OPERATING PROCEDURES AND RULES OF COMPETITION
Table of Contents
Page
Rule l - Financial
Responsibility
1
Rule 2 - Registration
Requirements
1
Rule 3 - Player Transfer, Team Transfer and Team
Dissolution
2
Rule 4 - Youth Age
Classification
3
Rule 5 - Team
Travel
4
Rule 6 - Non-Affiliated
Teams
4
Rule 7 - Boys
versus Girls Teams (Non-applicable for
Baseball)
5
Rule 8 - Player
Participation in Other Organized Leagues
5
Rule 9 - Playing with
Professional
Players
6
Rule 10 -
Judicial
6
Rule ll
- Approval of
Events
9
Rule 12 - Rules of
Play
10
Appendix
12.l - Local Rule A (All
Divisions)
A
12.2 - Div 1 (5-6
Year-old)
B
12.3 - Div 2 (7-8
Year-old)
C
INTRODUCTION
All
competition shall be governed by the rules stated herein in all cases where they
are applicable. All members of SYSAB shall be governed by these rules and
procedures unless the rules of a specific competition determine
otherwise.
RULE l FINANCIAL_RESPONSIBILITY
l.l Spokane Youth Sports Association
Baseball (SYSAB) specifically disclaims financial responsibility for, and shall
not be held liable for, the debts or financial obligations, either expressed or
implied, of any affiliated member, club or team, or any of the coaches,
managers, officers, officials or members of any club or
team.
RULE
2 REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS
2.l MANDATORY
REGISTRATION
Every
baseball player and every youth baseball team must be registered per the
requirements and rules of SYSAB regardless of age, sex or participation in
recreation, developmental or competitive programs.
2.2 PROOF OF
AGE
A
player (or his/her parents or guardian) must provide proof of age upon request
from SYSAB.
Proof
of age shall consist of a birth certificate, Board of Health records, passport
or alien registration card issued by the
2.3 PLAYER
REGISTRATION
All
players must register prior to participation in programs and competition under
the jurisdiction of SYSAB.
SYSAB
shall prescribe the official registration forms for all
players.
Players must register within the area of their
residence.
Inter-area registration, where necessary, shall be
approved by SYSAB. If a dispute occurs, it shall be referred to the SYSAB
Registration Committee.
All
players registered on a team are bound to the team for the seasonal year unless
properly transferred.
A
player may be registered on only one team at a given
time.
2.4 TEAM REGISTRATION
A
minimum of twelve (12) players is required for each
team.
In
all age groups there shall be a maximum of fifteen (15) players.
Additional players may be added to a team with the consent of the coach for the
team.
SYSAB
shall assign players to all teams on the basis of their age and geographic
location, not on the basis of individual team, player or coach
preference.
Once
a player is initially registered to a team, the player may continue on the team
regardless of his/her location for the remainder of the
season.
RULE
3 PLAYER TRANSFER, TEAM TRANSFER AND TEAM
DISSOLUTION
A
TRANSFER IS DEFINED AS MOVEMENT OF A REGISTERED PLAYER FROM ONE TEAM TO ANOTHER
WITHIN A SEASONAL YEAR. TRANSFER OF PLAYERS BETWEEN TEAMS SHALL BE
ADMINISTERED BY SYSAB.
3.l PLAYER
TRANSFER
Reasons for player transfer requests are as
follows:
3.l.l The players assigned team suspends
operation for the season.
3.l.2 Player moves to a new address, which,
in the opinion of the player and his/her parents, would make it impractical for
him/her to continue with his/her assigned team. SYSAB will then reassign
the player to a team in his/her new area.
3.l.3 At the time of registration a player
may request assignment to another team. The player must submit in writing
to SYSAB the reasons why he/she cannot participate on the assigned team. SYSAB
may then reassign the player in the same geographical area on the basis of the
player’s preference if, in the opinion of the Commissioner, team balance can be
maintained, but the Commissioner may assign the player to any team in the area.
