Mount Prospect Baseball Rules and Regulations: General Rules

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1 Mount Prospect Baseball Rules and Regulations: General Rules Mount Prospect Baseball rules are based on, but not limited to the National Federation High School (NFHS) Baseball and Little League International Rule Books. All participants in Mount Prospect Park District Youth Baseball shall be familiar with and adhere to the rules set down in this rulebook and rules approved/clarified by the Advisory Board and System Managers. Ignorance of any or all of these rules shall not be considered an excuse for infraction. If a situation should arise which is not covered by any of the existing rules, the Advisory Board shall make a ruling or decision, and that ruling or decision shall be considered official. Sportsmanlike Conduct The League will not tolerate profanity, gambling or unsportsmanlike conduct. In addition to ejection from the game by the Umpire, it could result in suspension from the baseball program. This rule can be expanded to include any behavior unbecoming an athlete. (See Federation Rule sect 4, art. i). Smoking is not permitted on the playing field or in the stands. A person who violates this rule is subject to removal from the game by the Umpire. Drinking of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in any Mount Prospect Park District field and could result in removal from the field. No Manager, player, substitute or coach shall at any time: Incite, or try to incite by word or sign, a demonstration by spectators. Use language, which will in any manner, refer to or reflect upon opposing players, an Umpire, or any spectator. Call Time or employ any other word or phrase or commit any act while the ball is alive and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make a pitcher commit a balk. Ejections and Forfeits Ejections If a Manager, coach or player is ejected from a game, a special disciplinary committee made up of the League President, League Director, Park District Director, and 2 Advisory Board Members will be notified to review the incident, rule and define the disciplinary action to be taken. 1st Ejection: 2 Game maximum suspension 2nd Ejection: 4 Game maximum suspension 3rd Ejection: Mount Prospect Park District Control Ordinance 525 When a Team Manager, player, coach or other person is ejected from a game, he shall leave the field immediately and take no further part in that game. He shall either leave the park or take a seat in the stands well removed from the vicinity of his team s bench or bullpen. The ejected Team Manager or coach must submit a written report to the League Director within 48 hours of being ejected from the game. The Umpire must also submit a written report to the Umpire-in-Chief within 48 hours. The League President will keep a record of all suspensions. The disciplinary committee could extend suspension to include practices and team meetings. 1

2 Game Ejections Any person who deliberately throws a bat, helmet or any other piece of equipment will be ejected from the game and subject to suspension. Both benches will be given a warning by the Umpire prior to the game restarting. No fielder shall take a position in the batter s line of vision, and with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, act in a manner to distract the batter. Penalty: The offender shall be removed from the game and shall leave the playing field and if a balk is made, it shall be nullified. A coach, player, substitute, attendant, other bench personnel or spectator shall not berate or ridicule the opposing team, or a member of the opposing team, or an Umpire or spectator, nor shall they call a member of the opposing team by name. The Umpire will warn the offending person or persons to cease. If after a warning by the Umpire such conduct does not cease, it will be cause for ejection for the offending person or persons. Any pounding of a bat or willful destruction of any property will be cause for ejection, and the offending party must pay for broken equipment. When the occupants of a player s bench show violent disapproval of an Umpire s decision, the Umpire shall first give warning that such disapproval shall cease. If such action continued: Penalty: If he is unable to detect the offender or offenders, he may clear the bench of all substitute players. The Manager of the offending team shall have the privilege of recalling to the playing field only those players needed for substitution in the game. No player shall intentionally discolor or damage the ball by rubbing it with soil, resin, paraffin, licorice, sandpaper, emery paper or other foreign substance. Penalty: The Umpire shall demand the ball and remove the offender from the game. In case the Umpire cannot locate the offender and if the pitcher delivers such discolored or damaged ball to the batter, the pitcher shall be removed from the game at once. Forfeits A game may be forfeited to the opposing team when a team: Fails to appear on the field or being on the field, refuses to start play within 15 minutes after the Umpire has called Play at the appointed hour for beginning the game, unless such delayed appearance is in the Umpire s judgment, unavoidable (for example, due to injury of a player or coach, the need to perform work on the field, equipment repair, etc.). Employs tactics palpably designed to delay or shorten the game. Refuses to continue play during a game, unless the game has been suspended or terminated, by the Umpire. Fails to resume play after a suspension, within one minute after the Umpire has called Play. After warning by the Umpire, willfully and persistently violates any rules of the game. Fails to obey within a reasonable time the Umpire s order for removal of a player from the game. Is unable or refuses to place 9 players on the field. In case a team can only field 8 or fewer players, an agreement in advance of the game to play between both Team Managers and the Umpire to continue play is appropriate. Note: If the Umpire declares a game forfeited, they shall notify the League Director within 24 hours thereafter, but failure of such notification shall not affect the forfeiture. 2

