I.                   GENERAL:

A.               The Official High School Rule Book will serve as the playing rules for The Detroit Youth Baseball League (DYBL) except as amended by the American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC) Official Handbook, the American Softball Association (ASA), the Reviving Baseball in Inner Cities (RBI) Official Handbook or herein by DYBL’s 2006 Rules & Regulations.  If a rule is not covered in any of the aforementioned publications, then the Official Baseball Rules will apply.

B.               If any DYBL team is duly organized to play as an All-Star team of another league or tournament or TDP league-approved house league team, such rules of that league or tournament shall take precedence over the rules of DYBL.

C.               Each DYBL team shall have at least one coach deemed as a “Certified Coach” who has participated in at least 2 (two) of a series of clinics judged authentic by DYBL’s Baseball Commissioner or Director of Athletics (starting in 2006).  Also, the “Certified Coach” will have to meet additional criteria including the following (effective 2006):

1.             The certified coach must provide information to DYBL for the sole purpose of obtaining a criminal background check.  DYBL’s administrative staff will make a decision based on the results of the criminal background check if a person will be allowed to coach in DYBL (effective 2004).

2.             The certified coach must be certified in CPR by providing the Baseball Commissioner with an official CPR card by the American Red Cross or like organization.  The card will be good for 1 (one) year before it must be renewed.  The certified coach may also take a course given by an instructor approved by DYBL (effective 2004).

Finally, each certified coach must sign a contract agreeing to all contents of DYBL’s Rules & Regulations, and adhering to the policies stated within.  Coaches will be held accountable to DYBL’s Rules & Regulations.

D.               The “Manager’s Code of Ethics” (Appendix I) will serve as a guide for the expectations for all managers and coaches having a team and/or organization in DYBL.

E.               DYBL plays its games in the Tri-Cities area of Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.  Players and/or teams from other cities are welcome to participate in DYBL provided they agree to play all games in the aforementioned cities.  EXCEPTION:  Teams outside of Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck may play their home game at their site of choice only if the opposing team agrees to travel to their baseball field.

F.                All AABC-sanctioned & RBI-sanctioned divisions and the Girls High-School Fast-Pitch Softball division will be known as the Spartan Conference.  The following divisions:  T-Ball, Coach-Pitch Baseball, Rookie Baseball & Softball, Junior Baseball & Softball, and Senior Baseball & Softball will be known as the Wolverine Conference. (NEW for 2004)

II.                 FIELD DECORUM:

A.               The actions of all players, coaches, managers, umpires, parents, relatives, and volunteers must be consistent with the mission and values of Think Detroit PAL.  ANY PERSON, IN THE OPINION OF THE UMPIRE, BASEBALL COMMISSIONER, OR ANY DIRECTOR OF THINK DETROIT PAL, NOT ACTING IN THE BEST INTEREST OF DYBL, WILL BE ASKED TO LEAVE THE PLAYING AREA.  Further, the umpire may eject the player of a parent or relative described above, from the game.  Failure to comply with the umpire’s ruling may result in forfeiture of the game by the team involved.  The umpire and both managers shall make a full written report of any such incident available to the Commissioner of Baseball within 24 hours of the conclusion of the game.  Further disciplinary actions may be taken by DYBL administrative staff, including, but not limited to, permanent dismissal of the team, coach, or player in question.

B.               Any umpire not acting in the best interests of DYBL may, after review by the Commissioner of Baseball and the Umpire-in-Chief, be suspended from officiating for a period of time up to and including permanent suspension.

C.               The umpire shall report any player, coach, or manager ejected from a game to the Commissioner of Baseball.  Any such ejection will automatically result in a suspension in the next regularly scheduled game.

D.               Only players, managers, coaches, and umpires are permitted within the confines of the playing field just prior to, and during the game.  Except for the batter, the on-deck batter, base runners and base coaches, all other players must be on the bench and/or in the dugout while their team is at bat.

