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T-Ball

T-Ball Rules: Ages 4-5

Charleston Baseball Association

THE GAME

Remember the object of the game is to have fun and learn about baseball! Please show good sportsmanship at all times.

Home team is listed second on the schedule, and will occupy the 1st base dugout.
The game of T-ball has been developed to allow the beginning player to better practice and learn baseball fundamentals. Coaches should strive to make their players better by teaching them proper hitting techniques, and the strategy of running the bases and playing the game of baseball
Safety, sportsmanship and fun are the name of this game!!
Each team will bat their entire line-up every inning.
No stealing is permitted.
Coaches should switch defensive players around for exposure to all positions.
NO official score book will be kept.
Runners cannot leave base until ball is hit. If a runner is put out, they will remain on the base.
Games have a 1-hour time limit. This league does not have umpires.
There will be no post season tournament for t-ball league.

SPORTSMANSHIP

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)

There will be no use of profane language.
Coaches are responsible for their players’ and fan’s behavior.

Any of these can result in suspension or expulsion from league play.
Although we have no mandatory slide rule at home plate in this league, coaches should talk to the players about avoiding contact with each other while running the bases and at home plate.

AWARDS

Each participant will receive a medallion at the end of the season.

Rainout Hotline 348-8555 (after 3:30 pm)

Rookie

Rookie League

Charleston Baseball Association

THE GAME

Home team will occupy the first base dugout. The home team is listed 2nd on the schedule. No official score will be recorded. The visitors will be in charge of securing the pitching machine (if one is used) in the lock box at the end of the night. If lights were needed, you must also turn them off and return key to the lock box.
Up to eleven players are allowed in the field- five infielders (extra infielder positioned behind 2nd base), four outfielders, one pitcher and one catcher. The four outfielders should be placed evenly in the grass – no short fielders.
Each team will bat until there are 3 outs or the entire lineup has batted, whichever comes first.
A batter shall get 5 pitches or 3 swinging strikes. If he has not hit the ball in play or struck out after the 5th pitch, he is then out. If the final pitch is hit foul, the batter is still alive. An “at bat” will not end on a foul ball. Encourage your players to swing early in the count. There are no walks. The batting rotation shall consist of all players on your team.
If a batted ball hits the pitching machine (if one is used), it is a dead ball and the batter will be awarded 1st base and the runners will be allowed to advance 1 base.
Before the start of the game, coaches from both teams must agree upon the setup of the pitching machine (if one is used). The machine will be set at approximately 36 feet. A chalk line will mark the location on the field. The machine should be set for approximately 26 mph. All three settings on the machine will be on “3” (power level, release block and micro adjust) Trial pitches will be performed until all parties agree on the calibration. Once the machine is set and calibrated and the game begins, no further adjustment of the machine is allowed by either team or coaches.
Both teams must use the same type of ball provided by the league. Wilson RIF 5
Bunting is NOT allowed.
A play will be considered “DEAD” once all runners have stopped progress and the ball is returned to the coach at the machine.
Fielders should be encouraged to attempt to get advancing runners out.
There will be no white lines or commitment lines between bases.
Runners who are aggressively seeking to reach the next base will be allowed to continue to that base if no play is made, regardless of where they are when the ball is returned to the coach.
One base on an overthrow rule: When a fielded ball is overthrown at any base, the runner(s) may attempt to reach the next base at his own risk. If the runner is put out the out stands. This Rule applies to runners on ANY base (example…runner on 2nd may attempt to score on an overthrow at 1st in an attempt to get batter/runner out, batter/runner may attempt to reach 2nd)
Base runners shall not leave the base until the ball has been pitched and has reached the batter.
NO stealing of any base is permitted.

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.

Time Limit – no new inning may start after 1 hour and 15 minutes. Each coach is expected to keep the game moving and clear the field for the following game.

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 may be rescheduled by the coaches via mutual agreement. Contact the Rec Department for field availability.

SPORTSMANSHIP

Profanities by coaches, parents, or players will NOT be tolerated.
Abusive behavior such as intentionally striking a player with a ball, helmet, or bat will not be tolerated.
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.