3 Game Protest Procedure Only Rules Protests are allowed. No judgment calls will be protested. An honest attempt shall be made to resolve the protest peacefully and quietly at that time. Only the Manager or acting Manager can protest, and it must be done without creating a scene. The protest must be made to the Umpire before the next pitch is delivered. If agreement cannot be made quickly, the game shall continue under protest. The point of protest shall be marked in both pages of each scorebook and the Umpire shall sign each scorebook. The protesting Manager must file a written report to the League Director within 48 hours of the scheduled starting time of the protested game. The Umpire shall also submit a written report to the League Director. In any of the previous situations, if the League Director is unavailable within the designated time frame, the League President may act on his behalf. The Protest Board, made up of three Advisory Board Members appointed by the President, shall meet and rule on the protest. The head of the Protest Board shall notify the Advisory Board Director of their ruling. The League Director shall notify the respective Systems Managers and Team Managers of the results of the protest. 3

4 System Managers and Team Managers Systems Manager Guidelines and Responsibilities The primary responsibility of the Bronco League System Manager, in the Mount Prospect Park District Bronco Baseball, is to help create and enhance a 3-tier level that will assist in the skill development, and sportsmanship of children ages Since most children remain in a drafted system during the entire tenure in the Bronco league, it is important not only to foster team and system spirit, but individual improvement, accomplishment, and fun. The current Draft system effectively promotes team parity. Talent can range from some very good players, to some that need improvement, or have played very little baseball. One of the inherent challenges of every system, are children that require extra training. If a System Manager and Team Manager apply their coaching skills properly, measurable results can be seen as a child gains confidence, develops and moves up within a System. Historically, System Managers have been people volunteering for the position, or who are approached because of such redeeming qualities as strong organizational skills and working well with others. Personal history and experience along with their youth sport philosophy will be considered when nominating a person for a System Manager s position. The Advisory Board approves all System Manager nominees. Other responsibilities include: System Managers should attend Advisory Board Meetings from December through June. If they cannot attend a meeting, someone from their system must attend representing the system. Selection of Team Managers: System Managers may recommend to the Advisory Board a name of a Team Manager within their system that they would like to have appointed to their system. If the person they are requesting is not from their system, then there must be a simple majority agreement from the other System Managers (polled by the League Director) and subject to the Draft rules before the request is brought to the Advisory Board. Replacement of a Team Manager: The System Manager can request that a Team Manager not be asked back the following season by submitting a written report to the Advisory Board. If the situation occurs during the season, the System Manager must contact the League Director who will decide what action will take place. In most cases, a meeting with all parties will be set up. The Advisory Board will make the final decision - 75% of the Advisory Board must agree. System Manager Steps Down: When the System Manager decides to step down; they may recommend their replacement to the Advisory Board for final approval. Other parents in the system may also recommend a new System Manager to the Advisory Board. The Advisory Board will make the final decision regarding new System Managers. Attend the player Draft night. Coordinate with the Team Manager s player selection and serve as the system s spokesman during the Draft night. Coordinate the system s coaching staff to work Registration and Evaluation Day. The League President will assign each system a specific time for each activity. The System Manager is responsible to secure members of his system to work these events. Attend League Rules Meetings: System Managers must attend League Rules meetings with their Team Managers. Distribute League Information: System Managers are responsible for distributing all league information to their Team Managers. Uniform Pick-Up: The League President will notify all System Managers of when the uniforms are to be delivered. The Systems Managers must inventory their system s uniforms, and distribute to each Team Manager. If there are any uniform problems, the System Manager must work with the League President and uniform vendor to resolve all uniform problems. 4

5 Picture Day and Awards: The League President will inform the System Managers of the dates of Picture Day and Awards Pick-Up. It is the System Manager responsibility to pass this information on to their Team Managers. Coordinate the selection of the All-Star teams in their system. Must submit the names of players selected to the Advisory Board. Code of Conduct: The System Manager is expected to follow all league rules and guidelines. It is the System Manager s responsibility to inform all coaches, players and parents of the league rules and to encourage fair play, equal treatment and good sportsmanship at all times. Any violation of the league rules may result in dismissal from the program. The System Manager must support all league rules and Mount Prospect Park District Youth Sports Philosophy. Require all Team Managers and coaches in the System to follow all rules and philosophy. Disciplinary Action: If a Team Manager, coach, player or parent is ejected from a game or their behavior warrants a special meeting with league officials, the System Manager will be required to investigate the incident and attend any meeting. Team Manager Guidelines and Responsibilities The Team Manager is responsible for the conduct of his coaches, players, and fans. In the event that a spectator(s) becomes abusive to the Umpire, coaches or members of either team to the point of interfering with the conduct of the game, the Umpire shall call Time. The Umpire shall consult with both Managers identifying the problem. The Manager(s) shall be given the opportunity to resolve the issue. If it becomes apparent that the issue cannot be resolved at that time, the Umpire will suspend the game. Within 48 hours of the event, both Managers shall submit a written report of the incident to the League Director. The Umpire shall submit a written report of the incident to the Umpire-in-Chief. At least 3 Advisory Board members shall determine if the game is to be continued or declared a forfeit and what action, if any, is to be taken for the good of the league. The Team Manager shall introduce himself to the Umpire or the Umpires. Team Managers and coaches will be responsible for keeping the equipment box closed and locked during and after the game. Team Managers, coaches and players must remain in the dugout or in the designated coach s box. No person connected with the team may coach a pitcher or batter from behind the backstop. The area is described as an area within 20 feet of the backstop structure. If, after appropriate warning by the Umpire, any person who repeats the violation will result in one batter out call and will continue until those persons remove themselves from the area. A team player, if in uniform, may coach one of the bases if the Team Manager so desires. This player-coach must wear a batting helmet. The Team Manager may advise the Umpire that he has delegated specific duties prescribed by the rules to another person, and any action of such designated representative shall be official. The Team Manager shall always be responsible for his team s conduct, observance of the official rules, and deference to the Umpires. If a Team Manager leaves the field, he shall designate another person as his substitute, and such substitute Team Manager shall have the duties, rights and responsibilities of the Team Manager. If the Team Manager fails or refuses to designate his substitute before leaving, the Umpire shall designate another person as substitute Team Manager. Any Team Manager or other adult leader who withdraws a team from the playing field under any circumstances prior to the official completion of the game shall forfeit all rights to protest and is considered ejected from the game. 5

