Hobgood Baseball Association
Rules and Regulations-Revised January 2013
Any rules not covered by the park rules, league rules, or Dizzy Dean rules are covered by the Official Baseball Rules of Major
League Baseball and the National Association of Professional Baseball Leagues
Team Organization/Assignments
A. League names and ages are as follows:
T-Ball
T-Ball
Farm League
Minor
Freshman
Sophomore
Junior
4 year olds
5 year olds
6, 7, & 8 year olds (play separate)
9 & 10 year olds (play separate)
11 & 12 year olds (play combined)
13 & 14 year olds (play combined)
15, 16, & 17 year olds (play combined)
B. Players may not start a season with a team without having their registration paid in full. Registration slots are assigned on a first
come, first served basis. Team counts and number of players per team will be the final decision of the Baseball Commissioner or
his/her designee. No player shall be a member of a Hobgood Baseball team and any other baseball association at the same time
without prior approval from the Baseball Commissioner. Examples include South Cherokee Recreation Association, Acworth
Baseball Association, or similar recreation league organizations, as well as Travel Team governing bodies.
C. All registrants are expected to be present for skill assessment. In the event a player does not attend skill assessment, the managers
may rank such player(s) based upon prior skill assessment. If any player is not ranked on the draft sheet, his/her name will be
placed in the player pool and will be ineligible for the draft. Such players will be placed on teams after the draft is complete (see
Draft Procedures).
D. Teams in T-Ball league will consist of no more than ten (10) players unless approved by Baseball Commissioner or his/her
designee. Teams with the exception of the T-Ball league will consist of no more than twelve (12) players unless approved by
Baseball Commissioner or his/her designee. The Baseball Commissioner must approve any team with more players. Number of
teams in each league will be determined by the Baseball Commissioner based on registrations and scheduling considerations.
Typically, no new team is added to a league unless at least half the teams in the age group are at two bench players prior to the
new team’s addition. The Baseball Commissioner and Board President may elect to add or not add another team for any reason.
E. Players registering after the draft will be assigned to a team only if there is availability. Players will be placed on the team that was
scheduled to draft next (see Draft Procedures).
F. All players added after the draft will be assigned to the team that was scheduled to draft next when the player pool was exhausted.
If a team loses a player after the draft, they will automatically be assigned the next available player (s) until such time that they
have the same roster size as when the draft was completed. See Draft Procedures addendum for additional rules.
G. A maximum of two players may be locked as a ‘freeze’ per team. The child of the manager and one (1) assistant coach will
automatically be assigned to their teams. No manager may freeze an assistant coach’s child unless a “Draft Protection” form is
completed by the parent and delivered to the League Director prior to the draft. All other players must be assigned a team through
the draft process. No consideration will be given for transportation problems when placing players on teams. Hobgood Baseball
reserves the right to place players on teams due to extenuating circumstances as determined by the Baseball Commissioner and
agreed upon by the League Director. Parents may request their child not be on a team managed by a particular manager by
communicating this request in writing prior to the draft. The League Director may choose to honor such a request after
consultation with the Deputy Commissioner.
H. All managers and assistant coaches and other team support personnel who may have unsupervised contact with a child must pass a
background check. All managers and coaches must be actively involved by either base coaching, scoring, etc. within the confines
of the playing field.
I. All managers must be familiar with Hobgood Baseball Rules and Regulations.
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J. Each manager will make sure no adult without a clear background check is permitted unsupervised access to any player (excludes
own child) at any event associated with Hobgood Baseball. At the Baseball Commissioner’s discretion, failure to comply with
this rule may result in immediate dismissal of the manager.
K. Managers will be responsible for their own behavior and conduct of their coaches, players, parents, and fans. If a player displays
unsportsmanlike conduct, the manager is to remove the player from the game.
Hobgood Baseball Skill Assessment Guidelines
A. With the exception of the T-Ball league, players will undergo a skill assessment during a published schedule on an age appropriate
field. Hobgood Baseball reserves the right to use a different field or area as needed.
B. Each League Director will provide all managers a copy of registered players in his age group. There will be no changes to this list
without prior approval from the League Director. No assessment will be conducted of a player that is not listed on the official list
without approval from the Baseball Commissioner or a Deputy Commissioner. This is an attempt to prevent players from
assessing with the wrong age group or playing without completing the registration process.
C. Skill assessment is to be conducted in the following areas:
1) Batting
2) Grounders
3) Throwing
4) Pop Flies
5) Base Running
D. The leagues will use a 1-10 ranking system for the above areas. All managers must be present and/or send their assistant coach to
the skill assessment. Managers must provide the League Director a final ranking for every player that attended the assessment
(sum of the 1-10 rankings for each tested skill). In the event a player does not attend skill assessments, the managers may rank
such player(s) based upon prior skill assessments. If any player is not ranked on the draft sheet, his/her name will be placed in the
player pool and will be ineligible for the draft. Such players will be placed on teams after the draft is complete (see Draft
Procedures).
Draft Procedures
A. With the exception of the T-Ball league that will be divided into equal players per team if possible, all players will enter into the
draft conducted by the League Director with the exception of ‘freezes.’ Freezes must be disclosed to the League Director prior to
the draft. The assistant coach with the ‘protected’ child must confirm the arrangement with the League Director prior to the draft.
B. Prior to the draft, the League Director will calculate the number of players each team may draft (example – there are 105 players,
so all ten teams will draft 10 players from the players with assessment scores). Once a team reaches the assigned quantity of
players, that team does not select additional players.
C. The League Director will use a draft board spreadsheet to combine the coaches’ scores and list the players in order of highest
cumulative score to lowest. The high score and low score for each player will be thrown out. The remaining cumulative scores
per manager are summed and divided by the number of remaining managers (i.e. 10 teams –throw out high/low scores (2); total
remainder scores divided by 8). Draft rankings are not to be disclosed by any coach and could result in disciplinary action.
D. Only managers and assistant coaches with draft protected players are permitted in the draft room. No children are allowed in the
draft room.
E. The team with the lowest sum of assessment scores gets the next selection in the draft. If a team does not have a coach, the
League Director will draft the team by selecting the next highest ranked available player.
F. The League Director will identify any siblings that are to be drafted together. When one child is selected, the sibling is
automatically added to the same team.
G. After the teams have reached the assigned number of players, the team with the lowest cumulative points has the following options
regarding the remaining players:
1) Pass;
2) Draft a remaining player that has an assessment score; or
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3) Enter the random draw for a player without an assessment score.
The process continues until the random draw equals the number of non-assessed players plus one. Higher ranked teams no longer
may enter the drawing. The teams that are in the lottery for non-assessed players will randomly select such a player’s name from
a hat.
H. The draft is over once all players are taken. If players remain after this optional round, those players are assigned to the teams
with the highest cumulative scores (example – there are 3 players remaining. The three teams with the highest cumulative scores
must take one of the remaining players (whether with an assessed score or not), beginning with the team with the third highest
score having first choice).
I.
Within a time limit of no more than thirty minutes, one trade per team is permitted at the end of the draft (i.e., one player for one
player, or two players for two players) and cannot alter a team’s sum of assessment scores by more than five points. All trades
must be approved by the League Director and cannot involve more than two players per team.
J.
Under special circumstances, the Baseball Commissioner may assign a player to a team. The player will be drafted by the
“selected” team in his ranked round and all teams will be notified of such agreement prior to the draft. These circumstances
include, but are not limited to, family medical needs or military deployment.
Baseball Equipment
A. At the beginning of each season, each manager will be assigned an equipment bag for the season. The manager will be
responsible for the contents of the bag and should return a piece of equipment to the equipment manager if the equipment
becomes damaged or unusable over the course of the season. The equipment cannot be altered in any way (i.e., coloring of
helmets or decals attached).
B. At the end of each season, each manager with the exception of the All-Star Managers, will return their assigned equipment bag to
the equipment manager. Any manager not returning the park’s equipment will not be considered for future coaching roles at
Hobgood.
C. At 9U through 17U, catchers must wear a masked helmet, chest protector, shin guards, throat protector and athletic cup during
play. Catchers at 8U and under shall wear helmets and chest protectors.
D. Each batter/base runner must wear a batting helmet at all times. The batting helmet should not be removed until the player is
back in the dugout. Any player running the bases and deliberately removing his headgear (in the umpire’s judgment) should be
given a warning. Batting helmets with face masks are recommended for all ages. No helmets that have been airbrushed with
offensive or inappropriate images or words may be worn.
E. Baseball bats must meet Dizzy Dean regulations (made of either one piece wood or an approved alloy). For ages 5-12, bats must
meet the 1.15 BPF (Bat Performance Factor) for the life of the bat and must possess a clearly identifiable manufacturer’s
certification stamp. Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution (BBCOR) bats are legal for use in ages 5-12. For ages 13-17, all nonwood bats must meet BBCOR (Batted Ball Coefficient of Restitution) and possess a clearly identifiable manufacturer’s
certification stamp. A bat shall not weigh more than three ounces less than the length, and the maximum diameter is 2 5/8”
barrel. Damaged or altered bats are illegal.
F.
Hobgood Baseball will supply all teams with game balls prior to Opening Day. Only baseballs authorized and approved by
Hobgood Baseball may be used during games.
Hobgood Baseball-Uniforms
A. Teams are required to wear the full uniforms furnished by Hobgood Baseball that includes jersey, hat, pants, socks and belts (for
certain age groups). The jerseys that must be tucked into pants will include the player’s last name and player number on the
jersey. No team shall purchase any additional pieces for the team to wear.
B. Hobgood Baseball will provide three coaches per team with coaching jerseys.
C. No player under the 13/14U division may wear cleats with metal spikes.
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Hobgood Baseball Common Rules
A. All times are based on the Umpire’s official start time as recorded in the scorebook and agreed to at the plate meeting. A new
inning begins as soon as the third out in the home team’s half of an inning is recorded.
