CARBON CAL RIPKEN

LOCAL RULES/BY-LAWS
2018 SEASON

*Approved by the League Presidency on February 7, 2018.

I. Introduction

A. Carbon CAL RIPKEN is a volunteer non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide
children between the ages of seven and twelve an opportunity to participate in competitive
Baseball. Carbon CAL RIPKEN is geared to provide an outlet of healthful activity under good
leadership in the atmosphere of wholesome community participation. It is the intent of Carbon
CAL RIPKEN to accommodate any player who wants to play baseball, lives within the Carbon CAL
RIPKEN boundaries and meets registration requirements. No player will be turned away except
for severe disciplinary reasons or restrictions placed by the league.

B. Carbon CAL RIPKEN follows the rules set forth in the Official Regulations and Playing Rules of the
CAL RIPKEN Baseball Association. Carbon CAL RIPKEN has adopted local rules/by-laws that are
mandatory and will be adhered to during the regular season and outer league play, and may or
may not be applicable during the post season and tournament play. Managers and coaches will
be provided with a rulebook for their league along with the local rules/by-laws. They should
teach their players the rules and encourage parents to learn them.

C. Carbon CAL RIPKEN Organization

1. Carbon CAL RIPKEN will be made up of a League Presidency that will carry out all league
local rules/by-laws and as necessary enact new local rules/by-laws or amendments with
a majority vote.
2. Presidency members will have no vote regarding matters in which their child or their
child’s team is involved with a protest or suspension.

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 3. League officers may serve a two-year term upon nomination and election by majority
vote from the League Presidency. Vacated positions will be replaced by a nomination
and majority vote by the League Presidency.
4. All board member positions will represent the league and will have full voting privileges.
5. The following positions will provide support and report to the League Presidency but will
not have voting privileges unless they are part of the presidency:
a. Fields/Equipment
b. Fundraising
c. Registration
d. Schedules/Rosters
e. Tryouts/Coaches Clinic
f. Concessions Coordinator
g. Umpire Coordinator
h. Uniforms
i. Opening/Closing Day Ceremonies
j. Players Agent

II. Carbon CAL RIPKEN League

A. Carbon CAL RIPKEN will be made up of three baseball divisions based upon a players league age
as of April 30, that including Rookie (ages 5 to 8), Minors (ages 9 and 10), and Majors (ages 11
and 12). 10 year olds will be allowed to move up to the Major division pending a board and
coach approval. 7 and 8 year olds may be allowed to try out for the Minor league division with
board approval. Coaches in the Minor division are not obligated to pick 7 or 8 year old players
during the draft. The players trying out for the Minors that are left un-drafted will play in the
Rookie division.

1. Minor League Prep - Rookie Division (7 & 8 year olds by April 30, 2018)
a. The emphasis of this league is to have fun and teach the fundamentals of
baseball.
b. The game will run for 6 innings or 90 minutes whichever comes first. A new
inning will not begin after 85 minutes.
c. The home team coach will mark and the field.
d. Peer to peer pitching
i. A pitcher cannot pitch more than 1 inning per game.
ii. The coach will determine at what distance between 35 feet and 46 feet
his/her pitcher can accurately deliver strikes across the home plate.
iii. The goal of all 7-8 year old pitchers is to deliver strikes from the mound
at 46 feet from home plate.
iv. In the interest of moving the game along and development of players
into a pitcher, if a pitcher cannot make an accurate throw to the batter
from the increased pitching distance, that pitcher can pitch at a closer

