local playing rules and conditions - sturt baseball club · local playing rules and conditions....

Playing Conditions – 8 October 2015 1

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1. PLAYING RULES AND CONDITIONS ..........................................................................................................

2. PLAYING FIELD DIMENSIONS ....................................................................................................................

3. GAME PRELIMINARIES .................................................................................................................................

3.1 BASEBALLS ......................................................................................................................................................

3.2 SCORERS ..........................................................................................................................................................

3.3 TOILETS ...........................................................................................................................................................

3.4 PRE MATCH DIAMOND USE .........................................................................................................................

3.5 MANAGING AND COACHING ........................................................................................................................

3.6 ON FIELD PERSONNEL..................................................................................................................................

3.7 LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP CONDITIONS ........................................................................................................

3.8 BEHAVIOUR ....................................................................................................................................................

3.9 WASTING TIME ...............................................................................................................................................

4. GAME CONDITIONS - ALL ............................................................................................................................

4.1 TEAM NUMBERS .............................................................................................................................................

4.2 ABANDONED GAMES .....................................................................................................................................

4.3 SUSPENDED GAMES ......................................................................................................................................

4.4 TIME DELAYS ..................................................................................................................................................

4.5 VISITS TO PITCHING MOUND ......................................................................................................................

4.6 WARM UP PITCHES ........................................................................................................................................

4.7 DESIGNATED HITTER AND RUNNER...........................................................................................................

4.8 ADDITIONAL PLAYING RULES FOR YOUTH ..............................................................................................

4.9 PITCHING RULES ...........................................................................................................................................

4.10 THIRD STRIKE RULE ......................................................................................................................................

4.11 DESIGNATED RUNNER ..................................................................................................................................

5. SAFETY ...............................................................................................................................................................

5.1 COLLISIONS ....................................................................................................................................................

5.2 HELMETS .........................................................................................................................................................

5.3 CATCHERS HELMETS ....................................................................................................................................

5.4 BLEEDING POLICY ........................................................................................................................................

5.5 REPLACEMENT POLICY ................................................................................................................................

5.6 PERMIT RULES ...............................................................................................................................................

5.7 TEAM WITHDRAWALS ....................................................................................................................................

5.8 RESULTS SHEET .............................................................................................................................................

6. BATS ....................................................................................................................................................................

7. FINALS ................................................................................................................................................................

7.1 FINALS ELIGIBILITY.......................................................................................................................................

7.2 ABANDONED FINALS .....................................................................................................................................

APPENDIX

DIVISION 1 .......................................................................................................................................................

DIVISION 2-4 ...................................................................................................................................................

DIVISION 5-7 ...................................................................................................................................................

DON RICELEAGUE .........................................................................................................................................

UNDER 17 (SENIOR LEAGUE) .......................................................................................................................

UNDER 15 (JUNIOR LEAGUE) ......................................................................................................................

UNDER 13 (LITTLE LEAGUE) ........................................................................................................................

UNDER 11 .........................................................................................................................................................


1 Playing Rules and Conditions

Division 1 and 2 will comprise the following clubs:

Adelaide East Torrens Glenelg GGCD Goodwood Henley & Grange Kensington

Northern Districts Port Adelaide

Southern Districts Sturt West Torrens Woodville

2 PLAYING FIELD DIMENSIONS Pitching

Distance

Non-Negotiable

Base

Paths

Non-Negotiable

Diagonal

Non-Negotiable

Passed Ball

Line

Negotiable

Home Run Fence or

Cones

Negotiable

UNDER 11 43ft 13.10m

60ft 18.28m

84ft 10 ¼ “ 25.87m

25ft 7.63m

200ft 60.98m

LITTLE

LEAGUE

46ft 14.02m

60ft 18.28m

84ft 10 ¼ “ 25.87m

25ft 7.63m

200ft 60.98m

JUNIOR

LEAGUE

54ft 16.46m

80ft 24.39m

113ft 3” 34.53m

40ft 12.20m

L+R 250ft 76.22m C 300ft 91.44m

SENIOR

LEAGUE

60ft 6ins 18.45m

90ft 27.44m

127ft 3 3/8” 38.82m

60ft 18.29m

L+R 300ft 91.44m C 330ft 100.61m

DON RICE

LEAGUE

60ft 6ins 18.45m

90ft 27.44m

127ft 3 3/8” 38.82m

60ft 18.29m

L+R 320ft 97.54m C 350ft 106.68m

Senior

Divisions

60ft 6ins 18.45m

90ft 27.44m

127ft 3 3/8” 38.82m

60ft 18.29m

L+R 320ft 97.54m C 350ft 106.68m

The playing Field Dimensions are based on dimensions found in the Official Australian Baseball Rules

2.1 HOME RUN FENCE

(a) All clubs fielding Division 1 or Division 2 teams are required to have a Home Run Fence.

