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TOPIC: RULE SMARTS |
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| bart21
May 8, 2008
12:17:44 PM
Entry #: 2743483
| Each year it seems that people are confused about whether a game is completed or suspended when stopped by weather or darkness. Hopefully this will help to clear that up.
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Suspended Game- Completed Game
A game can be completed after it has reached regulation length. In 6 inning games, regulation length is 3 1/2 innings with the home team leading or 4 innings with the visiting team leading. In 7 inning games, regulation length is 4 1/2 innings with the home team leading or 5 innings with the visiting team leading.
A game shall be considered a suspended game if after reaching regulation length, the game is called while an inning is in progress, and before it is completed, and one of the following situations prevails.
a) The visiting team has scored one or more runs to tie the score and the home team has not scored.
b) The visiting team has scored one or more runs to take the lead, and the home team has not tied the score or retaken the lead.
Any situation other than these shall warrant a completed game and shall be listed in the standings as such.
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If you have a rule you think needs clarified, send it to me in an email and I will post in an email for everyone to see the ruling.
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| bart21
May 8, 2008
12:19:46 PM
Entry #: 2743485
| Here is what we have for today.
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QUESTION
what is a dead ball? last year we had a pitch hit the ground b4 it crossed the plate and then hit the batter and she got first base "not on ball 4 " in another game the same thing happened and the girl did'nt get first base, can you clear this up? thanks
ANSWER
First of all, for "what is a dead ball?", there are nearly 30 different ways a ball can become dead. Those ways can be found in Rule 10 Section 1 of the girls rule book and scattered throughout the major league baseball rule book.
In regard to this question, a pitched ball that hits the ground in front of the batter is NOT a dead ball until it strikes the batter. Therefore, the ball would become dead when it hits the batter and the batter would be awarded first base. This is true for both boys and girls. You must keep in mind though that if the ball strikes the batter while passing through the strike zone the umpire will call a ball or a strike and the batter will NOT be awarded first base. It is the umpires decision as to whether the batter tried to avoid being hit by the pitched ball or not.
Look at this rule this way, since runners cannot steal a base on a dead ball, if the ball would touch the ground your runners would not be able to steal. We all know this is not the case and we all look for that ball in the dirt so our runners can steal. So, a ball that hits the ground is a live ball and if your batter gets hit they will more times than not get to go to first on a hit-by-pitch.
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QUESTION
circle around pitcher 14-under, what is the purpose or rule? theres been a few umps with diferent ideas on the rule.
ANSWER
This rule can be found on page XIII in the Points of Interest rule 26 of the girls book. The purpose of the rule is to keep the game moving and not allow the offensive team to take undo advantage of the defensive team. This rule is exactly the same for all of the girls age groups. So exactly how does it work?
First of all, the circle is not meant to stop a play. There seems to be quite a few people who think that if they get the ball back to the circle the runners can no longer run. This is not the case. When the pitcher has the ball in her control with both feet entirely inside the circle, any runner who has stopped at a base or given up her attempt to go to the next base, as when a runner runs through first base, shall not be permitted to advance to the next base. If either of these situations occur, the runner should immediately be called out if she then tries to advance.
Any runner who rounds a base while the pitcher has the ball in the circle, may stop once but must immediately proceed to the next base or immediately return to the base last touched. Any delay or hesitation by the runner after rounding the base to do either of the previous will result in the runner being called out. The only way a runner would not be called out in this situation is if in the umpires judgement the pitcher made a play on the runner or made a movement that caused the runner to hesitate.
Finally, just because a pitcher is holding the ball inside the circle does not mean that the ball is dead. The Defensive team cannot use the circle as a mechanism to stop the offensive team. For example, lets say the batter hits the ball to the shortstop, or any fielder for that matter, and that fielder throws the ball to the pitcher in the circle rather than to first base to make a play. That batter can continue to run around the bases as long as she does not stop at a base or hesitate between bases. If the pitcher chooses to hold the ball, the runner could actually run non stop around the bases and score.
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QUESTION
CAN 10 AND UNDER GIRLS GO TO 2ND BASE ON A WALK IF THEY DO NOT STOP.
ANSWER
This rule is also part of the lookback rule as stated in the previous question and can be found on page XIII Item 26 Letter d. It does apply to all girls softball.
Any time a runner is walked, it should be treated as if she hit the ball. Therefore, with the ball in the circle, if she stops at or overruns first base, she will be out if she then tries to advance to second. If she rounds first base, she may stop one time but then must continue on to second or immediately return to first base. So, the answer to this question is yes, as long as she does not stop at first or hesitate longer than a second or two after rounding first.
