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The Shirley Youth Baseball program is organized into five leagues: The Junior,
Instructional, Competitive and the Girls’ Softball League (in development). The Junior League is made up of Major, Minor, Rookie Divisions, which are divisions of Babe Ruth and Cal Ripkin Baseball.

The Instructional League is made up of the T-Ball Divisions. The
Girls’ Softball League will be made up of the Minor, Majors and Senior Divisions.
The procedures and philosophies for the Farms, and Majors Leagues and those of
the Girls’ Softball League are discussed in the "Girls’ Softball League Handbook for Managers and Coaches". The procedures and philosophies for the Instructional League are discussed in a separate document entitled "SYB Instructional League Handbook for Managers and Coaches". The Instructional League is intended to provide an introduction to baseball for young ball players ages five through seven.

The sole purpose of the Board of Directors, team Managers, Coaches, and supporters is to
plan, organize, equip, and maintain a recreational, competitive and instructional
baseball/softball program for Shirley youth. All who register and meet eligibility requirements will participate.

There are separate commissioners for the Competitive and Senior leagues as well as for the Major, Minor, Rookie, and the Instructional Farms and T-Ball divisions. The Girls’ Softball league is headed by the Girls’ Softball League Coordinator. these individuals are responsible for ensuring that baseball/softball operations are successfully carried out in accordance with League rules within their respective areas.

The Commissioners of T-Ball and Instructional Farms and the Coordinator of Baseball/Softball Education report to the Vice President while the other commissioners and the Chairman of the Girls’ Softball League are under the supervision of the League Commissioner. The Vice President and the League Commissioner report directly to the League President.

The Board of Directors of SYB has approved the following rules which, unless otherwise specified, apply to all divisions within the Senior League and the Junior League.

COMMISSIONERS

Any questions and/or comments should first be directed to the appropriate director listed
on the Board of Directors page.

2005 Board of Directors

The list of the 2005 Board of Directors can be found on the Board of Directors page

GENERAL

1. Unless specified below, all games for the Senior League shall be played according to the most current rules established by OFFICIAL RULES OF BASEBALL, and the Official Rules of "Babe Ruth® Baseball".

2. Unless specified below, all games for the Major, Minor, Rookie and Divisions shall be played according to the most current rules established by Babe Ruth® Baseball.

3. Changes, deletions, or additions to these rules can be made at any time by the Board of Directors.

4. Prior to the start of the season assignment of players to specific teams is the responsibility of the Director of Registration and the League Commissioner, who accomplish the assignment through established processes and by any player drafts established by the Board of Directors. This process (number of players a manager may keep, reassignment of players, etc.) will be clearly articulated by the Board of Directors at the Annual Managers meeting.

SCHEDULING- POSTPONEMENT- TERMINATION OF GAMES

5. a. Game and Play-off schedules are determined by the Director of Scheduling and approved by the Board of Directors.

b. All games must be played according to the schedule. However, because of mitigating circumstances, requests for rescheduling games may be considered by the Director of Scheduling prior to "opening day". After opening day, requests for rescheduling games should occur no later than one week prior to the scheduled games, and will require consensus approval of the Director of Scheduling, the League comissioner and the respective Division Commissioner. Without such approval the game will be forfeited by the team if it is unable to field an
appropriate number of players for the specified date.

c. In the event of unplayable conditions due to inclement or threatening weather, or wet fields, the League Commissioner, or his/her designate, shall rule on the possible postponement of games and place a recorded message on the "SYB web Site" by 4:00 PM. It is the responsibility of Managers and Umpires to check the phone message regarding postponement of games. Team Managers shall instruct their players to show up for games if they have not been contacted by 5:00 PM.

d. Every attempt will be made to reschedule games into the first available slot. Back to back games will be avoided wherever possible. After the seventh week teams involved in first to fifth place races will take preference in rescheduling. Every attempt will be made to play every game! Rescheduled games will not be postponed a second time because of the inability of either or both teams to field a team. Any game that cannot be rescheduled will be considered a tie game for standings purposes.

e. Should lightning be observed, it is the responsibility of the plate umpire, or a Director, to halt the game and the team Managers will clear the field of all players immediately. At fields where multiple games are being played, if a game at one of the fields is stopped pursuant to this rule, play must stop on all other fields as well. Play will be not be resumed until the danger has passed.