COACHES ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BEHAVIOR OF THEMSELVES, THEIR PLAYERS, ASSISTANT COACHES AND FANS.

Remember: Let the kids enjoy the game. They are not in the major leagues so everybody should behave accordingly.

Minor

Minor 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.
1. Minor League only – a half inning ends with 3 outs or 6 runs
Equipment rules will follow Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken rules
Pitch count rules in effect.
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.
CAL RIPKEN 60 FOOT BASEBALL DIVISION SPECIAL BASERUNNING RULE:
When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s plate and in possession of the ball and the catcher is in the catcher’s box ready to receive delivery of the ball, baserunners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and has reached home plate. Once the catcher has secured the ball and the runner has stopped his forward progress, the runner must immediately return to the base.

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.
Minor league games are limited to 1 hour and 30 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.
1. Free substitution is allowed in the field only; Extra hitter will be utilized in the batting order; Minor will field 10 with a 4th outfielder (NO short fielder – must play 4 across), and bat a minimum of 11, if available, except that managers are encouraged to bat their entire lineup. Late arriving players will be placed at the bottom of the batting order.
2. 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:
1. 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.

Major

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.
1. 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.
2. 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:
1. 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.

Junior

Junior League Rules

THE GAME

Game 1 starts promptly at 5:30PM. Game 2 starts promptly at 7:30PM (or 10-minutes after the completion of Game 1 if running late).
Home team will be last on the schedule.
An official scorebook will be kept at all times by the Home team who will occupy the first base dugout (a team playing a DH will remain in their Game 1 dugout).
A coach may restrict a player’s game time for repeated unexcused absences from games or practices, or, for more severe disciplinary cases. However, such restrictions must be reported to the Baseball Association prior to the start of the game. Please try to avoid this situation whenever possible.
In the event of the manager’s resignation or termination at any time during the season, the board will appoint a new manager.
NO TRADES: with the exception of conflict between coach and parent, or between coach and player. All moves must be approved by the board.
Pitching distance Junior League: 54”; Bases: 80’ (middle school distances).
A re-draft will occur each new season.
Games are 7 innings with the following exceptions: 8-run rule is in effect after 5 ½ innings with the home team ahead, or after 6 innings with the visitors ahead; 10-run rule is in effect after 4 ½ innings with the home team ahead, or after 5 innings with the visitors ahead; 12-run rule in effect after 3 ½ innings with the home team ahead, or after 4 innings with the visitors ahead.
A 1-hour 45-minute time limit will be in effect for all league games. No new inning shall begin AFTER the 1-hour 45-minute limit, but a new inning can begin at any point BEFORE the 1-hour 45-minute limit is reached. A new inning begins immediately, when the third out is made in the prior inning. For tied games after 7-innings or the 1-hour 45-minute time limit, the International Tiebreaker (ITB) / Major League Baseball (MLB) version will be utilized. At the start of each new inning a runner is placed on second base with the intent of accelerating opportunities to score and bringing the game to a speedier conclusion. The runner is the last batter to make an out in the previous inning. The inning will start with -0- outs and a 0-0 count on the batter.
All players must bat and play the field at least 1 full inning in all 7-inning games.
Pitch count rules in effect.
Balks will be called with one warning given. A called balk is a dead ball.
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.
Free substitution will be allowed in the field only (Defensive).
If an offensive player is injured, his substitute must come from the bench players who have not been in the batting order. If there are none available, then the opposing coach will select the substitute.
No designated hitter allowed
Extra Hitter (EH) WILL be utilized in the batting order, even if the other team does not have 10 players available. The rule is intended to get more players in the game.
Manager has the option of choosing assistant coaches and scorekeeper. If a base coach is a minor, that base coach must wear a protective batting helmet.
There is NO required slide rule. The appropriate rule in effect is the CONTACT RULE: If a runner attempting to reach any base (including home plate) intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player in the area of that base, he will be called out on the play and ejected from the game. The objective of this is to penalize the offensive team for deliberate, unwarranted, unsportsmanlike action by the runner for the obvious purpose of crashing the defensive player, rather than trying to reach a base. Obviously, this is an umpire’s judgment call.
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.
Courtesy runner may be used for the catcher only. The courtesy runner must be the last batted out.
Only 1 manager and 2 assistant coaches and 1 scorekeeper will be allowed in the dugout.
Game 1 teams must be warmed up and have infield practice taken by 5:25 PM. Each team will be given 10 minutes for infield practice; home team has the field first and must be completed by 5:15 PM. Game 2 teams must warm up in the area outside of the diamond and be ready to start play 10 minutes after the first game ends. Game 2 teams will only be allowed infield practice if time permits.
No games will start when a team has less than 6 players; a 10-minute waiting period will be granted for players to arrive. Any team not having the minimum 6 players shall forfeit. If both coaches are in agreement, a practice game may proceed with one team having less than 6 players
If a team starts play with only 6 to 8 players and other players show up late, they may enter the game after notifying the umpire and the scorekeeper. They will be placed at the bottom of the batting order.

