General Rules:

Each level of play has its own specific rules geared to the level of skills at that level.  The following are general rules that apply throughout the program:

·        Playing Time: All players on your team should receive equal/fair playing time.  There are several ways to ensure equal/fair playing time.  Each player must play at least four innings in the field in a six inning game.  Individual divisions may have more specific rules.  It is important to emphasize the attendance issue to players.  If a player consistently misses games and practices due to alternative activities, the equal/fair playing time rule does not apply.

·        Cheering should be reserved for positive actions like hits, good plays and good efforts.  Yelling instructions, either by fans or by coaches, while a play is in progress should not be done.

·        Game Preliminaries: All warm-up throwing done in the outfield or behind the outfield fences.  The home team takes infield for 10 minutes, 25 minutes before game time (if first of two games).  The visiting team will take infield for 10 minutes, 15 minutes before game time.  Before the second game, especially at night, the field is to be shared equally prior to game time (coaches and umpire should agree on time) with the home team going first.  Home team sits on first base side.

·        Visiting team responsible for scoreboard at Byrd North, home team at Byrd South

·        Home team provides 2 game balls per game. Each team will receive game balls to use during the season

·        Both teams responsible for field prep and warm-ups

·        2 Minutes between half innings - we run on and off the field

·        Different positions: Players should play as many different positions as possible provided they have the skills and understanding to play certain positions.  We need to develop more pitchers and catchers.  If a player has not developed their skills or understanding to be able to play certain positions, they should not play them.  In some cases safety is an issue.  In addition, players develop confidence after experiencing success.  Put players in a position where they can do well.

·        Protective gear: Helmets must be worn at bat, on deck, on the bases and when coaching bases.  Full catcher gear must be worn behind the plate including cup.

·        Sliding: Runners must slide into bases on close plays.  Any player sliding head first shall be called out, exception when diving back to a base.  A runner shall be called out when he does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder, at any base, when the fielder has the ball and is waiting to make a tag, or the throw is on its way (umpire judgment controls) and the fielder is about to catch the ball for the purpose of making the tag.  In any case, contact must be made for this rule to apply. Note: When coming home on a passed ball, the runner must slide whether there is a play at the plate or not. If a runner fails to slide, then on the first team offense in a game, the runner must go back to third base, on the second team offense in a game, the runner is called out.

·        Throwing the bat: No player shall throw the bat (intentionally or unintentionally) upon hitting the ball.  The first offense in a game is a warning, upon the second offense in a game the batter/runner is out and no runners advance.

·        Benches: Only players and coaches are allowed on or near the bench.  Players not on deck or warming up (pitchers and catchers in bullpen area) must be seated on the bench watching the game and learning from their peers and coaches.  All equipment must be kept neatly behind the fences.

·        Out of play: Each field has its out of bounds, which should be discussed before each game.

·        Postponements: In case of rain call 344-7802.  Once the game begins, the umpire has complete jurisdiction concerning delays and postponements.

·        Pitching: Pitching rules at each division are in place for the safety of the players; therefore violations of these rules will result in forfeiture of the game in question and suspension of the team manager/coach.  The minimum penalty for the first violation is suspension from the next game.

·        Umpires: players, coaches, fans, and especially parents must treat the umpires with respect.

The umpires are in complete charge of the game.  Any arguing, baiting or taunting of umpires by any coach, player or spectator will not be tolerated.  Any coach, player or spectator ejected from a game shall face disciplinary action by the Baseball  Rules Committee with the minimum penalty for the first ejection being suspension from the next game in addition to the ejection from the subject game.

The coaching staff is responsible for the behavior of the parents and fans of their team.

Umpires are not responsible for the violation of any special league rules such as pitching or playing time.  If you believe the opposing team is violating a league rule, first ask the opposing coach quietly during the game.  If not satisfied with the answer or resolution, report the violation to the Baseball Rules Committee in writing or by email.

Coaches, players and parents are not allowed to stand behind the backstop.