2006

M.S.A. BASEBALL & SOFTBALL

Board Members

President 628-0888 Ray Stahl Vice President & Director of Softball 621-1714 Drew Marino Treasurer 682-7449 John Tafuri Director of Commissioners 628-7462 Tom Gabay Director of Travel Teams 621-4129 Evan Tantalos Director of Equipment 628-8072 George Tompkins Director of Scheduling 628-5041 Pete Walker Director of Field Maintenance 621-7017 Roman Catalino Recording Secretary 628-5333 Judy Amodeo Director of Fundraising & Publicity 277-8628 Prisco DeMercurio Registrar 621-5306 Kristin Diebold

League Commissioners

Pony Tails, Grades 1-3 621-6729 Henry Finney Jr. Girls, Grades 4-6 228-1413 Dave Furfaro Sr. Girls, Grades 7-12 621-1714 Debbie Marino T-Ball 628-7735 Orest Sochan Pony Boys 628-2721 John Finch Colt League Boys 621-4438 Chris Melnik Minor League Boys 277-8628 Prisco DeMercurio Major League Boys 628-9380 Ed Levy Senior League Boys 628-0888 Ray Stahl Fall League 628-1241 Fred Ferraro

DID I?

A COACH LOOKS BACK

The season is over the diamond is still I think of the games that gave me a thrill It seemed so important to make the team win, Now let's take stock of the coach that I've been. Did I comfort the child with tears in his eyes who stood there frozen and let the third strike go by? Did I sit a player down and go with my best when they should have been in there and put to the test? Was I fair and understanding as I should have been or was it more important to go for that win? Did I make a weak player feel they were part of the team, or did I use them to let off my steam? Did I sit down the star who came late to the game and give an average child a chance at some fame? Did I yell at the umpire who gave a questionable call? Did I teach my team to smile when their backs were to the wall? Did I work with that player who was lost at the plate or did I say to myself what difference does it make? The season is over the diamond is still, HELPING CHILDREN GROW IS MY BIGGEST THRILL

PARENTS AND SPECTATORS…

1. Must sign and abide by the MSA Sports Code of Conduct. 2. Are aware of the Rules, Regulations and philosophy of Little League Baseball. 3. Are positive in any criticism of the program. 4. Present their opinions and criticisms to officers of the league in a constructive manner. 5. Are willing to volunteer their services to improve the league. 6. Refrain from un-sportsmanlike conduct and “grandstand” managing, recognizing the efforts expended by the volunteer personnel. 7. Realize that the umpire is closest to the play and calls them as he/she sees them; that the umpire is a volunteer who has assumed a difficult but necessary role. Never argue a call, or balls and strikes! 8. Recognize that Little Leaguers are children, not professional players, and need encouragement not criticism. 9. Applaud good plays and ignore errors – no matter which team or player makes them. 10. Encourage a greater effort, initiative and hustle. 11. Congratulate the winner, encourage the loser. 12. ENJOY THE GAME FOR WHAT IT IS. IF IT ISN’T FUN, IT ISN’T LITTLE LEAGUE !!

MSA RULES FOR ALL LEAGUES BEHAVIOR: Coaches are responsible for the conduct of players and parents of their team as well as themselves. If the players and/or parents exhibit un-sportsmanlike conduct, the umpire (coaches in Kindergarten/Pony/PonyTails) will halt the game and summon both managers to the plate. He will inform them that the misconduct must cease or the game will be called. If the game resumes and the un-sportsmanlike conduct continues, the umpire (coaches) will call the game and make a full report to the Baseball/Softball President. As per the Code of Conduct unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. COACHES AND ASSISTANT CERTIFICATIONS: We are proud members of the National Alliance of Youth Sports. All interested members must attend a three-hour skills-development course and get certified to coach. If you have not already attended a course, contact your league Commissioner. Annual renewals will be required. RAIN OUTS: The Commissioner decides if the game is cancelled before play starts. After the game has started, it is up to the umpire’s discretion. Lightning demands immediate stoppage of play. Play may be resumed at the discretion of umpires. Common sense must be exercised. All rain-out dates may be reassigned by the Commissioner. In conjunction with the director of scheduling, no private arrangements will be allowed without prior League Commissioner’s approval. SCHEDULES: All scheduled games must be played, weather permitting. GENERAL: Primary goal is for everyone to have fun and improve skills. Regardless of ability, every member of the team deserves to be treated with encouragement. Players should respect each other on and off the field. Good sportsmanship is expected at all times. Treat the umpires with respect at all times. Please make every effort to be at all practices. Please make every effort to be at games 30 minutes before the scheduled start. Please let your coach know in advance if you cannot make it to a game or practice. In case of cancellation, you will be notified. Must Bring: Please make sure that you have a water bottle, baseball glove, cleats, and appropriate uniform for all games as well as baseball pants for practices. Athletic cups are required for baseball. Uniforms are mandatory at games. Jewelry is not permitted to be worn at games or practices.

