| Game Rules |
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GENERAL GAME RULES: 1. Teams must have at least 8 players to start and play a game. At any time the team cannot place 8 players on the field the game shall be stopped. The league directors will make the decision on whether this game will be rescheduled or continued at a later date. 2. No player can sit out more than 2 defensive innings.
FIELDERS: 1. 9 or 10 players are allowed on the field. 2. Catchers must wear catcher's equipment and protective cup. 3. The outfielders must remain more than 15 feet behind the infielders.
BATTING: 1. Coaches must have the batting order turned in to the official scorer before the first pitch is thrown. Teams who do not turn in line-ups before the first pitch will incur a penalty of one automatic out in the first inning. If the line-up is not turned in by the first pitch of the second inning, the team will automatically forfeit the game. 2. The batting order is continuous. 3. Teams are to bat the entire roster. Players may be removed from the defensive lineup during the game. 4. A 1/2 inning will consist of 3 outs or 5 runs. 5. If a team has less batting players than in the batting lineup, an out shall be recorded for each batter not batting. Example: Team with 12 players batting, the batter who does not bat would be called out during his/her time to bat. 6.Any player who arrives late may enter the game immediately, but must be added as the last name of the batting order. 7. Only one batter allowed in the on-deck circle. All others players must remain in the dugout.
PITCHERS: 1. Pitcher is limited to 85 pitches or a maximum of 4 innings per game (whichever comes first). No exceptions. 2. Pitchers who reach 85 pitches or 4 innings in a game must have 96 hours (4 days) rest before pitching in another game. No exceptions. 3. During a pitching change, the new pitcher has a maximum of 8 warm-up pitches. 4. Between innings a pitcher has a maximum of 6 warm-up pitches to get ready to pitch. 5. Once a pitcher has been removed from the pitching mound/rubber, he/she cannot return to pitch. 6. Coaches/managers shall have any pitcher(s) scheduled to pitch in a a game properly stretched out and warmed up prior to entering any ball game. 7. Long sleeves or jackets should be worn by pitchers during 1/2 innings or long delays in cold weather.
RUNNERS: 1. No overthrow rules. 2. All base stealin permitted. No delayed steals (runner starts to run, stops, then runs). Runner must be returned to the original base, except in the case of a passed ball by the catcher. 3. No lead off. Runners may not leave base until ball passes over the home plate or is put in play. If a runner leaves base before ball crosses the plate, the runner will be called out. Base runners who are not touching the base when the ball leaves the pitcher's hand will be automatically called out. (Dead ball). (No pitch). 4. Player attempting to hurdle or maliciously run into a defensive player will be automatically out. 5. No head first slides are allowed when the defensive player is attempting to tag the runner. The runner will be called out. 6. When stealing home the runner must slide when a defensive player is attempting to tag the runner. 7. Play is stopped when the ball is controlled by the pitcher on the pitching rubber or the defense has placed the ball at the base ahead of the lead runner and the lead runner has stopped his attempt to advance. At this point the umpire shall call the play dead. Any runners that have not obtained the base they are going to will be returned to the last occupied base.
COACHES: 1. No coach or adult (except for the umpire) is allowed on the playing field. 2. Offensive base coaches will be allowed in foul territory in the coaches' boxes. Two adult coaches are permitted as long as a third adult is in the dugout. 3. Defensive coaches are not allowed. 4. Coaches/Managers are responsible to see that all catchers are properly equipped. Cups are mandatory.
SPEED-UP RULES: Speed-up rules will be used for the catcher only. The last batter that made an out may run for your catcher at any time, but it is not mandatory.
TIME OUTS: National High School Federation Rules Apply
RAIN: 1. Teams should report to venues if there is any doubt of the game being played. The responsibility will be on the head coach to find out if games are rained out. Coaches must come to venues to find out if games will be played or if a game has been rescheduled. If at all possible, games will be played. 2. Games that are stopped will be continued from the point of stopping if offical game status was not reached. Rain delays may last for any period of time. The League Director has the authority to change the game schedule due to inclement weather. 3. If rain occurs after official game status has been reached and the games cannot continue due to rain and field conditions, that game will be called and become a complete, official game. Only the League Director may make that decision.
PROTESTS: Protests must be made verbally with the umpires by the offended team at the time of the play and before the next pitch is thrown. Only the decision involving the misinterpretation or misapplication of a rule may be protested. No protest shall be allowed in matters involving solely the official's judgement.
EJECTIONS: 1. Per managers, coaches, or players in all divisions: the first occurrence results in the suspension for the game and the removal from the game venue as well as suspension of the next scheduled game. The coach is not permitted at the game venue for his suspension game. A player ejected may remain in the dugout after being ejected. 2. A second ejection during league play results in suspension for the remainder of the season as well as possible imposition of further sanctions subject to the review of the North Park Sports' Officials.
GAMES: Each team will play a total of 9 games. Standings and scores will be kept. Teams will play one game a week (Saturday). Any make-up (rainouts) will be rescheduled at the discretion of the league directors.
MISCELLANEOUS: A maximum of four adults are allowed in the dugout at any time. |