Overview of Ages
Expectations
Safety
All male players must be properly equipped with an athletic supporter and cup.
Catchers must wear a mask with a throat protector and helmet during practice, pitcher warm-up, and games. Catcher chest protector must have the lower extension.
Pitchers are required to wear sneakers or turf shoes when pitching from the mound on turf fields (e.g., Sea Cloud B1, B3 and B4).
No one except eligible players in uniform, managers, and not more than two coaches, shall occupy the bench or dugout area.
The batter, all base runners, and players acting as coaches, must wear helmets at all times while on the field.
Batting Rules
Lineup: Continuous batting order (entire roster hits).
Strike Zone: Expanded (armpits to mid-calf, +2 inches width).
Safety: No on-deck circle; no warm-up swings inside/outside dugout.
Dropped 3rd Strike: Not in effect (batter cannot run upon dropped 3rd strike).
Fielding Rules
Format: 9 defensive players.
Playing Time: Each player on the team must play a minimum of four (4) innings per game (only two innings are required in a shortened game). If a player does not complete minimum play, that player must then start the next scheduled game, fulfill the playing obligation from the last game and at least the minimum play for the current game before being taken out. Violation of the minimum play rules will result in a warning, then a possible suspension of the manager by the Board of Directors.
Pitching Rules
Game Play Rules
Length: Games are six (6) innings long. If a game is shortened for weather or darkness etc., it is a regulation game if four innings have been completed, or if the home team is ahead after three and one-half innings. If a game is called before it has become a regulation game and one or more innings have been played, it shall be resumed exactly where it left off.
For all games, no inning may start after 105 minutes (one hour, forty-five minutes). A new inning begins as soon as the previous inning ends. If a new inning has started just before 105 minutes then that inning will be completed regardless of time.
Ties are allowed during the regular season if a new inning cannot be started due to this rule.
Scoring: For the first three innings, there is a maximum of five runs allowed per inning.
Base Running:
Stealing a base (other than home) is allowed after ball crosses plate.
During the first part of the season, runners are allowed to advance home from third base ONLY via a batted ball or a walk (i.e. not via a passed ball/wild pitch, etc.). The purpose is to develop new pitchers and catchers without added stress of baserunners or leading to a mercy rule.
No head-first sliding (unless diving back).
Delayed steal rules enforced (runners must return if pitcher is on mound and catcher is ready).
The pitcher need only be on the mound with the ball, and the catcher in the catcher's box with his/her mask and glove on. The runners shall return to the last base safely reached. The runners are not to stay off the base in an attempt to draw a play. The umpires shall instruct the runners to return if necessary. If a pitcher makes a play on a runner, the umpires will let the play continue and the runners shall be in jeopardy, but eligible to advance if not put out. The purpose of this rule is to speed up play and prevent drawn out pitcher-runner exercises. Umpire should attempt to control this in the spirit of the rule.
Standings & Playoffs
Playoffs: Double elimination championship tournament at end of season.