E.               Only managers, coaches, and players listed on their roster are allowed to coach the bases.  EXCEPTION:  In the absence of enough coaches to properly coach the bases in any given game, the manager or coach may appoint a substitute coach for that game.  The name of the substitute coach must be reported to the umpire prior to the game.

F.                A manager or coach may not leave the vicinity of the dugout except to confer with the umpire or one of his/her players, to serve as a base coach, or to assist with an injured player.

G.              Any player, coach, manager, or parent ejected from a game must leave the premises immediately.  They may not remain in the bleachers, behind the backstop, and may not coach the bases.  It is the umpire’s discretion if the ejected party is far enough away from the field of play.  The umpire has the right to call the game if the ejected party refuses to remove him/herself from the premises. (NEW for 2003)

H.               Smoking and/or the use of tobacco products; alcoholic beverages; or illegal substances are prohibited at all games and practices.

I.                   No gambling of any kind is permitted.

J.                No swearing, taunting or ethnic slurs will be tolerated.

K.               No gang signs, slogans or paraphernalia will be tolerated.

L.                No jewelry is to be worn during games, with the exception of medical I.D. bracelets.  If a player is wearing jewelry during the game AND the umpire has gone over this during ground rules, the player will be ejected from the game.  If the umpire did NOT go over this during ground rules, the player must remove the jewelry at that point and any subsequent offense from ANY player will result in ejection. (NEW for 2003).

M.             Players deliberately throwing helmets or bats will be ejected from the game.  It is the sole discretion of the umpire if he/she believes the action was deliberate.

N.               On-deck batters must remain on their side of the dugout.  EXCEPTION:  On-deck hitters in the 10 & under and 8 & under divisions may stand on the on-deck circle of the opposing team in the interest of safety.  (NEW for 2004)

O.              Substantial emphasis will be placed on good sportsmanship.  Teams cannot make any derogatory remarks or gestures to any official or member of the opposing team or attempt to distract them while making a defensive play, or while batting, by either talk or action.  Umpires will have the right to eject anyone from the game not complying with these rules.

P.               No manager or coach shall abuse, verbally or physically, any player, spectator, opposing manager or coach, or umpire at any time.  Violation may result in suspension or other disciplinary action.

Q.              Teams shall shake hands upon the completion of each and every game.  A player that does not shake hands is subject to a one-game suspension.  The second infraction will lead to a 3-game suspension.  Any further infraction will result in dismissal from the DYBL. (NEW for 2003)

R.               In the event that there are fewer umpires then games at a particular site on any given day, the umpire(s) present will call the game that they were scheduled to officiate unless authorized by the Think Detroit PAL Commissioner to officiate an alternative game.  In addition, if two umpires are scheduled to call a single game and there is no umpire at another field, then one of the two umpires will go to the official-less diamond and call the game.  (NEW for 2004)

III.              UNIFORMS AND EQUIPMENT:

A.               All players must be in matching jersey and pants; otherwise they cannot play.  Players should also have on matching hats and socks but can play without them. (NEW for 2003)

B.               Players may not wear doo-rags during games.  Players may not wear sweatbands around their neck. (NEW for 2003)

C.               Only players in the Senior Baseball, Sandy Koufax, Mickey Mantle, Connie Mack, Senior Softball, and RBI Girls Fast-Pitch Softball divisions are allowed to wear metal cleats.  Players in all other divisions are encouraged to wear rubber cleats.  T-ball players should wear tennis shoes. (NEW for 2006)

D.               Catchers are required to wear all protective equipment while catching (i.e. mask, helmet, throat guard, shin guards, chest protector, and protective cups).  This rule also applies to all players designated to warm up the pitcher on or off the field.

E.               All batters, base runners, on-deck batters, and players who act as base coaches must wear batting helmets in accordance with Michigan High School Rules.

