Safety Manual

1. Cherry Hill American Little League Safety Manual

2. Table of Contents I. Mission Statement II. Purpose III. Goal IV. Safety Training V. Safety Code For Little League  VI. Emergency Safety Plan VII. CHALL Board VIII. Snack Bar Safety IX. Coaches Pledge X. Players Pledge  XI. Player's rights XII. Parents XIII. League Rules XIV. Forms

3. I. Mission Statement (Safety is everyone's Responsibility) • I will teach all children to play fair and do their best I will positively support all managers, coaches and players I will respect the decisions of the umpires I will praise a good effort despite the outcome of the game (The Little League Parent/Volunteer Pledge)

4. II. Purpose • This manual has been established to provide all CHALL volunteers/parents with basic safety information and guidelines to conduct safe games and practices free of recognized hazards. We have been provided with the opportunity to help teach, the children of our community to learn the game of baseball in a safe and friendly environment.

5. III. Goal • This manual has been established to provide all CHALL volunteers/parents with basic safety information and guidelines to conduct safe games and practices free of recognized hazards. We have been provided with the opportunity to help teach, the children of our community to learn the game of baseball in a safe and friendly environment.

6. IV. Safety Training • All Managers/Coaches and field assistance are required to attend the three hour Rutgers Sports Awareness For Educating Today's Youth (S.A.F.E.T.Y.) clinic. This training must be provided by a certified clinician trained by the Youth Sports Research Council Rutgers University.

7. Sports Awareness for Educating Today's Youth S.A.F.E.T.Y. • On May 12, 1986, New Jersey became the first state in the nation to pass legislation which protects volunteer athletic coaches, managers, and officials from lawsuits. Commonly referred to as the "Little League Law" (2A:62A-6 et. seq.), this legislation extends partial civil immunity to volunteers who have attended a "safety orientation and training skills program.“ • Since 1986, the Youth Sports Research Council, in cooperation with the New Jersey Recreation and Park Association (NJRPA) has trained more than 140,000 volunteer coaches in New Jersey

8. S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Objectives In accordance with the stipulations in the Little League Law, the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic: • helps coaches minimize the risk of injury to young athletes • provides information about fundamental coaching concepts which enhances volunteer coaches' effectiveness • protects volunteer coaches from civil lawsuits

9. S.A.F.E.T.Y. ClinicTopics The curriculum for the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic is based upon the Minimum Standards for Volunteer Coaches' Safety Orientation and Training Skills Programs (N.J.A.C. 5:52). The topics include: • Legal Aspects of Coaching • Psychological Aspects of Coaching • General Coaching Concepts • Training and Conditioning Athletes • Medical/First Aid Aspects of Coaching

10. S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Highlights Individuals attending the Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic receive: • Way to Go, Coach! (pp. 200) custom edition text • The Coaches' Reference Manual (3rd edition) • The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Certification Card • The Rutgers S.A.F.E.T.Y. Clinic Patch • Permanent registration with YSRC (.3 CEU)

11. V. Safety Code for Little League • Responsibility for safety procedures should be that of an adult member of the local league. Arrangements should be made in advance of all games and practices for emergency medical services. • Managers, coaches and umpires should have some training in first-aid. First-Aid Kit should be available at the field. • No games or practice should be held when weather or field conditions are not good, particularly when lighting is inadequate.

12. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE • Play area should be inspected frequently for holes, damage, glass and other foreign objects. • Dugouts and bat racks should be positioned behind screens. • Only players, managers, coaches and umpires are permitted on the playing field during play and practice sessions. • Responsibility for keeping bats and loose equipment off the field of play should be that of a regular player assigned for this purpose.

13. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE • Procedure should be established for retrieving foul balls batted out of the playing area. • During practice sessions and games, all players should be alert and watching the batter on each pitch. • During warm up drills, players should be spaced so that no one is endangered by errant balls.

14. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE • Equipment should be inspected regularly. Make sure it fits properly. • Pitching machines, if used, must be in good working order (including extension cords, outlets, etc.) and must be operated only by adult managers and coaches.

15. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE • Batters must wear protective NOCSAE helmets during practice, as well as during games. • Catchers must wear catcher's helmet (with face mask and throat guard), chest protector and shin guards. • Male catchers must wear long-model chest protector (divisions below Junior/Senior/Big League), protective supporter and cup at all times.

16. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE • Except when runner is returning to a base, head first slides are not permitted. This rule applies to Little League (Majors)/Minor and Tee Ball During sliding practice bases should not be strapped down. • At no time should "horse play" be permitted on the playing field • Parents of players who wear glasses should be encouraged to provide "Safety Glasses:'

17. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE • Regulations prohibit on-deck batters. This means no player should handle a bat, even while in an enclosure, until it is his/her time at bat. This rule applies to Little League (Majors)/Minor and Tee Ball • Players who are ejected, ill or injured should remain under supervision until released to the parent or guardian.

18. SAFETY CODE FOR LITTLE LEAGUE • Players must not wear watches, rings, pins, jewelry or other metallic items. • Catchers must wear catcher's helmet, face mask and throat guard in warming up pitchers. This applies between innings and in bull pen practice, • Skull caps are not permitted. Batting/catcher's helmets should not be painted unless approved by the manufacturer.

19. VI. Emergency Safety Plan 1. Each team will be issued a first aid kit. 2. Emergency phone numbers: A. Police ­856­665­1200 B. Fire ­856­662­1111 C. Team roster with parent emergency contact  information 3. Location CHALL Complex  ­Oakdale Road at Ashbrook Road  Cherry Hill, NJ 08034 Practice location 4. Designate one parent or coach to call for  assistance in the event of an emergency 5. Assign one parent or coach to stay with the injured player. 6. One person "ONLY" to speak with emergency personnel. 7. One coach assigned to watch the rest of the  players in a safe location. 8. Manager to complete the required injury form,  forward completed form to the safety director

20. VI. Board

21. VIII Coaches What is expected of a coach in CHALL? • The following excerpt is taken from the Little League Baseball Operating Manual. It is the criteria that Little League Baseball Inc. recommends that local leagues consider, while selecting managers and coaches. • "The Little League Manager must be a leader. All managers must recognize that they hold a position of trust and responsibility in a program that deals with a sensitive and formative period of a youngsters development. It is required that the manager have understanding, patience and the managers must realize that they are helping to shape the physical, mental and emotional development of young people. • The Little League Manager must be something more than a coach. Knowledge of the game is essential, but it is not the only badge of a Little League coach or manager. • While an adult with training and background in the game is desirable in a candidate for manager or coach, league screening committees should look for other important qualities.

22. Coaches • The late Dr. Arthur A. Esslinger, who was Dean of the School of Health and Physical Education, University of Oregon, and a member of the Board of Directors of Little League Baseball, is the author of an outstanding article, "Little League's Greatest Challenge." Copies are available to local leagues, as are copies of an outline on Adult Leadership Training. • According to Dr. Esslinger, the heart of Little League is what happens between the manager and player. • It is the manager more than any other individual who controls the situation in which the players may be benefited. Improving the level of leadership in this vital area must be a continuing effort. • Youngsters of Little League are strongly influenced by adults whose ideals and aspirations are similar to their own. The manager and player share a common interest in the game, a desire to excel, and determination to win. Youngsters often idolize their managers, not because the adult is the most successful coach or mentor, but because the manager is a source of inspiration. • Managers must be adults who are sensitive to the mental and physical limitations of children of Little League age and who recognize that the game is a vehicle of training and enjoyment, not and end in itself. It has been stated many times that the program of Little League can only be as good as the quality of leadership in the managing personnel. New leagues particularly, should make a determined effort to enlist the best adults in the community to serve as managers."

23. Coaches • In keeping with the philosophy described in the previous pages, Cherry Hill American Little League has established the following minimum requirements to be considered as a manager for one of our teams. • Agree to abide by the league objectives and manager responsibilities as detailed in the coach's contract. • Attend or arrange to have your coach or another team parent attend managers meetings throughout the pre-season and regular season. • Attend and assist with tryouts. • Hold a minimum of two 90 minute practices each week prior to the start of the regular season. Once regular season games have begun, each team is expected to hold at least one practice per week unless 3 games are scheduled that week or tournament team practices have begun. • Maintain equipment and return in good condition. • Distribution and collection of team uniforms. • Distribution of league literature and notices.

