Interior Baseball League Mustang Division Rules Regular Season

Transcription

1 Interior Baseball League Mustang Division Rules Regular Season Game Duration: Games are 6 innings in length and due to time limits can end in a tie. An official game shall have a minimum of 8 players per team (a 10-minute grace period is allowed to secure 8 players per team). All warm-ups must be completed prior to game time and games will start promptly at 6:00pm and 8:00pm. If a game is called for any reason, it shall be considered a complete game if 4 innings have been completed. No innings shall start after 7:30pm (early game) or 9:30pm (late game). Please help to ensure that the game moves along and is not stalled for any reason (with the exception of player injury). The umpire has the official time. The 10-Run-Rule is in effect. Game Delays: If a game is delayed due to weather or improper field maintenance, the Division Coordinator and the head Umpire should agree on whether to reschedule the game for another day or to play the game within a shorten time span. If the decision is to play the game, it will be played under the provisions outlined within the Game Duration rule above. Game Cancellations: Cancellation due to bad weather (or smoke) will be jointly decided by the Managers at game time (with the Division Coordinator having the final say); once the game starts the head of the umpires association or their designated representative will have the final decision. Game cancellations will only be decided at game time. A game may also be cancelled prior to the start by the IBL President or designee, in conjunction with the division coordinator. Cancellation Make-up Games: Make-up games during the regular season will be played only if there is an available time slot, determined by the Division Coordinator and the head of the umpire association or their designated representatives. Between Innings: 90 seconds to pitch warm up and switch on and off the field (Enforced by Umpires) Home Team: Occupies the 3rd Base Dugout. Keeps the official score book. The home team is also responsible for filling out the Pony Game Report and will turn it in to the Division Coordinator via or in person. Visiting Team: Occupies the 1st Base Dugout. Field Maintenance: Lines should be chalked prior to the first game of the evening. If for some reason the field is not chalked, it will be the responsibility of both teams participating in the first game. The pitcher s mound, home plate and the sliding boxes should be raked and watered if necessary. Batting: IBL uses continuous batting order (all players are in the batting order). Teams will switch after 3 outs are made or 6 runs are scored in innings 1 thru 4. Teams will switch after 3 outs are made in innings 5 & 6.In innings 5 & 6 teams will switch after 3 outs are made, there is no 6 run rule in these innings. If a team runs through their entire batting order before the 3rd out and/or 6 runs are scored, they will start again at the top

2 of the batting order.if a player is injured and cannot play, you will skip over their place in the batting order (no out recorded). If a player is injured while on base and removed from the game the "last batted out" will be the courtesy runner. Once a player misses an at bat due to injury that player is out of the game. If a player is ejected or removed from the game for un-sportsman-like-conduct by the umpire, an out will be recorded every time their place comes up in the lineup. Player Substitutions: Unlimited player substitutions, with the exception of the pitcher. The Pitcher may not return to the mound once removed. In the Field: 3 inning minimum for every player. If a player plays less than 3 innings due to weather or 10 run rule, that player must start in the next scheduled game and play the minimum number of required innings before removed from the field. Managers are allowed to use 3 or 4 outfielders in the field (this means there could be a maximum of 10 defensive players on the field at one time). This is completely at the discretion of the Managers and they do not need to agree (one Manager could play 4 and the other could play 3). Pitching: (Must follow IBL pitching rules NO EXCEPTIONS) Pitchers may pitch the maximum number of pitches per game OR 3 innings during the same calendar day AND no more than 8 innings per week (a calendar week Monday through Sunday). If a pitcher has reached the pitch count limit, he/she will finish pitching to the current batter. Pitchers must have a minimum of 40 hours AND one game rest (if playing a 3 game week) after pitching 3 complete innings or exhausting pitch count on one calendar day. Pitch counts are set by IBL and will be enforced during both the regular season and the end of season tournament. NO EXCEPTIONS. One pitch to one batter constitutes one inning. IBL Pitch Counts: Weeks 1-4 Weeks 5-8 Tournament Maximum Pitch Count: 50 per game Maximum Pitch Count: 60 per game Maximum Pitch Count: 6570 per game Stealing & Leading Off: Rule (2) for regular season play: Runners at first and second bases may lead off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules, but runners at third base shall remain in contact with the base from the time the pitcher steps on the rubber with possession of the ball until the pitched ball has been hit or has reached or passed the batter. Once the pitcher has stepped on the rubber, in possession of the ball, runners at third base who leave base before the pitched ball reaches or passes the batter shall be called out and the pitch shall be considered as a dead ball. Rule (1) for tournament play: Runners may lead-off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules. Stealing & Leading Off: For Regular Season and Tournament runners may lead-off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules. Dropped 3rd Strike Rule: This rule is NOT in effect for this division. Base runners can run at their own risk but the batter is automatically out on the 3rd strike. Slide &/or Avoid Rule: The runner must slide or avoid a fielder attempting to make a tag. No malicious contact or attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder will be allowed.

