Youth Baseball Rules Minor, Major & Pony

No person shall coach in this league without being fingerprinted and cleared through the Livingston Police Department and Recreation office. All fingerprinting will be done by appointment only.These rules govern the specific age groups participating in the Livingston Youth Baseball League. This information does not contain a complete set of rules. Play is governed by Official Baseball Rules. These rules are only exceptions to the Official Baseball Rules and Pony Baseball, Inc., which are necessary for a youth program.
GAMES MAY OR MAY NOT BE RESCHEDULED DUE TO INCLEMENT WEATHER. IT WILL BE DECIDED BY THE RECREATION SUPERINTENDENT WHETHER OR NOT A GAME WILL BE RESCHEDULED, TIME AND FIELD AVAILABILITY PERMITTING.
Before every game, umpires shall call a meeting with both team coaches to go over ground rules and discuss any issues teams may have. Umpires should also discuss how they plan to call the strike zone.
Rules and Regulations for Minor, Major and Pony Leagues
TEAMS AND ELIGIBILITY
1. It is strongly recommended that teams shall consist of not more than 15 players. Although, more can be placed on a roster, remember that all players must play 2 defensive innings every game.2. Age, for league purposes, is the age attained by a player prior to August 1st **(**new date)of the season in question.3. Legal age for each division is as follows:a. Minors - ages 9 and 10 b. Majors - ages 11 and 12 c. Pony’s - ages 13 and 14.
A birth certificate, hospital certificates or baptismal certificate shall determine date of birth. Copies of certificates must accompany registration form for verification. All certificates must be legible and bear the signature of the authorizing agency and the full date must be present.
5. No collision rule: A runner trying to advance a base must attempt to go around the fielder if the fielder is in possession or is about to receive the ball (in the judgement of the umpire). A runner colliding into a defensive player in an attempt to jar the ball loose will be called out and ejected from the game. This is not a must slide rule.
PLAYING FIELDS
1. Distance for bases:
a. Minor boys - 60 feet
b. Major boys - 60 feet
c. Pony boys - 80 feet
2. Distance for pitching:
a. Minor Boys – 40 feet
b. Major boys – 46 feet
c. Pony boys – 54 feet
Minor and Major Teams:Play action stops when the ball is thrown back to a defensive pitcher and he/she is in control of the ball. There is no “half way rule”. When the pitcher has the ball, runners must commit to a base.
BATS
1. Wooden, metal graphite or ceramic bats, manufactured Specifically for baseball play, which are round and not more than two and one-fourths inches (2 ¼”) (7.0 cm) in diameter at the thickest part, nor more than 33 inches (106.7 cm) in length, and if wood, not less than 15/16 inches in diameter (7/8 inch for bats less than 30”) at its smallest part, are acceptable. A non-wood bat must have a grip of cork, tape or composition material, and must extend a minimum of 10 inches from the small end. No laminated bats. Pony Boys can use a bat that is no more than 2 ¾” in diameter and maximum length of 35”. Bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not to exceed sixteen (16) inches from the small end of the bat.
SHOES
1. Metal cleats are not permissible. Only rubber soled shoes or cleats will be allowed.
BATTING HELMETS
1. All batters players in the on-deck batting area and base runners shall be required to wear protective headgear which gives protection to the top of the head, temples, ears and base of the skull. Helmets must be NOCSAE approved.
CATCHERS GEAR
1. Catchers are required to wear a catcher’s helmet with a throat guard, chest protector, and shin guards. Any player serving as a catcher to warm up a pitcher must wear a mask, whether warming up on the mound or in the bullpen.
UNIFORMS
1. All players should be in provided uniform shirts and hats (if worn). Numbers shall be on each shirt, and no duplicate numbers will be allowed.
ATHLETIC SUPPORTER
It is recommended that coaches encourage all male players to wear protective supporters.
BASEBALLS
Home team will provide the baseballs. New balls have been given to each area for this purpose. Used good balls can be used as long as there are no scrapes or cuts on the ball.
PLAYING RULES
A. Minor, Major and Pony Boys: Any player in the starting lineup who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game one time. (This rule applies to STARTERS ONLY)
1. Players shall return to the line-up in their original place in the batting order. While more than one substitute may be used in that position before the starting player is returned, no substitutions shall be made that shall alter the original batting rotation of any of the starting or substitute players.
2. Once removed from the line-up, a pitcher may return to the lineup but shall not pitch again in the same game.
B. In any instance in which a team does not have an eligible substitute for a player who becomes ill, is injured, or ejected from the game by the umpire, the player last removed from the lineup by the manager or coach, who is otherwise eligible to play, shall be used as a substitute.1. When a team’s last available substitute enters the game as part of a multiple substitution, the coach shall advise the umpire and official scorekeeper which player is to be considered “the last player removed from the line-up”2. In this instance only, the substitute player shall take the batting position of the player they replace, even though it may be a different batting position that the one he or she previously occupied.