24. Coaches • Attend Opening Day and closing day ceremonies. • Participate whenever possible in league sponsored events • Select a team parent and work closely with him/her to ensure that the fund raiser and other team functions are successful. • Conduct a team meeting at or prior to first team practice so that all league parents are informed as to the rules and expectations of them and their children. This meeting can also be used to solicit volunteers to help coach, umpire, keep score, etc. Each coach will read the annual letter from the president at this meeting. • Help to prepare and groom fields before each game and police the field after the game to ensure that equipment and litter are put away. • Keep an accurate scorebook (except tee ball) with special attention paid to pitching record. • Insure that all children meet play requirements as outlined in Little League rules. • Complete injury reports and turn in to the safety officer or league official..

25. Coaches • Even though fan harassment isn't really the manager's responsibility, the enforcement of this ticklish problem involves the manager. If a fan (usually a parent or grandparent) harasses the umpire, players, etc. unduly, and it happens to be a fan (parent) from your team, the enforcement procedure will be as follows: The Umpire will take that Manager to the respective fan. The fan will be advised that they have sixty seconds from that point to refrain from the harassment, or they will be asked to leave the park. If they do not leave, their child will be removed from the game. If the parent persists at that point, the game will be forfeited to the opposing team. The Umpire-in-Chief and respective Player Agent and Vice-President of Operations must be notified prior to any ongoing disciplinary actions taken against a player.

26. Coaches Complaint Policy • Every Little League coach knows that complaints will come. No matter how many hours you put in, you won't be able to satisfy all of the people all of the time. • The Cherry Hill American  Little League supports you as a coach as long as you operate within the bounds of your signed coach's contract. Coaches routinely operating outside of these guidelines, dependant on the seriousness of the circumstances, will: • Be made aware of any verbal or written complaints for feedback and input • Be asked to take steps to address any identified problems • May be put on official probation • Behavior found to be abusive physically or verbally to any player or league official shall be grounds for immediate termination with a 2/3 vote of a quorum at a board meeting. • Coaches should keep in mind that it is rare not to receive negative feedback at some point from a parent who disagrees with coaching style, the playing time of their child or even the position their child should play. Board members will encourage parents with those types of complaints to address coaches directly. • Umpires, opposing coaches and spectators may be interviewed regarding issues of unsportsmanlike conduct, treatment  of players, etc...

27. Coaches Know the rules • Each coach in the Cherry Hill American Little League will be issued a rule book. It is the manager's responsibility to know the rules and abide by them. Games are won and lost each year by rulings which come straight out of the Little League rulebook. The more experienced managers have learned their lessons in previous years - some the hard way. • New managers are encouraged to study their rule books and pay special attention to: Rules regarding pitching eligibility. Trust us, it will come up. What constitutes a complete game • Minimum play requirements - especially in the case of shortened games by weather or the mercy rule. Each child MUST play EVERY child a minimum of 1 time at bat and six defensive outs (excepting injury). If it looks like your game will be shortened it is your responsibility to get your players in. Failure to do so means they start the next game, finish their required playing time and then get an additional 1 time at bat and six defensive outs. EXAMPLE: Nine year old Johnny's coach has not entered him into the game. He is playing for the home team. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Johnny's team rallies and leads the other team by ten runs. The game is over and Johnny hasn't played.(Or, a thunder clap ends the game with the home team ahead after 3 and a half innings) In the next game, Johnny must START and complete 1 time at bat and play in the field for six outs to meet his requirements from the previous game. He then gets and additional 1 time at bat and six more defensive out of playing time in that same game. That is the reason most experienced coaches sub in their less experienced players in the second or third inning. Coaches should try to pay attention to the other team's roster to make sure all players are played the minimum. If they are not, it should be brought to the umpire's attention before leaving the field. Managers must pay attention to when subs enter and leave games to be sure minimum play rules are adhered to. • Substitution rules • Visits to the pitcher

28. Coaches Manager and Coach Behavior • If each of us has wholeheartedly adhered to our objective of sportsmanship, we of course, wouldn't have to be concerned about our behavior. However, as the season wears on, our temperaments wear thin and as a result, we need to have some guidelines.