F.                The umpire shall not allow a player to enter the batter’s box without a batting helmet.

G.              All players will have their jerseys tucked in at all times during the game.

H.               All male players are required to wear protective cups during games:  EXCEPTION:  T-Ball players are not required to wear protective cups.  This rule will be enforced and there will be NO exceptions. (NEW for 2005) 

I.                   The High School Rule covering the weight and length of bats will be enforced in DYBL (-3, 2 5/8 maximum barrel) for the Mickey Mantle (16 & under) and Connie Mack (18 & under) divisions only.  Wood bats are allowed in DYBL.

IV.             PITCHING:

A.               For all boys divisions, see AABC handbook for pitching limitations (there are no limitations for girls softball). (NEW for 2003)

B.               If a pitcher pitches less than a complete inning, 1/3 (one-third) of an inning will be charged for each out made by the defensive team during that inning.  If no outs are recorded, but the pitcher has thrown at least one pitch, 1/3 of an inning will be charged to the pitcher.

C.               Innings pitched in a game declared no contest will be charged against the pitcher for the week. (NEW for 2003)

D.               Violations of Rules IV – A, B, C will result in a forfeiture of the game in which the infraction took place.

E.               Starting and relief pitchers out for their first appearance will be allowed a maximum of 8 (eight) practice pitches.  At the beginning of each subsequent inning, a pitcher will be allowed a maximum of 5 (five) practice pitches.

F.                The balk rule shall be in effect for the following divisions:  Connie Mack; Mickey Mantle; Sandy Koufax; Pee Wee Reese.  In the Willie Mays and Senior Baseball divisions, this rule will be modified to allow each pitcher one warning per game before the violation is called.  There will be no balk rule in the following divisions:  Roberto Clemente; Rookie Baseball. (NEW for 2004)

G.              The umpire has the right to remove a pitcher from the game (without ejection) if multiple batters are hit by a pitch. (NEW for 2003)

V.               RUNNERS

A.               Courtesy Rule

1.             When there are two outs, there will be a mandatory courtesy rule in effect for the catcher as soon as he/she reaches base. (NEW for 2003)

2.             Any player who is not currently participating in the game, whether he/she has previously participated in the game or not, is eligible to serve as a courtesy runner.  EXCEPTION:  If all players are currently participating in the game, the player who made the last out will act as the courtesy runner. (NEW for 2003)

3.             A player may not run as a courtesy runner for the catcher and then be used as a runner or batter for another player in that inning.

4.             A coach may use a VOLUNTARY courtesy runner with zero or one out. (NEW FOR 2004)

B.               Any time a defensive player has the ball in their possession, the runner must slide or give themselves up.  A base runner deliberately running into a defensive player, including the catcher will be ejected from the game.  It is the umpire’s discretion whether he/she felt the collision is malicious.

C.               In the following divisions, a runner from third base cannot score on a passed ball or a wild pitch:  T-Ball; Roberto Clemente; Coach-Pitch Baseball; Rookie Baseball, Junior Baseball & Rookie Softball.  The runner can score ONLY on a batted ball or if the runner is forced in.

D.               For all AABC-sanctioned divisions, please refer to the Official AABC Handbook regarding rules for stealing and leadoffs. 

VI.             PLAYING MINIMUMS:

A.               In the Spartan Conference, player participation is at the sole discretion of the head coach.  In the Wolverine Conference, coaches MUST play all players at least one inning in the field and each player MUST have one plate appearance.  EXCEPTION:  This rule cannot apply due to shortened games, i.e. weather, time restrictions, or the mercy rule (NEW for 2005)

VII.          STANDINGS, SCHEDULES, AND POST-SEASON PLAY:

A.               Team standings will be determined by total points.  During the regular season, 2 (two) points will be awarded for each win and 1 (one) point for each tie.  The team with the highest total points will be the first place team; the team with the second highest total points will be the second place team, etc.  in the event of a tie between any positions, the tie will be decided in the following manner:

1.             Record against each other.

2.             Total wins.

3.             Runs scored – head to head.

4.             Coin flip

B.               DYBL will send the first place team (Spartan Divisions only) to the AABC tournament (possibly more depending on the bids DYBL receives) covering the costs of transportation, lodging, and food (for out-of-state tournament play only).  The next eligible team will be given a tournament bid to the Hometown World Series (HTWS).  Since the AABC tournament begins during the regular season, the team representing DYBL will be determined no less than 2 (two) weeks before the tournament begins.  The exact date will be announced by the Baseball Commissioner before the regular season begins. 

