2014 Proposed Policy & Rule Changes July 1, 2013

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1 1Dixie Youth Baseball, Inc Proposed Policy & Rule Changes July 1, 2013 The following proposed policy and rules changes will be considered by the Board of Directors of Dixie Youth Baseball, Inc. at its annual meeting beginning August 5, 2013 in Laurel, Mississippi. Please distribute these suggested changes to all league officials. As a democratic organization, Dixie Youth Baseball provides officials from each franchised league the opportunity to express their views and opinions through elected representatives. State Directors and National Directors, who serve on the National Board, actively seek each league's input and advice to help them vote the convictions of the leagues they represent. No one has the right to complain about how their elected representatives vote who do not express their views directly to those representatives. All leagues who wish to offer comments concerning these suggested policy and rules changes should contact their national board members. PROPOSED POLICY CHANGES (Policy Committee) Regulations Regulation I (E) The League Page 74 Change the first sentence of paragraph (E) to read: (E) Each franchised league shall be composed of a minimum of thirty-six players and not more than one hundred and five (105) players in a division (Majors or O Zone, AAA, AA and A), respectively. David Jackson, National Director Parkton, NC Regulation IV (D) Selection of Players Page 79 - Change paragraph (D) in its entirety to read as shown in either Option #1 or Option #2 below: Option #1 (D) Player Releases (1) A player who resides within a defined DYB league boundary may be released to play in an another league's program when; (a) the player registers with the where he resides (the "home league") but is not assigned to a team or (b) the player attends school outside the boundary of his home league, and (c) the player's home league agrees to provide a signed release on the official DYB player release form to the district and state director for approval. (2) A home league may obtain a DYB player release form from the District or State Director. Player releases cannot be requested by or letter under any circumstances. (3) The player release form must signed by the league president of the league releasing the player and the player s parent or legal guardian. The District Director must receive the form PRIOR TO 1

2 MAY 1 and signed by both the District Director and the State Director PRIOR TO MAY 15. The District Director and the State Director may disapprove any request to release a player. (4) All approved releases shall allow the player to register with another DYB league (outside the boundary in which the player resides) for the remaining years of eligibility in Dixie Youth Baseball through league age 12. Any league who accepts a player who lives outside its boundary must obtain a copy of a properly executed release before allowing the player to participate in its league's program. (5) PENALTY: A player who illegally plays on a team in a league outside the boundary of the league where he resides without a proper release shall be disqualified from DYB tournament play and ineligible to participate on any tournament team during the current season. Option #2 (D) Player Releases (1) A player who resides within a defined DYB league boundary may be released to play in an another league's program when; (a) the player registers with the where he resides (the "home league") but is not assigned to a team and (b) the player's home league agrees to provide a signed release on the official DYB player release form to the district and state director for approval. (2) A home league may obtain a DYB player release form from the District or State Director. Player releases cannot be requested by or letter under any circumstances. (3) The player release form must signed by the league president of the league releasing the player and the player s parent or legal guardian. The District Director must receive the form PRIOR TO MAY 1 and signed by both the District Director and the State Director PRIOR TO MAY 15. The District Director and the State Director may disapprove any request to release a player. (4) All approved releases shall allow the player to register with another DYB league (outside the boundary in which the player resides) for the remaining years of eligibility in Dixie Youth Baseball through league age 12. Any league who accepts a player who lives outside its boundary must obtain a copy of a properly executed release before allowing the player to participate in its league's program. (5) PENALTY: A player who illegally plays on a team in a league outside the boundary of the league where he resides without a proper release shall be disqualified from DYB tournament play and ineligible to participate on any tournament team during the current season. Wes Skelton, Commissioner Marshall, TX Regulation IV (D) Selection of Players Page 79 - paragraph (D) to read: Add the following exception to Exception: Any player(s) that, after investigation of a DYB official, has attended school for the entire current school year, may, at the discretion of the District and State Director, be released to play within the franchise boundaries of the school s location. Ron Day, National Director Longview, TX 2

