2010 Baseball

Rules & Regulations

PO Box 1067 Farmington, MI 48332

SFBI BASEBALL RULES A letter from the Commissioner South Farmington baseball would thank you for volunteering to manage or coach this season. It takes a very special person to coach a baseball team. In Tee ball patience is needed. In Pinto teaching is done. In Mustang the players learn to pitch. In Bronco the games start to take shape. In Pony the boys are ready to play like young ballplayers. To watch your sons and daughters grow through the different levels is something to behold. That’s what makes the game of baseball so special. Baseball is a game of respect; it truly is a gentleman’s game. Respect should always be given to the opposing coaches, players and umpires. It starts with a pre game meeting at the plate and ends with the players shaking hands after the game. Respect is marveling at a great play whether it is your team or the other, and giving words of praise for that play. Respect should be given at all times. We all play or coach to win. It is human nature. But to teach players to win or lose with grace is a far greater life lesson. The player’s look to you for guidance and your actions will be a greater influence than anything else you can teach. Hopefully one day they also will grow up to manage or coach your grandchildren. Teach them well. There is no greater honor than to see them in their later years and still hear them call you “coach”. The game itself is for the kids, not for you. If winning is your only goal and you will do anything to win, then I suggest you get in a more competitive league such as travel. This is house baseball, where all boys and girls play and learn. They spend time with their friends and make new friends along the way. This is where families meet and bond within our community. You will make many friends as you move along in the leagues. Work with your league directors to make your league a better league. If you have skills that could benefit the league, volunteer for a board position. Work with the umpire’s, remember they are part of our family also. They also are learning with your players, give them the help and respect they need to become a good umpire. Common sense and fair play should guide you during the season. Any problem you encounter can be worked out. No matter what happens, things will work out if you take the time to make it work. Anything you can do to help a player regardless of what team he is on should be done. Any encouragement you can give, give it. The fun you put into it, is the fun you get out of it. I will leave you with a quote I received from a prior Softball Commissioner who was well respected in the league. “These are games to be played, not battles to be won” Have a great season “The Commish”

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SFBI BASEBALL RULES Mission Statement It is the mission of South Farmington Baseball Inc. (SFBI) to provide a safe, nurturing, organized, and instructive environment for young people of both sexes to enjoy and learn the game of baseball/softball and sportsmanship in general. The above statement explicitly and implicitly addresses a number of important issues. First, the safety of every young person is most important to the success of SFBI. While the game of baseball/softball has inherent dangers, we will try to minimize those dangers whenever possible. We will also try to encourage policies that protect young people from non-baseball/softball dangers. Second, every young person will be nurtured equally, regardless of natural talent. This nurturing implies both physical and emotional growth. Third, SFBI will provide the organization to seek volunteer adults, equip players and teams, and schedule games. Fourth, we will provide the best baseball/softball instruction that our volunteers are capable of providing. SFBI will arrange clinics to better train players, managers and umpires in the finer points of the game. Fifth, since the game of baseball/softball is played for fun and that will be our primary objective. Teamwork, fair play, empathy, and good sportsmanship will also be overriding objectives. Developing a competitive spirit, determination, and the desire to win are important objectives and will be developed, but not to the detriment of the nurturing of any individual player. SFBI recognizes that all children develop at different ages. We encourage positive parental involvement, teach children to respect all other individuals, and teach that rewards come from hard work, not necessarily just from accomplishment. SFBI programs are a place to learn and play the sport of baseball/softball regardless of the skill level of the individual players. CONDUCT Encourage good sportsmanship. Set the example. Umpires may eject players, coaches and spectators, and can cancel games if the situation warrants. Managers, coaches, players and parents should address all comments to their own team. Some team cheers are to be expected, but please keep them in check and if the score gets lopsided, please keep team cheers addressed to your own team. Managers are responsible for the behavior of their coaches, parents and fans. Unruly coaches and fans will be asked once by the appropriate manager to control themselves after a warning from the umpire. A second incident will result in an ejection from the field. Refusal to leave the game will terminate and forfeit the game to the other team (providing the unruly person is a parent/relative/friend of one of the players on the team causing the disruption).

SFBI BASEBALL RULES SAFETY RULES 1) Official Baseball bats only. Please see each league page for restrictions. 2) All batters MUST use a batting helmet. All leagues 12 U and below are required to have cages. 14 U

is optional, but strongly suggested. Players may use own helmets, but must follow guidelines explained above.

3) All players must wear helmets on bases and in the on deck circle. 4) Pitchers in Tee Ball and 8 U are required to wear a helmet with a face cage. 5) Players on deck must always be on the backside of the batter at the plate. 6) No metal spikes or cleats are allowed in ANY leagues. 7) No jewelry is allowed to be worn during game. 8) All players must be in uniform. If a player loses his hat, he is required to get a replacement in order

to play in field. 9) All players are required to wear an Athletic supporter. If a player forgets to wear one, he is to play

outfield only. 10) When warming up, make sure the area is clear of spectators or fans so injuries do not occur from

errant throws. 11) Only 2 players are allowed to swing bats during the game. The batter and the on deck player.

A third player may practice with a hitting device (hitting stick) but MUST be with a coach only. Once again make sure the area is clear of spectators and younger children.