6.      a. The official weekday game start time is no later than 5:30 PM. Starting times for weekend and night games will be announced. A 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time will be allowed for each team if waiting for the minimum number of players to officially start the game. The visiting team has access to the field for warm-ups from 5:30 PM to 5:40 PM. The home team has access to the field for warm-ups from 5:40 PM to 5:50 PM.

b. No inning shall start after 8:00 PM, with the following exceptions:
   - Scheduled night games. No inning shall start after 10:00 PM for night games. (If Lights are available) - Play-off games that are tied in an inning that would start after 8:00 PM.

c. Game times for Saturday, Sunday and rescheduled games will be determined by the Director of Scheduling and Fields. The following applies to these games:
    If another SYB game is scheduled to start at a specific time following the game in question, then no inning shall be allowed to start (in the earlier game) beyond the scheduled starting time of the later game as long as the first game is an official game.

7. a. If an Umpire or a member of the Board of Directors is not available at game time the Team Managers shall determine if conditions warrant playing the game and will appoint an umpire.

b. Inclement weather or poor field conditions are the only reasons for postponement of any game based upon the judgment of the Umpire or a member of the Board of Directors. A game shall be terminated if, in the judgment of the Umpire or a member of the Board of Directors, rain, darkness, or other causes make further play impossible.

8. Team Managers of incomplete game must notify their Division Commissioners immediately so a make-up game can be scheduled and umpires assigned.

FULL AND OFFICIAL GAMES

9.      a. FULL GAMES for each division are:
    Senior League and Major Division       - 7 innings
     Minors Division                                       - 6 innings
     Rookie Division                                     - 5 innings

b. OFFICIAL GAMES for each division are:
     Senior League and Major Division            - 5 innings
     Minor Division                                          - 4 innings
     Rookie Division                                     - 4 innings

c. TEN RUN RULE: A game shall also be considered official if, after the required
    number of innings have been completed (see below), a game is terminated   due to weather or darkness AND the leading team’s advantage is ten or more runs.

         Senior League and Major Divisions - 4 innings
         Minors & Rookies Divisions               - 3 innings

d. FIRST THREE WEEKS OF THE SEASON: In the Senior League, Majors, and Minors
    Divisions, a FULL GAME will be 5 innings, and an OFFICIAL GAME will be 4 innings.
    In the Rookie, a FULL GAME will be 4 innings, and an
    OFFICIAL GAME will be 3 innings.

e. In determining FULL or OFFICIAL games, if the home team is ahead after 2 1/2,
    3 1/12, 4 1/2, 5 1/2 or 6 1/2 innings, depending on the situation, they are not
    required to take their final at bats.

f. An OFFICIAL GAME terminated while the score is tied will not be rescheduled. It
    will be recorded as a tie in the standings.

g. Extra innings will be played only if the game is tied and will only be played if
   there is sufficient light or time to finish the inning at the discretion of the Umpire
   and/or SYB Director. All Play-off games will continue until a winner is determined.
   If a playoff game is called because of darkness or weather, it will be rescheduled
   and begin at the point of termination and played to its entirety. Note: This refers
   to an official or unofficial play-off game.

h. Unofficial regular season games not completed due to weather or darkness will
    be continued from the point of termination and be completed at a later date,
    which will be determined by the Director of Scheduling. If the game is official and
    called because of weather or darkness, the team ahead wins, unless the home
    team is behind; then the score will revert back to the previous full inning (e.g. if
    the game is official at the point reverted, it is a complete game. If the game is
    not official at that point, it will be completed from the point of termination).

10. Double-headers are not permitted.

GAME PROTEST RULES AND PROCEDURES

It is emphasized that protests are not encouraged and should only be filed after the
Division Commissioner has been consulted regarding the rule infraction and has had ample
chance to resolve the question(s) with the concerned Team Managers.

If a Team Manager evaluates a situation which occurs during the process of a game and
files an official protest, the following rules and procedures shall be used by the Game
Protest Committee (GPC) in reaching a decision regarding said protest.

PROTEST RULES

11. a. Any Umpire’s judgment decision (call) on a particular pitch or play is NOT
protestable.

b. Protests must be in writing and forwarded to the Division Commissioner
within 48 hours of the incident.

c. Protests concerning rules of the game must be made at the point of the
alleged infraction before the next pitch or runner is retired. Pertinent facts
and circumstances will be accurately noted by the umpire.

d. If a game is played under protest, the scorebooks of both teams must be
turned into the plate umpire at the conclusion of the game.

e. Protest and forfeiture claims will be considered and acted upon by the
Game Protest Committee.