6 Pre-Game Procedures The Home team shall occupy the 3rd base side of the field and takes the field first at the start of a game. Home Team Field Setup: The Team Manager and coaches of the Home Team will line the foul lines and batter s box and put in the bases. Home Team Managers are responsible to turn off the lights after the last game. Visitors Team Field Take Down: The Team Manager and coaches of the Visitors Team will take down the field, by removing bases and home plate, raking the field where required, picking up trash, and making sure the equipment box is locked. Each team has 20 minutes use of the infield prior to the start of a game. Visiting team starts 50 minutes prior to game time. Home team 30 minutes prior to game time. The last 10 minutes are used to exchange line-ups, line the field, etc. This rule does not apply to the second game of a doubleheader. Team Managers and the Umpire will exchange line-ups and discuss ground rules 10 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time of the game. Team Managers must have their line-ups on the League approved line-up card. Included in the line-ups must be the name, uniform number, starting position of each player, and a record of the date and number of innings pitched by each pitcher on the team. The pitching record will include the current week and the previous Sunday for games played on Monday. Copies of the line-up card shall be provided to the opposing Team Manager and to the Umpire prior to the game. The Home Team Manager shall provide the official scorekeeper for the game. After each game, the official scorebook will be signed by the Umpire and shall be the official game record. Regulation and Official Games Regulation Game Bronco s: A Regulation Game shall be of 6 innings duration, or 5-1/2 innings if the Home team is winning. Pony s: A Pony League Regulation Game shall be of 7 innings duration, or 6-1/2 innings if the Home team is winning. Official Game: Bronco s: It is an Official Game if it is called by the Umpire on account of darkness, rain, or other causes which, in the Umpire s judgment, interferes with play, provided 4 or more equal innings have been played, or 3-1/2 innings if the Home team is ahead. If the Home team is leading after 3-1/2 innings, the Home team is declared the winner. Pony s: It is an Official Game if it is called by the Umpire on account of darkness, rain, or other causes which, in the Umpire s judgment, interferes with play, provided 5 or more equal innings have been played, or 4-1/2 innings if the Home team is ahead. If the Home team is leading after 4-1/2 innings, the Home team is declared the winner. 6

7 Bronco s and Pony s: After it is an Official Game, but before both teams have had an equal number of bats, and the game is called by the Umpire on account of darkness, rain, or other causes which, in the Umpire s judgment, interferes with play the final score will revert to the score in effect at the end of the last complete inning. If the last complete inning results in a tie score it will be considered a suspended game and is to be re-scheduled and resumed from the point of curtailment. If a game is called before it is an Official Game, it will be considered a suspended game and is to be re-scheduled and resumed from the point of curtailment. It is the responsibility of the Manager of the Home team to notify the League Director if a game is called before it is a completed game. In the event that a game cannot be played, the League Director will reschedule it on the next available date and will notify each Team Manager by 8:30 pm, the day before the rescheduled game. If an Umpire does not arrive by game time, one of the Team Managers shall call the League Director to determine their status. Each Team Manager shall then designate a coach to Umpire from behind the mound, the designate from each team to alternate each half inning. Coaches shall Umpire and take a position behind their own pitcher, when their team is on the field. If the game is played at a facility with multiple diamonds, and an Umpire(s) is there for other games, the older level teams shall have preference to use the Umpires in attendance, When an Umpire arrives, they shall immediately take control of the game. Rainouts and Game Cancelations The Rain Hotline Number is for Managers only. It will be handed out before the season begins. Do not give it out to parents, as it will prevent Managers from accessing current information. If there is not a message on Hotline by 4:30 pm (or one hour before game time) of the day of your game, then you should have all players show up to the field. Please set up a phone chain and let the parents know that if they don t get a call by 4:45 pm (or 45 minutes before game time) that they are to show up for the game. Depending on timing of both the weather and the decision to cancel games, game cancellation information will also be placed on the Baseball Website. The League Director will reschedule all canceled games. Make-up games will be put on the Mount Prospect Baseball Website ( and communicated to Team Managers. Please communicate to your parents about the Mount Prospect Park District Baseball website: Click on Mount Prospect Park District Youth Baseball League for rainouts, league schedules, and the latest updates. Lightning At the first sign of lightning in the immediate vicinity, all players and coaches shall retire to a safe place such as a car, NOT UNDER A TREE, until it is determined whether the game will be resumed or called off. All players and coaches shall remain in a safe place for 30 minutes. Additional 30 minutes in a safe place is required for each subsequent sign of lightning. 7

