1. FORWARD

2. COMMISSIONERS

3. GENERAL

4. SCHEDULING- POSTPONEMENT- TERMINATION OF GAMES

5. FULL AND OFFICIAL GAMES

6. GAME PROTEST RULES AND PROCEDURES

7. PROTEST RULES

8. GAME PROTEST COMMITTEE PROCEDURES

9. TEAM LINEUPS

10. PLAYER SUBSTITUTION RULES

11. PITCHING RULES (GENERAL)

12. AA DIVISION PITCHING

13. GROUND RULES

14. FOUL BALL AND BALL IN PLAY RULES (ALL FIELDS) - GROUND RULES

15. CHESHIRE PARK, FARMS FIELD, GROUND RULES

16. CHESHIRE PARK, MINOR FIELD, GROUND RULES

17. CHESHIRE PARK, MAJOR FIELD, GROUND RULES

18. DODD MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUND RULES

19. CHAPMAN SCHOOL GROUND RULES

20. CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL FIELD GROUND RULES

21. LOCAL RULES OF PLAY

22. PLAYERS; TEAM MANAGERS; COACHES, AND SPECTATORS’ CONDUCT

23. ORGANIZATION FOR PLAY

24. TEAM STANDINGS AND PLAY-OFF RULES

Cheshire Youth Baseball 2006 Rules

1. FORWARD

The Cheshire Youth Baseball program is organized into five leagues: The Senior, Junior, Instructional (AAA, AA, A), Travel and the Girls’ Softball League. The Senior League is for players age thirteen through fifteen. The Junior League is made up of Major, Minor and Instructional Divisions, which are divisions of Babe Ruth and Cal Ripken Baseball.

The Instructional League is made up of A (T-Ball), AA and AAA divisions. The Girls’ Softball League is made up of the Instructional, Farms, Majors and Senior Divisions.  The procedures and philosophies for the Farms, Majors and Senior Leagues and those of the Girls’ Softball League are discussed in the "Girls’ Softball League Handbook for Managers and Coaches". The procedures and philosophies for the Instructional League are discussed in a separate document entitled "CYB Instructional League Handbook for Managers and Coaches".  The Instructional League is intended to provide an introduction to baseball for ball players ages five through eight.

The sole purpose of the Board of Directors, team Managers, Coaches, and supporters is to plan, organize, equip, and maintain a recreational, travel and instructional baseball/softball program for Cheshire youth. All who register and meet eligibility requirements will participate.

There are separate commissioners for the Travel and Senior leagues as well as for the Major, Minor, AAA, AA and A leagues. The Girls’ Softball league is led by the Girls’ Softball League Commissioner. These individuals are responsible for ensuring that baseball/softball operations are successfully carried out in accordance with League rules within their respective areas.

The Board of Directors of CYB has approved the following rules which unless otherwise specified, apply to all divisions within the Senior League and the Junior League.

2. COMMISSIONERS

a)      Any questions and/or comments should first be directed to the appropriate director listed on the Board of Directors page.

b)      2005 Board of Directors

a.       The list of the 2005 Board of Directors can be found on the Board of Directors page

3. GENERAL

a)      Unless specified below, all games for the Senior League shall be played according to the most current rules established by OFFICIAL RULES OF BASEBALL, and the Official Rules of "Babe Ruth® Baseball".

b)      Unless specified below, all games for the Major, Minor and Instructional Divisions shall be played according to the most current rules established by Babe Ruth® Baseball.

c)       Changes, deletions, or additions to these rules can be made at any time by the Board of Directors.

d)      Prior to the start of the season assignment of players to specific teams is the responsibility of the Director of Registration and the League Commissioner, who accomplish the assignment through established processes and by any player drafts established by the Board of Directors. This process (number of players a manager may keep, reassignment of players, etc.) will be clearly articulated by the Board of Directors at the Annual Managers meeting.

