Rookie League Rules
1. TIME LIMIT: One hour and fifteen
minutes or (6) innings whichever comes first. In the event of a tie the game
will continue until there is a winner.
2. BATTING ORDER: All teams will bat round
robin. If a batter becomes disabled during the game and cannot bat, it
WILL NOT be an out.
3. DEFENSE: Will consist of (9) regular fielding positions and (1)
additional rover in the outfield. The pitcher may not be beyond the
forward mast point of the machine before the ball is put in play. Penalty: If the ball is not hit the umpire shall
declare “no pitch”. If the ball is hit the offensive coach may choose
between the play and “no pitch”.
4. RUNS PER INNING: (6) runs per inning.
5. CONTACT RULE: Babe Ruth rule: 6.05 (m)
shall apply.
6. DEAD BALL: Time will be called by the UMPIRE when no runner is advancing.
7. PITCHING MACHINE: Machine speed will be 52% or 38mph on a Jugs Single Wheel
Machine. The machine will be placed 46
feet from home plate. The umpire may adjust the machine at the beginning
of any inning to maintain consistency. The machine may be adjusted during an
inning with the consent of both coaches or if deemed necessary by the Umpire –
in Chief. Any batted ball striking any part of the pitching machine or
the individual feeding the machine will be called dead. The batter will
be awarded first base. No runners may
advance unless forced.
8. THE BATTER: All batters will wear a
batting helmet when on the field of play, whether as an on deck hitter, a
batter, or a base runner.
9. THE CATCHER: Must wear a face mask, helmet, mitt, chest protector, shin
guards, and a protective supporter with cup.
10. COURTESY RUNNER: Will not be allowed.
11. INFIELD FLY: Will not be in effect.
12. BUNTING: Will be allowed. (The batter may square to bunt and pull
the bat back to take a pitch, but he cannot square and then swing away).
Penalty: The batter is out, no runners advance and the batter may be ejected if
his actions place the safety of a defensive player in jeopardy.
13. STEALING: Will is allowed on passed balls only. A line will
be drawn behind the catcher to determine passed balls.
14. BATTER IS OUT: After five pitches. If, in the umpires judgment,
the machine delivers a ball out of the strike zone a “no-pitch” will be called
unless the batter swings in which case it will be called a strike. If a
batter slings his bat, a warning will be given to the team at bat. After
one warning, any player on the warned team who slings his bat will be called
out immediately and no runners will advance. The umpire will be the sole
judge of whether the bat was slung or dropped. This is NOT an appeal
play.
15. COACHES: On offense a first base and third base coach will be
allowed on the field. On defense, coaches must remain in their dug
out. One coach may stand directly in front of the dugout for the purpose
of defensive instruction.
16. BASE AWARDS: All overthrown balls are live unless the ball leaves the field
of play, in which case, a (1) base limit will be given to the runners.
Any (fair) batted ball that bounces over, rolls through or under a fence will
be a ground rule double.
17. RUN RULE: If a team is ahead by (10) runs after (4) complete innings (3 ½
for the home team) the game will be called. If a team is ahead by (7)
runs after (5) complete innings (4 ½ for the home team) the game will be
called.
18. GAME TIME: Be at the field at least (30) minutes prior to game time.
19. UMPIRES: The field umpire will feed the pitching machine, call
strikes, “no pitch”, and call plays on the bases. There will be no
protest of judgment calls.
20. LINEUPS: (1) copy to score box and to opposing coach (10) minutes
before game time. First initial, last name and number are required.
