Baseball Rules

*AMENDED, 4-8-11*
League shall be known as the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department's 2011 YOUTH
BASEBALL LEAGUE.

PLAYING RULES:
All games will be governed by the STATE-WIDE ACTIVITIES COMMITTEE (SWAC) Baseball Rules
(available at www.ncrpa.net) and the Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department's local rule
exceptions as mentioned below. (All local rules will supersede SWAC Baseball rules.)

TEAMS:

1. All teams and participants in the League must abide by all rules and regulations of the
Mecklenburg
County Park and Recreation Department governing participation in the League's organized
under its
jurisdiction.

2. All teams must have a certified NYSCA coach. There will be a maximum of three (3) coaches
and one (1) scorekeeper on a team's bench during a game.

3. Age Divisions:
A. T – Ball 6 & U (Instructional) not 7 before May 1
B. Coach Pitch 8 & Under not 9 before May 1
C. Player Pitch 10 & Under not 11 before May 1
D. Player Pitch 12 & Under not 13 before May 1

4. All teams shall be of uniform dress consisting of same or similar color shirt with a 6" number on
the back, and a hat consisting of same color. Any player not having the same or similar color
jersey with a number and a hat of same color will be ineligible to play.

5. ROSTER SIZE : All teams must consist of a minimum of ten (10) players and a maximum of
fifteen
(15) and twelve (12) t-ball players. Teams must complete official roster forms listing player's
name, address/zip code, telephone number, and date of birth, to be kept on file at the
recreation center. A birth certificate or other official document containing date of birth
must be presented upon registration at any center. Any player not hav ing approved proof of
age will be ineligible. NO EXCEPTIONS!!! All teams must have an official team photo, ID sheet,
in order for each player to be eligible to play & that ID sheet must be verified by the FMI of that
center or the athletic director of the independent organization, prior to playing the 1st game of
the season. Date of birth must be stated for every player on the ID sheet. Photo ID sheets are
to presented at each game.

6. Players may play on only one team within the Mecklenburg County Park and
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Recreation
Youth Baseball League. Each team will be allowed to make roster additions up to fifteen
(15) and twelve (12) t-ball players prior to the first (1st) regular season game with
MCPRD approval.

7. Batting helmets must be worn by each base runner, and batter on deck. All catchers
must wear a protective cup, chest protector, mask, throat protector, catcher's helmet,
and shin guards. Steel or detachable cleats are not allowed. Attached rubber cleats or
tennis shoes only. Those teams who at the start of the game have not shown this
equipment to the umpire will not be allowed to play and the game will be declared a
forfeit and will not be rescheduled. It is recommended to have an extra cup.

8. Please be courteous and share equipment with opposing teams.

9. Any team that obtains 3 forfeited losses during the season will be subject to dismal from
the league.

10. The coach from the winning team & the umpire must sign the official scorebook at the
completion of their game. (The umpire must be present when coaches are signing the
scorebook.)

11. All line-ups shall be first name initial and last name only. NO NICKNAMES. A name
cannot be entered into the scorebook unless the player is present at game time. Each
team may keep a line up and a scorebook at the games. MUST PLAY RULE: Each
player must play at least six consecutive outs in the field and have one time
at bat if all innings are played. All players present must have entered the
game by the fifth inning. A batter who has not batted by the fifth (5) inning
will get his turn at bat and the substitute will enter the game in the bottom of
the inning.

12. RE-ENTRY RULE: This occurs after a player who started the game was substituted for
and is now going to be re-entered back into the game. A player can only be re-entered
in the game in his/her original spot in the batting order. This means that a player may
only re-enter the game for the same player who was substituted for him/her in the first
place. Players that did not start the game are not allowed to re-enter the game once
they have been substituted for. The batting order must stay the same throughout the
game, but players are allowed to change positions in the field. The only exception to this
is the Pitcher Position. Only the starting pitcher may be moved back to the Pitcher
Position after being taken out of it. Once the starting pitcher leaves the Pitcher Position
for the second time, he/she can’t return to it.

