). Gatherings and practices are restricted to team members with no more than 5 gatherings per week. A gathering is defined as one or more coaches and more than three players meeting on a given day. Penalty, the manager will be suspended for his next 2 scheduled games. A second occurrence and the manager will be suspended for his next 2 scheduled games and be brought before the discipline committee for further action.
TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES
When teams have identical overall win/loss records the tie breaking procedures will be as follows:
Best win/loss record in head to head competition
Fewest runs allowed between the teams involved in the tiebreaker.
Most runs scored between teams involved in tiebreaker.
If tied after the above formula there will be a one game playoff to determine tiebreak.
DETERMINATION OF CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
Tournament games will be played as followed: All games will be played by time limit or innings whichever comes first.
Teams will follow league pitching rules thru out city championship.
7.01 Playing Field, Equipment & Safety:
7.01.A (Chart 7.01.A-1) The playing field shall be laid out according to
the recommended dimensions contained within these rules.
7.01.B For details on field layout including recommended direction of play,
fair and foul territory requirements, infield and outfield grades,
pitcher’s mound height and slope, batter’s and catcher’s box
dimensions, and base and home plate size and construction
should be referred to the Official Rules of Baseball as published
by Major League Baseball on MLB.com.
7.01.C (Chart 7.01.C-1) All bats for age divisions 12U and younger
must be permanently stamped with the new USSSA 1.15 BPF
Mark, or BBCOR.50 Certified Mark or made of wood
All bats for
15U must conform to the National
Federation of High School Associations (NFHS) bat standards
including a length to weight ratio no greater than negative three (-
3) ounces or drop 5 (-5) usssa stamped bats. These bats must be permanently stamped with the
BBCOR.50 Certified Mark or made of wood
Rule 7.01.C Penalty: (First Offense) – If the Umpire discovers
that a bat does not conform to Rule 7.01.C until a time
during or after which the bat has been used in play, it shall not be
grounds for declaring the batter out and / or ejection from the
game. If the Umpire discovers that a bat has been used to put a
ball in play and before the next legal pitch, the defensive team shall
have the choice of the result of play or the batter being called out and all runners returning to the base occupied at the time
of the pitch. (Second Offense) – If a team is found in violation of this rule a second time, then the manager shall be ejected
in addition to the First Offense penalty.
7.01.E In age divisions 4U – 12U, non-metal cleats shall be worn. In age divisions 13U and older, traditional metal baseball spikes shall be permitted.
7.01.F The catcher shall wear all appropriate protective gear including a catcher’s helmet with facemask and either a built in chest protector, shin and / or leg guards, and protective cup.
Rule 7.01.G Comment: In age divisions 4U – 12U, the catcher’s helmet shall fully cover both ears.
7.01.G All offensive players shall use a double ear-flap batting helmet whenever at bat, on deck, on base or any other time outside of the dugout and the ball is live and in play.
Base path and Pitching mound distances
DIVISION OF PLAY BASEPATHS PITCHINGDISTANCE
6U 55’ N/A
8U 60’ 40’
10U 65’ 46’
12U 70’ 50’
15U 90’ 60’ 6”
7.01.H Special Protective Gear: USSSA continues its long standing policy of permitting players to determine the use of the protective equipment when they deem it appropriate..
7.01.I Bat / ball boys / girls under the age of eighteen (18) shall not be permitted.
7.01.J All Playing equipment shall not contain undue commercialization of the product.
7.01K All leagues with kid pitch will play normal baseball rules (i.e. drop third strike, lead offs and pick offs)
7.02.D Approved Team Line-ups:
7.02.D.1 Teams Must bat the entire roster which allows for free substitution.
7.02.D.1 (a) No player may sit out two (2) innings consecutively in the field.
Coaches found in violation of this will be ejected from the game and suspended for the next scheduled game. If it is found out after the game is over the coach will be suspended for the next scheduled game.
7.02.D.1(c) If a team uses a continuous line-up, all players other than the nine (9) defensive position
players are Extra Hitters and may move freely in defensive positions with the exception of the
pitching position. Any player(s) arriving after the game has begun, shall be added to the bottom
of the batting line-up. When using the continuous lineup and a player has to leave the game
for any reason, that position in the line-up does not become an out when that at bat comes around.
