Link here to Ripken Baseball Link here for Hickory Hornet Travel Baseball

 

Age Group Rules

All rule additions and or changes for 2012 are highlighted in red text for your convenience

 NOTE:  We are using rules out of the official baseball rules published by Babe Ruth baseball/Cal Ripken Jr. division. Anything not specifically addressed above will be taken from such rules.

5 - 6 League Rules

Field Dimensions

The distances between the bases shall be 50 feet apart. Distances to the bases are measured from the point at the rear of home plate to the back edge of the base (or in the case of second base, to the point of the base pointing toward the outfield). The distance to the pitcher’s mound shall be 30 – 35 feet.

HOME TEAM

 The 2nd team listed on the schedule is the home team.  The home team must supply a new ball for each game   (RIF5)  The home team is responsible for the set up and take down of the field including setting the bases and any infield repair due to ruts or standing water.

Both teams should place all trash including debris left by others in designated trashcans.

VISITING TEAM

 The visiting team must supply a game ball (RIF 5).  They must assist the home team in setting up and taking down field.  They must assist with the cleanup of all trash including debris left by others in designated trash cans.

Pitching

Coaches will pitch to the batters.  After 6 pitches, the ball will be placed on a Tee to move the game along.

Playing Rules 

Safety is the responsibility of each coach.  Make certain that no one is swinging a bat around the players. There are no on deck hitters in 5-6 Clinic. Take care in positioning fielders; first baseman should be able to catch, infielders need to watch for batted balls.  All players must play the field each inning and bat.  There is no restriction to the number of fielders or batters.  Positions should be rotated (i.e., Infield to outfield, outfield to infield). Regular infield positions should be used (except catcher) with the rest of the players spread out in the outfield.

  • All batters will advance one base at a time, except for last batter of each half inning who will hit a home run. 

  • Games will consist of at least two innings; they may be extended if agreed upon by both coaches

  • There will be no catcher in the 5-6 age group. 

  • Fielders may not stand on the base and should be taught how to cover a base when a play is being made or to clear a base when no play is being made.

  •  If an out is recorded, the runner is permitted to stay on the base.  All players will bat each inning.  Coaches are permitted on the field to offer instruction to the players.

  • Coaches are encouraged to call time-out and instruct the players and teach the players while the team is being played.  Parents are not allowed on the field.  All players will be pitched to from the start of the year. 

  •  All games will officially end in a tie, no standings will be maintained.

  •  No sliding at 1st base or head first sliding.

Stealing

No stealing in 5 - 6.

Bunting

No bunting in 5 - 6.

COACHES and PARENTS

 5-6 games and practices should be target to 50-60 minutes in length. Coaches are responsible for the actions of their fans.  Every effort should be made to make the game of baseball at Hickory Fountain Green a positive experience.  Parents are reminded that this is a non-competitive clinic and is meant to teach the fundamentals of the game and skills involved with playing.  By making participation a positive experience their children will build an appreciation for the game and can experience the joy of playing the game of baseball.

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7-8 League Rules

Field Dimensions

The distances between bases shall be 55 feet apart.  Distances to the bases are measured from the point at the rear of home plate to the back edge of the base (or in the case of second base, to the point of the base pointing toward the outfield). The distance to the pitcher’s mound shall be 40 feet.

HOME TEAM

The 2nd team listed on the schedule is the home team.  The home team must supply a new ball for each game (RIF10). The home team is responsible for the set up and take down of the field including setting the bases and any infield repair due to ruts or standing water.

Both teams should place all trash including debris left by others in designated trashcans.

VISITING TEAM

 The visiting team must supply a game ball (RIF10). They must assist the home team in setting up and taking down field.  They must assist with the cleanup of all trash including debris left by others in designated trashcans.

PITCHING

Coaches will pitch to the batters. Starting May 1, we will initiate players pitching.  The players pitching should only throw three pitches to the batter before the coaches go back to pitching. The pitcher must be able to throw from 40 feet. For safety reasons do not allow a pitcher to throw from shorter distances. If they hit a batter, the coach should finish pitching to that batter. If they hit two batters, they must be removed from pitching.

 Pitchers cannot wear white long sleeve shirts or batting gloves while pitching.

Defensive Team

Take care in positioning fielders.  Warn fielders/coaches when strong hitters are up. Fielders may not stand on the base and should be taught how to cover a base when a play is being made or to clear a base when no play is being made.