3 There is no head first sliding into home plate (if this happens the base runner is called out). Obstruction: A fielder, while not in possession of the ball, may not obstruct a runner in any way. At the discretion of the umpire an obstructed player may receive a base in addition to the base the player was headed to. Player Disciplinary Action: Please see IBL By Laws, Article VI-Disciplinary Action Team Size: 12 players minimum (which is the league recommendation, assuming there are enough players available), it is the Manager s option to retain more than 12 players (if available). Competitive Team Participation: In order to play on a competitive team, a player must first play on a current regular season team. Missed Practices: The Manager has the option to count each occurrence as one inning toward the minimum # of innings played in the next game (If a parent notifies the manager in advance, this does not count as a missed practice). If a manager penalizes a player for a missed practice they must include this in the Game Report. (Missed practices DO NOT carry over to the next week s games Monday is the start of the week). Late to Game: If a player arrives late to a game, those innings missed may count toward the minimum numbers of innings required to play in that game; this again is the Manager s option, and must be included in the Game Report. A player who arrives after the game has started will be added to the end of the continuous batting order. Baseball Shoes: Rubber cleats are permitted (absolutely NO metal cleats). Bat Rules: Follow PONY rules (Not to exceed 42 in length, not to exceed /8 barrel diameter maximum, there is no weight restriction). Wooden, metal, graphite, or ceramic bats manufactured for baseball play, which are round and not more than two and five eighths in diameter (2-5/8 ) at the thickest part, not more than 42 inches in length are acceptable. Only 2-1/4 barrel non-wood bats which are manufactured to achieve a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15 or less through the life of the bat are approved for play in PONY Baseball divisions. Effective January 1, 2012, all newly manufactured non-wood bats must be stamped approved for play in PONY Baseball and stamped with BPF 1.15 and the year manufactured. Effective January 1, 2012, all minus (-) 3 bats must be BBCOR certified. The bat which may be wood or non-wood product shall be not more than (2-5/8 ) in diameter at the barrel and shall be a smooth implement, from the top of the cap to the top of the knob. All non-wood bats shall meet the Ball-Bat Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) testing protocol maintaining the lengthto-weight difference of 0.50 limit regardless of length. All BBCOR approved bats shall be labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certification mark. (NOTE: 2 ¾ bats are prohibited in all PONY sanctioned leagues). Uniforms: Uniforms are required and may not be altered in any way (i.e., no mismatching socks, no additional head-wear). If a team elects to put names on the uniform only last names may be used (no nicknames or first names) Replacement pieces of the player s uniform will cost $5 for hats, socks, and belt and $10 for shirts and

4 pants. (hats, socks, shirt, pants, belt). Hats will be provided to 3 coaching adults per team. Coaches Uniforms: IBL will provide four hats and 4 team shirts for coaches. Coaches are required to wear issued hats and team shirts. Replacement shirts, if available, will cost $15. Coaches may wear MLB corresponding team jerseys, which may be purchased at the coach s expense. Coaches are also required to wear helmets when serving as a base coach. ALL RULES ARE FINAL. NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE DURING THE REGULAR SEASON. ANY PROPOSED RULE CHANGES MUST BE DISCUSSED AND VOTED UPON BY THE IBL BOARD DURING POST SEASON MEETINGS.