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| bart21
May 8, 2008
12:21:26 PM
Entry #: 2743488
| Two of the most misplayed rules in our league are the Infield Fly Rule and the Uncaught Third Strike Rule. In our league, these two rules apply only to the 14-Under Girls, 18-Under Girls, and Major Boys.
INFIELD FLY RULE
The Infield Fly Rule in baseball and Softball is intended to prevent unfair gamesmanship by the fielders that would result in an easy double play or triple play.
The infield fly rule applies when there are fewer than two outs, and there is a force play at third (runners on first and second base, or bases loaded). In these situations, if a fair fly ball is hit that, in the umpire's judgment, is catchable by an infielder with ordinary effort, the batter is out regardless of whether the ball is actually caught in flight. The rule states that the umpire is supposed to announce, "Infield fly, if fair." If the ball will be almost certainly fair, the umpire will likely yell, "Infield fly, batter's out!" or just "Batter's out!"
Any fair fly ball that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort is covered by the rule, regardless of where the ball was caught. The ball need not be caught by an infielder, nor must it be caught in the infield. For example, if an infielder retreats to the outfield in an effort to catch a fly ball with ordinary effort, the Infield Fly Rule would be invoked, even if an outfielder ultimately caught the ball, and even if no infielder attempted to make a play on the ball. Similarly, a fly ball within the infield that could have been caught by an infielder with ordinary effort, but is caught by an outfielder, would also be covered by the rule.
On a caught infield fly, the runners must tag up (retouch their base at the time of pitch) in order to be eligible to advance, as on any catch. If the infield fly falls to fair ground untouched, or is touched and dropped, runners need not tag up. In either case, since the batter is out, the force play on other runners is removed.
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UNCAUGHT THIRD STRIKE RULE
In baseball and softball, an uncaught third strike (sometimes inaccurately referred to as a dropped third strike) occurs when the catcher fails to cleanly catch a pitch for the third strike. A pitch is considered uncaught when the ball touches the ground before being caught, or if the ball is dropped after being grasped. On an uncaught third strike with no runner on first base (or with two outs regardless of whether there is a runner on first) the batter immediately becomes a runner. The strike is called, but the umpire does not call the batter out. Some umpires will actively signal that there is "no catch" of the pitch. The batter can then attempt to reach first base, and must be tagged or thrown out.
One intent of this rule is to ensure that a defensive player fields the ball cleanly in order for that team to record an out. It was thought that it is not enough that the offensive player is unsuccessful in order for an out to be made; a defensive player must be successful as well.
Regardless of the outcome of an uncaught strike three, the pitcher is statistically credited with a strikeout.
Because of the uncaught third strike rule, it is possible for a pitcher to register more than three strikeouts in an inning, a feat which has been accomplished in the major leagues 47 times since 1901 [3], though at one point nearly forty years passed before this feat was repeated (1916-1956).
Notice that if, at the time of the strike three pitch, first base is occupied with fewer than 2 outs, the batter is out and does not become a runner. This is to prevent the defense from deliberately dropping the 3rd strike and getting a double or triple play as a result, because of the possible force play at two or three bases in this situation.
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| bart21
May 8, 2008
12:23:23 PM
Entry #: 2743493
| 5 to 8 run rule
Apparently quite a few people didn't make it to the league meetings , the rules meeting, don't read the by-laws, or maybe just can't read. (I know, that was rude) because quite a few people were not aware of how the 5-8 run rule works. so, here goes.
This rule applies to all age groups except T-Ball.
A team can score 5 runs per inning with a maximum of 8 runs. If there are 4 runs scored with runners on base and the batter hits the ball, all runs may score up to 8. If a player hits the ball and the 5th run crosses the plate, the inning is not over until the lead runner is out, stops, or retreats back to a base. A team may score a maximum of 8 runs per inning. After the 6Th inning there shall be unlimited runs in all age groups except for Minor League boys who will play the 5-8 run rule for the entire game no matter how many innings it goes.
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| bart21
May 8, 2008
12:25:11 PM
Entry #: 2743496
| GIRLS SOFTBALL PITCHING RULE
It states in the girls rule book that a pitcher may be removed as pitcher and return to pitch one time per inning as long as the visitation rule has not been in affect. For example, in the second inning your pitcher is struggling so you take her off the mound and switch her with the first baseman who comes in to pitch. A couple of batters later your first baseman who is pitching can't get the ball across the plate. You can move her back to first and bring your original pitcher back into the game as pitcher. If you would need to, later in that inning you could bring your first baseman back in also, but in this example your original pitcher could not come back in again in this inning.
