State OK Kids Rules
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Association, Inc. 2023
Official Rules and Regulations
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Chapter 1 By-Laws Organization
Chapter 2 Membership of Leagues
Chapter 3 Registration of Players, Managers
and Coaches
Chapter 4 Eligibility of Players
Chapter 5 Tournament Regulations
Chapter 6 Special Playing Rules
Chapter 7 Protests
Chapter 8 Conduct
Chapter 9 Amendments
Chapter 10 8u Baseball
Chapter 11 Softball Rules
Chapter 12 6u Tee Ball Rules
Chapter 13 Notes
Chapter 14 Garvin/Murray Rules
Important Dates for Baseball, Tee Ball and Softball
April 1, 2023 Baseball and Softball League Application Deadline
April 15, 2023 Team and League registration is due. Players cannot be added to rosters after this date
May 1, 2023 Requests to host Regional Tournaments and bids to host State Tournaments are due by this date
June 10, 2023 Baseball and 6u Tee Ball qualifiers reported to OK Kids. At-large bids are also due by this date
June 18, 2023 Softball qualifiers reported to OK Kids. Softball at-large bids are also due by this date
June 21-25, 2023 Softball State Tournaments
June 20-24, 2023 8u, 10u and 12u Baseball Regional Tournaments
June 26-30, 2023 6u, 8u, 10u and 12u Baseball State Tournaments
September 1, 2023 Proposed changes to Rules and Regulations are due
September 17, 2023 OK Kids Baseball Association Annual Board Meeting
CHAPTER 1 - BY-LAWS OF ORGANIZATION
Article I – Name and Purpose
Section 1 – Name: The organization is registered as OK KIDS BASEBALL ASSOCIATION, INC. with the Oklahoma Secretary of State as a not for profit corporation, and shall be known as OK KIDS.
Section 2 – Purpose: The purpose of OK KIDS is to promote the playing of amateur baseball and softball, to coordinate and standardize the activities of various organized towns and leagues, and to develop future citizens with the proper attitude toward life.
Article II – Board of Directors
Section 1 – Number and Terms: OK KIDS shall be governed by an elected Board of Directors. Board Members shall serve 5-year terms, or until a successor is elected. Currently, there are 8 Board Members, but that number shall be reduced to 7 when Seat 7’s term expires at the conclusion of the 2024 season. The current Board Members for each Seat, with term expiration is as follows:
Seat 1: Mark Schoonmaker* 2027
Seat 2: Mike Elkins 2027
Seat 3: Fred Schamburg 2026
Seat 4: Kenny Jorgensen 2025
Seat 5: Mark Hudson 2025
Seat 6: Bryan White 2024
Seat 7: Kurt Klutz 2024
Seat 8: Frank Sullivan, III 2023
* Chairperson 2022-24
Section 2 – Meetings: There shall be an annual meeting of the Board of Directors in September of each year. At the annual meeting, the Board shall consider the business of OK KIDS, including but not limited to Board Member elections, any rule changes, and appointment of Officers. A majority of the Board Members shall constitute a quorum. A majority vote of members present will be sufficient to approve or reject any motion. The Board may hold such other meetings as necessary, in the form and manner it chooses (virtual, email, text, etc…), so long as the minutes of any such meeting are available for review by the member Leagues.
Section 3 – Election: Each League that participated in OK KIDS in the season prior to the annual meeting may cast 1 vote for every 4 teams registered with OK KIDS in the prior season. The Chairperson of the Board of Directors shall preside over the election unless the Chairperson’s Board Seat is up for election in which case the most senior Board Member what preside.
Section 4 – Chairperson: The Board of Directors shall elect from amongst its Members a Chairperson to serve a 2-year term. The Chairperson shall preside over meetings of the Board of Directors, but shall otherwise have the same authority as all other Directors.
Section 5 – Vacancies: If any Board of Directors Seat becomes vacant by death, incapacity, resignation, or any other reason, a majority of the remaining Board Members shall appoint a person to occupy the vacant Seat for the remainder of the term, or until a successor is elected.
Article III – Officers
Section 1 – Executive Director: The Board of Directors shall appoint an Executive Director of OK KIDS who is the Chief Executive Officer, vested with the authority to conduct the affairs of OK KIDS on a day-to-day basis. The Executive Director shall serve at the will of the Board and shall be compensated as the Board sees fit. The Executive Director’s duties include but are not limited to:
1. Promoting OK KIDS statewide to increase membership
2. Attending and Reporting on all OK KIDS business at Board of Directors Meetings
3. Conducting the affairs of OK KIDS in a positive, professional and fair manner
4. Managing the budget of OK KIDS
5. Interpreting and enforcing all rules of OK KIDS
6. Managing all aspects of the OK KIDS Regional and State Tournaments
Section 2 – Administrator: The Board of Directors shall appoint an Administrator of OK KIDS who shall assist the Executive Director in fulfillment of the duties prescribed in Section 1 of this Article, and who shall act as the Executive Director in his absence. The Administrator shall serve at the will of the Board and shall be compensated as the Board sees fit.
CHAPTER 2
MEMBERSHIP OF LEAGUES
1. The membership shall consist of regularly organized leagues of not less than four (4) teams, playing a minimum of six league games. A league consists of at least four (4) teams in an age division.
Each League that participated in OK KIDS in the season prior to the annual meeting may cast 1 vote for every 4 teams registered with OK KIDS in the prior season.
2. Leagues must apply each year for membership. All applications should be made on the official application form and be approved by the Executive Committee. All team registrations must be made on-line and a fee of $25.00 per team submitted at the time of registration. The registration should be done before the first league game and must be done no later than April 15. If a team is not registered by April 15, it will not be allowed to participate in OK Kids playoffs. Coaches should print a copy of their roster to provide to their league president. If a league cannot obtain a roster from a team, it should contact OK Kids to verify that the team is registered and request a copy. Changes can be made to rosters until April 15. To make a change, OK Kids must be notified by email. If a change is made, the league president will be notified by OK Kids. Leagues will no longer pay league dues to OK Kids as the $25.00 payment will now cover the previous league dues. The $25.00 fee is non-refundable if a team folds. Leagues may still collect a fee from teams to operate the league, for example to pay for trophies, umpires, etc. Leagues will still receive one automatic playoff spot for each four teams registered. It is important that all teams register to guarantee a league its maximum number of playoff teams. At-Large playoff spots are still available; however, they are not guaranteed, emphasizing the need for all teams to register. No application will be accepted after the deadline without unanimous approval of the Executive Committee. Note: This rule will be strictly enforced.