If, after the Commissioner’s decision, the player is not satisfied, he/she may
appeal to the SYSAB Registration Committee in
writing.
3.l.4 If a player has been placed on a team
in a lower age bracket SYSAB must reassign the player to a team in his/her
correct age bracket.
3.2 TEAM
TRANSFER
3.2.l A team shall be limited to a total of
three (3) transferred players per seasonal year.
3.3 TEAM DISSOLUTION If, during a
season, a team cannot complete its schedule because of a lack of participation,
the team may:
3.3.l Petition SYSAB to have its
players dispersed throughout teams in the same geographical
area.
3.3.2
Request SYSAB to inquire of any teams, in the same
geographical area, if any players on those teams might be willing to transfer
for the duration of the season. New players may be added only if the team
has played one half or less of its league
games.
RULE
4 YOUTH AGE CLASSIFICATION
4.1 The term “youth” shall mean an amateur player
who has not attained his/her nineteenth (19th) birthday before the
first day of May of the seasonal year.
4.2 Players attaining the limiting age group on or
after April 31st of the seasonal year will be eligible to play during the
seasonal year.
4.3 PLAYER AGE
DEFINITIONS
The
Age Group that a player is assigned depends on the player’s age on April 30th of
the seasonal year.
SYSAB
shall have seven age groups (5-6, 7-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13, 14-15, and 16-20.
The youth groups shall be between 5 and 18 year olds
only.
20 Year Old Player has not reached 21st
birthday
19 Year Old Player has not reached 20th
birthday
18 Year Old Player has not reached 19th
birthday
17 Year Old Player has not reached 18th
birthday
16 Year Old Player has not reached 17th
birthday
15 Year Old Player has not reached 16th
birthday
14 Year Old Player has not reached 15th
birthday
13 Year Old Player has not reached 14th
birthday
12 Year Old Player has not reached 13th
birthday
11 Year Old Player has not reached 12th
birthday
10 Year Old Player has not reached 11th
birthday
9 Year Old Player has not reached 10th
birthday
8 Year Old Player has not reached
9th birthday
7 Year Old Player has not reached
8th birthday
6 Year Old Player has not reached
7th birthday
5 Year Old Player has not reached 6th
birthday
* In
the 5 year age group players must have attained their 5th birthday by
April 30th of the seasonal year.
4.4 Any team playing a player who is over-age as
classified in Section4.6 shall forfeit all the games in which such player took
part. *EXCEPTION: In the case of documented mental or physical
impairment the Baseball Program Coordinator may approve a Player’s assignment to
a lower age group. All players playing in a lower age group will not be
allowed to pitch. .
4.5 A child may play up one age group only with
the approval of the SYSAB committee.
4.6 PLAYER AGE GROUP - BIRTH CHART- CURRENT
PLAYING YEAR. (NOTE; SEE AGE CHART BABE RUTH RULES AND REGULATIONS.
RULE 5 – TEAM
TRAVEL
5.l Any team desiring to travel outside the
jurisdiction of SYSAB must submit a properly completed “Application for Travel”
form to SYSAB. No travel shall be allowed until approval of the
application is made. Sufficient time must be allowed for processing the travel
application.
5.2 In order for insurance to be effective, the
activity must be sanctioned and permission granted by SYSAB.
RULE
6 – NON-AFFILIATED TEAMS
6.l SYSAB registered teams shall not compete
against non-affiliated teams and shall not participate in events involving
non-affiliated teams.
Non-affiliated teams are defined as teams not registered
with SYSAB or not registered with another National or State Youth Baseball
Association.
THIS RULE APPLIES TO ANY COMPETITION
WITHIN OR OUTSIDE THE
6.2 Exceptions to 6.l may be approved as
follows:
Single practice games or
certain exhibition games (if clearly identified as not in conflict with the
purpose and objectives of SYSAB and the good-of-the-game) may be played:
* If both teams reside within the area of SYSAB and the
Baseball Program Coordinator has granted approval in
writing.