Innings played and time limits (for in-park games):
Age
4&5
6
7&8
9&10
11&12
13&14
15 – 17
Time Limit
1:00
1:15
1:20
1:30
1:40
1:50
1:50
Max Innings
3
6
6
6
6
7
7
Max Runs per Inning
NA
7
7
NA
NA
NA
NA
For in-park play, a game will be considered to be a complete game if the time limit expires before the number of innings for an
official game are met (i.e., if in 6 year old ball, 1:15 hours expires and only two innings of baseball are played, the game will be
considered complete). The umpire will ensure that the time between the final out of one half of an inning and the first pitch of the
next half inning will not exceed two (2) minutes.
B. A new inning begins at the instant that the last out is made in the previous inning.
C. No manager or coach shall employ tactics designed to delay, shorten or extend the game. The umpires shall be instructed and
empowered to continue any game one (1) additional inning if, in his judgment, any coach or manager as much as appears to be in
violation of this rule.
D. Team practices and games combined are not to exceed four days per week (week starts Sunday and ends Saturday) unless
approved by the Baseball Commissioner.
E.
No innings shall start after the set time limit. No inning will begin after 9:00pm on a school night.
F.
The Slide Rule (Collision Avoidance Rule) will be in effect for all divisions. Any runner is out when he does not slide or
attempt to avoid the fielder who has the ball in the proximity of the base and is waiting to make the tag, or if he maliciously runs
into a fielder. If a deliberate attempt to injure is determined by the umpire, the runner is ejected from the game and a report
must be made to the Baseball Commissioner for further disciplinary action.
G.
A fielder NOT in possession of the ball and not attempting to field the ball may be guilty of obstruction if that fielder impedes
the progress of a runner. It is entirely the judgment of the umpire as to whether a fielder obstructs a runner.
H.
All batters will be included in the batting order, thus allowing free substitution. For defensive purposes, no player shall sit a
second inning until after the fourth inning is completed. No player may sit more than two innings in a game.
I.
Failure to adhere to the playing time rules will result in the manager being issued a warning. A second offense will result in a
three game suspension for the manager. A third incident will result in dismissal of the manager from his duties. An exception to
the above playing rule is injury or sickness.
In addition, an exception to the rule will be granted if there is a disciplinary problem (with just cause). The manager must notify
the opposing manager and the player’s parents prior to the start of the game. If the problem occurs during the game, the manager
must notify the umpire, opposing coach, and official scorekeeper.
J.
Players initiating or participating in a fight will receive mandatory suspensions. Depending upon the severity of the incident, a
player will receive a minimum one week suspension and a maximum of one full season suspension from all Hobgood Baseball
activities. A second incident may result in permanent suspension from Hobgood Baseball. The Baseball Commissioner will
determine the length of any suspension. Written records of suspensions will be maintained and held by the Baseball
Commissioner.
K.
In the event a manager, coach, or player is ejected from a game, he shall leave the playing field immediately and proceed to the
parking lot until completion of such game. Failure to do so will result in automatic forfeiture of the game. The penalty for the
first ejection during the season is a one game suspension starting with the next game. A second ejection during the season will
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result in the manager or coach being dismissed from their coaching duties for the remainder of the season. If a manager or coach
feels that he was wrongly ejected, he may appeal to the Baseball Commissioner for reversal. The Baseball Commissioner will
review any appeal and issue a ruling within forty-eight (48) hours.
L.
A manager or coach who makes physical contact considered to be “flagrant” with any umpire, manager, coach, player, spectator
or park representative will automatically be dismissed from managing or coaching at Hobgood Baseball for the remainder of the
season. (Note: The definition of the term “flagrant” will be left solely to the Baseball Commissioner.)
M.
Each manager or assistant coach will practice good sportsmanship at all times. Manager and coaches are expected to read and
abide by the Coach Contract concerning conduct and sportsmanship, on-field behavior and the use of obscene language or
direct derogatory remarks to players, umpires, other managers or league officials.
N.
A manager has the right to question an umpire’s interpretation of the rules provided that he does so immediately by calling a
time out. Judgment calls may not be questioned. When the questioned interpretation is brought to the attention of the umpire, he
may confer with the other umpire. Assistant coaches are not permitted to approach any umpire to question any call. The
manager must notify the umpire immediately after a questionable play if the game is being played under protest.
O.
A protest based on a play situation shall be considered only if it is placed in writing and submitted to the League Director within
48 hours of the situation along with a $100.00 fee. The protest will be forwarded immediately to the Deputy Commissioner or
Baseball Commissioner. The fee will be returned if the Baseball Commissioner rules in favor of the protesting party.
P.
If there is a tie in the standings at the end of the season, the result of head to head competition will be the tie breaker. If head to
head competition during the regular season is a tie, then total runs allowed will be the tie breaker. If there is still a tie, total runs
scored will be the tie breaker. If there is still a tie, the League Director will hold a coin flip to determine tournament seeding.
