MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
BASEBALL FORMAT- Updated on June 10 2013
TEE BALL
A. Type of Competition. The Youth Sports Program will conduct a league in this format for the benefit of
the Youth Sports participants. The competition will be open to registered participants. The league
will be in a single or double round robin format depending on the number of participants, facilities, and
time available to conduct the league. Tee Ball will have no post league tournament.
B. Rules. The Little League Baseball rules will apply as modified by these by-laws or by the Youth
Sports Coordinator.
C. Team size. Teams will consist of both male and female players when applicable. Teams will be
limited to fifteen (15) players, a Head Coach, and Assistant Coach (es). The addition of players to a
team will be left up to the discretion of the Youth Sports Coordinator. A team will consist of ten field
players: four outfielders and six infielders, to include a catcher and a pitcher. A team may play with
eight players.
D. Awards. One individual award will be provided for each member of each participating team to include
the coach and assistant coach.
E. Officials. There will be one official provided for each game. The Officials presence is to control the
game, apply rules and regulations, and to assist in explanation of the rules. If an official is not
available, coaches on both teams will be responsible for the safety of the game and to start and end
the game on time. No forfeits
F. By-laws. Games will be held in accordance with the following by-laws:
1. Games will be sixty- (60) minutes long.
2. No scores will be kept in this division. Emphasis is placed on maximum participation.
3. Teams will be required to exchange team rosters between coaches prior to each game in order to
maintain proper batting order and ensure minimum playing time for each player.
4. Pitchers will stand with both feet in the pitching circle until the batter has hit the ball. If the pitcher
is out of the pitching circle when the ball is hit and the batter is put out prior to reaching first base,
the umpire will call dead ball and the batter will be required to hit again. If this occurs and the
batter reaches first base safely there will be no violation called. However, the umpire will warn
the defensive coach of the pitchers position.
5. The ground rule double is in effect when the batted ball crosses the outfield line. The defensive
player must retrieve the ball and hold it over his or her head to signal the ball had crossed the
line. The umpire will stop play and advance the runners accordingly and the batter ending on
second base.
6. A player playing an outfield position may not encroach into the infield area.
7. No infielder will be closer to home plate than the safety line until after the ball has been batted.
8. When a ball is hit, a player must retrieve the ball and make a play to one of the bases before time
can be called and play stopped. Players may not retrieve the ball and immediately hold it over
their head to stop play.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
9. Each batter is entitled to five swings if on the fifth swing the ball is not struck; the batter will be
called out. If the ball is hit foul on the fifth swing, the batter will be allowed one more swing.
10. When a batted ball fails to travel past the ten-foot arc, it is considered a foul ball.
11. The batter is not allowed to bunt or take a half-swing. If the umpire judges that this has occurred,
he or she will call a dead ball and the batter will be given a strike.
a) Each team is entitled to bat the entire roster. The side at bat will retire when all
players have batted.
12. Base runners will stay in contact with the bases until the ball is batted. When the base runners
have advanced as far as possible without being put out and play has stopped, the umpire will call
time to set up the next batter.
13. Base stealing is not permitted.
14. Where there is no outfield fence at the proper distance and a line will be marked, ground rule
double will be in effect.
15. There will be a line drawn in an arc ten feet from the rear of home plate towards the pitcher’s
mound, extending from the first base to third base foul lines.
16. The defensive team is entitled to have two coaches on the field to position and instruct players.
17. The offensive team will be entitled to three base coaches and one batting coach. The batting
coach will be responsible for adjusting the batting tee and removing it from the area of play after
the ball is batted. Failure to do so, and in the case of a play at home plate, the offensive player
involved will be called out and the run will not score.
18. When playing the position of catcher, the player is required to wear a facemask with
helmet, and throat guard as proper gear.
19. The wearing of Metal cleats will not be authorized.
20. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) will supply numbered jerseys, and team equipment to
the teams. The MCCS uniforms will be the only uniform authorized during games. All team
equipment is the responsibility of the coach.
21. Personal equipment may be used. Only official markings “Little League” will be authorized and
must be stated on each item of equipment.
22. Sliding is not permitted on any field where the bases are anchored (i.e. first base). Players will
always slide at home plate when home plate is involved in the play. For example, if the catcher is
in a position to “protect” the plate, or if a ball is being thrown, in the air, directly or indirectly
towards home plate. There will be NO head first sliding.