* If both teams reside in different Associations of one
District and the District Commissioner has granted approval in writing.
THERE
WILL BE NO EXCEPTIONS INVOLVING PARTICIPATION IN LEAGUES OR TOURNAMENTS WITH
NON-AFFILIATED TEAMS.
6.3 It is the responsibility of the team coach to
assure compliance with this rule. Insurance is not in effect in case of
non-sanctioned play involving non-affiliated teams. SYSAB disclaims any
responsibility and shall not be held liable for injury or other financial
obligations resulting from events not in compliance with this
rule.
6.4 Penalties for violations of this rule may be
invoked by the Baseball Committee in accordance with approved
guidelines.
The maximum penalty shall be suspension of the coach for one (l)
season.
RULE
7 BOYS VERSUS GIRLS TEAMS
7.l Not applicable for the baseball
program.
RULE
8 PLAYER PARTICIPATION IN OTHER ORGANIZED LEAGUES
8.l A youth player will be permitted to play an
unlimited number of senior amateur games without losing his/her
eligibility. The youth player must obtain permission from his/her youth
coach or other authorized team official. The youth coach or other
authorized team official shall, in writing or by form, request eligibility
clearance from his/her Babe Ruth District
Commissioner.
RULE
9 PLAYING WITH PROFESSIONAL PLAYERS
9.1 Any player signing a professional contract or
playing with a professional team shall lose all privileges of youth amateur
status.
9.2 The Babe Ruth District Commissioner may grant
a youth amateur player permission to play in tryouts, benefit or exhibition
games only, where professional players are involved. Permission must be
requested in writing.
9.3 A player who has signed a contract or played
in any game where professional players are involved, without prior permission of
the Babe Ruth District Commissioner, will not be reinstated to youth amateur
status.
RULE
10 JUDICIAL
10.1 JUDICIAL
RULINGS
10.1.1 The SYSAB Baseball Committee shall have the power to
penalize any team, player, coach, official or member thereof, whose actions have
willfully violated the Bylaws, Operating Procedures and Rules of Competition of
SYSAB or are detrimental to the purposes of SYSAB. Penalties may consist
of warnings, temporary or permanent exclusion from the activities of
SYSAB.
10.1.1.1 UNSPORTSMANLIKE CONDUCT by
players, coaches, parents, or fans will not be tolerated. This will
include profanity, obscene gestures, fighting, shoving, throwing of equipment
(including bats) or other overt behavior deemed by the umpire to be contrary to
the concept of sportsmanship or the natural flow of the
game.
10.1.1.2 INTIMIDATING BEHAVIOR will
not be tolerated by coaches, players, or fans. This includes physical or
verbal, direct or implied intimidation.
10.1.1.2.1 Any coach, assistant coach or team member who engages in rough
playing tactics, tolerates rough playing tactics, is verbally abusive to other
players as well as umpires, is physically or psychologically abusive to players,
or engages in unsportsmanlike conduct shall be removed from the game by the
umpire.
10.1.2 Penalties for the aforementioned behavior will be
administered by the umpire as follows:
10.1.2.1 WARNING for a minor,
spontaneous infraction incidental to the competitive nature of the game.
The offender is to be informed that the continual behavior will result in a more
severe penalty/penalties.
10.1.2.2 EXPULSION
for deliberate or belligerent disregard of a rule, or a repeated offense after a
warning has been issued (i.e. Use of illegal equipment for a particular age
group falls in this category). If a coach, player, parent, or fan has been
told to leave, he will have 60 seconds to remove himself or her both visually
and vocally from the field of play. Coaches or players expelled from a
game must sit out the next scheduled game, also.