SAFETY Rules – Mandatory all Leagues

Batting helmets must always be worn at bat and on base. Chin straps are required at all levels except Senior and Major league baseball. Batting helmets with face masks must be worn while at bat for all but Senior and Major baseball leagues. Batting helmets are mandatory for all softball leagues. Only one player, the batter, may have a bat in his/her hand. The exception; On-deck batters are only permitted to practice with bats in batting cages where they are available. All catchers must wear appropriate gear including during warm-ups. All warm-ups must be supervised by a coach. Lightning demands immediate stoppage of play. Do not play on wet fields. Head-first sliding is not allowed. Do not remove clay from fields. No soft tosses against fences. Please pick up all trash after every game. The field’s cleanliness is our responsibility. Rake home plate and the pitchers mound after every game, please fill in all holes. Return all equipment to and lock the job boxes. We must all work with the school and town to help maintain these fields! Thank you!

T-BALL LEAGUE RULES

GRADES - Kindergarten and Pre-K

OBJECTIVE: An instructional baseball program designed to teach players the basics of throwing, catching, hitting and running. IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: All games will be played at Lakeview on Saturdays. Game time: 9:00am-10:30am PITCHING: No pitching. All hitting off of tees. ALL STAR GAME: NONE PLAYING RULES: Shirts and hats provided by MSA must be worn. Bats, balls, tees and other special equipment will be provided by MSA. For safety reasons, hitting must be done in a supervised area.

Remember, this program is designed to instruct the basics of throwing, catching and hitting.

PONY LEAGUE RULES GRADES 1 & 2

OBJECTIVE: The Pony League Instructional Baseball Program is designed to teach players the basic rules regarding fielding, batting and sportsmanship of baseball, so as to gradually increase their skills of the game. The Pony League will use baseball rules except where suggested by MSA rules. IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: Games will be played on Saturdays at Lakeview. All games will have a starting time of 9:00 a. m. and must start by 9:15 a.m.. No inning may start after 11:00 a.m., and all games will end by 11:30 a.m. PITCHING: Pitching will be done by the managers and coaches, and they have the option to pitch either

overhand or underhand. The distance of the pitching mound to home plate may be varied depending on the size and ability of

the batter No called balls and strikes.

PLAYING RULES: Pony League will use Little League baseball rules, except for the following: Players must show up in full uniform issued by MSA. Uniforms must be worn properly. Shirts must

be tucked in and hats on the correct way No bunting, no stealing, no infield fly rule, and no leading. All catchers MUST wear appropriate helmet and protective cup No bat can have more than a -11 differential If a batter throws the bat or other equipment in anger, he is automatically ejected from the game.

NO WARNINGS. If a batter throws a bat after hitting the ball, he is automatically out. Each team will have a full roster batting order. This means that every player will bat even if he/she

is not playing in the field at that time. No awarding of a base to a batter hit by a pitch. Hitters stay at bat until the ball is hit in play. One base on overthrows. The distance between bases is 60-feet. Every player MUST PLAY a total of three innings in the field per game . No more than 8 batters in one inning, or 3 outs , whichever comes first. Every player shall play at least one inning in the infield and one inning in the outfield. No player shall sit out two consecutive innings. No more than ten players on the field at once (4 Outfielders) Only one player should stand near the pitcher. Only one player, that being the batter, may have a bat in his/her hand. No on-deck batters with

bats. ALL STAR GAME: NONE OTHER: Tied games will not be played off. Rainouts will be rescheduled, if possible.

