All Divisions will follow the National Federation of High School rules except as noted in: RBBA Playing Rules below.

Due to the copyright of the Federation Baseball rules, we are unable to supply a direct link to the rules.

**RBBA rules for the Fall 2017 season will follow the posted rules with the following changes:**

1. 2-hour time limit for all games. Permit batter to finish the at bat.

2. Three (3) outs or one time through the batting order completes the inning. The team with the smaller lineup is permitted to bat the number of players to match the larger lineup.

3. Divisions that play AL-NL in the spring will play AL rules for the fall.

The purpose and goal of the fall season is to develop players – particularly pitchers and catchers – and play as many innings as possible.  Please do your best to rotate players to various positions and keep the game moving.

General Rules - All Divisions

Print a copy of this document and carry it with you.  Read it carefully and share it with your assistants, players and parents (as appropriate) so that everyone is fully informed about the rules and other league matters.  

• A manager must bring a first aid kit to all practices and games.               

• Games can end in a tie if the time limit has been reached.                       

• The Home Team will:                      

   o Occupy the first base dugout.                  

   o Take pre-game warm-ups last.                

   o Provide 2 new game balls to the Umpire.                       

   o Set up the bases and pitching machine, if necessary.                 

   o Put away the bases and pitching machine if their game is the last one of the day.                   

• If a player leaves the game for any reason, the player’s position in the batting order will be passed over without any penalty to the offensive team.              

• Incomplete games which are terminated by the Umpire for any reason, when the score is tied or if one or more pitches have been delivered, and before the completion of the official number of innings:             

   o Continuation will be resumed at the point that they were stopped.                  

   o All line-ups will remain intact, however, if a player from the interrupted game is not present no penalty will be imposed.                     

   o All players on the roster are eligible to play.                   

   o If a player was not at the original game, the player will be added to the end of the batting order.                  

   o The Home team is responsible for notifying the Division Director of the need for a continuation game and will furnish first and second choice of dates for the continuation game.    

   o If one team does not show up at a rescheduled or continuation game, a win shall be declared for the team that does show.  If both teams fail to show, both teams will be given a loss.            

• In the event of a rainout, the Home team manager must contact the Division Director to schedule the make-up game within one day of the originally scheduled game. Failure to comply will result in the Division Director scheduling a new date and time which will be adhered to regardless of availability problems of either team.               

Protests                     

• No protests are permitted on any umpire judgment calls.  If there is a valid dispute over a rules issue, the protesting team must note the time and exact status in the scorebook (count, outs, runners, inning, etc).                       

• The protest must happen prior to the next pitch.              

• Umpire must initial both scorebooks.                     

• Coach should notify Division Director and VP of Division Play within 24 hours.               

Playing Conditions                

• The City of Rockville will make all decisions regarding playing conditions prior to each game.  They will determine whether or not the field conditions are fit to play with the safety of the players first and foremost in mind at all times.  The City will post a message on the Sports weather line if the game will be postponed or delayed due to inclement weather or unplayable field conditions.              

• After the game starts, the umpire is responsible for stops/starts.  The RBBA lightning policy is on the RBBA website under 'Handouts'.                 

Game Results Reporting                   

• The winning team is responsible for notifying the Division Director of the final score.                

• Wins and losses are not recorded in the Instructional Division.                

• Scores are not recorded in Rookie and PW, only a win or loss shown as a score of 1-0.              

Website                     

• Follow the Rockville Baseball Association website (www.RBBA.org)for important news and updates throughout the season.                   

• Games results and scheduling updates will be posted to this site on a timely basis.                    

• Periodic emails will be sent out to all members, please check your SPAM filter and accept info@rbba.org as NOT JUNK.                  

Snack Bar                   

• A full-line concession stand will be in operation for your convenience at Dogwood Park throughout the season.                       

• All coaches may be required to staff the Snack Bar at some point during the season, please plan accordingly.               

Sportsmanship:                     

• We expect that every participant will conduct him/herself at all times in a manner that is appropriate for youth baseball. Accordingly, arguing with or complaining about umpire judgment calls (balls/strikes, out/safe or fair/foul) or any display of inappropriate behavior (to include foul language used) by coaches, managers, players, parents or spectators simply will not be tolerated.  Anyone (except players) in violation of this sportsmanship rule will be asked to leave the premises immediately by the umpire via the head coach.  If after 2 minutes the offending person is not out of sight and sound of the field, the team will forfeit the game in progress (final score recorded as 7 - 0).  An ejected player will be confined to the dugout.  Anyone ejected from a game is suspended from participating or being a spectator at the next game.                   

• Team head coaches/managers are 100% responsible for the conduct of their assistant coaches, players, parents and any other related spectators.  If anyone other than the head coach/manager is ejected by an umpire, the team's head coach/manager automatically will be suspended for the next game.                 

• Team managers should make certain that everyone associated with their team is fully aware of the sportsmanship rules in advance of the season.  The games should be fun for all involved, especially the kids playing in them.         

RBBA Fastpitch Playing Rules

RBBA follows National Federation of State High School Associations Rules for Fastpitch Softball with several following modifications.  The modifications are intended to address the developmental aspects of the younger leagues, ensure the safety of players and facilitate the equitable participation of all players.

To View current rules, please visit the OGBC website for the most current rules or click here: