COVE CREEK PARK
MINOR AND MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL RULES
1. PITCHING LIMITS
A. 6 innings per week (Monday through Sunday)
B. Can not pitch two days in a row
C. If four or more innings are pitched in one day, mandatory two days wait to pitch
again EX. On Saturday four innings are pitched, the player cannot pitch again
until Tuesday
D. If three innings are pitched in one day, mandatory one day wait to pitch again
EX. On Saturday three or less innings are pitched, the player cannot pitch again
until Monday
E. Five pitch warm up only per inning per pitcher
F. During an intentional walk, the pitcher shall be required to throw all four balls.
No automatic passes will be allowed
G. One pitch thrown constitutes one inning
2. GAME LENGTH
A. Six innings per game
B. A game is considered complete and final if four full innings have been completed or
if three and a half innings are completed and the home team has the lead and is
at bat. If a game is called anytime during the middle of an inning after it is
considered a complete game, the final score will be determined by going back to
the last completed inning. If the score was tied in that last completed inning,
refer to Rule 17G.
C. If less than four innings have been completed and the game is called, then the
game shall be suspended and played at a later date starting exactly where the
game left off. Scorekeepers for both teams should compare books at the end of
the suspended game to confirm the score, inning, batting lineup, and substitutes
used and left.
D. A maximum run rule has been implemented in the Minor League. No more than seven (7)
runs can be scored in any one inning. After the seventh run crosses the plate,
the inning is over no matter how many outs or runners on base. This rule has
been implemented for several reasons. One, to protect the arms of players who
are just learning to pitch. Two, to make games more competitive. Three, to help
lessen the chance of suspended games at the beginning of the season.
3. COURTESY RUNNERS
A. A courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher and catcher
B. The use of a courtesy runner is optional
C. The courtesy runner must be a substitute player who is not in the game
D. If only eight or nine team members are present, a courtesy runner cannot
be used
E. Entering the game as a courtesy runner does not count towards mandatory
innings required as stated in 7A
4. TIME LIMITS
A. The umpire has sole discretion to determine when a game is to be called for
darkness
B. No time limits will be used for weekday games (Monday thru Friday). A 1 hour and 45
minute time limit will be imposed on Saturday games. This means no new inning may
begin after 1 hour and 45 minutes has elapsed. If an inning begins before 1 hour and
45 minutes has expired, that inning alone may be completed. A game may not be called
by the umpire for time if both teams have not completed their at bat (assuming the
home team needs to bat) and the inning began before 1 hour and 45 minutes. The
umpire will declare the start time at the beginning of the game and is considered the
official time keeper.
C. If a game is called for time on Saturday regardless of the number of innings played,
the game is considered an official game.
5. DUGOUT CONTROL
A. Only the manager, two assistant coaches, and the official team scorekeeper are
allowed in the dugout during a game -These three names, if an assistant coach is the
scorekeeper, or four names, if the scorekeeper is not an assistant coach, are to be
listed on the line-up card and checked by the umpire before the start of the game
B. No food, sunflower seeds, tobacco products, or drinks are allowed in the dugout
during games - Only water provided by the park or Gatorade is to be present in the
dugouts during games
C. Players must obtain the permission of the manager or an assistant coach to leave
the dugout during a game
6. INCLEMENT WEATHER
A. Upon the first sound of thunder or first sight of lightning during a game, the
umpire will stop the game immediately and start timing for 15 minutes.
Every instance of lightning or thunder thereafter restarts the 15 minute wait.
B. This same rule will be enforced by managers and/or assistant coaches during
practices.
7. MANDATORY PLAY
A. Every player shall play a minimum of two innings on defense (six outs), and
shall bat at least one time in each game
B. If this rule is violated for any reason, the player will start the next
game he/she is present and play a minimum of three innings on defense and bat at
least one time.
C. If this rule is violated, the offending manager is responsible for reporting the
violation to the front office.
8. SLAUGHTER RULE
A. If one team is ahead by 15 runs after 4 innings, the game will be called if
the losing team has batted four times
9. DESIGNATED HITTERS
A. DH’s will not be used
10. PLAYERS
A. If eight players are present, a game will start at the designated time
B. If less than eight players are present, there will be a fifteen minute
delay. If after fifteen minutes an eighth player has not arrived the offending
team will forfeit that game
C. Any player who arrives after a game has started must go to the bottom of
the lineup for that team
D. A team with only eight players available for a game may notify the League in
advance and request the use of an additional player for the game. The League will use
its discretion in locating the additional player.
E. If a team starts a game with only nine players, and one is forced to leave the
game for any reason, the team may continue to play with the remaining eight. The
vacancy in the batting lineup caused by the absence of the ninth player shall not be
considered an out during the hitting rotation.
F. Do not ask to reschedule a game, if you have enough players to field a team.
G. The front office must be informed and approve prior to the game if you plan not to
play a player in a particular game.
11. STEALING
A. A base runner is not allowed to lead off
B. A base runner may leave the base after the pitch crosses the plate
C. In Major and Minor Leagues, the throwback from the catcher to the pitcher after
a pitch shall be a live ball, and the runner may advance at their own risk. A
pitcher may not receive the throwback from the catcher with either foot on the
pitcher’s plate. Once the pitcher has received the ball from the catcher and steps
on the pitcher’s plate, then the ball is not live. A runner may begin his/her advance
from one base to the next during the period of time in which the ball is thrown from
the catcher to the pitcher, and the pitcher steps on the pitcher’s plate.
