Rec Rules

1.      All players will bat.  Players must play a minimum of two complete defensive innings per game.  All players must have played one complete defensive inning by the beginning of inning three and have played two complete defensive innings by the beginning of inning five.

1.1.   EXCEPTION - Players arriving after the game has begun must play a minimum of one (1) complete defensive inning by the beginning of inning 4.  A second defensive inning is not required in this situation.

1.2.   PENALTY - Manager will be suspended from next scheduled game.

2.      Legal Lineups / Automatic Outs - Regular Season

2.1.   A team may "bring across" a player or players from its own legal age group within the league in order to field UP TO 9 legal players, subject to the following conditions:

2.2.   Any player not on the Official Team Roster must play in the outfield at all times, except as follows.  In the event more than three players are added, the additional players (added player four and beyond) may play infield positions (1B,2B,SS,3B).  An added player is never allowed to play in the pitcher or catcher positions.

2.3.   All players in attendance on Official Team Roster must bat prior to any "pick up" player batting in the order.

2.4.   PENALTY - Use of ineligible players will result in forfeit of the game and the manager will be suspended from the next game.

2.5.   A team may play a game with 8 players without a forfeit; the ninth batting position will be removed and there will be no automatic out. 

2.6.   Teams may use any CBA registered league player in the U10 - 10yr old league to field 8 or 9 players.  Note: Players playing on CBA Select Teams are not eligible.

2.7.   Guideline 2.7.

2.7.1.      In the event that a team shows up with 7 or less players and cannot find other players to field 8 or 9, the opposing team should provide fielders as needed to allow a game to take place.  The loaner fielders can still bat with their original team and may rotate as needed within the inning to allow them to hit in their turn.  The official result of the game will remain a forfeit.

2.7.2.      Guideline 2.7. is intended to make sure we get as much baseball playing in as possible and not simply send home entire teams because of a forfeit due to not enough players.

3.      Legal Lineups / Automatic Outs - Post Season CBA Tournament

3.1.   A team may "bring across" a player or players from its own legal age group within the league in order to field UP TO 8 legal players, subject to the following conditions:

3.2.   Any player not on the Official Team Roster must play in the outfield at all times, except as follows.  In the event more than three players are added, the additional players (added player four and beyond) may play infield positions (1B,2B,SS,3B).  An added player is never allowed to play in the pitcher or catcher positions.

3.3.   All players in attendance on Official Team Roster must bat prior to any "pick up" player batting in the order.

3.4.   PENALTY - Use of ineligible players will result in forfeit of the game and the manager will be suspended from the next game.

3.5.   A team may play a game with 8 players without a forfeit; the ninth batting position will be counted as anautomatic out each time through the lineup. 

3.6.   Teams may use any CBA registered league player in the U10 10yr old league to field 8 players.  Note: Players playing on CBA Select Teams are not eligible.

4.      If a player listed on the batting order is not present for his/her initial time at bat, he/she will be considered an out until he/she arrives.  Upon arrival, that player will take his/her assigned position in the order.  A player not present when the lineups are submitted may, at the manager's discretion, be placed at the bottom of the batting order, and, if not present when it is their turn to bat, be scratched without penalty.  It is the responsibility of the manager or scorekeeper of the team at bat to notify the umpire and opposing manager when a player is being "scratched".

5.1 During regular season, a player leaving a game and missing a turn at bat may not reenter the game, the coach will notify the official scorer, and an automatic out will NOT be recorded each time through the lineup at the missing player's turn at bat.

5.2 During post season tournament play, a player leaving a game and missing a turn at bat may not reenter the game, the coach will notify the official scorer.  If the total remaining players is less than the required 9, then an automatic out will be recorded each time through the lineup at the missing player's turn at bat.  If the total remaining players is 9 or more, then an automatic out is NOT recorded.

6.      Only in case of injury may a player be dropped from the batting order without penalty, unless dropping the player results in an 8 player batting order.

6.1.   Regular Season - In that event, no automatic out will be recorded.

6.2.   Post Season - In that event, an automatic out will be recorded each time through the lineup at the missing player's turn to bat.

7.      Both teams' scorekeepers have the authority to notify the umpire of improper batting order.  The official score book (home team, unless otherwise designated by the umpire) determines the proper batting order.

8.      If a batter is challenged as "batting out of order", the umpire will consult the official scorekeeper and make his/her judgment in accordance with the Official Rules of Baseball.

