This book contains rules, regulations and modifications for the KIDSPORTS T-Ball/Modified Coach Pitch (MCP)/Coach-Pitch (CP) and Softball/Baseball program. Beginning with the summer of 2005 the KIDSPORTS T-Ball program will be for PreK and Kindergarteners, 1 st graders will play Modified Coach Pitch, 2 nd graders will play Coach Pitch with 3 rd graders having the option to play either Coach Pitch or combine with 4 th graders to play kid-pitch. KIDSPORTS program policies and rule modifications have been developed over the past 40 years by staff and volunteers. The “Coaches Handbook & Policy Guide” spells out most policies and philosophies, but the most important source is you. As a coach, you are responsible for a very impressionable group of young athletes who will mimic everything you do. Do not take this responsibility lightly.
You are expected to treat every player, umpire and fellow coach with respect and understanding. THE GOAL OF KIDSPORTS IS TO PROVIDE AN OPPORTUNITY FOR ALL CHILDREN TO HAVE A FUN AND REWARDING EXPERIENCE. Behave in a positive and supportive way so that KIDSPORTS and you create a great experience for everyone.
The Baseball & Softball Advisory Committees met many times to consider modifications and changes to national standard rules. KIDSPORTS believes that these changes reflect the concerns and input of our community. Our goal is to provide participants with an enjoyable athletic and team sport experience.
PROGRAM POLICIES & RULES
Most program policies dealing with team formation, practices, and general program philosophy can be found in your Coaches Handbook. KIDSPORTS program policies and philosophies are vital in assuring that KIDSPORTS is a positive experience for each participant.
Section #1 GAMES
1(a) Official Schedule: A schedule of games for each KIDSPORTS team will be drafted by the KIDSPORTS program staff. Once a schedule is published by KIDSPORTS, the schedule will not be changed, altered, modified, etc., except for those situations deemed to be of an extraordinary nature (school related). All schedule changes must be approved by a Sports Manager. If you are coaching more than one team you must have an assistant coach prepared to take over the other team(s) in the event of a schedule conflict.
1(b)Game Times: All KIDSPORTS games will be played on weekdays starting at 5:15 pm, Saturdays from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm, and on Sundays from 1:00 pm - 9:00 pm. Unless unusual circumstances occur, games rained-out and/or canceled will be rescheduled on Sunday immediately following the original date scheduled.
1(c)Team Arrival At Game Site: At least one coach from each team or his/her appointed representative must be at the game site at least 30 minutes prior to the scheduled starting time listed on the official schedule published by KIDSPORTS.
1(d) Home Team/Visiting Team: The home team is always the team on the right side of the game schedule. The designated home team will sit on the third base bench. The visiting team is always the team on the left side of the game schedule.
1(e) Pre-game Field Preparation: Both teams are responsible for the preparation of the field for game play. Bases must be secured and properly placed no later than 30 minutes prior to the game. The home coach is responsible for putting down the bases. In grades K-3 the visiting coach will provide a second "first base". This will be explained further in the Rule Modifications. As a time saver, it is suggested that coaches using the same base distances leave the bases installed for the following game and exchange bases with the next team's coach.
1(f) Official Scorekeeper: The home team is responsible for supplying the official score book and official scorekeeper. Volunteer adults are recommended as scorekeeper.
Note: The official scorekeeper is required to keep track of the following:
a. Correct batting order.
b. Player substitution.
c. Outs.
d. Runs scored.
e. Game starting time.
Scores are not kept for grades PreK - 1. (Scorebooks are still issued at these levels to help train scorekeepers and keep the batting order organized.)
1(g) Infield Practice: The home team begins its ten-minute infield practice twenty-five minutes prior to game time. The visiting team has ten minutes for its infield practice starting fifteen minutes before game time.
Note: If either team is not ready to begin its infield practice at the above scheduled times; it shall have only the time remaining prior to the expiration of the ten minute period.