3 Official Playing Rules PROPOSED RULE CHANGES (Rules Committee) 1.16(d) - Page 32 - Change paragraph (d) to read: 1.16(d) (d) An approved face guard may be used and must be properly installed according to manufacturer s specifications on batter s helmet. Individual DYB state organizations may mandate league s install face guards on their batter s helmets for local league and tournament play. NOTE: The face guard becomes a permanent part of the helmet in regards to all rules. Ron Day, National Director Longview, TX 1.16(d) - Page 32 - Change paragraph (d) to read: 1.16(d) (d) An approved face guard on the batting helmet will be a player option, not a requirement, and if used, the face guard shall be properly installed according to manufacturer s specifications on batter s helmet NOTE: The face guard becomes a permanent part of the helmet in regards to all rules Tommy Rheams, State Director Lumberton, MS 1.16(d) - Page 32 - Change paragraph (d) to read: 1.16(d) (d) Face guards and chin straps are optional on required batting helmets. Kim Collins Fairfield Baseball League Secretary Fairfield, TX 3.03(e) - Page Insert new paragraph (a) to read: (b) Players may enter the game on defense only at the beginning of each team s defensive inning unless the defensive player enters the game to replace an injured, ill or ejected player or enters the game during a pitching change. Entering the game on defense with the exception of the pitcher does not count as entering/re-entering on offense for the purposes of Rule 3.03(a). Tommy Rheams, State Director Lumberton, MS DYB Tournament Rules Tournament Rule I (B) Team Eligibility Requirements Page 87 - Insert new paragraph to read: (E) If a tournament team has 12 eligible players in uniform at a game, then every player on a team roster must participate in each game for a minimum of three (3) consecutive defensive outs and complete one (1) time at bat. If a tournament team has eleven (11) or fewer players in uniform at a game, then every player on a team roster must participate for a minimum of six (6) consecutive defensive outs and complete at least one (1) time at bat. David Jackson, National Director Parkton, NC 3

4 AA Rules (AA Rules & Requirements Committee) Tournament Rule XV (C)(2)(a) - Page Change paragraph XV (C)(2)(a) to read: a) The adult coach pitcher - A coach of the offensive team shall pitch to the batters and shall throw overhand in a standing or kneeling position. Eric Hartman Pascagoula Youth Baseball Pascagoula, MS Tournament Rule XV (C)(3)(f) - Page Change paragraph XV (C)(3)(f) to read: (f) Pitching machine speed will be set at 40 miles per hour out of the machine and checked with a radar gun. Pitching machine pin position will be documented by tournament officials, communicated to all participating teams and maintained throughout the entire tournament. Only the height adjustment setting on the machine may be altered during tournament play. Jennifer Markham Amherst Dixie Youth Amherst, VA Tournament Rule XV (D)(1) - Page Change paragraph XV (D)(1) to read: (1) The defensive team will place a player in the designated circle at the pitcher position. The player pitcher must have at least one foot inside the designated 12-foot circle (the other foot may be either inside or outside the designated circle), must stand in position on either the left side or the right of the coach pitcher or behind the coach pitcher, must not interfere with the coach pitcher, and not be any closer to the batter than even with the pitching rubber. The player pitcher cannot leave the circle until the ball is hit. PENALTY - The offense coach has the option of accepting a hit or taking a no pitch. Jennifer Markham Amherst Dixie Youth Amherst, VA Tournament Rule XV (D)(2) - Page Change paragraph XV (D)(2) in its entirety to read: (2) A batting helmet with a face guard or a face shield/mask is required for the player pitcher while playing the pitching position. Tommy Rheams, State Director Lumberton, MS 4

5 Tournament Rule XV (D)(2) - Page Delete paragraph XV (D)(2) in its entirety: (2) A batting helmet with a face mask is required for the player pitcher while playing the pitching position. Eric Hartman Pascagoula Youth Baseball Pascagoula, MS Tournament Rule XV (E)(1) - Page Delete paragraph XV (e)(1) in its entirety: (E)(1) Facemask and chinstraps are optional on batting helmets. Kim Collins Fairfield Baseball League Secretary Fairfield, TX Tournament Rule XV (F)(11) - Page Change paragraph XV (F)(11) in its entirety to read: (11) The outfielders must play regular positions and play no closer than 20 feet behind the normal running base path. The infielders must play no close than 30 feet from home plate until the ball is hit. The 30 foot mark can be judged by the umpire or a semi-circle or mark can be painted or lined on the field. Eric Hartman Pascagoula Youth Baseball Pascagoula, MS Tournament Rule XV (G)(4) - Page Add new paragraph XV(G)(4) to read: (4) When on defense, the player with the ball must not run the offensive batter down to apply the tag. The player may take three (3) to five (5) steps to apply the tag but then must throw the ball to the player covering the base to which the offensive player is attempting to run toward. This will be an umpire s judgement as to how many steps were taken to apply the tag legally. Running the player down and applying the tag prior to runner reaching base will result in a safe call. Eric Hartman Pascagoula Youth Baseball Pascagoula, MS 5