Any pitcher who is removed due to the fourth visit to the field cannot return as pitcher. A trip to the field to remove a pitcher does not count as one of your four trips.
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In 10-Under girls and minor league boys, runners may steal when the ball crosses the plate or hits the ground. So, if a pitched ball hits the ground half way between the mound and home, the runner may leave the bag as soon as the ball touches the ground. Any runner who leaves the base before the ball crosses the plate or hits the ground is out.
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| bart21
May 8, 2008
12:26:34 PM
Entry #: 2743499
| BATTER IN BOX
There is a rumor flying around that it is a rule that the batter must get out of the batters box when there is a runner at third base. Guess what, the batters box is the batters domain and they don't really have to get out of it when a runner is stealing home. Now, if the umpire feels that the batter interfered with the play and allowed the runner to cross the plate, he can call the batter out on interference and send the runner back to third. But, just because the batter does not get out of the box the runner stealing home is not automatically out or does not get sent back to third as some so wrongly believe. The truth is, your batter can interfere with the play just as easily when they are not in the box. Lets say the ball gets past the catcher and the batter runs out of the box and just happens to interfere with the catcher getting the ball or getting to the plate to make a tag, the batter can be called out and the runner stealing home is is sent back to third on an interference call. Yes, it is nice that the batter gets out of the way of the play at the plate so nobody gets hurt, but it is not required.
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BALL IN AIR IN T-BALL
In t-ball, once an infielder has control of the ball in the infield area and holds it in the air the play is finished. An infielder cannot hold the ball up in the air and then decide to chase down a runner. If a runner has already rounded a bag when the ball is held up, that runner has a right to the next base and cannot be called out. Despite what some may think, the fielder does not have to call for time when the ball is raised.
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CHIN STRAPS
All helmets in all boys and girls groups must have chin straps. If a player has his own helmet, it must have a chin strap. The strap cannot be fastened on one side and dangling on the other. Both sides must be strapped. Any helmet that does not have a chin strap cannot be used until a chin strap has been put onto the helmet. On the same note, all helmets must have face masks and cannot be used if they do not have them.
Helmets in the girls leagues are not required by PONY, but we do require that they be used.
While we're on the subject of helmets, all catchers must wear a catchers helmet. If you use a catcher in t-ball, they must wear a catchers helmet. If a player warms up a pitcher, they must wear a catchers helmet.
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| bart21
May 8, 2008
12:28:27 PM
Entry #: 2743502
| PITCHED BALL HITS GROUND
In fast pitch softball (which we are) and baseball, a pitched ball that hits the ground is a live ball. A pitched ball that hits the ground before entering the strike zone and is swung at by the batter is a strike. A pitched ball that hits the ground before entering the strike zone and is not swung at by the batter is a ball. A pitched ball that hits the ground before entering the strike zone, is not swung at and then strikes the batter is a Hit-By-Pitch and the batter is awarded first base. A pitched ball that hits the ground before entering the strike zone and is swung at and hit foul by the batter is a foul ball. Finally, a pitched ball that hits the ground before entering the strike zone, is swung at by the batter and hit into fair territory is a fair ball and whatever results from the play stands.
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BATTER HIT BY PITCH
As I stated previously, In fast pitch softball (which we are) and baseball, a pitched ball that hits the ground is a live ball. Therefore, a pitched ball that strikes a batter is a Hit-By-Pitch and the batter is awarded first base even if the ball hits the ground first, unless one of the following occurs.
1) The pitched ball is in the strike zone when it hits the batter, has not hit the ground, and would have been called a strike by the umpire. A strike will be called on the batter and no base will be awarded.
2) The batter swings at the ball and is hit by the pitch. This is a strike and no base will be awarded.
On the same note, any pitcher who hits three batters (14u & 18u) Five batters (10u) in a game must be removed as pitcher for the remainder of that game.
Still on the same note, the question has come up a thousand times. If a batter gets hit on the hand, is it a hit-by-pitch? If the batter does NOT SWING at the ball and gets hit on the hand by the pitch, it is a hit-by-pitch. For those who believe that the hands are part of the bat, you are totally wrong in this instance. The hands are part of the body, the bat is not. You can toss a bat away, you cannot toss your hands away. I know of nobody who was born with a bat instead of hands.
On the opposite side of this, if a batter SWINGS at the ball and it hits the hands it is a dead ball no matter where the ball ends up. In this case, even if the ball hit the hands and rolled fair, the play is dead and a strike is called on the batter
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TRIPS TO THE MOUND
In baseball, a coach or anyone coming from the bench to talk to the pitcher is allowed two trips to the mound per inning. On the second trip in the inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound as pitcher for the remainder of that game.