13. Teams must have at least eight (8) players present to start and finish a game. Teams
with less than eight (8) players present at the scheduled game time and/or grace period
will result in forfeit. If both teams have less than eight (8) players, the game will result
in a double forfeit. Grace period will be 10 minutes for the first scheduled game
of the day only.

14. Umpires will have full control of the game and any and all judgement calls. Umpires will
consult with Park & Recreation staff for all pre-game decisions and for suspension of
game decisions.

15. There will be no smoking or profanity by coaches, assistant coaches, or scorekeeper on

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team benches or by the umpires or P&R staff.

16. INJURIES: When a player incurs a wound that causes bleeding, the umpire must stop
the game at the earliest possible time and instruct the player to leave the game for
treatment by coaches or staff personnel. If the blood has saturated the uniform, the
affected part of the uniform must be changed before the player is allowed to re -enter
the game. If the player was a substitute and did not start the game, he will not be
allowed to re-enter the game.

17. Contact Rule: If there is a play at a base; a base runner must make a reasonable
attempt, at the umpire’s discretion, to avoid contact with a defensive player.

18. During inclement weather conditions, all coaches are responsible for carrying out the
following procedures:
A. Call the inclement weather hotline at 704-432-3834.
After 4:00pm on Weekdays
After 8:00am on Saturdays

B. If you are unsure whether the game will be played you should report to
the scheduled game site. The umpires will make final decisions at the playing
fields.

C. All rain out games (except T-Ball) will be rescheduled, if time permits.

19. EACH TEAM WILL FURNISH ONE GAME BALL PER GAME.

PROTESTS:

1. Games must be played under protest at the time of the situation in question. The protesting
coach must notify the umpire at the time of the situation in question. The protesting coach
and umpires must sign the official scorebook to acknowledge the protest. NOTE:
JUDGEMENT CALLS CANNOT BE PROTESTED ONLY PLAYER’S AGE IS SUBJECT TO
PROTEST.

2. The protest form must be submitted, along with $50(cash) in person to Ken
Koonce, Baseball Youth Sports Coordinator, located at the Revolution Park Sports
Academy, 1225 Remount Rd., Charlotte, NC, by 5:00pm of the next business day.

3. Provided proper protest procedure was used and the protest is ruled valid, the game will be
forfeited and the illegal player will be suspended.

4. All decisions regarding protests will be made by the MCPRD Youth Baseball Focus
Team
and will be reserved for the protested game only. Proper protest procedures must be
followed in all circumstances.

5. An ineligible player will be suspended for one (1) calendar year from all MCPRD athletic
programs. Any coach knowingly or willingly play ing a suspended or ineligible player will
also be suspended from MCPRD athletic programs for one (1) calendar year.

AGE CLASSIFICATION:
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1. COACHES PITCH: AGE 8 & UNDER

A. Length of game: (Whichever occurs first) Six (6) innings or 2 hour time limit or
the ten (10) run rule, which will be in effect after (4 1/2) innings. Injury time-
out will not count towards time limit.
(RIF #5 ball will be used in all 8 &Under games).

B. Batting Order: Batting order will consist of the entire team roster of players
present for the game, and remain consistent throughout the game. (Example: 12
team roster - batting order will be 1-12).

C. Pitching Coach: The pitching coach will pitch to his/her own players, under or
overhand. Pitcher must remain in the pitching circle at all times and instructions
to players must be minimal and not disrupt the flow of the game. PENALTY:
Batter is out and runners cannot advance.

D. Pitching Distance 36'

E. Base Distance 60’

F. Outs: Each batter will be out, after receiving six (6) pitches or three (3) strikes,
whichever occurs first, even if 6 th pitch is fouled off. (WALKS ARE NOT
ALLOWED)

G. Stealing: Base stealing is not allowed.

H. Defensive Pitcher (Players): The defensive pitcher (player) must be positioned at

least 36' from home plate with both feet in the pitching circle prior to the ball
being put in play.

I. Defensive coaches are not allowed.

J. There will be a maximum of ten (10) defensive players.

K. Each ½ inning will end once three outs are made or the tenth batter has
completed his/her turn at bat, whichever occurs first.

