Southern Pitt Fall Rookie League Rules

Adopted February 12, 2004- Revised 8/21/18

1. Game length is 6 innings or 1 ½ hours.  Ten run rule is in effect after 4 innings of 3 ½ innings if home team is ahead by 10 runs.  Game may end only after a complete inning of play.  New innings of play may not begin after 1 ½ hours.
2. Each inning consists of 3 outs or 5 runs, whichever comes first.
3. Outstanding sportsmanship and conduct is expected at all times on and off the field.  Any unacceptable sportsmanship or conduct could result in expulsion from the game or park.  This will be a judgment call from the umpire.
4. All players must wear hats properly and shirts tucked into pants.
5. All teams must start with a minimum of 8 players.  Each team must maintain 8 players to complete the game.    
6. All players must play and will bat in a continuous batting order.  Exception:  Team with most players has the option to bat all of his players or bat the same number of players as other team.  This decision must be made before game begins and announced in the coach’s meeting. All players must bat at least once. Free substitution in the field will be allowed.  No player will sit on the bench for consecutive innings. 
7. Each batter will receive 5 pitches.  If the ball is not hit into play the batter is out after the 5^th pitch.  If the batter fouls off the 5^th pitch, they will keep receiving pitches until they swing & miss, hit it fair, or watch another pitch.  There is no limit to the amount of foul balls a batter can hit on the last pitch.
8. The umpire has the authority to grant an extra pitch on the 5^th pitch if he/she deems the pitch not hittable, regardless if the batter swings or not.

1. On defense 2 coaches outside the lines and 1 in Centerfield. One offensive coach will be allowed in batting area and will help the catcher round the balls up.

10. Ten players will be allowed on defense (Regular infielders and 4 outfielders, LF, LC, RC, RF) These players must play their positions regardless of the batter (No stacking players on one side or another) A right fielder is a right fielder, etc.
11. Runners are allowed to tag up.
12. No base stealing is allowed.
13. Bunting IS allowed.
14. No dominating play will be allowed.  All players are required to play normal fielding positions to encourage proper playing fundamentals.
15. The pitching machine is treated the same as an umpire being hit by a batted ball before it passes a fielder.  Anytime the batted ball hits the pitching machine or the coach feeding the machine, then the ball is dead and the runner advances to first and all other runners advance one base.  If a thrown ball hits the machine then the ball is in play.
16. The umpire will run the pitching machine
17. The pitcher player will position himself behind the line on either side of the pitching machine within 4 feet.  The pitcher player may not go in front of the line (pitching machine) until the ball is thrown. This is for obvious safety reasons.
18. The catcher takes his normal position in full gear and must wear a cup.  The catcher does not have to use a catcher’s mitt, but we encourage the use of one.
19. Pitching machine is placed at 46 feet with the spring set on 9
20. At the start of the game, the home team must provide 2 new and 3 playable baseballs.
21. Once play has been initiated, the umpire is the ruling authority throughout the games entirety.
22. The umpire will use his judgment to call out any batter that throws the bat after hitting a pitch after both teams have received a verbal warning from the umpire.  Any kid throwing equipment or acting in a non-sportsmanlike manner can be removed from the game by the umpire at any time.
23. All batters and people coming up to bat must have helmets with FACEMASKS on at all times
24. All players must wear cups.
25. Field Dimensions- Standard Cal Ripken Division base length of 60 feet.
26. No infield fly rule
27. If a ball is overthrown at first or third base, play will continue until play is stopped or the umpire calls time.  Throwing the ball to the pitcher will not stop play.  There are no halfway marks between bases.  Lead runner must be stopped for play to stop unless the umpire calls time.
28. No show bunt pull back and swing. Player will be automatically out.
29. No head first sliding into home plate. If runner slides head first into home they are automatically out