NOTE: the umpire will make no comments to fans or spectators. All warnings
are to be directed to the head coach. It is the coach’s responsibility to
maintain adequate behavior on his/her side of the
field.
10.1.2.3 FORFEITURE for
repeated offenses, or the continual disregard for instructions from the umpire
or league official. A forfeiture may also result from a
person/persons, or coach or assistant coach not complying with the instructions
of the umpire or league official.
10.1.2.4 SUSPENSION for excessive misbehavior. The period of
suspension is to be determined by the Baseball Sport Committee.
(Suspension could be for one game or for the rest of the
season.)
10.1.2.5
BARRED the offending person is to be advised in writing, that he or she has been
barred from present and future participation in the league, permanently, or for
a specific number of years.
10.1.3
RESPONSIBILITIES:
10.1.3.1 Coaches will be
held responsible for their own behavior, as well as that of their players,
parents, and spectators rooting for their team.
10.1.3.2 Umpires will be
responsible for maintaining the flow of the game and enforcing the above rules
and penalties when necessary, with the best interest of the youth participants
of both teams as a guideline.
NOTE: Both coaches and umpires are reminded that compliance with and
enforcement of these rules should be in a spirit of cooperation with the goals
and ideals of this program. Our program is for the young participant. We
are here to offer them a chance to participate, to grow, to learn, and to mature
in an atmosphere of good sportsmanship and competition. Let us remember
that our entire program is geared to the benefit of the
players.
10.1.3.3 Babe Ruth
Baseball prohibits the use of all tobacco products, including smokeless tobacco,
for both local league and tournament competition. This means that
managers, coaches, umpires and players are not permitted to use tobacco products
during a game. Also all alcoholic beverages are prohibited at SYSAB games
and or practices.
10.1.4 PROTESTS:
10.1.4.1 A coach or
manager who desires to protest a game must submit the same in writing to the
Protest Committee within forty-eight (48) hours of the end of the game in
question.
10.1.4.2 Each protest must be accompanied by
a check or money order in the amount of $50.00 payable to Spokane Youth Sports
Association Baseball. This payment will be refunded whether the protest is
upheld or denied. HOWEVER, IF IN THE OPINIONOF THE PROTEST COMMITTEE, THE
PROTEST WAS FRIVOLOUS, OR BROUGHT IN BAD FAITH FOR AN IMPROPER PURPOSE, THE
PAYMENT WILL BE FORFEITED.
10.1.4.3 Each protest will be considered by
the Protest Committee (Commissioner and two coaches from the Division) in
accordance with the Official Rules of Baseball and Babe Ruth Rules and
Regulations, and local rules. The Babe Ruth Handbook on Protest Procedure
will be used as a guide. Decisions in writing will be returned within two
(2) weeks of the protest, or the next regularly scheduled Board meeting,
whichever is later.
10.1.4.4 Any other dispute, complaint, rules
infraction, or other incident requiring review and action by the Protest
Committee will be submitted to the Baseball Program Coordinator for his/her
consideration, recommendation and submittal to the Protest
Committee.
NOTE: Any coach wishing to protest a game must do so before the first
pitch to the next batter has been thrown. At that time the umpire must
stop the game and scorebooks of both teams must be annotated that the game is
being protested. JUDGEMENT CALLS MADE BY THE UMPIRE WILL NOT BE
PROTESTED.
10.1.5
ASSAULT ON AN OFFICIAL - CENSURE AND SUSPENSION
When any person shall assault “an official”, the jurisdiction to adjudicate the
matter shall vest immediately in the Sport Committee Board, or agent
thereof.
Assault defined: An
assault, for the sole purpose of this specific rule, shall be defined as an
attempt to commit a battery upon an official and an act which is close to
accomplishment (and not a mere act of “preparation”) shall be sufficient to
constitute an assault upon an official.
An Official defined: An official, for the sole purpose of this specific rule,
shall be defined as an umpire, a player or a coach, an assistant coach, a team
manager or an officer of the association, district or member of the Sport
Committee of this organization.