4. SCHEDULING- POSTPONEMENT- TERMINATION OF GAMES

a)      Game and Play-off schedules are determined by the Director of Scheduling and approved by the Board of Directors.

b)      All games must be played according to the schedule. However, because of mitigating circumstances, requests for rescheduling games may be considered by the Director of Scheduling prior to "opening day". After opening day, requests for rescheduling games should occur no later than one week prior to the scheduled games, and will require consensus approval of the Director of Scheduling, the League Commissioner and the respective Division Commissioner. Without such approval the game will be forfeited by the team if it is unable to field an appropriate number of players for the specified date.

c)       In the event of unplayable conditions due to inclement or threatening weather, or wet fields, the League Commissioner, or his/her designate, shall rule on the possible postponement of games and place a recorded message on the "CYB Hot Line" by 4:00 PM. It is the responsibility of Managers and Umpires to check the    phone message regarding postponement of games. Team Managers shall instruct their players to show up for games if they have not been contacted by 5:00 PM.

d)      Every attempt will be made to reschedule games into the first available slot.  Back to back games will be avoided wherever possible. After the seventh week teams involved in first to fifth place races will take preference in rescheduling.  Every attempt will be made to play every game! Rescheduled games will not be postponed a second time because of the inability of either or both teams to field a team. Any game that cannot be rescheduled will be considered a tie game for standings purposes.

e)      Should lightning be observed, it is the responsibility of the plate umpire, or a Director, to halt the game and the team Managers will clear the field of all players immediately. At fields where multiple games are being played, if a game at one of the fields is stopped pursuant to this rule, play must stop on all other    fields as well. Play will not be resumed until the danger has passed.

f)        The official weekday game start time is no later than 5:30 PM. Starting times for weekend and night games will be announced. A 15-minute grace period from the scheduled start time will be allowed for each team if waiting for the minimum number of players to officially start the game. The visiting team has access to the field for warm-ups from 5:00 PM to 5:10 P.M. The home team has access to the field for warm-ups from 5:10 PM to 5:20 PM.

g)      No inning shall start after 8:00 PM, with the following exceptions:

a.       Scheduled night games. No inning shall start after 10:00 PM for night games.

b.       Play-off games that are tied in an inning that would start after 8:00 PM.

h)      Game times for Saturday, Sunday and rescheduled games will be determined by the Director of Scheduling and Fields. The following applies to these games:

a.       If another CYB game is scheduled to start at a specific time following the game in question, then no inning shall be allowed to start (in the earlier game) beyond the scheduled starting time of the later game as long as the first game is an official game.

i)        If an Umpire or a member of the Board of Directors is not available at game time the Team Managers shall determine if conditions warrant playing the game and will appoint an umpire.

j)        Inclement weather or poor field conditions are the only reasons for postponement of any game based upon the judgment of the Umpire or a member of the Board of Directors. A game shall be terminated if, in the judgment of the Umpire or a member of the Board of Directors, rain, darkness, or other causes make further play impossible.

k)       Team Managers of incomplete game must notify their Division Commissioners immediately so a make-up game can be scheduled and umpires assigned.

5. FULL AND OFFICIAL GAMES

a)      FULL GAMES for each division are:

b)      OFFICIAL GAMES for each division are:

c)       TEN RUN RULE: A game shall also be considered official if, after the required number of innings has been completed (see below), a game is terminated due to weather or darkness or the leading team’s advantage is ten or more runs.

d)      An OFFICIAL GAME terminated while the score is tied will not be rescheduled. It will be recorded as a tie in the standings.

e)      Extra innings will be played only if the game is tied and will only be played if there is sufficient light or time to finish the inning at the discretion of the Umpire and/or CYB Director. All Play-off games will continue until a winner is determined.  If a playoff game is called because of darkness or weather, it will be rescheduled and begin at the point of termination and played to its entirety. Note: This refers to an official or unofficial play-off game.

f)        Unofficial regular season games not completed due to weather or darkness will be continued from the point of termination and be completed at a later date, which will be determined by the Director of Scheduling. If the game is official and called because of weather or darkness, the team ahead wins, unless the home team is behind; then the score will revert back to the previous full inning (e.g. if the game is official at the point reverted, it is a complete game. If the game is not official at that point, it will be completed from the point of termination).