(b) The recommended height is six feet (1.83m) minimum and generally made out of fencing materials. Other materials must be of a temporary nature and the Club should have a plan in place to replace them as soon as possible.


2.2 BACKSTOPS All Grades

Every endeavour must be made to have a backstop on all diamonds. Division One and Two diamonds MUST have a Backstop and Home Run fence. Permanent or temporary back nets are recommended for use on all Junior Diamonds/grounds.

2.3 BASES and PITCHERS PLATE

• All Home Plates on main diamond MUST be of the bevelled edge type and secured to the ground so that they do not move.

• This rule applies to ALL games, including tee ball and baseball under your control and being played on your grounds.

• Bases on main diamonds MUST be of the “Corbett” style plug in type.

• All Clubs are asked to use the “Corbett” style of bases where possible on secondary diamonds.

• Tee ball and Peewee, can use the flat throw down type.

• All pitcher’s plates must be of the ‘Four Season’ type which is a solid block of rubber which can be turned around as one side is damaged. A step-down plate in front of the pitching plate is mandatory for all main diamonds.


3 Game Preliminaries

3.1 BASEBALLS. ALL GRADES INCLUDING YOUTH, LITTLE LEAGUE

All the balls in a game MUST be of the same licensed make / brand / style.

Minor Round: (1) Division 1 – Home team provides – first 4 new balls and new replacements as required. (2) All other Divisions or age groups – Home team provides - First 2 new and then replacements in good condition and preferably white. LITTLE LEAGUE 9.25 inch Baseball (standard size) to be used in Little League 8.25 inch Baseball to be used in Under 11

Neutral grounds: First named team is the home team. Finals Round: Home team provides.

Division One Grand Final : Balls provided by the SABL.

3.2 SCORERS – ALL

• Each Club shall supply one scorer for each match in which any team competes and such scorer shall :

• During the course of such match be regarded as an official of the League as prescribed in these By-Laws and score in accordance with Section 10 of the official rules of Baseball as recognised by this League.

• Shall render assistance to the umpire of the match by completing the match result cards and responding to requests for game information.

• Not to be subject to permit rules regarding registration, permit or transfers.

• All scorers MUST sit together during their game in a neutral location with an unobstructed view of the playing field.

If the scorers refuse to sit together the umpire will refer to the Home Scorer’s book ONLY.

• Be subject to the appropriate qualification as the League may from time to time prescribe upon the recommendation of the Scorers Association.

• Failure to provide a scorer will incur the appropriate fee.


3.3 TOILETS

Adequate toilet facilities must be provided at all grounds and be open. If they are not, the SABL General Manager is to be notified.

3.4 PRE MATCH DIAMOND WARM UP AND USE

Fifteen (15) minutes before the scheduled starting time of a game, the Visiting team shall be entitled to warm-up/ infield outfield on the playing diamond, not to exceed five (5) minutes. Ten (10) minutes before the scheduled starting time of the game the Home team shall be entitled to a warm-up/ infield outfield on the playing diamond, not to exceed five (5) minutes. Five (5) minutes before the scheduled starting time of a game, the playing diamond must be vacated. Both team Coaches/Managers must meet with the Umpire(s) to determine the local ground rules etc.

3.5 MANAGING AND COACHING

a. One adult Manager and Coach preferably in Club Uniform may be used in each

coaches box at first and third base. (If no uniform available for head coach, minimum requirement is Club Cap and Club Top or Club T-Shirt, or Jacket and enclosed shoes. Thongs or sandals not allowed).

b. Players, Managers and Coaches must remain on the benches or in the prescribed area

during the game and not leave that area unless instructed to do so.

3.6 ON FIELD PERSONNEL – Other than Players and Coaches

• Bat / Ball persons. Refer Rules (9.1 and (9.2 – Helmets, re bat / ball persons attire. The bat / ball persons MUST keep close to the dugout when their team is at bat and in the dugout when their team is in the field.