PONY TAIL SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 1ST - 3RD GRADES

OBJECTIVE: The Pony Tail League Instructional Softball Program is designed to teach players the basic rules regarding fielding, batting and sportsmanship of softball, so as to gradually increase their skills of the game. The Pony Tail League will use baseball rules except where suggested by MSA rules. IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: All games will be played where fields are available. Official starting time of 6PM. PITCHING: Pitching will be done by the coaches. SCORE CARDS, PLAYOFFS, ALL STAR GAME: None PLAYING RULES: • Shirts, hats and pants are provided by MSA and shirts must be tucked in. • Batters and base runners must wear batting helmets. • If the batter throws the bat or any other piece of equipment, she is automatically out. • All players will play at least three innings in the field. • All players will bat regardless of whether they are playing in the field. • An inning will end with the hit of the eighth batter or the making of the third out (which ever happens first). • Coaches can use free substitution. • All games have 1:30 hour time limit. • No player is to sit out 2 consecutive innings. • Every player will play at least one inning in the infield and one inning the outfield. • Bunting, stealing and leading are not permitted. • ALL Batters must wear a helmet and chin strap! • A batter will be awarded one base on overthrows. • A batter is “up” until the ball is hit within play. Therefore, balls and strikes are not called. If a player is hit by a pitch, she is not awarded first base and the runners must not advance. • Only 12 players are allowed on the field at one time. • The pitching mound may be varied depending on the size and ability of the batter. • Players will play on a sixty-foot-field. • Only one player is allowed to stand near the pitchers mound. • Tied games are simply that, tied, and they will not be played off. • There shall be no official standing. • All Coaches must be certified annually. • Certified coaches are the only one permitted on the bench and on the field. • Jewelry is not to be worn by any player! (Chains, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, etc.)

THE PONY TAIL LEAGUE IS AN INSTRUCTIONAL SOFTBALL PROGRAM WITH TWO MAIN GOALS, LEARNING THE GAME AND HAVING FUN!

COLT LEAGUE RULES

GRADES 3rd & 4th

IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: Games will be played on Monday through Sunday. Each game will be six innings. A game is official if the teams have completed four innings. Weekday games start at 5:30 p.m. Each team has until 5:45 p.m. to field at least 8 players or the game will be forfeited. During May, no inning will start after 8:00 p.m. and in June, no full inning may be started past 8:15 p.m. In all instances, darkness cancellation will be at the discretion of the umpire. GENERAL: PITCHING: Pitchers are allowed to pitch a maximum of 3 innings in one game and 6 innings within a week.

(Monday-Sunday) One pitch is considered one inning. One day’s rest is required between each game pitched Pitcher must be removed if he hits 2 batters in one inning or 3 batteries in the game. He can remain

on the field in another position. In each game, teams are required to have a 3rd grader(s) pitch a total of 1 innings (3 consecutive

outs) before the start of the 5th inning. The maximum runs that can be scored while the 3rd grader is on the mound is 3. After such time, this obligation is fulfilled and the team can field any other pitcher within the Colt League pitching rules. Once a pitcher is removed from the mound (for any reason), he cannot pitch for the rest of that

game. SCORE CARDS: All coaches must keep umpires advised of pitching changes, and sign score cards at the end of the game. ALL STAR GAME: If time permits, we will have an all-star game. Commissioners must approve all-star selections before the all-star game can be played.

PLAYING RULES: Colt League will use Little League baseball rules, except for the following: Players must show up in full uniform. Uniforms must be worn properly. This means team hat,

shirt, pants and stirrups. The shirt must be tucked in and hats on the correct way No infield fly rule No balk rule No hidden ball tricks All catchers MUST wear appropriate helmet, throat guard and a protective cup No bat can be over 2 ¼” outside diameter or have more than a -11 differential If a batter throws the bat or other equipment in anger, he is automatically ejected from the

game. NO WARNINGS. If a batter throws a bat after hitting the ball, he is automatically out. NO WARNINGS Each team will have a full roster batting order. This means that every player will bat even if

he/she is not playing in the field at that time. Managers will exchange line-ups at their meeting at home plate with the umpires before the start of the game. The lineup will contain only the names and uniform number of those players that are at the field at that time. Any player who comes after the exchange will be placed at the end of the batting order and the opposing coach MUST be notified. There are never to be 4 outfielders in a game. If a baserunner intentionally runs into a fielder, he is to be called OUT and AUTOMATICALLY

EJECTED from the game. WHEN IN DOUBT – SLIDE. Any fielder who intentionally fakes a “tag” in order to cause a runner to slide will be EJECTED from the game. Catchers may NOT block the plate unless they are first in possession of the ball. If a batter is hit by a pitch, even one that bounces, he will automatically be awarded a base. It is

The coach’s responsibility to tell a batter not to lean over the plate. There should be four inches between the plate and the batters toes. If a batter is leaning out over the plate, the opposing pitcher should bring it to the umpire’s attention.