C.               Every effort will be made to grant all requests regarding days off needed by teams, so long as the request is put in at least one week before the schedule is completed.  The schedule is typically completed and handed out to coaches 2 (two) weeks before the regular season begins.

D.               Once the master schedule is finalized, teams are required to play at the designated day and time as scheduled.  A game can only be rescheduled if:

1.             Both coaches agree to the change AND

2.             The Baseball Commissioner is notified a minimum of 48 hours before the scheduled time and the change is approved by the Commissioner.

If the criteria are not met, the game must be played at the scheduled day and time on the master schedule.  One or both teams will forfeit if they do not show to the game.

E.               All DYBL playoff games are single elimination. (NEW for 2003)

F.                The Baseball Commissioner reserves the right to drop any player, coach, or team from the league if:

1.             Any team forfeits 2 (two) or more games.

2.             Any head or assistant coach does not show ethical and moral conduct on and off the field (please see Appendix I and Section II of DYBL Rules & Regulations).

3.             Any team is found to have used overage players whether knowingly or not.

VIII.        PROTESTS:

A.               The proper manner for a making a protest shall be:  The manager or coach will inform the umpire that the game is being played under protest.  THIS MUST BE DONE AT THE POINT THE ALLEGED VIOLATION OCCURS.  After one pitch is thrown, the protest cannot be accepted.  A written summary of the protest must be submitted to the Baseball Commissioner within 24 hours of the conclusion of the game.

B.               A $50 deposit must accompany the written protest.  The deposit will be returned only if the protest is upheld.  If a protest is awarded, the game will be resumed from the point of protest.

C.               Only rule calls can be protested.  No judgment calls can be protested.

D.               In order to be a valid protest, the play under protest must have a direct effect on the outcome of the game.

IX.             FORFEITURES:

A.               There will be a 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time before a forfeit is called. 

B.               Each team must have a minimum of 8 (eight) players to start and finish a game.    EXCEPTION:  At the start of the game, the visiting team may take its first at-bat with less than 8 (eight) players.  If 8 (eight) players are not present by the time all visiting team players have batted or by the time the visiting team must take the field, the game will be forfeited.    

C.               There are NO forfeits in T-Ball. (NEW for 2003)

D.               If any game is started with 8 (eight) players, outs are awarded in the normal manner (with an out recorded in the ninth spot).  If a ninth batter should subsequently report to the team, that player must be inserted into the lineup in the ninth position.  In addition, if a game has begun and subsequently the roster of any team is reduced to 8 (eight) for any reason, an out will be called each time the removed player was to bat. (NEW for 2003)

E.               No coach shall use a player who is overage.  It is the coaches’ responsibility to know the correct age of his/her players.  If it is found that a team has been using an overage player, regardless of fault, the player will be expelled, and the team will forfeit all games in which the overage player previously played (See VII Section E).

X.               ROSTERS:

A.               Each team must pay registration fees set by DYBL for a minimum of 12 players and a maximum of 15 players.

B.               The following rule applies to all teams in the Wolverine Conference:  If a team loses a player for the remainder of the season, a new player may be added to the team’s roster with approval of the Baseball Commissioner.  The new player will pay a full registration fee. 

C.               No player may be added to the roster under any circumstances past June 15 for the Roberto Clemente, Willie Mays, Pee Wee Reese and Sandy Koufax divisions.  No player may be added to the roster under any circumstances past July 1 for the Mickey Mantle and Connie Mack divisions.