Q.
A team fielding less than eight (8) at the start of any game or inning must forfeit.
R.
No player, manger, coach or umpire may use any tobacco product or apparent tobacco product while on the Hobgood Park
campus.
S.
Players and fans shall not ride, kid, heckle, poke fun at, or in any other manner do anything that distracts any other player or
team. Umpires will issue one warning then individual players or fans will be subject to ejection.
T.
It is the responsibility of the team manager to ensure that all trash is removed from the batting cages, dugout, playing field and
surrounding common area upon his team's departure after every game or practice. This includes all trash even if it was there upon
the team's arrival.
U.
During any practice or game, only two players will be allowed to have bats in their hands. They will be the batter at the plate and
the man in the on-deck area. No swinging of bats in or outside the dugout is permitted.
V.
All games must be played in accordance with the master game schedule. Any changes must be approved by the Baseball
Commissioner.
W. Rainouts will be rescheduled by the Baseball Commissioner or his/her designee. The League Director is responsible
for notifying all affected coaches of reschedules. The rescheduled game MUST be played on the date and time indicated.
Hobgood Baseball Tournament Rules
A. The regular season substitution, pitching, and maximum number of runs allowed per inning rules remain in effect. Violations
must be protested at the time of occurrence. The game will be completed under protest and reviewed by the Baseball
Commissioner immediately. Tournament violations of the substitution rule may result in forfeiture.
B. There will be no time limit on the championship games in every age group. The Championship game for this purpose will be the
first and “if necessary” game.
C. Both teams must provide an official scorekeeper to be seated in the scorer’s box. The home team must keep the official book and
scorekeepers should agree on the score at the end of every inning.
D. The pitching log must be filled out and signed by a coach of both teams at the end of the game. The home team is responsible for
submitting the signed log to the League Director. The logs should be checked prior to the start of the next game. Any team that
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has not completed the log will not be allowed to begin their next game. The completed form, where the coach failed to sign the
form, will be considered the official game form as long as a protest is not made prior to the team’s next game.
E. Each League Director shall post a tourney bracket and ensure that it is up to date and correct each day. Email is acceptable.
F.
The Baseball Commissioner or Deputy Commissioner, either in person or by phone, must resolve all protests prior to play
resuming as per the Dizzy Dean rules. All decisions will be considered final.
G. The official start time MUST be noted on the home team’s official scorebook as agreed by both teams and umpire. This time will
prevail in the case of any disputes.
H. A new inning is considered to have started as soon as the previous inning ends. Any time disputes should be handled as protests.
I.
If a team has less than 8 players in its batting lineup, the game is forfeited.
J.
The Home Team will be determined by the better seed in the bracket.
K. In the event of rain or lightning during a game, all games will be halted at the same time. Games halted for lightning shall be
suspended for fifteen (15) minutes from the time of the last visible strike. If any umpire or a Hobgood Baseball board member
closes any field for lightning, all fields shall immediately be cleared. In the event of rain, all games will be halted at the same
time to get mounds covered. All teams will remain at the park for no less than thirty (30) minutes. Hobgood officials will
communicate the next step based on weather conditions.
L. In the event of rain prior to games, Hobgood officials will determine if fields are playable. After the field is determined playable,
a coach will have 2 minutes from the start of the game to send his team back on the field or coach forfeits the game.
Rules for T-Ball League (4 & 5 Year Olds)
A. The playing field consists of:
1) The pitching rubber is thirty-nine (39) feet from the back point of home plate to the front of the pitching rubber.
2) There will be a twenty (20) foot chalked arc from the first (1st) base line to the third (3rd) base line drawn from the back
point of home plate. The ball must be on or past this line to be fair, if not it will be a foul ball. The ball is fair if it is hit inside
the arc and travels beyond the arc line. If the ball is missed completely, but still comes past the arc, because of the striking of
the tee, it will be a strike.
3) The base paths will be fifty (50) feet.
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B. The equipment consists of:
1) The catcher and pitcher must wear a helmet.
2) Approved batting tees (unaltered) will be provided by each team.
C. Each team will be allowed three (3) adults on the playing field (one (1) manager and two (2) coaches).
D. Offense:
1) The offensive batter will receive no more than 3 pitches. After this, the ball will be placed onto a tee for the batter to hit.
2) When a team is at bat, offensive coaches are allowed only at the base coach boxes, the pitching circle, and the end of the
dugout.
3) All players will bat in their half of an inning. No outs or runs will be recorded.
4) When a batting tee is used on the playing field, it will be placed in front of home plate.
5) Base runners may advance one base position per batted fair ball. On the last at bat of a team’s inning, all base runners will
circle all the bases on the way to home plate.
6) Maximum number of innings in a game is three. Time limit is 1 hour.
E. Defense
1) All players will play in the field, with six (6) infielders and the remainder in the outfield.
2) The outfielders must remain 20 feet behind baselines (umpires judgment) or in the outfield grass.