6 2014 AA Proposed Editorial Changes XV. AA Tournament Rules The following rules shall be used to govern AA Coach Pitch and AA Machine Pitch programs exclusively for district, state and World Series tournament play. The Official Dixie Youth playing and tournament rules as currently in use will be the basic set of rules for AA Division play with the exception of the rules emphasized or modified for AA play only listed below: (A) Tournament Play: (1) A game will be a forfeit if a team cannot field nine players. (2) No game shall start after 9:30 pm unless approved by the Tournament Director. (3) Tournament games must be played until complete. (4) Balls must be Dixie Youth-Approved for tournament play. (5) A minimum of two umpires per game is required. (6) Tournament team affidavits must consist of twelve (12) players, a team manager, and three coaches. Each tournament team must begin each level of tournament play with a full roster of players and coaches. (7) There will be a 7-run per inning run limit with the exception of an over the fence home run or a ground rule double. (8) A game will be over if a team is mathematically prevented from tying or winning. (B) Playing Field: (1) Baselines shall be 60 feet. (2) Recommended minimum distance for the outfield fence to be 160 from home plate. Approved temporary fencing will be allowed. (3) A 12-foot-diameter chalked pitching circle will be used for the pitching area. (4) The center of the chalked pitching circle will be 46 feet from the back edge of home plate. (C) AA Coach Eligibility: (1) Only managers, assistant managers or coaches during the regular league season shall be eligible to manage or coach a tournament team and they shall be registered on their regular season team player rosters as filed with the district and state directors. The state director shall be empowered to grant exceptions to this rule. (a) There must be four (4) coaches listed on the tournament team affidavit. (b) Three (3) adults will be allowed on the playing field at one time, two (2) base coaches, and one (1) pitching coach. (c) A fourth (4th) adult must remain in the dugout at all times to watch the players. (D) Coach Pitch (a) The adult coach pitcher - A coach of the offensive team shall pitch to the batters and shall throw overhand in a standing position. (b) The coach pitcher must pitch from within the chalked pitching circle. The coach pitcher s feet must remain in the chalked pitching circle until the pitch is released. NOTE: If one foot is within the circle and any part of the other foot is in contact with the chalk or paint outlining the circle when the pitch is released, the coach will be considered in the circle. A violation shall be called a no pitch by the umpire. (c) The coach pitcher shall exit the playing field behind the runner or away from any play on the field when the ball is hit into fair play to avoid interference. Need to add coach pitcher interference penalty. (d) If the coach pitcher is hit by the ball, it is a dead ball and will be called a no pitch by the umpire. (e) The coach pitcher may coach or position the batter only. He/she cannot coach the runners. PENALTY: A warning will be given for first offense and he/she will be removed from the mound on the second offense. (f) Only the manager may represent or speak for the team. (g) Coaches cannot go outside the playing field without the permission of the umpire. Coaches will be removed 6