1(h) Starting Time: Games must begin on the exact starting time according to the official schedule published by KIDSPORTS. If a team cannot take the field within 15 minutes of the scheduled starting time, the game will be declared a forfeit. If a preceding game extends beyond the scheduled starting time, the game must begin within 20 minutes following completion of the preceding game.
1(j) No Protests: All decisions by umpires are final. KIDSPORTS does not recognize protests. Any disputes must be handled on the field.
1(k) Dual Team Players: If you wish to include a player on your team roster who is currently participating in another program (i.e. Babe Ruth, ASA) he/she must be registered by the registration deadline and be approved by a KIDSPORTS Sports Manager. He/she must also participate in at least 4 games to be eligible for post-season play. Babe Ruth or ASA participants are only eligible for the highest level of play KIDSPORTS offers in their school area.
Section #2 LINE UP CARDS
2(a) Line-up Card Completion: Prior to each game, each head coach is required to fill out an official KIDSPORTS line-up card. The line-up card must include all players listed on the team roster filed with the KIDSPORTS office. Players who will not play must be listed along with the reason for not playing. Valid reasons are: injury, sickness, vacations, absence, quitting the team, discipline.
2(b) Time of Completion: Each team must deliver two copies of the team line-up to the plate umpire five minutes before game time. The umpire keeps one copy which he /she will sign and turn in to the KIDSPORTS office. The second copy is given to the opposing coach. At this time both home and visiting coaches will give the umpire a new game ball. The home team should also provide a good used ball as a back-up.
Section #3 GAME CHANGES
3(a) Rainout Games: When poor weather exists only the KIDSPORTS Program Staff has authority to cancel games. Determination whether or not to play games will be made at 4:00 p.m. on weekdays, 8:00 a.m. on Saturdays and 11:00 a.m. on Sundays.
3(b) Notification of Cancellations: It is the responsibility of both teams’ head coaches to check the Kidsports website www.kidsports.org for game cancellations.
3(c) Player Notification: Each head coach is responsible for notifying team players of game cancellations. Please tell your players to not call the KIDSPORTS office for rainout information. It is suggested that each team set up a phone-tree calling system to help the coach distribute information to team members.
Section #4 MAKE-UP GAMES
4(a) Call In: Information on rescheduled games will be available the next working day after 12:00 noon. Head coaches are responsible for checking the Kidsports website or calling the KIDSPORTS office for dates, times and locations of make-up games.
Failure to call KIDSPORTS for make-up information may result in game forfeiture
4(b) Rescheduling: Any league game, which must be replayed or continued at a later date due to weather or darkness, will be rescheduled by the KIDSPORTS staff only. Coaches cannot reschedule games.
4(c) Sunday Games: If at all possible, the KIDSPORTS staff will reschedule make-up games on the first Sunday immediately following the original date scheduled.
Section #5 BENCH AND FIELD CONDUCT
5(a) Conduct During PreK- 2 nd Grade Games: T-Ball games are umpired by volunteers and all decisions are made by these people. The offensive team provides the umpire behind the plate. The defensive team provides the umpire in the field. The two umpires may confer to discuss the call. However, the offensive team’s umpire has the final say on all calls.
5(b) Smoking/Drugs: Smoking and the use of alcoholic beverages or prohibited substances are not permitted on or near the playing field by any player, coach or team personnel, or spectators.
5(c) Team Bench: Players and substitutes shall sit on their team bench or in the dugout unless playing in the game. No one except eligible players in uniform, coaches and scorekeeper shall occupy the bench or dugout during the game. Whenever a batter is retired, he or she must immediately return to the bench.
5(d) Disciplinary Action: If a coach or scorekeeper is removed from the game by disciplinary action of the umpire, the ejected person must leave the field. He or she may not sit on the team bench or in the stands. Players ejected must sit on the team bench or may leave the game site with a parent or guardian.
Any player or coach ejected from a game will be
suspended from the next scheduled game. Further ejections will result infurther suspensions or termination from the KIDSPORTS program.