29. Coaches Cursing and Swearing • Cursing and swearing cannot be tolerated. We can adequately express ourselves without using "expletives" to make a point. Profanity is usually a sign of ignorance that we do not want to pass on. Smoking/Alcoholic Beverages • Smoking and alcohol consumption are strictly prohibited on Little League grounds - including parking lots and stands. Obviously, the more positive examples that we can make for the players, the better influence are. If you notice fans who are violating this rule, please inform them, in a courteous manner, of our policy and ask them to please abide. Game Behavior • Once the game starts, the umpire is in charge and it is our responsibility to exhibit proper behavior as well as giving the players positive reinforcement. Always ask the umpire for a time out before entering the playing field. Once permission has been granted, you may then talk to your player, umpire, etc.  

30. Coaches Pledge By accepting my appointment as a manager or coach for the upcoming season, I certify that I have read, understood and agreed to the following terms and/or conditions: • I will abide by try out and drafting procedures adopted by the League. • I will schedule and hold a team meeting with the players and parents prior to the start of regular season games. • I will ensure that my team is well represented and fulfills its obligations regarding field maintenance prior to the start of the game and throughout the season. • I will maintain an adequate level of first aid training. • I will try to umpire a minimum of one game per week in levels or divisions of play other than that which I am coaching or managing. I will attend umpire training sessions and playing rules clinics as specified by the League. • I will become knowledgeable of, teach, and abide by the OFFICIAL REGULATIONS AND PLAYING RULES. • I will support the League's special policies..

31. Coaches Pledge • I understand that un-sportsmanlike conduct including foul and/or abusive language will not be tolerated at any time. If such behavior occurs, I acknowledge that I will be suspended for a minimum of one game and undergo a hearing to determine if additional penalty is warranted. • I understand that physical abuse of and/or any alteration with any player, parent, and/or any spectator will result in automatic dismissal from the League • I will abide by the Safety Code for Little League at all times. • I have read the League's Safety Program and agree to carry out my responsibilities as defined therein.

32. Coaches Pledge • I understand that my appointment as a Coach or Manager is solely at the pleasure of the League President. I also understand that my appointment does not extend beyond the current year. The League President is responsible for all Coaches and Mangers to the Board. • I will not unilaterally appoint others to be assistant coaches. I understand that only the League President can make such appointments. • I will ensure that only players and adults on the team roster occupy the dugout during games. • I understand that the time for drinking any beverage [other than water or Gatorade] is not during the game. I will not allow any food or beverage [except for water or Gatorade] in the dugout. I will not allow any member of the team to leave the field of play for purposes of obtaining food, candy, or soda pop or anything of this nature. • I will check the playing field for safety hazards prior to each game. I agree, accept and pledge to you.... these terms. The CHERRY HILL AMERICAN Little League Baseball Coach's

33. Players Code • Each player has a personal responsibility in being on the team. Responsibility starts with the knowledge of when practices and games are scheduled. If a player doesn't know when a game or practice is he should call the coach. • If a player cannot attend a practice, he should notify his manager or coach. Players will make their commitment to their team a top priority and will work to make every game and practice. • If a player cannot attend a game, the player should notify his manager as soon as possible. • Attendance at practice should be punctual. • Arrival at games should be scheduled 30 minutes before the game or the time designated by the coach or manager. • Each player is responsible for the proper care of the Little League equipment. Throwing helmets, bats, masks, etc. will first be warned by the umpires. The second violation will result in the ejection of that player from the game. Any player knowingly damaging Little League equipment will be required to a hearing by the Board. • Players are expected to treat all teammates, opponents and officials with respect and show good sportsmanship.

34. Players Bill of Rights • Right to participate in sports. • Right to participate at a level commensurate with each child's maturity and ability . • Right to play as a child and not as an adult. • Right of children to share in the leadership and decision-making of their sport participation. • Right to participate in safe and health environments. • Right to proper preparation for participation in sports. • Right to an equal opportunity to strive for success. • Right to be treated with dignity. • Right to have fun in sports.