3) No more than two (2) players are allowed to “play up” in the infield area. The “up” players must be no closer than the
distance from home plate to the pitching rubber.
Rules for Farm League (6, 7 & 8 Year Olds)
A. The playing field consists of:
1) The pitching circle will be ten (10) feet in diameter and the center will be forty-six (46) feet from the back of home plate.
2) There will be a twenty (20) foot chalked arc from the first (1st) base line to the third (3rd) base line in front of home plate.
The ball must be on or past this line to be fair, if not a foul ball.
3) The base paths will be sixty (60) feet.
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B. Equipment:
1) Any batter who steps into the box without his headgear is awarded a strike. Any player running the bases who deliberately
(umpire’s judgment) removes his headgear is out. EXCEPTION: Home run over the fence or time out.
2) Catchers must wear a helmet with face guard and a chest protector. Catcher may not crouch behind the plate. Catcher should
be positioned at the backstop when each pitch is thrown.
3) Pitcher must wear a helmet with face guard.
C. Each team will be allowed one (1) manager and two (2) coaches. Additional coaches must be approved by the League Director.
D. Pitching Rules:
1) An offensive coach will pitch to his own batters. The pitching coach may only instruct the batter until he reaches first (1st)
base or after he leaves third (3rd) base. The pitching coach will be replaced after one warning of a violation.
2) The pitcher may pitch anywhere from in behind the 20 foot foul arc to the pitching circle. He may not cross the foul line or
enter the pitching circle. He must keep one foot on or astraddle the pitching line. He must pitch overhand. PENALTY: For
not standing on or astraddle the pitching line, the defensive team gets the choice of the play or dead ball.
3) Any batted ball that hits the pitching coach will be a dead ball and a no pitch. If the pitching coach intentionally (in the
umpire’s judgment) allows the ball to hit him, the batter will be out and a dead ball called. No runner may advance.
4) The offensive coach (pitcher) must attempt to leave the field and try to pick up the batter's bat. The offensive coach (pitcher)
that does not attempt to get off the field and interferes with the defensive player will cause the batter to be out. No runners
advance.
5) Teams may play more than two games in one day with the approval of the Baseball Commissioner.
E. Forfeitures, Appeals, and Protests
1) The umpire may call time-out for injury or protest. These time-outs will not be charged to a team.
2) An appeal play will be handled in this manner. The manager will make his appeal to the plate umpire. The manager must
identify the correct player by name or number and also the correct base involved in the play, no second chance if he names
the wrong player or base. If he is correct, the base runner is out. Appeal must be made before the next pitch is thrown.
F. Special Rules
1) All ground rules will be covered and agreed upon between coaches and umpires before each game.
2) If a player is injured by being hit with a batted ball in the face, throat or head, time will be called immediately and all players
will be awarded one (1) base if injury is to an infielder, two (2) bases if player injured was an outfielder. The awards are from
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the time of the pitch. Any other injury deemed serious enough in judgment of the umpire will be handled in the same manner.
NOTE: THIS IS A JUDGMENT CALL AND CANNOT BE APPEALED OR PROTESTED.
3) If a batter squares to bunt and then swings, he will be called out (umpire’s decision).
G. Offense:
1) After one warning per player for slinging his bat, the batter will be out. No runners advance.
2) An offensive batter will receive five (5) pitches before being declared out. He is called out on three (3) swinging strikes. If
the fifth (5th) pitch is fouled, he may continue to bat. If fifth (5th) pitch is fouled and caught, it is an out. If the fifth (5th)
pitch or 3rd strike is a bunted foul, the batter is out. If the batter does not swing at the fifth pitch, the batter is out.
3) Any base runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate is out (Dead ball) (umpire’s decision).
4) A batted ball that does not go past the arch in front of home plate is a foul ball.
5) A hit that is touched by the defensive team prior to passing the arch in front of home plate is a foul ball.
6) Batting will occur in the order of the lineup and continue until the batting team has three outs or there will be a maximum of
seven (7) runs per inning per team. The game will be considered final if any team cannot mathematically score enough runs
over the remaining innings to tie the game.
7) If a runner misses a base, it will be an appeal play to the umpire.
H. Defense
1) Intentionally rolling the ball to another defender is not allowed. No outs will be recorded by rolling the ball, and all runners
are safe.
2) The infield fly rule will NOT be in effect.
3) Any base runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate is out (umpire’s decision). The ball is dead and all other
runners return to base occupied prior to pitch. The pitch will not count. If a runner misses a base, it will be an appeal play to
the umpire.
4) No more than ten (10) players may be on the field at one time. Four players must be on the outfield grass when the ball is
batted (four (4) outfielders).
5) The defensive player listed as pitcher will stay in the ten (10) foot circle until ball is hit. The player may have one foot
outside of the circle. PENALTY: Offense gets choice of play or re-bat.
6) Runners may advance on a batted ball until the umpire determines the lead runner is stopped. This is a judgment call, and the
umpire may return a runner to a prior base. There is an exception for 6U league.
