Rookie League Supplemental Rules        Rev 08/05

General Rules:

1.              No new inning can be started more than 1 hour and 30 minutes after the game start time.

2.              If a team is unable to field nine players on defense it can draw substitute players from the offensive team.

3.              Only game balls issued by JTAA Baseball are to be used at all times.

4.              The home team is identified on the schedule and will occupy the third base dugout.

5.             A NYSCA certified coach must remain in the dugout at all times.

6.              Upon completion of 3 offensive outs or 5 runs have scored, the team (defense) taking the field shall be ready to play. There shall be no field warm-up.

Defensive Rules:

7.              All players will play at least one complete inning in the infield and one complete inning in the outfield each game. No player will sit out 2 consecutive innings. If a player does not meet the minimum play requirement in any game, for any reason, he/she shall start the next game and fulfill the minimum play requirement from the previous game and the current game prior to sitting out 1 inning. (1/11/03) 

8.              No player shall play the same position in the field for more than two innings in any game with the exception of catcher. (8/21/05)

9.              All teams will field a catcher who will wear a face protector, protective cup, full catcher’s gear and use a catcher’s mitt. Left-handed catcher’s mitts are available from the Equipment Director.

10.           The child pitcher must be positioned within 5 feet of the pitching machine, which shall be placed so that the pitch is delivered from the rubber. The child pitcher must not be in front of the machine when the ball is pitched, but may move in front of the machine after the ball is delivered.

11.           Catcher throws the ball back to the pitcher, not the adult feeding the machine. The adult feeding the machine shall not wear a baseball glove.

12.           All infielders (except the pitcher) must play behind the line between the bases.

13.           Infielders are to be instructed not to position themselves where they will interfere with the base runners.

14.           A ball that is hit to the outfield must be fielded by an outfielder. Outfielders cannot make an out by tagging a runner or stepping on a base.

15.           Four outfielders are played at normal depth. Short fielders are not allowed.

16.           Play is stopped when the ball is under control in front of the lead runner.

17.           Defensive coaches are permitted on the field to instruct, however, no timeouts will be granted for instruction. Defensive coaches are not permitted to touch a live ball or physically assist a player.

Offensive Rules:

18.           A continuous batting order will be used in each game. All players present bat in the same order all season. Subsequent games start where the previous game’s order ended (the on deck batter when the previous game ended is the leadoff batter in the next game).

19.           Offensive coaches are positioned on the pitching mound, well behind home plate to back up the child catcher, at first and third base. Coaches are not permitted to touch the base runners. All coaches must be NYSCA certified. The offensive coach who is positioned on the mound is responsible for the safe operation of the pitching machine and is positioned behind the pitching machine.

20.           One on-deck batter is allowed, but the on-deck batter must be located behind the batter at the plate, and in the chalked on-deck circle. On-deck batters must not be allowed near the dugout opening or within 10 feet of another player. On-deck batters must wear a batting helmet.

21.           Each batter will be allowed 6 hittable pitches in which to put the ball in play else the batter is OUT. A FOUL BALL on the 6^th pitch entitles the batter another pitch to put the ball in play.  After the 6^th pitch, a batter continues to hit so long as the subsequent pitches are fouled off. (09/14/03)  NOTE: The Umpire can call "No Pitch" if in his/her judgment the ball cannot be hit!

22.           There are no walks. A certified coach must operate the pitching machine.

23.           The inning will be over when 5 runs have scored or there are 3 outs.

24.           Bunting is not allowed.

25.           Violent throwing of equipment is not allowed.

26.           A batter who throws their bat after swinging will be warned the first time and called out the second time.

27.           Base runners must avoid contact, and have the option of sliding (feet first only). If a runner slides headfirst or in a manner the umpire determines to be malicious, the runner will be called out. Runners may also be called out if, in the opinion of the umpire, they do not attempt to avoid contact.

28.           Stealing is not allowed.

29.           A runner who is in between bases when play is stopped goes to the nearest base.

30.           One base is allowed on an overthrow in foul territory.

31.           When the ball is in play in fair territory, runners are to be encouraged to take extra bases. Runners are not to be told to advance only when forced.

32.           The infield fly rule is not in effect.

33.           Upon completion of the game each Manager is responsible for the cleanliness of the dugout and grandstand areas.

34.           The speed setting for the pitching machine shall be set and maintained at a speed as designated in writing by the majority decision of the President, Cal Ripken Director and Rules Director.

35.           A batted ball that strikes, hits, impacts or comes to rest under or within 5 (five) feet of the pitching machine is a dead ball and the batter/runner shall be awarded first base and all runners occupying a base shall be awarded one base. A thrown ball that strikes, hits, impacts or comes to rest under the machine or within 5 (five) feet of the machine is a dead ball, Rule 29 applies to all runners.