Such
assault may be grounds for censure and suspension from further participation and
membership in SYSAB or any affiliated club or team.
If
such an assault case is appealed to the SYSA Sport Committee, it shall be
mandatory that the SYSA Sport Committee executes the provisions of this rule
within thirty (30) days of the offense.
10.1.6
APPEALS
10.1.6.1 Appeals of a SYSA Judicial
Committee decision may be made to the SYSA Sport Committee within three (3) days
of notification of said decision.
10.1.6.2 Appeals of SYSA
Sport Committee decisions may be made to the Babe Ruth District
Commissioner.
10.1.6.3 Appeals of the District
Commissioner decisions may be made to the Washington State Babe Ruth
Commissioner. The appeal must be made in written form within three (3)
days of notification of said decision and be accompanied be a fee of
$50.00 (money order or cashiers check).
RULE
11 APPROVAL OF EVENTS
11.1 All events involving, or
open to, teams or players from SYSA Baseball must be approved by the Baseball
Program Coordinator.
11.2 It is the sole
responsibility of the team coach or individual player to assure that any event
is properly approved. SYSA disclaims any responsibility and shall
not be held liable for injury or other financial obligation resulting from
participation in non-sanctioned events. Insurance is not in effect for
non-sanctioned events.
11.3 It shall be mandatory to
play a regularly scheduled league game unless a valid reason for non-appearance
has been submitted to the Baseball Program Coordinator at least twenty-four (24)
hours in advance of each game time. In case of failure to play a regularly
scheduled league game, the offending team shall lose said game by a score of
9-0.
The
Baseball Program Coordinator may suspend a team for one game if they fail to
appear and no excuse was submitted beforehand.
11.4 League teams shall not be permitted to play
in tournaments that conflict with their regular season games.
RULE
12 RULES OF PLAY All games and competitions under the
jurisdiction of the Official Rules of Baseball and Babe Ruth Rules of Play
except as modified by the Local Rules of Play in paragraphs 12.1 -
12.6.
Rule
12.1 - Appendix A
Local Rule A:
Divisions shall be designated as
follows:
Div.
1 5-6 year olds
Div.
2 7-8 year olds
Div.
3 9-10 year olds
Div.
4 11=12 year olds
Div.
5 13 year olds
Div.
6 13-15 year olds
Div.
7 16 and older
Note: The rulebook referred to herein is the
Official Babe Ruth Baseball Rules, as modified by the current rules and
regulations of Babe Ruth Baseball.
1. Playing field layout is determined by the
rulebook, subject to field availability.
2.
Pitching:
A. DIVISION 4, 5, and
6.
1. Division 5 refer to the
rulebook and local rules for the 13 year old age group.
Exceptions: Pitching distance- 54ft,
Bases-80ft.
2. Div 6 & 7 refer to
the rulebook and local rules for the 14-15 and 16-18 year age groups.
B.
DIVISION 2 AND 3:
1) A pitcher, regardless
of age, may pitch six (6) innings per calendar week with a maximum of two (2)
innings per game. Division 4 may pitch a maximum of three (3) innings per
game. As per Cal Ripken rule, if a player pitches in more than two (2)
innings in a game, the player must have two (2) complete days of rest before
pitching again. Example: A pitcher pitches 3 innings on Monday, he is not
eligible to pitch again until Thursday. Day 1 begins at the start of the
next day. Coaches in Division 4 are required to keep a certified (by the
opposing coach) record of the number of innings pitched during the
game.
a. RULE 1 applies to all
regulation games regardless of when played. This includes re-scheduled and
make-up games.
b.
If a pitcher delivers one (1) pitch in an inning that
pitcher shall be charged for one (1) complete inning pitched.
c.
