SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN YOUTH BASEBALL
POLICIES AND RULES

I.  TEAM ROSTERS:

1. All team rosters and a copy of each player’s birth certificate must be turned in before a player is eligible to play.

2. Age Limits:
   1. No player who will turn 11before April 30 will be allowed to play any LEAGUE games in the 10-under age division
   2. No player who will turn 13 before April 30 will be allowed to play any LEAGUE games in the 12-under age division.
   3. No player who will turn 15 before April 30 will be allowed to play any LEAGUE games in the 14-under age division.

3. Maximum number of players per team is 16.

4. If a player is added to a team’s roster, before that player can play, the teams coach must inform a League Board Member and send in a copy of the player’s birth certificate.  Failure to do so will be a forfeit of every game this player played in.

5. Up to two players names from a younger division in this league may be added to a roster to keep from having to forfeit a game because of lack of players.  If a player is used for this purpose he must be the last batter in the line-up and be placed in right field.  This player may only be used two times during the season for this purpose.  If a regular roster player shows up during the game, he must be inserted into the line-up in the substitute players place.

6. Total # of wins will be used to determine placement in league standings.

II.  Rules

1. For all age groups – no weekday games will start before 5:30 PM and no Saturday games before 10:00 AM.
   1. Exception: Games may start earlier on Saturdays with prior approval by the board.
      
2. Weather:
   At the first sight of lightning or sound of thunder, by any person (player, coach, official, parent or spectator) the game shall be suspended for a minimum of 20 minutes.
   1. During that time the coaches and teams will take cover in an area deemed to be appropriate shelter for the weather conditions. 
   2. During that time, there shall be NO PRACTICING or playing catch.  All players must remain in the “shelter” until the time has expired.
   3. The 20 minute clock shall restart every time thunder is heard or lightning is seen.
   4. Coaches may opt to postpone the remainder of the game, to be made up at a later date as approved by each team’s coach.
   5. When gameplay resumes (that day or another day), the game shall pick up exactly where left off with all players in the same positions and batting order.

3. Mercy Rules:
   1. 5 inning games – 10 runs after 4 inning
   2. 6 inning games – 10 runs after 5 innings
   3. 7 inning games – 10 runs after 5 innings

4. No metal spikes:
   1. Not allowed in U10 and U12 age division
   2. Allowed in U14 age division

5. There will be a courtesy runner allowed for pitchers and catchers.  The runner must be designated for either the pitcher or catcher and be only used as the designation was made until the substitute runner enters the game as a hitter or fielder.  In such a case as the substitute runner enters the game, a new courtesy runner may be designated.  A designated runner must be a player that is not playing in the field or batting at that time.

6. Sliding Rule:
   1. A legal slide can be either feet or head first.  If a runner slides feet first, at least one leg and buttock shall be on the ground.  If a runner slides he must slide within reach of the base with either a hand or foot.
   2. A slide is illegal if:
      1. The runner uses a rolling, cross-body, or pop-up slide into the fielder, or;
      2. The runner’s raised leg is in a standing position, or;
      3. The runner goes beyond the base and makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder, or;
      4. The runner slashed or kicks the fielder with either leg, or;
      5. The runner tries to injure the fielder
   3. Runner is out
      1. When he does not slide or attempt to avoid a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag or if he maliciously runs into a fielder.  Hurdling is prohibited.  Stepping over or jumping over the outstretched glove of a fielder holding the ball on or near the ground waiting to make the tag is legal.  If there is no contact between the fielder and the runner, no infraction occurs; or
      2. On a force play at any base the runner or retired runner fails to execute a legal slide or if he does not slide or attempt to avoid the fielder or play.  Note:  If such action by a runner, batter runner or retired runner caused illegal contact and/or illegally alters the play, interference shall be called.
      3. Runner may be ejected from the game if the umpire feels that the runner maliciously runs into the fielder to try to dislodge the ball

7. Pitching:
   1. Number of pitches per day
      1. U10--75 pitches per day
      2. U12 --85 pitches per day
      3. U14--95 pitches per day (or 10 innings per week as observed by SCL)
   2. Days of rest
      1. The pitch count rule applies to all pitchers in all divisions.  The pitcher shall be required to observe a time of rest, as defined below, after pitching in a game.
      2. 1-20 pitches in a day; no days are required for rest*
      3. 21-40 pitches in a day; 1 day is required for rest*
      4. 41-60 pitches in a day; 2 days are required for rest*
      5. 61 or more pitches in a day; 3 days rest are required for rest*

   *Days of rest will start the day following the day of the game pitched.  Pitcher may pitch again at the end of the day of the last day of rest period. i.e.  A pitcher throws 61 or more pitches on Monday.  Per rules, he must observe a 3 day rest period.  The days of rest shall be Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, but pitcher may be entered into Thursday evening's game as a pitcher.  This rule applies to games that start after 5:00 p.m.  If a pitcher throws 61 or more pitches on Wednesday, he must observe Thursday, Friday and Saturday.  If the team has a Saturday morning game he MAY NOT be entered as a pitcher.  If the team has a Saturday evening game he MAY be entered as a pitcher.