5(e) Jewelry: Players in games are prohibited from wearing jewelry. This includes, but is not limited to: rings, watches, necklaces, earrings, barrettes and bracelets (including cloth or string types)or other items judged by the umpire to be unsafe. Earrings cannot be taped and must be removed.The umpire shall issue a warning to both benches on a first offense by either team. For each subsequent offense an additional out is charged to the offending team. If the violation occurs when a player is on defense, the penalty shall be enforced when the offending team is on offense.
5(f)Helmets: The umpire shall issue a warning to both benches on a first offense by either team if a player removes his/her helmet on the playing field during live ball action. For additional offenses:
PreK - 2 An out will be charged to the offending team for each succeeding offense.
5(g) Sunglasses: Sunglasses may not be worn by the pitcher or the batter. Prescription glasses are allowed. Eye black is preferred and suggested.
5(h) Uniforms: Only KIDSPORTS issued uniform shirts shall be worn by teams during games and tournament play. Uniform shirts must be tucked in at all times during the game and bandannas are prohibited.
Uniforms may not be altered in any way, i.e. printing of business or team names, cutting off sleeves, changing color etc.
The head coach must seek permission from the KIDSPORTS Equipment Manager to wear non-issued KIDSPORTS uniforms. Permission will not be granted until the sport season registration deadline.
KIDSPORTS does not require specific attire for coaches.
5(i) Illegal Equipment: Pitchers may not wear any items on the hands, wrists or arms that may be distracting to the batter.
5(j) Hats: All hats must be worn correctly, with the bill facing forward.
5(k) Bats: Any high school restriction on weight-to-length-of-bat will be disregarded.
Section #6 UMPIRING
PreK – 2 nd Grades: These games are played under a non-competitive atmosphere where no scores will be kept in the K&1 st grade games. Each team is expected to provide a volunteer umpire. Since these umpires are VOLUNTEERS they must be treated with special respect.
Note: Umpires working KIDSPORTS games are often in their first or second year of officiating. Just like the young players on your team, they are still learning and will make mistakes. Please be patient and understand that each umpire is striving to improve and should be treated with respect.
Policy #7 CHAMPIONSHIP EVENTS
Little World Series (LWS) 2 nd Grade: Following completion of the regular season schedule, KIDSPORTS will conduct a championship event in which all teams are included. Since this is part of the regular season there is no additional fee.
T-Ball Jamboree/Grades PreK—K: At the beginning of the regular season schedule, KIDSPORTS will conduct a T-Ball Jamboree. Since this is part of the regular season there is no additional fee.
Note: There will be no admission charge for spectators to the Little World Series or Jamboree games.
T-BALL - GRADES K and Pre-K 5-year olds
KIDSPORTS T-Ball follows National Federation Rules except as modified below.
Rule #1 UNIFORMS: All uniforms and equipment issued by KIDSPORTS shall be legal for all KIDSPORTS T-Ball games. Catchers are required to wear protective head gear, and are allowed to use any type of glove or mitt.
Rule #2 THE FIELD:
2(a) BASE DISTANCE: 60' bases and 84' 10" from home plate to second base.
2(b) 10 FOOT ARC: The area inscribed, a ten foot arc in front of home plate, will be considered foul territory and subject to the same rules as any other foul territory between home plate and the first and third bases. The arc shall be marked (by coaches if necessary) on the field. Coaches, use a ten foot string or cord; attach to an anchor at the point of home plate; mark arc only between foul lines.
EQUIPMENT
3(a) THE BALL: A 9'’ Safe-Soft ball will be used for all game and practice sessions.
3(b) THE BAT: Both wood and metal bats with safety grips are legal. Bats that have been finished with enamel paint are not legal. (Exception: approved bats with factory enamel finish are legal). There are no weight-to-length restrictions.
3(c) BATTING HELMETS: Each team is required to have a minimum of four (4) regulation protective batting helmets on its bench prior to starting a game or practice session.
3(d) SHOES: Shoes that have metal spikes or polyurethane soles cannot be worn. Players are not required to wear cleats flat soled athletic shoes are acceptable.