GAME PROTEST COMMITTEE PROCEDURES

12. a. The Game Protest Committee (GPC) is composed of the Senior League
    Commissioners, the four Division Commissioners, the Co-Directors of Umpires,
    and the League Commissioner, who is the Chairman. In the absence of the
    League Commissioner, the President shall be a member and serve as Chairman.

b. The Chairman will schedule the meeting of the GPC within one week of
receipt of the protest.

c. It is mandatory that there be at least three voting members of the GPC
present (whether permanent or temporary) to reach a final decision.

d. The Division Commissioner whose Team Manager is filing the protest is
responsible for obtaining and presenting the following to the GPC:

1. Scorebooks of both involved teams.
2. Correspondence from involved Team Managers.
3. Other correspondence pertaining to the protest including the
umpire’s statement.
4. The presence of both Team Managers for interview.

e. The Chairman shall excuse any member of the GPC who, in his/her
judgment, is directly or indirectly affected by the decision of a protest and
may appoint a replacement at his/her sole discretion.

f. The Chairman shall allow the oral presentation of all evidence of the
protesting Team Manager and all rebuttals by the other involved Team
Manager.

g. The Chairman shall allow all members of the GPC who are present to
comment relative to evidence, intent, etc., without the presence of the
involved Team Managers.

h. The Chairman and involved Division Commissioner shall present the final
decision of the GPC to both involved Team Managers.

i. All written evidence, except scorebooks, including a statement of the final
decision shall be passed to the Secretary for filing.

j. The Chairman shall report the final decision to the Board of Directors at the
next regularly scheduled meeting.

k. The President shall attend GPC meetings when possible in a non-voting
    status. The Chairman may appoint the President temporary voting member
    to break a tie vote or if less than three voting members are in attendance
    as outlined in 12. c.

1. Even if the GPC finds that the rules were violated, no replay of
    the game will be ordered unless, in the opinion of the GPC, the
    violation affected the protesting team’s chance of winning the
    game.

m. Decisions of the GPC are final. There is NO appeal of the Game Protest
Committee findings or rulings.

TEAM LINEUPS

13. An exchange of lineups between Team Managers (or their designee) prior to the start of the game is mandatory.

14. Any decision by a Team Manager to withhold or withdraw a player for disciplinary reasons shall be reported to the opposing Manager and the Umpire either prior to the start of the game or during the game at the time the decision is made.

PLAYER SUBSTITUTION RULES

15. a. In the Junior Divisions, each player must play at least every other inning in the
field. EXCEPTION: A player having pitched 4 or more innings may be
allowed to remain on the bench, at the Manager’s discretion.

b. In addition to (15.a.) in the Minors when there are 12 or more players
    present at a game each player shall sit at least one defensive inning of the
    first five innings. If there are less than 12 players present at a game no
    player shall sit out more than two defensive innings in a regulation
    (6 inning) game. The intention of this rule is to better balance playing time.

c. In addition to (15.a.) in the 8 Divisions when there are 13 or
   more players present at a game as many players as mathematically possible
   shall sit at least one defensive inning of the first four innings and the
   remaining player(s) shall sit out the fifth inning. If there are less than
   13 players present at a game no player shall sit out more than two
   defensive innings in the field in a regulation (5 inning) game. The intention
   of this rule is to better balance playing time.

d. In the Senior League, each player must play a minimum of two full
    consecutive innings in the field. Substitutions must be made by the fifth
    inning except for the first three weeks of the schedule where they must be
    made by the fourth inning. This rule is waived in anything short of a FULL
    game.

e. If a player misses his/her turn at bat due to an injury, he/she will not be
allowed back into the game. The next scheduled batter will be "at bat".

f. If a runner must be removed from a game due to injury, illness, or for other
reasons, he/she will be replaced by a pinch runner. The pinch runner will
be the last player to have been declared out.

g. If there are two outs in the inning, and the catcher of the team at bat
   reaches base, he/she may be substituted on the base by the last player to
   make an out. This permits the catcher to return to the dugout area to put
   on his/her catching equipment.

h. Violation of the player substitution rule is a protestable offense, which
   could result in forfeiture of the game. If the GPC, either by way of a protest
   or through the report from an umpire or director determines that a team
   Manager or acting manager willfully violates the substitution rule, automatic
   forfeiture of the game in question will occur.

