HOBO 55 RULES                                                                                                                          05-JUN-2025

1. A batter is safe at first when an outfielder touches the ball. He can be thrown out if he rounds first with the intention of running to second.

2. Each pitcher is limited to a maximum of nine outs and those outs must be consecutive. For example, a pitcher cannot pitch the first inning, play another position (or sit out) the second inning, and then return to the mound in the third inning.

3. Games are to be nine innings long. For regular season games, no new inning can start after two hours thirty minutes.

4. If the score is tied after nine innings in a playoff game, the international tie breaking rule will be applied (i.e. each half-inning will start with the last out of the previous inning being placed at second base).

5. A maximum of five runs is allowed per team per inning except:

     - On an over the fence home run.

     - In an “open inning” (i.e. the last inning, as declared by the umpire).

6. A runner on 3rd base cannot score on a pitch not caught cleanly by the catcher.

7. A pinch runner can only advance to 2nd or 3rd on a pitch not caught cleanly by the catcher. and touches the ground after contact with the catcher.

8. Metal cleats cannot be worn while pitching or batting.

9. A catcher who reaches base safely base must be pinch run for when there are two out. Such a pinch runner can attempt to steal.

10. All pinch runners must be the last out, unless that player is injured (in which case the pinch runner must be the previous out). The spirit of this rule is to prevent a team from using a faster runner in a pinch runner situation.

11. Stealing is not allowed if the offensive team is ahead by three or more runs.

12. Bats must be made of wood. Metal bats and composite bats are not allowed.

13. Unlimited defensive substitutions are allowed (except for pitchers).

14. Unlimited defensive shifts are allowed.