7.02.F Teams may play an official game with an eight (8) player line-up. If a team plays with an eight (8) player line-up, an out shall be declared for the ninth (9th) position in the batting line-up each turn at bat. A ninth (9th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
7.02.G A team may continue a game with a minimum of eight (8) eligible players.
7.03 Starting and Ending a Game:
7.03.A A regulation game consists of six (6) innings for age divisions 4U – 12U and seven (7) innings for age divisions 13U and older, unless the game is:
7.03.A.1 Extended because the score is tied after the completion of the regulation number of innings and there is still time left in the game, in which case, play shall continue until the visiting team has scored more total runs than the home team at the end of a completed inning, or the home team scores the winning run in an uncompleted inning.
7.03.A.2 Shortened because the home team needs none of its half of the last inning or only a fraction of it to win.
7.03.A.3 Shortened because an imposed Time Limit expires; or
7.03.A.4 Shortened because any applicable part of USSSA Rule 7.03.B has been met.
7.03.A.5 Shortened because any applicable part of USSSA Rule 7.03.C has been met.
7.03.A.6 Games can end in a tie if the time limit is up or a complete game has been played.
7.03.B (Chart 7.03.B-1) An imposed Mercy (run) Rule shall be used to complete a
regulation game when one team’s margin of lead is greater than or equal to the
listed run differential in the corresponding listed start inning. In enforcing this rule,
the home team shall not bat if they are winning and the mercy requirement is met
prior to the start of the bottom half of the listed inning. Similarly, if the home team
is batting and meets the mercy requirement in the bottom half of a listed inning the
home team shall cease batting and the game shall end.
7.03.C If a game is called due to rain, Weather, light failure or other acts of Nature and
cannot be resumed it is a regulation game if:
7.03.C.1 For a six (6) inning game, if three (3) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs after two and one half (2 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
7.03.C.2 For a seven (7) inning game, if four (4) innings have been played or if the home team has scored more runs
after three and one half (3 1/2) innings the game shall be declared a complete game.
7.03.D All games that for any reason cannot be declared a regulation game pursuant to Rule 7.03.C shall be a suspended game. A suspended game when resumed, shall resume from the exact point of suspension.
LENGTH OF GAME RUN DIFFERENTIAL START INNING
6 Innings 15 3rd Inning
6 Innings 8 4th Inning
7 Innings 15 3rd Inning
7 Innings 12 4th Inning
7 Innings 8 5th Inning
7.04 The Batter, Batter Runner & Runner:
7.04.A An Intentional Walk may be issued upon announcement from either the pitcher or catcher or manager without throwing pitches.
7.04.B At any time, the offensive team may use a courtesy runner for the pitcher and catcher of record from the previous inning on defense. The courtesy runner must be a player not presently in the line-up. If no players not presently in the line-up are available, the courtesy runner shall be the player making the last batted out. The re-entry status of the courtesy runner, pitcher, and catcher shall not be affected by this rule. If at any time, a courtesy runner is determined to be ineligible, a proper replacement pursuant to these rules (if available) shall be used without penalty.
7.04.C Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and / or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire.
Rule 7.04.C Penalty: The runner shall be called out and may be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpires.
7.05 The Pitcher:
7.05.A A player removed from the pitching position (starting pitcher or subsequent relief pitcher) may not return to the pitching position for the remainder of the game. The defensive team may correct this rules infraction at any time by substituting a legal pitcher without penalty. If an illegal pitcher is permitted to pitch, any pitch or play that results is legal. The rule violation should be caught by the Umpire or the offensive team and immediately corrected. If the violating pitcher has legal pitches remaining, the violation is deemed an improper substitution and is corrected without penalty. If the violating pitcher has no legal pitches remaining, it’s deemed a pitching limitations violation, and shall result in an ejection of the manager.
7.05.B (Chart 7.05.B-1) The end of the day for the purpose of this rule shall be the time of day or night when the ballpark is shutdown and the teams go home for the night break. Games that for any reason extend past midnight (12:00 AM) or start late at night, past midnight (12:00 AM) and are completed before the teams take the night break, shall count as being played on the scheduled day. A game not completed before the night break pursuant to USSSA Rules 7.03.D shall be a suspended game. Suspended games, when resumed (the next day or another day), shall count as being played on two different days.
