Baseball Rules & Regulations

 

BASEBALL & SOFTBALL GENERAL RULES 
Updated March 2024 

 

  1. The cutoff date for league play is April 30 for boys and January 1 for Girls per OTS (Organized Team Sport) Manual Article 20.  
     

  1. Only newcomers to the parish may be added to the roster after the start of league play.  
     

  1. All athletes are expected to play within the boundary of their booster club per OTS Manual Article 4.  
     

  1. Players cannot play in an older age group unless there are no teams in his/her age group within their booster club.  
     

  1. Rosters will be automatically split at 24 players per OTS Manual Article 4.  
     

  1. Ground rules pertaining to specific fields should be discussed and agreed upon prior to the start of the game by both coaches and umpires.  
     

  1. Only coaches, players and scorekeepers are allowed in dugouts. Coaches must have badges from background screening on or in their possession.  
     

  1. Coaches may not touch the baserunners during a live ball play. In the event the aforementioned occurs, the player will be called out.  
     

  1. Coaches should have players enter and exit the field briskly to ensure they get the most out of the time allotted for the game.  
     

  1. Coaches must play all players a minimum of two complete innings.  

  1. Free defensive substitution although teams' bat in rotation. 

  1. All players must play at least two complete innings.  

  1. Coaches reserve the right to not have players participate due to disciplinary infractions and/or consecutive missed practices.  
     

  1. Coaches are responsible for the conduct of their team’s assistant coaches, players, parents and spectators. 
     

  1. Heckling opposing batters and players is not permitted.  

 

  1. All games will start at their scheduled time. There will be a 15-minute grace period for the first game of the day only. The late arriving team must be on the field and ready to play within 15 minutes of their scheduled time.  
     

  1. Batting helmets must be worn while batting and running bases. Faceguards are recommended. However, they are optional.  

  1. In addition to the above, baseball coaches should encourage all players to wear protective cups. Baseball catchers will be required to wear a hard protective cup.  
     

  1. Fake bunts and swings are not allowed. In the event this occurs, the batter is out, the ball is dead, and no base runners will advance. There is no warning given for fake bunts and swings.  
     

  1. Coaches are responsible for the care of their equipment provided by the St. Charles Parish Department of Parks and Recreation.  
     

  1. Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone and reschedule games. Games will not be rescheduled due to activities outside of SCPRD programming. This includes vacations, other non-SCPRD affiliated programs, etc.?Games may only be rescheduled to do school events causing teams to not have enough players. However, if teams have the minimum number of players to play, then the game must be played. This includes both regular season and postseason games. Games cancelled due to weather will try to be rescheduled if the calendar of dates allow. Playoff games cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled to the next available playing day. 
     

  1. Games may be rescheduled if a school function prohibits the team from fielding enough players per OTS Manual Article 15.  
     

  1. Coaches should check the website in the event of a rainout at scpparksandrec.com -> league schedules. 
     

  1. Alcoholic beverages are not permitted at youth games and practices in St. Charles Parish per OTS Manual Article 32.  
     

  1. Smoking, vaping, tobacco (dip/chew) will not be allowed on the field, in the dugouts or the bleachers.  
     

  1. There is to be no loud music played in the dugouts or the stands before the start of the games or during the games. Doing so may result in a team forfeit or ejection of party involved. 
     

  1. A player will not be allowed to play with any type of plaster or metal cast on any part of their body.  
     

  1. Players must wear molded cleats or plastic screw in cleats. Metal cleats are not allowed.  
     

  1. Coaches, players, parents, and spectators are required to adhere to the Department of Parks and Recreation’s rules and regulations. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary action, including suspension and/or up to termination in the program's involvement.  
     

  1. If a coach, player, or parent is ejected from the game for any type of gross misbehavior including verbal or physical abuse against any other player, coach, official or spectator, they must leave the park immediately and will be required to sit out the next game as well. If a coach or player is ejected from a game a second time for any of the infractions received, they will face disciplinary actions and will not be allowed to coach or play in any recreational program of a matter of two (2) years.  


  1. Before returning to coaching, the coach must complete an online sportsmanship course and submit the certificate of completion to the Department of Parks and Recreation. The course is accessible through Coach’s Corner at scpparksandrec.com.  
     

