2021 Spring Season Rules

The league was established in 1958 as an organization formed to provide a program for the youth of the Pleasant Hill area in cooperation with the Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District, the Mt. Diablo Unified School District and Diablo Valley College.

Purpose

The purpose of this association shall be to promote, equip, govern and sponsor baseball and softball as played by youth 4 years of age and over using the doctrine of Positive Coaching.

Goals and Objectives

Enjoyment of the game shall be the basic goal of all participants and all efforts will be directed toward having each member of each team play baseball or softball.  Coaches shall strive to be positive coaches by putting athletes first, teach character and foster self-motivation.  Coaches shall also coach for mastery and refuse to use fear or intimidation while developing a partnership with each participant.  Honor and respect of the game shall be paramount while an emphasis on winning shall be minimized.

Player's Code

• I hereby pledge to be positive about my youth sports experience and accept responsibility for my participation by following this Player's Code of Ethics Pledge
• I will encourage good sportsmanship from fellow players, coaches, officials and parents at every game and practice by demonstrating good sportsmanship.
• I will attend every practice and game that I can, and will notify my coach if I cannot.
• I will expect to receive a fair and equal amount of playing time.
• I will do my very best to listen and learn from my coaches.
• I will treat my coaches, other players, officials and fans with respect regardless of race, sex, creed, or abilities and I will expect to be treated accordingly.
• I deserve to have fun during my sports experience and will alert parents or coaches if it stops being fun!
• I deserve to play in an environment that is free of drugs, tobacco, and alcohol and expect adults to refrain from their use at all youth sports events.
• I will encourage my parents to be involved with my team in some capacity because it is important to me.
• I will do my very best in school.
• I will remember that sports is an opportunity to learn and have fun.

2020 Official PHBA Rules

Baseball

To maintain continuity with the PHBA 2020 Softball Rules, Section 1.03 and 2.04 have been deliberately left out of these rules.

1.0 – The Playing Field

1.01 – Field Layout

1.02 – Field Demarcations

2.0 – Equipment and Uniforms

2.01 – Balls

2.02 – Bats

2.03 – Cleats

2.05 – Helmets

3.0 – Game Preliminaries

3.01 – Home Team/Lineup Card

3.02 – Pre-Game Field Practice

3.03 – Team Rosters

3.04 – Field Specific Rules

3.05 – Badges

3.06 – Dugout Rules

3.07 – Alcohol/Smoking

4.0 – Playing the Game

4.01 – Starting the Game (“Play Ball”)

4.02 – Player Participation

4.03 – Players/Batting Order

4.04 – Dropped 3rd Strike

4.05 – Coach Pitch

4.06 – Bunting

4.07 – Squeeze Play

4.08 – Leading Off/Stealing/Running the Bases

4.09 – Catcher/Home Plate

4.10 – Sliding

4.11 – Advancing on an Overthrow

4.12 – Pitching

4.13 – Runs Per Inning

4.14 – Infield Fly

5.0 – Improper Behavior, Misconduct, and Ejections

5.01 – Intentional Contact

5.02 – Distracting Behavior

5.03 – Backstop Behavior

5.04 – Misconduct

5.05 – Ejections

6.0 – Ending the Game

6.01 – Game Length/Duration

6.02 – Ties

6.03 – Slaughter Rule

6.04 – Inning Surrender

6.05 – Calling a Game/Unsafe Conditions

6.06 – Game Rescheduling

6.07 – Incomplete Games

6.08 – Team Minimums

6.09 – Game Time Limits

6.10 – Protests

7.0 – Judgement Calls

7.01 – Umpire

8.0 – Scorekeeping

8.01 – Official Scorekeeper (General Rules)

8.02 – Scorebook Audits

8.03 – Posting Scores

1.0 – The Playing Field

1.01 – Field Layout

Official Diamond dimensions for each Division are as follows

(a)  BW:  Bases – 80 Feet, pitching plate – 54 feet from the rear tip of home plate, Center of second base to rear tip of home plate – 113 Feet

(b)  BN:  Bases – 70 Feet, pitching plate – 50 feet from the rear tip of home plate, Center of second base to rear tip of home plate – 99 Feet

(c)  BA:  Bases – 60 Feet, pitching plate – 44 feet from the rear tip of home plate, Center of second base to rear tip of home plate – 84 Feet, 10 and ¼ inches

(d)  BP:  Bases – 55 Feet, pitching plate – 38 feet from the rear tip of home plate, Center of second base to rear tip of home plate – 77 Feet, 9 and ¼ inches.