6. GAME PROTEST RULES AND PROCEDURES

a)      It is emphasized that protests are not encouraged and should only be filed after the Division Commissioner has been consulted regarding the rule infraction and has had ample chance to resolve the question(s) with the concerned Team Managers.

b)      If a Team Manager evaluates a situation which occurs during the process of a game and files an official protest, the following rules and procedures shall be used by the Game Protest Committee (GPC) in reaching a decision regarding said protest.

7. PROTEST RULES

a)      Any Umpire’s judgment decision (call) on a particular pitch or play is NOT protestable.

b)      Protests must be in writing and forwarded to the Division Commissioner within 48 hours of the incident.

c)       Protests concerning rules of the game must be made at the point of the alleged infraction before the next pitch or runner is retired. Pertinent facts and circumstances will be accurately noted by the umpire.

d)      If a game is played under protest, the scorebooks of both teams must be turned into the plate umpire at the conclusion of the game.

e)      Protest and forfeiture claims will be considered and acted upon by the Game Protest Committee.

8. GAME PROTEST COMMITTEE PROCEDURES

a)      The Game Protest Committee (GPC) is composed of the Senior League Commissioners, the Division Commissioners, the Co-Directors of Umpires, and the League Commissioner, who is the Chairman. In the absence of the League Commissioner, the President shall be a member and serve as Chairman.

b)      The Chairman will schedule the meeting of the GPC within one week of receipt of the protest.

c)       It is mandatory that there be at least three voting members of the GPC present (whether permanent or temporary) to reach a final decision.

d)      The Division Commissioner whose Team Manager is filing the protest is responsible for obtaining and presenting the following to the GPC:

1.       Scorebooks of both involved teams.

2.       Correspondence from involved Team Managers.

3.       Other correspondence pertaining to the protest including the umpire’s statement.

4.       The presence of both Team Managers for interview.

e)      The Chairman shall excuse any member of the GPC who, in his/her judgment, is directly or indirectly affected by the decision of a protest and may appoint a replacement at his/her sole discretion.

f)        The Chairman shall allow the oral presentation of all evidence of the protesting Team Manager and all rebuttals by the other involved Team Manager.

g)      The Chairman shall allow all members of the GPC who are present to comment relative to evidence, intent, etc., without the presence of the involved Team Managers.

h)      The Chairman and involved Division Commissioner shall present the final decision of the GPC to both involved Team Managers.

i)        All written evidence, except scorebooks, including a statement of the final decision shall be passed to the Secretary for filing.

j)        The Chairman shall report the final decision to the Board of Directors at the next regularly scheduled meeting.

k)       The President shall attend GPC meetings when possible in a non-voting status. The Chairman may appoint the President temporary voting member to break a tie vote or if less than three voting members are in attendance as outlined in (8c).

l)        Even if the GPC finds that the rules were violated, no replay of the game will be ordered unless, in the opinion of the GPC, the violation affected the protesting team’s chance of winning the game.

m)    Decisions of the GPC are final. There is NO appeal of the Game Protest Committee findings or rulings.

9. TEAM LINEUPS

a)      An exchange of lineups between Team Managers (or their designee) prior to the start of the game is mandatory.

b)      Any decision by a Team Manager to withhold or withdraw a player for disciplinary reasons shall be reported to the opposing Manager and the Umpire either prior to the start of the game or during the game at the time the decision is made.