  1. Any coach player, parent or spectator who physically assaults an official, coach, player or other spectator will be removed from the field or facility and will not be allowed to participate in Recreation Department sponsored events for a period of two (2) years. If any person who is asked to leave the area due to ejection and does not will be subjected to having law enforcement called on them for removal.  


State Law: Louisiana Rev. Stat. Ann. Section 14-34-4 p34.4. Battery of a school or recreation athletic contest official 

A.(1) Battery of a school or recreation athletic contest official is a battery committed without the consent of the victim when the offender has reasonable grounds to believe the victim is a school athletic or recreation contest official actively engaged in the conducting, supervising, refereeing, or officiating of a school-sanctioned interscholastic athletic contest or a sanctioned recreation athletic contest. 

(2) For purposes of this Section, "school athletic contest official" means any referee, umpire, coach, instructor, administrator, staff person, or school or school board employee of any public or private elementary and secondary school. 

(3) For purposes of this Section, "recreation athletic contest official" means any referee, umpire, coach, instructor, administrator, staff person, or recreation employee of any public or quasi-public recreation program. 

B. (1) Whoever commits the crime of battery of a school or recreation athletic contest official shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars and not more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned not less than five days nor more than six months without benefit of suspension of sentence. 

(2) Whoever commits the crime of battery of a school or recreation athletic contest official which results in serious bodily injury to the victim as defined in R.S. 14:34.1(B)(3) shall be fined not less than one thousand dollars and not more than five thousand dollars and imprisoned for not less than ten days nor more than six months. 

(3)(a) In addition to any other penalty imposed, the court shall order the offender to perform forty hours of court-approved community service work. 

(b) In addition to any other penalty imposed, the court shall order the offender to participate in a court-approved counseling program which may include anger management, abusive behavior intervention groups, or any other type of counseling deemed appropriate by the court. Any costs associated with the counseling program shall be borne by the offender. 

(c) Participation in the community service and counseling program required by the provisions of Subparagraphs (a) and (b) of this Paragraph shall not be suspended. 

(d) Failure to successfully complete the community service work and counseling program, as determined by the supervisor of the program to which he is assigned, may result in revocation of probation. 

Acts 1990, No. 675, §1; Acts 1999, No. 1046, §1; Acts 2014, No. 815, §1.      

 

End of Season Tournament Protest Procedure:

A.?Call time-out during the next dead ball.

B.Inform umpire and opposing coach of your intention to protest and why.

C.Player Protest -- if opposing coach questions, the eligibility of a player, the players must put his or her signature and birth date on the opposing team’s scorebook. The protest will be delivered to the recreation department within one working day, and the director of youth sports will rule on the protest. The player and the game will be played and completed. 

D. Submit written or typed protest to the recreation department within 24 hours. (Protests must be postmarked within 24 hours if mailed.) 

E.Write down the remaining time left in the game, number of outs, runners on base, etc. 

There is to be no loud music played in the dug outs or in the stands before the start of the games?or during the games. Doing so may result in a team forfeit of party or parties involved. 

27.Bat Information: 

Any bat permanently stamped with the official USA Baseball logo is legal to use in any USSSA baseball event, except where BBCOR is required. In all 13U Events all Players and all Teams must use a max drop of 8 (-8). In all 14U Events all Players and all Teams must use a max drop 5 (-5) bat.  

 

7-8-YEAR-OLD BOYS 
Coach-Pitch Baseball Rules?? 
Updated March 2024 

GENERAL INFO 
1. COACHES 
All coaches shall be an adult of at least eighteen (18) years of age and pass a mandatory background check. 

1A. One (1) team manager and three (3) coaches are allowed to be on the coaching roster for this age group. When a team is on defense, all coaches must remain in their respective dugout.  
 

2. GAME TIME 
Teams should be on the field 15 minutes prior to scheduled game times. 

3. POSTPONEMENTS/RESCHEDULES  
Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone and reschedule games. Games will not be rescheduled due to activities outside of SCPRD programming. This includes vacations, other non-SCPRD affiliated programs, etc. Games may only be rescheduled to do school events causing teams to not have enough players. However, if teams have the minimum number of players to play, then the game must be played. This includes both regular season and postseason games. Games cancelled due to weather will try to be rescheduled if the calendar of dates allow. Playoff games cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled to the next available playing day. 