The distance between bases is 60-feet. The distance from the pitchers rubber to the back tip of home plate is 45-feet. Every player MUST PLAY a total of three innings in the field per game. The only exception would

be where a player is scheduled to play the bottom of the 6th inning and the game is called. No player should consistently be scheduled for the bottom of the 6th inning. No more than 8 batters in one inning (or 3 outs). 8th batter cannot walk unless accepted by his

manager. The 8th batter cannot walk in the last inning if a hit can change the outcome of a game. No jewelry shall be worn during games and practice. Stealing is allowed after the ball crosses the plate. A runner can never steal home plate. The runner can only advance to home as a result of a batted

Ball or a base on balls. Runners cannot advance on an over-throw from the catcher trying to make a play on the runner

trying to steal second or third. No leads.

JUNIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES 4TH - 6TH GRADES

IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: Games will be played on weeknights and Saturdays. Weekday games start at 6:00pm. Each team has until 6:10pm to field at least eight players or the game will be forfeited. During the month of May, no inning will start after 8:00pm and during the month of June, no full inning may be started past 8:15pm. In all instances, the game may be cancelled or considered official because of darkness and this decision is at the discretion of the umpire, at all times. Each game will consist of six innings. A game is official if the teams have completed four innings. If the home team is ahead after three-and-a-half innings, the game is official. PITCHING: • In this division, the players will be pitching underhand (overhand is not permitted). • The bases will be placed 60’ apart. The pitcher’s mound will be placed between 30-43 feet. • The pitcher is allowed to take one step toward the batter to release if necessary. • If this distance is creating a problem for the pitchers, both coaches and the umpire must agree to move the mound closer. • Windmill pitching is also being introduced at this level as well. Windmill pitching should be taught and worked on during all practices and used in games if and when possible. SCORE CARDS: • All coaches must keep umpires advised of pitching changes, and must sign score cards at the end of each and every game. • Coaches should have the courtesy and responsibility of communicating all substitutions to their opponent’s scorer. • The coach of the winning team will call (or e-mail) the score, after the game, to the commissioner of their league. (Dave Furfaro) PLAYOFFS: If time permits, and all the regular season games are completed and travel leagues have not started, teams will be seeded based on their standings with a 1 vs. 8 vs., 2 vs. 7 format. The standings will be based on wins, losses, ties, and points awarded for all three. ALL STAR GAME: If time and weather permits, one all-star game will be held.

PLAYING RULES: • Balks, stealing, bunting, throw downs, pickoffs and leading are all not permitted. • Each team will use a full roster batting order. Players arriving later are to be placed at the end of the roster. A game can and will be started with a minimum of 8 players on each team. • Each player must play at least two innings in the field. • Coaches can make free substitutions. Re-entry is permitted. • Tagging up on fly balls is permitted. • A player is only allowed to pitch a maximum of three innings per game. • All catchers must wear a helmet, mask, chest protector, and shin guards. • ALL Batters must wear a helmet and chin strap! • A batter may not advance on a dropped third strike. • Players will not be allowed to play if they are not wearing every piece of the mandatory uniform including hat/visor, shirt, pants and socks provided by MSA. • An inning will end with the hit of the seventh batter or the making of the third out (which ever happens first). • Batter number seven can't walk. Please practice good sportsmanship. • In a situation where a team has had 6 batters and less than two outs, any runs scoring on the final play before stoppage of the play count. (Example 1: Team A and Tam B both have 10 players each. Team A’s seventh batter is up with runners on 2nd base and 3rd base and there is 1 out. Team A’s batter hits a ground ball which Team B’s player tows to 1st base, meanwhile the runners on second and third score before the ball is returned to the pitcher, both runs count). (Example 2: Same situation as above except there are 2 outs. In this case, if the runner is out at 1st, neither runs count. • All Coaches must be certified annually. • Certified coaches are the only ones permitted on the bench and on the field. • Jewelry is not to be worn by any player! (Chains, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, etc.) • In the event that an incident arises which has not been mentioned, the League Commissioner (Dave Furfaro) will render a decision.