8 Game Time Limits Bronco s No inning can start after 2 hours from the game start time. Game time limit is 2 hours, 15 minutes after the start time. Games will end at the end of a half inning and not during a player at bat. All effort should be made to complete games. Night Games: If there is a night game scheduled for 8:00 pm on a lighted field, no inning from the previous game shall start after 7:45 pm. That previous game will be over at 8:00 pm. The night game will start no later than 8:10 pm. No inning in the Night Game shall start after 10:15 pm. If the game is not completed, it will be suspended and resumed at the next available time slot on a subsequent day. Pony s No inning can start after 2 hours, 15 minutes from the game start time. Game time limit is 2 hours, 30 minutes after the start time. Games will end at the end of a half inning and not during a player at bat. All effort should be made to complete games. Night Games: If there is a night game scheduled for 8:00 pm on a lighted field, no inning from the previous game shall start after 8:00 pm. That previous game will be over at 8:15 pm. The night game will start no later than 8:25 pm. No inning in the night game shall start after 10:30 pm. All efforts should be made to have the lights off by 10:45 pm. If the game is not completed, it will be suspended and resumed at the next available time slot on a subsequent day. Resumption of Suspended or Protested Games The League Director, who will notify the League Umpire-in-Chief and both Managers, shall schedule the resumption of a suspended or protested game. The Protest Board will stipulate the point in a protest game at which play shall resume. In a suspended game, play resumes from the point of interruption. To participate in the resumption of a suspended game or a protested game, a player need not have been present at the original game. Eligible players shall be governed by the rules of substitution as though no time had elapsed between the protest and the replay. Example: A pitcher who was removed immediately preceding the protest could not pitch in the replay even though one calendar day may have passed. Any changes in the batting order must be changes, which would have been legal at the time of or during the original game. 8

9 Baseball Fields The Field Every official game must be played on a regulation diamond with a backstop It must be played on the scheduled field unless permission is granted by the League Director to move the game to another field. It must be played at the times scheduled by the League. Cancellation of a game without proper cause, or playing of a game under illegal conditions, could result in a forfeit loss to both teams. The Advisory Board member assigned to check field conditions and/or the League Director will determine playability of the field. A good faith effort will be made to notify the respective Managers regarding playability of the field one hour before the scheduled starting time of a game. The decision will be final. If field conditions are not playable, the game must be cancelled and may NOT be played on the grass. Any batted ball that hits the yellow guard at the top of the fence, and coming back into the field of play is a live ball, and not a home run. Any batted ball that hits the yellow guard at the top of the fence, and goes over the fence is a home run. Bronco B s The teams shall play on a diamond with 60-foot base paths and a distance of 42-feet from the front of the pitcher s plate to the back of home plate. Bronco A s The team shall play on a diamond with 65-foot base paths and a distance of 46-feet from the front of the pitcher s plate to the back of home plate. Bronco Major s The team shall play on a diamond with 70-foot base paths and a distance of 48-feet from the front of the pitcher s plate to the back of home plate. Pony League The Pony League shall play on a diamond with 80-foot base paths and a distance of 54-feet from the front of the pitcher s plate to the back of home plate. 9

10 General Rules: Batters and Base Runners Any player who arrives after the line-ups have been exchanged will be inserted after the last batter in the original batting order. If a batter or runner is injured, the player who made the last previous out will assume the count on the injured batter. Any injured player may return to the game, re-entering his original place in the batting order. All rules apply if the player returns to the game. If a player leaves a game for a reason other than because of injury or illness, all other players shall move up in the batting order. No out will be charged. That player may not return to the game. Continuous Batting Order: Teams will bat a continuous line-up and each player will be required to bat in their respective spot in the batting order. Substitute Runner: If an accident to a runner is such as to prevent him from proceeding to a base to which he is entitled, as on a home run hit out of the playing field, or an award of one or more bases, a substitute runner shall be permitted to complete the play. Pitcher and Catcher s Speed Up Rule: If the offensive team s pitcher or catcher is on base with 2 outs, the player who made the previous out will replace the pitcher or catcher on base. Bunting Bunting is permitted in the Bronco A, Bronco Major and Pony levels. Swinging/Slash Bunts: Not permitted. A swinging/slash bunt is when a batter squares off to bunt, and then pulls back and swings at the pitch. Any player who attempts a swinging/slash bunt is automatically called out, and runners are returned to the bases they occupied before the swinging/slash bunt was made. Squeeze Bunt: Not permitted Safety Squeeze: Permitted. The runner at 3rd base cannot break towards home plate, until the batter makes contact bunting. This is a judgment call by the Umpire. Rule Clarifications Infield Fly Rule An Infield Fly is a fair fly ball (not including a line drive or an attempted bunt), which can be caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, when 1st and 2nd; or 1st, 2nd and 3rd bases are occupied; and before 2 are out. The pitcher, catcher and any outfielder that stations him in the infield on the play shall be considered infielders for the purpose of this rule. When it seems apparent that a batted ball will be an Infield Fly, the umpire shall immediately declare Infield Fly for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the baselines, the umpire shall declare Infield Fly, if Fair. The ball is alive and runners may advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch ( tag up ) and advance after the ball is touched, the same as on any fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as any foul. If a declared Infield Fly is allowed to fall untouched to the ground, and bounces foul before passing 1st or 3rd base, it is a foul ball. If a declared Infield Fly falls untouched to the ground outside the baseline, and bounces fair before passing 1st or 3rd base, it is an Infield Fly. 10