4. TOBACCO, VAPING, ALCOHOL 
?Use of alcohol, chewing tobacco, dip, smoking, and or vaping on the field or in the dugout is prohibited. Use of these substances may result in a forfeit.  

 

EQUIPMENT 
1. BAT INFORMATION 
Any bat permanently stamped with the official USA Baseball logo is legal to use in any USSA baseball event, except where BBCOR is required.  

 

 

FIELD DIMENSIONS 

1. BASES 
Bases will be located 60’ apart.  

2. PITCHING CIRCLE 
Coaches will pitch within the circle. The pitcher’s mark will be placed at 35’. The circle will be a minimum of 30’ but will not exceed 42’ with a mound. There shall be a ten (10) foot diameter circle with the front edge at forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate. 

3. PITCHER’S LINE 
There shall be a line drawn from the pitcher’s circle to the safety arc. 

4. FAIR BALL ARC 
There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. 

GENERAL GAME PLAY 

1.?RUN RULE 
If a team is ahead by ten (10) runs after four (4) complete innings the game will be called.??If a team is ahead by 15 (15) runs after 3 (3) complete innings the game will be called. 

2. TIME LIMIT 
Games will be one hour and fifteen 15 minutes (1:15) drop time or six (6) innings, whichever comes first (NO NEW INNING WILL START AFTER 1:05).? 

 

3. FAIR BALL ARC 
A batted ball must go past the 20-foot fair ball arc line to be considered a fair ball. 

4. SAFETY AREA 
Players must stay behind the 35-foot pitcher’s circle until the ball is hit. 

5. PITCHER’S LINE 
The pitching Coach shall keep one foot on or straddle the pitcher’s line. The Coach can pitch anywhere between the 30’ Safety Arc and 42’ Pitching Circle.  

5A. The pitching coach shall not verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position.  

6. OBSTRUCTION? 
The pitching coach shall position himself as not to be an obstruction to the defensive team on any play once the ball has been hit. 

Rule 6A Penalty: If a coach is found to be obstructing play ater the ball is pitched, obstruction will be called. If a coach violates this rule before the ball is pitched the following will take place: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of coach as pitcher for the remainder of the game 

7. CATCHERS 
The catcher shall receive the pitch in the catcher’s box in a normal baseball manner. If, in the Umpire’s judgment, the catcher is not receiving the ball in a normal baseball manner, there shall be a warning issued. If the act continues after the warning, the offending teams’ manager must change the catcher. 

8. DEFENSIVE PLAYERS 
Ten (10) defensive players shall play in the field with four (4) outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder shall not assume an infield position. All outfielders shall stay behind the baseline. 

8A. The defensive player listed as pitcher shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit. 

Rule 8A Penalty:?The play continues. After the play ends, the offensive team can take the result of the play or no-pitch. 

Rule 8A: Additional Penalty:?First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game. 

9. DEFENSIVE COACHES  
Defensive coaches shall not be allowed on the field of play and shall coach from the dugout. 

10. INFIELD FLY RULE 
The Infield Fly Rule shall not be in effect at any time. 

11. BATTING RULES 
The batting order shall constitute all present players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals shall be inserted at the bottom of the batting order. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the batting order. 

11A.??Teams may start a game with eight (8) players. The ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) positions in the batting order shall be declared an out each turn at bat. 

Rule 11A. Approved Ruling:?A ninth (9th) & tenth (10th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available. 

11B.?Teams may use free substitution on defense, but the batting order shall remain the same. 

11C.?Bunting shall not be allowed. 

11D.?The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes. (The bat is extended if the last pitch is hit foul, the 7th pitch must be put in fair territory) 

11E.?A player may only be Intentionally Walked once per game by announcement from the defensive team. 

11F.?When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply: 

  • If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance. 

  • If in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter will be awarded first base, and runners will advance one (1) base.? 

11G.?If a batter slings his bat, a warning will be given to the team at bat.??After one warning, any player on the warned team who slings his bat will be called out immediately and no runners will advance.??The umpire/coach will be the sole judge of whether the bat was slung or dropped.??This is NOT an appeal play. 

