EDHLL Division Rules

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2008 EDHLL A Division Game Rules

(Download a copy here: "A" Rules)

FIELDING:
1) A team may field a maximum of 9 players on defense. These players must play in the standard regulation positions: pitcher, catcher, 1st base, 2nd base, shortstop, 3rd base, left field, center field, and right field. Teams are not allowed to reposition infielders in order to play with two "pitchers." If a team cannot field 9 players, it is at the manager’s discretion to determine which position(s) to leave open.

2) No managers or coaches are allowed on the field during their team’s defensive play.
Exception – A defensive coach or adult may and should assist behind the catcher to retrieve passsed balls for the pitcher.

3) Each player must play an infield position for at least two innings. At the end of the game, the number of infield innings played by each player must be within 1 inning of any other player on the team.

4) The catcher must wear all the protective gear while catching.

5) Double plays are allowed; at no time will triple plays be allowed.

6) No outfielder may tag out a runner, or step on a base to make an out.

HITTING AND BASE RUNNING: No player shall have a bat in their hands at any time unless they are in or approaching the batters box.

1) The batting order shall consist of the entire roster of players (everyone bats). Innings will end when the defensive team records three outs or the team at bat scores 5 runs. In the spirit of the 5 run rule, shut it down as soon as the 5th run crosses the plate.

2) A pitching machine will be used for all games in the standard position in front of the pitcher's mound. The wheels will be set at 2 on the top, and 4 on the bottom. The machine will be moved or calibrated only at the top of each inning unless there is a malfunction, and both managers agree. A batter is allowed a maximum of five pitches. If the 5th pitch results in a foul ball, the batter is allowed an additional pitch. If the batter fails to hit the ball (swing and a miss) it will be considered a strikeout and recorded as an out. The batter may hit unlimited foul balls.

3) If an adult feeding the pitching machine or the pitching machine is hit by a fair ball, interference is called, the ball is ruled dead, and the batter hits again. The swing does not count against the five maximum swings rule.

4) Helmets must be worn at all times by players at bat, and on base.

5) Bunting is not allowed. The ball is ruled foul if it travels less than ten feet from home plate or functions as a bunt.

6) Headfirst sliding is not allowed. Any runner who slides headfirst will be ruled out.

7) Stealing is not allowed. Base runners may not leave base until a ball has been hit. No runner may advance once the ball is held by the player pitcher or any baseman. Advancing on overthrows is not allowed.

8) Tagging up and advancing on fly balls that are caught is allowed but shall be kept to a maximum of one base.

9) The infield fly rule will not be used; however see rule #7 (no advancing on pop ups caught on the infield).

10) Extra base hits are allowed as long as they are "clean" (not the result of an error, deflection, overthrow, or dropped ball). Max: Double and 2 base advancement by other runners.

PITCHING:
1) An adult will feed the pitching machine. At no time should any player be allowed to feed the pitching machine.

2) The speed at which the machine is set should remain constant throughout the entire game.

3) The adult pitcher may advise the batter but may not coach base runners (instruct them to listen to base coaches instead).

4) The adult feeding the machine must understand the five pitch rule.

GENERAL:
1) The time limit for games will be 1.5 hours. No new inning may start after the time limit has expired. If the time limit expires in the middle of an inning, the inning will continue until the home team has had an opportunity to bat.

2) There are no standings in A Division, therefore scores will not be kept except to enforce the 5 run rule.

3) "A" Division will use MacGregor, safe/soft, level 5 baseballs. This is the only ball that can be used during the game. Each team is required to supply three new balls for each game (6 total to keep machine rolling).  Balls are to be used 3 games max.

4) Game cancellations due to weather will be at the discretion of the opposing managers. If an agreement is made to cancel a game, managers have the responsibility to inform their coaches and players of the cancellation. Cancelled games will not be rescheduled.