PITCHING RULES (GENERAL)

16. a. Pitching rules apply to a period of one week. A week is defined, for the purposes
of these rules, as Monday through Sunday. EXCEPTION: If opening day is on a
Saturday or Sunday, they are considered part of the first full week of play.

b. In the Senior League a player may not pitch more than 7 innings in one
   calendar week. In the Majors, Minors, and the Rookie Divisions, a player
   may not pitch more than 6 innings in any one calendar week. If a player
   throws one or more pitches in any inning, he/she shall be considered to
   have pitched a compete inning.

c. In both the Senior and Junior Leagues, a pitcher who has been substituted
for may not return to the mound.

d1.The HOME TEAM SCOREBOOK will be the official scorebook for the game.

d2.The team scorebook must show the number of innings pitched during the
week for each pitcher. This book can be checked by any Umpire and/or
Director.

e. Innings pitched in tied or incomplete games will be charged against a
    pitcher’s eligibility for that week. However, if a game is called before it has
    become a regulation game, the pitching eligibility is the same as it was
    prior to the beginning of the "no game" situation.

f. In the Majors a pitcher can not be used for more than four (4) innings in a
single game.

g. In the Minors a pitcher can not be used for more than three (3) innings in
a single game.

h. In the Majors, Minors, and Rookie Divisions, two calendar days of rest (no
    pitching) are required for a player who pitches more than 2 innings in any
    one game. In the Senior League, a player must have two calendar days of
    rest (no pitching) if he/she has pitched more than 3 innings in any one
    game. NOTE: This rule is not changed by the start of a new week!
    (e.g. a Majors division player who pitches for 2 innings and throws one
    pitch in another third) inning on Saturday is not eligible to pitch until
    Tuesday).

i. Any pitcher who is on the pitching roster of any High, Junior, Middle, or
other secondary school team is prohibited from pitching until the respective
season is completed.

j. Violation of any of the above rules is a protestable offense, which could
result in forfeiture of the game.

k. A batter must attempt to get out of the way of a pitched ball before
he/she will be awarded first base for being hit by a pitch.

l. If a pitcher hits three batters in a game, he/she will automatically be
removed from pitching. He/she may continue to play in the game, but
cannot pitch.

m. Starting pitchers, and relief pitchers are allowed eight (8) warm-up pitches
in their first inning of work. Pitchers are limited to five (5) warm-up pitches
between innings thereafter.

n. Before starting the game, each Manager must notify the opposing Manager
of pitcher eligibility and verify/sign each other’s scorebook at the end of
the game.

o. Due to scheduling conflicts or any other unforeseen circumstances the
League President or League Commissioner may waive or alter pitching
eligibility rules for any game at any time prior to the start of the game.

ROOKIE PITCHING

17. a. In the Division, the team at bat’s own coach or manager will pitch
   the first three (3) innings of the game and players will pitch the remaining
   innings of the game. Player pitchers will not be allowed to pitch more than
   1 inning per game nor more than 2 innings in any one week. The 1 inning / 2
   innings per week pitching limitation rules will be in effect for the entire season
   including any playoff and championship games. In any inning that a coach or
   manager is pitching to his/her own team pursuant to this rule, there are no
   walks or "hit bats man" allowed. However, the umpire is expected to call balls
   and strikes, and a batter can be ruled out on a called third strike.

b. In the ROOKIE DIVISIONS, with the "8 Ball" rule in
    effect (See rule 29), a pitcher who walks or hits 4 consecutive batters, or
    any combination of walked or hit batters, must be removed from the
    mound. This does not supersede the limit of hit batsmen allowed in a game.
    (See Rule 16l)

c. In the ROOKIE DIVISION a pitcher can not be used for more than three
(3) innings in a single game.

GROUND RULES

18. Before the start of the game the plate Umpire must cover ground rules for the particular field with both Team Managers.

19. All equipment must be kept behind the team bench or backstop at all times. Team Managers are responsible to see that this rule is adhered to by all players and coaches.

20. Before the start of the game both teams will provide the plate Umpire with one new baseball. The plate Umpire and/or Director shall have the sole authority to determine when a new ball is put in play.

21. The regulation pitching distance between home plate and the pitching rubber for each division is: ROOKIE AND DIVISIONS 40 feet, MINORS AND MAJORS DIVISIONS, 46 feet; and SENIOR LEAGUE, 54 feet.