In the softball league it is a bit different. a coach or anyone coming from the bench to talk to ANY DEFENSIVE player is allowed four conferences in a six or seven inning game. On the fourth conference, the pitcher must be removed from the mound for the remainder of the game. A conference before the fourth in which the pitcher is removed does not count as one of the four. After the fourth conference during the six or seven innings, each additional conference shall result in the removal of the pitcher. If a game goes into extra innings, there shall be one charged conference allowed per inning. For each additional charged conference per inning beyond the one, the pitcher must be removed from the mound and may not return to pitch during that game.
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DRAFT UPS
Please keep in mind that we have a procedure to follow for all draft up players.
1) The player must be "Age Eligible" to be drafted up.
2) The player must have the proper paperwork completed and all signatures must be in place
3) The opposing coach and umpire must be informed of the name of the player drafted up.
4) The players name must be written and given to the umpire at the game
5) A player who is drafted up MUST be played according to the ECL Rules and according to any stipulations on the Draft Up Sheet.
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| bart21
May 19, 2008
12:54:53 PM
Entry #: 2757490
| 5/19/2008
Hi Everyone,
Coaches conduct has been a pretty hefty topic lately in most of the calls and emails I have been receiving. So, I think it is time to head back to our by-laws and check out the responsibilities of the coaches. For those who like to put their own meaning to things, I have put an explanation to the rule in (( )).
ARTICLE VI, SECTION 2 RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Coaching is a big responsibility. Any coach who cannot handle that responsibility as
defined in these By-laws should not coach.
((RESPONSIBILITY DEFINED---The state, quality, or fact of being responsible. Something for which one is responsible; a duty, obligation, or burden. A form of trustworthiness; the trait of being answerable to someone for something or being responsible for one's conduct; "he holds a position of great responsibility" [ant: irresponsibility] ))
2. Each coach is obligated to attend each meeting. If it is not possible for a coach to attend a meeting, he/she should make arrangements to send an adult representative from his/her team in his/her place.
(( Lets See? 73 Teams, 12 Leagues. This means we should have had a minimum of 85 people present at our league meetings. Here are the facts. November Meeting, 8 people present. December Meeting, 11 people present. January meeting, 17 people present. February meeting, 21 people present. It seems that the majority of coaches in this league have no right to complain about anything, especially the rules, which is what we spent 4 months going over.))
3. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team is covered with adaquate coaching staff in his/her absence.
(( Why am I getting coaches calling to change games because they have to work? Or, why are they complaining about when games are rescheduled because they can't be there. Here is a News Flash! The league is for the kids to have something to do, not the coaches.))
4. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team has adaquate practices.
(( I know that in most leagues, the league president or a designated person sets the practice schedule. I have heard complaints from some teams that the coaches don't take advantage of the time that is granted to them, then scream at the players when they don't know what to do in a game. I know for a fact that some of these coaches didn't attend our league meetings and don't know most of the rules. Maybe someone should get in their faces and scream at them for the mistakes they make by not knowing the rules. It's simple, If you don't want to learn the rules and you don't want to practice, DON'T COACH!))
5. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team leaves the field at the conclusion of each practice or game, and for the welfare of each player until they are picked up at the field. No player shall be left unattended at the ballfield.
(( If you leave the field, before every kid is picked up, and someone gets seriously hurt or worse, Guess whose neck is in the sling. You will not get any support from the Edison League or the PONY League. Those of you who are doing this are WRONG.))
6. Each coach is responsible for seeing that his/her team knows about league projects, and encourages his/her team to participate.
((We have 73 teams and 911 kids in our league. 403 kids participated in the Hit-A-Thon. 3 teams did not participate at all. 9 teams had less than 3 players participate, and quite a few teams had no coaches show up to pitch to the players or work. Many of the people I talked to, knew nothing about the Hit-A-Thon.))
7. Each coach is to see that the field is properly lined before each game.
(( Fields are properly lined for a reason. PLAYING RULES. I can't remember how many games I've gone to that the fields have not been lined properly. Batters boxes have been wrong, 3' running lane has been wrong or none existent, base lines have run through the middle of the bag or 5 inches outs of the bag, safety lines have been wrong, pitching rubbers in the wrong spots, pitching circles the wrong size, coaches boxes the wrong size, too close to the base, or none existent. It's a simple matter of looking in the rule book folks. IT HAS PICTURES.))