35. Parents • As you watch parents, coaches, and athletes interact to become teams most of these interactions are positive. But occasionally you will notice areas in which parents can really help to make the athletic experience a positive learning experience for their kids.  To make sports more fun for your children, more enjoyable for you, and a heck of a lot easier on those people who volunteer their time and skills - read the following. • Work with your child. There really is little more satisfying than going out at least a few evenings a week and watching your child play ball. This gives quality time, and helps your child improve his/her skills. • The better your child can play the more the more she/he will enjoy the Little League experience!).  Some day, your child will look back on the summer evenings spent playing catch with mom and dad. • Get involved in your local League. Little League is run on a volunteer basis, and they can use all the help they can get. Anything you can do to pitch in will make the League run more smoothly, and will help all the kids, from helping out at tryouts, to scorekeeping or field preparation, to umpiring. If your child sees that Little League is that important to you, he/she will learn that it is important to the kids, too. Helping out by field prep, scorekeeping, and umpiring; in addition to making it a satisfying experience for the parent, I was able to teach my son some of the things that others (umpires!) look for in a game. And, the Leagues provide all of the training anyone needs. Some people worry that they are not qualified--I say if you make a mistake, you can offer to give back the money you earned that day (remember--it's volunteer work!!).  Besides, even coaches and players make mistakes...the point is to learn and to have fun, and to teach kids that you care!!!

36. Parents • Different coaches have different philosophies. Some believe in having players play all positions, some want players to become good at one. Some coaches place more emphasis on winning (and I can tell you, from experience, that players have more fun when they are winning). It is IMPORTANT to remember that your child's coach is not being paid, he is working for the love of the game and the kids. Let him be the coach! Don't argue and criticize if you think your child is being treated unfairly (as parents, it is natural to be very protective, but most coaches aren't discriminating). If you think there is a problem, discuss it with the coach AWAY from the ball field; chances are that you will see his point of view. The important thing is not to make an issue in front of the players; along with baseball, they are learning to work as a team and to respect authority and experience...work not to ruin this teaching. • For heaven's sake, show up for the games AND the practices. In today's busy world it is sometimes hard to juggle schedules, but this is your child! I cannot begin to tell stories of kids I've seen who never tried to excel at Little League, and invariably these kids were dropped off at practices and picked up afterwards, without the parent(s) ever watching a single practice. It's only a couple of times a week, a couple of months out of the year! The most irritating are the parents who don't ever watch practice (and, therefore, never understand the coaches philosophy), but will question (yell!) at a coaches decision during the game. Most people wouldn't dare to not show up for work and still tell the boss what's wrong with the company, but they will turn around and do just that with their child's' coach.

37. Parents • Respect the rules! This is what the kids should be learning. If you don't agree with an umpires call, keep it to yourself. If there is a team rule that bothers you, well, its their team...not yours. If you think there is a serious problem, take it up with the coach or a League official on your own time, not your child's'. Rule of thumb: during practice or games, don't speak unless spoken to (except, of course, to cheer on ALL the kids). • Don't create pressure. Just about every father dreams of his son becoming a major league star, but they are only children. Don't expect more than they can deliver. Give positive encouragement, and be there when they need you. Besides, often a child in early years will lack certain skills, and blossom later on. Don't fight nature, or the kids. • Ice Cream!!! No one likes to lose, but the nature of a team sport is that one team will always lose. Teach your child that he/she didn't lose, the team lost. And they lost to a team that just happened to play better that day. There is always next time, and the important thing is to learn from the defeats. Its okay to analyze why someone lost, and how they can do better next time. It's never okay to place blame! Then, go out and have an ice cream cone. • Have Fun!!!!! Little League should be a positive experience for everyone: kids, coaches, support staff, and parents. Winning is nice, but losing is inevitable. Being a star is fun, but being a bench player is just as important. Take the opportunity to enjoy your child's' childhood, and to teach some important life lessons!!

38. Parents • (This suggestion is from a Mom) Although baseball is considered a 'non-contact' sport, there are occasions when players collide, or non-contact injuries occur. We are all concerned about our children's safety, but if your child suffers an injury, remember: kids are able to sustain a lot more than adults; and, coaches are trained in dealing with injuries. Let the coach handle the situation...he doesn't need a panicked parent to deal with. • I can't stress this enough: VOLUNTEER...they need you. One of the biggest irritants I see is those who will not give their time, but are quick to criticize. If you can't be part of the solution, don't be part of the problem. If you think that something needs to be changed, get involved so that you can change it. • (This suggestions is from a manager) One of the most frustrating things for a manager is to have a parent come up after the season and say,"great season, but you kept doing something that bothered me..." A manager/coach cannot change problems if they don't know the problems exist. Most managers/coaches welcome input.     