 

11H. If the batter is hit by a pitch, he or she will?not?be awarded first base. It will be ruled as a no-pitch. If the batter cannot continue the at-bat, the next batter in the lineup will take their place and the count will start over. 

 

12. BASE RUNNING 
Runners shall not take a lead or steal bases. A runner is out if he leaves the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate. 

12A.?A courtesy runner for catcher of record only the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base. If the batting team has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was run for must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team. 
 
12B. Sliding is permitted. However, when a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire.? 

13. SCORING 
?A team may score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning. An inning consists of 3 outs or 5 runs whichever comes first. 

13A.?The game is over when the opposing team is mathematically eliminated from scoring enough runs to win or tie the game. (Run Rules still apply) 

14. “TIME”  
Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as all the runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule. 

14A.?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 AWARDS? 
All overthrown balls are live unless the ball leaves the field of play, in which case, a one (1) base limit will be given to the runners. This applies to both fenced-in fields and non-fenced in fields. On a non-fenced in field the out of play line, not the foul line, is considered “leaving the field of play”. Any (fair) batted ball that bounces over, rolls through or under a fence will be a ground rule double. 

? 

16.??INTERFERENCE 
Interference?will be enforced.??This includes batters and catchers deliberately attempting to distract. 

? 

PLAYOFF RULES 

1. UMPIRES 
The field umpire will call plays on the bases.??The home plate umpire shall be Umpire-in-chief for the game and will call fair or foul, plays at home plate, leaving early and assist in calling plays on the bases.??Any thrown ball striking an umpire /coach, in fair territory, is in play. 

? 

2.?STANDINGS 

Standings will not be kept during the regular season. The end of the season tournament will be determined by a?blind draw. 

? 

3. OPEN INNING 
Teams will play by regular season rules. However, the 6th inning will be an open inning. ?The games will be 1 hour 15 minutes. An official will allow teams to finish the inning. A certified umpire will be provided during tournament play. 

4. TIME LIMIT 

Games in bracket play will be regular season time limit. The championship game will be?6 innings. The inning must be completed to mark the conclusion of the game. Winner takes all.? 

 

5. END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT PROTEST PROCEDURE 

The below rules should be followed to submit a formal protest during end of season play:  

  1. Call timeout during the next dead ball.  

  1. Inform the umpire and the opposing coach of your intention to protest and why.  

  1. Submit written or typed protest to the recreation department within 24 hours. If sent via traditional mailing methods, protests must be postmarked within 24 hours.  

  1. The protest must include the remaining time left in the game, number of outs, runners on base, etc.  

 

5A. Player Protest 
In the event of a player protest (questioning the eligibility of a player), the player(s) must put his/her signature and birth date on the opposing team’s scorebook. The protest will be delivered to the recreation department within one working day, and the director of youth sports will rule on the protest. The player may continue to play. The game will be played and completed.  

 
 
*Highlights denote rule changes prior to the 2024 season.  

 

9-10-YEAR-OLD BOYS 
 Baseball Rules?? 
Updated March 2024 

 

GENERAL INFO 
1. COACHES 
All coaches shall be an adult of at least eighteen (18) years of age and pass a mandatory background check. 

1A. One (1) team manager and three (3) coaches are allowed to be on the coaching roster for this age group. When a team is on defense, all coaches must remain in their respective dugout.  

2.?GAME TIME 
Teams should be on the field 15 minutes prior to scheduled game times. 

3. POSTPONEMENTS/RESCHEDULES  
Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone and reschedule games. Games will not be rescheduled due to activities outside of SCPRD programming. This includes vacations, other non-SCPRD affiliated programs, etc.?Games may only be rescheduled to do school events causing teams to not have enough players. However, if teams have the minimum number of players to play, then the game must be played. This includes both regular season and postseason games. Games cancelled due to weather will try to be rescheduled if the calendar of dates allow. Playoff games cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled to the next available playing day. 

4. TEAM SIZE 
Teams will consist of at least 9 players. Three of the nine players will be in the outfield. At least eight players are needed to play. There will be no penalty for having less than 9. Players may be added to the lineup once they arrive.  

5. OFFICIAL BOOK 
The official book will be kept by the home team. Umpires and officials will make final rulings.  

6. TOBACCO, VAPING, ALCOHOL 
?Use of alcohol, chewing tobacco, dip, smoking, and/or vaping on the field or in the dugout is prohibited. Use of these substances may result in a forfeit. 