3. Any community or area may form its own league or leagues and become affiliated with the Association by organizing and administering its own affairs in accordance with the Rules and Regulations of the Association. The league area must not encroach on the area of an established league. No league may permit the participation of a team from the area of an established league without a written release from the officers of the established league.
A team may be a member of another organization while holding membership in the OK Kids Baseball Association.
A league shall designate a president who shall carry on negotiations, whenever necessary, with the proper officers of the OK Kids Baseball Association. He shall prepare the schedules of his league or leagues. The winner of each league, as designated by the president of his league, shall be eligible to compete in a Regional Tournament.
The OK KIDS office must be notified via email by the president of the league of its winners (or qualifiers) on or before the deadline set by the Board in all Baseball and Softball age divisions and Tee Ball. The OK KIDS office must be advised of the names of the teams as well as the names,
mailing and email addresses and the telephone numbers of the managers. Dates and locations of all
tournaments will be designated by the Association. The dates will fluctuate according to the calendar each year.
Playoff Tournament brackets cannot be completed until all member leagues have advised the OK KIDS office of all league teams that are eligible for the Playoff Tournaments. This must be done no later than the deadlines set by the Board for all Baseball and Softball age divisions and Tee Ball. Brackets will be completed as soon as possible on or after the deadline date. Do not call the OK Kids officers to ask about bracket pairings. The brackets will be released on the website as soon as they are completed. Packets will not be mailed to coaches. Please obtain Regional and State Tournament information from the website.
5. In the 6u Tee Ball, 8u Baseball, 10u Baseball and 12u Baseball divisions any city or town wanting to host a State Tournament must submit a bid in writing, on the proper form provided by OK Kids, with a bid check attached to the OK Kids office. The bid must be received no later than May 1. The city or town awarded the winning bid will receive two automatic teams in the State Tournament and will not play in a Regional Tournament. The State Tournaments will be awarded to the highest and best bid as determined by the OK Kids Executive Committee. The minimum bid is $500.00. The maximum bid is $5,000.00. Unsuccessful bidders’ checks will be returned.
In the 8u Softball, 10u Softball and 12u Softball divisions any city or town wanting to host a State Tournament must submit a bid in writing, on the proper form provided by OK Kids, with a bid check attached, to the OK Kids office.
The bid must be received no later than May 1. The city or town awarded the winning bid will receive two automatic teams in the State Tournament. The State Tournaments will be awarded to the highest and best bid as determined by the OK Kids Executive Committee. The minimum bid is $500.00. The maximum bid is $2,000.00. Unsuccessful bidders’ checks will be returned.
All teams hosting State Tournaments must still be a member of an OK Kids league and comply with all OK Kids rules. State Baseball and Tee Ball Tournament brackets will be determined by a blind draw. The blind draw will be conducted before the Regional Tournaments are played. Each State Tournament will have two eight-team brackets. First, the two host teams will be randomly assigned to different brackets. Then four Regional Champions and three Runners Up will be randomly placed in one bracket. The other three Regional Champions and four Runners Up will be placed in the other bracket. Teams from the same Regional Tournament will be automatically placed in different brackets. Both the winner and runner-up of each bracket will advance to a four-team single elimination tournament Championship Bracket.
6. Some OK Kids rules can be amended to assist local leagues. Any league may adopt special playing rules to use during league play. However, OK Kids rules shall apply in both Regional and State Tournaments. The eligibility and pitching rules cannot be changed or amended in any way. EXAMPLE: A league may use a run rule per inning during league play, however, OK Kids rules will be used during Regional and State Tournament play. NOTE: Should questions arise concerning special playing rules, contact the OK Kids office and obtain a written opinion.
7. In applying for membership, a league agrees to provide any and all information, requested at any time, by the OK Kids office.
8. It is the responsibility of each local league president or secretary to notify the OK Kids office each year of the approximate number of teams anticipated in each age division. Notification in writing is greatly appreciated.
9. Any league may adopt a “non-intra league transfer of players” rule within its own league. An example is the Bridge Creek, Tuttle, Blanchard and Newcastle league. Bridge Creek is a school district, not a city or town. This rule would apply only within the league, but not apply to the transfers of players outside to a non-league city or town.
CHAPTER 3 - REGISTRATION OF PLAYERS, MANAGERS AND COACHES
1.The local league president and/or local league secretary are to keep on file team roster sheets and copies of all hospital or birth certificates. Copies of all birth and hospital certificates, along with a final copy of the team roster sheet should be returned to each manager or coach just prior to the start of the Regional Tournaments. League presidents must obtain league applications and team roster sheets from the OK Kids website. Players, managers, and coaches are officially registered for the current season only.
NOTE: No player shall be considered duly registered and eligible to participate unless he is properly registered on a team roster form. They must give their full names in order to preserve their identities. A change of registration and roster must be forwarded to the office of the local league president before the regularly scheduled or re-scheduled league game in which the player is to participate.
2. No team shall have at any one time more than eighteen (18) players on its roster, but in addition may have a non-playing manager and three (3) non-playing coaches.
Team rosters are required to include the date signed by the coach (done on-line), the school each player attends and players’ physical addresses (no P.O. Boxes). The town or school represented must be a part of the team name. The team’s home field address where league home games are played must also be designated on the team roster form.
Rosters must include a league contact (preferably the league president. Players cannot be added to a roster between the time the roster is submitted on-line and April 15 without the league president’s approval. The penalty for submitting an incomplete roster is that any player without complete information is not eligible for Regional or State Tournaments. If the team information is not complete then the entire team is ineligible for Regional or State Tournaments.