3(e) BATTING T: The home team is responsible for having a batting T at the game. It is recommended that the visiting team have their T available in case it is needed for emergency use. The batting T shall be placed directly on the tip of home plate and may adjusted to each batter's preferred height. A regulation batter's box will be used during T-Ball games.
3(f) SECOND - 1ST BASE: The second 1st base (provided by visiting team) is placed next to the regular 1st base on the outside of the foul line. The base in foul territory is the one the batter runs to and fielders use the fair base. If the visiting team cannot provide the base, the game is played with one first base.
PLAYER REQUIREMENTS
4(a) STARTING LINE-UP: All T-Ball games are played with ten players on the field at one time. Teams may start and finish with less than ten players.
POSITIONING PLAYERS
5(a) PITCHING POSITION: A ten foot circle will be marked on the field, no closer than forty feet from home plate, and the pitcher is required to stand within that circle. Pitchers are not required to stand on the pitchers rubber.
5(b) CATCHING POSITION: The catcher must be behind home plate when the ball is hit.
5(c) OTHER POSITIONS: Same as in regular baseball. However, there will be four outfielders, and these outfielders must be restricted to positioning themselves a minimum of 15' beyond the baseline. Infielders must be positioned at least 40' feet from home plate until the ball is hit (excluding the pitcher).
5(d) DESIGNATED HITTER: A designated hitter is not permitted in KIDSPORTS.
5(e) DEFENSIVE PLAYER ROTATION: The ten defensive player positions are classified into two groups.
Group # I |
Group # II |
NO PLAYER may play more than two consecutive innings at a position of either group. Example: A player who plays one inning at pitcher and an inning at first base must play the next two innings at one or more of the Group II positions.
NOTE: At the end of each inning, all players on the bench must be entered or substituted into the game.
THE GAME
6(a) REGULATION GAME: Consists of six innings unless shortened because of time limit, curfew, or bad weather.
6(b) There will be no minimum number of innings played to constitute a regulation game. A game will be considered complete if six innings have been played or the time limit expires.
6(c) BATTING: Each batter will be given three (3) attempts to hit the ball into play. In T-Ball games, ten players bat regardless of defensive outs. NOTE: If a team starts the game with nine players or less they will still bat ten players. A teams turn at bat ends after the tenth batter hits the ball and the ball is declared dead.
6(d) AUTOMATIC OUTS: Batters will be automatically declared out in these situations: 1. Misses or hits a foul ball on the third swing. 2. Does not take a full swing at the ball. 3. Attempts to bunt the ball.
6(e) ADVANCING: A base runner may advance to home in a T-Ball game whenever any legally batted ball occurs or the defensive team attempts to put any base runner out as in regular baseball. The base runner must touch home plate, not the T to score.
6(f) BASE RUNNERS: 1. No runner may advance until a ball has been hit. 2. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit. 3. When any defensive player within the baseline holds the ball above their head and does not attempt to put an advancing runner out, base runners may advance only to the next base to which they are proceeding when the runner is past the halfway mark. When an infielder with the ball in their possession elects to throw the ball to another player in an attempt to put out an advancing runner, and, in the process overthrows the base, runners may not advance to the next base on the overthrow. 4. There is no infield fly rule in T-Ball games.
6(g) SLIDING/NO CONTACT RULE - ALL GRADES: When a defensive player is in possession of the ball at a base (except 1st base), the base runner must avoid contact, slide or give him/herself up for an out. Failure to avoid contact, slide or give him/herself up for an out shall be an out and the player may be ejected from the game. The base runner may not leap over a player to avoid a tag.
WHEN A DEFENSIVE PLAYER IS IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL, IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE BASE RUNNER TO AVOID CONTACT.
If contact occurs between a base runner and a defensive player when the defensive player does not have possession of the ball the defensive player is called for obstruction and the runner is awarded the base. Until they have possession of the ball, any defensive player must allow runners to advance to any base (including home plate) without obstructing them in anyway.
