Major League
Charleston Baseball Association
THE GAME
- Home Team is listed 2nd on the Schedule and will occupy 1st base dugout. Official book is kept by the home team. Visiting team will provide a scoreboard keeper.
- Game time may be restricted for players with excessive absences or disciplinary problems. These situations should be kept to a minimum.
- The CBA will appoint a new manager in the event there is a resignation.
- NO TRADES, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF A CONFLICT between coach and parent or coach and player. All exceptions must be approved by the Board.
- Games will be 6-innings with the following exceptions: 8-run rule is in effect after 5 innings if the visiting team is ahead or after 4.5 innings if the home team is ahead; 10-run rule is in effect after 4 innings if the visiting team is ahead or after 3.5 innings if the home team is ahead; 15-run rule is in effect after 3 innings if the visiting team is ahead or after 2.5 innings if the home team is ahead.
- Equipment rules will follow Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken rules
- Pitch count rules in effect.
- Balks will be called with one warning given. A called balk is a dead ball.
- Manager has the option of choosing assistants from parents of drafted players on his/her team or as approved by the Board. If a base coach is a minor, that base coach must wear a protective batting helmet.
- Slide rule in effect at home plate, if a play is being made. Umpire’s discretion.
- Offensive Interference is prohibited. Offensive interference is any action by an offensive player that impedes or interferes with a defensive player making a play. This does not require contact and can include verbal interference.
- Defensive Interference is prohibited. Defensive interference is any action by a defensive player without possession of the ball, and not fielding the ball, that impedes an advancing offensive player.
- No slashing rule. Players may not show a bunt and then pull the bat back and hit the ball. This is a safety rule. If a player slashes it will be an automatic out with no appeal.
- Major league games are limited to 1 hour and 45 minute time limit, if the home team is ahead and a new inning has not started. A new inning starts immediately after the 3rd out of the previous inning.
THE TEAM
- All players must bat at least once and play in the field at least one inning all six inning games. Players should receive as much playing time as possible.
- Free substitution is allowed in the field only. Extra hitter will be utilized in the batting order – Major will field 9 and bat a minimum of 10 if available; Managers are encouraged to bat their entire lineup. Late arriving players will be placed at the bottom of the batting order.
- Teams must have at least 6 players to begin a game. A 10 minute waiting period will be granted for players to arrive, otherwise a team not having the minimum number of players shall forfeit. Late arriving players will be placed at the bottom of the batting order.
UNIFORMS
- Tennis shoes and rubber-cleated shoes ONLY are allowed. No metal spikes, open toed, or street shoes.
- All teams must wear the same type of uniform shirts and baseball pants.
RAINOUTS & SUSPENDED GAMES
- The CBA will determine if a game is to be postponed. Managers and players should call the rainout hotline at 348-8555.
- Games interrupted by darkness, rain, or other conditions before completion are subject to the following rules for suspended games:
- If the game reaches the completion of 4 innings (or 3.5 innings when the home team is ahead), the game shall be considered a complete regulation game, so long as the game is not a tie. If the visiting team is in the lead at the end of the last fully completed inning, that team is the winner. If the home team is in the lead at the end of 3.5 innings, or the most recently completed inning, if more than 4 innings are complete, the home team is the winner.
- An incomplete suspended game should be completed at the earliest time available for both teams, and it shall continue from the point of suspension. Any players in the first game but unavailable for the rescheduled time are removed from the batting order without negative consequences. Any players unavailable for the first game but available for the rescheduled time are placed at the end of the batting order without negative consequences.
- Portable mounds can be used to make both Morton Park and Baker Softball available for makeup games.
SPORTSMANSHIP
- Profanities by coaches, parents, or players will NOT be tolerated.
- There will be no behavior which threatens any player, coach, or umpire by unsportsmanlike conduct. (for example: intentionally trying to strike an individual, throwing a bat or helmet, or verbally threatening another player, coach, or umpire)
- Players, coaches and fans are prohibited from verbally or physically interfering with play on the field. For example, players should not yell “I’ve got it” when a fielder is attempting to catch a ball. Fans should not yell “swing” at the batter.
- If a player, parent, or coach is ejected from a game they must sit out the next contest played in accordance with IHSA regulations as adopted by the CBA. Ejected players are allowed to sit on the bench. Ejected coaches or parents must leave the premises until the game is over.
Remember: Let the kids enjoy the game. They are not in the professional leagues so everybody should behave accordingly.