D.               A manager or coach has the right to recommend to the Baseball Commissioner that any player on his/her team be removed or suspended by presenting evidence of just cause.

E.               Every player from all teams must have an official DYBL Player Registration Form on file at Think Detroit PAL before they play in their first regular season game.  The Registration Form must be filled out completely and shall include names of all players, their addresses, phone numbers, birth dates, ages, and a parental agreement and waiver stating the child is physically able to play baseball/softball.  The registration form MUST be signed by at least one parent or by the player if he/she is 18 years of age.  Also, a copy of the player’s birth certificate must be submitted for each player on a roster.  If a player’s eligibility comes into question, the original document, with official seal, may be requested and must be furnished.  Finally, all registration fees must have been paid to DYBL prior to Opening Day.  Scheduled games will be forfeited unless and until these rules are complied with.

F.                A player may elect to play in an upper division (e.g. a 10 year old may choose to play in the 12 & under division).

G.              No player can play in 2 (two) different divisions of DYBL or be on the same roster of 2 (two) teams in the same division.  EXCEPTION:  A player will be allowed to play on an All-Star team if age appropriate regardless what division he/she plays on during the regular season.

XI.             MISCELLANEOUS:

A.               A decision will be made regarding rainouts no later than 2 (two) hours before a scheduled game by the Baseball Commissioner and/or the Umpire-in-Chief.  E.g. if a 6:30 p.m. game is to be canceled due to weather conditions, a message will be left by 4:30 p.m. at 313-359-6105 (number subject to change).  If there is no recorded message by 4:30 p.m., then all players and coaches should report to their respective field.  Every effort will be made to send an email out to all coaches 2 (two) hours before game time regarding weather conditions but a call should be made to Think Detroit PAL if an email cannot be sent out.  Once at the field, only the umpire can make a decision whether or not to postpone a game due to weather conditions.  If lightning is seen anywhere from the baseball field, the game will be halted immediately and may continue after it passes.  Under no circumstances should a game be played with lightning in the area.  The umpire should make every attempt to complete the game unless it is impossible due to continuing poor weather and/or an unplayable field.

B.               The home team is responsible for keeping the official scorebook.  However, scorekeepers from both teams should confer after each inning to make sure the score is correct.  The winning team is responsible for alerting the Baseball Commissioner of the score no later than 48 hours from the end of the game.  The score can be called in @ 313-833-1600 x207 or x211, faxed in @ 313-833-1616, or e-mailed @ policeofficermartin@thinkdetroit.org and policeofficernorwood@thinkdetroit.org  Failure to notify the Baseball Commissioner of the score within 48 hours may result in a loss for both teams.

C.               The home team is responsible for laying down the bases (unless there are permanent bases already present) and making sure the field is in playable condition, i.e. picking trash/glass on the field, etc..

D.               The DH (designated hitter) rule and EH (extra hitter) rule will be in effect but not both.

E.               7 (seven) innings shall constitute a game in the 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, and 18 & under baseball divisions, and the Junior Softball, Senior Softball, and RBI Girls Fast-Pitch Softball Divisions.  6 (six) innings shall constitute a game in the 8 & under and 10 & under baseball and softball divisions.  3 (three) innings shall constitute a game in the T-Ball division.

F.                No inning shall start after 2 hours and 15 minutes from the scheduled game time in the 14 & under, 16 & under, and 18 & under baseball divisions.  No inning shall start after 2 hours from the scheduled game time in the 8 & under, 10 & under, and 12 & under baseball divisions.  No inning shall start after 1 hour and 30 minutes from the scheduled game time in the Rookie, Junior and Senior Softball divisions.  No inning shall start after 1 hour and 20 minutes from the scheduled game time in the 19 & under girls fast-pitch softball division.  No inning shall start after 1 hour and 15 minutes from the scheduled game time in the T-Ball division.  These time limits may be waived if the umpire agrees to stay and ump the game until its completion.  The umpire must agree to stay and ump the game until its completion before the first pitch is thrown.  EXCEPTION:  See first sentence in rule XI-G. (NEW for 2005)

