R.G.S.L. MINOR LEAGUE TOURNAMENT

(AGES 8-9-10, CUTOFF JANUARY 1ST)

PLAYING RULES

 

  1. It will be a (6) inning game in this age group.
  2. Pitching distance will be 35 feet, and bases will be 60 feet.
  3. At the start of each pitch, the pivot foot must be on the rubber and the non-pivot foot must be on or near the rubber.  Any preliminary motion is legal including the windmill.  If a pitcher stops or hesitates at any time during her motion, no pitch will be declared and a ball will be awarded to the batter.
  4. There will be no pitcher requirements as far as innings per week or per game.  Once the starting pitcher has been removed, she may return as a pitcher one more time in that game.  Any substitute pitcher, once removed as a pitcher, may not return as a pitcher.
  5. The 3rd hit batter in the same inning by the same pitcher will result in the removal of that player as a pitcher for that game.  The 5th hit batter in the same game will also result in the removal of that player as a pitcher for that game.
  6. No stealing, dropped third strike, or infield fly rule at this age group.  Bunting will be allowed.
  7. Any player who leaves the bases before the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand will result in the automatic removal of the base runner from base.  No pitch will be declared and the ball will be dead regardless if it was hit or not.  (No out will be recorded).
  8. Book rule on overthrows.  Two bases from the position of the runner if the ball goes out of bounds.  If the pitcher releases a wild pitch, which goes out of bounds, the ball will be dead.  A ball will be awarded to the batter and no runner can advance.
  9. Play ends when a player has possession of the ball in the pitching circle.  If, in the umpire’s judgment, any runner has reached at least half way to the next base, the runner will be permitted to continue to that base.  If not, the runner must return to the previous base.  (Circle – 8’ radius.  Hash marks will be made for halfway point to bases.)
  10. Any attempt by the catcher to pick off a runner the ball will be live.  The fielder must tag the runner for the out.  The runner must re-tag the base before advancing.  The ball remains live until a player has possession within the circle.
  11. Each inning will consist of 3 outs, or 3 runs, whichever comes first.  The 6th inning, or last inning, will be an open inning to score as many runs as you can.  If, at the end of 3 ½ innings the home team is 10 or more runs ahead, or at the end of 4 full innings the visiting team is 10 or more runs ahead, that team will be declared the winner.
  12. No new inning may start after a one hour and forty-five minute (1hr. 45min.) time limit has been reached.  All innings started must be completed unless the 10 run rule is reached.  All games which reach the 1hr. 45 min. time limit will be legal games regardless of the amount of innings played (a last inning will be declared).  Any game which is stopped for injury to a player, then that amount of time will be added to your official start time. Any game which is stopped because of rain will be a continuation regardless of innings played.  However, a minimum of one full inning must have been completed in this situation.  The official time will also be a continuation.
  13. There will be a ten (10) minute grace period for any team to field the minimum amount of players to start a game.  The minimum amount of players is eight (8).  If a team cannot be fielded within the ten minute grace period, then that team will receive an automatic forfeit.  No exceptions.
  14. All players MUST be put into the batting order and there will be unlimited substitution on players within the field. With the exception of the starting pitcher which is covered under rule #4. If a player is coming late and not at the field at the time of play then the manager must notify the umpire and the opposing manager during the ground rules. The player is added to the bottom of the lineup and will be eligible to play once she arrives. NO out will be recorded if this player is due up to bat and she is not at the field. That batting position is skipped. If a batter is leaving early, then during the ground rules the umpire and opposing manager must be notified and when the player leaves she will be skipped in the batting order without an out being recorded. IF the manager does not notify the umpire and opposing manager then this will result in an out each time that player is scheduled to bat.
  15. With two (2) outs and the catcher or pitcher on base, you have the option to insert a courtesy runner to allow your catcher/pitcher time to put her equipment on.  You must use the player the recorded the last batted out as the new runner.   
  16. All jewelry MUST be removed.  Only starter posts will be an exception and they must be taped.  Barrettes to hold back hair will not be acceptable.
  17. All pitchers must wear batting helmets while warming up between innings.  Once the inning starts the helmet will be removed.
  18. If a fielder has the ball in her possession and is waiting to tag a runner, that runner cannot collide directly into that fielder.  Penalty:  The runner will be called out and if, in the umpires’ judgment it was intentional, she will also be ejected.
  19. Any bat which flies from the batter’ hands and in the umpires’ judgment endangers the catcher, umpire, on deck batter, dugout personnel or the fans, a warning will be given to the offending team.  On the second offense from any player on the same team, the batter will be declared out, the ball will be dead, and all runners will return to the last base they previously occupied regardless of the ball was hit or not.  If intentional, that player will be ejected.
  20. Under no circumstances will anyone but the manager or such person who has been designated as manager in the absence of the regular manager be permitted to question an umpire over any rules interpretation call.  Judgment call cannot be questioned at any time by anyone.
  21. Any manager, coach or player who causes him or herself to be ejected from any game will also sit out the next played game.  If a player, she must be in uniform and on the bench for her suspended game.  If manager or coach, he/she must be out of sight and sound of his/her suspended game.
  22. Fan control is the total responsibility of the team he or she is with.  1st violation:  A warning will be given to that team.  2nd violation:  Automatic forfeiture of that game.  PLEASE MAKE YOUR FANS AWARE OF THIS RULE.  WE REALIZE IT WOULD BE AN INJUSTICE TO FORFEIT A GAME BECAUSE OF AN IRATE FAN, BUT THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.
  23. All coaches and managers must stay in the dugout or off the playing field during the game.  The only exception will be the two (2) adult base coaches.
  24. Any rule not covered above will be strictly book rule (ASA).  Any rule covered above will override book rule.

 

 

THANK YOU AND GOOD LUCK.