• Executive Officer At all times these on field personnel will not go onto the playing field unless asked to do so by the Umpire. They will be attired in a club shirt, trousers/shorts and hat in Clubs colours and MUST not wear thongs or sandals.

• Medic / Trainer At all times these on field personnel will not go onto the playing field unless asked to do so by the Umpire.


They will be attired in a club shirt, trousers/shorts and hat in Clubs colours and MUST not wear thongs or sandals.

3.7 BEHAVIOUR OF PLAYERS, COACHES, OFFICIALS AND SPECTATORS

a. Good relationships must be fostered between Clubs and their teams before, during and particularly after the games.

b. The authority and decisions of the Umpire must be respected. Any person must not direct abuse and/or intimidating language to any SABL Umpire or Club Umpire.

c. The Coach of a team must insist that his/her player(s) behave in a sportsmanlike manner, especially towards members of the opposing team, at all times. The use of intemperate language or unseemly language by players or Coaches is absolutely forbidden.

d. Spectators should not only support their own team but also show appreciation of good play by the opposition, and never barrack against or belittle their opponents or their own players. This is deemed to be unsportsmanlike conduct.

e. Club representatives of each team, including Coaches and Managers, are required to draw the attention of their spectators and their own players to the above conditions regarding behaviour, if these conditions are being disregarded.

f. If the conditions continue to be disregarded, the Umpire shall abandon the game and award it 9-0 or 7-0 to the opposing team.

3.8 WASTING TIME

In all time limit games the time continues to run regardless of delays or hold-ups due to any reason. In such cases the Scorers, where significant time is lost, should record the amount lost in the scorebooks and match cards. It is contrary to the spirit of Baseball to engage in the practices of wasting time, particularly in the closing minutes of a time contest. Umpires are hereby instructed to take all necessary steps to prevent such malpractice, and those in charge of teams are to be warned that the SABL Board will not tolerate such tactics.


4 Game Conditions

4.1 LEAGUE PREMIERSHIP CONDITIONS

(a) In the Minor Round, Clubs shall play the series of competition matches drawn up by the Baseball Operations Committee.

(b) In Division 1 two points shall be counted for a win and one for a draw. (1) If, at the conclusion of such Minor Round, any two or more Clubs have

obtained an equal number of points the final position of such Clubs shall be determined by the number of games won between the tied Clubs. In the event the Clubs are still tied, the third criteria shall be the runs for and against in contested games between the tied Clubs. In the event they are still tied, the final separation will be made on the basis of percentage runs for/against overall.

(c) In all other grades, Premiership tables will be sorted on the basis of a win/loss

ratio. (1) If, at the conclusion of the minor round, any 2 or more clubs are drawn the

final position of these clubs will be determined by the runs for/against overall.

4.2 TEAM NUMBERS - LACK OF PLAYERS

A maximum of 18 participating players, plus 5 non-playing coaches may participate in any Division 1 match (exec, medic, bat/ball persons are not included.)

• Division One and Two must start with and maintain nine players.

• All other grades, no game can start unless there are at least five players. PENALTY - game forfeit, 9-0, Little League/U15/U17/U19 7-0.

• 20min after the scheduled starting time of the game the team must have at least seven players. PENALTY. – game forfeit 9-0, Little League/U15/U17/U19 7-0.

SHORTAGE OF PLAYERS LITTLE LEAGUE/U15

If a Little League or an U15 team is unable to field the regulation nine (9) players, permission is hereby granted for players from another team or the opposing team in the same age group to compete, without transfer, clearance or permit, for the team which is deficient.

STARTING NINE – SENIORS

During a round of matches (eg. Sat or Sun. with Divisions 1&2 matches) you MUST have NINE different starting players per team. No player can start in two games during the weekend (that round of games). The Designated Hitter (DH) is not


classified as a starting player. However, a permit may be given to a player to start in both games under extenuating reasons. If a player does start in both games advise the umpire you are playing under protest. A player who starts in a game for a team must participate for a minimum of one plate appearance and three defensive outs before being replaced, unless the player is unable to satisfy this requirement due to illness, injury, ejection etc. Penalty - The team that violated the rules forfeits the game 9-0 to the other team. The game forfeited is the lower grade game the player played in. After the game the team protesting must notify the SABL Office within 48hrs and have the written evidence lodged within 72hrs.