10. PLAYER SUBSTITUTION RULES

a)      In the Junior Divisions, each player must play at least every other inning in the field.

a.       EXCEPTION: A player having pitched 4 or more innings may be allowed to remain on the bench, at the Manager’s discretion.

b)      In addition to (10a) in the Minors when there are 12 or more players present at a game each player shall sit at least one defensive inning of the first five innings. If there are less than 12 players present at a game no player shall sit out more than two defensive innings in a regulation (6 innings) game. The intention of this rule is to better balance playing time.

c)       In addition to (10.a.) in the AAA, AA Divisions when there are 13 or more players present at a game as many players as mathematically possible shall sit at least one defensive inning of the first four innings and the remaining player(s) shall sit out the fifth inning. If there are less than 13 players present at a game no player shall sit out more than two defensive innings in the field in a regulation (5 inning) game. The intention of this rule is to better balance playing time.

d)      In the Senior League, each player must play a minimum of two full consecutive innings in the field. Substitutions must be made by the fifth inning except for the first three weeks of the schedule where they must be made by the fourth inning. This rule is waived in anything short of a FULL game.

e)      In the Instructional Division - If a player misses his/her turn at bat due to an injury, he/she will be allowed back into the game at coach’s discretion. The next scheduled batter will be "at bat".

f)        If a runner must be removed from a game due to injury, illness, or for other reasons, he/she will be replaced by a pinch runner. The pinch runner will be the last player to have been declared out.

g)      If there are two outs in the inning, and the catcher of the team at bat reaches base, he/she may be substituted on the base by the last player to make an out. This permits the catcher to return to the dugout area to put on his/her catching equipment.

h)      Violation of the player substitution rule is a protestable offense, which could result in forfeiture of the game. If the GPC, either by way of a protest or through the report from an umpire or director determines that a team manager or acting manager willfully violates the substitution rule, automatic forfeiture of the game in question will occur.

11. PITCHING RULES (GENERAL)

a)      Pitching rules apply to a period of one week. A week is defined, for the purposes of these rules, as Monday through Sunday.

a.       EXCEPTION: If opening day is on a Saturday or Sunday, they are considered part of the first full week of play.

b)      In the Senior League a player may not pitch more than 7 innings in one calendar week. In the Majors, Minors and AAA Divisions, a player may not pitch more than 6 innings in any one calendar week. If a player throws one or more pitches in any inning, he/she shall be considered to have pitched a complete inning.

c)       In both the Senior and Junior Leagues, a pitcher who has been substituted for may not return to the mound.

d)      The HOME TEAM SCOREBOOK will be the official scorebook for the game.

e)      Each team scorebook must show the number of innings pitched during the week for each pitcher. This book can be checked by any Umpire and/or Director.

f)        Innings pitched in tied or incomplete games will be charged against a pitcher’s eligibility for that week. However, if a game is called before it has become a regulation game, the pitching eligibility is the same as it was prior to the beginning of the "no game" situation.

g)      In the Majors a pitcher cannot be used for more than four (4) innings in a single game.

h)      In the AAA and Minors a pitcher cannot be used for more than three (3) innings in a single game.

i)        Any pitcher who is on the pitching roster of any High, Junior, Middle, or other secondary school team is prohibited from pitching until the respective season is completed.

j)        Violation of any of the above rules is a protestable offense, which could result in forfeiture of the game.

k)       A batter must attempt to get out of the way of a pitched ball before he/she will be awarded first base for being hit by a pitch.

l)        In all divisions if a pitcher hits three batters in a game, he/she will automatically be removed from pitching. He/she may continue to play in the game, but cannot pitch.

m)    Starting pitchers and relief pitchers are allowed eight (8) warm-up pitches in their first inning of work. Pitchers are limited to five (5) warm-up pitches between innings thereafter.

n)      Before starting the game, each Manager must notify the opposing Manager of pitcher eligibility and verify/sign each other’s scorebook at the end of the game.

o)      Due to scheduling conflicts or any other unforeseen circumstances the League President or League Commissioner may waive or alter pitching eligibility rules for any game at any time prior to the start of the game.

12. INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION PITCHING

a)      In AAA Division, kids pitch the entire game.  There are no walks allowed but a hit batter does take their base if hit, except if hit accidentally by coaches pitch.  Batter must attempt to avoid getting hit.  After 4 balls have been pitched the team at bats coach will come in to continue pitching until the batter either hits or strikes out.  

b)      In AA Division First two Innings - The players pitch the first 2 innings.  There are no walks allowed but a hit batter does take their base if hit except if hit accidentally by coaches pitch.  Batter must attempt to avoid getting hit.  After 4 balls have been pitched the team at bats coach will come in to continue pitching until the batter either hits or strikes out. 

c)       In AA Division Remaining Innings - The team at bat’s own coach or manager will pitch the remaining innings of the game. In any inning that a coach or manager is pitching to his/her own team pursuant to this rule, there are no walks or "hit batsman’s" allowed. However, the umpire is expected to call balls and strikes, and a batter can be ruled out on a called third strike.

d)      In AA Division player pitchers will not be allowed to pitch more than 1 inning per game nor more than 2 innings in any one week. The 1 inning / 2 innings per week pitching limitation rules will be in effect for the entire season including any playoff and championship games.

13. GROUND RULES

a)      Before the start of the game the plate Umpire must cover ground rules for the particular field with both Team Managers.

b)      All equipment must be kept behind the team bench or backstop at all times. Team Managers are responsible to see that this rule is adhered to by all players and coaches.

c)       Before the start of the game both teams will provide the plate Umpire with one new baseball. The plate Umpire and/or Director shall have the sole authority to determine when a new ball is put in play.

d)      The regulation pitching distance between home plate and the pitching rubber for each division is:  INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION 40 feet, MINORS 46 feet, MAJORS DIVISION 46 feet on a 60 foot base path diamond and 50 feet on a 70 foot base path diamond and SENIOR LEAGUE is 60 feet.

e)      No one other than active players and umpires are permitted in fair territory until the ball is dead or an umpire calls time out. Only players, Team Managers, Coaches and Directors may request time out. This includes the carrying and passing of batting helmets, etc.

f)        Teams may have an on deck batter warming up outside fenced area as long as the on deck batter is supervised by an adult.  A single violation of this rule will result in that team not being allowed an on deck batter for the remainder of the game.

g)      No one other than players, the Team Manager, one scorekeeper, and a maximum of two adult assistant coaches are permitted on the team bench or in the area of the team bench.

h)      In the AA Division, it is permissible to have a coach stationed at the rear of the backstop to field passed balls. However, that coach so positioned may not leave the area of the rear of the backstop and must remain mute when so positioned. That coach may not make any verbal comments to the umpire, players on the field or to the batter, or otherwise interfere with any play on the field except to correct player fundamentals in between pitches or if player safety is a concern. If there is any violation of    this rule, both managers will be responsible to have that coach leave the position at the rear of the backstop.

14. FOUL BALL AND BALL IN PLAY RULES (ALL FIELDS) - GROUND RULES

ANY SITUATION NOT COVERED BY THE FOLLOWING GROUND RULES WILL BE SETTLED BY DECISIONS OF THE UMPIRE. THESE DECISIONS ARE NOT PROTESTABLE.

a)      Any ball hit in the air, outside of fair territory, is playable if:

1.       It is in front of the backstop and not beyond an imaginary line drawn between the team bench protective fence and the nearest point of the backstop.

2.       It is within an area between the foul line and the team bench or team bench protective fence.

3.       It is between the foul line and an imaginary line extending from the far end of the team bench protective fence and parallel to the foul line.

b)      Once a thrown ball passes beyond the "in-play" areas designated above, or hits a player on the bench, the ball is dead and runners are entitled to advance one base. EXAMPLE: John Smith has hit a ball safely into the outfield. He runs to first base and starts to second base. The throw from the fielder goes wild and out of the "in-play" area. The ball is ruled "dead", and if John Smith has run more than halfway to second base, he is entitled to third base.

c)       In the AA Division, a batter or runner cannot advance a base on an overthrow even if the ball goes out of play. A batter may advance to 2nd or 3rd base on a ball hit into the outfield at his/her own risk.  Once the ball reaches the infield the runner must stop at the next base.  Runners already on base may advance as many bases as possible at their own risk on a ball hit into the outfield.  Runners on base will advance one base on balls hit to the infield.  This rule is designed to encourage the players to throw to the correct base in all situations and not be penalized by errors at this level.