6(h) TIME LIMITS:
KIDSPORTS T ball games shall be governed by a time limit in which no new inning may begin after one hour and fifteen minutes (1 hr 15 min) have elapsed
SUBSTITUTION RULE: The following player substitution rule is required in all KIDSPORTS scheduled games:
7(a) STARTING PLAYERS: Each eligible player listed on the team batting roster form must start on defense every other KIDSPORTS scheduled game they attend.
7(b) ELIGIBLE BATTERS: All eligible players will be in the batting order for the entire game. A player arriving after the beginning of a game may be inserted at the end of the batting order at the beginning of a half-inning.
7(c) DEFENSIVE SUBSTITUTIONS: At the start of any new inning, players who did not play defense the previous inning must be inserted for that inning, unless injured or sick.
7(d) CANCELED GAME STARTERS: If a game is canceled or postponed, the players who were scheduled to start the postponed or canceled game must start and play in the very next game on the KIDSPORTS schedule.
7(e) FAILURE TO MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS: If a coach knowingly violates the substitution rule, the opposing coach should call "time-out" and ask the coach to make appropriate changes. If the coach refuses, the game is played and the opposing coach should contact his/her sports manager at KIDSPORTS. KIDSPORTS will then take appropriate actions against the coach as it sees fit.
MODIFIED MACHINE/COACH-PITCH GRADE 1
KIDSPORTS Modified Coach-Pitch follows National Federal Rules modified as shown below.
Rule #1 UNIFORMS: All uniforms and equipment issued by KIDSPORTS are legal for all KIDSPORTS MCP games. Catchers are required to wear protective head gear and are allowed to use any type of glove or mitt.
Rule #2 THE FIELD
2(a) BASE DISTANCES: 60' bases and 84'10" from home plate to second base.
Rule #3 EQUIPMENT
3(a) THE BALL: A 9" soft ball will be used for all games and practice sessions.
3(b) THE BAT: Both wood and metal bats with safety grips are legal. Bats that have been finished with enamel paint are not legal. (Exception: approved bats with factory enamel finish are legal. There are no weight-to-length restrictions.
3(c) BATTING HELMETS: Each team is required to have a minimum of four (4) regulation protective batting helmets prior to starting a game or practice session.
3(d) SHOES: Shoes that have metal spikes or hard polyurethane soles cannot be worn.
3(e) SECOND FIRST BASE: The second first base (provided by the visiting team) is placed next to the regular first base on the out-side of the foul line. The base in foul territory is the one the batter runs to and the baseman uses the base in fair territory. If the visiting cannot provide a base, the game is played with one first base.
3(f) BATTING T: The home team is responsible for having a batting T at the game. It is recommended that the visiting team have their T available in case it is needed for emergency use. The batting T shall be placed directly on the tip of home plate may be adjusted for each batter. A regulation batter's box will be used during MCP games.
Rule #4 PLAYER REQUIREMENTS
4(a) STARTING LINE-UP: All Modified Coach-Pitch games are played with ten players on the field at one time. Teams may start and finish the game with less than ten players.
Rule #5 POSITIONING PLAYERS
5(a) DEFENSIVE PITCHING POSITION: While the coach is pitching, the defensive pitcher must stand in the area behind, and to the left or right of the pitcher-coach or machine. When the batter is hitting off the T, the defensive pitcher must start within the pitching circle.
5 (b) OTHER POSITIONS: Same as used in regular baseball. However, there will be four outfielders, and these outfielders must be restricted to positioning themselves a minimum of 15' beyond the baseline. Infielders must be positioned at least 40 feet from home plate until the ball is hit.
5(c) DESIGNATED HITTER: A designated hitter is not permitted in KIDSPORTS.
5(d) DEFENSIVE PLAYER ROTATION: The ten defensive player positions are classified into two groups:
Group # I |
Group # II |
No player may play more than two consecutive innings at a position of either group. Example: A player who plays one inning at pitcher and an inning at first base must play the next two innings at one or more of the Group II positions.
