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Rule I. Administrative Rules
Section 1 – Age: A player must not turn fifteen years of age before May 1 in order to be eligible to play in this league. Exception to this rule: If a player is currently enrolled in eighth grade, he shall be eligible for this league.
Section 2 – Rosters:
A. The maximum number of players per roster will be at the discretion of the community.
B. A player may appear on only one community's roster(s).
C. Initial rosters are due to the commissioner before opening day of the season.
D. If rosters are not into the commissioner by the appropriate date, the offending team may be forced to forfeit games.
D. No additions to the roster shall be made after July 3rd of the season.
Section 3 – Drafts: The draft system as determined by each community shall be used to form the teams in the league.
Section 4 – League Fees:
A. League fees shall be set by the commissioner.
B. League fees are due to the commissioner before the opening day of the season.
C. If league fees are not into the commissioner by the appropriate date, teams within the offending program may be forced to forfeit games.
Rule II. Playing Rules
Section 1 – General Rules: All games shall be governed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association rules, with the following exceptions. A copy of the MHSAA rulebook may be ordered by going to <www.mhsaa.com>
Section 2 – The Diamond: It is the responsibility of the home team for making sure the field is set up properly.
Section 3 - Game Length:
A. A game shall consist of seven innings. In the event of inclement weather or other situations, five innings shall constitute a complete game if the visiting team is ahead. Four and one-half innings shall constitute a complete game if the home team is ahead.
B. A mercy rule shall be imposed by the umpire when a ten run differential is reached by either team; four and one-half innings if the home team is ahead and five innings if the visiting team is ahead.
C. A game may start and/or finish with eight players. If a team is unable to field a minimum of eight players, the game shall be declared a forfeit in the standings.
D. Forfeit time shall be fifteen minutes after the scheduled start of the game.
E. There shall be a two and one-half hour time limit per game. No inning shall start after the time limit unless the game is tied.
Section 4 - Player Equipment:
A. Bats - Only regulation wood or metal, or composite bats shall be used.
1.In the recreation division, the barrel of the bat shall not exceed 2 and 5/8”.
2. In the accelerated division, the bat shall not numerically weigh any more than three (3) ounces less than the length of the bat (-3 drop). Example: a bat measuring 33” in length shall not weigh less than 30 ounces. The barrel of the bat shall not exceed 2 and 5/8”.
B. A catcher shall wear a protective helmet, mask, throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, catcher’s mitt, and a protective cup during games.
C. Each team shall provide one new game ball at the start of each game.
D - Each player, by the first game, shall have a uniform with a number on the back, distinct from the numbers of other players on the team.
E. Jewelry shall not be worn by any player during the game.
Section 5 - Batting and Base Running:
A. Helmets must be worn by batters, on-deck batters, base runners, or any player coaching a base at all times. Helmets must be kept on at all times while on the field of play. Failure to comply with this rule is cause for removal from the game.
B. A continuous batting order shall be allowed.
1. The use of a continuous batting order must be declared before the start of the game and once declared, must be used for the entire game. If a coach opts to use the continuous batting order, he must bat his entire lineup, not just a partial lineup. (ie: if a coach has 12 players available, he must bat all 12 players.)
2. When using a continuous batting order, any additional player that arrives after the game has begun shall be added to the end of the lineup.
3. If a player in the lineup is injured, he will be deleted from the lineup. Exception: In the last inning, any player who is deleted from the lineup shall be called out.
C. A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher at any point after the catcher-batter reaches base safely. The courtesy runner shall be a player not currently playing in the field. If all players in the lineup are being used in the field, the courtesy runner shall be the player who made the last out in the order.
D. A runner shall be called out when he makes no effort to avoid contact with the fielder during a close play at a base or at home. The runner does not have to slide, but all efforts to avoid contact with the fielder must be made. If the runner fails to do this, he shall be called out.
Section 6 – Playing Time:
A. All players shall play at least two innings on defense of each game and shall bat at least once per game. Failure to comply may result in forfeit.
B. If a player is being benched for disciplinary reasons, the coach must declare this during the lineup exchange to avoid later problems.
C. In order to be eligible for the post season, a player must:
1. play at least two full games during the regular season.
2. appear in no less than six (6) games in the regular season.
D. If a player is injured for an extended period of time and may not be able to appear in six or more games, the commissioner must be notified immediately.
Section 7 - Pitching:
A. A pitcher may pitch no more than four innings in a game
1. If a game goes into extra innings, the pitcher on the mound at the time of the extra innings may pitch the duration of the game.