Only standard infield and outfield positions should be used. Infielders must stand on dirt not grass. Outfielders must stand on grass not dirt. Position players so they are not in the baseline. Teach players to stand near a base only when a play at that base is going to be made. Do not allow defensive players to stand on top of the bases.

Fill the outfield with at least three players before using a catcher.  Extra players should be placed in the outfield. No one should be left on the bench unless injured or being used as a bullpen session.

Pitcher must stand on the mound, next to or behind the coach pitching. No one is allowed to “creep up” for weaker hitters.  If an infielder “creeps up” and records an out, the batter will be allowed to stay on the base, and the out will not count. 

Remember this is still 7-8 Clinic.

PLAYING RULES

  • No sliding at 1st base or head first sliding.

  • Only one player in the on deck circle at a time.  A coach/parent must monitor the on deck hitter at all times.

  •  There is no infield fly rule.

  •  When possible, limit defense coaches to two on the field at a time.

  •  Inning will end with three outs or five runs.

  •  Encourage throwing the ball to bases instead of running across the field and stepping on them.

  •  Rotate players evenly.

  • 7-8 games and practices should be target to 75-90 minutes in length

Stealing

No stealing in 7 - 8.

Bunting

No bunting in 7 - 8.

Advancement

Runners may advance until the ball is in the infield or thrown out of the playing field.

Ending A Play (Dead Ball Rule)

A play ends either when the ball is in the infield or the ball is thrown out of the playing field.  Remember, this is clinic.

Player Development

Managers are required to rotate their players between various defensive positions, such that all players will get a chance to play in both the infield and outfield. One player may play no more than 1 inning in one position per game. 

All managers are required to evaluate each player and turn in the evaluation to the age group commissioner at your last game.

Player Substitution

Players can be substituted at any time during the game. Players arriving after the start of the game will be inserted to the bottom of the batting lineup.

 ALL-STAR GAME

 Date and Time TBD

At the end of the season coaches should choose two players (preferably eight year olds) to participate in an All-star game.

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9-10 League Rules

Field Dimensions

The distances between bases shall be 60 feet apart, and the distance from home plate to second base shall be 84 feet, 10 inches.  Distances to the bases are measured from the point at the rear of home plate to the back edge of the base (or in the case of second base, to the point of the base pointing toward the outfield). The distance to the pitcher’s mound shall be 46 feet

HOME TEAM

 The 2nd team listed on the schedule is the home team.  The home team must supply a new ball for each game (RCAL) The home team is responsible for the set up and take down of the field including setting the bases, liming the 1st and 3rd base lines, liming of the batters boxes and any infield repair due to ruts or standing water. Liming of halfway marks between 1st and 2nd, 2nd and 3rd, and 3rd and home should also be done.

Both teams should place all trash including debris left by others in designated trashcans.

VISITING TEAM

 The visiting team must supply a game ball (RCAL).  They must assist the home team in setting up and taking down field.  They must assist with the cleanup of all trash including debris left by others in designated trashcans.

COACHES

All coaches will be required to umpire a game during the early regular season.

Pitching

All pitchers shall be limited to a maximum of 2 consecutive innings and 4 innings per calendar week (i.e., Sunday to Saturday) with a 24-hour rest between games.  Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning. There shall be a minimum of 1 calendar day (24 hours) rest between pitching starts when a player pitches 2 innings in a game (e.g., a player who pitches on Monday may not pitch again until Wednesday).  This rule may be waived by the chairman or director post season when rainouts for rescheduling games or completing games prior to the ensuing game.

The Manager is allowed 1 visit to the mound per inning. Upon a second visit to the pitcher in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed.   The pitcher must be removed from the game if they hit 2 batters in the same inning or upon hitting their third batter in a game.  A coach must visit the pitcher after hitting a batter.  This is not a charged visit.  

The pitcher must have contact with the rubber at the beginning of the pitch.

 Pitchers cannot wear white long sleeve shirts or batting gloves while pitching.

Playing Rules 

  • During the regular season there is a maximum of 4 runs per inning allowed. For the post-season tournament, the maximum of 6 runs per inning will be allowed. Except for the final inning and extra innings where the runs allowed are unlimited.

  • No more than 9 players are allowed on the field at the same time (Three outfielders).

  • The batter may not throw the bat. After the initial warning a second violation by the same batter will be an automatic out.