The outs recorded during the portion of the game played prior to suspension shall count as being played on the regularly scheduled day and the outs recorded during the portion of the game played once resumed, shall count as being played on the resumed day.
RULE 8.00 – COACH PITCH SPECIFIC RULES
8.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball.
8.03 Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.
8.04.B The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position
8.04.C The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball has been hit.
Rule 8.04.C Penalty: If a coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction shall be called.
Rule 8.04.C Additional Penalty: If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game.
8.05 Pitching Coach: The Pitching Coach shall be an adult at least eighteen (18) years of age.
8.06 The catcher shall receive the pitch in the catcher’s box in a normal baseball manner. If in the Umpire’s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there shall be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams’ manager shall be ejected.
8.07 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. All outfielders shall stay behind the grass line.
8.08 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit.
Rule 8.08 Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.
Rule 8.08 Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
8.09 Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout.
8.10 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
8.11 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
8.11.A Teams may start a game with nine (9) players. The tenth (10th) positions in the batting order shall be declared an out each turn at bat.
Rule 8.11.A Approved Ruling: A tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
8.12 Teams must use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same.
8.13 Bunting shall not be allowed.
8.14 The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes. The at bat can not end on a foul ball.
8.16 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.
8.17 A courtesy runner for catcher of record for the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the last out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the last batter not on base. If the team batting has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.
8.18 A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning.
8.19 Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the all runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for this rule.
Rule 8.19 Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
8.20 When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply:
8.20.A If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance.
8.20.B If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared.
RULE 10.00 – 5u T-BALL SPECIFIC RULES
10.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be fair.
10.02 Defensive plays must be made in a normal baseball manor. If a player is more than four steps from a base that is not their position a throw must be made. (I.e. If the short stop gets the ball at his normal position in between second and third he may run the ball to second but must throw the ball to third if more than four steps from third base) If a player is playing a base position they may cover that base even if it is more than four steps.
10.02(a) The pitcher position is has to be outside the circle to run with the ball and only in the direction they went to field the ball. (i.e. if the ball is hit down the 3rd base line the only play that can be run to is one on the 3rd base line.)
10.03 All tball games will be played to a drop dead time limit, the game will end regardless of score or orientation of home team and away team.
10.04 Stalling will not be allowed, calling time out excessively on defense or allowing kids to take time getting to the plate on offense will result in a warning to the coach the first time and ejection of the coach if a second warning is issued during the same game.
10.05 The catcher shall wear a dual ear-flap catcher’s helmet with mask.
10.06 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.
10.07 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall stay within the pitchers’ circle until the ball is hit.
Rule 10.07 Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.
Rule 10.07 Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
10.08 Defensive coaches shall be allowed on the field of play. But are not allowed to move players physically.
10.09 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
10.10 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
10.10.A Teams may start a game with seven (7) players.
Rule 10.10.A Approved Ruling: A tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
10.11 Teams must use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same.
10.12 Bunting shall not be allowed.
10.13 A batter shall receive a maximum of Five (5) swings to put the ball in play or be called out.
10.15 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.
10.16 A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning, including the last inning or record three (3) outs.
10,17 The game is over, when the opposing team is mathematically eliminated from scoring enough runs to win or tie the game.
10.18 Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the lead runner is not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule.
Rule 10.18 Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
RULE 11.00 6u Modified Tball specific Rules
11.01 Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be fair.
11.02 Pitching Circle: There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.
11.03 The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position
11.03.a The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any possible play once the ball has been hit.
Rule 11.03.B Penalty: If a coach violates this rule after the ball is pitched, obstruction shall be called.
Rule 11.03.C Additional Penalty: If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched, First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as the pitcher for the remainder of the game.
11.04 Pitching Coach: The Pitching Coach shall be an adult at least eighteen (18) years of age.
11.05 The catcher shall receive the pitch in the catcher’s box in a normal baseball manner. If in the Umpire’s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there shall be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams’ manager shall be ejected.