1.02 – Field Demarcations

(a)  BW, BN:  During field preparation a line will be marked (BW ½) (BN 1/3) the distance between the third base bag and home plate.  A base runner on third may not cross the line until the pitch has crossed home plate.  See Rule 4.07(a)

(b)  BP- A six(6) foot line shall be chalked three (3) feet behind and parallel to the pitcher's plate.  There will no longer be a pitchers circle or hash marks halfway between bases.

2.01 – Balls

(a)  Only baseballs provided by PHBA on Equipment Day will be used as game balls

2.02 – Bats

(a) Wood baseball bats with barrel diameters not exceeding 2-3/4” are acceptable. All non-wood bats with barrel diameters 2-1/4”, 2-5/8” and 2-3/4” may be used if they have the USSSA 1.15BPF stamp. Alternatively all 2-1/4” diameter bats may have the older text based USSSA 1.15BPF marking. Bats that meet the new USA Baseball bat specifications are also acceptable provided they are stamped with the new “USA Baseball” stamp. If an illegal bat is found prior to the ball being put into play, then the bat is removed from the game and the at-bat proceeds with a legal bat. If an illegal bat is found after the ball is put into play, the batter shall be ruled out and all runners return to their positions prior to the at bat.

(b)  BW:  All 15 year old players are restricted to the use of a “drop” 3 (-3) or lower bat. This is commonly referred to as a “high school” bat.

2.03 – Cleats

(a)  BW:  Rubber cleats or steel spikes may be used by any player except in the case of use of a portable mound, the pitcher shall use rubber cleats.

(b)  BN, BA, BP:  No player shall be allowed to play with steel spikes.  Rubber cleats may be used.

2.05 – Helmets

(a)  All batters must wear batting helmets with face protection. Personal helmets will NOT be allowed if they do not have commercially available face protective devices installed.

3.01 – Home Team/Lineup Card

(a) One Team will be designated the HOME TEAM for each game.  Both HOME and VISITING TEAMS are responsible for the preparation of the field.  Each team will be scheduled as the HOME TEAM approximately one half of the games so no team has an undue advantage.  The HOME TEAM will occupy the third base dugout; the VISITING TEAM will occupy the first base dugout.  The VISITING TEAM will practice first.

(b) Each team must have a printed lineup at every game showing each player’s defensive position by inning in order to verify that each player is playing per Rules 4.02(a)(b)(c).

3.02 – Pre-Game Field Practice

(a)  No practice on dragged fields until twenty minutes before game time.  Each team is allowed ten minutes practice prior to the start of the game (time permitting).  In the event the field is not ready twenty minutes before the game, practice time available will be equally split between the two teams.

3.03 – Team Rosters

(a)  The team roster for all teams will be set on Roster Night.  Players will be removed from the roster for the following reasons:

• Player experiences a season ending injury
• Player becomes automatically ineligible when he/she participates in another league during the PHBA season
• Player moves out of town
• Player officially quits in writing for personal matters
• Player is removed from the league for disciplinary reasons.

Extra/Late Sign-up/New players after Roster Night will be placed on a league waiting list as replacement players, and will enter the league on a first registered/first opening basis.  Replacement players can only be added to team rosters from the waiting list by approval of the Head Commissioner or his/her designee.

3.04 – Field Specific Rules

(a)  BN:  For all games played at the Valley View field. (Saturday Nights – 3:00pm, 5:30pm and 8:00pm), there will be a strict time limit.  Games will end at the completion of six (6) innings or 5:15pm, 7:45 pm or 10:20pm whichever occurs first.  This rule supersedes Rule 6.09(a) as it applies to the two (2) hour limit.  To determine the winner of the game at the end of the time limit, refer to Rule 6.05(a).