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 distance as long as the pitcher is not closer than 35 feet to the front of
home plate.
v. They must pitch at 46 feet during tournament play.
vi. No penalty will be assessed to the pitcher or team for multiple trips to
the mound by a manager or coach to assist with pitching development.
vii. If a peer pitcher delivers 4 balls to the batter, the offensive coach will
throw to the batter. The batter will start with 1 strike. However, if the
batter has strikes on them already, those strikes will count against the
batter (3 strikes and you’re out).
e. Coach to peer pitching
i. If a 6 year old is not comfortable with standing at bat with a peer
pitcher, then that players coach will pitch to the player. All 7-8 year olds
must take 4 pitches from a peer pitcher.
1. At-bats will be officiated by the defensive manager or coach.
2. Balls/strikes will be counted, including strikeouts.
3. There will be no walks.
4. The at-bat is live (same count) when the coach takes over, until
the batter has a 3 strike count. No exceptions.
ii. Hit by pitch
1. If a batter is hit by a peer pitched ball and the ball hits the
ground then hits the batter, it will be called a ball and the batter
will remain at bat.
2. If a batter is hit by a pitched ball on the fly, the batter will be
awarded first base.
3. If a pitcher hits a batter with a pitched ball four times in one
game then the pitcher will be removed from the mound.
f. There will be NO running on “passed balls” (pitch missed by catcher).
g. Foul balls on the last pitch do not count against the batter, just as in regular
baseball.
h. Bunting is ALLOWED.
i. There is no stealing in the Rookie League, including “leading off” any base.
j. When the ball is hit infield, a single base play will occur.
k. When the ball advances to the outfield, a double base play can occur (per
coach’s discretion). Players cannot exceed 2 bases.
l. Outs will be counted as outs. If a player is called out, he/she will return to the
dugout and not remain on base.
m. Overthrow rule
i. Overthrow to any base in attempt to make an out. The runner will stay
on the base the overthrow occurred at.
n. Teams will bat the entire line-up each inning, unless three outs are attained by
the defensive team.
i. The inning is considered over when an out is attained during the play
from which the batter has successfully made a hit.
ii. Players will no longer “run the basses out” after the last player has
made a hit. The play is live until any offensive player is called out.
iii. The line-up will consist of all available players.
o. The defensive team will field no more than 9 players.

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 i. In the event the coach is pitching, the pitcher will take position on the
left side of the coach, or to the left of the pitching mound.
p. All extra players will remain in the dugout for no more than ½ inning per game.
i. Players must be rotated throughout the game to include all available
players.
q. Coach to coach meeting
i. Coaches will talk before each game to discuss team issues such as
hitting, pitching, and fielding concerns for each team.
r. Umpires will not be provided however, each team can designate someone
(parent, grandparent, or friend) to volunteer as the umpire for home games
only.
i. If the home team does not provide a volunteer umpire, the coaches will
take on that responsibility.
s. Dominating score
i. If one team is dominating the score, the coach that is winning will ask
the scorekeeper to shut the scoreboard off.
t. Bylaws subject to change
i. Because of the newness of the Rookie League, these bylaws are subject
to change to fit the needs of the league.
ii. Other league bylaws concerning conduct of players, coaches, and fans
remain in effect.
u. 8 Run Rule
i. Since we are using games to help learn the fundamentals of baseball,
the 8 run rule will not be enforced and the game will continue.
However, the scoreboard can be shut off to not show a huge score
deficit.

2. Rookie Division (5 & 6 year olds by April 30, 2018)

a. A manager or coach from the batting team will pitch overhand from the
pitcher’s mound area. Runners may not advance unless a hit is made into the
field of play.
b. Each batter will receive up to four pitches to hit the ball. After the forth pitch, a
tee must be used.
c. Foul balls on the last pitch do not count against the batter, just as in regular
baseball.
d. There will be no called balls, walks, or outs.
e. Teams will bat the entire line-up each inning.
i. The line-up will consist of all available players.
f. The defensive team will field all players, once infield players are positioned,
the other players will play outfield.
i. The pitcher will take position on the left side of the coach or to the
left of the pitching mound.
g. All extra players will remain in the dugout for no more than a ½ inning per
game.
i. Players must be rotated throughout the game to include all
available players.
ii. It is recommended to rotate the players throughout all positions on
the field.