4.3 ABANDONED GAMES - The Plate Umpire is the sole judge.-ALL

5 innings or 75 minutes will constitute a regulation game. Note: It is a regulation game if-;

1. The home team has scored more runs in its 4th innings than the visiting team has scored in its 5th innings. 2. The home team scores one or more runs in its 5th innings to tie the score, when their innings is not completed due to inclement weather termination (ie. less than 3 outs).

• In the event of inclement weather The plate umpire will be the sole judge as to whether a ground is fit for play to commence This includes extreme heat conditions – refer to Heat Policy.

• Abandoned games cannot be transferred to another ground but could be changed to another diamond at the same ground.

• Abandoned games MAY BE REPLAYED (In all senior grades 2-7 and Youth).

Clubs may organise the rescheduling of any game unable to be played due to inclement

weather. All replayed games are to be completed before the last regular season game.

Clubs are required to notify the SABL for the date, time and location of any

rescheduled match.

• Games can be abandoned because the ground or equipment is UNSAFE in the opinion of the Umpire. In theses circumstances the Umpire will request the home team to bring the ground up to safety requirements in a reasonable time. PENALTY – 9-0 or 7-0, depending on age group, against the home team if the ground is

their home ground. Neutral ground, then the game is abandoned.

• Unless Clubs have lights that meet the ABF’s minimum standards of lighting (these requirements to be determined by the Board) then no lights at any Club grounds are to be switched on for any Senior/Youth fixtures coming under the current Competitions of the League.


4.4 SUSPENDED GAMES - WEATHER - ALL

• The Plate Umpire will be the sole judge as to whether and when play shall be suspended during a game because of unsuitable weather conditions or an unfit playing field, and whether, and when, play will resume or be terminated.

This includes extreme heat conditions.

• With the exception of suspensions due to extreme heat conditions, the plate umpire will not call the game until at least 30 minutes after he/she has suspended the game. He/she may continue the suspension as long as deemed necessary if there is a chance play may resume. In Time Limit games refer Rule 4.2 and 8.1.

4.5 TIME DELAYS (Time Limit Games only) - ALL

Time to run regardless.

In all time limit games, with the exception of Division 1 and finals, game time commences at the scheduled starting time and continues to run REGARDLESS of delays or hold ups due to any reason. All starting and finishing times are taken from the Umpire’s watch.

Scorers to confirm game start time with the chief umpire prior to commencement.

4.6 VISITS TO THE PITCHING MOUND – ALL

• A second visit to the same pitcher in any one inning means the automatic removal of that pitcher from the game in Senior Divisions 1 and 2 only.

In all other Senior/Youth grades that pitcher MUST be removed from the mound but may play in another position.

• In Senior Divisions 1 and 2 The Manager/Coach is permitted three free visits to the mound in the game. On the fourth visit the pitcher MUST be removed from the game (or at the second visit during the one separate inning, as above).

No limit on the total visits in all other Senior/Youth grades.

A Manager/Coach may at any time without penalty go on to the ground for the purpose of giving aid to a sick or injured player. A visit occurs as soon as the manager crosses the foul line, and ends as soon as he/she exits the mound. If he/she then revisits the pitcher, this is a second visit.

• In Senior Divisions 1 and 2 only the Catcher shall be permitted to make one trip per inning to the mound. Penalty- 1 ball called for each additional visit.

• The Playing Coach must be nominated on the team sheet. Only a playing coach stationed in the infield can request time out to visit the mound. This visit is deemed one visit to the mound under this rule.


• The Umpire will automatically call for the relief pitcher when the rule requires a change of pitchers.

4.7 WARM UP PITCHES - ALL

• Pitchers are allowed four (4) warm up pitches before starting an inning, unless the Umpire approves of more due to extenuating circumstances (eg. Weather, delays).

• In each half of the First Innings eight (8) warm up pitches will be allowed.

• A Pitcher entering a game to replace a pitcher who has been injured or ejected shall be permitted up to eight (8) warm up pitches or more if the umpire approves due to extenuating circumstances. (eg. Weather, delays, pitcher coming from the field or bench and not previously throwing. Due care is to be taken to get the pitchers arm warm to throw.)

4.8 BATTERS MUST REMAIN IN THE BATTERS BOX - ALL

• The batter must remain in the batter’s box. If he considers he is at risk he may make a request for "time". If the Umpire feels that there is risk present he may grant "time ".