B. A pitcher delivering one or more pitches in an inning shall constitute one inning pitched.
C. If a game is called before it becomes a regulation game, the pitching eligibility for that game will count as innings pitched.
D. If a pitcher is removed from the position of pitcher during any part of the game, he shall be allowed to return to the mound as a pitcher provided he has not left the game defensively.
Section 8 - Re-Entry:
A. Free substitution, according to the MHSAA shall be allowed for all defensive positions as long as the Section 7 criteria are met.
Section 9 - Protests:
A. All protests regarding rules violations must be made to the commissioner by the acting head coach.
Rule III. General
Section 1 – Misconduct of Players and Coaches: If, in the judgment of the umpire, the game is unsafe to continue for reasons of misconduct, one or both teams shall be assessed a forfeit. The manager (s) shall be called in for a hearing and further action may be taken, including, but not limited to:
A. Offending players’ suspension or removal from program
B. Offending Managers’ suspension or removal from program, or
C. Offending teams’ suspension or removal from program.
Section 2 – Calling in/ e-mailing scores: Coach of winning team is responsible for calling or e-mailing game score in within 24 hours of the game. If the score is not reported within 24 hours, the team may not receive credit for a win in the standings.
Section 3- Canceled Games:
A. If a game is canceled, a make-up game shall be rescheduled by the home team as soon as possible.
B. In the event of a rainout, the coach of the home team shall be responsible for notifying the coach of the visiting team of the rainout.
C. If an excessive amount of cancellations occur, every attempt will be made to make the games up, however, this may become a problem as the end of the season nears. Games not made up that have bearing on the final league standings shall be dealt with by the commissioner.
Section 4- Umpires: Each community shall provide at least one MHSAA certified umpire at all home contests. Failure to do this may result in a forfeit for the program. If the umpire does not arrive to the game within 30 minutes after the scheduled start time of the game, the game shall be forfeited to the visiting team.
Section 5 – A Word about the League: This league has been organized for the safety and enjoyment of the kids rather than an attitude of win-at-any-cost. The league’s sole purpose is to stress community involvement and to teach game fundamentals and a love for the game. Remember to stress teamwork and good sportsmanship and let the kids enjoy recreational baseball.
Section 1 – Age: A player must not turn fifteen years of age before May 1 in order to be eligible to play in this league. Exception to this rule: If a player is currently enrolled in eighth grade, he shall be eligible for this league.
Section 2 – Rosters:
A. The maximum number of players per roster will be at the discretion of the community.
B. A player may appear on only one community's roster(s).
C. Initial rosters are due to the commissioner before opening day of the season.
D. If rosters are not into the commissioner by the appropriate date, the offending team may be forced to forfeit games.
D. No additions to the roster shall be made after July 3rd of the season.
Section 3 – Drafts: The draft system as determined by each community shall be used to form the teams in the league.
Section 4 – League Fees:
A. League fees shall be set by the commissioner.
B. League fees are due to the commissioner before the opening day of the season.
C. If league fees are not into the commissioner by the appropriate date, teams within the offending program may be forced to forfeit games.
Rule II. Playing Rules
Section 1 – General Rules: All games shall be governed by the Michigan High School Athletic Association rules, with the following exceptions. A copy of the MHSAA rulebook may be ordered by going to <www.mhsaa.com>
Section 2 – The Diamond: It is the responsibility of the home team for making sure the field is set up properly.
Section 3 - Game Length:
A. A game shall consist of seven innings. In the event of inclement weather or other situations, five innings shall constitute a complete game if the visiting team is ahead. Four and one-half innings shall constitute a complete game if the home team is ahead.
B. A mercy rule shall be imposed by the umpire when a ten run differential is reached by either team; four and one-half innings if the home team is ahead and five innings if the visiting team is ahead.
C. A game may start and/or finish with eight players. If a team is unable to field a minimum of eight players, the game shall be declared a forfeit in the standings.
D. Forfeit time shall be fifteen minutes after the scheduled start of the game.
E. There shall be a two and one-half hour time limit per game. No inning shall start after the time limit unless the game is tied.
Section 4 - Player Equipment:
A. Bats - Only regulation wood or metal, or composite bats shall be used.
1.In the recreation division, the barrel of the bat shall not exceed 2 and 5/8”.
2. In the accelerated division, the bat shall not numerically weigh any more than three (3) ounces less than the length of the bat (-3 drop). Example: a bat measuring 33” in length shall not weigh less than 30 ounces. The barrel of the bat shall not exceed 2 and 5/8”.