  • No sliding at 1st base or head first sliding.

  • Only one player in the on deck circle at a time.

  • Any players taken out of the line-up for an illness, injury or personal matter will not be an out when it’s their turn to bat.  However, if the player is ejected it will be counted as an out for the next At Bat ONLY.  Any additional innings that the batter misses will be skipped over and not counted as an out.

  • Fielders may not stand on the base and should be taught how to cover a base when a play is being made or to clear a base when no play is being made. Interference calls should be stressed.

  •  All catchers must wear the proper equipment including throat guards and cups for the males.

  •  The maximum bat size is 2-1/4”.

  •  There is no infield fly rule.

  • No inning shall be started after two hours has elapsed since the scheduled start of the game.

Stealing

A modified stealing rule will be used.

  1. The runner(s) must stay on the bag until the ball is “caught” by the opposing team catcher. (“caught” means either a clean catch of the pitch by the catcher or a block of the ball which results in the ball staying in-front of the catcher within his/her reach)

  2. If the runner leaves early then the runner must go back to the base from which they just came.

  3. Runners may steal 2nd base and 3rd base only. No double steals permitted, meaning, If runners are on 1st & 2nd then the runner on 2ND can steal 3RD but runner on 1ST can’t steal at the same time. He must steal on a different pitch.

  4. A runner may steal with the same batter at the plate. For example, a runner on 1st base steals 2nd base on pitch 1 to batter A. On pitch 2 to batter A he could steal 3rd base. 

  5. No stealing of home is permitted on a pitch or a pass ball to the catcher. 

  6. When a runner attempts to steal and the ball gets away from the fielder on the throw from the catcher they can not advance passed the base they have just stolen nor can any other base runners advance.

  7. No stealing when up by 10 or more runs.

  8. No delayed steals allowed.  The runner can’t stop halfway to see what the catcher's throw will do nor can a runner steal a base on a throw back to the pitcher from the catcher. If the above occurs the runner must go back to the  base he was coming from.

  9. After a pitch crosses the plate the base runner may elect to take a lead from his base if not stealing.  In doing so, a catcher may attempt the runner out at the base he is leading from. The leading runner or any runners on base can’t advance to the next base on the throw or overthrow from the catcher trying to throw the leading runner out. The leading runner must attempt to get back to the base he was leading from and can’t steal the next base on the throw as this would be considered a delayed steal.

Bunting

A maximum of one bunt per inning will be allowed.  No bunting with a runner on third base. No suicide squeeze plays are allowed.

Advancement

Runners will advance a maximum of one base on overthrows to out of play no matter were the ball is thrown from. The player will receive the base he is going to plus one base. All runners will advance.

Ending A Play (Dead Ball Rule)

The calling of time by a player does not have to be acknowledged by the umpire unless all of the runners are on their base and not trying to advance.

Play will stop when the ball is under control by an infield player in the basepath from a throw from the outfield and no further attempt is made to make a play on a runner. The umpire will determine the location of the runner(s) when the ball is ruled dead. If a runner has not reached the half-way point of the next base when the ball is deemed under control by the umpire the runner will have to return to the previous base. Half-way chalk marks will be established during field set-up between 1st & 2nd, 2nd & 3rd and 3rd & home. The umpires call is final. There will be no argument by managers, coaches and/or parents.

Runners may advance (at their own risk) on a ground ball contained in the infield regardless of control by an infielder. In the case of an overthrow by an infielder on a ground ball going out-of-play, all runners will be awarded the base they are going to plus one base.

Scores And Standings

Scores and scorebooks must be kept.  This is essential for the Ripken eligible team members (which is all travel teams. Last names should be used in the scorebook.

Player Development

Managers are required to rotate their players between various defensive positions, such that all players will get a chance to play in both the infield and outfield. One player may play no more than 2 innings in one position per game.  All players must play at least four full innings in the field including at least one inning in the infield. For purposes of this rule if the game does not last 6 innings, all players should spend no more than two innings on the bench.

For the purposes of this rule, the catcher shall not count as either an infield or outfield position.  These rules apply for post-season play as well. 

All managers are required to evaluate each player and turn in the evaluation to the age group commissioner at your last game.  Any manager not turning in the evaluation sheet will not be eligible for the post-season tournament.