MINOR LEAGUE RULES Grades 5th & 6th

IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: Games will be played on Monday through Sunday. Each game will be six innings. No game will be official if a team plays with less than 8 players -- that team will forfeit. During May, no full inning may be started past 8:00 p.m. and in June, no full inning may be started past 8:15 p.m. In all instances, darkness cancellation will be at the discretion of the umpire. PITCHING In each game, teams are required to have a 5th grader(s) pitch a total of 2 innings (3 consecutive

outs) before the start of the 5th inning. The maximum runs that can be scored while the 5th grader is on the mound are 3. At such time, this obligation is fulfilled and the team can field any other pitcher within the Minor League pitching rules Pitchers are allowed to pitch a maximum of 3 innings in one game and 6 innings within a week.

(Monday-Sunday) One day’s rest is required between each game pitched Pitchers must be removed if he hits 2 batters in one inning or 3 batters in the game

SCORE CARDS: Pitching sheets are to be filled out and signed by the opposing coach at the end of the game. These sheets are important to the safety and fairness of the program. They are to be produced at any time upon request of the Commissioner, umpire or opposing coach. PLAYOFFS: If time permits -- all the regular season games are completed and travel leagues have not started -- all teams will be eligible for playoffs. Teams will be seeded based on the standings. The standings will be based on wins, ties and losses, with points awarded for all three. The objective is to get all of the games played. ALL STAR GAME: If time permits, we will have an all-star game. Commissioners must approve all selections before the all-star game can be played. If possible, we will have a 5th and 6th grade all-star game.

PLAYING RULES: Minor League will use Little League rules, except for the following: All players must be in full uniform (hat, jersey, pants and socks) or they will not play. Shirts must

be tucked in at all times. Uniforms must not be changed (shirts, cut-offs, etc). No balks No leading until the ball passes the plate. Stealing is allowed for 2B and 3B. Runner may advance only after the ball has passed the plate. Runner may advance at his own peril to home plate only under the following conditions: 1) an

overthrow to the pitcher, 2) if a play is being made at any base. Runner may not advance to home plate on a wild pitch or passed ball. Remember: runner mat not leave any base until ball has passed home plate. Once the play in progress stops and the ball is safely returned to the pitcher on the mound, all

runners return to their base. Intentional walks are not permitted. Pitchers are allowed not to give the batter good pitches to

hit. Catcher must remain in crouch and normal position. A game will be official after 4 innings. If the home team is ahead after 3 ½ innings, game will be

official if darkness or rain precludes continuing the game. Each team will use a full roster batting order. Players arriving late are placed at the end of the

roster. Each player must play at least 3 complete innings in the field. Free substitution is permitted

except for the pitcher. Once a pitcher is removed, he may play any other position but he cannot return as a pitcher in the same game. Batter may not advance on dropped third strike. All catchers must wear necessary cup and helmet. Players must slide if there is a close play at any base. The player must avoid contact. If the

Umpire deems a collision as deliberate, the player is out and removed from the game. Baseman may not fake a tag to confuse a runner Pitched balls stuck under the back stop gate are automatically dead and base runners advance one

Base. (Except home – See rule above). Coaches must remain in the vicinity of the coaches' box. At no time may a coach or a player touch

a runner while the ball is in play. No wooden bats. All minor league bats must be a maximum of 2 ½” in diameter, with no more than a –11 differential.

A ball hit with an illegal bat is an automatic out. A player who deliberately throws equipment will be removed from the game. If a batter throws a

bat, he is automatically out. No warning

Base distance will be 60 feet

MAJOR LEAGUE RULES Grades 7th & 8th

IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: Games will be played on Monday Through Sunday. Each game will be seven innings. A game is official if the teams have completed four innings. If the home team is ahead after 3½ innings, the game is official. Weekday games start at 6:00 p.m. Each team has until 6:15 p.m. to field at least 8 players or the game will be forfeited. During May, no inning will start after 8:00 p.m. and in June, no full inning may be started past 8:15 p.m. In all instances, darkness cancellation will be at the discretion of the umpire - AT ALL TIMES. PITCHING: In each game, teams are required to have a 7th grader(s) pitch a total of 2 innings (6 consecutive

outs) before the start of the 5th inning. The maximum runs that can be scored while the 7th grader is on the mound are 3. After such time, this obligation is fulfilled and the team can field any other pitcher within the Major League pitching rules. No pitcher can pitch more than six innings a week (Monday-Sunday)—and no more than 3 innings a

game. One day’s rest is required between each game pitched. Pitcher re-entry: A pitcher has to pitch consecutive innings. One pitch constitutes an inning Balk rule will be used. Pitcher cannot be in pitcher’s circle without the ball when attempting to tag

a runner on hidden ball trick—this is a balk Two visits in one inning to the mound and the pitcher must be removed. Any pitcher who pitches for school teams cannot pitch in M.S.A.