5 Mustang Division Tournament Rules Tournament Seating: Tournament seating will be determined randomly by drawing teams out of the hat. Regular season division standings will not have a bearing on tournament seating. Tournament Pool Play Format: Division standings will not be used. Teams will be randomly drawn from a hat by the division coordinator and seated in the following format: Team Team 1 vs 2 4 vs 3 5 vs 6 7 vs 8 Pool Play Tie Breakers: At the end of pool play, teams may be tied going into the crossover or final championship rounds with the same won/loss record. The following tiebreakers will determine which team advances and in what order (this is specific to Pool Play, regular season results are excluded): 1. Head to head competition 2. Fewest runs allowed in games played 3. Total runs scored in games played 4. Coin Toss NOTE: Head to head tie-breaker is to be used for TWO TEAMS tied only. If three or more teams are tied, the first tie-breaking criteria will be fewest runs allowed by all of the tied teams, then runs scored, then coin toss. Pool Play Game Duration: Games are 6 innings in length and due to time limits can end in a tie. All warm-ups must be completed prior to game time and games will start promptly. If a game is called for any reason, it shall be considered a complete game if 4 innings have been completed. Games will be limited to a maximum of 2 hours and 15 minutes during Pool Play. No inning shall start once game has exceeded 1 hour and 45 minutes. Please help to ensure that the game moves along and is not stalled for any reason (with the exception of player injury). The umpire has the official time. The 10- Run-Rule is in affect after 4 completed innings. Cross-over games will be optional for the last 4 teams, depending on team/coach willingness to play and field/umpire availability. Post Pool Play Game Duration: Games are 6 innings in length. No time limit and no ties during Post Pool Play. The 10-Run-Rule is in affect after 4 completed innings. Game Cancellations &Suspensions: If a game is cancelled or suspended due to weather/darkness, the game will be rescheduled at the earliest available day and time. In the event of a suspended game, the game will resume where it left off (same inning, batter, batting order, pitcher, pitch count, ball/strike count). Both partial games will be treated as one continuous game or day in determining pitch counts and pitcher eligibility. Game Delays: If a game is delayed due to weather or improper field maintenance, the Division Coordinator and the head Umpire should agree on whether to reschedule the

6 game for another day or to play the game within a shorten time span. If the decision is to play the game, it will be played under the provisions outlined within the Game Duration rules above. Score Book: If official score keepers are not available, parents can keep the book but must compare books between innings (It is strongly recommended that the parents keeping the score books, sit and work together, to minimize potential problems). Between Innings: 90 seconds to pitch warm up and switch on and off the field (Enforced by Umpires) Home Team: Occupies the 3rd Base Dugout. The home team is also responsible for filling out the Pony Game Report and will turn it in to the Division Coordinator via or in person. Visiting Team: Occupies the 1st Base Dugout. Field Maintenance: Lines should be chalked prior to the first game of the evening. If for some reason the field is not chalked, it will be the responsibility of both teams participating in the first game. The pitcher s mound, home plate and the sliding boxes should be raked and watered if necessary. Batting: Teams will play using continuous batting order. If one team has fewer players than the other team, the team with more players has the option to bat the same number or players as the opposing team. If this occurs, the players not in the continuous batting order must meet the required minimums of 3 innings in the field and at least 1 at bat. Teams will switch after 3 outs. However, if a team runs through their entire batting order before the 3rd out, they will start again at the top of the batting order until there are 3 outs. If a player is injured and cannot play, you will skip over their place in the batting order (no out recorded). If a player is injured while on base and removed from the game the "last batted out" will be the courtesy runner. Once a player misses an at bat due to injury that player is out of the game. If a player is ejected or removed from the game for un-sportsman-like conduct by the umpire, an out will be recorded every time their place comes up in the lineup. Player Substitutions: Unlimited player substitutions, with the exception of the pitcher. The pitcher may not return to the mound once removed. In the Field: 3 inning minimum for every player. If a player plays less than 3 innings due to weather or 10 run rule, that player must start in the next scheduled game and play the minimum number of required innings before being removed from the field. There will be a maximum of 10 players on the field (3 or 4 outfielders) at the coaches discretion. Tournament Pitching Rules: If a pitcher has reached the pitch count limit, he/she will finish pitching to the current batter. One pitch to one batter constitutes one inning. Maximum of 6 innings per game or day; Maximum of pitches per game or day AND If a pitcher exceeds either of these conditions, they are require to have 40 hours rest AND 1 game Maximum number of innings a pitcher may pitch during the tournament is 13

