Rules - Rookie Boys

Game Rules

1.

Games are 5 innings in length; players must play a minimum of 3 innings.

2. Each Team must field a minimum of 8 players. A team forfeits the game if they are unable to field 8 players 15 minutes after the scheduled game start time.
3.

Teams continue to bat until they have 3 outs or 4 runs.

4.

If the home team is winning in the bottom half of the last inning, the home team manager has the option of batting.

5.

The standard rules are followed for fair and foul balls; base coaches will be the umpires in this matter.

6.

Players are encouraged to wear protective cups.

7.

The home team will be responsible to setup the equipment before the start of the game, bases, pitching machine, helmets, bats, etc...

8.

The visiting team will be responsible to return and secure all equipment to the field storage boxes.

9.

The score will be kept - no standings, no playoffs.

10.

The machine will be set at 30-35 mph at 45 feet. One constant mph setting per game. Bases will be 50 feet.

11.

Games will have a 2-hour time limit on Saturdays and Sundays only.

Pitching Rules

1. Pitching machines will be used.
2. The batting team manager will operate the pitching machine.
3. Coaches will pitch when the pitching machine is unavailable .

Batting Rules

1. All batters and base runners must wear helmets.
2. Each batter is given 6 pitches. The batter will look at the first pitch. A batter is out after 3 swings or 6 pitches. No foul outs.
3. Whenever the ball hits the pitching machine, the play is dead and the batter gets a single.
4. There is no bunting, stealing, or leads.
5. All players must bat.

Fielding Rules

1. 10 players will be in the field. The infielders are- Pitcher, Catcher, 1 st base, 2 nd base, Shortstop, and 3 rd base. All other players are in the outfield. Outfielders must be at least 15 feet behind the baseline and 2nd base.
2. Whenever a thrown ball hits the pitching machine the play is dead, and the batter is awarded 1 st base. Each runner is awarded 1 base.
3. Runners are awarded 1 base on an overthrow.
4. On Balls hit into the outfield, runners may advance until the ball reaches the infield. The ball must come across the base paths.
5. There is no infield fly rule.
6. 2 fielding coaches are permitted in the outfield for the first 4 games of the season. No coaches allowed in the field of play after 4 th game.

Inter-league

1. Inter-league play will take place on the weekends. Saturday games will be played at Westgate. Sunday games will be played at Chatham Lower Cage.
2. Each team will play at least one inter-league game.

Schedule

1. The schedule must be followed as published. Coaches are not at liberty to cancel or change scheduled game times without consent of the commissioner.
2. Rain out's will be determined by 5:00 pm on game day.
3. Opening day is April 5, 2008