3. Officers of the OK Kids Baseball Association have the right to declare any player a "free agent" at any time for just cause or reject a prospective player, manager or coach.
4. The Executive Committee, upon proper evidence presented to the OK Kids Baseball Association, may declare a player in question ineligible at any time. If he is declared ineligible, his team must forfeit all games in which he has participated.
5. The local league president and/or local league secretary must have team roster sheets and copies of birth or hospital certificates in their possession prior to any player playing in his first league game. Failure to comply with this rule could result in teams or leagues being ruled ineligible for OK Kids Regional and State Tournaments.
6. A manager or coach should have a team meeting with all his players and their parents prior to playing the first league game, or as soon as possible, and discuss all the items that pertain to them, such as birth and hospital certificates, the pitching rules, team roster, eligibility of players, etc. This will help everyone understand the rules and know what is expected of them. Each league president is provided rule books for all teams.
CHAPTER 4 - ELIGIBILITY OF PLAYERS
1. Players will be classified as follows:
(A) Tee Ball: 4-5-6, must be 4 and cannot be 7 years old prior to January 1, 2023.
(B) 8u: 8 and under, cannot be 9 years old prior to January 1, 2023.
(C) 10u: 9-10, cannot be 11 years old prior to January 1, 2023.
(D) 12u: 11-12, cannot be 13 years old prior to January 1, 2023.
NOTE: A player may play above his age classification. If he does play above his classification, he can only be registered on one team. A player can only be registered on one team, regardless of age classification.
EXAMPLE: A player on the roster of a 10u Baseball team plays on a 12u Baseball team. The 12u Baseball team must forfeit any league games in which the 10u Baseball player participated. Many other problems can arise from allowing this to happen.
2. Managers and coaches shall be held accountable for statements of the players regarding age. Players in all six age divisions (Tee Ball, 8u, 10u, 12u) must file copies of birth certificates or hospital certificates with the local league president.
3. No player shall be eligible:
(A) To play a game under the jurisdiction of the Association, if he shall have received a monetary consideration for his services rendered as a player.
(B) To receive compensation for his services rendered to a team of the Association. This rule is not to prevent suitable prizes being given to players. Automatic approval is granted for presentation of trophies, medals and plaques.
NOTE: A player participating in baseball games played for a monetary consideration, pecuniary stakes or wages shall be considered as having personally received a monetary consideration.
4. A player must play with a team from the school he attends or with the team nearest his residence that has a team of his age classification. Initial assignments of players must be made within this rule. When a league plays all of its games at one location (e.g., field or complex) a player must play with a team from the school he attends or with a team representing the school physically closest to his residence.
NOTE: Most families change residences after the end of the school year. Players’ eligibility can be affected by a change of residence during the season. Managers and coaches should verify a player’s eligibility to avoid having to forfeit games or possibly become ineligible to advance to the Regional and State Tournaments. Exceptions may be made only by written approval of the Executive Committee. This rule is often misunderstood. If you are not sure about a player’s eligibility or if you do not understand this rule, please email the OK Kids office for clarification and explanation. Do not wait until a problem arises or the rule has been broken to ask for help. Player eligibility must be established prior to playing in first league game.
5. Transfers of players (at-large players) may be made after initial assignments to accommodate change of residence by the player’s family, to provide opportunities for more players to play and to balance the teams as to numbers of players, if accomplished prior to the May 1 deadline.
Releases are no longer required for players that are not eligible for a team under the school or residence rule. To be eligible for a team, a player must play for a team where he/she attends school or the team nearest his/her residence. That part of the rule stays the same. However, instead of being allowed three players not meeting the school/residence rule, those players requiring releases in previous years, a team may have up to three “at large” players that do not meet the school/ residence rule. The “at large” players do not require releases as in the past, but they must reside in the county of the team or a contiguous county. In other words, the “at large” players do not need a release, but they must come from the team’s county or an adjoining county. Nothing about the rule has changed except (1) the three players that were allowed with releases no longer require a release and (2) the at-large players must live within the county of the team or a contiguous county.
A team can have no more than three (3) at-large players That is, players formerly requiring a release. 6. A player playing on, or on the roster of, a team in another organized league or organization during the same period they are registered with an OK Kids team, is eligible to play on the OK Kids team as long as the OK Kids pitching rule is not violated.
7. No player may be added to a team roster after April 15 of each current year. The final complete official player roster of each team will be submitted to and approved by the league president and OK Kids.
NOTE: The intent of the April 15 rule is to prevent teams from finishing league play early and then forming an "All Star" team to compete in Regional and State Tournaments. Our purpose is to play Regional and State Tournaments with regular league champions and qualifiers.
Any team or league not complying with the rules will be ineligible to participate in the OK Kids Regional or State Tournaments. Manager/coaches are totally responsible for checking the final team roster. The OK Kids Baseball Association will not accept the excuse from the local league officer or team manager/coach that we forgot to add a player or the wrong roster was entered by mistake. The responsibility is yours. Be sure that your roster is correct. Special exceptions cannot be made.
8. All players must wear headgear, with ear protectors, while at bat or on base as a runner. Penalty for failure to comply with this rule will be handled by individual leagues and should comply with Rule 7(A), Section VI.
9. All catchers shall wear, in addition to a head protector, a mask, body protector, protective cup and baseball protective shin guards. A throat protector, which is either a part of, or attached to, the catcher's mask, is mandatory.
10. A player must live within the boundaries of the State of Oklahoma, attend an Oklahoma school or live with a parent or legal guardian that lives in the state during baseball season in order to participate in OK Kids. Legal documentation may be required to prove residence and must be provided to the Executive Committee upon request.
11. It is illegal for any manager, coach, parent or player to attempt to recruit anyone from an OK Kids team or league to play with another OK Kids team anywhere in the State of Oklahoma. If it is proven that this has taken place, the person or persons involved could receive a lifetime ban from associating with OK Kids in any capacity. The OK Kids office will determine the punishment for the violation of this rule. If a lifetime ban is proposed, a majority vote of the Board of Directors and the Executive Committee will be required to implement the lifetime ban.
