Barron County League Rules 

3rd & 4th Grade 

All games will be played according to WIAA rules with the following exceptions. 

1. Games shall start at 5:30 pm and end at 6:30 pm Monday & Wednesday

2. Pitch distance is 35 feet (front of pitching circle). It is acceptable to allow girls unable to pitch from 35 feet to pitch at 30 feet (Umpires Discretion). Rule interpretation – Intent is that pitcher's pitch from 35 feet unless unable to do so. 

3. 10 players will be allowed to play defense (in the field) at a time. The 10th player is considered an outfielder and should play within close proximity to the other outfielders. Rule interpretation – Outfielders must be clearly in the outfield at time of hit. (Outfielders can only move in on the ball once it is put in play, similar to runner not being able to lead off.)

4. Visiting Team batts 10 consecutive batters, then home team bats 10. Continue until 6:30 pm. After 3 outs, clear bases and continue. An “Inning” is complete after both teams have batted. 

5. All games played with 11-inch ball.

6. No infield fly rule. 

7. No stealing is allowed, however it is acceptable to lead off 2 steps with the pitch. A player may advance once the ball is batted. Rule interpretation – Base Runners may practice leading off once the ball leaves the pitchers hand, but may only advance once the ball has been batted, and must immediately return to their base between pitches. (Coaches help get players back quickly after lead off). 

8. Bunting is allowed only when the opposing pitcher is pitching.

9. No run on dropped third strike. Rule interpretation – Batter is out on 3rd strike, even if the catcher doesn’t catch the pitch. 

10. There is no sliding requirement; however malicious contact will not be tolerated. Please review rules on Obstruction, Interference, and Malicious. 

11. Advance one base per overthrow. 

1. Example # 1 - Runner from 1st advancing to 2nd, ball gets overthrown @ 2nd base, runner can only advance to 3rd base unless ball gets thrown again @ 3rd base.

2.  Example # 2 – Runner on 2nd at time of pitch, defense attempts to throw batter out at 1st, if ball is overthrown @ 1st, batter is allowed to earn 2nd. Play will not stop, runner from 2nd is allowed to advance home at her own risk. If batter or other runner attempts to advance extra bases, runners advance at their own risk. Once play ends if batter ends up on 3rd or home, she must go back to 2nd base, because she was not played upon at 2nd even if played upon @ 3rd or Home. 

12. Helmets and face guards are required with batting, running, and catching. If the helmet falls off, there will be no penalty and the helmet will be put on when the play is over. Helmets must be worn until the player reaches the dugout. 

13. No steel cleats are allowed. 

14. The pitcher is capable of striking a batter out with 3 called strikes. After 4 called balls are thrown, one predetermined adult will pitch no more than 2 pitches to their own batter. Adult must pitch from within the Pitching Circle (No closer than 30 Feet). This just means no walks unless the batter is hit by a pitch thrown by the opposing team. If the ball hits the ground, and then hits the batter, the batter has still been “Hit” by a pitch. (Note: Some teams are choosing to discuss this option prior to game, allowing a “Hit” batter to have the coach pitch to encourage batting.) 

15. A pitcher can pitch no more than 10 batters.. One pitch thrown counts as 1 batter. 6 Warm-up pitches allowed. 

16. One umpire is required and will be the responsibility of the home team. Rules should be reviewed with both coaches and the umpire prior to the beginning of the game. (2 umpires are highly recommended). 

17. Home team is responsible for weather/field cancellations and calling their opponents. Evaluations of weather/field should be completed by 2 pm. 

18. Both teams are responsible for verifying game time and location a minimum of 2 days prior to the scheduled game. Due to cancellations, reschedules, and unforeseeable circumstances, it is the responsibility of the communities to verify to ensure accurate schedules. 

League Tournament 

19. 4 innings will be played (unless there is a game following), and no new inning will start after 6:30pm. There is 1 minute between innings. Please have your pitcher/catcher pre-determined and READY (Use a courtesy runner whenever possible – Usually with 2 outs). If you would like your warm-up pitches between innings and the catcher is not ready, have a coach helping get the catcher ready, and someone else warming up the pitcher. Pitcher gains one inning per extra innings. 

20. Time Limits may be set, but will not be less than 80 minutes (No time limit for 4th place game on) 

21. 4 runs or 3 outs limit per inning. A play can be finished but no more than 4 runs can be recorded in one inning. 

22. Open substitution allowed for all players in BATTING ORDER. If a team is not batting the entire roster regular substitution rules will apply. No penalty should be assessed for injured players not able to bat their spot, injured players may return to the lineup at any time. (No DP/Flex) Rule interpretation – There is no penalty for an injured player unable to bat her spot. If a player is hurt, and cannot bat her spot, no out will be called. The player may return to her position at any time. 

23. Games may end in a tie except for during tournament play. (Please decide PRIOR to the game the “No new inning shall start after ______ time.” so players are not put into jeopardy due to darkness.

Good Sportsmanship starts with the Coaches. Coaches are expected to display good sportsmanship at all times and are expected to hold players and fans accountable for poor sportsmanship. Any individual not displaying good sportsmanship will be asked to leave. If an individual refuses to leave, the game will be forfeited.