G.              If both teams are present but the umpire arrives late, the official game time begins when the first pitch is thrown (and then rule XI-F applies).  If the umpire is there on time, but one or both teams arrive late (but before forfeit time), the official time begins at the scheduled start time (and then rule XI-F applies). (NEW for 2003)

H.               An abbreviated game shall be counted as official if 5 (five) innings in the 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, and 18 & under divisions, or 4 (four) innings in the 8 & under and 10 & under divisions have been played.  A game with less than 5 (five) innings in the 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, and 18 & under divisions, or 4 (four) innings in the 8 & under and 10 & under divisions will continue from the point of suspension if called for any reason (rain, darkness, lightning, etc.).  No game shall be started over from the beginning.  However, a game will be counted as official if 4 ½ innings in the 12 & under, 14 & under, 16 & under, and 18 & under divisions, or 3 ½ innings in the 8 & under and 10 & under divisions, or 1 ½ innings in the T-Ball division have been played and the home team is ahead.

I.                   The home team is responsible for bringing and marking off the bases before game time unless it is a field in Think Detroit PAL’s rotation. 

J.                There shall be a mercy rule in effect if a team is ahead by 15 runs after 3 (three) innings or 10 runs after 5 (five) innings for all baseball divisions except T-Ball.  There shall be a mercy rule in effect if a team is ahead by 8 runs after 4 innings for all softball divisions. (NEW for 2003)

DIVISIONAL RULES

T-BALL (4-6 Years):

AT NO TIME IS ANYONE OTHER THAN THE COACH(ES) ALLOWED ON THE FIELD

1.             All players born on or after May 1, 2000 are eligible to play in the T-ball division.

2.             The distance between the bases shall be 50 feet.

3.             A circle (10 feet in diameter) shall be marked around the pitcher’s rubber.  The distance between the pitching rubber and the front of home plate shall be 40 feet.  A 15-foot arc will be drawn from the front of home plate, and will be considered foul territory and subject to the same rules as any other foul territory.

4.             A 9” Safe-T-Ball, RIF 1 ball, or equivalent will be used for all T-Ball games.

5.             The home team is responsible for having a batting tee at the game.  However, it is recommended that the visiting team have their tee available in case it is needed for emergency use.

6.             Score will not be kept in T-Ball games. 

7.             There are no forfeits in T-Ball!  EXCEPTION:  Obviously, there will be a forfeit if no one from a team shows up.

8.             There will be no umpires provided in the T-Ball division, Head coaches from each team will instruct participants on how to play

9.             The defensive team may field 10 players.  Players must be in traditional baseball positions, which include:  catcher; pitcher; first baseman; second basemen; shortstop, third basemen.  All other players must play in the outfield.  No player can play in front of the pitcher’s circle except the catcher, who should be safely behind the umpire.  All of the other players must be positioned in the outfield grass.  In addition, all players should rotate positions throughout the game. 

10.        All players shall bat in rotation throughout the game.

11.        An inning ends once all players bat through the batting order.  If 3 outs are recorded before the end of the batting order, then the bases will be cleared and the inning will continue until everyone has batted once.

12.        The batter will be called out after 5 swings except in the case of a foul ball on the sixth and subsequent swings.

13.        Players shall not throw bats (deliberately or not).  Each team gets one warning.  After that warning, any offending batter shall be called out.

14.        There is no infield fly rule in T-Ball.

15.        Stealing bases and leadoffs are not allowed.  No runner shall advance until a ball is hit.

16.        To get the batter out after a fair hit (outside of the traditional ways), the ball must be inside the pitching circle and the pitcher must have control of the ball before the batter reaches first base.  The pitcher is not allowed to leave the pitching circle to retrieve the ball.