7 Stealing & Leading Off: Runners may lead-off and steal bases, as in Official Baseball Rules. Dropped 3rd Strike Rule: This rule is NOT in effect for this division. Base runners can run at their own risk but the batter is automatically out on the dropped 3rd strike. Slide &/or Avoid Rule: The runner must slide or avoid a fielder attempting to make a tag. No malicious contact or attempt to dislodge the ball from the fielder will be allowed. There is no head first sliding into home plate (if this happens the base runner is called out). Obstruction: A fielder, while not in possession of the ball, may not obstruct a runner in any way. At the discretion of the umpire an obstructed player may receive a base in addition to the base the player was headed to. Player Disciplinary Action: Please see IBL By Laws, Article VI-Disciplinary Action Team Size: 12 players minimum (which is the league recommendation, assuming there are enough players available), it is the Manager s option to retain more than 12 players (if available). Missed Practices: A player may not be penalized for missing practices during the tournament. Late to Game: If a player arrives late to a game, those innings missed may count toward the minimum numbers of innings required to play in that game; this again is the Manager s option, and must be included in the Game Report. A player who arrives after the game has started will be added to the end of the continuous batting order. If, at the start of the tournament game; the Manager with more players adjusted the batting order to match the other team and elected to go with substitute players:: 1. If the new player plays for the team with fewer players, both teams will expand their batting orders by one player (if additional players arrived late this would continue until the two teams had their maximum number of players). 2. If the new player plays for the team with more players (the team that adjusted their batting order originally) the new player would be consider a substitute player. Bat Rules: Follow PONY rules (Not to exceed 42 in length, not to exceed /8 barrel diameter maximum, there is no weight restriction). Wooden, metal, graphite, or ceramic bats manufactured for baseball play, which are round and not more than two and five eighths in diameter (2-5/8 ) at the thickest part, not more than 42 inches in length are acceptable. Only 2-1/4 barrel non-wood bats which are manufactured to achieve a Bat Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15 or less through the life of the bat are approved for play in PONY Baseball divisions. Effective January 1, 2012, all newly manufactured non-wood bats must be stamped approved for play in PONY Baseball and stamped with BPF 1.15 and the year manufactured. Effective January 1, 2012, all minus (-) 3 bats must be BBCOR certified. The bat which may be wood or non-wood product shall be not more than (2-5/8 ) in diameter at the barrel and shall be a smooth implement, from the top of the cap to the top of the knob. All non-wood bats shall meet the Ball-Bat Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) testing protocol maintaining the lengthto-weight difference of 0.50 limit regardless of length. All BBCOR approved bats shall be

8 labeled with a silk screen or other permanent certification mark. (NOTE: 2 ¾ bats are prohibited in all PONY sanctioned leagues). Baseball Shoes: Rubber cleats are permitted (absolutely NO metal cleats). Uniforms: Uniforms are required and may not be altered in any way (i.e., no mismatching socks, no additional head-wear). If a team elects to put names on the uniform only last names may be used (no nicknames or first names) Replacement pieces of the player s uniform will cost $5 for hats, socks, and belt and $10 for shirts and pants. (hats, socks, shirt, pants, belt). Hats will be provided to 3 coaching adults per team. Coaches Uniforms: IBL will provide four hats and 4 team shirts for coaches. Coaches are required to wear issued hats and team shirts. Replacement shirts, if available, will cost $15. Coaches may wear MLB corresponding team jerseys, which may be purchased at the coach s expense. Coaches are also required to wear helmets when serving as a base coach. Protests: There will be a tournament committee consisting of the tournament director (Division Coordinator), head umpire/designee and the league president/designee. All protests will governed by IBL By-laws. ALL RULES ARE FINAL. NO CHANGES WILL BE MADE DURING THE TOURNAMENT. ANY PROPOSED RULE CHANGES MUST BE DISCUSSED AND VOTED UPON BY THE IBL BOARD DURING POST SEASON MEETINGS.

9 Trades, Wait List & Fill-in Policy 1) Player Trades The players, parents and coaches must all be in favor of the trade. The player ratings much match exactly (no exceptions). Final approval by the Division Coordinator is required (if unavailable the League President or Office Manager(s) may approve the trade). 2) Assignment of kids from the wait list to League Teams Kids who sign up late are placed on the wait list for their age group The kids on the list will be ranked by an assessment committee (the assessment committee will be formed by the Division Coordinator). As slots become available kids will be placed on teams by the Office Managers and/or Division Coordinator, placement will be based solely on the player s assessment score. 3) Fill-in policy for teams that have a shortage of players during a league game The Division Coordinator will work with the Office Managers to compile a complete list of players (with their assessment scores). Once compiled (complete with player and manager contact information) the list will be distributed to the Managers by the Division Coordinator so the Managers can poll their team to see what parents/children are interested in being listed as a fill-in player for use during the season and the tournament. Once the parents/players have reported back to the Manager, the Manager will forward the results back to the Division Coordinator (who will work with the Office Managers to prepare a complete list of fill-in players that will then be issued to all team Managers). The use of a replacement player should (if possible) be arranged in advance of game day and the Manager must notify the opposing Manager and/or Division Coordinator before the start of the game (the fill-in player and the missing player must also be listed on the Game Report). Replacement players may only play in outfield positions and must be placed after the 5th player in the batting lineup. Under no circumstances should a game be cancelled for lack of players. The majority of kids in the league are willing to play as many games as they possibly can.