11.06 Defensive plays must be made in a normal baseball manor. If a player is more than four steps from a base that is not their position a throw must be made. (I.e. If the short stop gets the ball at his normal position in between second and third he may run the ball to second but must throw the ball to third if more than four steps from third base) If a player is playing a base position they may cover that base even if it is more than four steps.
11.06(a) The pitcher position is has to be outside the circle to run with the ball and only in the direction they went to field the ball. (i.e. if the ball is hit down the 3rd base line the only play that can be run to is one on the 3rd base line.)
11.07 All tball games will be played to a drop dead time limit, the game will end regardless of score or orientation of home team and away team.
11.08 Stalling will not be allowed, calling time out excessively on defense or allowing kids to take time getting to the plate on offense will result in a warning to the coach the first time and ejection of the coach if a second warning is issued during the same game.
11.09 The catcher shall wear a dual ear-flap catcher’s helmet with mask.
11.10 Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline.
11.11 The defensive player listed as pitcher shall stay within the pitchers’ circle until the ball is hit.
Rule 11.11 Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch.
Rule 11.11 Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
Rule 11.12 Batters shall receive three (3) pitches from the pitcher, if the last pitch is fouled off another pitch will be given, if no ball is put in play the batter will get one (1) swing off the Tee to put the ball in play. If the ball is fouled off from the swing on the Tee the batter will get another swing. If the batter does not make contact on the Tee the batter will be out.
11.13 Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout.
11.14 The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time.
11.15 The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order.
11.15.A Teams may start a game with nine (9) players. The tenth (10th) positions in the batting order shall be declared an out each turn at bat.
Rule 11.15.A Approved Ruling: A tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available.
11.16 Teams must use free substitution on defense but the batting order shall remain the same.
11.17 Bunting shall not be allowed.
11.18 Runners shall not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.
11.19 A courtesy runner for catcher of record for the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the last out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the last batter not on base. If the team batting has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.
11.20 A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning or three (3) outs whichever is first
11.21 Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the all runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for this rule.
Rule 11.22 Comment: When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
11.23 When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply:
11.23.A If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance.
11.23.B If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead and a no-pitch is declared.
RULE 14.00 – SPORTSMANSHIP & EJECTIONS
14.01 All players, coaches, managers, sponsors and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner at all times.
The league board members have the authority to remove anyone from the event at any time for unsportsmanlike conduct. Any player, coach, manager, sponsor or spectator whose conduct is unbecoming or abusive shall at a minimum be reprimanded with a warning. If warranted, the offending party shall be ejected from the game at the discretion of the Umpires and / or the League
14.02 Any player, coach, manager, sponsor or spectator leaving their position or base, in the field, on the bench, in the dugout area or grandstands to participate in a fight, brawl or altercation shall be immediately ejected from the game and may be disbarred / suspended.
14.03 Any coach, manager, sponsor or spectator ejected from a game shall immediately remove themselves from the vicinity of the playing
field and / or grandstands for the remainder of the game. Any player ejected from a game shall either immediately remove them self from the vicinity of the playing field for the remainder of the game or be confined to the dugout area for the remainder of the game at the discretion of the League. Additional penalties may be assessed at the discretion of the League
14.04 If necessary, a team may be forced to forfeit a game and / or be removed from the league /
RULE 16.00 – PROTESTS
16.01 Umpires shall work to settle all situations on the field. Protests shall be allowed for age and pitching violations or rule interpretations
only. Protests must be declared to the Umpire-in-Chief and then to the League / Tournament Director before the next pitch following
the dispute. If a call to be protested is the last recorded out of a game or on a game ending play, the protest MUST be filed prior to the
Umpires and the protesting team leaving the field of play. No protest shall be allowed following the game. League officials shall rule on all protests and their decisions shall be final.
16.02 The Protest fee shall be $25 CASH. The fee shall be returned only if the protest is upheld. Leagues may develop their own fee
structure and methods of recording and settling protests.
Note: Parent must show proof of child’s school grade at registration, if a parent elects to move a child up that child must participate with that age group for the rest of their time with EBA, no child will play more than 2 years in a division.
BADGES
ID badges will issued by EBA. ID badges shall be worn by approved coaches and volunteers in accordance with the procedures mandated by the board of directors.