12. SLIDING
A. No player shall slide head first into a base he/she has not yet advanced
to. Once a runner has advanced to a base, he/she may dive head first back into the
base to avoid a tag.
B. A runner who in any manner causes a collision without sliding, shall be
called out, and may be ejected from the game.
C. No defensive player, with emphasis on the catcher, shall block the runner’s
path in route to a base unless the defensive player has possession of the ball or
possession is imminent.
D. Runners are strongly encourage to slide into any base at any time a play may be
imminent.
13. HELMETS
A. All bat boys/girls are required to wear helmets while retrieving bats from the
field.
B. All batters and runners must keep helmets on when:
(1) in the batters box, (2) on the bases and base paths, (3) the ball is in
play, (4) after crossing home plate and returning to the dugout.
C. Any player who throws a helmet, bat, glove, or ball to show anger or
disapproval with the call of an umpire, or in frustration with his/her own
performance, or the performance of his/her teammates or coaches, will automatically
be ejected from the game.
D. A player may wear a cap under a helmet.
14. RE-ENTRY RULE
A. Each of the nine starting players may be withdrawn from the game and re-entered.
Re-entry must occur after the starters substitute has played two innings in the field.
B. When re-entered, a player must occupy the same batting position as he/she
occupied when starting the game - the starter and his/her substitute cannot
be in the game at the same time.
C. A substitute withdrawn from the game can re-enter but only for the starter they
originally went in for.
D. If all substitutes have been used, and an injury occurs, the opposing
manager shall select from the players not in the lineup a substitute to
replace the injured player. This type of re-entry can take place only when
the injury prevents a player from continuing in the game. The injured
player, once removed from the game, cannot re-enter the lineup.
E. A pitcher may not re-enter the game as a pitcher.
F. The starting pitcher may be removed from the mound, remain in the game, and
return to the mound to pitch. A non-starting pitcher may not return to the
mound.
15. PROTEST
A. Protest shall be considered only when based on the interpretation or
violation of a playing rule or the use of an ineligible player. No protest
shall be allowed based on the decision of an umpire’s judgment.
B. Only the acting head coach or manager shall have the right to protest a
game.
C. The protesting manager or head coach shall immediately, and before the next
pitch is thrown, notify the chief umpire that the game is being played
under protest.
D. Following the notice of protest, the chief umpire shall consult with the
associate umpires, and if it is determined that the decision is in conflict
with the rules, then the decision shall be overturned. If, however, after
consultation, the chief umpire is convinced the decision is not in conflict
with the rules, then the decision shall stand and the chief umpire shall
announce that the game is being played under protest.
E. Within 24 hours, a written report of the protest shall be filed by both the
protesting manager or head coach, and the chief umpire, with the League
office.
F. A Protest Committee shall consider the protest and issue a prompt decision.
16. EJECTIONS
A. All ejections should be reported to a league official immediately.
B. Any player or coach ejected from a game may serve a next game
suspension after the Board reviews the offense.
C. Players and/or coaches may be subject to further game suspensions if the
Board deems necessary.
17. MISCELLANEOUS
A. Managers and assistant coaches are encouraged to warm-up their pitchers
between innings if the catcher is not ready
B. Between pitches, every batter shall keep one foot in the box
C. A manager may call time and walk to the pitcher’s mound to talk to his
pitcher. On the second trip to the mound in a game to the same pitcher,
the pitcher must be pulled
D. All protective equipment not issued by the park must be approved by the
League before it can be used in games and/or practices. This change in
policy is due to new insurance regulations. This includes any catching
equipment and batting helmets.
E. No jewelry may be worn by players during games or practices. This includes
earrings, necklaces, rings, and watches. It should not be up to the
umpire to inspect for jewelry. Check your players before games and
practices. This rule has been implemented for the safety of the players.
F. Only uniforms (shirts, caps, pants, and socks) issued by the park may be worn
during games. If a player forgets a piece of his/her uniform the park will try to
issue a substitute for that one game only. If the park cannot provide something for
the player, he/she should borrow the item from a teammate when possible, but the
player is expected to be in proper uniform for the next game. A player who willfully
violates this rule will not be permitted to play. Additional hats, socks, and pants
are available for purchase should a player lose or destroy the first set. The costs
are as follows: Hat $5, Socks $5, Pants $5.
G. If a game is tied after it is considered a complete game (four full innings
have been completed or three and a half innings if the home team has the
lead) or after the time limit expires on Saturdays, that game shall end in
the tie. No extra innings will be played to break the tie.
H. Tie Breakers to determine final regular season records are decided by the
following: 1. Head to head 2. If an unequal number of games are played
by any team compared to other teams in their division, that teams record
will be determined by a percentage. This percentage is computed by
dividing number of games won by total number of games played. Tie games
count as a full game played with half a win.
I. Disciplinary Rule: Coaches may remove a player from a game for
disciplinary reasons. If there are substitutes who have not entered the
game yet they may be used. If all substitutes have been used when the
disciplinary problem occurs, the manager is to inform the opposing coach of
the situation and the opposing manager may select a player to enter the game.
J. All bats must be solid wood and have no larger barrel diameter than 2 1/4.
K. All rules not covered in this handout will defer to the National Federation
High School Rulebook.