I. Specific 6 Year Old Rules:
1) The 6U age group at Hobgood is an introduction to competitive baseball. Hobgood Baseball, Inc. supports a common
approach to base running for beginner players.
2) Umpires will permit a base runner to advance at risk to the base he is in route to after the ball is in control of any infielder
inside the base pads. If the ball is not in control or is outside the base pads, the runner may advance at will. This rule is not
intended for coaches to teach outfield players to field a ball and run to the infield, and umpires will not reward such a style by
halting runners.
3) Determinations of control and location (inside/outside) of the base pads are the sole judgment of the umpire and may not be
appealed.
4) There will be two defensive coaches allowed in the outfield. The outfield coaches must remain against the fence and behind
the outfielders.
J. Specific 7 & 8 Year Old Rules: One defensive coach is permitted in front of the dugout. All other coaches must remain inside the
dugout. If the defensive coach interferes with the play, the umpire will record no out and all runners are safe. This is an umpire’s
judgment call and may not be appealed. In 7U only, a defensive coach may also stand in each outfield foul ball territory for the
purpose of instructing defensive players. All other coaches must remain inside the dugout. If the defensive coach interferes with
the play, the umpire will record no out and all runners are safe. This is an umpire’s judgment call and may not be appealed.
Rules for Minor League (9 & 10 Year Olds)
A. The playing field consists of:
1) First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be sixty (60) feet from the point of home plate.
2) The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be (84) feet
(10) inches.
3) The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be forty-six (46) feet.
4) The minimum recommended home-run distance shall be 200 feet. Any new field should have an outfield fence of 210 feet.
5) The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of 6 inches.
6) The strike zone shall comply with major league rules.
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B. Equipment: Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the
mask while on defense.
C. Manager and Coaches:
1) Any manager who calls time and goes on to the playing field more than twice (2) in one inning per pitcher (not game) will be
required to remove the current pitcher. He may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if eligible. The inning
begins as soon as the 3rd out in the previous half inning is recorded.
2) Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to
a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be
confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game.
D. Forfeitures, Appeals, and Protests
1) The umpire may call time-out for injury or protest. These time-outs will not be charged to a team.
2) An appeal play will be handled in this manner. The manager will make his appeal to the plate umpire, who will consult the
base umpire. The manager must identify the correct player by name or number and also the correct base involved in the play,
no second chance if he names the wrong player or base. If he is correct, the base runner is out. Appeal must be made before
the next pitch is thrown. The umpire may call time-out for injury or protest. These time-outs will not be charged to a team.
E. Special Rules
1) All ground rules will be covered and agreed upon between coaches and umpires before each game.
2) Three (3) strikes is an out even if the ball is dropped.
3) Any base runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate is out (umpire’s decision). The ball is dead and all other
runners return to base occupied prior to pitch. The pitch will not count. If a runner misses a base, it will be an appeal play to
the umpire.
F. Specific 9 & 10 Year Old Rules:
1) If a pitcher, after coming in contact with the pitching rubber, feints a throw to home plate, a balk will be called. If no runners
are on base, a ball will be called. If runners are on base, the next base is awarded to all runners. THIS IS THE ONLY
INSTANCE A BALK CAN BE CALLED IN THE MINOR LEAGUE DIVISION.
2) All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated
counter will meet with the opponent’s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number
is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count. Both coaches will
submit pitch counts and innings completed per pitcher for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion
of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch
counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy
Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood
Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season.
3) When a pitcher is turned in on a line-up card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed.
Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a
batter before he can be removed.
4) Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply.
5) If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of
the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over.
6) Infield fly rule will apply.
7) A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (meaning the catcher position when third out of the previous half inning
was recorded) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the last batted out becomes the substitute runner.
Rules for Freshman League (11 & 12 Year Olds)
A. The playing field consists of:
1) First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be seventy (70) feet from the point of home plate.
2) The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be ninetynine (99) feet.
3) The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be fifty (50) feet.
4) The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of six (6) inches.
5) The strike zone shall comply with major league rules.
B. Equipment: Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the
mask while on defense.
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C. Manager and Coaches:
1) Any manager who calls time and goes onto the playing field more than once in one (1) inning per pitcher (not game) will be
required to remove the current pitcher. The removed pitcher may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if
eligible. The inning begins as soon as the 3rd out in the previous half inning is recorded.
2) Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to
a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be
confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game.
D. Specific 11 & 12 Year Old Rules:
1) All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated
counter will meet with the opponent’s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number
is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count. Both coaches will
submit pitch counts and innings completed per pitcher for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion
of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch
counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy
Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood
Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season.
2) Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply.
3) When a pitcher is turned in on a line-up card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed.
Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a
batter before he can be removed.
4) If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of
the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over.
5) Infield fly rule will apply.
6) A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (of record) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the
last batted out becomes the substitute runner.