22. a. No one other than active players and umpires are permitted in fair territory until
   the ball is dead or an umpire calls time out. Only players, Team Managers,
   Coaches and Directors may request time out. This includes the carrying and
   Passing of batting helmets, etc.

b. No one other than players, the Team Manager, one scorekeeper, and a
maximum of two adult assistant coaches are permitted on the team bench
or in the area of the team bench.

c. In the Rookie and Divisions, it is permissible to have a coach
    stationed at the rear of the backstop to field passed balls. However, that
    coach so positioned may not leave the area of the rear of the backstop
    and must remain mute when so positioned. That coach may not make any
    verbal comments to the umpire, players on the field or to the batter, or
    otherwise interfere with any play on the field. If there is any violation of
    this rule, both managers will be responsible to have that coach leave the
    position at the rear of the backstop.

   ANY SITUATION NOT COVERED BY THE FOLLOWING GROUND RULES WILL BE
   SETTLED BY DECISIONS OF THE UMPIRE. THESE DECISIONS ARE NOT
   PROTESTABLE.

   FOR REASONS OF SAFETY SYB STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT PARENTS
   AND OTHER SPECTATORS REFRAIN FROM CONGREGATING IN THE
   FOLLOWING AREAS;

McNamara Field, Majors Field, 3rd Base Line
Dodd Middle School, 1st Base Line

FOUL BALL AND BALL IN PLAY RULES (ALL FIELDS) - GROUND RULES

23. a. Any ball hit in the air, outside of fair territory, is playable if:

        1. It is in front of the backstop and not beyond an imaginary line drawn
            between the team bench protective fence and the nearest point of the
            backstop.

2. It is within an area between the foul line and the team bench
or team bench protective fence.

3. It is between the foul line and an imaginary line extending from
the far end of the team bench protective fence and parallel to
the foul line.

b.1 Once a thrown ball passes beyond the "in-play" areas designated above,
     or hits a player on the bench, the ball is dead and runners are entitled to
     advance one base. EXAMPLE: John Smith has hit a ball safely into the
     outfield. He runs to first base and starts to second base. The throw from
     the fielder goes wild and out of the "in-play" area. The ball is ruled "dead",
     and if John Smith has run more than halfway to second base, he is
     entitled to third base.

b.2 In the Division, a batter or runner can only advance one base
     on an overthrow and do so at their own risk. Example: Runner on first and
     batter hits a ground ball to shortstop. Shortstop overthrows first base.
     Runner who began on first can only advance as far as third and
     batter/runner can only advance as far as second. In the event where
     the first baseman makes a throw to second in an effort to get
     batter/runner out, and that throws go into the outfield, the batter/runner
     cannot advance past second base. In addition the runner who began the
     play at first base cannot advance past third base. The runners do not get
     the bases automatically and can be tagged out unless the overthrow goes
     out of play as ruled by the umpire.

c. Any thrown ball (other than pitched) lodging in, under, or passing through
    the backstop or other infield protective fence is a dead ball. Base runners
    are entitled to advance one base. In SENIOR LEAGUE, MAJOR DIVISION,
    AND MINOR DIVISION CONSISTENT WITH THE BASE STEALING RULE
    SPECIFIED IN RULE 24 only, the above applies to pitched balls as well.

WILDE RD FIELD, GROUND RULES

d.1 Any (batted) fly ball, or ground ball, over, bouncing over, through, or
hitting the parking lot barricade, or drainage ditch, in fair territory is a
home run.

d.2 Any (batted) fly ball deflected over the parking lot barricade by a fielder is
     a home run. EXAMPLE: John Doe hits a fly ball into left center field. Betty
     White puts her glove up, and the ball passes over the barricade because
     it deflected off her glove. John is awarded a home run.

d.3 Any ball hit (fly ball or rolling) into the ditch or tall grass in center or right
center field beyond the shed is a home run.

DALE PRENTIS, MINOR FIELD, GROUND RULES

e.1. A batted ball hit on the fly in the right field bushes is a home run.

e.2 A batted ball which rolls into the bushes in right field is a ground rule
triple.

e.3 A batted ball rolling to left of the bushes in right field out of the regular
playing field is considered a ground rule triple.

BURT COFFMAN, MAJOR FIELD, GROUND RULES

e.4 When the fence is in place, any ball hit over, under, through, or bouncing
over the fence (including bouncing off the fielder) will be considered a
home run.

