SEVERN ATHLETIC CLUB
MINOR RULES AND REGULATIONS
2006

A. GENERAL PLAYING RULES

1. Batting lineup will consist of all members of the respective team. Batting lineup may not be altered after the game has started. A player will be allowed if he/she enters the game before the start of the third inning. If a player is injured or sick, he/she will merely drop out of the lineup.
2. All players must play a minimum of three complete innings and come to bat at least one time in a six inning game.
3. Player injury -- if a player is injured so that he stops play on the ball -- all play is stopped and it is ruled a ground rule double.
4. A maximum of five runs per inning or three outs, whichever comes first, for the first five innings. The sixth and subsequent innings, three outs with no run limitations.
5. Runners may not leave the base until the ball has passed the batter -- NO LEADING. Each team will receive one warning before a runner is declared out. Any pitch on which a runner is called out or a warning given shall be declared a “NO PITCH”.
6. Runners on third base cannot steal home unless an attempt is made against them or any other runner, on passed balls by the catcher or on overthrows to the pitcher.
7. Runners are allowed one base on throwing errors which go out of play (i.e. dugout or over a fence). An overthrown ball remaining in play is live and runners advance at their own risk.
8. Balks and the infield fly rule do not apply.
9. All other playing rules are in the Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations. 

B. UNIFORM PLAYING RULES

1. Bat throwing – one warning per team before a player is called out.
2. Throwing of equipment -- this is considered unsportsmanlike conduct.  The player will be ejected from the game and held responsible for any damage to equipment.  NO WARNINGS.
3. Batting helmets are required while batters are on the field (batter’s box, base, on-deck circle). Catchers must wear protective cups and a catching helmet.
4. There will be NO intentional walks.
5. If a player misses two consecutive practices and/or games without valid excuses, he/she may not be eligible to play in the next scheduled game.  The player may, however, play at the discretion of the manager.
6. In the event a manager, coach, or player is ejected from a game, he shall be suspended for the next scheduled game.
7. Train all players in sportsmanship, teamwork, and fundamentals.  Please remember BASEBALL IS A GAME.
8. Tennis shoes or molded spikes are authorized.  NO metal spikes.
9. Home team will supply a new game ball and a fairly good second game ball.
10. Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempts to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. This is a judgment call by the umpire.
11. Disagreements with umpire calls – remember you cannot dispute JUDGEMENT calls - only a rule interpretation can be questioned.  All disagreements should be discussed after the play and after time has been called.  Only the MANAGER can discuss calls with the umpire.  All discussions should be in a courteous and sportsmanship manner.   Remember the manager is responsible for his coaches, players, and fans of his team.
12. Pitchers shall not exceed 3 innings per day or 6 innings per week (Monday-Sunday). Innings pitched during Tournament Team games do not count towards innings pitched in intramural play.  Head coaches of any Tournament Team, however, are instructed to be extremely sensitive to players regarding innings pitched.
13. When a pitcher hits two batters in an inning or three batters in a game, this will result in the pitcher being removed from pitching.
14. Forfeits:
1. If a twenty-four hour (one day) notice is given to the commissioner and a mutual agreement is made between the two teams involved as to a date and time for rescheduling the game, no forfeiture will be called.  If a game is not played after being rescheduled once, then it will result in a forfeiture.
2. If one team shows up at the field and the other team fails to have enough players to start the game, then the team with enough players will win the game 7-0.
3. A fifteen minute grace period will be given from the scheduled starting time.
15. Continuance of games with less than eight players.
1. All teams must start the game fielding at least eight players.  However, in the event a team has eight players and in the course of the game one player is injured and unable to play, the team may continue to play the game with only seven players without penalty of forfeiture.
2. A game cannot continue with less than seven players regardless of the reasons for the loss of a player.  Teams not able to complete a game with at least seven players must forfeit the game.

C. MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITIES

1. The home team manager is responsible for setting up the field, limed base lines, batters box, pegged down bases, and the game balls.
2. If within one hour before a game is scheduled the managers have not been notified of the cancellation of that game by the Baseball Commissioner or his assistant, the decision on whether to play or not, will be called at the field by the managers of the teams scheduled to play.
3. No week day game can be cancelled after 5:00PM, except by the managers at the site of the game.  Therefore, each team must show up at the specified field for each game unless notified that the game has been cancelled.  Rained out games will be rescheduled as soon as possible.
4. Each manager shall instill in their players, coaches, parents, and fans the highest ideals and standards of good sportsmanship.  Continued misconduct by an ejected player, coach, or fans could result in forfeiture of the game.  Remember to cheer FOR your team but NOT against the other team.  No chanting of   “BATTER BATTER” is allowed by anyone.
5. All managers are responsible for their teams’ equipment and uniforms.  All items shall be turned in within two weeks of completing the season.  When items are turned in a complete inventory shall be taken to determine missing items or items in need of replacement or repair.
6. Managers are responsible for the clean-up and housekeeping of their respective benches.