Pitching/ Offense

1.      Courtesy runners will be allowed for injured players. The courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out.

2.      Courtesy runners will be required for the upcoming catcher when there are two outs. The courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out.

3.      A runner will be called out, if, in the umpire's judgment, he instigates contact with a fielder covering a base, unless while sliding. 

4.    The CBA strongly encourages batters to wear a helmet with a face-protector while at the plate.

5.      NO METAL CLEATS ARE ALLOWED.

6.  Loose Bases:

6.1.  A base runner cannot steal home from 3rd base on a dropped 3rd strike except in a 2 out, bases loaded situation.  If a base runner steals home from 3rd base on a dropped 3rd strike in any other situation, the base runner is automatically declared out

7.      The batter may advance to first after a dropped third strike.

8.      A team is allowed one (1) offensive time-out per inning.

9.      The distance between bases is 65 feet.

1.      If a coach receives time out to speak to a defensive player that will be counted as a "trip to the mound".  On the second "trip to the mound" in any one inning, the pitcher must be changed.

2.      Infield fly rule is in effect.

3.      Another pitcher must replace any pitcher hitting 3 batters in one inning or 4 batters in one game.

4.      No more than three (3) defensive players may huddle at any one time on the field.  After one warning from the umpire, any defensive coach standing outside the dugout will be charged with a "trip to the mound".

5.      Balk Warnings

5.1.   Regular Season - Each pitcher shall receive two (2) balk warnings per game; on the first two balks, the umpire will stop play, runners return to their original bases, and the ball is dead.  A coach may instruct the pitcher as to the cause of the balk call, and how to correct, and it will not count as a "trip to the mound", provided the instruction occurs prior to the next pitch.  On the third and any succeeding balk calls, runners will advance as designated in the Rules of Baseball.

5.2.   Post Season - Each pitcher shall receive one (1) balk warning per game; on the first balk, the umpire will stop play, runners return to their original bases, and the ball is dead.  On the second and any succeeding balk calls, runners will advance as designated in the Rules of Baseball.

6.      Strike Zone - The height of the strike zone is from the top of the hitter's shoulders to the bottom of the hitter's knees when in a typical batting stance.  The width of the strike zone is the total width of the plate including the 'black'. The edge of the baseball need only graze the edge of the plate.   Hitters should be prepared to SWING!

7.      Pitching Limits

7.1.   A pitcher may pitch no more than three (3) innings per game.

7.2.   A pitcher may pitch no more than six (6) innings per calendar day.

7.3.   Any pitcher pitching three (3) or more innings in a calendar day must wait forty (40) hours until they can pitch again.  The forty-hour wait time is calculated from starting game time to starting game time.

Example 1: A pitcher pitches three (3) innings in a Thursday, 8PM game. That pitcher will be eligible to pitch again starting at Noon on Saturday.  I.e. that pitcher would not be eligible to pitch at all on Friday but, will be eligible for any games starting at Noon or later on Saturday.

Example 2: A pitcher pitches two innings in both games of a Saturday doubleheader. The starting time of the second game was 7:30PM.  That pitcher will be eligible to pitch again starting at 11:30AM on Monday.  I.e. that pitcher would not be eligible to pitch at all on Sunday but, will be eligible for any games starting at 11:30AM or later on Monday.

7.4.   A single pitch thrown in an inning counts as one inning pitched.

7.5.   Once a player is removed from the pitching position during a game, that player may not return to the pitching position in that game.

8.      The distance from Home Plate to the Pitching Plate is 46 feet.

 

FALL U9/U10 Rule Exceptions

 

Game Conduct

1.1.   Maximum of six innings or One hour and 30 minutes.

1.2.   NO INNING MAY BEGIN AFTER 10:00 PM.

2.      Umpire will declare the game over if time limit has been reached or exceeded and the outcome of the game cannot be changed.

3.      The starting time of the first game for a given day shall be delayed only for the arrival of the umpires (i.e. the clock starts for a 6:00 PM game at 6:00 PM, not when the umpire says "play ball").  Delays for warm-up and late arriving players will be "on the clock".  The start time for subsequent games will be no later than 10 minutes following the conclusion of the preceding game, or scheduled game time, whichever is later.

4.      One (1) extra inning may be played, provided the time limit has not been reached at the conclusion of the regulation game.

5.      Run limits / Mercy Rules 

5.1.   Five(5) run limit per inning for innings 1 through 6, and 7^th(if time permits and game tied after 6).  Side retires upon the fifth(5^th) run or the third out, whichever occurs first in innings 1-6 (and 7, if played).