NOTE: At the start of any new inning, players who did not play defense the previous inning, must be inserted for that inning, unless injured or sick.
5(e) PITCHING RULES: Each player will receive three (3) pitches from his/her own coach or the machine. If the player is unable to hit a ball into fair play, he/she will have three (3) attempts to hit the ball off the T. Bunting is legal on pitched balls but not off the T.
NOTE: Coaches, while pitching from the mound, are allowed to instruct only the batter. The pitcher-coach will be allowed to move up within 15 feet of the batter when not using the machine if he/she desires. If the pitching coach in any way touches the batted ball or interferes with an opponent trying to field the batted ball, the ball becomes dead, the pitch is considered a no-pitch and all base runners must return to their base.
Rule #6 THE GAME
6(a) REGULATION GAME: Consists of six innings unless shortened because of time limit, curfew, or bad weather.
6(b) There will be no minimum number of innings played to constitute a regulation game. A game will be considered complete if six innings have been played or the time limit expires.
6(c) AUTOMATIC OUTS: Batters will be automatically declared out when batting off the T when he/she:
1. Misses or hits a foul ball on the third swing.
2. Does not take a full swing at the ball.
3. Attempts to bunt the ball.
6(d) ADVANCING: A Base runner may advance to home in a MCP game whenever any legally batted ball occurs or the defensive team attempts to put any base runner out as in regular baseball rules. The base runner must touch home plate, not the T, to score.
6(e) INNING TERMINATION: In MCP games, an inning shall be terminated after ten (10) players bat in one inning regardless of defensive outs.
NOTE: If a team starts the game with nine players they will still bat 10 players.
6(f) BASE RUNNERS:
1. No runner may advance until a ball has been hit.
2. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit.
3. When any player on or within the baseline holds the ball above their head and does not attempt to put an advancing runner out, base runners may advance only to the next base to which they are proceeding when the runner is past the halfway mark. When an infielder with the ball in his or her possession elects to throw the ball to another player in an attempt to put out an advancing runner, and, in the process overthrows the base, runners may not advance to the next base.
4. There shall be no infield fly rule in MCP games.
6(g) SLIDING/NO CONTACT RULE (ALL GRADES): When a defensive player is in possession of the ball at a base (except 1st base), the base runner must avoid contact, slide or give him/herself up for an out. Failure to avoid contact, slide or give him/herself up for an out shall be an out and the player may be ejected from the game. The base runner may not leap over a player to avoid the tag.
WHEN A DEFENSIVE PLAYER IS IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL, IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE BASE RUNNER TO AVOID CONTACT.
If contact occurs between a base runner and a defensive player, when the defensive players does not have possession of the ball, the defensive player is called for obstruction and the base shall be awarded. Any defensive player must give the base (including home plate) to the runner until they have possession of the ball.
6(h) TIME LIMIT:KIDSPORTS games shall be governed by a time limit in which no new inning may begin after one hour and fifteen minutes (1 hr 15 min) has elapsed.
Rule #7 SUBSTITUTION RULE: The following player substitution rule is required in all KIDSPORTS scheduled games:
7(a) STARTING PLAYERS: Each eligible player listed on the team batting roster form must start on defense every other KIDSPORTS scheduled game they attend.
7(b) ELIGIBLE BATTERS: All eligible players will be in the batting order for the entire game. A player arriving after the beginning of a game may be inserted at the beginning of a half-inning at the end of the batting order.
7(c) DEFENSIVE SUBSTITUTIONS: At the start of any new inning, players who did not play defense the previous inning must be inserted for that inning, unless injured or sick.
7(d) CANCELED GAMES STARTERS: If a game is canceled or postponed, the players who were scheduled to start the postponed or canceled game must start and play in the very next game on the KIDSPORTS schedule.
7(e) FAILURE TO MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS: If a coach knowingly violates the substitution rule, the opposing coach should call "time-out" and ask the coach to make appropriate changes. If the coach refuses, the game is played and the opposing coach should contact his/her sports manager at KIDSPORTS. KIDSPORTS will take appropriate actions as it sees fit.