Player Substitution

Players in the field can be substituted at any time during the game.  Base runners may not be substituted unless they are the pitcher or catcher of record. Players arriving after the start of the game will be inserted to the bottom of the batting lineup. Pitchers cannot be reinserted as a pitcher if removed from the mound.

Draft

The commissioners of each age group will be responsible for setting the specific rules prior to the draft; however the following guidelines are suggested:

  • Prior the start of the draft, each player will be rated from 1 to 5 with the lower number signifying a more talented player.

  • Prior to the draft all 7-8, 8U and 9U (and 10U if applicable) travel managers shall each select 4 travel pitchers whom will be restricted from pitching on Saturdays when travel games are played that weekend Friday - Sunday. Teams which select these travel pitchers will be aware of the restrictions. There will be no additional restrictions on these players for regularly scheduled weeknight games.

  • Each team will have a Coach and Assistant Coach.  The first players on each team will be respective Coach and Assistant Coaches child(ren).  No additional players will be allowed.

  • Travel players will be divided/drafted equally among the teams prior to selecting the non-travel players.

  • A Draft Coordinator will control the draft accordingly.  Teams will select players as directed by the Draft Coordinator.

  • At the conclusion of the draft, players may be traded to accommodate needs or requests provided those players are of an equal rating.  The Age Group Commissioner must approve all trades.

Standings and Post Season Play

Post-season play will be determined from a blind draw at the conclusion of the draft and prior to the start of the season. Travel players are not eligible to participate in the in-house all star games.

All playoff games will continue where they left off unless the losing team has batted four times.

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11-12 League Rules

Field Dimensions

The distances between bases shall be 70 feet apart, and the distance from home plate to second base shall be 99 feet, 1 inches.  Distances to the bases are measured from the point at the rear of home plate to the back edge of the base (or in the case of second base, to the point of the base pointing toward the outfield). The distance to the pitcher’s mound shall be 50 feet 6 inches.

HOME TEAM:

 The 2nd team listed on the schedule is the home team.  The home team must supply a new ball for each game (RCAL) The home team is responsible for the set up and take down the field including setting the bases, liming the 1st and 3rd base lines, liming of the batters boxes and any infield repair due to ruts or standing water.

Both teams should place all trash including debris left by others in designated trashcans.

VISITING TEAM:

 The visiting team must supply a game ball (RCAL).  They visiting team must assist the home team in setting up and taking down field.  They must assist with the cleanup of all trash including debris left by others in designated trashcans

Pitching

All pitchers shall be limited to a maximum of 2 consecutive innings and 4 innings per calendar week (i.e., Sunday to Saturday) with a 24-hour rest between games.  Delivery of a single pitch constitutes having pitched an inning.  No Travel pitcher may pitch on Sunday (travel game or tournament ) and then again on Monday (rec game). During the regular season, any travel pitcher that pitches 50 or more pitches on Saturday may not pitch on Monday. The Age Group Commissioner will track and inform coaches each week if there are pitchers not eligible for Monday.

There shall be a minimum of 1 calendar day (24 hours) rest between pitching starts when a player pitches 2 innings in a game (e.g., a player who pitches on Monday may not pitch again until Wednesday).  The pitching regulation shall apply to all in-house games, both regularly scheduled and make-ups, including continuation games unless waived by the 11-12 commissioner.

A pitcher cannot be re-inserted as a pitcher if he/she is removed from the mound no matter what their total innings pitched

The Manager is allowed 1 visit to the mound per inning. Upon a second visit to the pitcher in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed.   The pitcher must be removed from the game if they hit 2 batters in the same inning. A coach must visit the pitcher after hitting a batter.  This is not a charged visit.  

The pitcher must have contact with the rubber at the beginning of the pitch.

Pitchers cannot wear white long sleeve shirts or batting gloves while pitching.

Pitchers are encouraged to pitch from the stretch or set position with runners on 1st and 2nd.   If the bases are loaded or a runner is on 3rd base only the pitcher can pitch from a wind up delivery or the set or stretch position.(Please work with your pitchers on the stretch/set technique and why it’s important)

The set position shall be indicated by the pitcher when he stands facing the batter with his entire pivot foot on, or in front of, and in contact with, and not off the end of the pitcher’s plate, and his other foot in front of the pitcher’s plate, holding the ball in both hands in front of his body and coming to a complete stop.  From such a set position he may deliver to the batter, throw to a base or step backward off the pitcher’s plate with his pivot foot.  After assuming set position, any natural motion associated with his delivery of the ball to the batter commits him to the pitch without alteration or interruption.