 

 

EQUIPMENT 
1. BATTERS 
All batters must wear a batting helmet when on the field of play, whether as an on-deck hitter, a batter or base runner. Face masks are optional.  

2. CATCHERS 
Catchers must wear a facemask, helmet, mitt, chest protector, shin guards and a protective supporter with a cup. The catcher must also wear a catcher’s mitt. General fielding gloves will not be permitted.  

3. GAME BALLS 
Each team will supply game balls.  
 
 

FIELD DIMENSIONS 
1. BASES 
Bases will be situated 60’ apart.  

2. PITCHING DISTANCE  
Players will pitch from 46’.  

 

GENERAL GAME PLAY 
1. TIME LIMIT 
Games will be 6 innings or a 1-hour-30-minute drop time.?(No new inning will start after 1:20) Games in Bracket play will be regular season time limit. 

2. RUN RULE  
If a team is ahead by 15 runs after three (3) complete innings, the game will be called. If a team is ahead by 10 runs after four (4) complete innings, the game will be called.  

3. INNINGS 
League innings will consist of three (3) outs or five (5) runs.  

4. BASE RUNNING 
Runners are allowed to lead off but cannot steal until the ball crosses the plate or on a wild pitch that gets by the catcher. Runners will not be allowed to steal home unless the ball gets by the catcher on a wild pitch.  

I. Note this does not apply to the 9/10 A League, and players can steal at any point.  

4A. Sliding is allowed. However, whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire.  

If malicious contact is determined, the runner will be called out and could be ejected from the game at the Umpire’s discretion.  
 
A runner who jumps over a player will be called out regardless of contact with the defensive player. 

A dead ball appeal can be appealed directly to the Umpire without the pitcher throwing to the appealed base. Only one dead ball appeal is allowed on any play.  

4B. A courtesy runner for the catcher of record from the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base.  

i. If the batting team has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was substituted must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.  

4C. In the event a ball is overthrown, and the ball goes out of play, the runner will advance to one base. 

5. BATTING RULES 

5A. In the event first base is unoccupied or if there are two outs with a runner on first, batters are allowed to advance on a third strike if the catcher drops the ball.  

5B. If a batter is hit by a pitch, he or she will be awarded first base. 

5C. Bunting is permitted. However, fake bunting followed by an attempted swing, or a “slash” bunt is not allowed. Should someone attempt a fake bunt, the ball will be ruled dead, the batter will be out, and no runners will advance.  

5D. If a batter slings his bat, a warning will be given to the team at bat. After one warning, any player on the warned team who slings his bat will be called out immediately and no runners will advance. The umpire will be the sole judge of whether the bat was slung or dropped. This is not an appeal play. 

5E.  Any fair batted ball that bounces over, goes through or under a fence will be ruled a ground rule double.  

6. INFIELD FLY RULE 
The infield fly rule will be in effect.  

7. INTERFERENCE 
Interference will be enforced. This includes both batters and catchers deliberately attempting to distract.  

8. PITCHING 
Coaches are responsible for keeping a record of their team’s pitch count. Teams must designate a coach or a parent to keep a record of a player’s pitch count. Their record will be kept and enforced for all competitions including the postseason.  
 
8A. Balks will not be enforced.  

8B. Mandatory Days of Rest 
 i. A player that pitches more than three (3) innings in one day must rest the next day. 
 ii. A player that pitches eight (8) innings in two consecutive days must rest the next day.  
 iii. A player that pitches three (3) consecutive days, regardless of total quantity of innings pitched must rest the following day.  

 

PLAYOFF RULES 
1. TIME LIMIT 
Championship game will be?6 innings with the 6-inning open or a 1:45 time limit. (No new inning will start after 1:35). Must finish the inning. Winner takes all.? 

2.?STANDINGS 

Standings will not be kept during the regular season. The end of the season tournament will be determined by a?blind draw. 

 

3. END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT PROTEST PROCEDURE 

The below rules should be followed to submit a formal protest during end of season play:  

  1. Call timeout during the next dead ball.  

  1. Inform the umpire and the opposing coach of your intention to protest and why.  

  1. Submit written or typed protest to the recreation department within 24 hours. If sent via traditional mailing methods, protests must be postmarked within 24 hours.  