    

   3. Reaching maximum pitches
   1. In the event a pitcher reaches the maximum limit of pitches during a game, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occur:
   1. The batter reaches base
   2. That batter is put out
   3. The third out of the half-inning is made
   4. Recording pitch counts
   1. Coaches are required to maintain a pitch count log for each of their pitchers.  The log must be produced when requested by a game official or board member.
   5. Penalty
   1. A violation of the pitch count rule will render any game that an ineligible pitcher pitched in as a loss for the offending team.
   6. Curve Balls
   1. 10-Under cannot throw curve balls.  An umpire will call no pitch if it is determined to be a curve ball 11-14-years old may throw curve balls.
      
      

8. Batting

1. Teams may utilize a 10 batter lineup. 
1. If a 10 player lineup is used, the team must present 10 batters at all times during the game.  If for any reason the team cannot continue the game with 10 batters, the missing batter will be considered an automatic out when that batter is to bat.
2. If a 9 player lineup is utilized, the team must continue through the entire game with 9 batters only.  The designated hitter rule can be used when the 9 player lineup is utilized but not when a 10 batter lineup is used.
3. Coaches shall make known to opposing coach and officials, before first pitch of game, as to # of batters in lineup.
4. Substitution rules apply in either case.

9. Substitution Rule:
   1. Only starters may re-enter the game.
   2. A starter that re-enters the game must re-enter in the same spot in the batting lineup they started in.
   3. A starter and the starter’s sub may not play in the game at the same time.
   4. A sub may not re-enter a game.  (Exception, if all subs have entered the game and have been taken out of the game and a starter is hurt, a sub may then replace the hurt starter.)

10. Game Length:

1. U10 - game length will be 6 innings (5 innings for double headers), subject to the mercy rules.  In the event of an umpire calling the game for any reason (most likely darkness or weather), the following rules will apply for single games or double headers:
1. The game will be considered officially complete if 3 ½ innings have been played and the home team is winning the game.
2.  The game will be considered officially complete if 4 innings have been played and the score is not tied.
3.  If the game is called any time after the 4th inning, the decision of the winning team is whichever team was ahead at the conclusion of the last full inning played.
4.  If the result of any of the above is a tie game, the game, by consent of both coaches, can be recorded as a tie.  Neither team will get credit for the win and nothing will count towards either team’s win totals that determine the standings in the league.  If both coaches do not agree to record the game as a tie, the game will be considered a suspended game and a completion time will have to be agreed upon by both coaches.  In the event that both coaches cannot agree on a rescheduled time, the league Executive President has the authority to establish a date, time and location of the completion of the game.  The resumption of the game will be at the exact point of when the game was called but will only last until the conclusion of an inning in which there is not a tie score.  For example, if a game is called after 4 innings and there is a tie score, after resuming play at a rescheduled time, the team that is winning after the 5th inning will be the winner of the game.  The full 6 inning game will not have to be completed.
2. U12 & U14 - game length will be 7 innings (6 innings for double headers), subject to the mercy rules.  In the event of an umpire calling the game for any reason (most likely darkness or weather), the following rules will apply for single games or double headers:
1.  The game will be considered officially complete if 4 ½ innings have been played and the home team is winning the game.
2.  The game will be considered officially complete if 5 innings have been played and the score is not tied.
3.  If the game is called any time after the 5th inning, the decision of the winning team is whichever team was ahead at the conclusion of the last full inning played.
4.  If the result of any of the above is a tie game, the game, by consent of both coaches, can be recorded as a tie.  Neither team will get credit for the win and nothing will count towards either team’s win totals that determine the standings in the league.  If both coaches do not agree to record the game as a tie, the game will be considered a suspended game and a completion time will have to be agreed upon by both coaches.  In the event that both coaches cannot agree on a rescheduled time, the league Executive President has the authority to establish a date, time and location of the completion of the game.  The resumption of the game will be at the exact point of when the game was called but will only last until the conclusion of an inning in which there is not a tie score.  For example, if a game is called after 4 innings and there is a tie score, after resuming play at a rescheduled time, the team that is winning after the 5th inning will be the winner of the game.  The full 7 inning game will not have to be completed.

11. Balls:
    1. All teams will use baseballs provided by SCMYB.
    2. Home team must provide 2 new baseballs for each game.