d)      Any thrown ball (other than pitched) lodging in, under, or passing through the backstop or other infield protective fence is a dead ball. Base runners are entitled to advance one base. In SENIOR LEAGUE, MAJOR DIVISION, AND MINOR DIVISION CONSISTENT WITH THE BASE STEALING RULE SPECIFIED IN RULE (14b) only, the above applies to pitched balls as well.

e)      FOR REASONS OF SAFETY CYB STRONGLY RECOMMENDS THAT PARENTS AND OTHER SPECTATORS REFRAIN  FROM CONGREGATING IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS;

a.       McNamara, Majors Field, 3rd Base Line

b.       Dodd Middle School, 1st Base Line

15. CHESHIRE PARK, FARMS FIELD, GROUND RULES

a)      Any (batted) fly ball, or ground ball, over, bouncing over, through, or hitting the parking lot barricade, or drainage ditch, in fair territory is a home run.

b)      Any (batted) fly ball deflected over the parking lot barricade by a fielder is a home run. EXAMPLE: John Doe hits a fly ball into left center field.  Betty White puts her glove up, and the ball passes over the barricade because it deflected off her glove. John is awarded a home run.

c)       Any ball hit (fly ball or rolling) into the ditch or tall grass in center or right center field beyond the shed is a home run.

16. CHESHIRE PARK, MINOR FIELD, GROUND RULES

a)      A batted ball hit on the fly in the right field bushes is a home run.

b)      A batted ball which rolls into the bushes in right field is a ground rule triple.

c)       A batted ball rolling to left of the bushes in right field out of the regular playing field is considered a ground rule triple.

17. CHESHIRE PARK, MAJOR FIELD, GROUND RULES

a)      When the fence is in place, any ball hit over, under, through, or bouncing over the fence (including bouncing off the fielder) will be considered a home run.

18. DODD MIDDLE SCHOOL GROUND RULES

a)      A fly ball hit onto the embankment in the left and left center field is a home run.

b)      A fly ball hit into the left field corner beyond the footpath is a home run.

c)       A batted ball rolling into the muddy or grassy areas in left and left center to the left of the marker is a ground rule double. A ball batted to the right of the marker is a home run.

d)      A fly ball may be caught for an out only at the base of the bank.

e)      A fair ball hit down the right field line, coming to a rest in the grassy, uncut area and beyond the tree line is a ground rule double.

f)        A fly ball that hits part of any tree on the right field side in foul territory shall be declared a foul ball and become a dead ball. A fly ball that hits part of any tree in fair territory in right field shall be considered a dead ball. (The batter will not be charged with a strike, an out, or be awarded a base). Once the ball has been determined to be a dead ball, no action can occur on that play until the umpire puts a ball in play.

g)      A thrown ball that hits the screen at first or third base is considered as having gone into the woods and is out of play. One additional base shall be awarded.

19. CHAPMAN SCHOOL GROUND RULES

a)      On the field closest to Route 10 if a ball reaches the blacktop it is a ground rule double.  Runners already on base are allowed two bases from where they started.

20. CHESHIRE HIGH SCHOOL FIELD GROUND RULES

None.

21. LOCAL RULES OF PLAY

a)      Base stealing is not permitted in the Instructional Division. In the Majors and Minors a player may steal second, third base or home plate at any time subject to the provisions of Rule (21i).

b)      Sliding rule: In AAA, AA division – player must try to avoid contact with fielder but is not required to slide. Any intentional contact the runner will be called out.  In other divisions - Any runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag. The key phrases here are "or attempt to get around" and "has the ball waiting to make the tag". The runner may slide or attempt to get around the fielder. He does not have to slide. Plus, unless the fielder has the ball, the runner does not have to do either. Headfirst sliding is not permitted in junior divisions.  EXCEPTION: Diving back to base to avoid a “pick-off” attempt in majors division only.

c)       The fielder should not be in the base path without possession of the ball. If he is, it is obstruction. Anytime a runner deliberately and maliciously crashes in to a fielder he should be ejected for un-sportsmanlike conduct. However if a close play occurs and the runner does not slide and makes incidental contact with the defender before he has the ball, no call should be made. If the defender has the ball, the umpire should judge as to whether the runner made an attempt to get around the fielder. If he did, he should not be called out simply because he did not slide or made contact.

