Upper Makefield Youth Baseball League

1st/2nd Grade (U8) Developmental League

Lambertville-West Amwell/ Amwell Valley / Delaware/Solebury/Upper Makefield

Playing Time:

1. 4 Innings or 1 hr 45 minutes per game (whichever comes first)

2. All players in attendance at a game will bat in continuous order. Players arriving after the start of the game will be inserted at the end of the lineup.

3. Teams will bat through their order or until 3 outs, whichever comes first.

4. If one team has more players than the other, the team that is short will bat the same amount of players as the opposing team.

5. Teams will play minimum of 4 infielders (optional 5th infielder if no catcher), 1 pitcher. Minimum players for game- 5. If team is short, they can request players from other team for outfield. All other players must play behind the infield dirt edge (outfielders). Teams will play with a maximum of 10 on the field at one time.

6. Play will be called dead when the ball is returned to the pitcher’s circle. Runners will go back to nearest base when play is called dead. Under NO circumstances should your pitcher/pitchers enter the circle with the machine !.. This is for their safety. If the ball rolls into the circle, it is dead.

7. Runners cannot advance on an overthrow. As a catcher is optional and even if a player is in that position, players will not advance on a dropped ball by the catcher. We want to encourage them to try the position, rather than frustrate them.

8. Players can be tagged out in any play. So even if there is not catcher, there can be plays made at home by the infielders.

9. No sliding to any base!

10. The infield fly rule will not apply

Pitching:

(NOTE- When playing Solebury & Upper Makefield, coaches may have to pitch as they do not use a machine )

April 12- May 1, 2008:

1. Pitching machine will be used for the first 6 pitches to every batter (manual or electric). After 6 swings (including foul tips), the coach may manually pitch 3 additional pitches before player is called out.

2. After May 1, 2008: 6 pitches, count swinging strikes for the out

3. Manager will feed the machine when their team is at bat. If the machine is not working, coaches will pitch to their own team.

4. Any batted ball that hits the machine is dead and the player advances to 1st base.

5. Players must be encouraged to swing.

6. No bases awarded on balls.

7. No Batter will be awarded a base if hit with the ball by the machine or coach. Every effort should be made to avoid. The emphasis is to get them to hit to get to base.

8. Player at Pitcher position must wear a batting helmet with faceguard and chin strap. They must stay behind the pitching machine and outside the circle.

9. OPTIONAL PITCHER: (After May 27, 2008) If you have a player who would like to try pitching and it is established they can consistently get the ball over the plate at 30 ft or more (no closer), they can pitch 6 pitches per batter. After 6 balls, coach will complete batters at bat with 3 more pitches.

Live Pitcher must wear a mouthguard !!! Helmet is not needed.

Batting:

1. Batting helmets with faceguards and chin straps must be worn by batters and base runners.

2. Bunting, leading and stealing are not permitted.

3. Runners do not leave their base until the ball is hit.

General Notes:

1. No score will be kept for this division.

2. Up to 2 fielding coaches will be allowed on the field during the game. These are in addition to the coach pitching and catching. (total of 4 adults on the field)

3. Team Parent will remain to supervise in dugout.

4. Home team supplies at least one new game ball. Game balls will be “softie” type.

5. Coaches should refer to their Notes regarding Home team responsibility