12. U10 Division specific rules
    1. For innings 1, 2 and 3 each team is allowed a maximum of 8 runs per inning.  When the 8th run scores in the inning, the play is stopped and no further runs may be counted.
       1. A batter that has not completed his at-bat shall start off the batting order in the next inning.
       2. Starting with the 4th inning and any inning following the 4th inning, the 8 run rule does not apply.
    2. The “Dropped Third Strike” rule does not apply.
       1. A third strike will result in an out and the batter being retired, no matter if the catcher catches or drops the ball.
       2. The dropped third strike will be treated as a cleanly caught third strike.
    3. Base runner may not lead off.
       1. Base runner may steal once the ball has left the pitcher's hand.  Stealing home is allowed.
       2. Base runner must have one foot physically touching a base until pitched ball leaves the pitcher's hand.
    4. Penalty
       1. Either or both officials shall call "Dead Ball" and pitch will not count toward pitch count of pitcher.  Offending base runner will be given NO warning and will immediately be called "out".
13. Fields:
    1. 10-Under – 65 feet between bases and 46 feet from home to the pitching rubber.
    2. 12-Under – 70 feet between bases and 50 feet 6 inches from home plate to the pitching rubber.
    3. 14-Under – 80 feet between bases and 54 feet from home plate to the pitching rubber.
14. Play Off for League Championship In case of a tie:
    1. A field will be selected by the League President.
    2. Game umpires will be appointed by the League President.

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Southern Capital League (SCL)
U14 Boys Fast pitch
(taken from SCL website)

High School rules apply with the exception of the following:

Note to Parents:  The Southern Capital League is a competitive league.  As such, we as coaches and parents need to work toward teaching our players all aspects of the game at a competitive level.  

1. Eligibility:   League and tournament play:  For players age 14 and under as of May 1 (current year).  Roster is capped at 15 players.  Teams must submit roster by deadline.
2. Home Team / Community Coordinator Roles and Responsibilities:
   1. The home team shall provide a field for play throughout the season.  The pitching rubber is 54 feet and bases shall be 80 feet. 

NOTE:  Teams need to be prepared for tournament play where they use the 60’/90’. 
Umpires:  The home team shall provide (2) umpires and be responsible for their payment.  Home team provides 2 game balls of good quality.  One note - please do not modify the rules/guidelines to fit your needs.  This only causes confusion and the sense that every community has different rules. Take a copy of the Rules to the field and discuss them before the game starts.  The community shall be responsible for providing or having on hand to all umpires copies of the league rules. 

1. Game Time:  Games are played on Tuesdays and Thursdays.  Games will begin at 6pm as much as possible.  No time limits and games will be 7 innings.  Extra innings can be used to decide a winner.  If you feel games are running late, ensure you engage prior to the game with the opposing coach for resolution rather than mid game when one team may have the advantage.  Ties should be reported as such.
2. Mercy Rule:  15 runs after 3 innings or 10 runs ahead after 4 innings.
3. It shall be the responsibility of the winning team to email the final scores to the website at byronline@isp.com within 48 hours of the game time. 
4. Rain / Extreme Weather Policy:
   1. The home team or community will determine by 4:00pm on the day of the scheduled game if field conditions warrant postponement.  After 4:00pm, the decision shall be made by the umpires at the field.
   2. Rescheduling:  If the game is postponed prior to 4:00pm, the home team must contact the visiting team coach.  A make up date will be agreed upon by both teams.
   3. Lightning / Thunder Rule:  If lighting or thunder is present at your game, play must be suspended for 30 minutes each time an umpire sees lightning or hears thunder.

The Game:

1. Arrive early if infield practice is desired.  NO infield practice five (5) minutes before game time.
2. Umpires and coaches of both teams must have a pre-game meeting.  The five (5) pitch warm up must be enforced.  Coaches must have their team on the field ready to play when the pitcher has completed her warm-ups.  

Batting:

1. No free substitution permitted.  Teams will show 9 players in the lineup or 10 if using the Extra Hitter (EH).  Roster is limited to 10 players.  Teams may not bat ‘all players’.  Teams will adhere to High School Substitution rules.
2. Third Strike Dropped Ball:  With dropped ball on third strike and two outs, batter can attempt to advance to first base (whether first base is occupied or not).  Regular baseball rules apply to drop third strike ball with 0 and 1 out.
3. A batter who deliberately throws his bat will be called out

1. Pitching:   Pitching limits are 10 innings per week in league play.  Same as high school rules.

 

1. Base Running:
1. Sliding rule applies at all bases.  The league requires that coaches explain to their players that malicious contact is prohibited and illegal.  A majority of the intentional collisions occur at home plate where the catcher is blocking the plate.  Base runners must be instructed to slide or attempt to avoid making contact with any defensive player at any base.  A player who maliciously or intentionally runs into a player is automatically ejected and declared out.
2. Equipment:
1.  No jewelry, watches, etc.  (exception are medical alert items)
2.  Metal spikes are allowed.
3. Bat length to weight differential rule is waived.  Note:  May cause coaches issues during other tournament play.

Sportsmanship is a valuable part of the education of our players for this game. Coaches must model the sportsmanship on all calls and approach the umpires with questions not with disrespectful words.

 

Rev July 7, 2011