SCORE CARDS: All coaches must keep umpires advised of pitching changes, and sign score cards at the end of the game. The coach of the winning team will call in the score after the game. In addition, the names of the pitchers, and the number of innings pitched will be required. PLAYOFFS: If time permits -- Teams will be seeded based on the standings, with a 1 vs. 8 vs., 2 vs. 7 formats. The standings will be based on wins, ties and losses, with points awarded for all three. ALL STAR GAME: If time permits, we will have an all-star game. Commissioners must approve all players chosen before the all-star game is played.

PLAYING RULES: Major League will use New York State High School Modified baseball rules, except for the following: All players must be in full issued uniform (hat, jersey, pants and socks). Shirts must be tucked in

at all times. Uniforms must not be altered (shirts, cutoffs, etc). Keep the game moving: If the catcher is on base with two outs, replace him with the last batter

who made an out. Limit the pitcher to six warm-up pitches, and let the fielders know where they will be before they take the field. Time between innings should be a minute and a half. Each team will use a full roster batting order. Each player must play on the field for at least 3

innings. Rule for dropped ball on third strike is the same as pro ball. Runner cannot try to take-out baseman by barreling him over. Any intentional physical contact by

runner, which could result in injury to another player, will result in the runner being ejected from the game, and possible suspension from the league. A fielder cannot fake a tag unless he has possession of the ball. In case of a fielder faking a tag

without possession of the ball, all runners remain on their bases and the fielder is ejected. Players must slide if there is a close play at any base. The play must avoid contact. If the umpire

deems a collision as deliberate, the player is out and removed from the game. All male catchers must wear a helmet, a mask that includes a throat guard and a protective cup.

Hockey style helmet/mask/throat guard combination type headgear is permitted Leading, stealing (including home plate), bunting and the infield fly rule are all in effect. Metal spikes are optional. Any batter throwing a bat or equipment in a game will result in the following; play is dead, batter

is out and the umpire can eject a player from the game if he/she deems it appropriate. NO BATS can have a diameter of more than 2-5/8”, nor more than a -3 differential. Base distance is 90-feet, and the mound is 60-feet, 6 inches from home plate. Both coaches, and/or their assistants have to maintain the field after the game. Please insure

that the mound and home plate areas are raked and holes are filled in. Leave the field the way you would like to find it for the next game.

SENIOR SOFTBALL LEAGUE RULES

7TH - 11TH GRADES

IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: Games will be played on weeknights and Saturdays. Weekday games start at 6:00pm. Each team has until 6:10pm to field at least eight players or the game will be forfeited. During the month of May, no inning will start after 8:00pm and during the month of June, no full inning may be started past 8:15pm. In all instances, the game may be cancelled or considered official because of darkness and this decision is at the discretion of the umpire, at all times. Each game will consist of six innings. A game is official if the teams have completed four innings. If the home team is ahead after three-and-a-half innings, the game is official. PITCHING: • In this division, the players will be pitching underhand. • The bases will be placed 60’ apart. • The pitcher is allowed to take one step toward the batter to release. • If this distance is creating a problem for the pitchers, both coaches and the umpire must agree to move the mound closer. SCORE CARDS: • All coaches must keep the opponents scorer advised of all substitutions, and must sign score cards at the end of each and every game. • The coach of the winning team will call (or e-mail) the score, after the game, to the commissioner of their league (Drew Marino). PLAYOFFS: If time permits, and all the regular season games are completed and travel leagues have not started, teams will be seated based on their standings with a 1 vs. 8 vs., 2 vs. 7 formats. The standings will be based on wins, losses, ties, and points awarded for all three. ALL STAR GAME: If time permits, one all star game will be held if weather permits. PLAYING RULES: • Balks are not permitted. • Tagging up on fly balls is permitted. • Leading is permitted after the pitch has been released. • Each team will use a full roster batting order. Players arriving later are to be placed at the end of the roster. A game can and will be started with a minimum of 8 players on each team. • Each player must play at least two innings in the field. • Coaches can make free substitutions. Re-entry rule in effect. • A player is only allowed to pitch a maximum of three innings per game. • All catchers must wear a helmet, mask, chest protector, and shin guards. • ALL batters must wear a helmet and chin strap! • An inning will end with the hit of the seventh batter or the making of the third out (which ever happens first). • All Coaches must be certified annually. • Certified coaches are the only ones permitted on the bench and on the field. • Jewelry is not to be worn by any player! (Chains, bracelets, rings, watches, earrings, etc.) • If a team is ahead by ten runs and the home team has batted 5 times, the game will be considered official. • “Short fielders” are not allowed. A maximum of three outfielders will play as follows: Left field, Center field and Right field. • The catcher can throw down to get a runner out. • The pitcher is not permitted to pickoff a base runner. • A player is only allowed to pitch a maximum of three innings per game. • JV and Varsity players are not permitted to play. In the event that an incident arises which has not been mentioned, the League Commissioner (Drew Marino) will render a decision.