  1. The protest must include the remaining time left in the game, number of outs, runners on base, etc.  

 

3A. Player Protest 
In the event of a player protest (questioning the eligibility of a player), the player(s) must put his/her signature and birth date on the opposing team’s scorebook. The protest will be delivered to the recreation department within one working day, and the director of youth sports will rule on the protest. The player may continue to play. The game will be played and completed. 

 

 

11-12-YEAR-OLD BOYS 
 Baseball Rules?? 
Updated March 2024 

GENERAL INFO 
1. COACHES 
All coaches shall be an adult of at least eighteen (18) years of age and pass a mandatory background check. 

1A. One (1) team manager and three (3) coaches are allowed to be on the coaching roster for this age group. When a team is on defense, all coaches must remain in their respective dugout.  

2. GAME TIME 
Teams should be on the field 15 minutes prior to scheduled game times. 

3. POSTPONEMENTS/RESCHEDULES  
Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone and reschedule games. Games will not be rescheduled due to activities outside of SCPRD programming. This includes vacations, other non-SCPRD affiliated programs, etc.?Games may only be rescheduled to do school events causing teams to not have enough players. However, if teams have the minimum number of players to play, then the game must be played. This includes both regular season and postseason games. Games cancelled due to weather will try to be rescheduled if the calendar of dates allow. Playoff games cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled to the next available playing day. 

4. TEAM SIZE 
Teams will consist of at least 9 players. Three of the nine players will be in the outfield. At least eight players are needed to play. There will be no penalty for having less than 9. Players may be added to the lineup once they arrive.  

5. OFFICIAL BOOK 
The official book will be kept by the home team. Umpires and officials will make final rulings.  

6. TOBACCO, VAPING, ALCOHOL 
?Use of alcohol, chewing tobacco, dip, smoking, and/or vaping on the field or in the dugout is prohibited. Use of these substances may result in a forfeit. 

 

 

EQUIPMENT 
1. BATTERS 
All batters must wear a batting helmet when on the field of play, whether as an on-deck hitter, a batter or base runner. Face masks are optional.  

2. CATCHERS 
Catchers must wear a facemask, helmet, mitt, chest protector, shin guards and a protective supporter with a cup. The catcher must also wear a catcher’s mitt. General fielding gloves will not be permitted.  

3. GAME BALLS 
Each team will supply game balls.  
 
 

FIELD DIMENSIONS 
1. BASES 
Bases will be situated 70’ apart.  

2. PITCHING DISTANCE  
Players will pitch from 50’.  

 

GENERAL GAME PLAY 
1. TIME LIMIT 
Games will be 6 innings or a 1-hour-30-minute drop time.?(No new inning will start after 1:20) Games in Bracket play will be regular season time limit. 

2. RUN RULE  
If a team is ahead by 15 runs after three (3) complete innings, the game will be called. If a team is ahead by 10 runs after four (4) complete innings, the game will be called.  

3. INNINGS 
League innings will consist of three outs.  

4. BASE RUNNING 
Leading off and stealing is allowed in this age group.  

4A. Sliding is allowed. However, whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire.  

If malicious contact is determined, the runner will be called out and could be ejected from the game at the Umpire’s discretion.  
 
A runner who jumps over a player will be called out regardless of contact with the defensive player. 

A dead ball appeal can be appealed directly to the Umpire without the pitcher throwing to the appealed base. Only one dead ball appeal is allowed on any play.  

4B. A courtesy runner for the catcher of record from the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base.  

i. If the batting team has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was substituted must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.  

4C. In the event a ball is overthrown, and the ball goes out of play, the runner will advance to one base. 

5. BATTING RULES 
Leading off and stealing is allowed in this age group.  

5A. In the event first base is unoccupied or if there are two outs with a runner on first, batters are allowed to advance on a third strike if the catcher drops the ball.  

5B. If a batter is hit by a pitch, he or she will be awarded first base. 

5C. Bunting is permitted. However, fake bunting followed by an attempted swing, or a “slash” bunt is not allowed. Should someone attempt a fake bunt, the ball will be ruled dead, the batter will be out, and no runners will advance.  

