2008 Operating Rules for Prospect Baseball
In general, the rules of baseball (
www.mlb.com) and the rules & regulations of USSSA baseball will govern the Prospect league. These rules are to be followed and adhered to except as noted below. Local rules as outlined will take precedence over the otherwise accepted rules of the game.
Local Playing rules:
1. Bat the entire roster.
2. Free Defensive substitutions - All players must be scheduled to play in the field in at least two of the first four innings of a game. Additionally, all players must play two innings per game in an infield position. For this purpose infield positions are defined as 1st base, 2nd base, 3rd Base, Shortstop, Catcher & Pitcher. Managers are strongly encouraged to play all players equally throughout the regular season.
3. A fourth outfielder (10 player’s total) will play defensively during all games. All outfielders are required to start each play a minimum of 10 yards behind the infield grass.
4. No advancing on over/errant throws to first. Advancement is allowed on over/errant throws to other bases. I want the kids to make the throw to first.
5. No Metal cleats or spikes. Players must not wear exposed jewelry or watches while playing.
6. The batter will receive a maximum of six pitches or 3 swinging strikes per at bat. If he/she fouls the 6th pitch, the batter will receive another pitch. They can also strike out (regular baseball rules)
7. All batted balls (batter swinging) are in play. No Bunting is allowed.
8. No leading off base. Runners cannot advance off a base until the batter has struck the ball (fair or foul). Leaving early will result in a dead ball being called (regardless of the ball being batted or not). All runners will re-set to their pre-pitch positions, the pitch count increments (i.e. the pitch counts) and play then resumes).
9. Slide Rule: All runners MUST slide feet first into any base being contested during a play. Failing to slide, or sliding headfirst will result in the runner being called out.
10.Ending Play: Play will end when the ball is in the control of an infielder or catcher within the infield area. The field umpire’s judgment all play on the runners has ceased. At this point the umpire will loudly call “TIME” and the ball will be returned to the pitching area. No runners can advance once time has been called.
· Control is demonstrating that the ball is in the safe & secure possession of the player. (i.e. capable of being thrown quickly if required).
· Runners have ceased advancing on the base path once they have stopped moving forward or have made a significant move back towards a previous base while the ball is in control of the fielder.
11.Obstruction should be called if the fielder/catcher is blocking the base/plate or base path with out the ball or not making an attempt to make a play on the ball. Runners will be awarded as safe, the next base/plate if obstruction occurs.
12.The coach pitcher must vacate the field of play while the ball is in play.
13.Bat Throwing: A thrown bat that strikes another player or coach will result in an immediate out being called. The batter who has thrown their bat (not striking anyone) will receive a warning from the umpire for their first offense. Any subsequently thrown bats by that player will result in an out.
14.The dugout gate nearest home plate must be closed at all time during the game. Encourage players to enter and exit from the far gate only. This is a safety issue.
15.LT Baseball has a ZERO Tolerance rule in place. That means any discussions relative to the outcome of a play will only take place once time is called and then only between the manager and the umpire. Arguing with the umpire by ANYONE (Manager, Coach, Player, and Fan) can and will result in that person being ejected from the ball field and potentially the forfeiture of the game.
16.Remember, Have Fun, Instruct & Be NICE.
Length of games:
1. Games will be six innings maximum.
2. Time limits: No new innings can be started after the game has progressed for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Game play will cease at the conclusion of the inning currently in play beyond the time limit.
3. The “5 run rule” will be place for all regular season games. This run limit will be in place of all innings except the 6th. The 6th inning is an “open” inning. Play in this inning concludes after each team makes three outs in the field or at bat.
4. There will be no extra innings in the event the score is tied at the end of the regulation time or inning limit.
5. Ten Run Rule: If after 4 complete innings, or more, of play and the run differential is greater than 10, at the discretion of the manager on the team that is behind in the score, the game can be called at any point and play will stop.
6. If a game is called due to bad weather, the game will be considered complete if 4 innings of play have occurred. If a game is called prior to the above stated time then play will resume at a later mutually agreed to date starting at the beginning of the half inning prior to the game being called.
7. Make up games can be scheduled for complete rainouts but are not required. Make-up games are to be scheduled on the earliest available game slot agreeable to both managers. Make-up games will include Sunday game play.
8. A team may start play with only eight players without penalty. The opposing team may loan players to the other team if the managers both agree.
9. Each team will provide one game balls to be used during play.
Umpiring Games:
1. If there are not umpires assigned/they do not make it, the coach/manager currently pitching shall be responsible for making all field calls in a game and calling time. The current pitcher is known as the “field umpire”.
2. The respective base coaches will call plays as well as fair/foul at their respective bases. The field umpire has the right to overrule a call by the base coaches if they feel it is warranted.
3. Although scoring will be tracked. Emphasizing good and fair play shall take president at all times.
4. For purposes of tracking the 5-run rule and batting order, the home team will provide an official scorer at the beginning of the game.
5. Remember, not all calls are made “correctly” from “everyone’s” perspective. The only perspective that counts is that of the umpire! There are no exceptions.
6. LT Baseball has a ZERO Tolerance rule in place. That means any discussions relative to the outcome of a play will only take place once time is called and then only between the manager and the umpire. Arguing with the umpire by ANYONE (Manager, Coach, Player, and Fan) can and will result in that person being ejected from the ball field and potentially the forfeiture of the game.