SENIOR LEAGUE RULES Grades 9 through 12

IN-HOUSE TIMES/DAYS: Games will be played on Monday through Sunday. Each game will be seven innings. A game is official if the teams have completed four innings. If the home team is ahead after 3½ innings, the game is official. Weekday games start at 6:00 p.m. Each team has until 6:15 p.m. to field at least 8 players or the game will be forfeited. During May, no inning will start after 8:00 p.m. and in June, no full inning may be started past 8:15 p.m. In all instances, darkness cancellation will be at the discretion of the umpire - AT ALL TIMES. PITCHING: No pitcher can pitch more than six innings a week (Monday-Sunday)—and no more than 3 innings a

game. One day’s rest is required between each game pitched. Pitcher re-entry: A pitcher has to pitch consecutive innings. One pitch constitutes an inning Balk rule will be used. Pitcher cannot be in pitcher’s circle without the ball when there is an

attempt to tag a runner on hidden ball trick—this is a balk Two visits in one inning to the mound and the pitcher must be removed. Any pitcher who pitches for school teams cannot pitch in M.S.A.

SCORE CARDS: All coaches must keep umpires advised of pitching changes, and sign score cards at the end of the game. The coach of the winning team will call in the score to the commissioner after the game. In addition, the names of the pitchers, and the number of innings pitched will be required. PLAYOFFS: If time permits -- Teams will be seeded based on the standings, with a 1 vs. 8 vs., 2 vs. 7 formats. The standings will be based on wins, ties and losses, with points awarded for all three. ALL STAR GAME: If time permits, we will have an all-star game. Commissioners must approve all players chosen before the all-star game is played.

PLAYING RULES: Senior League will use New York State High School Federation baseball rules, except for the following: All players must be in full issued uniform (hat, jersey, pants and socks). Shirts must be tucked in

at all times. Uniforms must not be altered (shirts, cutoffs, etc). Keep the game moving: If the catcher is on base with two outs, replace him with the last batter

who made an out. Limit the pitcher to six warm-up pitches, and let the fielders know where they will be before they take the field. Time between innings should be a minute and a half. Each team will use a full roster batting order. Each player must play on the field for at least 3

innings. Rule for dropped ball on third strike is the same as pro ball. Runner cannot try to take-out baseman by barreling him over. Any intentional physical contact

by runner, which could result in injury to another player, will result in the runner being ejected from the game, and possible suspension from the league.

A fielder cannot fake a tag unless he has possession of the ball. In case of a fielder faking a tag without possession of the ball, all runners remain on their bases and the fielder is ejected. Players must slide if there is a close play at any base. The play must avoid contact. If the umpire

deems a collision as deliberate, the player is out and removed from the game. All male catchers must wear a helmet, a mask that includes a throat guard and a protective cup.

Hockey style helmet/mask/throat guard combination type headgear is permitted Leading, stealing (including home plate), bunting and the infield fly rule are all in effect. Metal spikes are optional. Any batter throwing a bat or equipment in a game will result in the following; play is dead, batter

is out and the umpire can eject a player from the game if he/she deems it appropriate. NO BATS can have a diameter of more than 2-5/8”, nor more than a -3 differential. Base distance is 90-feet, and the mound is 60-feet, 6 inches from home plate. Both coaches, and/or their assistants have to maintain the field after the game. Please insure

that the mound and home plate areas are raked and holes are filled in. Leave the field the way you would like to find it for the next game.