BEREA BASEBALL ASSOCIATION
RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR 9/10 YEAR OLD BASEBALL LEAGUE
Only the Executive Board of the Berea Baseball Association my change or modify these rules.
Official Little League Rules apply, except as amended herein:
RULE 1.0 DIVISIONS & PLAYER ELIGIBILITY
1.01 LEAGUE DIVISIONS & PLAYER AGES
Age 9 - A ball player cannot turn 10 years old prior to August 1st of the current year.
Age 10 - A ball player cannot turn 11 years old prior to August 1st of the current year.
1.02 BBA reserves the right to move players into the appropriate league based on the age, experience, and/or ability of the player
RULE 2.0 UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, AND THE PLAYING FIELD
2.01 Jersey, pants, caps, and socks are provided by the Berea Baseball Association and should be worn by each player during the game. Jerseys cannot be altered and should be tucked in. Earrings or other piercings, watches, necklaces, or other loose jewelry must be removed prior to the start of a scheduled game. Medical alert jewelry or religious emblems are permitted provided that they are taped down or otherwise secured prior to the player taking the field.
2.02 Baseball bats must meet Little League specifications and standards. They should be made of wood or of material tested and approved acceptable to Little League standards. Bats may be taped or fitted with a sleeve for a distance not exceeding 16 inches from the small end. Softball bats are not allowed.
2.03 Bat Size: Bats may not exceed 30 inches in length or 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
2.04 Illegal bats must be removed. If an illegal bat is discovered after a ball is hit, the batter will be called out and the base runners will be returned to their original bases.
2.05 Balls, bats, catching equipment, and helmets are supplied by the BBA. Coaches and players should respect this equipment. A ball player, without prior warning, may be ejected from the game for throwing his equipment in anger. A team warning will be issued in regard to any further infraction of the rule, resulting in a forfeiture of the game. Batting helmets must be worn by a player when on-deck, batting, running bases, or coaching a base. Defective equipment must be removed immediately and taken out of play.
2.06 No metal spikes are allowed
2.07 Playing Field: Bases will be a distance of sixty (60) feet and the pitcher's mound will be forty-five (45) feet from home plate.
RULE 3.0 GAME PRELIMINARIES, GROUND RULES
3.01 Ground rules and regulations must be covered before each game between the umpires and the head coaches.
3.02 Teams must have a minimum of eight (8) players on the field no later than ten (10) minutes after the scheduled start of the game. A team with less than eight (8) players will forfeit the game.
3.03 Each team will present a lineup card to the opposing coach that will include player name (first, last, or both), and uniform number.
3.04 Only the team head coach, three (3) assistant coaches, players in uniform, and a batboy are permitted in the dugout or playing area. The batboy must wear a batting helmet when on the field of play.
3.05 Players, coaches, and assistants should not address, or mingle with spectators, nor sit in the stands during the game in which they are participating in, with the exception of controlling unruly behavior. All players must remain behind the fencing of the dugout area unless on deck, at bat, or on base. In addition, all players must remain behind the fencing of the dugout area unless on deck, at bat, or on base.
3.06 The home team will occupy the first base dugout. The home team will also be the official scorekeeper.
3.07 Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule will be in effect. The infield fly is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt), which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when first, and second, or first, second, and third, are occupied with less than two outs. The batter is out. Runners advance at their own risk.
3.08 Appeal plays (runner missing a base, runner leaving early on a tag up, etc.) will be the responsibility of the umpire and decided immediately. No appeal from the coach or player is necessary.
3.09 In the event of an extreme possible injury (ball impacting player, player collision, etc.), time will be called and play will stop (dead ball). Runners may not advance after time has been called and may be sent back to the base that he was originally occupying or running to at the time of the injury based on "dead ball" rules.
RULE 4.0 STARTING AND PLAYING TIME
4.01 Infield practice will be determined by the time left before the start of the next game. The umpires will have the authority in this matter. There will be no infield/outfield practice after the first inning.
4.02 Regulation Games: Games will be seven (7) innings, or one hour and fifty-five minutes (1 hour 55 minutes) with no new inning to begin after one hour and thirty-five minutes (1 hour 35 minutes) of play. The home team only bats in the final inning if they are trailing or if the score is tied. Play will be discontinued at one hour and fifty-five-minute (1 hour 55 minutes) hour mark regardless of which team is ahead or game situation. The score at the one hour and fifty-five-minute hour mark will be the final score.