• The batter shall be expected to return to the batter’s box promptly and the Umpire will call play. If he feels that the batter is not returning quick enough, regardless of whether the batter has returned to the batter’s box at the time, a strike shall be called on the batter.

• Signals. Batters must take their signals with one foot in the batting box.

• On deck. There will only be one on deck batter whilst a batter is in the batters box. All other batters must remain in the bench area until it is their turn to be in the on deck circle.

4.9 DESIGNATED RUNNER AND HITTER. - ALL

• Designated hitters are optional for ALL senior grades and the Don Rice League. Not allowed in other YOUTH grades.

• Designated Runner for the catcher to be mandatory with 2 out in all timed Senior Grade and is optional before two outs but is a MUST when there are 2 outs in any one inning. If the catcher is on base he/she must be replaced by the designated runner immediately the second out play is completed. Penalty. Failure by the batting side to immediately replace the catcher once this rule is

brought to the attention of the Plate Umpire and, in the Plate Umpires

judgement there is undue delay in this replacement, the Umpire shall call the runner out.

• No designated runner for the pitcher. If he/she bats he/she must run for him/her self.


NOTE

A designated runner is someone not currently in the active lineup

• Division 7 and below A courtesy runner is optional for the pitcher and catcher but is mandatory with two out.


4.10 ADDITIONAL PLAYING RULES for YOUTH ONLY

ELIGIBILTY OF PLAYERS AND AGE QUALIFICATIONS

a. To be eligible to participate in any match in the following age groupings you

must be born between these dates: Under 11

MAY JUN JUL AUG SEP OCT NOV DEC JAN FEB MAR APR League

Age

2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2007 2008 2008 2008 2008 8

2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 9

2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 10

Little League (U13)


Age

2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2006 2007 2007 2007 2007 9

2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2005 2006 2006 2006 2006 10

2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2004 2005 2005 2005 2005 11

2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2003 2004 2004 2004 2004 12

Junior League (U15)


Age

2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 13

2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 14

Senior League (U17)


Age

2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2002 2003 2003 2003 2003 13

2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2001 2002 2002 2002 2002 14

2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 15

1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 2000 2000 2000 2000 16

Don Rice League


Age

2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2000 2001 2001 2001 2001 15

1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 1999 2000 2000 2000 2000 16

1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 1998 1999 1999 1999 1999 17

1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1997 1998 1998 1998 1998 18

1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1996 1997 1997 1997 1997 19

1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1995 1996 1996 1996 1996 20


PLAYERS PLAYING OUT OF THEIR AGE GROUP

a. Any Youth age player may play in up to three games per weekend, either Senior

or Youth. For the purpose of the rule mid-week twilight games not applicable. In

consideration of the above it is expected these Youth Players should play in the

top two teams in their respective club

f. State junior players returning from a National Championship in that age group shall, on return, participate in the Club’s Division 1 team of the player’s age group for the remainder of the season, if the player’s club has a division 1 team in that age group.

4.11 PITCHING RULES

a) AGE GROUP PITCH LIMITS APPLICABLE TO A JUNIOR PLAYER APPLY IF PLAYING IN A HIGHER YOUTH GRADE OR A SENIOR TEAM.

AGE DAILY MAX

(PITCHES) REQUIRED REST (PITCHES)

0 Days 1 Days 2 Days 3 Days 4 Days

U11 40 1-20 21-35 36-50 - -

9-10 (LL) 75 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+

11-12 85 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+

13-14 95 1-20 21-35 36-50 51-65 66+

15-16 95 1-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76+

17-18 105 1-30 31-45 46-60 61-75 76+

SENIORS 125 1-80 - 81-125 - -

a) A pitcher reaching his/her maximum number of pitches in an assignment may complete the

batter before being removed from the mound. b) A Balk Pitch delivered to the plate whether it is hit safely or not shall be considered to be

valid for the purpose of recording the "number of pitches". c) A youth player, once removed as a pitcher, may not pitch again in the same game. d) The Umpire has the authority to police the pitching rule.


PITCHER/CATCHER RULE

Applies to all juniors playing in any grade – senior or junior. A player shall not pitch and then catch in the same game. A player is allowed to catch and then pitch in the same game. However, a youth player shall not pitch in two games on the same day, whether or not they be in different Divisions, Senior or Junior.