Coach Pitch
A. Type of Competition. The Youth Sports Program will conduct a league in this format for the benefit of
the Youth Sports participants. The competition will be open to registered participants. This league
will be in a single or double round robin format depending on the number of participants, facilities, and
time available to conduct the league. Coach Pitch will have no post league tournament.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
B. Rules. The Little League Baseball rules will apply as modified by these by-laws or by the Youth
Sports Coordinator.
C. Team size. Teams will consist of both male and female players when applicable. Teams will be
limited to fifteen (15) players, a Head Coach, and Assistant Coach (es). The addition of players to a
team will be left up to the discretion of the Youth Sports Coordinator. A team will consist of ten field
players; four outfielders and six infielders, to include a catcher and a pitcher. A team may play with
eight players.
D. Awards. One individual award will be provided for each member of each participating team to include
the coach and assistant coach.
E. Officials. There will be one official provided for each game. The Officials presence is to control the
game, apply rules and regulations, and to assist in explanation of the rules. If an official is not
available, coaches on both teams will be responsible for the safety of the game and to start and end
the game on time. No forfeits
F. By-laws. Games will be held in accordance with the following by-laws:
1. Games will be seventy-five (75) minutes long.
2. No scores will be kept in this division. Emphasis is placed on maximum participation.
3. Team rosters will be exchanged between coaches to maintain proper batting order and to ensure
minimum playing time for each player.
4. An adult of the offensive team will pitch to the batters of the offensive team. The pitcher will hold
five balls in a glove or in their hand, the pitcher will pitch one ball at a time until the batter bats the
ball, strikes out, or all five balls have been pitched. Once this has been completed and play
stops, the catcher will return the pitched balls to the pitcher.
5. Both the adult and the youth pitcher must keep both feet in the pitcher circle until the ball has
been batted.
6. The adult pitcher will not pitch until the umpire has signaled for the pitch. The ball will be pitched
in such a manner as to allow the batter to hit.
7. If the youth pitcher is out of the pitching circle when the ball is batted and the batter is put out
prior to reaching first base, the umpire will call dead ball and the batter will be required to bat
again. If this occurs and the batter reaches first base safely, there will be no violation called.
However, the umpire will warn the defensive coach of the pitcher’s position.
8. The ground rule double is in effect when the batted ball crosses the outfield line. The defensive
player must retrieve the ball and hold it over his or her head to signal the ball had crossed the
line. The umpire will stop play and advance the runners accordingly with the batter ending on
second base.
9. A player assigned as an outfielder may not encroach into the infield area.
10. No infielder will be closer to home plate than the safety line until after the ball has been batted.
11. When a ball is hit, a player must retrieve the ball and make a play to one of the bases before time
can be called and play stopped. Players may not retrieve the ball and immediately hold it over
their head to stop play.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
12. Each batter is entitled to five (5) pitches. The batter must attempt to hit or swing at three (3) of
the five pitches.
13. The batter will be called out when the fifth pitch is hit foul, swung at and missed, or not swung at
all by the batter.
14. When a batted ball fails to travel past the ten-foot arc, it is considered a foul ball.
15. The batter is not allowed to bunt or take a half-swing. If the umpire judges that this has occurred,
he or she will call a dead ball and the batter will be given a strike.
16. Each team is entitled to bat the entire roster. The side at bat will retire when all players have
batted.
17. Base runners will stay in contact with the bases until the ball is batted. When the base runners
have advanced as far as possible without being put out and play has stopped, the umpire will call
time to prepare for the next batter.
18. Base stealing is not permitted.
19. When there is no outfield fence at the proper distance and a line has been marked, the ground
rule double will be in effect.
20. There will be a line drawn in an arc ten feet from the rear of home plate towards the pitcher’s
mound, extending from the first base to third base foul lines.
21. When playing the position of catcher, the player is required to wear a facemask with
helmet, throat guard, chest protector, and leg/shin guards.
22. The wearing of metal cleats will not be authorized.
23. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) will supply numbered jerseys, and team equipment to
the teams. The Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) uniforms will be the only uniform
authorized during games. All team equipment is the responsibility of the coach.
24. Personal equipment may be used. Only official markings “Little League” will be authorized and
must be stated on each item of equipment.
