MINOR Division abreviated Rules

Juniors ( 7 & 8 year olds)

1.      No Pitcher can pitch more than 2 innings in a game

2.*    Coach Pitch the first 2 innings of the game. The “pitcher” will stand two steps behind the mound and towards the first base side for right handed batter or towards the third base side for left handed batter.  The pitcher is required to be a defensive player once the ball is hit into play. The coach is not to interfere with the pitchers ability to make said plays..

3.      A Pitcher pitching more than one inning must pitch in consecutive innings.  Once a pitcher is replaced by another pitcher he/she may not return during that game.

4.      A pitcher may pitch no more than 75 pitches in one game. Three (3) calendar days of rest is require after that. If a pitcher reaches the limit while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue until that batter reaches base or is put out. If back to back games occur all pitch count rules and days of rest must be observed.

5.      The following days of rest must be observed for the pitches delivered in one game by one pitcher. 61 or more in one game - Three (3) calendar days of rest. 41-60 in one game - Two (2) calendar days of rest. in one game - One (1) calendar day of rest. 1-20 on one game - No (0) calendar days of rest. Note: Each team must provide a pitch counter to count each pitch for both teams pitchers. The pitch counters must get together to verify and agree upon each others count every half inning.

6.*    All pitchers must pitch from the mound rubber and may not move closer to home plate. (This also includes coaches)

7.      If a 7 year old walks two batters within an inning, on the third four-ball count, the opposing teams coach will take the mound and pitch to their own batter until the batter either gets a hit or strikes out using the count already on the batter.  The pitcher will stand two steps behind the mound and towards the first base side for right handed batter or towards the third base side for left handed batter.  The pitcher is required to field all balls in play that would normally come to the pitcher, the coach is not to interfere with the pitchers ability to make said plays.       After the batter has hit or strikes out, the pitcher will again take the mound and continue pitching.

8.*    No walks in bases loaded situation.  Opposing  (hitting) Team’s Coach comes into pitch on ball four situations. (If a batter is hit by the pitcher he will advance the runners-(this does not apply to batters hit by a coach)

9.*    There is an Nine-batter, three out limit for each inning.  There is no run limit.

10.    When the ball breaks the plane of the infield on a throw from the outfield, the runner must hold.  NO STEALING

11.    Teams are required to have a continuous batting order during each game regardless of a players fielding status.  On deck batters must remain in the dugout.

12.    Bunting may be taught during practice but is not allowed during games.

13.    Overthrow to first base is a one base advance.

14. Games ending early due to time allowed, weather or darkness the score reverts back to the last completed inning.

15.    A liberal strike zone is maintained by umpires.

16.    A coach from the defensive team may stand behind the umpire.

17.    Filling Roster Openings- A team cannot start a game with less than 9 players but can end a game with 8 players without forfeiting.

18.    If a player arrives before the first pitch in the 4^th inning, they can be inserted in the last spot in the batting order.  Players arriving after the first pitch in the 4^th inning are not eligible to play.

19.    There is free substitution between innings.  Players who arrive late must play the outfield first.

20.    Players who must leave early may be substituted for.  The substitutes must come from other Junior players and must be inserted into the Same Batting Order Position and must play the right field position.  Substitutes starting a game must also play the right field position and be placed at the end of the batting order

21. If a player leaves early and is not substituted for the Team may finish the game with as few as 8 players however, an out is to be assessed to the Team each time the player's position comes to bat.

22.    There is a 1 hour 50 minute/6 inning limit to all games on weekends.  There is a 6 inning limit on all weeknight games with no time limit, however games are to be called when visibility due to darkness becomes a safety issue.  Be courteous to the next teams scheduled to be on the field you are playing on and make sure you clean out dugouts/ rake fields and lime batters boxes.  No exceptions!

23.    The Home Team supplies 2 game baseballs for the game.

24.    Managers should meet with umpires prior to each game and review any issues ahead of time, particularly the strike zone.  All umpires calls that are of a questionable nature shall only be discussed with both managers present.  No other coaches are allowed in the discussion.  Please support the umpires by helping to control vocal parents.

25. Managers or Book Coach, must report the score of each game in the official book located in the Clubhouse.

26.    There is no walk restriction for an 8yr old for an inning other than not being able to walk someone with bases loaded. At that point the coach will come in just like with the 7yr olds (see rule #7)