Rules for Sophomore League (13 & 14 Year Olds)
A. The playing field consists of:
1) First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be eighty (80) feet from the point of home plate.
2) The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be one
hundred thirty-two (113’ 2”) feet and two inches.
3) The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be fifty-four (54) feet.
4) The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of six (6) inches.
5) The strike zone shall comply with major league rules.
B. Equipment: Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the
mask while on defense.
C. Manager and Coaches:
1) Any manager who calls time and goes onto the playing field more than once in one (1) inning per pitcher (not game) will be
required to remove the current pitcher. The removed pitcher may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if
eligible. The inning begins as soon as the 3rd out in the previous half inning is recorded.
2) Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to
a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be
confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game.
D. Specific 13 & 14 Year Old Rules:
1) All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated
counter will meet with the opponent’s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number
is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count. Both coaches will
submit pitch counts and innings completed per pitcher for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion
of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch
counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy
Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood
Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season.
2) Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply.
3) When a pitcher is turned in on a line-up card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed.
Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a
batter before he can be removed.
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4) If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of
the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over.
5) Infield fly rule will apply.
6) A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (of record) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the
last batted out becomes the substitute runner.
Rules for Junior League (15 - 17 Year Olds)
A. The playing field consists of:
1) First (1st) and third (3rd) baselines shall be ninety (90) feet from the point of home plate.
2) The distance from the point of home plate to second (2nd) base and from first (1st) base to third (3rd) base shall be one
hundred twenty-seven (127’ 3”) feet and three inches.
3) The pitching distance from the point of home plate to the front of the rubber shall be sixty (60’ 6”) feet and six inches.
4) The height of the pitching mound above the level of home plate shall be raised by gradual slope to a height of six (6) inches.
5) The strike zone shall comply with major league rules.
B. Equipment: Catchers must wear shin guards, chest protector, cup and a protective helmet or plastic cap with or attached to the
mask while on defense.
C. Manager and Coaches:
1) Any manager who calls time and goes onto the playing field more than once in one (1) inning per pitcher (not game) will be
required to remove the current pitcher. The removed pitcher may return to the mound after the side has been retired, if
eligible. The inning begins as soon as the 3rd out in the previous half inning is recorded.
2) Any manager or coach going on to the playing field to talk to the same batter (or batter going to the dugout or bench to talk to
a manager or coach) more than one (1) time per at bat will receive a warning. On the second offense, the coach will be
confined to the dugout for the remainder of the game.
D. Specific 15 – 17 Year Old Rules:
1) All coaches must have a designated person (coach or parent) to keep track of home and visitor pitch counts. The designated
counter will meet with the opponent’s designated counter between every half inning to verify pitch counts. Once the number
is agreed upon, it should be entered into both scorebooks, with the home book being the official count. Both coaches will
submit pitch counts and innings completed per pitcher for both teams to the League Director within 48 hours after completion
of a game. If there is a discrepancy, the League Director will contact both coaches to come to an agreement on correct pitch
counts. Any team that does not submit pitch counts may be required to forfeit the next game at the discretion of the Deputy
Commissioner. Any coach who allows a player to exceed the allowed number of pitches will be disciplined by Hobgood
Baseball. The first offense will be a one game suspension. Second offense will result in suspension for remainder of season.
2) Any pitcher playing in the same game may return to the mound one time. ALL pitch count rules still apply.
3) When a pitcher is turned in on a line-up card, he is the pitcher of record and must face a batter before he can be removed.
Any player who toes the rubber and takes a warm up pitch to begin an inning will be the pitcher of record and must face a
batter before he can be removed.
4) If a team is leading its opponent by at least fifteen (15) runs at the end of the third (3rd) inning or ten (10) runs at the end of
the fourth (4th) inning, the game is over.
5) Infield fly rule will apply.
6) A courtesy runner is recommended for the catcher (of record) if the catcher reaches base safely. The batter that recorded the
last batted out becomes the substitute runner.
Batting Cage Guidelines
A. Batting cage times are based on the start time of your game and not a specified number of minutes.
B. Visiting teams have batting practice that begins 60 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their game and ends 35 minutes
prior to the scheduled start time of the game.
C. Home teams have batting practice that begins 35 minutes prior to the scheduled start time of their game and ends 10 minutes prior
to the scheduled start time of the game.
D. Both teams are to be at the field ready to play 10 minutes before the scheduled start time of their game.
E. Empty cages may be used on a first come, first served basis by any team. Any team using an open cage must vacate immediately
if a team with a scheduled practice or game session shows up.
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F.
All batting cages are marked as to the appropriate age or field. Use of the cages prior to games is limited to this age group, so that
if a team shows up late they can immediately begin batting practice.
G. Teams that arrive late must be finished by the designated number of minutes before the scheduled start time of their game. I.E. a
visiting team for a 6:00 P.M. game must be out of the cage no later than 5:25 no matter when they begin cage practice.
H. Observe any posted rules at all times.
I.