CHAPTER 5- TOURNAMENT REGULATIONS
The state will be divided into regions by the Executive Committee for the purpose of establishing Regional Tournaments. A city or town may request a Regional Tournament by writing the OK Kids office. All requests should be at the Association office no later than May 1 of the current year. Cities and towns must be willing to host the tournament even if they do not have a team in the tournament. Each league winner or qualifier will be eligible to compete in a Regional Tournament in each age division. The sites of the Regional Tournaments and the sites of the State Tournaments will be determined by the Tournament Committee.
No fee will be charged for hosting a Regional Tournament. For State Tournament bidding, see Rule III, Number 5.
1. All OK Kids teams will play by National Federation (high school) and Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association (O.S.S.A.A.) rules.
EXCEPTION: 8u Baseball, 10u Baseball and 12u Baseball will use all current OK Kids rules. National Federation and O.S.S.A.A. rules will apply when anything is not covered by OK Kids rules.
2. Listed below are the only approved baseballs for OK Kids Regional and State Tournament play. All baseballs used in Regional and State Tournaments must be of this quality or better:
MacGregor 87 Rawlings RCC Diamond DOLA
Wilson A1075B Braden BB2 Rawlings RLLB-1 Kelly KB-2
3. The following are the only bats approved for use in OK Kids Baseball games for 6u, Tee Ball, 8u Baseball, 10u Baseball and 12u Baseball:
A. A wood bat.
B. Any bat permanently stamped by the manufacturer with the Official BBCOR Baseball logo
C. Any bat permanently stamped by the manufacturer with the Official USA Baseball logo
D. Any bat permanently stamped by the manufacturer with the Official bpf 1.15 logo.
*OK Kids reserves the right to disallow any bat at any time. If a bat is disallowed, it will be specifically listed.
4. The "home" team in all Regional and State Tournament games shall be determined by the toss of a coin by the umpire-in-chief or tournament director.
5. When a manager or team submits its official batting order to the umpire and the opposing manager, as required by the official baseball rules, he must give the full names of his players participating in the game exactly as registered in the office of the Association.
6. Shoes with spikes or metal cleats are strictly prohibited on players in Tee Ball, 8u, 10u and 12u.
7. Every team must provide helmets with ear protectors for the use of its players. The protective headgear must be worn while batting or as a runner. In all cases the umpire will notify the violating team's manager/coach about a violation of this rule prior to calling a player out. This allows the manager/coach the opportunity to keep the player from being called out or being injured. In tournament play if a player comes to bat without a helmet the umpire will warn the player to put on a helmet. If he does not comply with the umpire's request he will be called out before the first pitch is made to him. If a base runner fails to wear his helmet, the umpire will warn him to put on a helmet. If he does not comply with the umpire's request, he will be called out before the first pitch is made to the batter.
8. Dimensions of the diamond. The pitching distance is measured from the back of home plate to the front edge of the pitcher's plate. Tee Ball &8u Baseball.
Coach-Pitch 10U Baseball 12U Baseball
Bases 60-Feet 70-Feet 70-Feet
Pitching 42-Feet 46-Feet 50-Feet
Home to 2nd 84’ 10 ¼” 98' 11 15/16" 98' 11 15/16"
9. No pick-up players will be allowed.
10. Players or teams may participate in tournaments sponsored by other organizations, providing the OK Kids teams and players follow OK Kids rules, such as the pitching rule.
OK Kids rules, such as the pitching rule, apply when returning to league play after a tournament.
11. Tee Ball, 8u, 10u, and 12u, will play double elimination tournaments in both Regional and State Tournaments. In State Tournaments both brackets will be double elimination, however the Championship Playoff bracket will be single elimination.
12. Regional Tournaments for Baseball will be played on the dates set by the Board. See page 3 in this rulebook.
13. The Regional or State Tournament Director will hold a meeting of all team managers/coaches and tournament officials at least three (3) hours prior to the starting time of the first game in that tournament. The purpose of this meeting is to explain and discuss all rules that will apply in the tournament. Every team in the Regional or State Tournament must have a manager or coach at the Tournament Director’s meeting. This rule cannot be waived by the Tournament Director. Failure to comply can result in forfeiture of a team’s first round game. The Executive Committee will make the final ruling regarding failure to comply.
(A) Certification of eligibility must be presented by the manager or coach of any team participating in an OK Kids Regional or State Tournament to the Tournament Director
before his team will be permitted to take the field. Certification for all age groups must include:
(1) An official team roster that includes all of the players’ names.
(2) A readable copy of the birth certificate or hospital record for each player listed on the roster. NOTE: The names of players on the roster must match the names on the birth certificate or hospital record or a player must have a legal document (copies) supporting the name difference. A note of the name difference on the team roster is also required.
(B) A player not listed on the official team roster or not having a copy of his birth certificate or hospital record will be ineligible to participate in an OK Kids Regional or State Tournament. NOTE: Managers or coaches are solely responsible for the eligibility and proper registration of their players under OK Kids rules.
Any protests of player eligibility during Regional and State Tournaments must be made during the three-hour period from the start of the mandatory Coaches Meeting until the scheduled start of the Regional or State Tournament. Rosters will be available for all head coaches to review during this time period and, if possible, before the Coaches Meeting.
14. The OK Kids Baseball Association will award team trophies and individual rings to the winners and runners-up in the State Tournaments.
15. Regional Tournament hosts must provide team trophies or plaques of the same quality to the champions and the runners-up. The minimum height for the championship team trophy is 24" and the minimum height for the runner-up team trophy is 18". Host towns will also be required to furnish individual trophies or plaques of the same quality. The individual championship trophies are to be at least 12" in height and the individual runners-up trophies are to be at least 10" in height. A total of 18 individual trophies or plaques for the champion and the runner-up are required. Failure to comply with this rule could result in the town losing the opportunity to host any further Regional Tournaments.
16. Regional and State Tournaments must be run off on successive days, to include Sunday, unless postponed by rain or by approval of Executive Committee.