ROSTER BATTING RULE
The roster-batting rule shall be in effect for major and minor boys. All players on the roster shall bat. A maximum of 10 batters shall hit in one inning, in case three (3) outs are not recorded. If only nine (9) players are available on a team, then only nine (9) players will bat in an inning. If the 10th batter draws a walk and forced the runner on third home, the run counts and the inning is over. If the 10th batter hits the ball in fair territory, the inning will end at the completion of play. The completion of play, in this case, shall end when the ball is thrown to a defensive player who must in control of the ball or the third out has been made at a base, fly-ball or touched runner out, etc. On the 10th batter, an intentional walk cannot be given to the batter. The pitcher must make a legal attempt to pitch to the batter. If, in the judgment of the umpire, an intentional walk was pitched, an additional batter will be given to the team. If the pitcher continues to intentionally walk the next batter and so on, additional hitters will be given.
SHORTHANDED RULE
If a team has only 10 (9 for Pony Boys) players, the coach must let the umpire and other coach know. Before the game starts, a decision must be made if the team with 10 players has a player get injured and can no longer continue in the game. The decision must be made as to whether, when his turn comes to bat, if it is an out or not. If the teams do not make the decision before the game, the rule will be an out. So coaches with only ten or nine players, it is your responsibility to make sure you discuss the issue before the game.
STEALING
Minor boys: Runners may steal bases, but shall not leave the base they are occupying at the time of the pitch until the pitched ball has reached or passed the catcher. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber with possession of the ball, runners who leave base before the pitched ball reaches or passes the catcher shall be called out and the pitch shall be considered as a dead ball.
Major boys must wait until the ball passes the plate.
Pony boys may steal at anytime.**No warning will be given to runners who leave the base early, runners will be called out.
ALL PLAYERS IN ALL LEAGUES
All players present and in uniform must play two (2) consecutive defensive innings. If each inning is taking long, and it appears that 6 innings will not be played, then players should be put in the game for the last 45 minutes, if they have not already been in the game. Teams must report the substitutions to the other team and the official, otherwise, if a team did not play someone, they will forfeit that game. Scorekeepers must designate in the scorebook when a substitute has entered the game. Coaches are responsible for making sure everyone plays.
DESIGNATED PLAYER – PONY BOYS ONLY
A hitter may be designated to bat for a selected starting defensive player. The DH must be included in the lineup card and presented to the scorekeeper prior to the start of the game. Pinch hitters becoming the DH may be used. Any substitute hitter for a DH becomes the DH. A DH may assume a defensive position on the field, but this move shall terminate the DH rule for the remainder of the game.
NUMBER OF TEAM PLAYERS
PONY BOYS- Teams will play with 9 players. A minimum of 7 players my play.
MAJOR & MINOR BOYS – Teams will play with 10 players and a minimum of 8 players may play.
PITCHING
A. Coach Pitch – Coaches shall pitch from a pitching plate 40 feet from the point of home plate. If no pitching rubber is available, a marked line is acceptable, but a 16” circle must be marked.
B. Coach Pitch -The defensive pitcher shall take a position behind the coach pitching and to the left or right.
C. Innings Pitched:1. Pitchers in the Minor and Major leagues shall not pitch more than three (3) innings in a game and no more than six (6) innings in a week.2. Pony players may pitch no more than four (4) innings per game and no more than eight (8) innings in any given 7-day period.
3. As soon as a pitcher delivers one pitch to a batter, the pitcher is considered as having pitched in one inning.
4. If a team has to reschedule a game, the rule still applies and pitchers must meet the eligibility rules for innings pitched in a week.
5. Any pitcher removed from the mound or lineup shall not be permitted to pitch again in the same game.
6. If a pitcher hits a second batter in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed for all divisions, except coach pitch.
BALKS
1. Balks will not be called in Major or Minor Boys play. Pony boys will call balks.
THIRD STRIKE RULE
Major and minor boys only, if the catcher drops a clean third strike ball, the batter is out.
LENGTH OF GAME
All coaches should confirm the start time with the umpire.
1. Minor boys regulation game shall be six (6) innings and not exceed one and one half (1-½) hours in length. If an inning is in progress it will be completed. If a team is leading by (10) or more runs at the end of five (5) innings, the game will terminate. In case of a tie at the end of regulation play or after the time limit, the game will remain tied.
2. Major boys regulation game shall be six (6) innings and not exceed two (2) hours in length. If an inning is in progress it will be completed. If a team is leading by (10) or more runs at the end of five (5) innings, the game will terminate. In case of a tie at the end of regulation play or after the time limit, the game will remain tied.