12) In 8 U and above all catchers must be in full equipment. A catcher’s mitt is optional. 13) Throwing the bat is a warning to both teams. There will be only one warning. After the warning, any

player throwing the bat will be called out. 14) All players must stay out of opening of the dugout to the field. On some diamonds this includes the

angle of which a foul ball may come into a dugout. 15) When a player is injured to the extent that there is blood, the player should be pulled from the game

and treated. The bleeding must be stopped and the wound covered. Gloves should be worn. Serious injuries require an Incident report.

GENERAL RULES 1) Each team will provide a new game ball each game. 2) All games will end with a handshake at home plate from all team players, including managers and

coaches. 3) If a team is short the required number of players, the game will still be played as practice by

borrowing players. 4) Managers should share helmets when necessary. 5) Games during the regular season may end in a tie. Extra innings may be played if the time limit has

not been reached. 6) In the event an umpire does not show up, every effort should be made to find a parent or bystander

to fill in. Managers may umpire if agreed upon by both parties. Balls and Strikes will be called behind the pitcher.

7) All players MUST be registered with SFBI. 8) There will be no yelling or ragging of the pitchers. No chatter once pitcher takes the rubber. The

catchers are prohibited from chatting. Chatting must not be derogatory.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES

9) SFBI follows the Pony Organization rules for any rule not discussed in the rulebook. These rules can be found at http://pony.org/files/baseball_rules.pdf. If the rule CANNOT be found anywhere, the Commissioner and League Directors will render a judgment.

PLAYER PARTICPATION (ALL LEAGUES) 1) All players must play in the field and bat during the game. 2) All players must play 2 innings in the infield by the designated inning for each league. See

the individual leagues for the number of the inning. 3) All players that request to pitch must be given a chance sometime during the season. The

player though must demonstrate though that they can at least throw the ball to the plate area. 4) The only way a player can avoid a playing an infield position for safety purposes is through

signed consent by the parents. This must be turned into league director no later than Memorial Day.

5) All players should have equal number of bats by season end. Rotate the batting order or start the next game with lineup that ended the previous game. It is understand that absences will cause some players to have less than the team.

6) Bench time is to be distributed equally among all team members. No player is to sit out a second time until all players have sat at least once.

7) At NO time shall a player be benched because of a playing error. 8) A player may re-enter a game. The official rules governing substitution do not apply. 9) A player arriving late is to be added to the end of the lineup and assigned to defensive

positions following league guidelines. 10) During the regular season a player may leave the game due to an injury with no penalty for

missing his turn at bat. The player is eligible to bat in the same order if they are able to return to the game.

11) Do not substitute defensive positions during the playing of an inning, unless required to do so because of an injury.

12) Pitchers can be replaced, but we encourage managers to keep the pitcher in the game and swap defensively.

13) Pitchers are to be removed after hitting 2 batters anytime during the game.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES Manager and Coach Selection 1) Manager signup will be during the same period as player signup. Any requests received after the

closing date will be considered on an as needed basis. 2) The League Director and Baseball Commissioner will have the final decision on the selection of

managers and coaches and MAY override the general guidelines. 3) The general guidelines to be followed will be as follows in order:

A) Returning managers B) Managers moving up from previous younger league. C) Returning official coaches in the current league D) Official coaches moving up from the previous younger league. E) All others who have managing experience in prior years, followed by coaching experience in

other years. F) All Others.

4) Disciplinary actions by the board will be enforced. 5) Failure of turning in ratings from prior season will disqualify a manager from getting a team. 6) In the event that not enough managers have volunteered, league directors will recruit to fill spots. 7) All managers and coaches will be subject to a background check. 8) Official coaches are coaches that are registered with the league. 9) It is strongly suggested that the draft leagues have two official coaches. If the managers do not have

any parent in mind, the league directors may place volunteers that have signed up through the web site.

Draft Information 1) The following leagues will have a formal draft. (10 U, 12 U, 14 U). The 16 U and 18 U leagues will

have an informal draft. Since 16 U and 18 U have a small amount of teams, the managers will meet to discuss what players they want on their team. In the event of two or more teams wanting a player the league director or Commissioner will decide in the best interest of the league.

2) Draft day will be held either the second or third weekend in March. The 14 U draft may be delayed a few days, due to High School baseball tryouts.

3) Draft order will be determined at the manager meeting that is held before draft dates. The second round draft order will be the inverse of round one.

4) Completed ratings from the prior year, will be used for the ranking of players for draft. The League Director and the Commissioner reserve the right to adjust any ratings they feel that are not correct. This must be mutually agreed on by both positions.

5) Either the League Director or the Commissioner may prepare the draft sheets, but the Commissioner must review all draft sheets. Due diligence will be made to get a ranking for any player that does not have a previous years ranking. Sources for this include, prior seasons the player was in, Fall Baseball rankings, other contact with other baseball organizations.

6) All travel players returning to house will be placed in the first round, in the final spot available for that round.