25. Sliding is not permitted on any field where the bases are anchored (i.e. 1st base). Players will
always slide at home plate when home plate is involved in the play. For example, if the catcher is
in a position to “protect” the plate, or if a ball is being thrown, in the air, directly or indirectly
towards home plate. There will be NO head first sliding.
Minor Division
A. Type of Competition. The Youth Sports Program will conduct a league in this format for the benefit of
the Youth Sports participants. The competition will be open to registered participants. The league
will be in a single or double round robin format depending on the number of participants, facilities, and
time available to conduct the league. Minor Division will include a post-season tournament and will
be determined by the Youth Sports Coordinator if it is to be a single elimination format.
B. Rules. The Little League Baseball rules will apply as modified by these by-laws or by the Youth
Sports Coordinator.
C. Team size. Teams will be limited to fifteen (15) players, a Head Coach, and Assistant Coach (es).
The addition of players to a team will be left up to the discretion of the Youth Sports Coordinator. A
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
team will consist of nine field players; three outfielders and six infielders, to include a catcher and a
pitcher.
D. Awards:
1. In league, one individual award will be provided for each member of each participating team to
include the coach and assistant coach.
2. In tournament play, one individual award for each member of the first and second place team, to
include the coach and assistant coach.
E. Officials. There will be two officials used during all games during league and tournament play, except
during the championship games. The game may be played with only one official. Championship
games will use three officials per game. The official’s presence is to control the game, apply rules,
and regulations, and to assist in explanation of the rules.
F. By-laws. Games will be held in accordance with the following by-laws:
1. Games will be ninety (90) minutes in length or 6 innings. A game may be considered complete
after (3) full innings of play for the following reasons:
i. An excessive amount of injuries or if the game is compromising the safety of the
players
ii. Inclement weather
iii. Forfeit by either team
iv. Power Outage (applicable to only night games and/or field(s) with lights
2. Scores will be kept and recorded in this division.
3. Games will be complete when one of the following scenarios occurs:
a) The ninety-minute (90min) time limit expires. Exception: The Home team, if losing, will
have the opportunity to bat their half of the inning, in order to have a chance to tie, or
score the maximum allowed runs per inning.
b) The ten (10) run mercy rule: This rule will be in effect upon completing the fourth (4th)
inning. This means that if one team is leading by ten or more points after the completion
of the fourth inning, the umpire will call the game.
c) The completion of the sixth (6) inning of the game.
4. There will be a five – (5) run rule limit per inning. The conclusion of any game will be decided
with the last inning and will be determined by either, time limit (90 min), the ten (10) run mercy
rule, or the sixth (6) inning of a game. After the fifth run in one inning, the teams will change
sides regardless of the number of outs.
a) Home team, if losing, will have the opportunity to bat their half of the inning, to make
three outs, tie, or win the game with using maximum runs.
5. All fields with double bags will play accordingly.
6. A runner may start for the next base after the pitcher delivers the ball and has crossed the plate.
Leading off bases is not permitted.
7. During regular season play, a tie will remain a tie.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
8. During tournament play, extra innings will be played to break a tie regardless of the official time.
International rules will apply during all extra innings in a tie game (the last batter of the previous
inning will become a runner on second base).
9. The wearing of Metal cleats will NOT be authorized on the field.
10. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) will supply numbered jerseys and team equipment to
all teams. The MCCS uniforms will be the only uniform authorized during games. All team
equipment is the responsibility of the coach.
11. When playing the position of catcher, the player is required to wear a facemask with helmet,
throat guard, chest protector, leg/shin guards, and a protective cup.
12. Personal equipment may be used. Only official markings “Little League” will be authorized and
must be stated on each item of equipment.
13. Sliding is not permitted on any field where the bases are anchored (i.e. first base). Players will
always slide at home plate when home plate is involved in the play. For example, if the catcher is
in a position to “protect” the plate, or if a ball is being thrown, in the air/on the ground, directly or
indirectly towards home plate. There will be NO head first sliding.
14. If the pitcher hits any batter for the first time they will be warned. If they hit another batter in the
same inning, they will be reassigned to another position for the remainder of the game. Only a
total of three (3) dead balls per game will be allowed.
15. Head Coaches & Assistant Coaches who have registered with the SFYS Program Office and
registered players will be the only authorized personnel on a team’s sideline & dugout during a
game. Parents, siblings, spectators and “bat boys/bat girls” will not be permitted to enter the
dugout.