3. Pony boys regulation game shall be seven (7) innings and not exceed two hours and thirty minutes (2 ½) hours in length. If an inning is in progress it will be completed. If a team is leading by (10) or more runs at the end of five (5) innings, the game will terminate. In case of a tie at the end of regulation play or after the time limit, the game will remain tied.
4. If a game is called because of light failure or inclement weather before it is a complete game, it shall be considered a suspended game and shall be resumed from the point of curtailment at the time re-scheduled by both teams. Both teams must agree on a time and date immediately and confirm the field availability with the area leaders within 24 hours. If the field is not available, then an alternated date can be set and agreed by both teams. If a team does not show for the next game, it shall be a forfeit by that team, regardless of the score prior to the interruption.
5. Rescheduling of games: Teams that need to reschedule a game shall have the responsibility of notifying the other team, the County Office, and their local area leaders. If a game is not rescheduled, then the team that originally wanted the game rescheduled will forfeit. If the other team does not make an effort to reschedule, then that team will forfeit the game. Please give teams at least a week notice before canceling/rescheduling any games. Notify the area leaders and the County when a new date is scheduled. All re-scheduled games must be completed before the last week of the season.
6. RUNNERS
a. Two runners may not occupy a base, but if while the ball is alive, two runners are touching a base, the following runner shall be tagged out and the preceding runner is entitled to the base.
b. Each runner other than the batter, may advance without liability to be put out and advance one base when:1. the batter’s advance without liability to be put out forces the runner to vacate a base, or when a batter hits a fair ball that touches a runner or umpire before it has been touched or passed by a fielder, if the runner is forced to advance;
2. the fielder’s momentum, after catching a fly ball, forces him/her into a dead ball area.
3. There is a balk (Pony’s Only).
Ball becomes dead when:
1. The ball becomes dead and runners advance one base, or return to their bases, without liability to be put out, when:
a. A pitched ball touches a batter, or his clothing, while in his legal batting position; runners, if forced, advance.
b. The plate umpire interferes with the catcher’s throw; runners may not advance. NOTE: The interference shall be disregarded if the catcher’s throw retires the runner.
c. A balk is committed; runners advance;
d. A ball is illegally batted; runners return;
e. A foul ball is not caught; runners return. The umpire shall not put the ball in play until all runners have retouched their bases;
f. A fair ball touches a runner or an umpire on fair territory before it touches an infielder including the pitcher, or touches an umpire before it has passed an infielder other than the pitcher; If a fair ball touches an umpire working in the infield after it has grounded past, or over, the pitcher, it is a dead ball. If a batted ball is deflected by a fielder in fair territory and hits a runner or an umpire while still in flight and then caught by an infielder it shall not be a catch, but the ball shall remain in play. If a fair ball goes through, or by an infielder, and touches a runner immediately back of him, or touches a runner after being deflected by an infielder, the ball is in play and the umpire shall not declare the runner out. In making such decision, the umpire must be convinced that the ball passed through, or by the infielder and that no other infielder had the chance to make a play on the ball; runners advance if forced;
g. A pitched ball lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s mask or paraphernalia, and remains out of play, runners advance one base; if a foul tip hits the umpire and is caught by a fielder on the rebound, the ball is “dead” and the batsman cannot be called out. The same shall apply where such foul tip lodges in the umpire’s mask or other paraphernalia. If a third strike (not a foul tip) passes the catcher and hits an umpire, the ball is in play. If such ball rebounds and is caught by fielder before it touches ground, the batsman is not out on such a catch, but the ball remains in play and the batsman may be retired at first base or touched with the ball for the out. If a pitched ball lodges in the umpire’s or catcher’s mask or paraphernalia, and remains out of play, on the third strike or fourth ball, then the batter is entitled to first base and all runners advance one base. If the count on the batter is less than three balls, runners advance one base.
h. Any legal pitch touches a runner trying to score, runners advance.
c. Each runner, including the batter-runner, may without liability to be put out advance:
1. to home base scoring a run, if a fair ball goes out of the playing field in flight and the runner touches all bases legally, or if a fair ball, in the judgement of the umpire, would have gone out of the playing field in flight is deflected by the act of a fielder throwing a glove, cap or any article of apparel.
2. Three bases, if a field deliberately touches a fair all with a cap, mask, glove or any part of that fielders uniform detached from its proper place on the person of said fielder
3. Two bases if a fielder throws a cap, mask, glove and any part of that fielders uniform detached from its proper place at a thrown ball. The ball is in play.
4. Two bases if a fair ball bounces or is deflected into the stands outside the first and third base lines, or if it sticks in shrubs or the fence.