11 Interference and Obstruction On any interference, the ball is dead. Offensive interference: is an act by the team at bat, which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play. If the umpire declares the batter, batter-runner, or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was in the judgment of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference, unless otherwise provided by these rules. Note: In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch. Defensive interference: is an act by a fielder, which hinders or prevents a batter from hitting a pitch. Obstruction: Is an act by a fielder, or defensive team that hinders a runner. When this occurs, the ball becomes dead at the end of the playing action and the Umpire has the authority to determine which bases shall be awarded the runners. This includes a fake tag by a defensive fielder without the ball. If the defensive player blocks the base path clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball is signaled. If the runner collides flagrantly, he shall be declared safe due to obstruction, but shall be ejected. The ball is dead. Avoid Contact Runners are instructed to slide or attempt to avoid making contact with a fielder. A player who maliciously runs into another player is to be declared out. If the defensive player blocks the base path clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball is signaled. If the runner collides flagrantly, he shall be declared safe due to obstruction, but shall be ejected. The ball is dead. The umpire shall determine whether contact was avoidable or unavoidable whether the runner was trying to reach the base or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder. If the runner could have avoided the fielder and reached the base: Attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner is out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all the other runners shall return to the last base legally occupied by them at the time of the contact. If the fielder blocks the base path, the runner may slide into or collide with the fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base. If the collision is flagrant, the runner is called out and ejected. The ball is declared dead. Dropped 3rd Strike On an uncaught (dropped) 3rd strike with no runner on first base (or with 2 outs, regardless of whether there is a runner on 1st), the batter immediately becomes a runner. The strike is called, but the umpire does not call the batter out. The umpire may also actively signal that there is no catch of the pitch. The batter may then attempt to reach 1st base. In order to be considered out, the batter must be tagged or thrown out. 11

12 Pitching It is essential that each Manager, coach, Umpire and pitcher be thoroughly familiar with pitching rules. Eligibility to Pitch: Age Requirements Only players rostered on an individual team are eligible to pitch for that specific team. Level Maximum per Day Maximum per Week Bronco B s 2 innings 5 innings Bronco A s 2 innings 6 innings Bronco Major s 3 innings 7 innings Pony s 4 innings 8 innings A calendar week is from 12:01 am Monday to 12:00 am (midnight) Sunday. A pitcher is charged with the number of innings pitched in the specific calendar day and week in which they are pitched, regardless of whether they are league games or the suspension of postponed or suspended games. Eligibility to Pitch: One Calendar Day Rest rule If a pitcher has pitched the maximum amount of innings allowed by the league level, he must have a minimum of one (1) calendar day of rest. A pitcher may throw the maximum amount of innings allowed per day and then pitch the maximum, minus 1 inning, the following consecutive day. The Maximum (pitches) per Week cannot be exceeded. That pitcher must have a minimum of 1 calendar day of rest before pitching again. Example: In the Majors, a pitcher that throws 3 innings on day 1, may pitch a maximum of 2 innings on the following consecutive day 2. In the Bronco A s, a pitcher that throws 2 innings on day 1, may pitch a maximum of 1 inning on the following consecutive day 2. Note: Pony League has the standard rest rule see Pony Pitching Rules. Pitched Ball Restrictions (Breaking Balls) No breaking balls, including a curve ball, slip pitch or slider, will be allowed. Only the umpire will deem a pitch a breaking ball. 1 warning will be given. On subsequent breaking balls, the pitch will be deemed an illegal pitch. Penalty: If there are no runners on base, the penalty is a ball awarded to the batter. If there are runner(s) on base, the penalty is a balk. The ball is dead and all runner(s) advance 1 base. Intentional Walks: Teams are allowed only 1 Intentional Walk per game. In order to facilitate an intentional walk, the pitcher must throw the intended number of balls to the catcher. The catcher is to stand and extend their throwing hand to indicate the desire to intentional walk the hitter. The pitches must be thrown and the ball continues to be a live ball and in-play - no different than any other pitched ball. Enforcement of Hit by Pitch rule: If pitches from the same pitcher hit opposition batters 2 times in one inning or 3 times in same game, the offending pitcher is immediately removed from the mound and cannot pitch again in that game. There will be no quick pitch. The batter will be allowed to get set in the batters box, and the pitcher will come to a set position before he pitches the ball. 12