Do not soft toss or in any way hit baseballs directly into a fence or outside of any batting cage net. This is a safety priority. Soft
toss only in designated areas.
Hobgood Baseball Common Safety Rules
A. No climbing on or swinging from trees or fences. This includes in dugouts.
B. No pets of any kind are permitted on the Hobgood Park campus.
C. No throwing of balls or swinging of bats in any blacktop areas of the park.
D. Bicycles, Roller Blades, Skateboards, Scooters, Riding toys, etc., are not permitted in the park during practices and games.
Field Usage Rules
A. When fields are closed as posted on the Hobgood website, both infield and outfield areas are closed unless noted otherwise.
Unless specifically mentioned, batting cages are available. The use of any field when closed is prohibited.
B. The use of infields is prohibited after such fields have been prepared for play. No activity is to take place in the infield other than
pregame warm up by the teams about to play.
C. The home team or last practice must remove bases after the final activity of the day. Remove the bases if another team is not on
time to begin the next scheduled practice. Refer to the Hobgood website for all post session field responsibilities.
D. Teams are responsible for making sure their dugouts and fan stands are cleaned out at the end of each practice and game.
E. No balls other than plastic balls are to be hit or thrown directly into any fence (including batting cage nets).
F.
Batting cages are to be used for batting practice. Batting practice prior to games may NOT be taken on any field.
G. L Screens are NOT to be removed from any batting cage at any time.
H. Portable mounds should be moved only by permission from a Board member. If such permission is granted, the mound must be
returned to assigned distance once approved activity is completed.
I.
All team members (including coaches) must enter and exit the playing field from the appropriate dugout gate
J.
Any catcher using bullpen areas must use appropriate safety equipment.
K. All equipment is to be kept inside the dugout during games.
L. Post-game team meetings will be held off the playing field (i.e. the common area).
M. On deck batters are to be sent to the 1st base side when the current batter is a lefty and the 3rd base side when the current batter is a
righty.
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Pitching Guidelines
Hobgood Baseball, Inc. is a Dizzy Dean sanctioned park and enforces the pitching guidelines as approved in the Dizzy Dean rule
book. The only exception is the Dizzy Dean reentry rule which is not currently enforced at Hobgood Park.
DIZZY DEAN PITCHING GUIDELINES
MAXIMUM PITCHING INNINGS
Per
Per
Per Day Without
Max Innings
Required
AGE
Week
Tournament
Requiring Rest
Per Day
Rest
9-10
8
12
3
7
48 Hrs
11-12
10
14
3
7
48 Hrs
13-14
12
16
4
10
36 Hrs
15-17
14
18
4
10
24 Hrs
*Required rest is from the time the pitcher exits the mound until the time he can return
**Hobgood weeks begin on Saturday and end on Friday
In addition to the Dizzy Dean rules, Hobgood Baseball, Inc. enforces a daily pitch count without regard to the inning count in an effort
to promote safety for young pitchers. A pitcher reaching maximum pitches in a day must take the required rest regardless of innings
pitched.
HOBGOOD MAXIMUM PITCHES PER DAY
AGE
Per Day
9-10
75
11-12
85
13-14
95
15-17
105
Exceptions:
1. If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed for his age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until that batter’s appearance is
completed.
2. Intentional walks do not count toward pitch count.
General Rules
A. Home team will occupy the dugout on the first-base side of the field.
B. Away team will bat first.
C. Each game will be officiated by an umpire. The decision of the umpire is final.
D. The home team is responsible for operating the score board and maintaining the official book of record including pitch counts.
Offense
A. Each team will complete a lineup (batting order) prior to each game and use the same lineup through the entire game. The lineup
will rotate through all players on the team. Players that arrive after the start of the game will be placed at the end of the lineup in the
order of their arrival.
B. Following a hit, the runners may advance until the defensive team has effectively stopped the lead runner. See 6U exception.
C. Runners may not advance following the third out.
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Safety Concerns
A. It is a safety violation to allow bat swinging in any common pedestrian area. This includes the areas directly behind all dugouts
and in general, includes most areas outside of field fences. Manager and coaches should supervise all bat work. Safety is
everyone's responsibility.
B. When lightning is sighted at anytime during any field activity, the field shall be cleared until no lightning has been sighted for a
period of at least fifteen minutes.
C. No stones or rocks are allowed to be thrown in the park.
D. No digging on any baseball field at Hobgood. Anyone caught digging may be subject to a one game suspension.
Operations
A. Extreme caution should be exercised in the parking lots in and around the park. Personal vehicles are allowed only in designated
parking areas. Vehicles not parked in designated areas are subject to tow. No parking on unpaved areas at Bascomb unless it is a
graveled lot.
B. No one is allowed on school property (including the parking lot) before 5:30PM at Bascomb or 5:45PM at Carmel on school days.
C. Field closings will be posted on the Hobgood web site. Anyone entering a closed field will be suspended for his next two
scheduled games.
D. The park (i.e., fields and cages) will be closed on the day before Opening Day. All fields and cages will be closed.
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