(b)  BA:  For all games at Rodgers Smith Park the following shall apply: If a batted ball is hit into left field and on the fly is carried into the dirt area it shall be considered a home run.  If a batted ball is hit into left field and bounds into the dirt area it shall be considered a ground rule double.

(c)  For all games played at Pleasant Oaks Park the following shall apply regarding dug out doors.  Doors should be fully open, or fully closed.  When fully opened, and therefore in the field of play - if a thrown ball goes behind the door and becomes lodged, the ball shall be called dead and the umpire shall apply out of play rules as if the ball had traveled into the dugout.

3.05 – Badges

(a)  Only Manager, Coaches and team parent volunteers with PHBA ID badges (must have badge on person) and players are permitted in the dugout or on the playing field.  No exceptions.

3.06 – Dugout Rules

(a)  All team members, Managers and Coaches must be in the dugout area.  The only exceptions are the hitter, the on-deck player, and the two base line coaches.  Absolutely no swinging of bats outside the on-deck circle or the batter’s box is allowed. Except in case of Rule 3.06(b).  The batter and on-deck player must wear helmets and remain in their appropriate designated areas.  Hitting sticks are not allowed within the fence lines of the field.  If a coach wants to warm up the (in the hole) batter, it must be outside the fenced area.  Note, these are public areas and there will be a lot of kids and parents walking around.

(b)  At the beginning of each half inning, the lead off batter may warm-up within a safe distance of home plate while the pitcher warms up.  Likewise, if a pitching change is made mid inning, the batter may warm-up a safe distance from home plate while the pitcher warms up.

(c)  One defensive coach may sit on a bucket outside the dugout, against the fence, even with the pitcher's plate.  If a thrown ball hits this coach or the bucket it will be a live ball.  If this coach deliberately interferes with a ball in play, the ball shall be called dead and the umpire shall impose such penalties as in his opinion will nullify the act of interference.

3.07 – Alcoholic Beverages/Smoking

(a)  ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES & SMOKING OF ANY KIND ARE NOT ALLOWED in the playing or spectator area.  Smoking, Vaping and/or chewing tobacco by a Manager, Coach or Players are not allowed during practice or a game

4.01 – Starting the Game

(a)  The umpire shall call “Batter-up” after the pitcher has pitched five (5) warm-up pitches.  New or starting pitchers may take up to ten (10) warm-up pitches not to exceed one minute.

4.02 – Player Participation

(a)  Each player must play a minimum of two (2) innings, six (6) defensive outs, within the first four (4) innings of each game. The manager will bat every player present (whether playing defensively or not), through the complete roster, in every game. The following section applies for teams that field thirteen (13) or less players for the game.  In the event that the game progresses beyond four (4) innings, each player will play a minimum of three (3) innings in the first five (5) innings and four (4) innings in the first six (6) innings.  The number of innings played may be reduced only by an incidence of player’s late arrival, or leaving early.  A late arriving player will play in half the innings that the player attends

•  The consequence for violation of this paragraph shall be one (1) out at the beginning of the next inning and immediate correction.  A second offense in the same game shall result in a forfeiture.

(b)  In addition to Rule 4.02(a), each player must play at least one (1) inning in the infield within the first four (4) innings of each game.  If the game is shortened to less than four (4) innings, this rule will not be enforced.

(c)  Any player removed from the game by their Manager may re-enter during a natural break in play as approved by the home plate umpire.

4.03 – Players/Batting Order  

(a)  Players must remain in the same batting order during the entire game.

4.04 – Dropped 3rd Strike 

(a)  BA, BP:  Batter may NOT advance on a dropped 3rd strike.  In such cases the batter will be out.

4.05 – Coach Pitch

(a)  BP:  After four (4) balls, the manager or his/her designated coach representative pitches for the balance of the count (i.e Count equals 4-1, coach has two (2) strikes to make.)  The coach/pitcher will throw no more than three (3) pitches with the umpire calling balls/strikes.  No walks are allowed.  The foul ball rule applies, i.e. on the third strike, if a batter safely fouls the pitch the batter will remain at bat for another pitch.