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3. Minor League Division (9 & 10 year olds by April 30, 2018)
a. An 8 or 9 year old must pitch the first and second innings or through the opposing
team’s full line up, whichever comes first. All other Carbon CAL RIPKEN pitching
rules apply.
b. Teams must bat their entire line up (for teams with 12 or less players. If a player is
injured or sick and cannot complete their time at bat, this is not an automatic out as
long as you still have at least 9 batters in the line-up. The batting order does not
change; the injured/sick player is skipped. If you only have 9 batters and one is
injured and cannot complete their at bat, then it is an automatic out when it is the
injured players turn to bat.
c. Every player must play at least 2 full innings. If players are not attending practice or
games, managers have the discretion of limiting playing time under the 2 innings
per game rule.
d. For the safety of the players, a batter may use the on-deck batting circle to warm-
up. The umpire may stipulate when a left handed batter is up that the warm up
circle on the 1st base side be used. The 3rd base side should be used for right handed
batters.
e. Free defensive substitution and rotation is allowed, but the batting line up must
remain the same. No player will sit for more than one inning consecutively unless
disciplinary rules apply. All CAL RIPKEN pitching rules still apply.
f. If a pitcher hits a batter with a pitched ball three times in one game then the
pitcher will be removed from the mound. If an umpire determines that any batter is
hit intentionally, the pitcher will be removed from the game immediately.
g. A game must go at least four innings, after four innings there is a two hour time
limit unless there is a tie game. The game will be played until a winner is reached or
darkness prevents further play. Only the umpire can call the game. A new inning will
not be started after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
h. There will be a 10 run rule after four completed innings (the game is over if one
team leads by 10 or more runs).
i. If an offensive team scores 8 runs in an inning the offensive team takes the
defensive position on the field even before 3 outs are made, unless it is the last
inning of the game and the team is making a comeback.
j. Rescheduling of games is discouraged and can only be done with the approval of the
President or designee due to umpire scheduling, field prep, concession workers,
parents and managers taking time off work for scheduled games.
k. If a Minor team is short players and needs to bring a player up from the Rookie
division to complete a roster, the following rules apply:
i. A list of players from the Rookie division will be created by the League
Presidency and the coaches of players who have the ability to play at
the Minor league level. All coaches will be provided with this list and will
use the players identified unless otherwise directed by the Presidency.
ii. The manager of the player’s team must be notified to arrange for them
to play and avoid any conflicts with practices/games, etc. Players should
be rotated so as not to bring the same player each time. The player
cannot pitch. If a player is brought up and there are enough players, the
player should not play more than two innings.

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 iii. Players cannot be pulled across from another team within the
competing league and all players must be registered with Carbon CAL
RIPKEN.

4. Major League Division (11 &12 year olds by April 30, 2018)
a. A 10 or 11 year old must pitch the first two innings or first 15 batters. All current
Babe Ruth Baseball official playing rules apply.
b. During pre-season, a one balk warning per pitcher will be given before balk rules
apply.
c. Teams must bat their entire line up. If a player is injured or sick and cannot
complete their time at bat, then this is not an automatic out as long as you still
have at least 9 batters in the line-up. The batting order does not change; the
injured/sick player is skipped. If you only have 9 batters and one is injured and
cannot complete their at bat, then it is an automatic out when it is the injured
players turn to bat.
d. Every player must play at least 2 full innings. If players are not attending
practice or games, managers have the discretion of limiting playing time under
the 2 innings per game rule.
e. For the safety of the players, a batter may use either on deck batting circle to
warm up. The umpire may stipulate when a left handed batter is up that the
warm up circle on the 1st base side be used. The 3rd base side should be used for
right handed batters.
f. Free defensive substitution and rotation is allowed, but the batting line up must
remain the same. No player will sit for more than one inning consecutively
unless disciplinary rules apply. All CAL RIPKEN pitching rules still apply.
g. If a pitcher hits a batter with a pitched ball three times in one game then the
pitcher will be removed from the mound. If an umpire determines that any
batter is hit intentionally, the pitcher will be removed from the game
immediately.
h. A game must go at least four innings, after four innings there is a two hour time
limit unless there is a tie game. The game will be played until a winner is
reached or darkness prevents further play. Only the umpire can call the game. A
new inning will not be started after 1 hour and 45 minutes.
i. There will be a 10 run rule after four completed innings (the game is over if one
teams leads by 10 or more runs).
j. Rescheduling of games is discouraged and can only be done with the approval of
the President or designee due to umpire scheduling, field prep, concession
workers, parents and managers taking time off work for scheduled games.
k. If a major team is short players and needs to bring a bring a player up from the
minors to complete a roster, the following rules apply:
i. The line-up will consist of all available players.

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 ii. A list of players from the minor division will be created by the League
Presidency and the coaches of players who have the ability to play at
the major league level. All coaches will be provided with this list and will
use the players identified unless otherwise directed by the board.
iii. The manager of the player’s team must be notified to arrange for them
to play and avoid any conflicts with practices/games, etc. Players should
be rotated so as not to bring the same player each time. The player
cannot pitch. If a player is brought up and there are enough players the
player should not play more than two innings.
iv. Players cannot be pulled across from another team within the
competing league and all players must be registered with the Carbon
CAL RIPKEN.

III. General Rules

A. Pitching – Major & Minor League
1. The safety and wellbeing of the players is the most important consideration of the league.
Because the young player’s body is still growing and the muscle, cartilage, and bones are still
forming, it is very important that pitchers follow strict guidelines.
2. Once a pitcher leaves the pitching position, he cannot re-enter the game as a pitcher. All
other pitching rules apply.
3. CAL RIPKEN has made pitching rule changes that are now in effect. Carbon CAL RIPKEN will
follow the pitch-rest schedule chart below. (Note: the official rule book will be used for All-
Star play).