Playing Rules 

  • There is a maximum of five (5) runs per inning allowed.  Except for the final inning and extra innings where the runs allowed are unlimited.

  • No more than 9 players are allowed on the field at the same time (Three outfielders)

  • The batter may not throw the bat. After the initial warning a second violation will be an automatic out.

  •  No sliding at 1st base or head first sliding. 

  • Only one player in the on deck circle at a time.

  • Any players taken out of the line-up for an illness, injury or personal matter will not be an out when it’s their turn to bat.  However, if the player is ejected it will be counted as an out for the next At Bat ONLY.  Any additional innings that batter misses will be skipped over and not counted as an out.

  •  All catchers must wear the proper equipment including throat guards and cups for the males. 

  • There is no infield fly rule.

  •  Dropped 3rd strike rule is in effect.  Catcher must throw runner/batter out at first base or tag him/her.  This rule is not in effect with a runner on 1st base prior to the pitch being thrown unless there are two outs.

Stealing

Stealing is permitted after the ball has crossed the plate.  No leading is allowed. No head first slides, except when returning to the base.  If a base runner leaves a base prior to the ball crossing home plate and is seen by the umpire the play is stopped.  The runner and team will be warned and returned to the base that the runner came from.  The next time a runner from the team leaves a base early, the runner will be called out by the umpire. 

Batters reaching on a base on balls are not permitted to steal second before the next pitch unless a play is made on another base runner or ball is overthrown back to the pitcher.

Runners must attempt to avoid contact with opposing players and slide (feet first) when possible to avoid contact.

Bunting

Bunting is allowed.

Advancement

Runners will advance a maximum of one base on overthrows to out of play no matter were the ball is thrown from. The player will receive the base he is going to plus one base. All runners will advance.

Ending A Play (Dead Ball Rule)

Play will stop when the pitcher has control of the ball in the infield.  All runners in progress must continue to base or go back, and the pitcher can make a play on the runner.  If the runner is not half way, they must go back to the previous base. (umpires discretion )  The calling of time by a player does not have to be acknowledged by the umpire unless all of the runners are on their base and not trying to advance.

Scores And Standings

Scores and scorebooks must be kept.  This is essential for the Ripken eligible team members (which is all travel teams). Last names should be used in the scorebooks.

 Player Development

Managers are required to rotate their players between various defensive positions, such that all players will get a chance to play in both the infield and outfield. One player may play no more than 2 innings in one position per game.  All players must play at least four full innings in the field including at least one inning in the infield. For purposes of this rule if the game does not last 6 innings, all players should spend no more than two innings on the bench.

For the purposes of this rule, the catcher shall not count as either an infield or outfield position and may play 3 innings. These rules apply for post-season play as well.  

All managers are required to evaluate each player and turn in the evaluation to the age group commissioner at your last game. 

 All managers are required to evaluate each player and turn in the evaluation to the age group commissioner at your last game.  Any manager not turning in the evaluation sheet will not be eligible for the post-season tournament. 

Player Substitution

Players in the field can be substituted at any time during the game.  Base runners may not be substituted unless they are the pitcher or catcher of record.  Players arriving after the start of the game will be inserted to the bottom of the batting lineup. Pitchers cannot be reinserted as a pitcher if removed from the mound.

Draft

The commissioners of each age group will be responsible for setting the specific rules prior to the draft; however the following guidelines are suggested:

  • Prior the start of the draft, each player will be rated from 1 to 5 with the lower number signifying a more talented player.

  • Each team will have a Coach and Assistant Coach.  The first players on each team will be respective Coach and Assistant Coaches child(ren).  No additional players will be allowed.

  • Travel players will be divided/drafted equally among the teams prior to selecting the non-travel players.

  • A Draft Coordinator will control the draft accordingly.  Teams will select players as directed by the Draft Coordinator.

  • At the conclusion of the draft, players may be traded to accommodate needs or requests provided those players are of an equal rating.  The Age Group Commissioner must approve all trades.

Standings and Post Season Play

Post-season play will be determined from a blind draw at the conclusion of the draft and prior to the start of the season. Travel players are not eligible to participate in-house all star games.

All playoff games will continue where they left off unless the losing team has batted four times.

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