17. Admission to Regional and State Tournaments is limited to a maximum of $5.00 per person, per day. Children under five (5) years of age receive free admission.
18. A minimum of two umpires must be used in all Regional and State Tournaments. Both umpires must be registered with the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association. All umpires must be 21 years of age or older. Exception: In Regional Tournament play only, one of the two umpires on the field may be 18, 19 or 20 years old, providing he is registered with the Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association and has graduated from high school.
19. Players participating in an OK Kids Regional or State Tournaments must wear a shirt with an identifying number.
20. A donation of $25.00 per game to OK Kids would be greatly appreciated for each game broadcast on radio or television. All donations should be sent to OK Kids office.
21. At any time, the team may use courtesy runners for the pitcher and/or the catcher. The same individual runner may not be used for both positions (pitcher and catcher) during the game. Neither the pitcher nor the catcher will be required to leave the game under such circumstances. Players who have participated in the game in any other capacity are ineligible to serve as courtesy runners. A player may not run as a courtesy runner for the pitcher or the catcher and then be used as a substitute for another player in that half inning.
22. The Executive Committee may award “At Large” berths in 8u Baseball, 10u Baseball and 12u Baseball age groups for Regional Tournaments when necessary to help fill brackets, when some league does not want to send a team or if a team withdraws after the brackets have been set. Any team receiving an at large berth must pay $100.00 to OK Kids. Only a request in writing with a $100.00 “At Large” fee attached will be put into the drawing pool. All checks will be returned to teams not receiving an “At Large” berth.
This rule is only intended to help the Executive Committee when it is warranted and is not to be interpreted or used by a team to "buy" their way into a Regional Tournament each year. Only teams that have submitted a request in writing will be considered. All requests must be received in the OK Kids office by the date set by the Board (see page 5). Requests must include day and night phone numbers and the complete mailing address of the manager or coach along with the team’s name and the league name. To apply for an at-large berth, a team must be a member of an OK Kids league for the current season.
23. OK Kids will complete the brackets for all Regional and State Tournaments, including the pairings, game times, dates and the tournament director meeting times and dates. These cannot be changed without approval of the OK Kids office.
24. Any manager, coach, player, fan or dugout personnel ejected during an OK Kids Regional or State Tournament for unsportsmanlike conduct will be suspended from his or her team’s next Regional or State Tournament game. The suspension will carry over from the Regional Tournament final game to the first State Tournament game. The ejected person will not be allowed to enter the baseball complex during the one game suspension.
25. There are no time limits on games in the Regional or State Tournaments for all age groups.
CHAPTER 6 - SPECIAL PLAYING RULES
1. Play shall be governed by the current National Federation and O.S.S.A.A baseball rules, except when those rules are specifically changed or modified by the rules and regulations in this book, by other changes made by the Board of Directors or as voted by the membership.
Exceptions to National Federation rules follow.
2. Re-substitution (Re-entry) Rule applying to 8u Baseball, 10u Baseballs and 12u Baseballs classifications: Any player removed from the game by the manager/coach may re-enter the game, one time. Upon re-entry, he must return to the same batting position he previously occupied. A player removed from the game for the second time is no longer eligible to re-enter that game.
If necessary, because a player becomes ill, injured or ejected, a team will be allowed to complete a game with eight players. An out will be called each time that spot in the order is due to bat. If a team cannot finish the game with at least eight (8) players then that team must forfeit the game.
A team that has started the game with nine (9) players but is only playing with eight (8) players due to illness, injury or ejection may go back to nine (9) players if the injured or ill player is able to re-enter the game or if another player arrives at the game to fill the open spot in the lineup.
NOTE: It is the responsibility of the team manager to be familiar with this rule. In tournament play the official scorer should assist the manager in preventing the violation of this rule. However, it is still the responsibility of the team managers.
If a team is playing with only nine (9) players when injury, illness or ejection occurs to a non-retired runner, on an award or after reaching base, reducing the team to only eight (8) players, the most recent batter not on base is allowed to run for that player leaving the game due to injury, illness or ejection.
3. Regulation games shall be five (5) innings for 8u Baseball and 10u Baseball and six (6) innings for 12u Baseball
(A) In Regional and State Tournament play there will be a 12-run rule for 8u Baseball and 10u Baseball and a 10-run rule for 12u Baseball. That is, if three (3) full innings have been played, or two and one-half (2 ½) innings when the home team, is ahead in 8u Baseball and 10u.
Baseball; if four (4) innings have been played, or three and one-half (3 ½) innings, when the home team is ahead in 12u Baseball. This rule can apply in league play.
(B) If a game is called because of rain or inclement weather in Regional or State Tournament play, the game will be suspended at the point of interruption. A suspended game shall continue from the point of suspension on the earliest possible day, with the line-up and batting order for each team the same as it was at the time of suspension. The pitching and re-substitution (re-entry) rules remain in effect for the suspended game. CLARIFICATION: Pitching eligibility is based upon the innings pitched per day, regardless of the suspension of a game. For example, a pitcher may have only pitched one inning in a suspended game, but he could be ineligible to pitch the next day when the game is resumed.
This rule can apply in league play or a league can implement its own rule regarding games being called due to rain or inclement weather. For example, allowing a game to be complete if all innings but two have been played.
4. In the 8u Baseball and 10u Baseball age divisions a player may not advance to first base when the catcher misses or drops the third strike. In 10u Baseball the batter is out but the ball is in play, hence, other runners can advance at their own risk.
5. The pitching rule applies to the number of outs a player may pitch in one day in the 10u Baseball and 12u Baseball age divisions.
A pitcher must retire one (1) batter, or an out occur, while he is in the game as pitcher to be charged with an appearance during that inning or game; however, should he leave the game and then return later at another position this would constitute the re-substitution rule being used for that player.
2023 New Pitching Rule
There will be no relaxation in the pitching rule
Pitching Limitation Rule: The pitch count is based on pitches (legal and illegal) thrown in a game to a batter during a time at bat. Mandated rest for the pitcher from pitching is based on the pitch count chart below:
0-35 pitches/day No rest
36-50 pitches/day 1 calendar day rest
51-75 pitches/day 2 calendar days rest
76-100 pitches/day 3 calendar days rest
101+ pitches/day 4 calendar days rest
The starting time of the games does not impact the calculation of when a pitcher is eligible to pitch again.