39. AAA Rules • On all Saturday games, except the last scheduled game of the day, no inning may start if more than 1 hour and 40 minutes has gone by since the start of the game.  The home plate umpire will be the sole judge of determining whether or not to start a new inning. On weeknight games, the start of the last inning in a game shall be determined by the home plate umpire based on the remaining daylight when playing on the Minor League Field and no game shall end later than 10 p.m. when playing under the lights. • Little League games are six innings. Tie games will continue into extra innings only for the playoffs. Regular season games will end in a tie. • All teams make the playoffs. Regular season standings will be based on total number of points earned. Two points will be awarded for a win and one point for a tie. With regard to missing umpiring assignments for your team, after the first time your team misses an umpiring assignment, you will receive a warning. For each umpiring assignment missed thereafter, one point will be deducted from your teams standings (regardless of whether or not you actually received the warning for missing the first time). The winning manager of each game must either contact the Minor League Director  with the game results or write them down on the appropriate calendar for your level of play, which will be left at the back door of the snack bar as has been the custom in the past. • When conditions such as thunder and/or lightning exist, all players must be removed from the field. • The home plate umpire shall be the sole judge of the need to call a game or to declare a forfeit. (weather, darkness, etc.)

40. AAA Rules • Any game that lasts three and one-half innings and is called due to rain, darkness, or lack of eligible players, will be considered an official game. Four innings apply if the home team is behind in score. • A defensive team shall consist of 9 players. All team players present at a game must participate as follows:A) Defensively - at least every other inning, regardless of length of game.B) Offensively - all players must take their turn in the batting order.Note: In an abbreviated game, this rule may not be applicable. Should the opposing team initiate a protest, the Minor League Director will investigate to determine if every effort was made to have all the players play defensively as prescribed above. A team may start or play a game with a minimum of 8 players. • A player that has attained league age twelve (12) is not eligible to be a pitcher. Twelve year olds may catch a maximum of three (3) innings per game. If you have three 12 year olds, they can catch one inning each, for a total of 3 innings. • If a player pitches in three or less innings, he must have one calendar day of rest. If a player pitches in four or more innings, he must have three calendar days of rest. A pitcher may pitch all six innings of a game. The maximum number of innings any pitcher may pitch in a calendar week (Sunday to Saturday) is six (6). Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning.

41. AAA Rules • A player once removed as a pitcher may not pitch again in the same game. He may, however, continue to play in the field at any other position. • Intentional walks will not be allowed. • The batter is out on a called 3rd strike whether or not the ball is caught by the catcher. • All male players should wear a supporter during practice and games. ALL MALE CATCHERS MUST WEAR A PROTECTIVE CUP AND A SUPPORTER DURING PRACTICE AND GAMES. • Catchers and all other players must wear a protective mask when warming up a pitcher. This includes warming up a pitcher on the sideline. • With two out and the offensive team’s catcher on base, a runner must be substituted for the catcher. This will help to speed up the game. The courtesy runner shall be the last person who batted and did not reach base.

42. AAA Rules • No jewelry of any type is permitted, except jewelry that alerts medical personnel to a specific medical condition. • At no time during the game is any coach permitted to cross the foul line to talk to a player on the field. If such discussion is needed, the player must come to the foul line to talk to the coach. Exception: Injured player. • Only two conferences with the same pitcher is permitted per inning. The third conference will mean the automatic removal of that pitcher. • Infield fly rule will be enforced. • Maximum five runs per inning; however if a ball is hit over the fence for a homerun, then all runs will count. In the last inning the number of runs will vary - maximum once around the batting order. If the teams do not have the same amount of players, the number of batters who bat per team during the bat around inning shall be determined by the team with the least amount of players. Example: Team A has 14 players and Team B has 12 players. Then, both teams would only bat 12 batters. 