7) Un rated players will be randomly drawn at the end of each round they occur in. 8) The first round will consist of the older boys of the division including any move ups that are in their

second year. The second round will consist of first year players and any move ups. 9) For pitching purposes, the round the player was drafted in will determine his age for pitching, not his

actual age.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES Umpires Umpires should arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled game time. You should have your meeting at the plate 10 minutes before game time. If an umpire is not present both teams should ask for volunteers from the fans. Substitute umpires will be paid-please report name and phone number to the league director. He will pass on to the Umpire Director. Questions regarding a clarification of the rules must involve the other manager. A manager should ask the umpire for time out and call the other manager over for a consultation. All conversations with the umpire will be in a normal tone of voice and controlled. If a manger believes the umpire has misinterpreted a rule or otherwise erred in the application of a rule, the manager can confer with the umpire to clarify the ruling. If the ruling is to be over turned, the opposing manager is to be informed. Judgment calls are not to be changed. Sometimes it is best to let the umpire’s decision stand during the game, and then talk to him after the game. You are NOT to question balls and strikes, nor make comments regarding these calls. Please share this philosophy with your fans also. Do not intimidate, disrespect or argue with an umpire. No verbal abuse or physical contact in any form will be tolerated. Umpires are instructed to eject violators of this rule, whether manager, coach, player or spectator. Fans (parents and friends) that are seated behind the backstop must refrain from calling balls and strikes and from trying to persuade the umpire. Umpires may ask the manager to clear the area behind the backstop if there is a problem. If an umpire ejects a manager or coach any reason, that managers or coach ‘s team will forfeit the game. A manager will be given one warning prior to ejection. It is the manager’s responsibility to control the behavior of all coaches, players and themselves. A coach will be anyone who assists the in the dugout or on the field regardless in a uniform or not. In addition the team’s spectators will be given one warning if their behavior is unacceptable to the umpire. If a second warning is given, the team associated with the spectator(s) will forfeit. If ejected, a manager or coach will be suspended for the next game. If a second violation occurs, the manager will be suspended for the remainder of the season. The league director will investigate all complaints involving managers, coaches and umpires. If the investigation finds any of the rules were violated, the manager or coach could be suspended for the remainder of the season, depending on the severity of the incident.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES EQUIPMENT Equipment will be distributed on dates and times determined by the equipment manager. Specific times for each league will be determined. You will be required to provide SFBI a deposit check payable to SFBI. The equipment manager will determine the amount. The league will provide all basic equipment needed for a team. Additional items if available may be checked out for an additional deposit. If you have defective equipment, please contact the Equipment manager for replacement. Do not attempt to repair any equipment. When returning equipment, make sure all is clean and in good condition. Inform the Equipment manager if there are any broken or lost pieces. All teams are required to return equipment on the scheduled return dates. Tournament teams will check out equipment after the house leagues have returned theirs. UNIFORMS Uniforms will be distributed on dates and times determined by the Uniform manager. There will be uniform exchange dates for resizing uniforms. All unused uniforms shall be turned back in at a date specified by the Uniform manager. Please distribute uniforms based on size not number. Lettering can be applied to the uniforms at the manager’s discretion. PRACTICE Each time will pick 2 practice times at the managers meeting. Practice times during the week will start at either 4:30 or 6:30 PM; weekend practices will have various starting times. The time that has the early practice times must clear the field at the end of their designated time, so the late team can take the field. If fields are closed by the City of Farmington, all teams ARE required to stay off the fields. Violation of this may result in a suspension. GAME SCHEDULES Game schedule will be posted on the SFBI when final. (SFBI.org). Rainouts or other cancelled games are not rescheduled. In the event a team has an extraordinary amount of games rained out, the league director and commissioner will convene to see about the possibility of make up games. Fields and umpires for make up games will be taken care of by the league. RATINGS All managers in all leagues except Tee Ball will be required to submit ratings on EVERY player before the start of the playoffs to the commissioner. Failure to turn in ratings will result in the team not being eligible for the second round of the playoffs regardless of whether they win or not. There are no exceptions to this rule. ALLSTAR Each team will conduct an All Star vote with the players, manager and the two official coaches voting. A parent that is not voting will tabulate the results. The League Director will determine the number of players selected for the All Star game(s) from each team based on the number of games and players needed.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES SCORING AND WEBSITE

Each team will provide a scorekeeper. Scores are to be checked at the end of every inning. Any scoring discrepancies must be resolved before the game can continue. In leagues that keep standings, the winning team manager must enter the score within 3 business days. Failure to do so will result in the winning team not getting credit for the win and the game will be considered a tie. Each team will be given one warning regarding entering scores in a timely manner. Managers may do a write up on the game, but must be considerate of the other team. It is considered good sportsmanship to make reference to the other teams players for good statistics during the game. WEATHER If fields are closed by the city, you will be contacted via email. The league directors will do this. Most of the fields will recover from a heavy rain in just a few hours. It is likely that a heavy rain in the early part of the day will not cause the cancellations of your game. You should always go to the field to see if it is playable. Rainouts are to be called by mutual consent of both managers and the umpires if the decision is made at the field. Games are not to be cancelled before 30 minutes after the scheduled start of a game. When lightning is seen OR thunder is heard, all games are to be suspended MMEDIATELY. All managers, coaches, players, fans and umpires are to take shelter in a building or vehicles. Under no circumstances are the players to be outside the vehicles. No one is take shelter in unsafe areas including picnic shelters, canopies and trees. All activities shall be suspended for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder is heard. If the lightning lasts 30 minutes, cancel the game. If a tornado siren sounds all games are to be suspended IMMEDIATELY. Leave equipment and find shelter in the nearest substantial building. Games will be suspended till the “all clear” has been issued by the National Weather Service. GAME DAY PREPARATION AND POST GAME RESPONSIBILITIES Managers and coaches should arrive early enough to the field to set up. The home team is responsible for set up of the bases and the pitching rubber and to set up the pitching machine and gas up the generator for Pinto. The home team will occupy the third base dugout. Teams are NOT allowed to practice on the infield prior to the game except Pinto (8U) and Teeball. See Pinto rules for explanation. The field should be ready for the home team to take the field 5 minutes before the game. Both managers should meet with umpire to introduce themselves and go over the ground rules. Pre game batting practice should be conducted beyond first and third base. Fielding practice should be conducted in foul territory between home and first. After the game has ended, please clean up the bench area and exit if there is a game that follows. Any after game talks with team should be held outside of the dugout area, if a game follows. Make sure all players are attended to before you leave. Never allow yourself to left alone with a player on your team, ask another parent to wait till all players are gone. We are responsible for all players from the time the players are dropped off to the time they leave. PROTESTS AND GRIEVANCES Submit all protests/grievances to the league director within 24 hours. Use the incident report form that is located on the website under handouts. Each manager has the right to protest a game based on the umpire’s interpretation of the rules. A NON-refundable protest fee of $50 must accompany the protest made within 24 hours. Checks are to be made payable to SFBI.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES GAME LENGTH 1) The purpose of this rule is to get the maximum amount of innings for each game. This