Pitchers in Divisions 2 thru 4 are not permitted to
throw curve balls. Pitchers suspected of throwing curve balls will be
warned first and then removed for the remainder of the game as a pitcher for the
next incident. The decision of what is or isn’t a curve ball rest solely
on the plate umpire or any SYSAB board member who is present. The
restricted use of curve balls is not to punish the team but to protect the arms
of potential pitchers.
2) Monday through Sunday
is a calendar week.
3) Games in which an
ineligible pitcher has been used as specified in paragraph l, 2, and 3 will
result in suspension of the coach and the player for the next
game..
4)
DIVISIONS 2 THROUGH 4 - IF A PITCHER HITS TWO (2)
BATTERS IN ANY ONE INNING, HE/SHE IS TO BE REMOVED FROM THE GAME AS A PITCHER
AND SHALL NOT BE ALLOWED TO PITCH IN THAT GAME AGAIN. COACHES IN DIVISIONS
4 AND HIGHER WILL USE DISCRETION TO DETERMINE IF A PITCHER SHOULD BE REMOVED
AFTER HITTING TWO OR MORE BATTERS IN AN INNING.
A.
Divisions 5 and up - A pitcher, regardless of age, may
pitch a maximum of seven (7) innings per calendar week with a maximum of three
(3) innings per game. While the use of curve balls is not prohibited, it
is recommended to limit any type of pitch that could affect bone growth
development, included are curve balls, sliders and
screwballs.
3. Base Running:
A. No leading off. (12 and under Cal
Ripken)
B.
No stealing & No runner shall advance any bases on a
wild pitch or passed ball. (6-10 yrs)
C.
No delayed steals. (11-12)
1)
Example: Once the catcher has secured the pitched
ball from the pitcher and has checked (looked at) the base runner(s) and then throws the ball back to the pitcher,
the base runner(s) must then return to their respective base(s). It is
understood however, that until the catcher throws the ball back to the pitch,
the runners are allowed to advance at their own risk to the next
base.
D. Overthrows: (12 and
under Cal Ripken)
1)
Two bases from which the offensive player occupied when
the play started. (First throw by
an
infielder)
2) Two bases from where the offensive player was
when the throw was made. (Second throw
by
an infielder or first throw by and outfielder)
3)
A player may not advance on a catcher’s return throw to
the pitcher. (Ages 10 and under)
D. Sliding: In all SYSAB games the
baserunner must make a reasonable effort to avoid undue contact with a fielder
who is making a play on him/her. That will typically involve sliding to
the base; however, if in the judgment of the umpire the runner has made a
reasonable effort to avoid contact without sliding, he/she can be ruled
safe. This is a judgment call by the umpire and the decision is final and
is not subject to appeal. The purpose of the sliding rule is for the
safety of the players. PENALTY: The player is out. (Umpires should
use discretion in Divisions 2 and
under.)
4. Batting:
A. (Div. 1-3) * See special rules for
the PeeWee Division.
1) No team may
score more than five (5) runs in any one inning.
2) When the fifth run scores play continues until
the ball is dead. The inning is then over and only five (5) runs are
counted. The five run rule does not apply in the sixth inning or any extra
inning.
3) All players are eligible to bat in an inning
whether they are scheduled to play in the field in that inning or not. All
players who are present will be listed on the line-up card and will bat in that
order throughout the game. However, each team shall score no more than 5
runs in any inning and only 9 players play in the field at one time.
Note: The use of the 5 run rule is not an option. All teams in
Divisions 2 and below must use it.
5. Ballplayers - all players Divisions 1-6 *
Note PeeWee exception.
A. All ballplayers shall
be scheduled to play in a minimum of three (3) full innings. If daylight
permits, all 6 or 7 innings will be played. Substitutions must be made no later
than the beginning of the 4th inning.
NOTE: It is the philosophy and intention of
Spokane Youth Sports Association Baseball that every child is allowed to play
three full innings. Coaches shall not attempt to circumvent this rule and
will use their best efforts to insure that each of their members plays three
full innings.