L. If the last (10th) batter in each ½ inning reaches base safely, but does not
score, only he/she will return to his/her respective base the following inning
providing a base runner has not caused an out. When the 10 th batter comes
to bat, the inning will end when play stops (base runners stopped from
advancing and/or ball is controlled in pitching circle) and the umpire
calls time.

M. All catchers must wear an athletic supporter and cup. The game will be
declared a forfeit if no player on the team has the necessary equipment to be
catcher.
N. Play stops when: the defensive team stops the lead base runners forward
progress at one of the three bases or the ball is controlled inside the pitching
circle by the defensive team. Base runners more than halfway will be awarded
the base they were attempting to reach. (Umpires discretion)

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 O. Any team caught slinging the bat will receive the following: The umpires will give
one warning for both teams. If it happens again after the warning, an out will
be given every time a player slings his/her bat.

2. PLAYER PITCH: AGES 10 & UNDER AND 12 & UNDER

A. Length of Game: (Whichever occurs first) Six (6) innings or two (2) hour time
limit or the ten (10) run rule which will be in effect after 4 ½ innings. * Injury
time-out will not count towards time limit.

B. Pitching Distance: 46'

Base Distance: 60'

C. The baseball and baseball bat shall be OFFICIAL LITTLE LEAGUE APPROVED.
Bats cannot exceed 2 ¼ inch in diameter.

D. In 10 & Under, a pitcher may not pitch in more than six innings per day or more
than
twelve innings per week or per tournament. One pitch constitutes an inning
pitched. If you pitch in four or more innings you must have a minimum of 36
hours rest between scheduled starting times before you can pitch in another
game.
In 12 & Under, a pitcher may not pitch in more than seven innings per day or
more than twelve innings per week or per tournament. One pitch constitutes an
inning pitched. You must have a minimum of 36 hours rest between scheduled
starting times before you can pitch in another game if you hav e pitched 4 or
more innings in one game.

E. Innings: Each ½ inning will end once three outs are made or the ninth batter
has completed his/her turn at bat, whichever occurs first. If ball is put in play all
other rules governing running will apply. Exception: In the County-Wide
Tournament and the League Tournament championship game, there
will be no time limit, no 10-run rule and the nine (9) batter rule will be
waived in the top of the sixth (6) inning (and all extra innings)
whereby, three (3) outs will govern play for both teams.

F. Stealing: Base runners must maintain contact with the base, and cannot leave
to steal a base until the ball passes the batter. If the runner leaves early, they
will be declared out and the play is dead.

G. In 10& Under and 12& Under, the batter cannot advance if the catcher drops the
ball on the (3rd) strike.

H. If the (9th) batter in each ½ inning reaches base safely, but does not score,
he/she and all the batters walked consecutively prior to him/her will return to
their respective base the following inning providing a base runner has not caused
an out. When the 9 th batter comes to bat, the inning will end when play
stops (base runners stopped from advancing) and the umpire calls
time.

I. The modified speed-up rule will be in effect: waive batter to first on intentional
walk, substitute for catcher when catcher is base runner (optional-less than two
outs; mandatory-two outs). The substitute player (base runner) must be the
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 player who made the last out.
CODE OF CONDUCT
1. All managers/coaches, are RESPONSIBLE for the eligibility of their players
and the conduct of any team player(s), spectator(s), and other team affiliated
people. Any and all team affiliated people previously mentioned must conduct
themselves in a sportsmanlike manner when involved in any MECKLENBURG
COUNTY PARK AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT’S athletic programs and on
MECKLENBURG COUNTY PARK PROPERTY before, during, or after scheduled
games. Suspension of coaches, players, and other team affiliated people will
occur if any eligibility and/or conduct guidelines and procedures are not
adhered to.

2. ONLY MANAGERS/COACHES will be permitted to consult with the

UMPIRE/OFFICIAL/STAFF and this MUST BE DONE IN A SPORTSMANLIKE MANNER.