REGISTRATION
A registered player is defined as one that has completed their registration form and has their financial responsibilities taken care of. These players will be guaranteed a place on a team. No player will be placed to a team until their financial responsibilities are paid in full unless other arrangements have been made through the President and/or designee. All hardships will be subject to approval through the president and/or designee.
Registration will be held in the month of January and February. The dates of the registration will be advertised.
No Player can be added after completion of regular season. If a play off team falls below minimum playing positions a player from a non-play-off team will be placed on the affected team by a hat drawing.
WAITING LIST
Players will be placed on the waiting list in order they signed up. The player agents will maintain list and a copy will be given to the president, vice president and head commissioner. Any teams that have openings not consistent with the rest of the league after the draft will have their team name put into the process to determine which team each player will be placed on.
Drawing will take place with at least 1 player agent and the Head Commissioner/or their designee
REFUND POLICY
Refunds will be issued on a case-by-case basis, final decision being made by the president or designee.
ROSTER VERIFICATION
League commissioners will check the rosters of their league teams upon notification by the head commissioner. Players will be added to any team not having a consistent roster within their league.
PLAYER QUITS
A player who quits after being drafted or placed on their team will not be permitted to play on another team during the current season. This player is not allowed to return to that team the next year. He must go into the draft. Mangers must notify commissioner within 24 hours. League commissioner will contact parents to confirm information.
GAMES
SCHEDULING
Scheduling of games will be set by league commissioner and approved by the head commissioner.
Practice field signups will take place at the draft. ****EBA fields are not included****
SCHEDULE CONFLICTS
Any scheduled conflict with school activities must be submitted in writing with the respective league commissioner at least 48 hours prior to the ball game in conflict. Manager must submit documentation. Any team capable of fielding eight players must play that game.
TIME LIMITS
Time limits for regular season games are as follows:
15u – 100 minutes or 6 innings
12u – 90 minutes or 5 innings
10u – 75 minutes or 5 innings
8u – 75 minutes or 5 innings
6u – 60 minutes or 5 innings
In the event a game is tied at the end of regulation time (8u- 15u) one extra inning will be played. After completion of extra inning and score is still tied then it will be considered a tie in the standings.
All 6u games will play a drop dead time.
MAKE UP GAMES
Any regular scheduled season game called due to rain out or school function will be played at the earliest possible date as determined by the head commissioner.
Games will be considered complete after 3 innings or 2.5 innings if home team is ahead.
DUGOUT OCCUPATION
Only the coaching staff and players are permitted in the dugout/field. The field scoreboard will designate Home/Visitor team dugouts. Coaches need to be within arm’s length of the dugout during play. 1 warning will be issued if Teams are allowed 4 coaches on the playing field. Teams are responsible for cleaning dugouts and trash picked up in their area. Any team not cleaning their area after their game will have the manager of that team suspended for one game.
Note: Coaches will not be ejected for not being arm length of the dugout unless the opposing manager complains, once a complaint is made the umpire will warn both sides and the next coach from either team not arm length from the dugout will be ejected.
SCOREKEEPER AND SCOREBOARD OPERATOR
The EBA will be furnishing Scorekeepers and Scoreboard operators for 8u-15u. 6u will furnish a scorekeeper from the home team and a scoreboard operator from the away team.
MININUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS
A team may begin and play the game with eight players. Teams not fielding eight players by scheduled game time will forfeit that game. If a Coach knows that he/she will not have the minimum number of players he/she may call in a forfeit to the league president and opposing coach, the league president will notify the umpires and opposing coach for it to be official. Any player arriving before that start of the third inning will be inserted at the bottom of the lineup and allowed to play.
INTENTIONAL WALKS
10u only: the manager may point the batter to 1st base. (A player can only be pointed for a walk once per a game, they must pitch to the batter in their next bat if they choose to walk the player)
BUNTING
10u league batters are not allowed to wiggle bat while bunting or fake bunting at any time. If batter wiggles bat automatic dead ball and strike will be called.
SLASHING
Slashing is not allowed in any league. Slashing is when batter shows bunt and then pulls bat back and then swings bat. Penalty: Batter is automatically out and 3rd base coach is ejected from game.