8. Coaches shall not harass the umpires, spectators, opposing players, or opposing coaches.
((A BIGGY HERE. I have had quite a few complaints from umpires, parents, and coaches about screaming, fit throwing, and verbal threats by coaches during games. Beleive it or not people, our umpires are real people who have jobs just like you do. They are not professional umpires. They make a measly $30 per game. Most are here because they enjoy the game or need to make a few extra bucks. Screaming about a call or a strike zone does not make you the big man on campus. Most people view you as the local idiot. Yes, our umpires make mistakes and some are just learning the rules, but from what I've heard so far the umpires are more up on the rules than 75% of the coaches doing the screaming.))
9. All coaches shall attempt to controll his/her bench, team, and fan conduct.
((Yes, This is your responsibility. It would be a shame for you to be ejected from a game and serve a 2 game suspension because you allow your fans to get out of control))
10. All coaches and players are to refrain from using profanity.
((Pretty Self Explanatory ))
11. No coach or player shall smoke, chew, or rub snuff inside the dugout area or on the field at any time.
(( It is a rule folks. If you can't go 2 hours without a smoke or chew don't coach. Plain and simple.))
12. No alcoholic beverages shall be used in the presence of the players at a practice or a game, nor before a practice or game.
((Once again, Self Explanatory))
13. No coach shall physically manhandle, or verbally abuse any boy or girl.
(( I am fed up with coaches who feel they have to scream at kids. Kids are just that, KIDS. They will make mistakes. They will lose games. There is no need to scream at kids during or after a game. I have yet to see a coach in this league who has not made a mistake. Did anyone ever get in your face and scream at you for that mistake or tell you if you can't coach without making a mistake not to come back anymore? Probably Not. So here goes. Screaming at the kids is a mistake a coach should not make. If you can't coach without screaming at the kids for mistakes or for losing then don't come back to coach any more. We don't want you! ))
14. All coaches will dress neat for games. No obscene apparel shall be worn at any time.
((No explanation needed here))
15. Sportsmanship shall be shown at all times.
(( What have I been talking about in this entire email? Here is an excellent article on sportsmanship that everyone needs to read.
http://kidshealth.org/teen/food_fitness/sports/sportsmanship.html ))
16. Each team shall always shake hands with the opposing team, even following a loss.
((SPORTSMANSHIP))
To sum this all up, I know I was a bit sarcastic so I won't need a dozen emails telling me to chill out. Yes, we do have quite a few coaches in this league who are very good coaches and deal with the kids very well. Unfortunately, the only ones I hear about are those who choose to act like maniacs on the field. There is a lot more to coaching a team than showing up at the games. Of prime concern to me is how we treat the kids, How we act on the field, and how well we choose to learn the rules.
Terry
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| bart21
May 22, 2008
11:23:18 AM
Entry #: 2761452
| WHAT IS THE LEAD RUNNER IN THE 5-8 RUN RULE?
The 5-8 run rule in our by-laws states the following.
Runs per inning shall fall under the 5-8 run rule. If there are 4 runs in with runners on base and the batter hits the ball, all runs may come in up to 8.
((If a player gets a hit and the fifth run crosses the plate, the inning is not over until the lead runner is out, or stops, or retreats back to a base, then the inning is over. ))
A team may score a maximum of 8 runs per inning.
It seems that the question has come up as to what exactly is the lead runner. The lead runner is simply the runner who is farthest along on the bases. For example, a team has runners at first and second base with 4 runs in already. The batter hits the ball. The lead runner is the runner at second base because that runner is farthest along on the bases. Once that runner from second scores, five runs are now in so the runner who was at first base is now the lead runner. Since five runs have scored already, if that lead runner is tagged out, stops, or retreats back to a base, the inning is over.
On the other hand, if that runner from first is not put out and continues to run around the bases and scores run number 6, as soon as that runner touches the plate, the next runner, who in this case is the batter, now becomes the lead runner. From that point on, if the batter is tagged out, stops, or retreats back to a base, the inning is over.
Everyone has to realize that this whole rule is based on the lead runner. It does not matter what any trailing runners do until they become the lead runner.
It is also important to note that this rule is only in effect when the ball is hit. More than 5 runs can never be scored on a walk, wild throw on a steal, uncaught third strike, or any play that does not involve the batter hitting the ball.
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| bart21
June 2, 2008
11:03:30 PM
Entry #: 2775450
| INTENTIONAL WALK
Intentional walks are permitted in all age groups except for T-Ball.
In all instances where a team wishes to intentionally walk a batter, the batter may be placed on first at any time during the at bat, at the request of a coach without the ball being pitched to the batter.
