Barron County League Rules 

5th & 6th Grade 

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

1. All games start at 6:45 pm, but may start earlier if both teams are ready. Games will be 5 innings or 2 hours, whichever comes first. No new inning can start after 2 hours. Time Limits may be set for League Tournament, but will not be less than 80 minutes No time limit on 4th place game and up. Monday & Wednesday

2. Pitching distance is 40 feet. It is acceptable to allow girls unable to pitch from 40 feet to pitch at 38 feet. A pitcher can pitch no more than 3 innings. 1 pitch thrown counts as 1 inning.

1. Exception – Pitchers gain 1 inning for each extra inning per game 

3. All games played with 12-inch ball.

4. 10 players will be allowed to play defense (in the field) at a time. The 10th player is considered an outfielder and should play, in close proximity to the other outfielders. Rule Interpretation – All outfielders must be clearly playing in the outfield, as judged solely by the umpires if not discussed during the pre-game conference. 

5. 5 runs or 3 outs per inning. A play can be finished, but no more than 5 runs can be recorded for the inning. 

6. The 5th inning can have unlimited runs for either team. - 10 run rule in effect after 4th inning. Suggestion – Coaches please keep in mind good sporting behavior. If a visiting team bats through their entire line-up and has an insurmountable lead, we suggest ending that half inning, and letting the home team bat. At this point the home team will have conceded the game.

7. No infield fly rule. 

8. 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. 

9. Players may only advance one base per overthrow. 

1. Example # 1 – Runner on 1st Steals 2nd, ball gets overthrown @ 2nd base, runner can only advance to 3rd base unless ball gets thrown again to 3rd base. 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. This rule was put into effect after lengthy discussions with what communities have wanted. 

10. Stealing allowed for all bases Except Home.

11. Dropped 3rd strike is in effect. 

12. Base runners may leave their base once the ball clearly leaves the pitcher’s hand. One warning per team per game for leaving base early. Any additional violations will be an out. 

13. One warning per team per game for violation of the look back rule. 

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

15. Helmets and face guards are required, while playing offense. No steel or metal spiked shoes. 

16. Players will only be allowed to play on 1 team within an age level, even if playing up. 

17. One WIAA Certified Umpire, or Two Non-Certified Umpires are 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. If the home team has only one Non-Certified Umpire, the visiting team is then allowed to provide a base umpire of high school age or older. 

18. Games may end in a tie except for during tournament play. (Coaches should decide PRIOR to the start of the game what time will be set for the “No New Inning Shall Start after __________ time” It is strongly suggested to set a time so the players are not put into jeopardy due to darkness.) 

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

20. Both teams are responsible for verifying game time and location a minimum of 2 days prior to the scheduled game. The league will do it’s best to keep accurate game dates/times updated on the league website. Due to cancellations, reschedules, and unforeseeable circumstances, it is the responsibility of the communities to verify to ensure accurate schedules. 

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.