section applies to all leagues that keep standings on the web site. (10,12, 14 U for baseball, and 8, 10 and 13 U for softball). Pinto and Tee Ball should not have a problem.

2) Each team should designate a coach to make sure that the players are ready to take the field as soon as their at bat is finished. This is accomplished many ways. First all players should know their positions and catchers should be ready with gear on. We allow the catchers to have a pinch runner when there are 2 outs in an inning. The pinch runner MUST be the last player to record an out. Warm up rules for pitchers are in each leagues rule section and should be followed. Teams should be on field and ready to start at designated start time.

3) The umpire is a facilitator of time only. Game start time should be called out before the first pitch. The umpire’s watch will be the official time.

4) Each league has a designated game length, it is posted within each division rules. 5) No new inning is to start 1:50 minutes after the game start. In baseball 14 U this time is

2:20 minutes. 6) Each division has a limited number of runs per inning. Teams will have to get 3 outs when

the LAST inning is CALLED. This will give a team a chance to come back in game when they are behind more than limited number of runs allowed.

7) The 2 managers will meet as close as possible to the 30 minutes point, before the no new inning time (1hr 20 min for all leagues except 14 U. 14 U will be at the 1hr 50 min mark) to discuss when LAST inning will be called. This meeting will be at the start of a new inning.

8) The team that is behind in the game will be the team that declares the LAST inning. In the event of a tie, BOTH managers MUST agree on last inning, or game is under time limit if no agreement is made.

9) Once LAST inning is CALLED, it cannot be changed, even if the inning is completed before the end of game time.

10) The start of a new inning will be the last recorded out of the previous inning.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES PLAYOFFS (ALL LEAGUES) Format – In Pinto (8U) the teams will be split into 3 divisions based on average age of team players. The Commissioner will determine the split. All 3 divisions will play for a champion. In all other leagues, playoff seeding will be based on league standings. In the event of a tie in the standings, the only tiebreaker will be head to head play. If still tied, a coin flip will be used to break tie. Seeding – The lower number is consider the higher seed. I.e. seed #1 is considered higher seed than #8. Brackets – The brackets will be set before the playoffs and will not be reset based upon results. Rules 1) The higher seed is considered the home team and will occupy the 3rd base dugout. The lower seed

will be responsible for setting up the field. 2) The home team will keep the official score for the game. The visiting team shall verify the score at

the end of each inning. 3) A FULL DISCLOSURE lineup will be mandatory during the playoffs. Managers will exchange

the lineup before the game. A game will not start until the FULL DISCLOSURE is exchanged. Game time will be lost until line up is completed. Managers may deviate from lineup as long as league rules regarding player participation is followed. A pitcher must pitch to 4 batters to get credit for infield play.

4) There will be no tie games. The game will be played until there is a winner. In the event of a game being called because of darkness or weather and is not considered a complete game, it will be scheduled to be finished at the suspended point by the commissioner before the next round starts. A team may finish a suspended game and play the next round the same day.

5) An official game will be what is specified in each leagues rulebook. 6) Any player leaving the game for any reason including injury will result in an out if the player is

unable to bat in his normal position. 7) Teams must have at least 8 players to play an official game. Any less will be considered a forfeit.

There will be no borrowing of players. 8) Starting when the leagues enter the Field of 8 (Quarterfinals) no pitcher may pitch in three

consecutive games regardless of the number of innings or pitches he threw in previous games. One pitch thrown constitutes an inning pitched. The same league rules for pitching will apply in the playoffs. All pitching violations will result in forfeiture of game.

9) The winning team is responsible for reporting the score of the game and the names of the pitchers used by the winning team to the Commissioner the day of the game. Playoff results will be reported via email at the end of the day.