d)      If the defender does not have possession of the ball, and a collision occurs as he steps in to the path of the runner as he attempts to catch a thrown ball there is no penalty, unless the umpire judges the collision to be deliberate and malicious.

e)      Bunting is permitted in the Minors, and Majors Divisions and the Senior League at all times. In the Instructional Division, bunting is not permitted.

f)        The infield fly rule applies to the Majors Division and Senior League only.

g)      In the INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISIONS, if there are less than three (3) outs, each half inning shall terminate immediately when the FOURTH (4th) run scored in that inning crosses the plate. No additional runs scoring after the fourth run will be counted with the exception that should the fourth run of the inning be scored because of an over the fence home run, (not an inside the park home run), all other runs driven in by that over the fence home run will be counted. In the MINOR AND MAJORS DIVISIONS, if there are less than three (3) outs, each half inning shall terminate immediately when the FIFTH (5th) run scored in the inning crosses the plate. No additional runs scoring after the fifth run will be counted with the exception, i.e., an over the fence home run, as provided in the Instructional Division rule above. There is NO limit to the number of runs that can be scored in the last regular inning for either team, nor in any extra innings. This means that the most number of runs that can be scored in any one inning, with the exception of the last regular or extra inning of the game or an over the fence home run, is four (4) in the Instructional Divisions and five (5) in the Minors and Majors Divisions.

h)      The balk rules do not apply in the Major, Minor, and the Instructional Divisions with the following exceptions.

a.       With runners on base should the pitcher fail to complete his/her pitch when a batter has squared around to bunt, the runners will advance one base.  This applies to the Major and Minor divisions only.

b.       If a Majors division game is on a 50/70 diamond then National League balk rule applies after 1 warning per pitcher.

i)        When a pitcher is in contact with the pitcher’s rubber and in possession of the ball, and the catcher is in the catcher’s box ready to receive delivery of the ball, base runners shall not leave their bases until the ball has been delivered and reaches the batter. AFTER ONE TEAM WARNING FROM THE UMPIRE violation of this rule will result in the runner leaving early being called out and the ball becoming "dead" with all subsequent action on that pitch being canceled. This rule applies to the Majors, Minors and Instructional Divisions. FIRST TEAM VIOLATION: as above, with the exception that the player leaving early is sent back to the base from which he/she left early. In the INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION, when a ball in play is thrown back to the player pitcher who is then on the mound or to the coach who is then pitching, the ball is dead and all runners will return to the base that he or she last touched or occupied.

j)        In the AAA, AA Divisions when a runner intentionally runs out of the baseline to avoid being tagged out, not only is he/she called out, but all play will be stopped by the umpire only and the runners will stop at the closest base.

k)       In Majors, Minors, AAA and AA, batter-runner cannot be tagged out after over-running first base if said batter-runner returns immediately to the base. The batter-runner can turn left or right when overrunning first base. If runner makes an attempt (umpires discretion) to go to 2nd base the runner can be put out by being tagged by the ball before regaining first base.

l)        Intentional walks are NOT allowed in the Instructional, the Minors, and the Majors Divisions.

m)    When an accident incapacitates a player an Umpire or Director may immediately call time out, and the ball becomes "dead". Runners will be placed on the base that they were closest to when time was called.