13 Balks The balk rules will be enforced after 1 Umpire Warning at the start of the 2nd half of the baseball season. This includes all Playoff, Championship, and All-Star games. There will be 1 warning per pitcher, per game. Three obvious ways to balk are as follows: 1. Pitcher drops the ball while in contact with the rubber. 2. While in the stretch, the pitcher fails to come to a complete stop before delivering the pitch. 3. If the first move is to 1st base or home and the pitcher fails to throw the ball. Penalty: If there are no runners on base, the penalty is a ball awarded to the batter. If there are runner(s) on base, the ball is dead and all runner(s) advance 1 base. Trips to Mound A Manager and/or coach is allowed only one trip to mound per inning. Crossing the foul line into fair territory constitutes a trip to the mound. A conference between the Manager and/or coach and the pitcher, or between the Manager and/or coach and another player who goes directly to the pitcher, constitutes a trip to the mound. On the second trip to the mound in one inning, the Manager must remove the pitcher. Note: Bronco B Managers do not have to remove pitcher upon their second trip to the mound, provided they remain on the field, behind the pitcher as a coach. Pitcher Removed Once a player has been removed as a pitcher for any reason, they may not pitch again in the same game. Penalty for Use of Ineligible Pitcher Violation of any section of the above pitching rules may result in forfeiture of the game in which it occurs. Protests shall be made in accordance with the Protest Procedure as defined in these rules. Pitcher s Preparatory Pitches When a pitcher takes his position at the beginning of each inning, or when he relieves another pitcher, he shall be permitted to pitch a maximum of 8 preparatory pitches to his catcher, during which play shall be suspended. Such preparation pitches shall not consume more than 1 minute of time. If a sudden emergency causes a pitcher to be summoned into the game without any opportunity to warm up, the Umpire shall allow him as many pitches as the Umpire deems necessary Pitcher s Warm-Up A pitcher is not allowed to warm up with the game ball until he begins his official warm-up pitches from the mound. If the pitcher wants the baseball to be roughed up, he may ask the Umpire to do it for him. The pitcher named in the batting order shall pitch to the first batter or any substitute batter until such batter is put out or reaches first base, unless the pitcher sustains injury or illness which, in the judgment of the Umpire, incapacitates him from pitching. If the pitcher is replaced, the substitute pitcher shall continue to pitch to the batter at bat, or any substitute batter, until such batter is put out or reaches first base, or until the offensive team is put out, unless the substitute pitcher sustains injury or illness, which in the Umpire s judgment, incapacitates him for further play as a pitcher. 13

14 Bronco League Specific Rules: Bronco Major s The League shall consist of 10-, 11- and 12 year-old players (as of August 31 of playing year). Baseball Bats Bats must meet the requirements below: Maximum = 33-inches Diameter Maximum = 2 5/8-inches Drop = Unlimited (Drop = Length - Weight) Please see the section on Baseball Bat Rules and BBCOR Certification for specific rules. Regulation Game A Regulation Game shall be of 6 innings duration, or 5-1/2 innings if the Home team is winning. Field: The teams shall play on a diamond with 70-foot base paths and a distance of 48-feet from the front of the pitcher s plate to the back of home plate. Official Game It is an Official Game if it is called by the Umpire on account of darkness, rain, or other causes which, in the Umpire s judgment, interferes with play, provided 4 or more equal innings have been played, or 3-1/2 innings if the Home team is ahead. If the Home team is leading after 3-1/2 innings, the Home team is declared the winner. After it is an Official Game, but before both teams have had an equal number of bats, and the game is called by the Umpire on account of darkness, rain, or other causes which, in the Umpire s judgment, interferes with play the final score will revert to the score in effect at the end of the last complete inning. If the last complete inning results in a tie score it will be considered a suspended game and is to be re-scheduled and resumed from the point of curtailment. If a game is called before it is an Official Game, it will be considered a suspended game and is to be re-scheduled and resumed from the point of curtailment. Game Rules and Guidelines Game Time Limits No inning can start after 2 hours from the game start time. Game time limit is 2 hours, 15 minutes after the start time. Night Games: If there is a night game scheduled for 8:00 pm on a lighted field, no inning from the previous game shall start after 7:45 pm. That previous game will be over at 8:00 pm. The night game will start no later than 8:10 pm. No inning in the Night Game shall start after 10:15 pm. All efforts should be made to have the lights off by 10:30 pm. If the game is not completed, it will be suspended and resumed at the next available time slot on a subsequent day. 14