10) If an umpire for any reason ejects a manager or coach the manager or coach’s team will forfeit the game. A manager will receive one warning prior to the ejection. A coach is defined as anyone who assists in the dugout or in the field, regardless of whether in uniform or not. In addition, a team’s spectators will be given one warning if their behavior is unacceptable to the umpire. The umpire HAS the right to clear the area behind the plate if deemed necessary. If a second warning is given, the team associated with the spectator(s) will forfeit. Any team requiring a forfeit will be out of the playoffs.

11) All Championship games will go the full amount of league innings regardless of time of game. This will be not in effect in event of weather, which will revert to league rules regarding a complete game.

12) Absolutely no protests. All umpire decisions are final. All playing violations must be reported the same day as game, and proof must be shown.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES TEE BALL Base length: 50 Feet Home to 2nd Base: 70 Feet 8 Inches Pitching Mound: 40 Feet Game Length: 5 innings Official Game: No official Scorekeeping, No umpires, No Forfeits Time Limit: 1 1/2 hours Bat Restrictions: Official Little League Tee Ball Bats. Safety: Cages are required on batting helmets. General Rules: 1) The entire roster of players present for each team, regardless of the number shall bat each inning. When

everyone has batted the inning is over. 2) All players in attendance shall bat throughout the game. 3) All players play the field, with a pitcher, catcher and 5 infielders. Everyone else shall be in the outfield. 4) Each player must play at least a minimum of 1 inning in the infield. 5) Teams may have 3 adult coaches stationed in field to provide direction. 6) The official ball will be a vinyl covered Incrediball. The home team should supply the ball. 7) There are no strikeouts, players may take, as many swing as necessary to hit ball. 8) A double first base will be used. 9) The focus of Tee Ball is to teach the players the game without pressures of winning or losing. Enjoy the

game, have fun, let the players have fun. Field: 1) The batting tee should be set on home plate. 2) The home team should draw an arc that reaches from the first base line to the third base line

approximately 10 feet from home plate. Any batted ball that stops within the arc is to be considered a foul ball.

3) The tees are adjustable, and should be adjusted as necessary to match height of batter. Dish soap can be used to make them adjust easier. Batting order should be set by height, so tees are not adjusted as often.

Safety: 1) Only one player should have a bat in their hands. Warm up swings are to be taken when it is time to bat.

Your on deck batter should not have a bat. 2) The catcher shall take a position at the backstop until a fair ball is hit. Then he is to run up to play the

catcher position. The catcher must wear a helmet. 3) The pitcher must stay in the mound area until batter hits ball. The pitcher must also wear a helmet. 4) The manager should warn the other team when a “hard” hitter is up. 5) Throwing the bat after hitting ball is dangerous. If it happens, play should be stopped and the batter

shown the correct way to drop the bat. The player may bat again after this happens. 6) Both managers should be at home plate for every batter. The offensive manager works with the batter.

The defensive manager holds the ball until team is placed properly, then places ball on tee. Base Running: 1) If a player is called out as a base runner or batter, they are to return to bench. Please explain why they

were out. 2) There is no stealing or leadoffs. Player must sty on base until ball is hit. 3) If a base becomes dislodged the runner is safe. Fix the base. 4) If the base runner runs more than 6 feet from a direct line between the two bases to avoid tag, he will be

out. Please explain to player why he was out. 5) With the last batter, ALL runners including hitter will run all the bases. 6) The first 5 games, the batter may advance one base only. Starting with 6th game, runners can advance till

the ball is thrown back into the infield.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES 8 U PINTO REGULAR SEASON Base length: 50 Feet Home to 2nd Base: 70 Feet 8 Inches Pitching Machine: 40 Feet Game Length: 6 innings Official Game: No official Scorekeeping occurs in Regular Season Time Limit: 2 hours, no new inning starts after 1 hour 50 minutes Bat Restrictions: Official Little league bats can be wood or metal, allow Tee Ball Bats. Safety: All players are REQUIRED to wear an athletic supporter including a cup. A player not wearing a cup will be allowed to play, but cannot pitch or catch. Cages are required on batting helmets. General Rules: 1) An inning is 3 outs or batting through the order. The number of the order will be the team with most

players. Late arriving players, will go to end of order and MAY change the number of the order. 2) All players in attendance shall bat throughout the game. 3) Four outfielders are used in game. The only restriction on the fourth outfielder is that he must play on

the grass at all times. 4) Catchers on base with 2 outs are eligible to have a pinch runner in order to get ready for the next inning.

The runner shall be the player that made the last recorded out. 5) All players must play 4 innings in the field, including 2 innings in the infield by the 4th inning. Teams

that have 13 players have until the 5th inning for this requirement. 6) Teams must have at least 8 players to start a game. Teams may borrow a player from other team to play

RF only. The player borrowed will be the last player up in that inning. 7) Free Substitution is allowed during the game. 8) Practice time will be allowed on the field before the game during weekday games only. On

weekends it will be allowed if the field is clear before your game. Game start times are not to be adjusted due to practice. The home team will have to clear the field 40 minutes before game start. (5:50 PM on weekdays). The visiting team will have until 10 minutes before game start. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Pitching Machine Rules: 1) The pitching machine speed will be 38 MPH. Speed is not to be altered by either team. 2) Adults ONLY can use the pitching machines. Please keep players away from moving wheel. 3) A ball hitting the machine is considered a dead ball, and one base is awarded for all runners. 4) The pitcher is required to wear a helmet and will play 4 feet behind the machine on the first base side. 5) The batter will receive 7 pitches in which to hit the ball into play or strike out. After the fifth pitch if the

batter has not swung, a strike will be added to the count whether the batter swings or not. After 2 strikes, the batter can remain at bat by fouling off each pitch. There is no limit to the amount of foul balls hit.