SHIRLEY MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUND RULES

f.1 A fly ball hit onto the embankment in the left and left center field is a
home run.

f.2 A fly ball hit into the left field corner beyond the footpath is a home run.

f.3 A batted ball rolling into the muddy or grassy areas in left and left center
to the left of the marker is a ground rule double. A ball batted to the right
of the marker is a home run.

f.4 A fly ball may be caught for an out only at the base of the bank.

f.5 A fair ball hit down the right field line, coming to a rest in the grassy,
uncut area and beyond the tree line is a ground rule double.

f.6 A fly ball that hits part of any tree on the right field side in foul territory
     shall be declared a foul ball and become a dead ball. A fly ball that hits
     part of any tree in fair territory in right field shall be considered a dead
     ball. (The batter will not be charged with a strike, an out, or be awarded
     a base.) Once the ball has been determined to be a dead ball, no action
     can occur on that play until the umpire puts a ball in play.

f7 A thrown ball that hits the screen at first or third base is considered as
having gone into the woods and is out of play. One additional base shall be
awarded.

LOCAL RULES OF PLAY

24. Base stealing is not permitted in the Rookie Divisions. In the Majors and Minors a player may steal second, third base or home plate at any time subject to the provisions of Rule 31.

25. Sliding rule: any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. The key phrases here are "or attempt to get around" and "has the ball waiting to make the tag". The runner may slide or attempt to get around the fielder. He does not have to slide. Plus, unless the fielder has the ball, the runner does not have to do either.

The fielder should not be in the base path without possession of the ball. If he is, it is obstruction. Anytime a runner deliberately and maliciously crashes in to a fielder he should be ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct. However if a close play occurs and the runner does not slide and makes incidental contact with the defender before he has the ball, no call should be made. If the defender has the ball, the umpire should judge as to whether the runner made an attempt to get around the
fielder. If he did, he should not be called out simply because he did not slide or made contact.

If the defender does not have possession of the ball, and a collision occurs as he steps in to the path of the runner as he attempts to catch a thrown ball there is no penalty, unless the umpire judges the collision to be deliberate and malicious.

26. Bunting is permitted in the Rookie, Minors, and Majors Divisions and the Senior League at all times. In the Division, bunting is only permitted in the innings when players are pitching.

27. The infield fly rule applies to the Majors Division and Senior League only.

28. In the ROOKIE DIVISIONS, if there are less than three (3) outs, each half inning shall terminate immediately when the FOURTH (4th) run scored in that inning crosses the plate. No additional runs scoring after the fourth run will be counted with the exception that should the fourth run of the inning be scored because of an over the fence home run, (not an inside the park home run), all other runs driven in by that over the fence home run will be counted. In the MINOR AND MAJORS DIVISIONS, if there are less than three (3) outs, each half inning shall terminate immediately when the FIFTH (5th) run scored in the inning crosses the plate. No additional runs scoring after the fifth run will be counted with the exception, i.e., an over the fence home run, as provided in the Rookie Division rule above. There is NO limit to the number of runs that can be scored in the last regular inning for either team, nor in any extra innings. This means that the most number of runs that can be scored in any one inning, with the exception of the last regular or extra inning of the game or an over the fence home run, is four (4) in the Rookie and 7 Divisions and five (5) in the Minors and Majors Divisions.

29. WHEN THE BASES ARE LOADED in the ROOKIE DIVISION games, the umpire shall institute the "8 ball" rule. This rule increases the number of balls required to walk a batter from 4 to 8. The Umpire shall notify each Team Manager when the "8 ball" rule is put into effect. The "8 ball" rule does not apply in the ROOKIE Division games during any inning pitched by a coach as no walks are then permitted.

30. a. The balk rules do not apply in the Major, Minor, and the Rookie Divisions with the
following exception.

b. With runners on base should the pitcher fail to complete his/her pitch when
a batter has squared around to bunt, the runners will advance one base.
This applies to the Major and Minor divisions only.

31. When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s rubber and in possession of the ball, and the catcher is in the catcher’s box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and reaches the batter. AFTER ONE TEAM WARNING FROM THE UMPIRE violation of this rule will result in the runner leaving early being called out and the ball becoming "dead" with all subsequent action on that pitch being canceled. This rule applies to the Majors, Minors, Rookie Divisions. FIRST TEAM VIOLATION: as above, with the exception that the player leaving early is sent back to the base from which he/she left early. In the ROOKIE DIVISION, when a ball in play is thrown back to the player pitcher who is then on the mound or to the coach who is then pitching, the ball is dead and all runners will return to the base that he or she last touched or occupied.

32. In the ROOKIE DIVISION when a runner intentionally runs out of the baseline to avoid being tagged out, not only is he/she called out, but all play will be stopped by the umpire only and the runners will stop at the closest base.