No pitcher may begin a new inning or make entry to an inning as a pitcher that has exceeded 120 pitches that day.
No pitcher that exceeds 75 pitches in the first game of a day shall appear as a pitcher in any subsequent game that same day.
The use of an ineligible pitcher, one who has violated this rule, shall result in the forfeiture of the game in which the ineligible pitcher participated as a pitcher.
Coaches and / or managers that are aware of a team violating this shall contact the OK KIDS office.
7. Any special rules concerning the starting times of games, postponements, rained out games, playoffs, etc., shall be determined by the individual leagues. The special rules should not conflict with the rules of OK Kids or cause any of the teams or players to be ineligible.
8. A manager, coach, player, substitute, attendant or other bench personnel shall not:
(A) Deliberately throw a bat or helmet; or
(B) Call "time" or use any command or commit any act for the purpose of trying to cause the opposing pitcher to balk; or
(C) Use word or act to incite or try to incite spectators to demonstrations, or use profanity or remarks which reflect upon opposing players, umpires, or spectators; or
(D) Maliciously or flagrantly run into a fielder who has the ball; or
(E) Use unnecessary roughness (fighting, etc.) which might inflict injury to any player; or
(F) As a fielder, fake a tag without the ball; or
(G) Fail to slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag.
Penalties: The intent of rule (D), (E), and (G) is to have no "deliberate contact". Umpires will advise managers that intentional contact will be considered to be a violation of (D), (E), and (G). In (B), (D), and (E) umpires shall banish the offender from the game. In (D) or (E), if offender was base runner or a batter, banishment constitutes an out. Failure to comply shall result in the game being forfeited. However, in (A) and (C), if the offense is judged to be minor in nature, the umpire may warn the offender and disqualify him if he repeats the offense. In (F) obstruction will be called and umpire shall award a minimum of one base beyond player position on base when the incident occurred. Preceding runners forced to advance will be moved to the necessary bases. In (G) the runner will be called out. All of these rules are judgement calls by the umpire.
9. The on-deck batter may warm up in the on-deck circle on the side of the field behind the batter for safety reasons.
CHAPTER 7 - PROTESTS
1. A protest of any kind must be submitted to the local league president within 48 hours following the regularly scheduled or re-scheduled game affected or 24 hours following a playoff game. If the pitching rule or the player eligibility rule is violated, the president of the local league can make the ruling without consulting the protest committee. The protest fee, which should be determined prior to the start of the season, must accompany the protest. One-half of the protest fee should be returned if the protest is upheld.
2. A protest may be made to the Executive Committee of OK Kids if the individual league protest committee has already heard the protest and issued its ruling. Any manager contemplating filing a protest with OK Kids must do so within 72 hours of receiving the outcome of the protest from his local league. The protesting manager is responsible for getting all pertinent information to OK Kids; such as day and night phone numbers and the mailing addresses of anyone having information pertaining to the protest. A copy of the local protest ruling must accompany the protest. All protests made to OK Kids must be accompanied by a protest fee of $200.00. One-half of the protest fee will be returned if the protest is upheld.
This applies to regular season games. No protests will be allowed to the OK Kids Executive Committee regarding Regional or State Tournaments except for player eligibility explained below in number four (4).
3. A manager contemplating a protest on a violation of playing rules on the field of play must notify the umpire-in-chief immediately of his desire. The umpire must announce that the game is being played under protest.
4. Protests during Regional and State Tournaments will be handled according to tournament rules. There is no protest fee during OK Kids Regional or State Tournaments. Any protests of player eligibility during Regional and State Tournaments must be made during the three hour period from the start of the mandatory Coaches Meeting until the scheduled start of the Regional or State Tournament. Rosters will be available for all head coaches to review during this time period and, if possible, before the Coaches Meeting.
5. Decisions by the Executive Committee shall be final on all protests that they accept to hear.
CHAPTER 8 - CONDUCT
1. In order to help in the promotion of a greater OK Kids Baseball Association, it is required that the use of tobacco products in any form by managers, coaches, players, officials, etc., be prohibited on the playing field during preliminary practice and during the game.
2. Any person affiliated with an OK Kids team who directly or indirectly approaches a player of a team for the purpose of inducing him to leave that team during the current season shall be liable to a punishment that OK Kids deems fit.
3. Any team that is a member of a league holding membership in OK Kids must agree to abide by all rules of the OK Kids Baseball Association, and it also must agree that the Executive Committee will have the final ruling on all matters, such as eligibility of players, playing rules or anything pertaining to the OK Kids Baseball Association. Any team or teams seeking or taking action outside the Association, such as involving the OK Kids Baseball Association or any of its "agents" in a lawsuit for the purpose of delaying or reversing any decision made by the Executive Committee or for the postponement of any games or tournaments, will have the following penalty invoked on its team and/or its league:
PENALTY: The team or league will not be allowed to participate in any OK Kids post season tournament, such as Regional or State Tournaments for a period not less than one (1) year or not more than seven (7) years. The Executive Committee will decide the final penalty, not to be less than or more than the above penalty.
4. League officers or coaches submitting or providing false information to OK Kids will be banned from OK Kids for life.
CHAPTER 9 - AMENDMENTS
1. Any section in the Rules and Regulations of the OK Kids Baseball Association may be altered by the Executive Committee to facilitate the efficient and effective administration of the Association, provided the change be properly approved by the majority of the Board of Directors.
2. All proposed amendments to the Rules and Regulations must be submitted in writing to the OK Kids office before September 1 of the current year. The proposed changes will be received by the Rules Committee prior to the Annual Meeting. At the Annual Meeting the Rules Committee may present proposed changes to the members present for their approval
3. Only changes submitted in the above manner will be considered. The Board of Directors will then determine what proposed rules changes are to be brought to the general membership at the Annual Meeting for discussion and/or vote.