6) A Fifteen-foot arc in front of home plate and extending to the fences on either side denotes the dead ball zone. Any ball hit which does not travel out of the dead ball zone will be considered a foul ball.

7) There are no walks. 8) The manager of the team batting will be responsible for operating the machine for his team.

Base Running: 1) A runner may slide to avoid contact at all bases except first base. The fielder cannot block the base nor

stand in the base paths. 2) Stealing bases and leadoffs are not allowed. Leaving the base before the ball is hit will result in a one

warning per GAME. After one warning is given any runner leaving early will be considered out.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES

3) Runners can advance one base only on a overthrow at 1st and 3rd base. Runners advance at own risk and can be thrown out if the ball does not go out of play. One base will be awarded on any overthrown ball that goes out of play.

4) Time out will be in force when the ball is thrown into the dead ball zone by home plate. All runners will have to return to the last base touched. The only exception to this rule will be a runner running from 3rd base to home. If that runner has crossed the halfway point, he may continue to home plate.

5) A double first base will be used. A fair ball will be called on any ball that crosses the white part of the base. If the ball goes over the orange portion of base it will be called foul.

6) The white part of the base is for the defensive player only. The orange part of the base if for the runner only. A runner will be called out if he does not touch the orange part of base.

Baseball Rules Not allowed: 1) Intentional Walk 2) No Balk Rule 3) Dropped Third Strike 4) Infield Fly Rule. 5) No Bunting

SFBI BASEBALL RULES 10 U MUSTANG REGULAR SEASON Base length: 65 Feet Home to 2nd Base: 92 Feet Pitching Mound: 44 Feet Game Length: 6 innings Official Game: 3 Innings (2 ½ Home team ahead) Time Limit: 2 hours, no new inning starts after 1 hour 50 minutes Mercy rule: 15 Runs after 5 innings, team behind calls Mercy Bat Restrictions: 2 ¾ Barrel, There is no drop limit. Safety: All players are REQUIRED to wear an athletic supporter including a cup. A player not wearing a cup will be allowed to play, but cannot pitch or catch. Cages are required on batting helmets. General Rules: 1) An inning is 3 outs or 4 runs maximum. In the last inning, the maximum run rule is waived. Three outs

must be recorded. The last inning must be decided by the managers before the expiration of the time limit of the game.

2) All players in attendance shall bat throughout the game. 3) Catchers on base with 2 outs are eligible to have a pinch runner in order to get ready for the next inning.

The runner shall be the player that made the last recorded out. 4) All players must play 4 innings in the field, including 2 innings in the infield by the 4th inning. Teams

that have 13 players have until the 5th inning for this requirement. 5) Teams must have at least 8 players to start a game. Teams may borrow a player from other team to play

RF only. The player borrowed will be the last player up in that inning. 6) Free Substitution is allowed during the game. Although a pitcher MAY NOT pitch again once removed

from the game

Pitching Rules: 1) 2 complete innings out of the first 3 innings Must be pitched by a player selected in 9 U part of the

draft. An 9 yr old playing in his second year is classified as a 10 U. It does not have to be the same player, but a combination of that age group.

2) A complete inning is defined as 3 outs or 4 runs. 3) A pitcher may pitch 2 innings a game, 4 innings a week. A week is defined as Sunday through Saturday.

. It starts 12 AM Sunday through 11:59 PM Saturday 4) One pitch thrown in an inning constitutes an inning pitched for innings per game and week. 5) If a pitcher hits 2 batters in a game, he shall be removed from pitching in the game. 6) Managers are allowed 1 visit to the mound per pitcher per game. The 2nd visit requires removing the

pitcher from the game. 7) Relief pitchers will be given seven pitches for warm-up. 8) New Pitchers will get 7 warm up throws to start an inning, returning pitchers to start an inning

will receive 5 warm up pitches.

Base Running: 1) A runner must slide to avoid contact at all bases except first base. The fielder cannot block the base nor

stand in the base paths. This ruling is the umpire’s discretion whether contact could have been avoided. This call is NOT subject to discussion.

2) 2nd Base is the only base that players will be allowed to steal. There will be NO stealing of 3rd or Home. There are no extra bases on overthrows stealing. We want our young catchers to throw.

3) Leading off the bases is not allowed in Mustang. The runner cannot steal till the ball crosses the plate.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES

4) A player stealing (leaving) early will be called out. This is the umpire’s discretion and is NOT subject to discussion.

5) Players can advance ONLY one base on any overthrown ball that goes into FOUL territory regardless of whether it is in play or not. Runners run at own risk if ball is in play.

6) A time out shall be in force on a ball hit to the outfield, after an infielder has control of the ball on the dirt part of the infield. Control is defined as in glove or hand. No runners may advance past any bases they have not touched. If the infielder releases control (attempts a throw to make a play), the runners may advance at own risk.