B. A catcher shall wear a protective helmet, mask, throat guard, chest protector, shin guards, catcher’s mitt, and a protective cup during games.
C. Each team shall provide one new game ball at the start of each game.
D - Each player, by the first game, shall have a uniform with a number on the back, distinct from the numbers of other players on the team.
E. Jewelry shall not be worn by any player during the game.
Section 5 - Batting and Base Running:
A. Helmets must be worn by batters, on-deck batters, base runners, or any player coaching a base at all times. Helmets must be kept on at all times while on the field of play. Failure to comply with this rule is cause for removal from the game.
B. A continuous batting order shall be allowed.
1. The use of a continuous batting order must be declared before the start of the game and once declared, must be used for the entire game. If a coach opts to use the continuous batting order, he must bat his entire lineup, not just a partial lineup. (ie: if a coach has 12 players available, he must bat all 12 players.)
2. When using a continuous batting order, any additional player that arrives after the game has begun shall be added to the end of the lineup.
3. If a player in the lineup is injured, he will be deleted from the lineup. Exception: In the last inning, any player who is deleted from the lineup shall be called out.
C. A courtesy runner may be used for the catcher at any point after the catcher-batter reaches base safely. The courtesy runner shall be a player not currently playing in the field. If all players in the lineup are being used in the field, the courtesy runner shall be the player who made the last out in the order.
D. A runner shall be called out when he makes no effort to avoid contact with the fielder during a close play at a base or at home. The runner does not have to slide, but all efforts to avoid contact with the fielder must be made. If the runner fails to do this, he shall be called out.
Section 6 – Playing Time:
A. All players shall play at least two innings on defense of each game and shall bat at least once per game. Failure to comply may result in forfeit.
B. If a player is being benched for disciplinary reasons, the coach must declare this during the lineup exchange to avoid later problems.
C. In order to be eligible for the post season, a player must:
1. play at least two full games during the regular season.
2. appear in no less than six (6) games in the regular season.
D. If a player is injured for an extended period of time and may not be able to appear in six or more games, the commissioner must be notified immediately.
Section 7 - Pitching:
A. A pitcher may pitch no more than four innings in a game
1. If a game goes into extra innings, the pitcher on the mound at the time of the extra innings may pitch the duration of the game.
B. A pitcher delivering one or more pitches in an inning shall constitute one inning pitched.
C. If a game is called before it becomes a regulation game, the pitching eligibility for that game will count as innings pitched.
D. If a pitcher is removed from the position of pitcher during any part of the game, he shall be allowed to return to the mound as a pitcher provided he has not left the game defensively.
Section 8 - Re-Entry:
A. Free substitution, according to the MHSAA shall be allowed for all defensive positions as long as the Section 7 criteria are met.
Section 9 - Protests:
A. All protests regarding rules violations must be made to the commissioner by the acting head coach.
Rule III. General
Section 1 – Misconduct of Players and Coaches: If, in the judgment of the umpire, the game is unsafe to continue for reasons of misconduct, one or both teams shall be assessed a forfeit. The manager (s) shall be called in for a hearing and further action may be taken, including, but not limited to:
A. Offending players’ suspension or removal from program
B. Offending Managers’ suspension or removal from program, or
C. Offending teams’ suspension or removal from program.
Section 2 – Calling in/ e-mailing scores: Coach of winning team is responsible for calling or e-mailing game score in within 24 hours of the game. If the score is not reported within 24 hours, the team may not receive credit for a win in the standings.
Section 3- Canceled Games:
A. If a game is canceled, a make-up game shall be rescheduled by the home team as soon as possible.
B. In the event of a rainout, the coach of the home team shall be responsible for notifying the coach of the visiting team of the rainout.
C. If an excessive amount of cancellations occur, every attempt will be made to make the games up, however, this may become a problem as the end of the season nears. Games not made up that have bearing on the final league standings shall be dealt with by the commissioner.
Section 4- Umpires: Each community shall provide at least one MHSAA certified umpire at all home contests. Failure to do this may result in a forfeit for the program. If the umpire does not arrive to the game within 30 minutes after the scheduled start time of the game, the game shall be forfeited to the visiting team.
Section 5 – A Word about the League: This league has been organized for the safety and enjoyment of the kids rather than an attitude of win-at-any-cost. The league’s sole purpose is to stress community involvement and to teach game fundamentals and a love for the game. Remember to stress teamwork and good sportsmanship and let the kids enjoy recreational baseball.