33. A batter-runner cannot be tagged out after over-running first base if said batter-runner returns immediately to the base. The batter-runner can turn left or right when overrunning first base, but may not enter into fair territory to do so. If after running or sliding over first base, a runner remains in fair territory, said runner can be put out by being tagged by the ball before regaining first base.

34. Intentional walks are NOT allowed in the Rookie, the Minors, and the Majors Divisions.

35. When an accident incapacitates a player an Umpire or Director may immediately call time out, and the ball becomes "dead". Runners will be placed on the base that they were closest to when time was called.

PLAYERS; TEAM MANAGERS; COACHES, AND SPECTATORS’ CONDUCT

IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SPORTSMANSHIP ON THE FIELD OF PLAY, IN ALL GAMES UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF SHIRLEY YOUTH BASEBALL, THE FOLLOWING RULES HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL PLAYERS, PARENTS, COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS, AND UMPIRES. ALL OF THESE RULES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!

36. a. Managers, Coaches, players, and spectators are not allowed to intentionally try
to influence an Umpire’s call through verbal or physical intimidation. Violation will
result in ejection from the game.

b. Spectators are not allowed to intentionally try and influence an umpire’s
    call through verbal or physical intimidation. Any violation will result in the
    removal from the field. The umpire should warn the offending teams
    manager that if the spectator does not cease the game will be forfeited. It
    will be the responsibility of the offending teams manager to inform the
    spectator of the potential forfeit.

37. a. Swearing and/or the throwing of equipment will not be tolerated. Violation will
result in ejection from the game.

b. Any member of the Shirley Youth Baseball League who engages in fighting
   (or threatening thereto) shall be immediately ejected from the game by an
   Umpire and/or Director. Automatic suspension for the next game.
   Suspension and/or total exclusion from further participation in the program
   may ensue should the Board of Directors so decide.

c. Any Coach or Manager swearing or throwing equipment will not be
   tolerated. Violation will result in the ejection from the game. Automatic next
   game suspension. Automatic review by the Division Commissioner, League
   Commissioner and League President to determine if the Coach or the
   manager should be removed from the league.

38. No consumption of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages by Directors, Managers, Coaches, or Umpires on the field or in the dugout area while performing their official SYB responsibilities will be allowed. This rule holds true for practice sessions as well as game conditions.

39. Only the Team Manager, or acting Team Manager, can discuss rule interpretations or game conditions with the Umpire.

40. It should be noted that all players are encouraged to support their own team members, but all cheering should be within the limits of good sportsmanship. Unusually loud, boisterous or extreme noise which, in the opinion of the Umpire or Director, has a disturbing effect upon members of the opposing team or general conduct of the game is prohibited. This rule will be implemented as follows:

a. Appeal to Umpire by Team Manager or Director. (The Umpire may also
implement this rule without appeal).

b. Warning will be given by Umpire and/or Director to the Team Manager of
the offending team.

c. If, after one warning, the offending team or individual should fail to desist,
    the game may be declared a forfeit by the Umpire and/or Director. The
    circumstances, which necessitated the forfeit, will be forwarded to the
    Division Commissioner within 48 hours. Further disciplinary action may be
    taken by the Board of Directors.

41. No Team Manager, Coach, or player shall deliberately distract an opposing player in any manner. After one warning from the Umpire the guilty party shall be ejected from the game.

42. All spectators must be controlled as much as possible by the Team Managers, Coaches, Players, Umpires, and Directors. Interference by spectators can result in termination of a game and potential forfeiture.

43. Any Team Manager, Coach or Player who is ejected from a game by an Umpire or Director shall have his/her name reported within 24 hours to the Division Commissioner, who will contact the ejected party for possible disciplinary action as directed by the League Commissioner. Two ejections of an individual during the season may prohibit further participation in the program as determined by the Board of Directors.

44. During games, team managers and umpires for all divisions must have SYB and other appropriate Official Baseball Rules in their possession at all times.

45. The team manager may designate two base coaches when his/her team is at bat. It is encouraged that these base coaches be adults but youth coaches may be used if they are at least 12 years of age (by League definition). All youth coaches (age 12-16) must wear a batting helmet when coaching at first or third base.