5D. If a batter slings his bat, a warning will be given to the team at bat. After one warning, any player on the warned team who slings his bat will be called out immediately and no runners will advance. The umpire will be the sole judge of whether the bat was slung or dropped. This is not an appeal play. 

5E. Any fair batted ball that bounces over, goes through or under a fence will be ruled a ground rule double.  

6. INFIELD FLY RULE 
The infield fly rule will be in effect.  

7. INTERFERENCE 
Interference will be enforced. This includes both batters and catchers deliberately attempting to distract.  

8. PITCHING 
Coaches are responsible for keeping a record of their team’s pitch count. Teams must designate a coach or a parent to keep a record of a player’s pitch count. Their record will be kept and enforced for all competitions including the postseason.  
 
8A. After a pitcher receives one (1) warning, balks will be enforced and issued. 

8B. Mandatory Days of Rest 
 i. A player that pitches more than three (3) innings in one day must rest the next day. 
 ii. A player that pitches eight (8) innings in two consecutive days must rest the next day.  
 iii. A player that pitches three (3) consecutive days, regardless of total quantity of innings pitched must rest the following day.  

 

PLAYOFF RULES 
1. TIME LIMIT 
Championship game will be?6 innings with the 6-inning open or a 1:45 time limit. (No new inning will start after 1:35). Must finish the inning. Winner takes all.? 

2.?STANDINGS 

Standings will not be kept during the regular season. The end of the season tournament will be determined by a?blind draw. 

 

3. END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT PROTEST PROCEDURE 

The below rules should be followed to submit a formal protest during end of season play:  

  1. Call timeout during the next dead ball.  


  1. Inform the umpire and the opposing coach of your intention to protest and why.  


  1. Submit written or typed protest to the recreation department within 24 hours. If sent via traditional mailing methods, protests must be postmarked within 24 hours.  


  1. The protest must include the remaining time left in the game, number of outs, runners on base, etc.  

 

3A. Player Protest 
In the event of a player protest (questioning the eligibility of a player), the player(s) must put his/her signature and birth date on the opposing team’s scorebook. The protest will be delivered to the recreation department within one working day, and the director of youth sports will rule on the protest. The player may continue to play. The game will be played and completed. 

 

 

13-15-YEAR-OLD BOYS 
 Baseball Rules?? 
Updated March 2024 

 

GENERAL INFO 
1. COACHES 
All coaches shall be an adult of at least eighteen (18) years of age and pass a mandatory background check. 

1A. One (1) team manager and three (3) coaches are allowed to be on the coaching roster for this age group. When a team is on defense, all coaches must remain in their respective dugout.  

2. GAME TIME 
Teams should be on the field 15 minutes prior to scheduled game times. 

3. POSTPONEMENTS/RESCHEDULES  
Only the Department of Parks and Recreation can postpone and reschedule games. Games will not be rescheduled due to activities outside of SCPRD programming. This includes vacations, other non-SCPRD affiliated programs, etc.?Games may only be rescheduled to do school events causing teams to not have enough players. However, if teams have the minimum number of players to play, then the game must be played. This includes both regular season and postseason games. Games cancelled due to weather will try to be rescheduled if the calendar of dates allow. Playoff games cancelled due to weather will be rescheduled to the next available playing day. 

4. TEAM SIZE 
Teams will consist of at least 9 players. Three of the nine players will be in the outfield. At least eight players are needed to play. There will be no penalty for having less than 9. Players may be added to the lineup once they arrive.  

5. OFFICIAL BOOK 
The official book will be kept by the home team. Umpires and officials will make final rulings.  

6. TOBACCO, VAPING, ALCOHOL 
?Use of alcohol, chewing tobacco, dip, smoking, and/or vaping on the field or in the dugout is prohibited. Use of these substances may result in a forfeit. 

 

 

EQUIPMENT 
1. BATTERS 
All batters must wear a batting helmet when on the field of play, whether as an on-deck hitter, a batter or base runner. Face masks are optional.  

2. CATCHERS 
Catchers must wear a facemask, helmet, mitt, chest protector, shin guards and a protective supporter with a cup. The catcher must also wear a catcher’s mitt. General fielding gloves will not be permitted.  

3. GAME BALLS 
Each team will supply game balls.  
 
 

FIELD DIMENSIONS 
1. BASES 
Bases will be situated 80’ apart.  