B. All ballplayers must be
scheduled to play in three full games during the regular
season.
C. Age: Players shall not
be allowed to “play up” in any division without committee approval. Cut
off date is April 30th of the playing season.
6. Grounds for
Ejection:
NOTE: If the coach
is ejected and a registered assistant coach is not present the game if
forfeited.
A. Throwing of any
equipment.
B. Profane, abusive or intimidating
language.
C. Arguing with the
umpire.
D. Any action that in the judgement of the umpire
distracts from the game of baseball.
E. Any player using equipment that is illegal for
their particular age group (i.e. 12 and under players using bats that are longer
than 33 in or have a barrel circumference greater than 2 and ¼
inches.
F. Fake Tags: The action of a fielder in
touching a base with his body while pretending to hold the ball securely and
firmly in his hand or glove, or pretending to touch a runner with a ball, or
with his hand or glove, pretending to hold the ball securely and firmly in his
glove or hand.
G. Any action that can be considered an attempt to
physically hurt an opponent.
Note: Any player, coach, or spectator ejected for
and of the above reasons must sit out one additional
game.
7.
Additional Grounds for Forfeiture:
A. Not following
the directions of duly appointed authority (i.e. League officials or
umpires.)
B. Harassment or intimidating behavior by
spectators.
8. Players on the
bench:
A. All players, except the “on deck”
player, must remain on the bench or in the area declared to be the bench
area.
B. The “on deck” player shall remain in a safe
area, out of the playing field, and shall not interfere with the progress of the
game. NOTE: There are provisions in the rulebook covering
interference and obstruction.
9. Game length:
A. The number of innings to be played in each age group is as
follows:
Age
Innings per Game
1)
5-6
Five
2) 7-8, 9-10,
11-12
Six
3)
13 and above
Seven
Note: Extra innings can be played in all age groups, 9-10 and above, for
games tied at the end of regulation play providing the criteria set in 9B
(below) is not exceeded.
B. No inning shall be started after 8:15 PM. Note: The start
of a new inning is determined when the last out of the previous full inning has
been made. Note: 8:00 PM for Division
1.
C. No game shall be called in the middle of an inning because of time or
darkness, unless done so by the umpire. Coaches, parents, and Board
Members do not have the authority to call a game. The umpire has complete
authority at any game and his calls cannot be
protested.
10. Players 13 and older may wear metal
cleats. Coaches should instruct players on the correct procedure to use
when sliding when they are wearing metal spikes. Coaches should also make
players aware that metal spikes can be dangerous if not used
properly.
11. Up through age 15 all players must wear the
full uniform that is provided by SYSAB. The uniform consists of the shirt,
pants, socks and hat. Teams not complying with the directive will be
directed to comply by the next game or be suspended from further play.
Note: Individual players not in compliance will be allowed to play but be
reminded that the must take initiatives to be in full uniform by the next
game.
12. Soft toss throwing of baseballs (regular or
safety) is a good technique to develop a player’s swing. However the
hitting of baseball into a backstop, batting cage structure or a fence is
prohibited. The impact of the ball causes damage to the structure, ruins
the baseball and is extremely dangerous to the hitter and the thrower. If
you want to use this technique use wiffle balls or purchase a net or piece of
canvas to absorb the impact of the ball.
Rule
12.2 - Appendix B
PEE WEE RULES (5/6 YEAR OLDS) DIV
1
This program
is designed to teach 5 and 6 year olds the basic fundamentals of baseball. The
following rules have been established as a guideline in teaching these
fundamentals. If you have any questions regarding these rules please call the
Complex at 536-1800 for clarification.
1.
Sixty foot base paths will be used.
2.
All baseball games are to start at 6:00 p.m. and no inning may start after 8:00
p.m.
3.
Each game shall consist of five (5) innings. A game may be declared official
after 2 ½ to 3 innings.