5.2.   Games will be declared over after four(4) complete innings (or 3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead), should a team be leading by ten(10) runs or more. The team with the lead will be declared the winner.

5.3.   Games will be declared over after five(5 , or more) complete innings (or 4 ½ innings if the home team is ahead), should a team be leading by eight(8) runs or more.  The team with the lead will be declared the winner.

6.      Slow Play Rules

6.1.   Team will have 90 seconds to resume play at the conclusion of each half inning.

6.1.1.      It is expected that the team that was in the field at the conclusion of the half inning will return to the dugout and the lead-off batter will be ready to bat within 90 seconds after the inning ended.

6.1.1.1.Penalty for slow play will be a called first strike on the lead-off batter.

6.1.2.      It is expected that the team that was batting at the conclusion of the half inning will take the field and the pitcher will be ready to pitch within 90 seconds.

6.1.2.1.Penalty for slow play will be a called ball one on the lead-off batter.

6.1.2.2.Exception will be made only for a new pitcher that has not completed eight(8) warm-up pitches within the 90 seconds.

6.2.   Batters must keep one foot in the batter's box between pitches.

 Lineups and Batting

1. All players will bat.  Players must play a minimum of two complete defensive innings per game.  All players must have played two complete defensive inning by the end of inning three.

1.1.   EXCEPTION - Players arriving after the game has begun must play a minimum of one (1) complete defensive inning by the beginning of inning 4.  A second defensive inning is not required in this situation.

1.2.   PENALTY - Manager will be suspended from next scheduled game.

2.      Legal Lineups / Automatic Outs - Regular Season

2.1.   A team may "bring across" a player or players from its own legal age group within the league in order to field UP TO 9 legal players, subject to the following conditions:

2.2.   Any player not on the Official Team Roster must play in the outfield at all times, except as follows.  In the event more than three players are added, the additional players (added player four and beyond) may play infield positions (1B,2B,SS,3B).  An added player is never allowed to play in the pitcher or catcher positions. 

2.3.   All players in attendance on Official Team Roster must bat prior to any "pick up" player batting in the order.

2.4.   PENALTY - Use of ineligible players will result in forfeit of the game and the manager will be suspended from the next game.

2.5.   A team may play a game with 8 players without a forfeit; the ninth batting position will be removed and there will be no automatic out. 

2.6.   Teams may use any CBA registered league player in the U9yr old league to field 8 or 9 players.  Note: Players playing on CBA Select Teams are not eligible.

2.7.   Guideline 2.7

2.7.1.      In the event that a team shows up with 7 or less players and cannot find other players to field 8 or 9, the opposing team should provide fielders as needed to allow a game to take place.  The loaner fielders can still bat with their original team and may rotate as needed within the inning to allow them to hit in their turn.  The official result of the game will remain a forfeit.

2.7.2.      Guideline 2.7. is intended to make sure we get as much baseball playing in as possible and not simply send home entire teams because of a forfeit due to not enough players.

3.      Legal Lineups / Automatic Outs - Post Season CBA Tournament

3.1.   A team may "bring across" a player or players from its own legal age group within the league in order to field UP TO 8 legal players, subject to the following conditions:

3.2.   Any player not on the Official Team Roster must play in the outfield at all times, except as follows.  In the event more than three players are added, the additional players (added player four and beyond) may play infield positions (1B,2B,SS,3B).  An added player is never allowed to play in the pitcher or catcher positions. 

3.3.   All players in attendance on Official Team Roster must bat prior to any "pick up" player batting in the order.

3.4.   PENALTY - Use of ineligible players will result in forfeit of the game and the manager will be suspended from the next game.

3.5.   A team may play a game with 8 players without a forfeit; the ninth batting position will be counted as an automatic out each time through the lineup. 

3.6.   Teams may use any CBA registered league player in the U9yr old league to field 8 players.  Note: Players playing on CBA Select Teams are not eligible.

4.      If a player  listed on the batting order is not present for his/her initial time at bat, he/she will be considered an out until he/she arrives.  Upon arrival, that player will take his/her assigned position in the order.  A player not present when the lineups are submitted may, at the manager's discretion, be placed at the bottom of the batting order, and, if not present when it is their turn to bat, be scratched without penalty.  It is the responsibility of the manager or scorekeeper of the team at bat to notify the umpire and opposing manager when a player is being "scratched".