4. Following the approval of a rule change by the membership, if 75% of the voting league representatives attending the Annual Meeting vote in favor of an emergency clause the rule change will become effective the same year it passed.
CHAPTER 10 – 8U BASEBALL (COACH PITCH)
1. Age Limit: 8 years old and under, cannot be 9 before January 1, 2023.
2. Base Distance: 60 Feet
3. Pitching Distance: 42 Feet
4. Ball Size: 9" regulation baseball.
5. 8u Baseball Pitcher: The pitcher must pitch overhand only from a standing position on the rubber.
6. 8u Baseball Pitcher Coaching Restrictions: The pitcher cannot talk to anyone while he/she is in fair territory. PENALTY: First violation--warning by umpire must be recorded in the official score book. Second violation--must be removed from the game, the playing field and the complex. He/she must be at least 16 years old.
7. Starting Line-up: A team must have nine (9) players to start the game or forfeit the game. The official batting order contains only nine (9) players. OK Kids substitution and re-substitution (re-entry) rules apply. Only nine (9) players will play in the field.
8. Batters: See VII—Special Playing Rules, rule #2.
9. Number of pitches: Five (5) pitches or three (3) missed swings, whichever comes first. If the fifth (5th) pitch is hit foul, the pitcher will pitch again until batter misses the pitch, hits the ball fair or fouls out to a defensive player in the game. There can be no walks, including intentional walks. CLARIFICATION: If the batter has one strike after four pitches and hits a foul ball (a foul ball that is not caught or a foul tip that the catcher catches) on the fifth pitch he is allowed another pitch. If the batter has two strikes after four pitches and hits a foul ball that is not caught he is allowed another pitch but if the swing results in a foul tip caught by the catcher the batter is out.
10. Bunts: No “fake” bunting. Bunting is allowed; however, the batter is not allowed to indicate bunting to the degree that a fielder or fielders (other than the pitcher - Section XII
#15) may charge toward the batter, and then withdraw the indicated bunt/position/stance in order to swing at the pitched ball. PENALTY: The ball/play is “dead” regardless of the result of the action and the batter will be called out. A bunt that goes foul on the third strike is an out.
11. Base Running: A base runner must have one foot on base once the ball is live and cannot leave the base until the batter has contacted the ball with the bat.
12. Stopping play: The lead runner has stopped advancing at the discretion of the umpire.
13. Base Runners: If a base runner has not passed a line one-half (1/2) the distance between the bases, including between third base and home plate, when play is stopped the runner must return to the previous base.
14. Fielder Positions: At least three (3) outfielders must stand behind the baselines.
15. Player/Pitcher Position: The player/pitcher must stand three (3) feet to the left or right of the pitching rubber. He cannot charge until the batter has contacted the ball with the bat. PENALTY: If the ball is contacted fair, batter is awarded first base and all base runners will be awarded one base OR the result of the play. The head coach of the batting team will select the penalty to be enforced.
16. Overthrows: The batter and/or base runners cannot advance on a dropped third (3rd) strike, passed ball, wild pitch or on a throw from the catcher to the pitcher following a pitch.
17. Pitching Coach Interference: The pitching coach must exit fair territory after the ball is hit and avoid contact.
PENALTIES: Runners return to the base they occupied as if it were a foul ball. Hit by thrown ball is the same penalty. Interfering with a player attempt to make a play results in the batter being out and no runners can advance.
18. Run Rule: Six (6) per inning or three (3) outs, whichever comes first. Game ending run rule same as 10u Baseball. CLARIFICATION: A team is allowed to score a maximum of six runs per inning. This applies in every inning, including the fifth inning or any extra inning.
19. Game Length: Five (5) innings and no time limit.
20. Infield Fly Rule: Does not apply, no infield fly rule.
21. Umpires: League games must have at least one umpire behind the plate. OK Kids Regional or State Tournaments must have at least two umpires per game.
22. Number of Coaches: Each team will be allowed a pitching coach, 1st base coach, 3rd base coach and a bench coach. The team scorekeeper will be allowed to sit in the dugout as well.
23. Other Rules: Any other rules not covered in the above set of rules will fall under OK Kids Baseball Rules.
CHAPTER 11 – SOFTBALL
Leagues or individual teams that meet OK Kids roster rules can apply to participate in the OK Kids Softball State Tournaments. Regional Tournaments will not be held, all qualifiers will automatically qualify for the State Tournament. Bids are required to host a Softball State Tournament. The maximum bid is $2,000.00.
1. All league, team and player registration requirements will be the same as baseball unless specifically changed.
2. Age groups will be:
8u Softball—coach pitch (cannot be 9 before January 1, 2023)
10u Softball—player pitch (cannot be 11 before January 1, 2023)
12u Softball—player pitch (cannot be 13 before January 1, 2023)
14u Softball—player pitch (cannot be 15 before January 1, 2023)
3. The registration deadline is April 15.
4. Leagues can register for $25.00 per team. Any OK KIDS registered for the current season can pay $100.00 at-large fee to participate in the OK Kids State Tournament.
5. The only playoff tournaments for softball will be the State Tournaments.
6. League qualifiers and at-large teams must be reported by the date set by the board.
7. The State Tournaments will be held on the dates set by the board.
8. National Federation (high school rules) will apply with the exceptions listed.
9. 8U Softball – Coach-Pitch
10 players (4 outfielders)
Must start a game with 10 players
No bunting
35-foot arc, all infielders must stand behind this line until ball is hit
11” ball
Adult pitcher must pitch under hand from rubber at 35 feet (minimum age of 16
5 pitches (same rule as baseball 8u Baseball)
No intentional walks
5 inning games (no time limit)
6 run maximum per inning (including the last inning)
Game ending run rule is when the trailing team can’t tie the game
2 umpires
4 coaches maximum
ASA bat rules 10
10. 10U Softball.
10u Softball—player pitch
Only players will pitch. The pitching distance is 35 feet.