2. PITCHING DISTANCE  
Players will pitch from 54’.  

 

GENERAL GAME PLAY 
1. TIME LIMIT 
Games will be 6 innings or a 1-hour-30-minute drop time.?(No new inning will start after 1:20) Games in Bracket play will be regular season time limit. 

2. RUN RULE  
If a team is ahead by 15 runs after three (3) complete innings, the game will be called. If a team is ahead by 10 runs after four (4) complete innings, the game will be called.  

3. INNINGS 
League innings will consist of three outs.  

4. BASE RUNNING 
Leading off and stealing is allowed in this age group.  

4A. Sliding is allowed. However, whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire.  

If malicious contact is determined, the runner will be called out and could be ejected from the game at the Umpire’s discretion.  
 
A runner who jumps over a player will be called out regardless of contact with the defensive player. 

A dead ball appeal can be appealed directly to the Umpire without the pitcher throwing to the appealed base. Only one dead ball appeal is allowed on any play.  

4B. A courtesy runner for the catcher of record from the previous inning may be used. The courtesy runner shall be the player that made the previous out. If no outs have been recorded in the game, the courtesy runner shall be the previous batter not on base.  

i. If the batting team has not played defense yet and a courtesy runner is used for a player, the player that was substituted must assume the catching position the next inning. This scenario only applies in the first inning for the visiting team.  

4C. In the event a ball is overthrown, and the ball goes out of play, the runner will advance to one base. 

5. BATTING RULES 
Leading off and stealing is allowed in this age group.  

5A. In the event first base is unoccupied or if there are two outs with a runner on first, batters are allowed to advance on a third strike if the catcher drops the ball.  

5B. If a batter is hit by a pitch, he or she will be awarded first base. 

5C. Bunting is permitted. However, fake bunting followed by an attempted swing, or a “slash” bunt is not allowed. Should someone attempt a fake bunt, the ball will be ruled dead, the batter will be out, and no runners will advance.  

5D. If a batter slings his bat, a warning will be given to the team at bat. After one warning, any player on the warned team who slings his bat will be called out immediately and no runners will advance. The umpire will be the sole judge of whether the bat was slung or dropped. This is not an appeal play. 

5E. Any fair batted ball that bounces over, goes through or under a fence will be ruled a ground rule double.  

6. INFIELD FLY RULE 
The infield fly rule will be in effect.  

7. INTERFERENCE 
Interference will be enforced. This includes both batters and catchers deliberately attempting to distract.  

8. PITCHING 
Coaches are responsible for keeping a record of their team’s pitch count. Teams must designate a coach or a parent to keep a record of a player’s pitch count. Their record will be kept and enforced for all competitions including the postseason.  
 
8A. Balks will be enforced and issued. 

8B. Mandatory Days of Rest 
 i. A player that pitches more than three (3) innings in one day must rest the next day. 
 ii. A player that pitches eight (8) innings in two consecutive days must rest the next day.  
 iii. A player that pitches three (3) consecutive days, regardless of total quantity of innings pitched must rest the following day.  

9. FREE SUBSTITUTION 
Free substitution will be in effect. 

 

PLAYOFF RULES 
1. TIME LIMIT 
Championship game will be?6 innings with the 6-inning open or a 1:45 time limit. (No new inning will start after 1:35). Must finish the inning. Winner takes all.? 

2.?STANDINGS 

Standings will not be kept during the regular season. The end of the season tournament will be determined by a?blind draw. 

 

3. END OF SEASON TOURNAMENT PROTEST PROCEDURE 

The below rules should be followed to submit a formal protest during end of season play:  

 

  1. Call timeout during the next dead ball.  


  1. Inform the umpire and the opposing coach of your intention to protest and why.  


  1. Submit written or typed protest to the recreation department within 24 hours. If sent via traditional mailing methods, protests must be postmarked within 24 hours.  


  1. The protest must include the remaining time left in the game, number of outs, runners on base, etc.  

 

3A. Player Protest 

In the event of a player protest (questioning the eligibility of a player), the player(s) must put his/her signature and birth date on the opposing team’s scorebook. The protest will be delivered to the recreation department within one working day, and the director of youth sports will rule on the protest. The player may continue to play. The game will be played and completed.  

  

 
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