(1)  The manager or Coach/pitcher can pitch from a standing or kneeling position, all pitches must be delivered in an overhand motion.

(2) All coach pitches must be delivered from the pitching plate 

(3)  It is the responsibility of the coach to stay out of the way of the defense.  However, if the coach is hit by the ball, the ball is live and play will continue.  Coach/pitcher should remain near the pitching plate throughout the duration of the play making every effort not to interfere with a ball in play.

(4)  A defensive player must have one foot on the line marked 3 feet behind the pitching plate when the coach is pitching.

(5)  A batter hit by a pitch from the manager or coach pitcher will not take first base. The pitch will be considered a ball.

4.06 – Bunting 

(a)  BA:  Bunting is allowed with the following exception: bunting is NOT allowed with a runner on third base.  If in the opinion of the umpire, a ball is intentionally bunted with a runner on third base, the batter is out and runners do not advance.

(b)  BP:  Bunting is NOT allowed.  If a batter, in the judgement of the umpire, intentionally bunts a ball, the batter will be called out.

4.07 – Squeeze Plays 

(a)  BW, BN:  Suicide squeeze plays are NOT allowed.  A “suicide squeeze” is when a runner on third base goes more than (1/2 BW) or (1/3 BN) of the way towards home plate or is running toward home when the ball is hit, bunted or when the ball crosses the plate.  If a suicide squeeze is called by the umpire, the runner is out, the pitch counts and no other runs may advance unless forced to advance by a play or a walk.  Safety squeeze plays are allowed.

4.08 – Leading Off/Stealing/Running the Bases

(a)  BA: When a batter is walked or hit by a pitch and awarded first base, the player may not advance until after the next pitch to the next batter

(b) BA: Stealing is allowed, however, runners may NOT lead off.  If the runner leaves the base before the ball leaves the pitcher’s hand, the runner will be called out.

(c)  BA:  Runner at third base may not steal home.  If a runner at third base draws a throw from the catcher, it will be ruled as an attempt to steal home.  The runner will be sent back if he is successful, however, if called out, the call will stand.  No runners may advance and are in jeopardy of being put out.

(1)  Scoring from third base:

• On a batted ball.
• Bases loaded on a walk or hit batter.
• Continuous play on a batted ball.

(d)  BP:  Stealing is NOT allowed

(e)  BP:  Runners may NOT lead off.  If a runner leaves a base before the ball crosses home plate they will be called out

4.09 – Catchers/Home Plate

(a)  The catcher must leave an avenue to the plate for the runner during a play at home unless in possession of the ball or in the act of receiving the ball. This rule will also apply to any other player covering home plate.  For instance: the pitcher covering home plate on a wild pitch. (See Rule 5.01)

4.10 – Sliding

(a)  BW:  HEAD FIRST slides are allowed

(b)  BN, BA, BP:  Sliding is allowed however HEAD FIRST slides are NOT allowed except when a runner is returning to a previously occupied base.  If a runner slides head first, other than when returning to a base, the runner will be called out.

4.11 – Advancing on Overthrow

(a) BP: When an overthrow occurs on a batted ball to the infield, runners may advance at their own risk a maximum of two (2) bases from the base they occupied at the time the pitch is made.  When an overthrow occurs on a batted ball to the outfield, whether on the ground or on the fly, runners may advance at their own risk a maximum of three (3) bases from the base they occupied at the time the pitch is made.

(1) Clarification – An overthrow occurs when a ball is thrown past or over a player in an attempt to make a play at any base, including home plate.

(2) An overthrow does NOT include missing a cut-off man or attempts to throw back to the pitcher. In those situations, runners may advance at their own risk until an overthrow is made on a play at a base.

(3) If the overthrow occurs at home plate in an attempt to make a play on the batter-runner, Rule 4.11 is not in effect.