No arc
Bunting allowed
11” ball
Batter can’t attempt to reach first on dropped or missed third strike
5 inning games (no time limit)
Game ending run rule—12 after 3, 10 after 4
2 umpires
11. 12u Softball—player pitch
40 foot pitching distance
12” ball
5 inning games (no time limit)
Game ending run rule—12 after 3, 10 after 4
12. 14u Softball—player pitch
National Federation (high school) and Oklahoma Secondary Schools Activities Association rules
CHAPTER 12 – 6U TEE BALL
1. Age Limit: Boys and girls that were four (4), five (5) and six (6) years old as of January 1, 2023. A player must have been four (4) by January 1, 2023 and could not have been seven (7) before January 1, 2023. Boys and girls will play on the same team.
2. Base Distance: 60 Feet
3. Pitching Distance: 42 Feet
4. Ball: A regular 9” baseball will be used for Tee Ball competition in the Regional and State Tournaments.
5. Bat: The following are the only bats approved for use in OK Kids 6u Tee Ball.
A. A wood bat.
B. Any bat permanently stamped by the manufacturer with the Official BBCOR Baseball logo.
C. Any bat permanently stamped by the manufacturer with the Official USA Baseball logo.
D. Any bat permanently stamped by the manufacturer with the Official bpf 1.15 logo.
*OK kids reserves the right to disallow any bat at any time. If a bat is disallowed, it will be specifically listed
6. Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a fifteen (15) foot arc, measured from the back of home plate, drawn from the 1st baseline to the 3rd baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must touch this line or go past it to be considered a fair ball. If the ball is touched before reaching this line it is a foul ball.
7. Defensive Safety Line: A line shall exist, whether marked on the field or not marked, that begins 10 feet in front of first base on the foul line, then extends to the pitching rubber and from the pitching rubber to 10 feet in front of third base on the foul line. Infielders must stay behind this line until the ball is hit.
8. Tee Ball Pitcher: The pitcher must stand on the pitching rubber until the ball is hit. The pitcher cannot leave the rubber until the batter has contacted the ball with the bat. PENALTY: If the ball is contacted fair, the batter is awarded first base and all base runners will be awarded one base OR the result of the play. The head coach of the batting team will select which of the two possible penalties to be enforced.
9. Number of Players: A complete team is a minimum of ten (10) players to start a game. However, a team can start a game with nine (9) players and take an automatic out for the 10th batting spot. If a 10th player becomes available that player may take the place of the automatic out. There is free substitution on defense.
10. Batters: All players present when the game starts will bat in a batting order determined before the game by the head coach. Any players arriving late will be added to the bottom of the order. The batting order cannot change during a game. If a batter is unable to bat for any reason (for example: injury, illness, left the game), then the batting team must take an automatic out every time that batter is unable to bat. If a player is unable to bat, but then later in the game is able to bat, the player may bat and the team is not required to take an automatic out.
11. Number of swings: A batter shall receive a maximum of three (3) swings to put the ball in play or be called out. No additional swings shall be awarded on foul balls. If the bat strikes the tee, that is considered a swing but the ball is dead.
12. Bunts: Bunting is not allowed.
13. Base Running: A base runner must have one foot on base once the ball is live and cannot leave the base until the batter has contacted the ball with the bat. PENALTY: The runner shall be called out.
14. Stopping play: The lead runner has stopped advancing at the discretion of the umpire. When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
15. Base Runners: If a base runner has not passed a line one-half (1/2) the distance between the bases, including between third base and home plate, when play is stopped the runner must return to the previous base.
16. Fielder Positions: There are ten (10) fielder positions, P, C, 1b, 2b, 3b, SS and four (4) OF. All four (4) outfielders must stand behind the baselines.
17. Overthrows: The Tee Ball overthrow rule has been revoked.
18. Intentional Walks: There are no intentional walks.
19. Run Rule: Six (6) per inning or three (3) outs, whichever comes first. Game ending run rule same as 10u Baseballs. CLARIFICATION: A team is allowed to score a maximum of six runs per inning. This applies in every inning, including the fifth inning or any extra inning.
20. Game Length: Five (5) innings and no time limit.
21. Infield Fly Rule: Does not apply, no infield fly rule.
22. Umpires: League games must have at least one umpire behind the plate. OK Kids Regional or State Tournaments must have at least two umpires per game.
23. Number of Coaches: Each team will be allowed four (4) coaches. When batting, a team can have a first base coach and third base coach. The other two coaches must remain in the dugout area. A home plate coach is not allowed. While playing defense, all four coaches must remain in the dugout area. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field. The team scorekeeper will be allowed to sit in the dugout as well.
24. Registration: All league, team and player registration requirements will be the same as baseball unless specifically changed.
25. Other Rules: Any other rules not covered in the above set of rules will fall under OK Kids Baseball Rules.
26. Important Dates: See page 5 for reporting, Regional Tournament and State Tournament dates.
CHAPTER 13 - NOTES
OK Kids believes that no participant should be subjected to discrimination because of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, disability or parental status and encourages its member organizations to adopt the same policy.
Because all participants are selected at the local level, OK Kids encourages its member organizations to adopt appropriate procedures for selecting league officials, coaches, umpires and all persons involved with their organizations.
Individual organizations and leagues determine the fee for participation and the procedure for placing players on different teams. OK Kids is not involved in the fees and procedures at the local level
Communicable Disease Statement
While the risk of one athlete infecting another with HIV/AIDS or Hepatitis B during competition is close to non-existent, coaches, parents and players should be aware of this remote risk. Procedures for reducing the potential for transmission of these infectious diseases should be followed. Contact your local county health department or hospital for additional information.
The OK Kids Baseball Association welcomes any and all suggestions for the improvement of the Association.
It is not necessary for players to wear uniforms.
Publishing sources for ordering National Federation baseball rule books are:
O.S.S.A.A., P.O. Box 14590, Oklahoma City, OK 73113-0592.
The referral to "he" in this rule book is for printing purposes only and should not be construed in any way as a discriminatory statement. "He" stands for he/she.
An OK Kids financial statement is available upon request.
The OK Kids Baseball Association reserves the right to make any correction.