16. The distance between bases will be 60ft and the distance from the pitcher’s mound to home plate
will be 46ft.
Major Division
A. Type of Competition. The Youth Sports Program will conduct a league in this format for the benefit of
the Youth Sports participants. The competition will be open to registered participants. The league will
single, double or round robin format depending on the number of participants, facilities, and time
available to conduct the league. Major Division will include a post-season tournament and will be a
single elimination format.
B. Rules. The Little League Baseball rules will apply as modified by these by-laws or by the Youth
Sports Coordinator. The Official Regulations and Playing Rules of the “BOY’S MINOR LEAGUE” will
govern the Major Division.
C. Team size. Teams will be limited to fifteen (15) players, a Head Coach, and Assistant Coaches. The
addition of players to a team will be left up to the discretion of the Youth Sports Coordinator. A team
will consist of nine field players; three outfielders and six infielders, to include a catcher and a pitcher.
A team may play with eight players but if a ninth batter is used, that player will be declared as an out.
D. Awards.
1. In league, one individual award will be provided for each member of each participating team.
2. In tournament play, one individual award for each member of the first and second place team,
to include the coach and assistant coach(s).
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
E. Officials. There will be two officials used during all games during league and tournament play, except
during the championship games. The game may be played with only one official. Championship
games will use three officials per game. The official’s presence is to control the game, apply rules
and regulations, and to assist in explanation of the rules.
F. By-laws. Games will be held in accordance with the following by-laws:
1. Games will be ninety (90) minutes in length or 6 innings. A game may be considered
complete
after three (3) full innings of play for the following reasons:
i. An excessive amount of injuries or the game play is compromising the safety of
the game
ii. Inclement weather
iii. Forfeit by either team
iv. Power outages (Applicable to only night games and/or field(s) with lights
2. Scores will be kept and recorded in this division.
3. Games will be complete when one of the following scenarios occurs:
a)
The ninety-minute (90min) time limit expires. Exception: The Home team, if losing, will
have the opportunity to bat their half of the inning, to make three outs, or score the
maximum number of runs in order to win or tie a game.
b)
The ten (10) run mercy rule: This rule will be in effect upon completing the fourth (4th)
inning. This means that if one team is leading by ten or more points after the completion
of the fourth inning, the umpire will call the game.
c) The completion of the sixth (6) inning of the game.
4. There will be a five – (5) run rule limit per inning. The conclusion of any game will be decided
with the last inning and will be determined by either, time limit (90 min), the ten (10) run
mercy rule, or the sixth (6) inning of a game. After the fifth run in one inning, the teams will
change sides regardless of the number of outs.
a) Home team, if losing, will have the opportunity to bat their half of the inning, to make
three outs, tie, or if able to win with the maximum runs per inning allotted.
5. All fields with double bags will play accordingly.
6. A runner may start for the next base after the pitcher delivers the ball and has crossed the
plate. Leading off bases is not permitted.
7. During regular season play, a tie will remain a tie.
8. During tournament play, extra innings will be played to break a tie regardless of the official
time. International rules will apply during all extra innings in a tie game (the last batter of the
previous inning will become a runner on second base).
9. The wearing of Metal cleats is not authorized.
10. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) will supply numbered jerseys, and team
equipment to the teams. The MCCS uniforms will be the only uniform authorized during
games. All team equipment is the responsibility of the coach.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
11. Personal equipment may be used. Only official markings “Little League” will be authorized
and must be stated on each item of equipment.
12. Sliding is not permitted on any field where the bases are anchored (i.e. first base). Players
will always slide at home plate when home plate is involved in the play. For example, if the
catcher is in a position to “protect” the plate, or if a ball is being thrown, in the air/on the
ground, directly or indirectly towards home plate. There will be NO head first sliding.
13. When playing the position of catcher, the player is required to wear a facemask with helmet,
throat guard, chest protector, leg/shin guards and protective cup.
14. If the pitcher hits any batter for the first time they will be warned. If they hit another batter in
the same inning, they will be reassigned to another position for the remainder of the game.
Only a total of 3 dead balls per game will be allowed.
15. Head Coaches & Assistant Coaches who have registered with the SFYS Program Office and
registered players will be the only authorized personnel on a team’s sideline & dugout during
a game. Parents, siblings, spectators and “bat boys/bat girls” will not be permitted to enter the
dugout.
16. The distance from home plate and the pitcher’s mound will be 46ft. Distance between bases
will be 60ft.