In girls softball, the pitcher shall not intentionally drop, roll or bounce the ball while in the pitching position in order to prevent the batter from striking it. This will be considered an illegal pitch, a ball called on the batter, and all baserunner will advance one base. A pitchout for the purpose of intentionally walking a batter is not considered an illegal pitch as long as the catcher starts in the catchers position behind home plate and moves out to catch the pitch at the time of the release.
Under no circumstances shall a batter be intentionally walked to end an inning by the 5-8 run rule. If at the umpires discretion, he/she feels the 5th run was intentionally walked in, the next batter will be allowed to bat despite 5 runs having been scored.
THROW GOES OUT OF PLAY
A PITCHED ball that rolls out of play shall be declared a dead ball and all runners shall advance one base from the base they occupied at the time of the pitched.
Any time a ball that is not a pitched ball, and thrown by any fielder, rolls out of play, a dead ball shall be declared and all base runners shall advance two bases from the last legally touched base at the time of the throw.
Example: The batter hits the ball to the shortstop who fields it cleanly and throws the ball before the runner reaches first, but it goes out of play.
Ruling: Since the runner had not yet reached first base at the time of the throw, the runner shall be awarded two bases, first base and second base.
Example 2: With a runner on first, the batter hits the ball to the shortstop who bobbles the ball and does not make a play on either runner. The runner from first is now at second and the batter is at first. The shortstop picks up the ball and throws it to the pitcher who misses the ball and it rolls out of play.
Ruling: Both runners shall be granted two bases from the last legally touched base at the time of the throw. Therefore the runner on second shall be awarded third and home and the runner at first shall be awarded second and third.
Example 3: The batter hits a single to right field. He makes and rounds first base. The right fielder decides to throw the ball to the pitcher but overthrows and the ball rolls out of play.
Ruling: The ball is declared dead and the runner is awarded two bases. Since the last legally touched base at the time of the throw was first base, the runner shall be awarded second and third base.
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| bart21
June 2, 2009
1:59:47 PM
Entry #: 3174097
| 6/2/2009
Some more good info.
Hi Everyone,
The following rules are in response to questions that have come up during games.
1) How Long Does a Pitcher have to Deliver the ball?
Girls Page 40 Rule 7 Section 2f
The pitcher has 20 seconds to release the next pitch after receiving the ball from the catcher. If the ball is not delivered in the specified time, the umpire may call a ball on the batter for each 20 second period.
Boys Page 139 Rule 8.04
With the bases unoccupied, the pitcher shall deliver the ball to the batter within 12 seconds after receiving the ball for the next pitch.
2) Can part of a batters feet be out of the batters box before the ball is pitched?
Girls Page 48 Rule 8 Section 1f
Boys Page 87 Rule 6.03
The batter must have both feet completely withing the lines of the batters box prior to the start of the pitch. The batters feet may touch the lines of the box but no part of the foot may be outside of the lines prior to the pitch. If the batters feet are outside the lines, the umpire will call time and instruct the batter to move within the lines. If the batter fails to follow the umpires instructions the umpire may call a strike on the batter.
I hope these rules help to answer a few questions and help to educate our coaches, players, and fans.
Terry
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| bart21
May 17, 2010
5:20:18 PM
Entry #: 3477618
| At all bases, not just home, runners are expected to attempt to avoid contact. There is no such thing as a must slide rule in our league or the PONY League.
Any runner who does not attempt to avoid contact will be called out If the umpire does not feel an attempt was made to avoid the contact. Any runner who intentionally runs into a fielder can be called out as well as thrown out of the game.
Keep in mind that this is the umpires judgment and if contact is made while the runner is trying to avoid contact the runner could be called safe.
The key is:
MUST MAKE AN ATTEMPT TO AVOID CONTACT
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Base Coaches may not touch runners to assist them while play is live. Any time a coach touches a player to assist them in running the bases and it is seen by the umpire, the runner will be called out.
The key word here is assist. If you push a runner to get them moving or you grab a runner to stop them, the runner is being assisted and is out. If a kid hits a home run and is given a high five while rounding the bases, this is not assisting the runner and the runner is not out.
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Up until game time, the Home team may cancel a game only due to bad field conditions. If the playing field is too muddy to play, or someone tears the field up prior to the game would be examples of this. You cannot cancel a game because you think it is going to rain, or you think it might be cold. Once the umpire arrives at the field and it becomes game time, the umpire is in complete control over whether the game will be played. If the umpire feels the playing conditions are too bad he/she may cancel the game. This is not up to the coaches once game time hits. If a team takes it upon themselves to leave the game before the umpire calls it, that team will be charged with a forfeit.