15 Mercy Rule: If a team is leading its opponent by at least 12 runs after 4 or more equal innings (3-1/2 if the home team is ahead), 10 runs after 5 or more equal innings (4-1/2 if the home team is ahead) have been played, the game is ended, and the team leading by more runs is declared the winner. Substitutions: Bronco Major Managers can bring up a maximum of 7 players from the system s Bronco A team, while not exceeding a total of 9 players on the Bronco Major s team for that game. The Bronco A players that are brought up cannot pitch or catch and must bat last in the batting order. Late Arrivals and Batting Order: Any player, who arrives after the line-ups have been exchanged, will be inserted after the last batter in the original batting order. Playing Time: All rostered players must play a minimum of 3 defensive innings of 3 consecutive outs each by the end of the 5th inning. In a game that is called after 3-1/2 or 4 full innings, all rostered players must have played at least 3 full defensive innings. All players must play 3 defensive innings by the end of the 5th inning; before any player sits out a 2nd inning. Lead-offs: Permitted. Stealing: Permitted. However, there is no stealing of any base IF the leading team attains a 7 or more run lead. Their team may not steal until their lead decreases to less than 7 runs, or until after the 5th inning. There is no stealing of Home Plate. Delayed Steals: Permitted. However, a runner may not delay steal Home plate. Dropped Third Strike: Rule is in effect. Infield Fly: Rule is in effect. Avoid Contact: Rule is in effect. Head-first slides: Only permitted when a player is returning to a base after having previously reached that base safely. Any player who violates this rule will be called out. Pitcher and Catcher s Speed Up Rule: If the offensive team s pitcher or catcher is on base with 2 outs, the player who made the previous out will replace the pitcher or catcher on base. Bunting Bunts: Permitted Swinging/Slash Bunts: Not permitted. A swinging/slash bunt is when a batter squares off to bunt, and then pulls back and swings at the pitch. Any player who attempts a swinging/slash bunt is automatically called out, and runners are returned to the bases they occupied before the swinging/slash bunt was made. Squeeze Bunt: Not permitted. Safety Squeeze Bunt: Permitted. The runner at 3rd base cannot break towards home plate until the batter makes contact bunting. 15

16 Bronco Major s: General Pitching Rules Eligibility to Pitch: Age Requirements Only players rostered on an individual team are eligible to pitch for that specific team. Level Maximum per Day Maximum per Week Bronco Major s 3 innings 7 innings A calendar week is from 12:01 am Monday to 12:00 am (midnight) Sunday. A pitcher is charged with the number of innings pitched in the specific calendar day and week in which they are pitched, regardless of whether they are league games or the suspension of postponed or suspended games. Eligibility to Pitch: One Calendar Day Rest rule If a pitcher has pitched the maximum amount of innings allowed by the league level, he must have a minimum of one (1) calendar day of rest. A pitcher may throw the maximum amount of innings allowed per day and then pitch the maximum, minus 1 inning, the following consecutive day. The Maximum (pitches) per Week cannot be exceeded. That pitcher must have a minimum of 1 calendar day of rest before pitching again. Example: In the Majors, a pitcher that throws 3 innings on day 1, may pitch a maximum of 2 innings on the following consecutive day 2. Pitched Ball Restrictions (Breaking Balls) No breaking balls, including a curve ball, slip pitch or slider, will be allowed. Only the umpire will deem a pitch a breaking ball. 1 warning will be given. On subsequent breaking balls, the pitch will be deemed an illegal pitch. Penalty: If there are no runners on base, the penalty is a ball awarded to the batter. If there are runner(s) on base, the penalty is a balk. The ball is dead and all runner(s) advance 1 base. Intentional Walks: Teams are allowed only 1 Intentional Walk per game. In order to facilitate an intentional walk, the pitcher must throw the intended number of balls to the catcher. The catcher is to stand and extend their throwing hand to indicate the desire to intentional walk the hitter. The pitches must be thrown and the ball continues to be a live ball and in-play - no different than any other pitched ball. Enforcement of Hit by Pitch rule: If pitches from the same pitcher hit opposition batters 2 times in one inning or 3 times in same game, the offending pitcher is immediately removed from the mound and cannot pitch again in that game. There will be no quick pitch. The batter will be allowed to get set in the batters box, and the pitcher will come to a set position before he pitches the ball. Balks: The balk rules will be enforced after 1 Umpire Warning at the start of the 2nd half of the baseball season. This includes all Playoff, Championship, and All-Star games. There will be 1 warning per pitcher, per game. 3 obvious ways to balk are as follows: 1. Pitcher drops the ball while in contact with the rubber. 2. While in the stretch, the pitcher fails to come to a complete stop before delivering the pitch. 3. If the first move is to 1st base or home and the pitcher fails to throw the ball. Penalty: If there are no runners on base, the penalty is a ball awarded to the batter. If there are runner(s) on base, the ball is dead and all runner(s) advance 1 base. 16