TEAM PLAYER STATUS

12-year old “swing-option players” are eligible to play in both Major League and Junior League, simultaneously.
Players will be assigned to teams in a manner approved by the board

UNIFORMS

Basketball shoes, tennis shoes, and rubber cleated shoes are allowed. Metal cleats are permitted, but not by pitchers using the portable mound. A person may not play without shoes, in open-toed shoes, or in street clothes.
All teams MUST wear the sponsor provided uniform shirt and hat. Players should wear baseball pants.

EQUIPMENT

WOODEN BATS ONLY. Bats and balls shall be supplied by the Rec Department, also chest protectors, masks, and shin guards, throat protectors, helmets, and equipment. Players may provide their own equipment.
All catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, and mask with throat protector, protective cup, and helmet. Any player warming up a pitcher between innings must wear a mask with throat protector, and helmet.
If there is an outfield fence, any ball hit over the fence in fair territory will be considered a home run
A ball hit through or under, or that bounces over the fence will be considered a double
If there is not a fence, ground rules will be discussed prior to the start of the game and will not be questioned after the game starts

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:
1. If the game reaches the completion of 5 innings (or 4.5 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 4.5 innings, or the most recently completed inning, if more than 5 innings are complete, the home team is the winner.
2. Unless the managers arrange for another time to complete the game, a suspended game shall be completed when the teams next play each other. At that time, the teams should finish the suspended game to the completion of 5 innings, and then play the regularly-scheduled game to the completion of 5 innings. The suspended game 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.

PROTESTS

Protests must follow official procedure as prescribed in the president’s handbook. All coaches received a copy of the rules. Remember… protest on interpretation of rules only. NO PROTEST on umpire judgment calls. All protests must be filed with the umpire at the time of the occurrence and before another pitch is made. All protests must also be filed in writing to the Rec Department office by 5:00pm, the next business day. Protests will then be decided by the Board.
Protests on player eligibility must be brought to the attention of the Rec Department in writing by 5:00pm, the next business day. Protests will then be decided by the Board.
Only the managers will discuss the protest with the umpires and any available board members. Anyone else may be ejected for interference. This includes fans.

SPORTSMANSHIP

There will be no use of profane language
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)
Any of these actions may result in ejection and/or expulsion from league play
In flagrant cases of unsportsmanlike conduct, an entire team can be held responsible for the actions and conduct of each individual on the team.
The manager is responsible for the conduct of his entire team, including players, coaches, scorekeepers, AND FANS
If the umpire thinks any case is serious enough, he or she will file a written report with the Rec Department, who will then take further action
Any situation that arises not covered by these rules will be decided by the Director of Recreation and the Board

MANAGER’S DUTIES

Make sure all dugouts are clean and trash picked up after your game
Help umpires cover the mound and home plate if they request assistance
Home team provides official scorekeeper; visiting team provides scoreboard operator. Return scoreboard controller to homeplate umpire before leaving the field.
Managers need to try to make up rainouts; contact the Rec Department for available dates; contact umpire supervisor to schedule umpires.

Legion