PENALTY: Any member/coach ejected from a game for unsportsmanlike conduct will
receive a minimum two (2) game suspension for the first (1st) offense and a one (1)
year suspension from the point of infraction for any second (2nd) offense. Any coach,
player, or spectator will be suspended from all Mecklenburg County Park & Recreation
Dept. facilities & properties. (RULE 3 UNDER SUSPENSIONS WILL APPLY WHERE
DEEMED NECESSARY.) The ejected person must leave the facility and grounds for the
remainder of the game and the duration of the suspension.

3. Players will not be permitted to question or consult with the Umpires/Officials over
judgement calls or rules, or show any other type of unsportsmanlike conduct toward an

Umpire/Official/Staff.
PENALTY: Any player ejected from games will receive a minimum two game suspension
for the first offense and a one year suspension from the point of infraction for any 2nd
offense. (Rule 3 under Suspensions will apply where deemed necessary.) The ejected
person must leave the facility and grounds for the remainder of the game and the
duration of the suspension

4. Players, Manager/Coaches, and other team affiliated persons, must not attack, threaten,
verbally abuse, or make physical contact of an aggressive nature with any other player,
manager, coach, umpire or staff.

PENALTY: Any player, manager/coach, or spectator ejected from a game for any
physical contact of an aggressive nature against any other player (s), manager (s),
coaches, or Umpire (s) / Official (s) will receive a one (1) year suspension from all
Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation facilities and property from the verified date of
infraction.

5. Absolutely no one (players, spectators, Managers / Coaches, Umpire/ Officials) will be

permitted to consume alcoholic beverage or possess, use any controlled substance
before, during or after their scheduled game(s) on Mecklenburg County property.

PENALTY: Any player, manager/coach, or spectator ejected from a game for

consumption of alcoholic beverages, drugs, or possession of a weapon while on park
property will automatically receive a one (1) year suspension from all Mecklenburg
County Park and Recreation facilities and property, from the verified date of infraction.
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AT THE DESCRETION OF THE MCPRD STAFF, VIOLATIONS OF THE CODE OF
CONDUCT MAY RESULT IN TEAM PENALTIES – INCLUDING FORFEITURE OF GAMES
AND/OR LONG TERM SUSPENSIONS.

SUSPENSIONS
1. Any managers, coaches, or players who are suspended from league play will be
ineligible for league play as a player or coach for the duration of their suspension and
banned from the league game site.

2. Any violation while under suspension will be treated as a second (2nd) offense and all
penalties will apply, including extending existing suspensions.

3. Any suspension not completed by the end of the regular season will be served during
the end of season tournaments and/or future MCPRD athletic programs.

4. Any suspension for one (1) year or more will require a written request for reinstatement
to Ken Koonce Youth Baseball Sports Coordinator. The Mecklenburg County Park and
Recreation Department reserves the right to deny reinstatement and/or extend any/all
suspensions.

COUNTY-WIDE TOURNAMENT

1. The County-Wide tournament will be a single elimination league tournament. The top
four (4) teams will advance from each league to make-up the seedings for the
tournament.

2. The Athletic Coordinator, the Focus Team and Recreation Centers Staff will set up the
County Wide tournament. Make-up games during tournament play may be
played as early as the next day at an alternative site.

3. SWAC- Any 10U or 12U teams that wish to participate the State-Wide Activity
Committees’ (SWAC) tournaments, may do so.(There’s no qualification
process) NOTE: TEAMS THAT REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE, WILL FUND THE COST TO
PARTICIPATE IN THE SWAC TOURNAMENTS. FUNDING INCLUDES: TOURNAMENT
REGISTRATION, TRAVEL, HOTEL & FOOD.

The Mecklenburg County Park and Recreation Department express its appreciation for
the privilege of prov iding wholesome park, recreation, leisure opportunities to its
citizens. Mecklenburg County will comply with the Americans Disabilities Act which
prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. Mecklenburg County will make
reasonable accommodations in all programs to enable participation by an indiv idual who
meets essential eligibility requirements. Mecklenburg County programs will be available
in the most integrated setting for each indiv idual. If any accommodations are necessary
for participation in any program or service participation, participants are encouraged to
notify staff.
For further infor mat ion, call Ken Koonce, Baseball Youth Sports Coordinator at 704-
432- 4968.

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 T-BALL RULES AND REGULATIONS
ALL GAMES WILL BE GOVERNED BY MCPRD BASEBALL RULES.