4.02a Continued Games: Any game suspended due to weather, acts of nature, equipment malfunction, or curfew will be replayed, continued, or cancelled at the discretion of the BBA Board of Directors.
4.03 Games will begin at scheduled times, provided the umpires and fields are ready for play. The umpire will record the starting time in the home team scorebook. Rain delays and cancellations after the game begins are at the umpire's discretion. The following rules will apply in lighting disturbances:
4.03a A 30-second or less flash-to-bang count will result in removal of all players from the field to an appropriate shelter
4.03b Thirty (30) Minute Rule: Once play has been suspended, there must be at least a 30 minute wait after the last flash of lightening is witnessed, or thunder is heard, prior to resuming play.
4.04 Maximum Batters Per Inning: A continuous battering order will be used. The number of batters per inning will be determined by the team with the greater number of players at the start of the game.
4.05 Run rule: There will be no run rule. The inning or half-inning will end when the batting team reaches the bottom of the order or three (3) outs are recorded.
4.06 Number of Defensive Players: The team will field ten (10) defensive players with additional player to be placed in the outfield.
4.07 A player must not sit out for more than one defensive inning at a time. Exceptions to this rule include injuries or player availability.
4.08 If any player is removed from a game for an injury or illness of any nature, he may not re-enter that game. There is no penalty (out) when that player’s spot in the order comes up.
RULE 5.0 BATTING PROCEDURE
5.01 Bunting: Bunting is allowed at all times even with a player on third base.
5.02 Dropped Third Strikes: Batters may not run to first on a dropped third strike pitch.
5.03 A batter will be declared out when failing to bat in proper turn and another batter completes a time at bat in place of the proper batter. Base runners will return to the base occupied during the previous at bat. The proper batter may take position in the batter’s box at any time before the improper batter becomes a runner or is put out, and any balls and strikes shall be counted in the proper batter’s time at bat.
5.04 If a pitched ball touches the ground and bounces through the strike zone it is a “ball”. If such a pitch touches the batter, it is considered a “hit batter” and the batter shall be awarded first base. If the batter hits such a pitch, the ball will be considered “live” as if it was hit in flight.
5.05 A batter will be issued a warning for a bat that has been “thrown” following a hit ball. A second infraction in the same game will cause the batter to be called out. The next infraction will result in that player being ejected from the game. (Differs from “Equipment Thrown in Anger Rule” RULE 2.05).
RULE 6.0 THE CATCHER
6.01 Catcher’s Maximum Number of Innings: Catchers will be allowed a maximum of four (4) innings per game.
6.02 The catcher must wear the following equipment: Chest protector, helmet and mask (and throat guard if equipped), shin guards, hard helmet. It is recommended that a protective cup be worn. A helmet and mask must be worn at all time when warming up the pitcher, either on the field or outside the dugout.
6.03 The catcher must maintain a crouch position with both knees off of the ground while a pitch to the home plate is still “in play”.
6.04 Courtesy Runner: The coach has the option to utilize a courtesy runner to allow the catcher to put his equipment if there are two (2) outs in the inning. Runner selected will be the player who made the last batted out.
RULE 7.0 THE RUNNER
7.01 Lead Offs: A runner may not leave the base until the pitched ball has reached the batter. If a runner leaves the base early, play is stopped; the player must return to the base and receives a warning. The next time the runner leaves early he will be called out.
7.02 Stealing of Bases: Stealing of 3rd base only will be allowed. A runner can only score from 3rd base on a batted ball or on a base on balls.
7.03 Overthrows to the Pitcher: An errant return throw from the catcher to the pitcher is considered a dead ball. A runner cannot advance after the ball has been released by the catcher to the pitcher regardless if the ball is caught, overthrown, dropped, etc.
7.04 Malicious Contact: Malicious contact with intent to injure or to intentionally disrupt play will result in a warning. Subsequent infractions will result in an ejection and will be recorded as an out if committed on offense.
7.05 Sliding headfirst into any base will not be permitted unless the base runner is returning to the original base. One team warning will be given and any additional headfirst slides will be called out.
7.06 Fielders may not block the base path or base unless they are fielding the ball or have possession of the ball and are making a play on the base runner. No fake tags.
7.07 Base runners must allow a fielder to make a play on the ball. If the runner interferes with the fielder, he will automatically be called out.
7.08 A runner will be called out if he runs more than three (3’) feet away from a direct line between the bases to avoid being tagged.
7.09 Runners will advance one base at a time until the ball is controlled by a defensive player. The runner can only advance to the next base if a defensive play is made while the runner is between the bases. Runners advancing to the next base will do so at their own peril and are subject to being “tagged out”.