(b) BP: In returning the ball to the pitcher, a missed throw from the catcher will not constitute a play and no advance of the bases will be allowed.

4.12 - Pitching

(a)  BW:  No player shall pitch more than 60 pitches per day or more than 100 pitches per calendar week through the first four (4) full weeks of the season.  No player shall pitch more than 75 pitches per day or 100 pitches per calendar week starting the fifth Monday of the season.  (A calendar week is from 12:00 am on Monday to 11:59 pm the following Sunday)

(b)  BW:  Boys with a league age of fifteen years old shall be permitted to pitch 50 pitches per week.  Only one 15 year old player may pitch per week.  ( A calendar week is from 12:00 am on Monday to 11:59 pm the following Sunday).

(c)  BN:  No player shall pitch more than 55 pitches or three (3) innings per day or more than 85 pitches or six (6) innings in a week through the first four (4) full weeks of the season.  NO player shall pitch more than 70 pitches or four (4) innings per day or more than 100 pitches or eight (8) innings per calendar week starting the fifth Monday of the season.  (A calendar week is from 12:00 am on Monday to 11:59 pm the following Sunday).  One pitch in an inning counts as a full inning pitched.

(d)  BA:  No player shall pitch more than 50 pitches or three (3) innings per day or more than 75 pitches or six (6) inning per calendar week.  (A calendar week is from 12:00 am on Monday to 11:59 pm the following Sunday)

(e)  BP:  No player shall pitch more than 40 pitches or two (2) innings per game, whichever comes first.  Additionally, all players are limited to no more than 60 pitches or four (4) innings pitched per calendar week.  A calendar week is from 12:00 am on Monday to 11:59 pm Sunday.

(f)  If a pitcher reaches the maximum number of pitches in the middle of a player’s at bat, he will be allowed to finish pitching to that batter before the pitcher must be removed.  The official Scorekeeper is responsible for ensuring that pitches are counted.  Warm up pitches do not count toward the daily/weekly pitch counts.

(g)  BW, BN, BA:  Pitchers shall have at least 36 hours of rest before pitching again if they throw more than 30 pitches on any one calendar day.  They may pitch no more than BW-75, BN-70, BA 50 pitches in back to back days.  The 36 hours rest rule is computed from the scheduled starting time of the game in which the pitching occurred.

(h)  BP:  Pitchers shall have at least 36 hours of rest after pitching in two (2) innings on the same calendar day.  The 36 hours rest rule is computed from the scheduled starting time of the game in which the pitching occurred.

(i)  Once one (1) pitch is made in an inning, it counts as an “inning pitched”

(j)  The pitcher may pitch from the windup or the stretch regardless of runners on base.

(k)  Once a pitcher is removed from the pitching duties in a given game, he cannot return as pitcher in that game.

(l)  BW, BN:  Balks – Warnings for balks shall be issued to each individual pitcher one time per game through the ending of the third full week of games.  Beginning the fourth Monday of the season no warnings will be issued.  Balks fall under the category of “umpire Judgement”.  See Rule 7.01(a).

(1)  BW, BN:  Called balks shall be enforced using “high school” rules, I.E. dead ball, award bases.

(2)  BA, BP:  Balks will not be called in these divisions; however, the umpire may point out incorrect pitching technique.

(m)  Any player warming up a pitcher, regardless of location, must wear a Catcher’s mask.

4.13 – Runs Per Inning

(a)  BW, BN:  There will be five (5) runs maximum per team per inning through the fourth inning. 

(1)  BW:  The number of runs in the fifth, sixth, and seventh innings is unlimited.  

(2)  BN:  The number of runs in the fifth and sixth innings is unlimited.

(b)  BA:  There will be four (4) runs maximum per team per inning through the fourth inning.

(1)  The number of runs in the fifth and sixth innings is unlimited.

(c)  BP:  There will be three (3) runs maximum per team per inning through the fourth inning.

(1)  The number of runs in the fifth and sixth innings is unlimited.

(d)  All runs driven in by an over the fence home run will count regardless of the Maximum Run Rule (Rule 4.13(a)(b)(c)) and the Slaughter Rule (Rule 6.03(a)).