Baseball Rules Allowed 1) Bunting

Baseball Rules Not allowed: 1) Intentional Walk 2) No Balk Rule 3) Dropped Third Strike 4) Infield Fly Rule.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES 12 U BRONCO REGULAR SEASON Base length: 70 Feet Home to 2nd Base: 99 Feet Pitching Mound: 48 Feet Game Length: 7 innings Official Game: 4 Innings (3 ½ Home team ahead) Time Limit: 2 hours, no new inning starts after 1 hour 50 minutes Mercy rule: 15 Runs after 5 innings, team behind calls Mercy Bat Restrictions: 2 ¾ Barrel, There is no drop limit. Safety: All players are REQUIRED to wear an athletic supporter including a cup. Cages are required on batting helmets. General Rules: 1) An inning is 3 outs or 4 runs maximum. In the last inning, the maximum run rule is waived. Three outs

must be recorded. The last inning must be decided by the managers before the expiration of the time limit of the game.

2) All players in attendance shall bat throughout the game. 3) Catchers on base with 2 outs are eligible to have a pinch runner in order to get ready for the next inning.

The runner shall be the player that made the last recorded out. 4) All players must play 5 innings in the field, including 2 innings in the infield. 5) Teams must have at least 8 players to start a game. Teams may borrow a player from other team to play

RF only. The player borrowed will be the last player up in that inning. 6) Free Substitution is allowed during the game. Although a pitcher MAY NOT pitch again once removed

from the mound

Pitching Rules: 1) 2 complete innings out of the first 5 innings Must be pitched by a player selected in 11 U part of the

draft. An 11 yr old playing in his second year is classified as a 12 U. It does not have to be the same player, but a combination of that age group.

2) A complete inning is defined as 3 outs or 4 runs. 3) A pitcher may pitch 3 innings a game, 6 innings a week. A week is defined as Sunday through Saturday.

It starts 12 AM Sunday through 11:59 PM Saturday 4) One pitch thrown in an inning constitutes an inning pitched for innings per game and week. 5) If a pitcher hits 2 batters in a game, he shall be removed from pitching in the game. 6) Managers are allowed 2 visits to the mound per pitcher per game. The 3rd visit requires removing the

pitcher from the game. 7) Relief pitchers will be given seven pitches for warm-up 8) Each pitcher will be given 1 balk pitch warning per game. 9) New Pitchers will get 7 warm up throws to start an inning, returning pitchers to start an inning

will receive 5 warm up pitches.

Base Running: 1) A runner must slide to avoid contact at all bases except first base. The fielder cannot block the base nor

stand in the base paths. This ruling is the umpire’s discretion whether contact could have been avoided. This call is NOT subject to discussion.

2) Stealing all bases is allowed including home, from the start of the season.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES

3) Leadoffs will be no longer than 5 Feet with the back foot not to cross the line drawn for this. The runner cannot steal till the ball crosses the plate. There is no secondary lead offs. If a pitcher attempts a pick off play, the runner must first go back and touch the base before advancing.

4) The managers will meet before the game to draw the step lines with a bat, unless the field’s coordinator provides the lines.

5) A player stealing (leaving) early will be called out. This is the umpire’s discretion and is NOT subject to discussion.

6) One base will be awarded on an overthrown ball that goes out of play. The ball is considered live at ALL times when the ball is in play. The fence off 1st base at CP#2 is considered in play.

Baseball Rules Allowed: 1) Dropped third strike 2) Infield Fly Rule. 3) Balk Rule, after 1 warning. 4) Bunting

Baseball Rules Not allowed: 1) Intentional Walk

SFBI BASEBALL RULES 14 U PONY REGULAR SEASON Base length: 80 Feet Home to 2nd Base: 113 Feet 2 inches Pitching Mound: 54 Feet Game Length: 7 innings Official Game: 5 Innings (4 ½ Home team ahead) Time Limit: 2 hours 30 minutes, no new inning starts after 2 hour 20 minutes Mercy rule: 12 Runs after 5 innings, 4 ½ if home team is ahead. team behind calls Mercy. Bat Restrictions: 2 ¾ Barrel, There is no drop limit. It cannot exceed 34 inches in length. Safety: All players are REQUIRED to wear an athletic supporter including a cup. Cages are not required on batting helmets, but are strongly suggested. No metal spikes are allowed. Flak jackets are allowed if fitted properly. Sports goggles are suggested for players with glasses. General Rules: 1) An inning is 3 outs or 6 runs maximum. In the last inning, the maximum run rule is waived. Three outs

must be recorded. The last inning must be decided by the managers before the expiration of the time limit of the game.

2) All players in attendance shall bat throughout the game. 3) Catchers on base with 2 outs are eligible to have a pinch runner in order to get ready for the next inning.

The runner shall be the player that made the last recorded out. 4) All players must play 5 innings in the field, including 2 innings in the infield. 5) Teams must have at least 8 players to start a game. Teams may borrow a player from other team to play

RF only. The player borrowed will be the last player up in that inning. 6) Free Substitution is allowed during the game. Although a pitcher MAY NOT pitch again once removed

from the game. 7) Players may coach the bases. They are required to wear a helmet. 8) Only managers, coaches and players are allowed in the dugout.

Pitching Rules: 1) 2 complete innings out of the first 5 innings Must be pitched by a player selected in 13 U part of the

draft. A 13 yr old playing in his second year is classified as a 14 U. It does not have to be the same player, but a combination of that age group.