22. PLAYERS; TEAM MANAGERS; COACHES, AND SPECTATORS’ CONDUCT

IN ORDER TO PROMOTE SPORTSMANSHIP ON THE FIELD OF PLAY, IN ALL GAMES UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF CHESHIRE YOUTH BASEBALL, THE FOLLOWING RULES HAVE BEEN INSTITUTED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS FOR THE BENEFIT OF ALL PLAYERS, PARENTS, COACHES, TEAM MANAGERS, AND UMPIRES. ALL OF THESE RULES WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED!

a)      Managers, Coaches, players, and spectators are not allowed to intentionally try to influence an Umpire’s call through verbal or physical intimidation. For example no one should make any kind of comment on a pitch until after the umpire has made the call.  Violation can result in ejection from the game.

b)      Spectators are not allowed to intentionally try and influence an umpire’s call through verbal or physical intimidation. Any violation will result in the removal from the field. The umpire should warn the offending teams manager that if the spectator does not cease the game will be forfeited. It    will be the responsibility of the offending teams manager to inform the spectator of the potential forfeit.

c)       Swearing and/or the throwing of equipment will not be tolerated. Violation will result in ejection from the game.

d)      Any member of the Cheshire Youth Baseball League who engages in fighting (or threatening thereto) shall be immediately ejected from the game by an Umpire and/or Director. Automatic suspension for the next game.  Suspension and/or total exclusion from further participation in the program may ensue should the Board of Directors so decide.

e)      Any Coach or Manager swearing or throwing equipment will not be tolerated. Violation will result in the ejection from the game. Automatic next game suspension. Automatic review by the Division Commissioner, League Commissioner and League President to determine if the Coach or the   manager should be removed from the league.

f)        No consumption of tobacco products or alcoholic beverages by Directors, Managers, Coaches, or Umpires on the field or in the dugout area while performing their official CYB responsibilities will be allowed. This rule holds true for practice sessions as well as game conditions.

g)      Only the Team Manager, or acting Team Manager, can discuss rule interpretations or game conditions with the Umpire.

h)      It should be noted that all players are encouraged to support their own team members, but all cheering should be within the limits of good sportsmanship. Unusually loud, boisterous or extreme noise which, in the opinion of the Umpire or Director, has a disturbing effect upon members of the opposing team or general conduct of the game is prohibited. This rule will be implemented as follows:

i)        Appeal to Umpire by Team Manager or Director. (The Umpire may also implement this rule without appeal).

j)        Warning will be given by Umpire and/or Director to the Team Manager of the offending team.

k)       If, after one warning, the offending team or individual should fail to desist, the game may be declared a forfeit by the Umpire and/or Director. The circumstances, which necessitated the forfeit, will be forwarded to the Division Commissioner within 48 hours. Further disciplinary action may be    taken by the Board of Directors.

l)        No Team Manager, Coach, or player shall deliberately distract an opposing player in any manner.  After one warning from the Umpire the guilty party shall be ejected from the game.

m)    All spectators must be controlled as much as possible by the Team Managers, Coaches, Players, Umpires, and Directors. Interference by spectators can result in termination of a game and potential forfeiture.

n)      Any Team Manager, Coach or Player who is ejected from a game by an Umpire or Director shall have his/her name reported within 24 hours to the Division Commissioner, who will contact the ejected party for possible disciplinary action as directed by the League Commissioner. Two ejections of an individual during the season may prohibit further participation in the program as determined by the Board of Directors.

o)      During games, team managers and umpires for all divisions must have CYB and other appropriate Official Baseball Rules in their possession at all times.

p)      The team manager may designate two base coaches when his/her team is at bat. It is encouraged that these base coaches be adults but youth coaches may be used if they are at least 12 years of age (by League definition). All youth coaches (age 12-16) must wear a batting helmet when coaching at first or third base.

23. ORGANIZATION FOR PLAY

a)      Players are grouped by age into the following Divisions:

b)      IN EXTRAORDINARY CIRCUMSTANCES, ANY AGE RULE MAY BE WAIVED BY AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE RESPECTIVE DIVISION COMMISSIONERS AND THE LEAGUE COMMISSIONER AT THEIR SOLE DISCRETION.

c)       Any registered Senior League player shall be eligible to participate in postseason play if said player participated in at least 5 games during the regular season. Exceptions to this rule may be made by the Senior League Commissioner in conjunction with the League Commissioner.

d)      Loaning/borrowing of players between teams is not permitted for an official game.  In the event a team does not have eight players, the game is a forfeit.  Teams may then loan/borrow to play an unofficial/practice game.