PITCHING REST REQUIREMENTS

AGE DAILY MAX REST PERIOD
(PITCHES IN A GAME) Game 1 Game 2 Game 1 Game 2
9-10 65 1-40 No rest 41-65 Rest
11-12 65 1-40 No rest 41-65 Rest

a. If the pitcher reaches the maximum 65 pitch count limit while facing a batter, he may
continue to pitch until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.
b. The coaches and score keepers of both teams must talk between innings as to the
number of pitches thrown. The home team scorekeeper will be the official pitch count
(a counted pitch is a ball delivered to the batter by the pitcher).
c. If the pitcher is younger than 9 playing in the Minor league, that pitcher will be
considered a 9 year old.
d. If a pitcher is younger than 11 and playing in the Major League, that pitcher will be
considered a 11 year old.

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B. Intentionally Walking - Major & Minor League
1. In the spirit of youth baseball it is important that coaches assist players to become better
offensive and defensive players. These skills should be built both during games and
practices. While intentionally walking a batter is sometimes a good strategy for winning a
game, it teaches the youth players nothing about how to play defense or offence. Each
player on a team or opposing team no matter of skill level should always have the same
opportunities to play and enjoy youth baseball. While it is still important for a coach to try
and win games for the team, it is not near as important as teaching the fundamentals and
good sportsmanship to the youth. Winning should never come at the expense of the youth
players right to have equal opportunities both defensively and offensively. Intentionally
walking a batter in either the Major or Minor leagues is prohibited.
2. If a Carbon CAL RIPKEN coach is placing the emphases on winning rather than teaching
necessary skills and good sportsmanship, that coach will be reprimanded and loose the
privilege of coaching youth baseball for Carbon CAL RIPKEN.

C. Conduct
1. League officers, team managers, players, parents, fans, and volunteers must put
sportsmanship above all else in the conduct of their team and personal behavior. We would
like to put the self-esteem of our players above all else. We are all entrusted with the well-
being of all participants in the Carbon CAL RIPKEN League. It is critical that each child has a
positive experience with his/her participation and all must be educated in the code of
conduct expectations and enforcement. The board members will consistently enforce this
policy to provide a healthy playing environment for all participants in the Carbon CAL
RIPKEN league.

2. Unsportsmanlike conduct including swearing, name calling, bullying, fighting, or spitting on

other players will not be allowed at any Carbon CAL RIPKEN event, including practice or as a
spectator of another game. Coaches are responsible for monitoring player’s behavior.
Consequences may include, but are not limited to suspension of games. The coaches must
bring play concerns to the attention of the respective League Commissioner.

3. If a runner intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player, he will be called out on
the play, ejected from the game, and suspended for the next game. The coaches must bring
play concerns to the attention of the respective League Commissioner.
a. If the same player commits a similar offense in the same season, coaches of
both teams must present the offense to the respective League Commissioner.
The Commissioner will present the offense to the Board who will decide what
action is appropriate. Penalties may include but are not limited to suspension of
the entire season.

5. All participants in the Carbon CAL RIPKEN league will adhere to the “three strikes and
you’re out” principle. The Board will assign strikes according to the severity of each

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 incident. Depending on the incident, an infraction may carry more than one strike. After
an infraction has occurred, the board will meet and discuss the severity of the incident
and determine the level of severity and accompanying action.
a. A code of conduct incident may be filed by any manager, coach, umpire, or fan. If
you feel that someone has not adhered to the code of conduct, a member of the
Presidency must be notified.
b. The Presidency will meet in a timely manner and investigate the infraction. From
the investigation, the Presidency will vote on the severity and determine the
appropriate action.
c. Anyone involved with a code of conduct infraction will be notified by a League
Officer indicating what the infraction was and the decision reached.

C. Prohibited behavior by umpires, managers, coaches, parents or spectators on or around

practice or game fields, dugouts and spectator or concession stands:
1. Use of profane, foul, and/or abusive language.
2. Consumption of alcoholic beverages.
3. Being under the influence of alcohol, and
4. Smoking or chewing tobacco.
5. Parent involvement in a negative or abusive manner with a coach, player, or umpire
during a game or practice will not be tolerated.
a. Violators will be asked to leave immediately. Repeat offenders may be barred
from further participation.