PENALTY FOR BREACH OF PITCHING RULE & PITCHER/CATCHER RULE

Penalty for breach of 20.5 Pitching Rule is a loss to the offending team 9-0 in Seniors/Don Rice/17 and a 7-0 in under 15/Little League U13. This includes finals Penalty for breach of 20.6 Pitcher/Catcher Rule - Immediate ejection from the game for first

and subsequent offences. The offending team shall forfeit the game and the Manager/Head Coach shall be reported to the General Manager and dealt with by the tribunal

SENIOR PITCH COUNT REGULATIONS

Regular Season • Maximum pitches per outing – 125 • Maximum pitches per day – 125 • 81-125 pitches in an outing – 2 calendar days rest • 81-125 pitches in a day – 2 calendar days rest If a player reaches 81 pitches during an at-bat, they will be required to observe the 2 calendar day rest period. If a player reaches 125 pitches during an at-bat, they may finish the hitter before being removed. A player pitching their allocated 125 pitches may stay in the game as a position player. Pitch Counts for finals. Regular season pitch count regulations shall still apply along with a maximum of 150 pitches in total by any pitcher for a 3 game final series. Pitcher may complete the current at bat if it goes beyond 150 pitch count. Pitch Count Penalties. A pitcher that starts to pitch to a new hitter after pitching a total of 125/150 pitchers shall be ejected from the game. The Head coach (manager) shall also be ejected from the game and receive and automatic 1 game suspension. The offending team shall forfeit the game 9-0. The offending team shall forfeit 4 Prescribed Player points for next game.

For second and further offences additional penalties will apply to the above and Head Coach (manager) will front Baseball SA tribunal.

4.12 THIRD STRIKE RULE - LITTLE LEAGUE ONLY

Little League Play to the official Rules of Baseball for a dropped 3rd Strike. Under 11


The batter is out when a third strike is indicated by the umpire whether or not the pitch is legally caught by the catcher. Base runners may advance at their peril while the ball is ‘still in play’.

4.13 DESIGNATED RUNNER – Youth Grades

Designated Runner for the Catcher to be mandatory with 2 out in all Youth Grades - Little League, Under 15 (1) and (2), Under 17 (1) and (2) and Under 19.


5 SAFETY

SAFETY MUST COME FIRST AT ALL TIMES. IF THE GROUND OR EQUIPMENT IS NOT SAFE THEN THE GAME MUST BE ABANDONED. This is governed by the Umpires Judgement.

5.1 COLLISION PLAYS

Collision plays are to be avoided in all grades.

Runners MUST slide if a collision play is likely to occur at a base. (Exception 1st base, with the fielder moving into the outside line area, the runner is to attempt to avoid collision, however, the runner is entitled to touch the base running through.) Runners are not allowed to collide with a fielder if they (the runner) are in the upright position with the intention of dislodging the ball as a result of the collision. PENALTY: the runner will be given out if in the Umpires opinion the runner did not adhere to the above.

5.2 HELMETS. .

SENIORS and YOUTH

All batters and runners MUST wear an approved doubled-eared helmet. Damaged or cracked helmets MUST not be worn. All junior bat/ball persons MUST wear two eared helmets and be attired in a club baseball uniform (T ball or Pee Wee OK) plus wear enclosed shoes, not thongs or sandals.

BASE COACHES – Senior Division 1, 2 and Don Rice League All base coaches participating in Senior Division 1, Division 2 and Don Rice League must wear a ‘skull cap’ style helmet (i.e., without ear covers). Damaged or cracked helmets are not to be worn. Optional for all other Grades – both Senior and Junior.

5.3 CATCHERS HELMETS/MASKS

. Catcher’s masks and helmets or all in ones MUST be worn when playing or when warming up any pitcher either from the mound, on the side or in the bull pen, and this is not changed if the catcher is standing.

Catcher’s masks MUST have a throat guard attached or built into the mask. Separate or attached helmet to be worn with the mask.


5.4 BLEEDING POLICY

Each team MUST have a First Aid kit with them at all times. The kit MUST have

suitable bandages and disposable gloves.

The game MUST be stopped when a player is bleeding on the field.

Attend to the bleeding player using appropriate First Aid Methods. Stop the bleeding so play may re-start. If unable to stop the bleeding after a reasonable time then the person bleeding MUST be removed from the field so play can resume. (Umpire’s decision).

Replacement made under normal Baseball rules.ie cannot already be a

participant, or have been a participant.