RULE 8.0 PITCHERS
8.01 Pitcher’s Daily & Weekly Maximum Number of Innings: A maximum of two (2) innings or seventy-five (75) pitches per day, whichever comes first, per pitcher. A maximum of six (6) innings per week, per pitcher.
8.01a A nine-year-old, or combination of nine-year-olds, must pitch to a minimum of eight (8) batters by the end of the third inning (3rd inning).
8.02 A pitcher may be freely substituted throughout a game so long as he is in compliance with the maximum number of pitches (pitch count). A pitcher may continue to pitch to a batter if the maximum number of pitches is reached within that at bat only. The pitcher must be removed before the next batter comes to the plate. A pitcher may not pitch to another batter if he is within two (2) pitches of reaching the maximum pitches per game.
8.03 The maximum number of pitcher innings will be enforced regardless of the number of games in a week. Innings pitched includes make-up games, and innings pitched in games called prior to becoming official (rainouts, time limit, etc.). One (1) pitch constitutes as an inning pitched. A player may not pitch on more than two (2) consecutive calendar days.
8.04 The pitching week will be defined as Monday through Sunday. The start of the tournament will begin a new pitching week, regardless of the day being played on and will continue for seven (7) consecutive days.
8.05 Breaking Balls: No intentional breaking balls (curveballs, sliders, knuckleballs, etc.) are allowed. If the umpire believes the pitcher is using an illegal pitch, the player will be warned (1 warning per player). If the problem persists, the pitcher will then be removed from the mound.
8.06 Balks: Pitcher balks will not be called.
8.07 Pitchers may have five (5) warm up pitches the first inning pitched and three (3) warm up pitches for any innings pitched thereafter.
8.08 Coaches are allowed only one (1) visit to the mound per pitcher, per inning. A second trip requires a change in pitchers. There will be one (1) minute time limits for visits, including “travel time”.
8.09 Base on Balls & Hit Batters: If a pitcher walks six (6) batters in one (1) inning, he must be removed from the mound. A hit batter is considered a walk. Coaches must use good judgment on hit batters.
RULE 9.0 CONDUCT OF COACHES, ASSISTANT COACHES, FANS
9.01 Only the team head coach may address the umpire or the opposing team’s head coach concerning a rules interpretation, disputed call, or questions concerning the game, etc. Violation of this rule by an assistant coach, player, or fan will result in a verbal warning given to the head coach. Any additional or subsequent infractions will result in the immediate ejection of the head coach and or any assistant coach, player, or fan that becomes involved in these meetings.
9.02 If the head coach is unable to attend a game, a designated head coach must be declared to the plate umpire prior to the start of the game. All games must begin and end with a BBA approved, adult coach on the field.
9.03 Head coaches are to keep their assistant coaches, players, and fans under control at all times. The umpire may eject the head coach, assistant coach, player, or fan if he deems necessary, from the playing field area. The head coach will be allowed reasonable time to control his assistant coaches, players or fans before he will be subject to possible ejection. A second ejection for one (1) team (including players, coaches, and or fans) in any game will result in immediate and final forfeiture of the game. Following a second ejection (coaches, players, and or fans) during the season, the head coach will be suspended. Reinstatement is as defined in RULE 9.04.
9.04 Ejection of a coach (head or assistant), or a violation of the rule herein, will earn the head coach a minimum suspension for that game. Following an ejection, the head coach or any other coach involved in the incident may not coach again until a committee consisting of members of the BBA Board of Directors and the coaches involved meet for a review. During this suspension, the coach may not have any contact with his team prior to, during, or after a game. This also includes any team practices or team outings. Results of the review may determine if further action is necessary and appropriate.
9.05 No BBA coach will be permitted to smoke, chew tobacco, or consume alcoholic beverages while practicing with or coaching a BBA team.
9.06 Profanity by any head coach, assistant coach, or player is subject to immediate ejection from the game.
9.07 No verbal abuse, heckling, badgering, or name-calling of any player, umpire, coach, or fan will be tolerated. There will be no organized noise or chanting prior to, or during the pitcher’s delivery (i.e.: banging bats, shaking the fence, “rally, rally”, etc.).
9.08 Ejection of any player by the umpire will result in suspension for the rest of that game plus the next scheduled game. If a player is ejected from a game, a substitute may only be selected from the players who have not yet entered the game. If no substitution can be made because there are no available players, the ejected player’s turn in the lineup will be scored an out for each subsequent at bat.