BASE STEALING
10u, 12u and 15u league will play open bases in Fall and Spring.
PLAYING REQUIREMENTS
All leagues must substitute players every other inning and bat entire roster.
MINIMUM PLAY RULE VIOLATIONS
First Offense – any player not playing required amount must play the remainder of that game and play double the minimum playing time during the next game.
Second Offense – same as above and the manager will be suspended their next game.
Third Offense – same as above and the manager will be fired and loses that year of seniority.
ILLEGAL PITCHER
Any manager who uses an illegal pitcher must come before the league commissioner to discuss the violation. Manager is ejected at the point of violation and ejected for team’s next game. Any subsequent violation constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal.
PITCHING RULES
Maximum pitches per pitcher per day is 5 times the pitchers age.
0-20 pitches equals zero days’ rest.
21-40 pitches equal one days rest.
41-60 pitches equal two days’ rest.
61-Max pitches equal three days’ rest.
(Example: If a player pitches on Monday and requires 1 day rest he cannot pitch until Wednesday,
If a player pitches on Monday and requires 2 days rest he cannot pitch until Thursday, If a player
pitches on Monday and requires 3 days rest he cannot pitch until Friday)
If a Pitcher exceeds his pitch count (not including finishing a batter started before exceeding the pitch count) the manager and pitcher will be ejected from the game. The manger will also be suspended from the next scheduled game. The pitcher may play a regular position in the next game and can pitch after the appropriate days of rest.
Pitcher is allowed to exceed maximum pitch count per day to complete current at bat. Managers are responsible for notating reason for exceeding pitch count.
The official scorekeeper of the official score book will keep the official pitch count and record it at the bottom of the book each half inning.
If a pitcher is removed from the pitching mound he may not return to pitch for the remainder of the game.
BENCHING FOR DISCIPLINE
Any manager who plans on disciplining a player or has been notified that a parent plans to discipline a player must verbally contact the parent and league commissioner or board member on duty before the game. This will be noted on the line-up card. The player being disciplined must show up in uniform and watch the game from the dugout or the suspension will carry over to the next game and so on.
WRITTEN PROTEST PROCEDURES
A protest will be considered valid only if it is done before the next pitch, play or attempted play. A protest arising on a game-ending play must be filed before leaving the field. All protests will be noted in the scorebook. Protests should be submitted to the protest committee within 48 hours and shall be in legible print or type citing the exact violation or complaint and the specific referenced rule and source.
The protest committee will consist of Head Commissioner, Both Player Agents, President/or designee, Vice President/or designee. A minimum of three members of the protest committee must be present before a decision can be rendered. Any of the above having direct conflict of interest in any protest must abstain from the ruling.
MANAGERS AND COACHES
A manager, coach, or assistant coach may be only listed in one league.
Each Manager/coach will sign a Code of Ethics form and any violation will result in immediate suspension for the rest of the year.
All umpires will issue a letter and turn into the umpire in chief explaining why an ejection was needed.
Anyone denied a coaching position by the Board will not be permitted within the confines of the playing field for the time dismissed. Failures to comply with suspension will double the original suspension.
PRACTICE GATHERING
Neither gatherings nor practice will be held on Sunday unless necessary to complete the season prior to the City Championship. Neither gatherings nor practice will exceed two hours (excluding games). Gatherings and practices are restricted to team members with no more than 5 gatherings per week. A gathering is defined as one or more coaches and more than three players meeting on a given day. Penalty, the manager will be suspended for his next 2 scheduled games. A second occurrence and the manager will be suspended for his next 2 scheduled games and be brought before the discipline committee for further action.
TIE BREAKING PROCEDURES
When teams have identical overall win/loss records the tie breaking procedures will be as follows:
Best win/loss record in head to head competition
Fewest runs allowed between the teams involved in the tiebreaker.
Most runs scored between teams involved in tiebreaker.
If tied after the above formula there will be a one game playoff to determine tiebreak.
DETERMINATION OF CITY CHAMPIONSHIP
Tournament games will be played as followed: All games will be played by time limit or innings whichever comes first.
Teams will follow league pitching rules thru out city championship.