ORGANIZATION FOR PLAY

46. a. Players are grouped by age into the following Divisions:

AGE                             DIVISION
5- 6 year olds          Instructional and T-Ball
7-8 year olds          Rookie
9-10 year olds          Minors
11-12 year olds        Majors
13-15 year olds        Senior

IN EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, ANY AGE RULE MAY BE WAIVED BY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RESPECTIVE DIVISION COMMISSIONERS AND THE LEAGUE COMMISSIONER AT THEIR SOLE DISCRETION.

b. Any registered Senior League player shall be eligible to participate in
    postseason play if said player participated in at least 5 games during the
    regular season. Exceptions to this rule may be made by the Senior League
    Commissioner in conjunction with the League Commissioner.

47. Loaning of players between teams is not permitted.

48. Borrowing of players is prohibited.

49. In the ROOKIE Divisions a team must play ten players when possible, four of who must be outfielders. Outfielders must be positioned at least 10 feet from the outside edge of the infield. If one team can only field 9 players, the opposing team can still play 10. If one team can only field 8 players, the opposing team can play no more than 9 players. Each team must have a catcher. (Also see Rule 48.)

50. In the Senior League, Major, and Minor Divisions 9 players constitute a full team. If one team can only field 8 players, the opposing team can still field 9 players. (Also see Rule 48.)

51. It is mandatory to employ a CONTINUOUS BATTING ORDER. The original order must be maintained for the entire game. Late arriving players must be inserted at the end of the original batting order.

52. a. All players must wear a protective helmet at the plate, on deck, and when
running bases. This rule is in effect for both games and practices.

b. In order to participate in SYB games all players must wear the complete
    uniform as provided by SYB. Special uniforms are not permitted. If a
    uniform of appropriate size is not available, a substitute uniform may be
    worn until the League is able to procure a properly sized uniform.

53. Catchers must wear all catchers’ equipment as provided by SYB, or equivalent, and MUST wear personal protective equipment, as necessary, which is furnished by the player. This rule is in effect for both games and practices.

54. Metallic cleats/spikes are not permitted in the Junior and Instructional Leagues.

55. Only one on-deck batter is permitted, and he/she must wear protective head gear.

ALL PLAYERS NOT ON THE FIELD, AT BAT, ON DECK, OR WARMING UP A PITCHER MUST BE SEATED ON THE BENCH. THIS MUST BE ENFORCED BY THE TEAM MANAGER.

56. All players warming up a pitcher must wear a facemask with protective headgear. There must be an additional player or coach guarding against errant balls hitting players warming up.

57. Warming up of pitchers (bullpen) and other players will take place well away from team benches and spectators.

58. THE TEAM MANAGER OF THE WINNING TEAM MUST REPORT THE GAME SCORE TO THE DIVISION COMMISSIONER WITHIN 24 HOURS. INCLUDED IN THIS REPORT ARE THE NAMES OF ALL PITCHERS AND THE NUMBER OF INNINGS PITCHED FOR THE PITCHERS OF EACH TEAM.

59. Both Managers, at the conclusion of each game, must review each other’s scorebook in order to confirm the score and the names of all the pitchers as well as the number of innings each pitched. Managers must sign each other’s scorebooks.

TEAM STANDINGS AND PLAY-OFF RULES

60. A team’s standing is determined by the number of points accumulated through wins, ties and losses. Each win is worth two points, and each tie is worth one point. The team with the highest point total will be the first place team, the second highest will be the second place team, etc. Note: If there is a tie for first place according to the points accumulated system, both or all teams tied will be declared regular season champions.

61. At the conclusion of the regular season all teams will participate in a single elimination play-off tournament to determine Division Champions. Positions or rankings in this tournament will be assigned at random by a method determined by the Board of Directors.

62. Pitching rules for the play-off games and the championship games are identical to the regular season pitching rules, EXCEPT the days of rest rules for the championship game are waived.

63. If a playoff game is called because of darkness or weather, it will be rescheduled and begin at the point of termination and played to its entirety. Note: This refers to an official or unofficial play-off game.

64. The play-off format is as follows. Teams are randomly assigned to positions represented by the numbers below.

FIRST ROUND          7 vs 10
                            8 vs 9

SECOND ROUND       1 vs winner of 8/9
                            2 vs winner of 7/10
                            3 vs 6
                            4 vs 5

THIRD ROUND          Winner of 1 vs 8/9 plays
                            Winner of 4 vs 5
                            Winner of 2 vs 7/10 plays
                            Winner of 3 vs 6

CHAMPIONSHIP Winners of Third Round

For all play-off games, including the championship games, the home team will be determined by a coin toss.