7 from the game for violation. (f) Player Pitcher Position (Coach Pitch) (1) The defensive team will place a player in the designated circle chalked at the pitcher position. The player pitcher must have one foot inside the designated 12-foot chalked circle, must stand in position on either the left side or the right of the coach pitcher or behind the coach pitcher, must not interfere with the coach pitcher, and not be any closer to the batter than even with the pitching rubber. The offense coach has the option of accepting a hit or taking a no pitch. (2) The player pitcher cannot leave the chalked circle until the ball is hit. PENALTY - The offense coach has the option of accepting a hit or taking a no pitch. (3) A batting helmet with a face mask is required for the player pitcher while playing the pitching position. (E) Machine Pitch (a) The adult coach pitcher - A coach of the offensive team shall feed the baseballs into the pitching machine. (b) Three (3) adults will be allowed on the playing field at one time, two (2) base coaches and one (1) pitching coach. A fourth (4th) adult must remain in the dugout at all times to watch the players. (c) A 12-foot-diameter chalked pitching circle will be used for the pitching area. (d) The center of the chalked pitching circle will be 46 feet from the back edge of home plate. (e) The pitching machine will be placed directly over a pitching rubber which is 46 feet from the back edge of home plate. (f) The pitching machine speed will be set at 40 miles per hour out of the machine and checked with a radar gun. (Need language to determine when the machine will be checked during the game.) (g) Only the manager may represent or speak for the team. (h) Coaches cannot go outside the playing field without the permission of the umpire. Coaches will be removed from the game for violation. (i) Player Pitcher Position (Machine Pitch) - The defensive team will place a designated player in the chalked pitching circle at the pitcher position. The player pitcher must have one foot inside the designated 12-foot circle, must stand in position on either the left side or the right of the PITCHING MACHINE or behind the PITCHING MACHINE, and not be any closer to the batter than even with the pitching rubber. The player pitcher cannot leave the circle until the ball is hit.. PENALTY - The offense coach has the option of accepting a hit or taking a no pitch. (j) If a batted ball hits the PITCHING MACHINE the ball is dead, the batter is awarded one base and any runners forced to advance will also advance one base. If a batted ball hits the coach feeding the machine, the ball is dead and shall be counted as a no pitch. (F) Equipment (1) Facemask and chinstraps are required on batting helmets. (2) Catchers must wear full catcher protective equipment. The catcher may use a fielder s glove or catcher s mitt. The catcher must be in the squat position when the ball is pitched. (3) A batting helmet with a face mask is required for the player pitcher while playing the pitching position. (G) General Playing Rules: (1) The infield fly rule is NOT applicable. (2) Bunting is NOT allowed. (3) Base stealing is NOT allowed (4) A regulation game shall be six (6) innings for tournament play in all AA games unless the 15-run rule applies.. (5) A modified 15-run rule is in effect after both teams have batted four (4) times or if the home team is ahead in score after three and one half (3½) innings. There is no 10-run rule in AA play. (6) The batter will be allowed five (5) pitches or three (3) strikes. The batter will be called out after the fifth (5th) 7

8 pitch unless the fifth pitch is a foul ball. A foul on the last pitch shall not count unless a foul fly is caught; then the batter is out. (7) Teams on defense will use a total of ten players in the field, including the catcher and four outfielders. (8) The outfielders may play anywhere in the outfield but no closer than 20 feet behind the normal running base path. (9) A game will be a forfeit if a team cannot field nine players in all AA games.. (H) Base Running: (1) There are no HALFWAY MARKS. If a runner has passed a base prior to the player pitcher gaining control of the ball in the chalked pitching circle and does not stop, he may advance to the next base at his/her own risk. (2) With runners on base, a time out will be called by the umpire after each play comes to a natural end, approximately three seconds after: a) the player pitcher gains control of the ball inside the chalked pitching circle and makes no attempt to make a play on any advancing runners who leave (advanced at least one step) a base before the pitcher gained control of the ball inside the chalked pitching circle; or, b) all runners have stopped their advance or retreat or return to a base at the risk of being put out, before the player pitcher gains control of the ball inside the chalked pitching circle. (3) If a member of a defensive team with the ball caused one base runner to stop or return to a base and then makes a play on another base runner (already in route to another base when the first base runner was stopped), the ball is live and all base runners may advance at their own risk to be put out. (4) A runner missing a base with no attempt to return to the base to tag up before the ball becomes dead may be appealed by the coach after calling a time out. PENALTY: The runner shall be called out on appeal. (I) Player Participation Requirement (1) Offensive participation requirement. All players on a AA division team will bat in a continuous batting order. At the start of the game, all available players on each tournament team roster will be listed in the starting offensive batting line up and bat in this order for the remainder of the game; (a) Players arriving late will be entered at the end of the batting order; and (See Proposed Rule) (b) A player who leaves the game due to illness or injury and later returns to the game will bat in the same place in the batting order as when they left the game. (2) Defensive participation requirement - See Tournament Rule IX(F) (3) FREE SUBSTITUTION ON DEFENSE - See Tournament Rule IX(F)(5) Proposed Rule (I)(1)(a) If the late player cannot mathematically make a plate appearance by entering at the end of the continuous batting order, he shall bat for the next scheduled batter in the batting lineup and bat immediately. The late player will then be placed at the end of the continuous batting order for the rest of the game and the batter who was substituted for will return to his original batting position in the lineup. 8