MACHINE/COACH-PITCH GRADE 2
KIDSPORTS CP-Ball follows National Federation Rules with modifications listed below.
Rule #1 UNIFORMS:All uniforms and equipment issued by KIDSPORTS shall be legal for all KIDSPORTS CP-Ball games. Catchers are required to wear protective head gear and are encouraged to wear an athletic supporter with a cup. Catchers are allowed to use any type of glove or mitt.
Rule #2 THE FIELD
2(a) BASE DISTANCE: 60' bases are 84'10" from home plate to second base.
2(b) PITCHING DISTANCE: 32' pitching rubber - measured from the front edge of the pitching plate to the rear tip of home plate.
Rule #3 EQUIPMENT
3(a) THE BALL: A 9” safe-soft ball will be used for all games and practice sessions.
3(b) THE BAT: Both wood and metal bats with safety grips are legal. Bats that have been finished with enamel paint are not legal. (Exception: approved bats with factory enamel finish are legal. There are no weight-to-length restrictions.
3(c) BATTING HELMETS: Each team is required to have a minimum of four regulation protective batting helmets on its bench prior to starting a game or practice session.
3(d) SHOES: Shoes that have metal spikes or hard polyurethane soles cannot be worn.
3(e) SECOND FIRST BASE: The second first base (provided by the visiting team) is placed next to the regular first base on the opposite side of the foul line. The base in foul territory is the one the runner tags and the baseman used the base in fair territory. If the visiting coach cannot provide a base, the game is played with one first base.
Rule #4 PLAYER REQUIREMENTS
4(a) STARTINGLINE-UP: All CP-Ball games are played with ten players on the field at one time.
4(b) SHORT LINE-UPS: Teams may start and finish the game with eight players. Any team reduced to less than eight players due to injury, illness, ejection, etc, will be required to forfeit. A team with eight players may choose to forfeit the game and then borrow players from the opposing team for a practice game. If a ninth or tenth player shows up after the line-up card is turned in they must be place in the ninth or tenth spot in the line-up. He/she can enter the game only at the beginning of a half-inning.
Rule #5 POSITIONING OF PLAYERS
5(a) PITCHING RULE: Each coach will pitch to his/her own team. A maximum of five (5) pitches will be provided to each batter is his/her time at bat. Coaches, while pitching from the mound, are allowed to instruct only the batter. The pitcher-coach, when not using a pitching machine, will be allowed to move up to within l5 feet of the batter if he/she desires.
If the pitching coach in any way touches the batted ball or interferes with an opponent trying to field the batted ball the ball becomes dead, the pitch is considered a no pitch and all base runners must return to their base.
The batter is not out after three (3) strikes unless it is the fifth pitch.
5(b) DEFENSIVE PITCHING POSITION: Defensive pitcher must stand in the area behind, and to the left or right of the pitcher-coach or pitching machine.
Rule #6 THE GAME
6(a) REGULATION GAME: Consists of six innings unless shortened because of time limit, curfew, bad weather, or extended due to a tie game. The game shall be considered a regulation game if four innings have been played in second grade games unless the home team has scored a greater number of runs in three and one half innings.
6(b) TIE GAMES: If the score is tied at the end of a completed game, the game will end in a tie. No extra innings will be played.
6(c) CALLED GAMES: Any game which is started and then terminated by the umpire due to darkness, rain, curfew, time limit, etc. before enough innings have been played to constitute a regulation game, shall be replayed from the beginning on another date.
6(d) SCORING: A base runner may not advance from third base and score a run on a passed ball, wild pitch or an erratic throw from the catcher to the pitcher. A runner may legally score whenever:
1. Any legally batted ball occurs
2. The defensive team attempts to put any base runner out as in regular baseball rules.
6(e) FORFEITED GAME: Teams may start and finish the game with eight (8) players. Failure to have eight (8) players at the scheduled starting time will result in a win by forfeit to the team ready to play. If both teams are in violation the game will be declared "no contest" and each team will be charged with a loss.
