Upper Makefield Youth Baseball League

1. There must be a minimum of six (6) players in the field in order to start a game, otherwise a forfeit will be declared. A maximum of ten (10) players (six (6) infield and four (4) outfield) may play at anyone time. All outfielders must be on the grass beyond the infield cutout and at least ten (10) feet from the nearest base.

2. Six (6) innings per game, although both coaches may agree to shorten the game to a lesser number of innings. Maximum game time of two (2) hours. At the two hour mark, the final score reverts to that at the end of the last completed inning.

3. Eleven (11) inch softball.

4. Sliding is permitted, but not required at any base.

5. No bunting.

6. Stealing is permitted from second to third base only. The base runner must wait for the ball to pass homeplate before stealing third. The running can not advance on an over throw. This comes into effect on 05/12/2010.

7. No infield fly rule.

8. No intentional walks.

9. No bases awarded on an overthrow.

10. Runners may advance only one base on a hit ball that remains in the infield. Runners may try to advance more than one base if the ball goes into the outfield.

11. No leading. A runner may leave the base only after the ball has been put in play (hit). Each team will receive one (1) warning for players leaving the base early. Each subsequent runner leaving a base early will be called out.

12. No player may walk after four (4) walks have been issued in one (1) inning. Thereafter, all batters must remain at the plate until they strike out or hit the ball. Umpires should not change the strike zone after the four (4) walks are issued. The girls are learning to hit as well. Coaches must use their discretion in removing pitchers who are not able to get two (2) or more strikes in a ten (10)-pitch succession.

13. Coaches with a big lead are encouraged to teach good sportsmanship and exhibit common sense.

14. A hit batter will be awarded first base.

15. Peer pitch will be from a pitching rubber located 35’ from the back end of home plate. The pitcher must have at least one foot in contact with the pitching rubber when delivering a pitched ball.

16. Coach pitch is permitted the first two weeks of the season. Starting on 05/01/2010, peer pitching only will be permitted

17. A player may pitch no more than two (2) innings per game. One (1) pitch during an inning constitutes an inning pitched. Innings pitched do not have to be continuous.

18. All players on a team will bat continuously, even if not playing in the field that inning.

19. No more that ten (10) batters may bat in a single inning. After the 9th batter, play will be treated as though there are 2 outs. Balls and strikes will be called, but the 10th batter cannot be walked. A play may be made by tagging any base in front of any runner to make an out to complete the inning, even if there is no force at that base (tagging the runner is not required). Any runners who have not crossed home plate at the time the out is made are not considered to have scored. An overthrow or returning the ball to the pitcher do not complete the inning or stop play when the 10th batter rule is in effect.

20. For all plays except the 10th batter rule (see #19 above), play will be stopped when the pitcher has complete control of the ball within a ten (10) foot radius of the pitching mound, or in the event of an overthrow. However, runners who are half way or more to any base when play is stopped may continue their attempt to gain that base.

21. Free substitution in the field. Each player must play a minimum of four (4) innings in the field and no player may play more than three (3) innings at the same position. Players should be alternated in different infield and outfield positions to help them develop skills at every position.

22. A pinch runner may be used for a catcher on base with two (2) outs in the inning. This allows for the catcher to suit-up and prevents delays in getting the next half-inning started. The pinch runner shall be the last player to have made out during the inning.

23. One coach from the team in the field may stand in the area near second base and instruct his or her fielders from that position.

24. The home team is responsible for scheduling an umpire for each game. However, if an umpire is not available, a coach from the team in the field will be responsible for calling balls and strikes and the base coach(es) from the team at bat will be responsible for calling outs in the field.