5.1 During regular season, a player leaving a game and missing a turn at bat may not reenter the game, the coach will notify the official scorer, and an automatic out will NOT be recorded each time through the lineup at the missing player's turn at bat.

5.2 During post season tournament play, a player leaving a game and missing a turn at bat may not reenter the game, the coach will notify the official scorer.  If the total remaining players is less than the required 9, then an automatic out will be recorded each time through the lineup at the missing player's turn at bat.  If the total remaining players is 9 or more, then an automatic out is NOT recorded.

6.      Only in case of injury may a player be dropped from the batting order without penalty, unless dropping the player results in an 8 player batting order.

6.1.   Regular Season - In that event, no automatic out will be recorded.

6.2.   Post Season - In that event, an automatic out will be recorded each time through the lineup at the missing player's turn to bat.

7.      Both teams' scorekeepers have the authority to notify the umpire of improper batting order.  The official score book (home team, unless otherwise designated by the umpire) determines the proper batting order.

8.      If a batter is challenged as "batting out of order", the umpire will consult the official scorekeeper and make his/her judgment in accordance with the Official Rules of Baseball.

Baserunning /  Offense

1. Courtesy runners will be allowed for injured players. The courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out.

2. Courtesy runners will be required for the upcoming catcher when there are two outs. The courtesy runner must be the player who made the last out.

3. A runner will be called out, if, in the umpire's judgment, he instigates contact with a fielder covering a base, unless while sliding. 

4. All batters must wear a helmet with a face-protector while at the plate (no exceptions).

5. NO METAL CLEATS ARE ALLOWED.

6. Tight bases (player may not leave the base until the ball passes home plate) are in effect at all bases. If, in the umpire's judgment, a runner leaves a base early, the runner shall be declared out, the ball is dead, and any other base runners shall return to their base.

7. A runner may only make a steal attempt from first base to second base or from second base to third base. A runner may not make an attempt to steal from third base to home. When making a steal attempt, a runner may only advance one base. In other words, if a runner attempts to steal second base and the throw from the catcher goes into the outfield, the runner may not continue to third base. The same rule applies to a runner making an attempt to steal from second base to third base. This rule is to encourage the catchers to make a throw to second or third base without fear of the runner advancing another base.

8. A runner may only advance home from third base by a batted ball, an "overthrow on a batted ball", or when forced home by a walk with bases loaded.

9. The batter may not advance to first after a dropped third strike.

10. A team is allowed one (1) offensive time?out per inning.

11. Distance between bases is 60 feet.

Pitching / Defense

1.      If a coach receives time out to speak to a defensive player, that will be counted as a "trip to the mound".  On the second "trip to the mound" in any one inning, the pitcher must be changed.

2.      Infield fly rule is in effect.

3.     Another pitcher must replace any pitcher hitting 3 batters in one inning or 4 batters in one game.

4.      No more than three (3) defensive players may huddle at any one time on the field.  After one warning from the umpire, any defensive coach standing outside the dugout will be charged with a "trip to the mound".

5.      Balk Warnings

5.1. Because there are tight bases, there will be no balks called.  Coaches are encouraged to begin instructing pitchers of proper techinques when runners are on base.  

5.2 No bunting is allowed.

6.      Strike Zone - The height of the strike zone is from the top of the hitters shoulders to the bottom of the hitters knees when in a typical batting stance.  The width of the strike zone is the total width of the plate including the 'black'. The edge of the baseball need only graze the edge of the plate.   Hitters should be prepared to SWING!

7.      Pitching Limits

7.1.   A pitcher may pitch no more than two (2) innings per game.

7.2.   A pitcher may pitch no more than four (4) innings per calendar day.

7.3.   Any pitcher pitching three (3) or four (4) innings in a calendar day must wait forty (40) hours until they can pitch again.  The forty hour wait time is calculated from starting game time to starting game time.

Example: A pitcher pitches two(2) innings in both games of a Saturday doubleheader. The starting time of the second game was 7:30PM.  That pitcher will be eligible to pitch again starting at 11:30AM on Monday.  I.e. that pitcher would not be eligible to pitch at all on Sunday but, will be eligible for any games starting at 11:30AM or later on Monday.

7.4.   A single pitch thrown in an inning counts as one inning pitched.

7.5.   Once a player is removed from the pitching position during a game, that player may not return to the pitching position in that game.

8.      Distance from Home Plate to the Pitching Plate is 46 feet.