2) A complete inning is defined as 3 outs or 6 runs. 3) A pitcher may pitch 4 innings a game, 10 innings a week. A week is defined as Sunday through

Saturday. It starts 12 AM Sunday through 11:59 PM Saturday. 4) One pitch thrown in an inning constitutes an inning pitched for innings per game and week. 5) If a pitcher hits 2 batters in a game, he shall be removed from pitching in the game. 6) Managers are allowed 2 visits to the mound per pitcher per game. The 3rd visit requires removing the

pitcher from the game. 7) Relief pitchers will be given a minimum of seven pitches for warm-up. 8) Catchers must wear a cage helmet and chest protector when warming up pitcher between innings. 9) Each pitcher will be given 1 balk pitch warning per game. 10) New Pitchers will get 7 warm up throws to start an inning, returning pitchers to start an inning

will receive 5 warm up pitches.

SFBI BASEBALL RULES

Base Running: 1) A runner must slide to avoid contact at all bases except first base. The fielder cannot block the base nor

stand in the base paths. This ruling is the umpire’s discretion whether contact could have been avoided or intentional blocking has occurred. This call is NOT subject to discussion.

2) Stealing all bases is allowed including home, from the start of the season. 3) One base will be awarded on an overthrown ball that goes out of play. The ball is considered live at

ALL times when the ball is in play. 4) Courtesy runners are allowed for injured players.

Game Rules: 1) The home team has the discretion to start the game in case of questionable weather. After the start of the

game, only the umpire can stop the game due to lightning, darkness, snow or severe weather. 2) It is the mangers responsibility to control the conduct of the players, parents and fans. The umpire has

the right to call a forfeit after a warning (first step) to the manager for unruly behavior. 3) If a game is called because of darkness, the score will revert to the last complete inning played. The

umpire will have the sole discretion to stop a game after it has started. The game must have completed 5 innings to be a complete game.

4) The umpire has the right to speed up the game if he feels a manager is deliberately slowing down a game. He may not allow a visit to the mound or the number of pre inning warm up pitches for a continuing pitcher.

Baseball Rules Allowed: 1) Dropped third strike 2) Infield Fly Rule. 3) Balk Rule, after 1 warning 4) Bunting

Baseball Rules Not allowed: 1) Intentional Walk

SFBI BASEBALL RULES DEFINITIONS 1) Dropped third strike – A dropped third strike occurs when the catcher fails to cleanly catch a pitch

for the third strike. A pitch is considered uncaught if the ball touches the ground, or the ball is dropped after being caught. A dropped third strike does not exist if first base is occupied with less than two outs. If there are two outs, it does not matter if first base is occupied or not. The batter becomes a runner and must be tagged or thrown out at first base.

2) Infield Fly Rule – The infield fly rule applies only when there is fewer than two outs and there is a force play at third.(runners on first and second, or bases loaded). If a fair fly ball is hit that in the umpire’s judgment that could be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, the batter is out regardless if the ball is caught or not. The runners may run at own risk, but if the ball is caught, they must tag up.

3) Intentional Walk – An intentional walk is when the pitcher deliberately pitches the ball away from the batter in order to issue a walk. If in the umpire’s judgment a pitcher is deliberately trying to walk a batter, a warning will be issued. If the pitcher continues the action, the umpire will award two bases for the first occurrence with all runners on base moving up the same amount. A home run will be awarded if the same team attempts it again in the same game. This call is NOT SUBJECT to Discussion.

4) Hit by Pitch – Batters must attempt to get out of the way of a pitched ball. Batters that are hit by a called strike are not considered hit by a pitch. If a batter is swinging at a pitched ball and is hit by a pitch, it is not considered “Hit by pitch”. A pitched ball that hits the ground then hits the batter is considered hit by pitch, but only if an attempt is made to get out of the way.

5) Home Plate- Home plate is in fair territory. Balls that hit the plate and bounce into fair territory are fair balls. A ball is fair or foul based on where it comes to rest, not where it initially hits the ground, unless it is beyond the first or third bases or when touched.

6) Balk Rule – Please refer to Wikipedia for complete rule. Each pitcher will receive one warning before balk call.

7) Interference/Obstruction – It is the runner’s responsibility to avoid defensive players when involved in a play. Defensive players that are not involved in a play must not obstruct the base runner. There is no blocking of a base.

PENALTIES 1) The intention walk penalty is explained under intentional walks. 2) The penalty for the illegal use of pitcher, either age/inning rule or weekly innings is automatic

forfeiture of any games the player was involved in. 3) Interference by the runner in the umpire’s judgment will result in the runner being called out. 4) Interference by the defensive player in the umpire’s judgment that it was intentional will result in the

runner be awarded as many base(s) as the umpire deems necessary. 5) Any manager or coach ejected from a game will result in an automatic one game suspension and

forfeiture of the game. See Umpires section for a more detail description of this rule. 6) Batting out of turn not related to an injury will not result in a penalty. But a team will not gain

advantage from batting out of order. Therefore a player who bats out of order and records an out, the out will stand and play will continue. If batting out of order results in a hit, walk or hit by pitch, the play will not count and the order will be reset. This must be caught in the inning it occurs in, and cannot be no more than 2 batters, past the point of the out of order, otherwise lineup continues.

7) Leaving a base early stealing will result in an out. 8) Throwing a bat while batting will result in one warning per game, not team. After the warning, any

bat thrown will result in an out.