17.        On any fair hit, a defensive player has the option of fielding the ball, reaching his/her hand over his/her head with the ball and yelling “stick” or “stay.”  At this point, if the runner is more than half way to the next base, that runner may advance to the next base.  If the runner is less than half way, the runner must go back to the last base that was touched by the runner.  It is the discretion of the coach if the runner was more than half way to the next base.

COACH-PITCH BASEBALL (8 & Under):

AT NO TIME IS ANYONE OTHER THAN THE COACH(ES) ALLOWED ON THE FIELD

1.        Players born on or after May 1, 1998 are eligible to play in the coach-pitch baseball division.

2.        The distance between the bases shall be 50 feet.  The distance between the pitching rubber and the front of home plate shall be 40 feet.

3.        A 9” Safe-T-Ball, RIF 5 ball, or equivalent will be used for all coach-pitch baseball games.

4.        The defensive team may field 10 players in the traditional defensive alignment except the outfield will have 4 players stationed there.

5.        All players on a team shall bat in rotation throughout the game regardless of when they play in the field.  The rotation should remain the same throughout the game.  Players that come after the game has started must be placed at the end of the line-up.

6.        A coach from the offensive team shall pitch overhand (not like a shot put.  The coach must follow through with their pitch) from the front rubber.  The pitching coach must remain in the pitching circle at all times.  The coach will pitch either 3 strikes (when the batter swings and misses or fouls off the pitch) or a grand total of 6 pitches, whichever comes first.  However, a player may hit an unlimited number of foul balls.  If a hit ball touches the pitching coach, the play will be called foul.

7.        The batter may not advance to first base on a dropped third strike.

8.        Each half-inning ends when 3 outs are recorded or all players on the offensive team have batted, whichever comes first.  If one team has fewer players than another team, that team may only bat the amout of players they have..  For example, if one team has 10 players, and the other team has 8 players, then each team A would get 10 at-bats per half-inning and team B would get 8 at-bats provided 3 outs were not made during the half-inning. During the next at-bat players begin from the previous batting position (i.e. #10 was the last bat # 11 would begin).

9.        There is no infield-fly rule in coach-pitch baseball.

10.   Stealing and leadoffs are not allowed in coach-pitch baseball.

11.   A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.

12.   Any player can call time out if he/she has the ball in hand (they may also say “stay” or “stick”) but must be within 3 (three) feet of the base path.

ROOKIE BASEBALL (10 & Under):

1.      Players born on or after May 1, 1997 are eligible to play in the Rookie Baseball division.

2.      The distance between the bases shall be 65 feet.  The distance between the pitching rubber and the front of home plate shall be 46 feet.

3.      A RIF 10 ball, or equivalent will be used for all Rookie Baseball games.

4.      The defensive team may field up to 9 players in the traditional defensive alignment.

5.      All players on a team shall bat in rotation throughout the game regardless of when they play in the field.  The rotation should remain the same throughout the game.  Players that come after the game has started must be placed at the end of the line-up.

6.      The batter may not advance to first base on a dropped third strike.

7.      Each half-inning ends when 3 outs are recorded or all players on the offensive team have batted, whichever comes first even if a team has fewer players.

8.      Stealing and leadoffs are not allowed in Rookie baseball.

9.      A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.

10. Coaches may have unlimited defensive re-entries.

JUNIOR BASEBALL (12 & Under):

1.      Players born on or after May 1, 1995 are eligible to play in the Junior Baseball division.

2.      The distance between the bases shall be 70 feet.  The distance between the pitching rubber and the front of home plate shall be 50’ 6”.

3.      A RIF 10 ball, or equivalent will be used for all Junior Baseball games.

4.      The batter may not advance to first base on a dropped third strike.

5.      There are no leadoffs in Junior Baseball and Stealing is allowed only after the ball crosses home plate. 

6.      There is NO stealing home!  Once a play is dead, the runner from third may only advance home if the runner is hit in or forced in by a walk, hit-by-pitch, etc.  A runner may NOT come home from third base on a wild pitch or passed ball.