When bleeding has been controlled, the player can return to the original position in

the lineup, and the replacement player is available to enter the game in the normal manner. (The intent here is to ensure that the bleeding is stopped without jeopardising the players or disadvantaging the team.)

5.5 REPLACEMENT POLICY

Seniors Division 4 – 7 and below and Juniors U19 – LITTLE LEAGUE In a non-finals game in Division 4 – 7 and below and Juniors U19 – Little League, when all available players have entered the game, and the umpire is satisfied that a player is incapacitated due to injury, the following rules will apply:

If the injured player has been a substitute, then the player, for whom he/she substituted, if he/she is available, can re-enter the game, in that spot in the batting line-up;

If the player for whom he/she substituted is not available, then any player who has previously been substituted can re-enter the game, in that spot in the batting line-up;

If the injured player has not been a substitute, then any player who has previously been substituted can re-enter the game, in that spot in the batting line-up;

In these situations, the player who re-enters the game, if he/she has previously pitched during that game, can not pitch.


5.6 PERMIT RULES

For this current season, the Operations Manager will handle ALL Permits in the South Australian Baseball League Office during office hours. If an Emergency exists you may contact the Operations Manager at home. For advice the Operations Manager has the Senior and Youth Operation Directors to assist him.

1. Should the Permit Committee consider that any Team or Club seek to take an unfair

advantage of the interpretation of any permit rule / bylaw, the Committee shall forward their findings to the South Australian Baseball League Board of Directors who shall call for the Team, Club, to account for their actions. The Board shall

impose such penalty, as it deems fit.

2. Every application for a permit shall be in writing to the permit committee, in duplicate accompanied with a stamped addressed envelope or e-mailed or faxed. If this rule be complied with the Permit Committee shall endorse the duplicate with its decision and return it in the envelope provided or e-mail or fax. Failure of a player or club to comply with this rule / bylaw, resulting in non- notification by the Permit Committee of its decision on the matter shall not entitle such Player or Club to presume in any way that a decision has been made by the Committee on the matter nor absolve it from any penalty resulting from its action.

3. Reasons for a Permit may be Injury, Work, Sickness or other special circumstances

as the Permit Committee deems.

4. Dropping down or going up a grade.

Down. Only one grade at a time. A Player having played in one grade may play in the next team in a lower grade in the following round of matches. The Permit Committee may, at their discretion, allow players to drop more than one grade. Up. As many as you want BUT you can only come down one grade per round.

5.7 TEAM WITHDRAWALS

1. A Club withdrawing a nominated team before the season commences but after the program is finalised shall pay a fine of $250 per team.

2. A Club withdrawing a team once the season has commenced shall withdraw the

lowest graded team of that Club, or [at the option of the Board] such other team as decided by the Board in order to minimise program disruption, and all costs associated with the withdrawal of that team shall be paid by the Club to the League. In addition, the Club shall pay a fine of $250 per team.


5.8 OFFICIAL RESULT SHEETS

All home team scorers MUST fill in the players who participated in the game on the Official Result Sheet for all Divisions.

Pitchers: re Youth grades and Youth pitchers in Senior grades: All relative pitch counts are also to be recorded on the Official Result Sheet including Division 1. This is an important action for League personnel when checking for irregularities and the counting of Medal votes.


6 BAT REGULATIONS

Each bat must meet ALL of the requirements on a single line to be an approved bat.

Under 11/Little League (U13)

Barrel Size Maximum Length Rating Barrel Material

Little League 2 1/4 Inch 33 Inches BPF 1.15 Composite

Little League 2 1/4 Inch 33 Inches BPF 1.15 Alloy

Junior League (U15)


Junior League 2 1/4 Inch 33 Inches BPF 1.15 Alloy

Junior League 2 5/8 Inch 34 Inches BBCOR Composite

Junior League 2 5/8 Inch 34 Inches BPF 1.15 Alloy

Senior League (U17)