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| bart21
May 19, 2010
9:36:20 AM
Entry #: 3479564
| Hi Everyone,
While the rain is falling outside, I thought it would be a good time to go over a few situations that happened last week.
In T-Ball, Two coaches may be stationed in the outfield area and one in the infield area by the defensive team. Once the ball is placed on the tee, both outfield coaches must be stationed behind the players in the outfield and the infield coach in front of his/her dugout area. These coaches may not physically assist any players while the ball is in play or touch the ball in any way to help his team. Failure of any coach to follow this rule will result in the offending coach being removed from the field to the dugout area for the remainder of the game.
These are the only coaches allowed on the field while a team is on defense. One coach on the infield and only 2 in the outfield. I was present at 1 game when a team had a coach behind the pitcher and 3 in the outfield. While the situation at this game was resolved, everyone must realize that this is not permitted.
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While running the bases, any runner who passes another runner shall be called out. Here is an example. With a runner at first base, the batter hits the ball. The runner from 1st proceeds to second and stops. The batter/runner rounds first and runs to second then touches second which is occupied by the runner and heads for third. As soon as the batter/runner passed the runner standing on second the batter/runner is out.
Example #2
With a runner at first base, the batter hits the ball. The runner from 1st proceeds to second and stops. The batter/runner rounds first and runs to second and stops, leaving 2 runners standing on second base. Just because 2 runners are on 1 base does not mean they are out automatically, as so many seem to think. The first runner has the legal right to the bag. To record an out, the batter/Runner must be touched with the ball. Once this happens, the trailing runner will be called out.
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While it is a common courtesy to list your subs when submitting your starting roster, it is not a requirement. It is a requirement that all players who show up for a game play in two completed innings or 12 consecutive outs. If a player shows up after the 3rd inning of the game is completed, the coach has the option to play the player or not play the player.
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OFFENSIVE INTERFERENCE
is an act by the team at bat which interferes with, obstructs, impedes, hinders or confuses any fielder attempting to make a play on the ball. Any runner who makes contact with a fielder attempting to field the ball shall be declared out. Runners have 3 ft on either side of a direct line between bases to avoid making contact with the fielder. Any runner who stops or delays in front of a fielder with the intention of impeding or hindering the fielder from catching the ball shall be called out for offensive interference. If the umpire declares the batter-runner, or a runner out for interference, all other runners shall return to the last base that was in the judgement of the umpire, legally touched at the time of the interference. In the event the batter-runner has not reached first base, all runners shall return to the base last occupied at the time of the pitch.
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GIRLS SOFTBALL PITCHING RULE
It states in the girls rule book that a pitcher may be removed as pitcher and return to pitch one time per inning as long as the visitation rule has not been in affect. For example, in the second inning your pitcher is struggling so you take her off the mound and switch her with the first baseman who comes in to pitch. A couple of batters later your first baseman who is pitching can't get the ball across the plate. You can move her back to first and bring your original pitcher back into the game as pitcher. If you would need to, later in that inning you could bring your first baseman back in also, but in this example your original pitcher could not come back in again in this inning.
Any pitcher who is removed due to the fourth visit to the field cannot return as pitcher. A trip to the field to remove a pitcher does not count as one of your four trips.
BOYS PITCHING RULE
In the boys league, any pitcher who is removed from the mound, shall not be permitted to return to the mound as pitcher in that game.
In baseball, a coach or anyone coming from the bench to talk to the pitcher is allowed two trips to the mound per inning. On the second trip in the inning, the pitcher must be removed from the mound as pitcher for the remainder of that game.
Terry
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| bart21
July 7, 2010
1:36:40 PM
Entry #: 3521131
| Here is a question that came up about the third base rule in 10u and minor boys.
If the catcher chases the runner down the third base line instead of staying in the catchers box/batters box area, can the runner from third run for home on the throw back to the pitcher?
Here is the rule:
No player will be permitted to steal home or harass the catcher from third base as long as the catcher has possession of the ball and is within the catchers box area or the batters boxes. Any steal of home must be done at the time of the pitch once the ball crosses the plate, on a passed ball, or on an errant throw.
The sole purpose of this rule was to eliminate the catcher chasing the runner back on every play thus creating a cat and mouse game at third. The catcher running down the line is considered making a play on the runner just the same as if the catcher threw the ball to third to pick the runner off. The rule specifically states, "No player will be permitted to steal home or harass the catcher from third base as long as the catcher has possession of the ball and is within the catchers box area or the batters boxes". As long as the catcher is within the designated area the runner is not allowed to steal home unless they do it at the time of the pitch, on a past ball, or an errant throw. Any runner who runs from third as long as the catcher has done this will be sent back to third.