5. Two bases on a wild throw that goes into the stands, the umpire shall determine the position of the runner at the time of the wild throw was made.
6. One base if the pitcher, while on the pitchers mound, throws a ball that goes into thee stands. The ball is dead.
7. Runners shall be out when:
a. running more than three feet from a direct line between bases to avoid being tagged out, unless such action is to avoid interference with a fielder fielding a ball.
b. The runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make a tag. Anyone intentionally running into a fielder to knock the ball loose will be called out and ejected from the game.
c. The runner slides head first while advancing.d. Exception: a runner cannot be called out for overrunning first base if said batter-runner returns immediately first base.
e. Runners may not slide into first base.
INJURED PLAYER
If a player is hurt or has a potentially serious injury, the umpire may stop play. Base runners will be allowed to return to the nearest base.
UMPIRES
1. Umpires shall be the responsibility of each area. Home team must provide the home plate umpire and visitors must provide the base umpire. Umpires must be the following ages for each group:
a. Pony & Major Boys-minimum age is 18 years is preferred but not mandatory. Umpiresare requested to wear a light blue shirt and dark pants. Proper umpire attire is preferred.
b. Minor Boys – minimum age is 16 years of age or older. In minor boys coach pitch the umpire should stay to the right of home plate. Calling the game from the field adds another person on the playing field and can obstruct the player’s view.
COACHES
1. Coaches shall remain in the dugouts or in the prescribed areas throughout the game.
2. If a coach goes onto the playing field to talk to a player more than once during an inning while the same player is pitching, a pitching change shall be made. The only exception to this rule is in the case of an injury or time is called by the opposing team or umpire.
3. The use of tobacco by any coach on the playing field or dug out is not permitted. Tobacco is not permitted on any of the school grounds.
4. Coaches should conduct themselves in a manner as to teach the youth of our area the idea of SPORTSMANSHIP
Coaches should also keep in mind that this league is for the participants to gain experience in a recreational program and WINNING IS NOT THE MOST IMPORTANT THING.
5. All coaches, managers, area leaders and game officials have the responsibility to insure the safety and well being of the players when in their charge during games, on the way to games and during practices.
6. Unsportsmanlike conduct on the part of any player, coach, or person(parents, relatives, friends, etc.) associated with a team will not be tolerated. Unsportsmanlike conduct such as profanity, abusive language or gestures, threatening, abusive handling of equipment will result in forfeiture of the game. In the judgement of the umpire, a forfeit will be called. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated at any practices or situations that are affiliated with the league.
OTHER PENALTIES
1. If a team has an illegal player on their team, all games played with the illegal player shall be a forfeit. Teams that suspect an illegal player must contact the County Recreation Representative and state the name of the player and reason in question.
2. All Players must wear their team jersey. Players not wearing their jersey will not be allowed to play.
3. Players are not permitted to wear illegal shoes or headgear. When proper equipment is not available, the game shall be stopped until the proper equipment is found or borrowed. If the team is unable to obtain the proper equipment then the team will forfeit. Teams can share equipment if needed. If a player has illegal shoes and can not find correct replacements, then that player shall be removed from the game. If the team does not have enough players to finish the game, it shall be declared a forfeit.
4. Players who intentionally, in the judgement of the umpire, throw bats or protective headgear, or discard protective headgear while batting or running the bases, shall be ejected from the game following completion of any play in progress at the time the violation occurs. Such action does not constitute an out and such players shall be replaced as batters or base runners if appropriate
PROTESTS
1. Protests will not be allowed. Any disagreements, misunderstandings or misinterpretations of rules or umpires decision pertaining to the game in question shall be discussed by both managers of each team and the umpires, so an agreement can be reached and the game continued.
**CHAMPIONSHIPS (when applicable)
be a time limit in the final championship games. Teams will play the full innings and there will not be a time limit or ten run rule.
2. Pony Boys should have a sanctioned umpire. In the event a sanctioned umpire is not available, choose someone who has been umpiring the games that knows the rules and calls a fair game.
3. Umpires shall not be relatives or coaches of the teams playing in any of the playoffs.
4. If it is found that a team did not play all players listed on the roster, and wins championship, the trophy will be awarded to the other team.
5. The City of Livingston will provide a trophy to all minor and major participants, Pony’s will follow county guidelines.
INSURANCE
The City of Livingston does not carry insurance on any player and player play at their own risk. All parents must sign a release of liability prior to start of the season. REPORTING SCORES
To help keep up with the standings on a timely manner, Both teams are asked to report the score to the Snack Bar following their game. Failure to call may result in a forfeiture of the games not reported.
SCOREKEEPERS
Home team is responsible for the official scorebook. Keep in mind that the person keeping score should know how to keep score. Every batter should be accounted for whether on base or a strike out.