6(f) PROTESTS: All officials decisions are final. KIDSPORTS does not recognize protests. Any dispute must be handled on the field.
6(g) CURFEW AND TIME LIMIT:KIDSPORTS games shall be governed by a time limit in which no new inning may begin after one hour and thirty minutes (1hr 30 min) have elapsed.
6(h) TEN (10) RUN RULE: Whenever a team leads an opponent by ten or more runs at the end of any completed inning, provided a minimum of five innings have been played, the game will be considered a complete game and the game will be terminated.
6(i) INNING TERMINATION: In CP games, an inning shall be terminated after ten players bat in one inning or three outs are made by the defensive team. Scoring shall stop in an inning when: 1. The batter or any base runner makes the third out or ten players bat in one inning. 2. A score will be allowed by a runner advancing from third to home on a ball hit by the tenth batter if the ball comes into the possession of a defensive player on or within the baseline, and the player with the ball decides not to make a defensive play on any advancing runner by holding the ball above his/her head. The umpire shall immediately notify the official scorer of the exact runs allowed on a ball hit by the tenth batter. If a team starts the game with nine players they will still bat ten players if they get that far in the batting order.
6(j) BASE RUNNERS: 1. No runner may advance until a ball has been hit. 2. A base runner shall be declared out for leaving the base before the ball is hit. 3. When any player on or within the baseline holds the ball above their head and does not attempt to put an advancing runner out, base runners may advance only to the next base to which they are proceeding when the runner is past the slash mark (midway between bases). Once inside the baseline, the player with the ball should hold the ball ABOVE HIS/HER HEAD to stop play. When an infielder with the ball in his or her possession elects to throw the ball to another player in an attempt to put out an advancing runner, and, in the process overthrows the base, runners may advance as in regular baseball rules. 4. There is no infield fly rule in CP games.
6(k) BUNTING: Bunting is LEGAL in CP games.
6(l) SLIDING/NO CONTACT RULE (ALL GRADES): When a defensive player is in possession of the ball at a base (except 1st base), the base runner must avoid contact, slide or give him/herself up for an out. Failure to avoid contact, slide or give him/herself up for an out shall be an out and the player may be ejected from the game. The base runner may not leap over a player to avoid the tag.
WHEN A DEFENSIVE PLAYER IS IN POSSESSION OF THE BALL, IT IS THE OBLIGATION OF THE BASE RUNNER TO AVOID CONTACT.
If contact occurs between a base runner and a defensive player, when the defensive player does not have possession of the ball, obstruction occurs on the defensive player and the base shall be awarded. Any defensive player must give the base (including home plate) to the runner until they have possession of the ball.
Rule #7 SUBSTITUTION
SUBSTITUTION RULE:The following player substitution rule is required in all KIDSPORTS scheduled games:
7(a) STARTING PLAYERS: Each eligible player listed on the team roster form must start on defense at least every other game, which they attend, appearing on the schedule issued by the KIDSPORTS office.
7(b) ELIGIBLE BATTERS: All eligible players will be in the batting order for the entire game. A maximum 10 batters per inning limit will be in effect. A player arriving after the beginning of a game may be inserted at the end of the batting order at the beginning of a half-inning.
7(c) NON-STARTERS: At the beginning of every defensive inning, players who did not play in the previous inning on defense, must be inserted into the defensive line-up. The intention of this rule is to ensure that all players play in the field at least half of the defensive outs.
7(d) CANCELED GAME STARTER: If a game is canceled or postponed before enough innings have been played to constitute a regulation game, the players who were scheduled to start the postponed or canceled game must start and play in the very next game on the KIDSPORTS schedule.
7(e) FAILURE TO MAKE SUBSTITUTIONS: If a coach knowingly violates the substitution rule, the opposing coach should call "time-out" and ask the coach to make appropriate changes. If the coach refuses, the game is played and the opposing coach should contact his/her sports manager at KIDSPORTS. KIDSPORTS will then take appropriate actions against the coach as it sees fit.