43. AAA Rules • A ball that is batted and hits home plate and then goes fair is a fair ball. • Each manager should take note of the time at the start of the game and record it in their score book. Please announce to the home plate umpire the starting time. This will end some confusion as to when the game may end. • The home team is responsible for getting the field ready before the start of the game and the visitors are responsible for the cleanup. However, it is important that we all work together in this to keep up with the beauty of our fields. Also, the trash cans must be emptied and each dugout must be totally cleared of trash after each game. • Rainouts: Coaches should communicate using the phone list when determining if conditions are suitable for playing. Managers and coaches are responsible for making the fields ready for play (regardless of your time slot). All makeup's should be played the very next open date.

44. AAA Rules • Sliding into first base from home plate shall be allowed as it is at any other base provided the slide is feet first. Players must slide into all bases feet first if a play is being made on them. The umpire must call the runner out if he determines that a play was being made and the runner failed to slide or attempt to avoid being put out by the fielder. Head-first sliding is not permitted except when returning to a base. • There shall be no eating of food in any of the dugouts. • The visiting team shall be responsible for keeping score on the scoreboard. NO children shall be permitted to touch the score boxes. If an adult is not available, please do not use the score boxes. • Stealing of bases is permitted. • Bunting is permitted.

45. AA Rules The AAA Rules will apply to AA with the following exceptions • Runners may no longer advance once the pitcher is in possession of the ball and is on the pitchers mound. • A runner may not score due to a walk. If bases are loaded and the batter receives ball four, then a coach for the batting team shall pitch to the batter with starting with a new count.

46. A Rules The rules for AAA apply with the following exceptions • Eligible players shall be of league age 7or 8. A 6 or 9 years and older may be permitted to play only with the prior approval of the Player Agent. • No stealing or bunting shall be permitted • A defensive team shall consist of 10 players with the extra player positioned as a fourth outfielder. Outfielders may only field a ball in the infield if it is a pop up. All rostered players who are on a team and who are present at a game must participate as follows:A) Defensively-at least every other inning, regardless of length of game.B) Offensively-all players must take their turn in the batting order

47. A Rules • All games will be machine pitch only. There are no walks. Three strikes constitute an out. Under agreement of both managers a struggling player may be awarded an extra strike. • Each player will receive a maximum of 8 pitches unless the last pitch is fouled off in which case the at bat will extended • Players fielding the pitchers position must be positioned no closer than the pitching rubber. • The Infield Fly Rule shall not be applied and/or enforced at the A level • Runners may no longer advance once the pitcher is in possession of the ball and is around the pitchers mound.

48. T-Ball Rules This league is instructional in nature and therefore there are no division standings in T-Ball. All children participating in the league receive a participation trophy. We do not keep score during the games. The number of runs a team has scored in a given inning is tracked. • The game is played either 5 innings or 90 minutes per game. There is a maximum of 5 runs per inning per team, including the last inning. (Time limit of one hour and 30 minutes per game.) • There are no forfeits. Play the game with as many players as you can field . Use players from the opposing team if necessary. • Games are not played during thunder or lightning, nor in very wet conditions. The managers are responsible for determining the conditions of the field and then relaying the information to the members of the teams • Safety equipment: Pitchers are required to wear a helmet in the field. A safety vest is available for those who wish to use it. All batters must wear a helmet while batting and while on base. The catcher is required to wear a chest protector, helmet, shin guards, and a cup.

49. T-Ball Rules • The pitcher must stand on top of or on either side of the rubber on the pitchers mound until the ball is hit. • Fielders, including the pitcher, have the option of throwing the ball or making the play themselves at a particular base. Please encourage the fielders to throw whenever possible. It will not be a learning experience otherwise. • There are no overthrows to a base. A runner may not advance due to a throwing error. • On a ball hit into the outfield, once the ball reaches the infield, the ball is dead and the runners may not advance. If a runner is more than halfway to the next base, then and only then will the runner be awarded the next base.

50. T-Ball Rules • The fielders consist of 11 players: pitcher, catcher, first, second, third, shortstop, short center and 4 outfielders. The short centerfielder shall be positioned where the infield dirt meets the outfield grass just behind second base . The infielders may not be positioned closer then five feet from their normal position until the ball is hit. • The batting order remains the same throughout the game regardless of who is in the field. • The players will be hitting off the tee during the first part of the season until around the first week in May. After the first week in May, The tee is replaced with the coaches pitching to the kids or a pitching machine. • When the coaches begin pitching, after any batter reaches 5 strikes, the batter must then hit off the tee. This will keep up the pace of the game.