4.14 – Infield Fly

(b)  BA, BP:  Infield fly rule does not apply

5.01 – Intentional Contact

(a)  When a defensive player is attempting to make a play on a runner at any base including home, unless the runner is sliding, the runner will be called out if they intentionally collide with the defensive player.

5.02 – Distracting Behavior

(a)  No fielder shall take a position in the batter’s line of vision, and with deliberate unsportsmanlike intent, act in a manner to distract the batter.  PENALTY: the offender shall be removed from the game and shall leave the playing field, and, if an illegal pitch is made, it shall be nullified.

5.03 – Backstop Behavior

(a)  No one may stand behind the backstop unless bleachers are positioned there.  Coaches standing behind the backstop may be ejected by the umpire.

5.04 – Misconduct

(a)  No Manager, Player, Substitute, Coach or Batboy shall at any time, whether from the bench, the coach’s box or on the playing field, or elsewhere

(1) Incite, or try to incite, by word or sign, a demonstration by spectators;

(2) Use language which will in any manner refer to or reflect upon opposing players, an umpire, or any spectator;

(3) Call “Time”, or employ any word or phrase or commit any act while the ball is live and in play for the obvious purpose of trying to make the Pitcher commit a balk;

(4) Make intentional contact with the umpire in any manner;

(5) Rule 5.04 (a)1,2,3,4 are subject to immediate Ejection by the umpire.

5.05 – Ejections

(a)  Either physical or verbal altercations will result in an automatic ejection from the game.  This includes Player, Managers, Coaches and spectators.  Any ejected person must leave the area before resumption of the game is permitted.  ALL PLAYERS MANAGERS AND COACHES will be subject to the PHBA Code of Conduct.  Any Player, Manager or Coach ejected from a game by the umpire may face further disciplinary action to be determined by the Division Commissioner and Head Commissioner that may affect their standing in future games.  Additional sanctions may be imposed at the discretion of PHBA.  Umpires will provide the umpire Crew Chief for that division with written documentation outlining the reason for the ejection within 24 hours of the end of the game.  Any Player, Manager or Coach ejected for a second time in a season will face further disciplinary action to be determined by the Division Commissioner and Head Commissioner that may affect their standing in future games.  The PHBA Board of Commissioners will review all suspensions and any appeals to a suspension.

6.01 – Game Length

(a)  Six (6) innings (seven (7) in BW) shall constitute a regular game.  If after three (3) innings (four (4) in BW) the game must be called, it will go on record as a complete game (2 ½ innings [3 ½ in BW] if the HOME TEAM is ahead).

6.02 – Ties

(a)  If after six (6) innings, seven (7) for BW, the game is tied, the game will continue until a winner is determined, time permitting (see Rule 6.09(a)).  If a tie game must be called, it will be counted as a half win.

6.03 – Slaughter Rule

(a)  If a team is ten (10) runs ahead at the end of the fifth inning, sixth in BW, the game will be called.

6.04 – Inning Surrender 

(a)  BW, BN, BA:  Each Manager may decide to end their offensive half of an inning if they choose by notifying the umpires that they will surrender the remainder of their at bats for the inning.  At that point the half inning is over and the other team will come up to bat.  This is only allowable in unlimited run innings (5, 6 and 7).  If the team that surrenders their inning comes up again, the batting order must start exactly where it was left off before so that no batters are skipped.

6.05 – Calling a Game/Unsafe Conditions

(a)  Umpire’s may call a game at any time because of any unsafe playing conditions such as, but not limited to, darkness, foul weather and rain.  Through the last Sunday in April, umpire(s) must call the game for darkness ten (10) minutes after the published sundown time for Pleasant Hill (posted on the PHBA Website).  If a game is called before any full inning is completed, the score reverts to the last full inning.  No consideration to the score will be given by the umpire(s) in determining whether to call a game.  When the game is called by the umpire(s), the game will immediately stop and the score will revert to the end of the previous full inning.  For purposes of this rule, the last “full inning” and the previous “full inning” are defined as the last inning in which the Visiting Team has completed its turn at bat with three (3) outs and the Home Team has either completed its turn at bat with three (3) outs or the Home Team is at bat and either tied or is leading in runs scored, regardless of the number of outs.  There are three possible scenarios.