Senior League 2 5/8 Inch 36 Inches BBCOR Composite

Senior League 2 5/8 Inch 36 Inches BBCOR Alloy

Senior League 36 Inches BBCOR Wood

Don Rice League


Don Rice 2 1/4 Inch 36 Inches BBCOR Wood/Wood Composite

Division 4-7


Division 4-7 2 5/8 Inch 36 Inches BBCOR Composite

Division 4-7 36 Inches BBCOR Wood/Wood Composite

Division 1-3


Division 1-3 36 Inches BBCOR Wood/Wood Composite


7 FINALS

7.1 FINALS ELIGIBILITY

Seniors

To be eligible to play in a side in the finals a player MUST have played in 4 minor round games for the club during the current season. The player will be eligible for the team that he/she has played the highest number of games during the regular season. If a player is in the starting line-up for a finals series game, he/she will no longer be eligible to play in a lower division for the remainder of the finals series. The Permit Committee may grant approval to play in the finals round of any specified grade to any player who was not able to complete the qualification prescribed herein due to illness, injury, or any other reason acceptable to the Permit Committee. This approval may specify circumstances for player availability. No player shall be relegated to a lower grade team after the last match of the minor round of matches unless prior permit approval is obtained. Youth

Must have played in the majority of games for which they are available in the minor round for the applicable youth team. Whilst a player is allowed permission to play in a higher age group in the home and away competition, such player(s) will not be allowed to play the finals of a lower age group if he/she has started more games in the higher age group or Senior Division during the season.

7.2 ABANDONED FINALS GAMES

Division 2-Under 13/2

Abandoned Games during the finals round will not be replayed. In the event that circumstances beyond our control (e.g. inclement weather), prevent the scheduled finals game(s) being played, and cause game(s) to be abandoned then the Highest Ranked team will be deemed to be the winner of that game. In week 3 this would mean that the highest ranked team becomes the Premier.

Division 1 – Best of Three Finals Series Format

Abandoned Games during the finals round will not be replayed.


In the event that circumstances beyond our control (e.g. inclement weather), prevent the scheduled finals game(s) being played, and cause the game(s) to be abandoned then the Highest Ranked team will be deemed to be the winner of that game.

Therefore;

I. If no games out of the three scheduled games are able to be played then the Highest Ranked team will be deemed the winner of that finals series.

II. If only one game out of the three scheduled games are able to be played then the winner of that game will be deemed the winner of that finals series.

III. If only two games out of the three scheduled games are able to be played and it is locked together at one game all then the Highest Ranked team will

deemed to be the winner of that finals series.

In week 3 this would mean that the highest ranked team becomes the Premier.


APPENDIX


Division 1

Single Weekend Game - 9 innings to a result Weekend Double Header - Game 1 - 7 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 5 inn) - Game 2 - 9 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 7 inn)

Twilight - Tuesday – 7 innings or 120 min (Mercy Rule 5 inn)

- Thursday – 7 innings or 120 minutes (Mercy Rule 5 inn) - Friday – 7 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 5 inn) Finals – 9 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 7 inn)

***Timed Games – No new innings to commence after 120 minutes***


Division 2 - 4

Weekend Game - 7 innings or 120 min (Mercy Rule 5 inn)

Twilight - 7 innings or 120 min (Mercy Rule 5 inn)

Finals – 9 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 7 inn)



Division 5 - 7

Single Weekend Game - 7 innings or 120 min (Mercy Rule 7 runs per inning)

Twilight - 7 innings or 120 min (Mercy Rule 7 runs per inning)

Finals – 7 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 7 runs per inning)



Don Rice League

Wednesday Night Twilight - 7 innings or 120 min (Mercy Rule 5 inn)

- 7 runs per inning - 3 inning pitching limit Finals – 7 innings or 120 min (Mercy Rule 5 inn) Mandatory Play Nil ***Timed Games – No new innings to commence after 120 minutes***


Under 17

All regular season games - 7 innings or 110 min (Mercy Rule 5 inn)

- 7 runs per inning

Finals - 7 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 5 inn) - 7 runs per inning Mandatory Play 1 At bat and 3 defensive outs



Under 15


- 7 runs per inning

Finals – 7 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 5 inn) - 7 runs per inning Mandatory Play 1 At bat and 3 defensive outs ***Timed Games – No new innings to commence after 110 minutes***


Under 13


- 5 runs per inning

Finals - 6 innings to a result (Mercy Rule 4 inn) - 5 runs per inning Mandatory Play 1 At bat and 3 defensive outs ***Timed Games – No new innings to commence after 110 minutes***


Under 11


- 5 runs per inning - 2 inning/40 pitch limit - 2 inning catching limit

Finals NO Finals Mandatory Play 1 At bat and 3 defensive outs ***Timed Games – No new innings to commence after 90 minutes*** *U11 Notes* No stealing, passed balls or wild pitches Runners can advance only on batted balls, walks and hit by pitch

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