In the situation stated in the question, the catcher did not stay in the batters box area, but instead, chose to make a play on the runner by chasing the runner down the line. When this happens, the catcher voided the third base rule thus allowing the runner to be tagged out or as happened in this case the runner to steal home on the throw back to the pitcher.
The rule was not made to benefit either the catcher or the runner, but for the rule to be played properly the catcher must do what the rule states, not chase the runner down the line.
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| BudDe
July 7, 2010
3:46:31 PM
Entry #: 3521239
| how about in 10-u girls which is the same, we teach our girls to get a half way lead, now the catacher catches the ball, the runner starts her lead after the ball crosses the plate, the catcher does not adress the runner just throws back to the pitcher, the runners motion has not slowed down in her lead and the ball is going back to the pitchershould the runner continue home. shouldn't the catcher pause to make sure? just a ? i know its a gray area which is why i didn't send her, your welcome bobby.
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| bart21
July 7, 2010
3:59:04 PM
Entry #: 3521248
| you were correct in not sending her if the catcher had possession of the ball and it was just a throw back to the pitcher. Allowing a runner to score this way would open a can of worms about a delayed steal and the runner still moving.
This has been tried in the past by slowly moving the runner down the line, but obviously a steal at the time of the throw is a full out run, not a walk or slight motion toward the plate.
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| BudDe
July 7, 2010
5:37:22 PM
Entry #: 3521361
| we teach our girls to sprint to a line off the base not stopping till you get there, in this game i had a exceoptional 10-u on base one that you could tell as your running if she throws back don't brake stride and she wouldn't, the catcher was that fast throwing back, i know it was so borderline that for now on my catchers are going to check the runner first.
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| bart21
May 24, 2011
12:20:01 PM
Entry #: 3732569
| 1. A runner was advancing from 3rd to home. The catcher had the ball and ran toward the runner, the runner ran out of the baseline toward the pitchers mound, 'at a minimum of 6 feet-well out of the baseline', the catcher dove and tagged the runner, then dropped the ball. The runner came back into the baseline crossing home and was called safe. I asked wouldn't he be considered 'out' for going out of the baseline. The umpire said that the runner was trying to avoid contact with the catcher by going out of the baseline.. The umpire must be referring to the By-Laws article VIII, section 4, item 4... but it doesn't make sense to me that a runner could basically run where he wanted to out of the baseline 'to avoid contact' & then be deemed safe when he reaches the homeplate.. I know that this could be somewhat subjective to how far out of the baseline the runner is, but it was not denied that the runner was out of the baseline on this case.
In this situation that you explain, the baserunner left the 3 foot area on either side of the baseline to avoid being tagged and not to avoid contact. In either case, if the catcher had the ball and was going for the put out, the runner should have been called out.
2. In that same game there was a close call at 3rd, the runner should have slid, but did not. There was not any contact between the 3rd basemen and the runner, but the umpire said he could have called that runner out for not sliding? It that correct without contact?
Our league does not have a must slide rule. We have a must attempt to avoid contact rule. An umpire should never call a runner out for not sliding but can call a runner out for for not sliding and making contact with the fielder with the ball if an attempt was not made to avoid contact.
3. While we are on this subject, if a fielder is in front of the base without the ball, I would assume we are just to let the opposing coach and/or umpire that this is occuring to let the player know that this cannot happen?
The fielder has the right to position themselves in any position in fair territory as long as they are not between the batter and pitcher impeding the view of the batter. In the situation you have explained, the umpire must make a decision as to whether the fielder blocking the bag imeded the progress of the runner. If the umpire feels that progress was impeded and the runner is thrown out going to a base the umpire feels they should have made but did not due to the fielder being in the way, the umpire should grant that base to the runner and no out recorded.
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| ChuckYocum
April 17, 2014
10:04:32 AM
Entry #: 4121232
| Question on this statement
On a caught infield fly, the runners must tag up (retouch their base at the time of pitch) in order to be eligible to advance, as on any catch. If the infield fly falls to fair ground untouched, or is touched and dropped, runners need not tag up. In either case, since the batter is out, the force play on other runners is removed.
The (retouch their base at the time of pitch) statement, is this a in-field fly rule only? I thought they had to wait until the ball was caught to TAG UP?
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| Terry B
April 17, 2014
1:38:52 PM
Entry #: 4121277
| That is what the rule is stating. If the ball is caught, they have to tag up just like any other caught fly ball.
If the ball is not caught, they do not have to tag up before running, but they do not have to run as the batter is out so there is no longer a force out situation forcing the base runners to run
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