(1)  If a game is called in accordance with Rule 6.05(a) and the Visiting Team is still at bat, the score will revert back to the score at the end of the prior inning.

(2)  If a game is called in accordance with Rule 6.05(a) and the Home Team is at bat with less then three (3) outs, and the Home Team is behind in runs scored, the score will revert back to the score at the end of the prior inning.  If the Home team has tied the score after being behind the previous inning, the game will be scored a TIE.  The score will revert back to the score at the end of the prior inning in any other scenario except Rule 6.05(a)(3).

(3)  If the game is called in accordance with Rule 6.05(a) and the Home Team is at bat and is leading in runs scored, the score will be the current score and the Home Team will be declared the winner.

6.06 – Game Rescheduling

(a)  No game will be rescheduled, except for bad weather or unsafe playing condition.  All proposed rescheduling must be approved in advance by the Division Commissioner.  Rain outs area tie if not rescheduled.  Games not played due to weather will be rescheduled at the discretion of the Division Commissioner.

6.07 – Incomplete Game

(a)  A game called under Rule 6.05(a) that is not yet a complete game under Rule 6.01(a) will be rescheduled to the extent possible under Rule 6.06(a).  A rescheduled game will resume at the point that the game was called and will continue until it qualifies as a complete game, ie, three innings completed; two and a half innings (four and three and a half in BW) if the home team is ahead.  The batting order, pitchers and pitch counts will carry over to the resumed game.

(1)  Pitches used in the resumed game will also count against the pitcher’s pitch counts for the week in which the game was resumed.

(2)  Added for BN – See division exceptions for Boys National games played after sundown, under the lights at Valley View. Rule 3.04(a)

6.08 – Team Minimums

(a)  Each Team must have a minimum of seven (7) players throughout the entire game or forfeit.

6.09 – Game Time Limits

(a)  All games will have a two hour time limit, two and a quarter for BW.  All weekday games begin at the scheduled time.  A new inning begins immediately following the third out.  No new inning will start after two hours of play (two and a quarter for BW) for any/all games (including weekend games).  Once a new inning is started within the two hour time limit, the inning will be played to completion, unless called in accordance with Rule 6.05(a).  The two hour limit (two and a quarter for BW) pertains to starting a new inning, not finishing the inning once it has been started

(b)  All forfeiture times are ten (10) minutes after starting game time.   Umpire’s time is considered official.

6.10 – Protests

(a)  Protests may be entered on the interpretations of the rules or the illegal use of players.  There can be no protest over a judgement call of the umpire.

(b)  PROTEST PROCEDURE: The protesting Manager shall immediately notify the umpire, before another ball is pitched or any succeeding play begins, that the game is being played under protest.  The umpire will then notify the opposing Manager and both scorekeepers.  The protest (in writing from the protesting Manager) must be delivered to the Commissioner of that division within 48 hours of the game’s end.  Violation of this procedure voids the protest.   A $20.00 fee must be included with the formal protest and will be returned only if the protest is allowed.

7.01 – Umpire

(a)  Managers, Coaches or Players cannot dispute any judgement call by the umpire (i.e. balls, strikes etc).  Disputing a judgement call may result in ejection from the game.

8.01 – Scorekeeper

(a)  Home Team supplies the “Official” scorekeeper.  Visiting Team supplies an additional scorekeeper.  Each Manager must present to the opposing scorekeeper a completed lineup card prior to the beginning of the game.  After each inning, Visiting Team scorekeeper will check with the Home Team scorekeeper for the correct score.  Disagreements will be resolved by the umpire.

8.02 – Scorebook Audits

(a)  All scorebooks are subject to audit by the Division Commissioner at any time.

8.03 – Posting Game Scores

(a)  Both team managers are responsible for posting the game score on the league website within 24 hours.