17 Bronco League Specific Rules: Bronco A s The League shall consist of 9-, 10- and 11 year-old players (as of August 31 of playing year). Baseball Bats Bats must meet the requirements below: Length Maximum = 33-inches Diameter Maximum = 2-1/4-inches Drop = Unlimited (Drop = Length - Weight) Please see the section on Baseball Bat Rules and BBCOR Certification for specific rules. Regulation Game A Regulation Game shall be of 6 innings duration, or 5-1/2 innings if the Home team is winning. Field: The teams shall play on a diamond with 65-foot base paths and a distance of 46-feet from the front of the pitcher s plate to the back of home plate. Official Game It is an Official Game if it is called by the Umpire on account of darkness, rain, or other causes which, in the Umpire s judgment, interferes with play, provided 4 or more equal innings have been played, or 3-1/2 innings if the Home team is ahead. If the Home team is leading after 3-1/2 innings, the Home team is declared the winner. After it is an Official Game, but before both teams have had an equal number of bats, and the game is called by the Umpire on account of darkness, rain, or other causes which, in the Umpire s judgment, interferes with play the final score will revert to the score in effect at the end of the last complete inning. If the last complete inning results in a tie score it will be considered a suspended game and is to be re-scheduled and resumed from the point of curtailment. If a game is called before it is an Official Game, it will be considered a suspended game and is to be re-scheduled and resumed from the point of curtailment. Game Rules and Guidelines Game Time Limits: No inning can start after 2 hours from the game start time. Game time limit is 2 hours, 15 minutes after the start time. Night Games: If there is a night game scheduled for 8:00 pm on a lighted field, no inning from the previous game shall start after 7:45 pm. That previous game will be over at 8:00 pm. The night game will start no later than 8:10 pm. No inning in the Night Game shall start after 10:15 pm. All efforts should be made to have the lights off by 10:30 pm. If the game is not completed, it will be suspended and resumed at the next available time slot on a subsequent day. Mercy Rule: If a team is leading its opponent by at least 12 runs after 4 or more equal innings (3-1/2 if the home team is ahead), 10 runs after 5 or more equal innings (4-1/2 if the home team is ahead) have been played, the game is ended, and the team leading by more runs is declared the winner. Substitutions: Bronco A Managers can bring up a maximum of 7 players from the system s Bronco B team, while not exceeding a total of 9 players on the Bronco A team for that game. The Bronco B players that are brought up cannot pitch or catch and must bat last in the batting order. 17

18 If the Bronco B team has a game and is not able to provide players, the Bronco A Manager can then choose to bring down a maximum of 2, 11-year-old players from the Bronco Majors team, while not exceeding a total of 9 players on the Bronco A team for that game. The Bronco Majors substitute players can only play outfield positions and bat last in the batting order. Late Arrivals and Batting Order: Any player, who arrives after the line-ups have been exchanged, will be inserted after the last batter in the original batting order. Playing Time: All rostered players must play a minimum of 3 defensive innings of 3 consecutive outs each by the end of the 5th inning. In a game that is called after 3-1/2 or 4 full innings, all rostered players must have played at least 3 full defensive innings. All players must play 3 defensive innings by the end of the 5th inning; before any player sits out a 2nd inning. All players must play at least 1 full inning of 3 consecutive outs in the outfield (left field, right field or center field) by the end of the 4th inning of play for a team with up to 12 rostered players and by the end of the 5th inning for a team with 13 rostered players. No runner advancement on throwback from catcher to pitcher: After the pitched ball has been secured by the catcher, and his intent is to throw the ball back to the pitcher for the next pitch, and the pitcher mishandles the ball, or the catcher over/under throws the ball to the pitcher, the runner(s) cannot advance to the next base. Lead-offs: Not Permitted. Base runners shall not leave bases early. When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher s plate with the ball in his possession, and the catcher is in the catcher s box ready to receive the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached home plate. Base runners leaving their bases early, as described above, will be called out. Stealing: Permitted. However, there is no stealing of any base IF the leading team attains a 7 or more run lead. Their team may not steal until their lead decreases to less than 7 runs, or until after the 5th inning. There is no stealing of Home Plate. Delayed Steals: Not Permitted. Upon being awarded 1st base after a called Ball 4, the batter/runner may not attempt to steal 2nd base until the next pitch has been delivered. Dropped Third Strike: Rule does not apply. The 3rd strike does not have to be held. Infield Fly: Rule is in effect. Avoid Contact: Rule is in effect. Head-first slides: Only permitted when a player is returning to a base after having previously reached that base safely. Any player who violates this rule will be called out. Pitcher and Catcher s Speed Up Rule: If the offensive team s pitcher or catcher is on base with 2 outs, the player who made the previous out will replace the pitcher or catcher on base. Bunting Bunts: Permitted. Swinging/Slash Bunts: Not permitted. A swinging/slash bunt is when a batter squares off to bunt, and then pulls back and swings at the pitch. Any player who attempts a swinging/slash bunt is automatically called out, and runners are returned to the bases they occupied before the swinging/slash bunt was made. Squeeze Bunt: Not permitted. Safety Squeeze Bunt: Permitted. The runner at 3rd base cannot break towards home plate until the batter makes contact bunting. 18