D. Equipment abuse, such as throwing helmets, bats etc., will not be allowed or tolerated.

E. Approved Bats
1. It is important that Carbon CAL RIPKEN follow the official rule book and other leagues
with the new bat regulations.
2. Bats used in the Major and Minor Leagues must be stamped with a USA stamp.
a. Players will also be allowed to use bats with either a 2 5/8 or 2 1/4 inch barrel
diameter (as long as they carry the new USA bat stamp).
3. Other acceptable bats not caring the USA stamp include:
a. Solid wood bats
b. Youth wood composite bats

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 Strike Assignment

STRIKE ONE STRIKE TWO STRIKE THREE

Foul language from a player, Manager, coach, umpire or fan Physical abuse or fighting of any
manager, coach, fan or umpire. criticizing a player, manager, fan kind.
or umpire in a foul or abusive
manner.

Abuse of Carbon CAL RIPPKEN Player criticizing a participant in Being under the influence of
League property or other a foul or abuse manner. alcohol, consumption of
people’s property. alcoholic beverages, smoking or
chewing tobacco.

Actions to be Taken on Strikes

STRIKE ONE STRIKE TWO STRIKE THREE

All participants will be put on Manager will step down to Suspension from the League for
notice of the infraction. lesser volunteer position. the remainder of the year.

Player will be suspended for Manager will step down to

one game. lesser volunteer position.

Board member will leave board

position.

Player will be suspended for

one week.

G. Team Managers & Coaches

1. All team managers will be selected by the League Presidency by majority vote prior
to the draft. After the draft, assistant coaches can be nominated by team managers.
All assistant coaches need to be approved by the League Presidency. The League
Presidency need not give reason to a person if he or she is not appointed or
approved as a manager or coach for the coming season. All team managers must
have a team meeting with players parents. All parents must sign the consent form
before their team plays.

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 2. Only one manager and two coaches are allowed in the dugout or on the game field
at any time during games.
3. No one will be allowed to be a team manager for more than one team in the major
and minor divisions.
4. The manager and/or coach must be present at all practice sessions. No practices or
games will be mandatory on Sundays.
5. The manager and coaches are not allowed behind the backstop during a game.
6. Managers may register a protest to the umpire-in-chief on a rule infraction but
never on a judgment call.
7. The League President is empowered to suspend any manager on the spot for
violations of CAL RIPKEN rules and/or local rules/by-laws.
8. The home team manager/coaches are responsible for field preparation prior to the
game and providing the official scorekeeper who will also be responsible for running
the scoreboard.

H. Player Selection (Regular Season)

1. There will be a yearly re-draft of all teams and players within the league with player
selection being conducted in March of each year.
2. Siblings must be put on the same team if they are in the same division; however
they are not considered as one pick.
3. Team and player requests will not be accepted in an attempt to ensure fairness to
all. Special circumstances may be brought before the League Presidency for
consideration.
4. The draft order will be determined by a random draw.
5. All older players in each division will be drafted first. For example, all 12 year olds in
the major division will be drafted. Once that is complete, then all 11 year olds will
be drafted.
6. All managers must select their son or daughter when they are put on the selection
board.
7. Players cannot be traded once the draft is completed unless special circumstances
warrant and approval by the Presidency.
8. Registration of players will occur on designated occasions and will close once the
player selection process has concluded. Any late entries after this time will be
placed on a waiting list in order until a vacancy on a team has occurred.

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I. All-Stars

1. Coaches
a. The Managers for the Carbon CAL RIPKEN All-Star teams will be selected by
the League Presidency and coaches in each division. The Presidency may
also make suggestions as to who should be the two assistant coaches.
b. Coaches that are League Officers will only have one vote.
2. Player Selection
a. The League Presidency shall decide how many All-Star teams will represent
the league in the Major and Minor divisions.
b. The League Presidency shall determine the process of selecting All-Star
players, which will begin at least two weeks before the conclusion of the
regular season.
3. Player Rule
a. All-Star players must play in the age group that they registered for. If the
player chooses to play up during league, that is the All-Star age group they
will play in if selected. Players will not be allowed to play down for All-Stars.
No exceptions!
4. All-Star Format
a. The format for the 2018 All-Stars has not yet been determined.

H. Carbon CAL RIPKEN League Boundaries

1. The Carbon CAL RIPKEN boundaries will consist of geographic address within Carbon
County. This also includes Helper.
2. It is the goal of Carbon CAL RIPKEN baseball to not refuse any player the experience
to play and grow in baseball. If a player from another CAL RIPKEN chartered league
wants to play outside of his/hers geographic boundary, then the Presidents from
each of the affected chartered leagues will discuss as to whether or not they will
allow the player to play outside his/hers boundary.

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