Age Division: Instructional (6 & Under)

1. Length of game: Two (2) complete innings. All players present will bat in each inning
and play all innings in the field. Umpires and Coaches will instruct and control game.
There will be a one (1) hour time limit.

2. Team rosters should have a minimum of nine (9) players and a maximum of twelve (12)
players to insure quality instruction and to complete the game in one (1) hour.

3. Positions: Defense must play the following:

A. Pitcher
B. First base, second base, third base, shortstop
C. Left field, Center field, Right field, Short field
D. All remaining players must be placed in the outfield
*(No catcher for safety reasons)

4. Any team with less than ten (10) players may position their players in any of the above
positions, but must place a player in the pitching circle until the ball is hit.

5. If the last batter has not caused an out at the conclusion of his bat, he will return to the
base in which he reached before the inning ended and teams changed sides. (Last
batter only)
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6. Play will begin when the coach shows the ball to the defensive team, places the ball on
the tee and the batter hits the ball in fair territory.

7. Play stops when A defensive player has possession of the ball in the infield. (The infield
is considered as (8') eight feet behind each base.)

8. Advancement of Runner: Runner less than halfway will go back to the base not yet
made. Runners more than halfway will be awarded the base in which he is attempting
to reach. (Umpires discretion).

9. The official ball will be a RIF #1 ball.

10. COACHES DUTIES: The Offensive team can have two base coaches one on first base
and one on third base and a batting coach who may not enter the field of play. They
are not allowed to touch the players and lead them to the next base.
Defensive teams may have one field coach for instructional purposes.

11. Outfielders must be on the outfield grass or must stay behind the designated marks
placed at the end of the infield (8 feet behind bases/base path). The batter must hit the
ball before they can move toward the infield.

12. Any team caught slinging the bat will receive the following: The umpire will give one
warning for both teams. If it happens again after the warning, an out will be g iven
every time a player slings his/her bat.

13. Once on base, the runner may not advance until the ball is hit.
14. All batters must stay in the batters box while batting. Each batter will be give three (3)
attempts to hit the ball before striking out. If the batter hits a foul ball on the third
swing, they will be given a fourth (4th) and final swing.

ADDENDUM 14-A:

During the 1 st half of the season, any base runners that are tagged out or
forced out, may stay on base until the last batter has batted. Once the 2 nd half
of the season begins, base runners that are tagged out or forced out, must
return to the dug-out & not stay on base.(This change is to help the kids that
will age out, transition to the next level, Coaches’ Pitch).

15. Each player must wear a shirt with a 6" number and a cap. All players must wear the
same color shirt and same color cap.

16. All players batting and running the bases must wear a protective batting helmet.

17. FIELD DIMENSIONS:

A. Bases: 45'
B. Pitching Distance 36'
C. Outfield: 8' behind each base

18. A batted ball must leave the designated three (3') foot circle to be considered a fair ball.

19. An eight (8') circle will encompass the pitching rubber. The player designated as the
pitcher, must be on the pitching rubber until the ball is hit.

20. Hash marks should be placed on the field halfway between each base. The hash marks
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 should be indirect line with the bases.

21. If a ball is overthrown to a base and lands outside the foul lines, the runners shall be
allowed a maximum of one base. Overthrows in the field of play – base runners may
advance until possession in the infield is established.

22. A ten (10) minute grace period will be given to both teams participating in the first
game of the day only. (No forfeits – games will be played with the players present)

23. All teams must have a currently certified NYSCA coach. There should be a maximum of
three (3) coaches on a team bench during the game.

24. No coach, or assistant coaches will be allowed to smoke on the bench at anytime during
the game or practice.

25. Infielders cannot be positioned in front of the hash marks or bases, before the ball is hit.
This means all infielders, (1st, 2nd, 3rd, and shortstop).

26. Inclement weather info: 704-432-3834 (T-ball games will not be made up if rained
out)

27. Score will not be kept in this instructional league.

28. General Guidelines:

No score, no standings and no tournament! Everyone bats, everyone plays in the field
& most importantly, everyone has fun.

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