4.
All players on the roster must play two (2) innings in the
field.
5. The first half of the season will be tee
ball. A tee will be placed on home plate and each player will have as many
swings as necessary to hit a fair ball. Once a fair ball is hit, the
opposing teams fielders can make a play on the ball and record an out. A
parent or the coach will replace the ball on the tee, as necessary, and remove
the tee from the plate if a runner is advancing toward home. During coach
pitch each coach will pitch to his own players, but will not be allowed to play
the ball at any time. Each player will have five (5) pitches to hit a fair
ball. If after 5 pitches and a fair ball is not hit the player will be
allowed to use a tee to complete his time at bat.
6.
Prior to all the games the coaches determine who shall umpire during batting so
that the batter will learn to determine the difference between a ball and a
strike.
7.
There will be no stealing of bases or leading off from
bases.
8. No team may score more than five (5) runs in
any one inning. When the fifth run scores play continues until the
ball is dead. The inning is then over and only five (5) runs are
counted.
9.
Continuous batting is used. This means that all players will bat in an
inning whether they are scheduled to play in the field in that inning or
not. Players shall bat in the order they are listed on the team
roster. Outs made by players catching fly balls, force-outs or players
tagged out running bases count and if three outs are recorded by the defensive
team before 5 runs have scored, the inning is over.
Rule
12.3 - Appendix C
Division 1 (7-8 Yr Olds)
Rules
[10 game
season]
1. Sixty-foot base paths, pitcher’s mound
approx. 40 ft.
2. Games start at 6 PM. Last inning may not start
after 8:00 p.m.
3. Game will be six innings. There is no
scorekeeping.
4. Each member will play at least 3 innings in the
field.
5. No leading off and no
stealing.
6. Players must make a reasonable effort to avoid
undue contact with a fielder who is making a play on him/her. This will
typically involve sliding into a base; however, if in the judgement of the
umpire the runner has made a reasonable effort to avoid contact with out
sliding, he/she can be ruled safe. The purpose of the sliding rule is for
the safety of the players.
7. The first half of the season (5 games) will be
all coach pitch from approx. 40 ft. at a reasonable speed. The pitching
coach or designated pitching person will be from the team at bat. The
second half of the season will be half coach pitch and half player pitch.
The 1st, 3rd and 5th innings will be coach
pitch as in the first half of the season. Players pitch even numbered
innings and can only pitch in one inning of each game. If a pitcher hits
two batters in one inning he/she shall be relieved as pitcher. Batters can
strike out and the three out per inning rule is in effect. Coaches need to
stress to the pitchers the importance of throwing the ball across the plate and
de-emphasize trying to strike out batters.
8. The 1st, 3rd, and
5th innings will be coach or designated representative pitch.
When the coach is pitching, each player will get seven (7) pitches to hit a fair
ball. Strikes and balls do not count, and are only given by the pitching
coach for informational use. No one can strike out or take first on a walk
or hit batter. Players failing to hit a fair ball in 7 pitches take a seat
in the bench area and their time at bat does not count as an
out.
9. No advance on pitched ball passed by
catcher.
10. Overthrows: (12 and under Cal
Ripken)
a. Two bases from which the offensive player occupied when the play
started. (First throw by an infielder)
b. Two bases from where the offensive player was
when the throw was made. (Second throw by an infielder or first throw by
and outfielder)
c. A player may not advance on a catcher’s return
throw to the pitcher. (Ages 10 and under)
11. All players are eligible to bat in an inning
whether they are scheduled to play in the field in that inning or not.
Players shall bat as they are listed on the team line up card. The
defensive team will have only 9 players play in the field at one
time.
12. No team may score more than five (5) runs in
any one inning. When the fifth run scores play continues until the ball is
dead. The inning is then over and only five (5) runs are counted.
The five run rule does not apply in the sixth inning or any extra inning.
13. An umpire will be furnished by the home
team.