SENIOR BASEBALL (14 & Under):

1.      Players born on or after May 1, 1991 are eligible to play in the Senior Baseball division.

2.      The distance between the bases shall be 80 feet.  The distance between the pitching rubber and the front of home plate shall be 54 feet.

3.      A Wilson 1074, 1075 or equivalent will be used for all Senior Baseball games.

4.      Metal cleats CAN be worn for Senior Baseball games.  (NEW for 2005)

ROOKIE SOFTBALL (11 & Under):

1. Girls born on or after May 1, 1995 are eligible to play in the Rookie Softball division.

2. The distance between the bases shall be 50 feet. The distance between the pitching rubber and the front of home plate shall be 35 feet.

3. An 11” Easton “Incrediball”, RIF 1 softball, or equivalent will be used for all Rookie Softball games.

4. Rookie Softball is slow-pitch and there must be a 6” – 12” arch.

5. A paid umpire will call all softball games.

6. The defensive team may field 10 players in the traditional defensive alignment except the outfield will have 4 players stationed there.

7. All players on a team shall bat in rotation throughout the game regardless of when they play in the field. The rotation should remain the same throughout the game. Players that come after the game has started must be placed at the end of the line-up.

8. The batter may not advance to first base on a dropped third strike.

9. Each half-inning ends when 3 outs are recorded or all players on the offensive team have batted, whichever comes first. If one team has fewer players than another team, the team with the fewer players gets an equal number of bat opportunities. For example, if one team has 10 players, and the other team has 13 players, then each team would get 13 at-bats per half-inning provided 3 outs were not made during the half-inning.

10. There is no infield-fly rule in Rookie Softball.

11. Stealing and leadoffs are not allowed in Rookie Softball.

12. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.

JUNIOR SOFTBALL (14 & Under):

1.      Girls born on or after May 1, 1992 are eligible to play in the Junior Softball division.

2.      The distance between the bases shall be 60 feet. The distance between the pitching rubber and the front of home plate shall be 40 feet.

3.      A 12” softball will be used for all Junior Softball games.

4.      Junior Softball is a Fast-Pitch division.  A “Windmill” type pitch with a complete revolution in the delivery is legal.  A modified “Sling shot” type pitch is also legal.  There is no speed limit on a pitch but there cannot be an arc to the pitch.  It is the umpire’s discretion whether or not the pitch is “legal.”

5.      The batter may not advance to first base on a dropped third strike.

6.      Leadoffs are not allowed.  A runner may attempt to steal a base only after the ball has crossed home plate.

7.      A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball crosses home plate.

8. Each half-inning ends when 3 outs are recorded or all players on the offensive team have batted, whichever comes first. If one team has fewer players than another team, the team with the fewer players gets an equal number of bat opportunities. For example, if one team has 10 players, and the other team has 13 players, then each team would get 13 at-bats per half-inning provided 3 outs were not made during the half-inning.

9. All players on a team shall bat in rotation throughout the game regardless of when they play in the field. The rotation should remain the same throughout the game. Players that come after the game has started must be placed at the end of the line-up.

RBI High School Softball (19 & Under):

1. RBI Softball will play by MHSAA Rules

APPENDIX I

COACHES CODE OF ETHICS

DYBL expects adherence to the following code of ethics from all its coaches and managers.  Since we play an important part in building a young person’s character, it is imperative that we lead by example and follow a standard of ethics that is beyond reproach.

Ø      Ethical and moral conduct on and off the field is expected from you and your entire coaching staff.

Ø      Players already on a team should never be approached about changing teams during the season.  After the season, the player’s current coach should be notified that he/she is going to be asked to play on another team.

Ø      Specific promises regarding such things as playing time, particular playing positions, travel tournaments, etc., should not be made unless they will be kept.

Ø      A player’s current coach should be asked before a player is invited to join another team for a tournament.  During the season, if permission is not given, the player should not be approached.