Junior Division
A. Type of Competition. The Youth Sports Program will conduct a league in this format for the benefit of the
Youth Sports participants. The competition will be open to registered participants. The league will be in a
single or double round robin format depending on the number of participants, facilities, and time available
to conduct the league. Junior Division will include a post-season tournament and will be single
elimination format.
B. Rules. The Little League Baseball rules will apply as modified by these by-laws or by the Youth Sports
Coordinator. The Official Regulations and Playing Rules of the “JUNIOR LEAGUE” will govern the Junior
Division.
C. Team size. Teams will be limited to fifteen (15) players, a Head Coach, and Assistant Coaches. The
addition of players to a team will be left up to the discretion of the Youth Sports Coordinator. A team will
consist of nine field players; three outfielders and six infielders, to include a catcher and a pitcher. A team
may play with eight players. If a team is to bat a ninth player, that batter will be declared as an out.
D. Awards.
1. In league, one individual award will be provided for each member of each participating team.
2. In tournament play, one individual award for each member of the first and second place team
E. Officials. There will be two officials used during all games during league and tournament play, except
during the championship games. The game may be played with only one official. Championship games
will use three officials per game. The official’s presence is to control the game, enforce regulations, and
to assist in explanation of any rule.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
F. By-laws. Games will be held in accordance with the following by-laws:
1. Games will be considered complete after four (4) full innings of play and/or when one of the
following scenarios occurs:
i. An excessive amount of injuries or if the style and game play compromise the safety of
the players
ii. Inclement weather
iii. Forfeit by either team
iv. Power outage (applicable to only night games and/or field(s) with lights
2. Games will be one hundred and twenty minutes (120 min) in duration.
3. The ten (10) run mercy rule: This rule will be in effect upon completing the fifth (5th) inning. This
means that if one team is leading by ten or more points after the completion of the fifth inning, the
umpire will call the game.
4. The completion of the seventh (7) inning of the game.
5. Scores will be kept and recorded in this division.
6. A balk:
a)
The pitcher, while touching the plate, makes any motion naturally associated with
the pitch and fails to make such delivery.
b)
The pitcher, while touching the plate, fakes a throw to first base and fails to
complete the throw.
c)
The pitcher, while touching the plate, fails to step directly toward a base before
throwing to that base.
d)
The pitcher while touching the plate throws or fakes a throw to an unoccupied
base, except for the purpose of making a play; the pitcher makes an illegal pitch.
NOTE: A quick pitch is an illegal pitch. Umpires will judge a quick pitch as one
delivered before the batter is reasonably set in the batter’s box. With
runners on base the penalty is a balk; with no runners on base, it is a ball.
(See exceptions in “PENALTY.”)
e)
The pitcher delivers the ball to the batter while not facing the batter; the pitcher
makes any motion naturally associated with the pitch while not touching the
pitcher’s plate.
f)
The pitcher unnecessarily delays the game.
g)
The pitcher, without having the ball, stands on or straddles (standing over) the
pitcher’s plate or while off this plate said pitcher fakes a pitch; the pitcher, after
coming to a legal pitching position, removes one hand from the ball other than in
an actual pitch, or in throwing to a base.
h)
The pitcher, while touching the plate, accidentally or intentionally drops the ball.
i)
The pitcher, while giving intentional base on balls, pitches when the catcher is
not in the catcher’s box.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
j)
k)
The pitcher delivers the pitch from set position without coming to a stop.
The penalty for balking is:
i.
The ball is declared dead and each runner advances one base without
liability to be put out. Unless the batter reaches first on a hit, an error, a
base on balls, a hit batter or otherwise, and all other runners advance at
least one base in which case the play proceeds without reference to the
balk. When a balk is called if pitch is delivered it will be considered neither
a ball nor strike unless the pitch is ball four (4) awarding the batter first base
and forcing all runners on base to advance.
7. There will be a seven – (7) run rule limit per inning. The conclusion of any game will be determined by
either, time limit (120 min), the ten (10) run mercy rule, or the seventh (7th) inning of a game. After
the seventh run in one inning, the teams will change sides regardless of the number of outs.
a)
Home team, if losing, will have the opportunity to bat their half of the inning, to
make three outs, tie or if able to win the game given the maximum runs per
inning allotted.
8. All fields with double bags will play accordingly.
9. Stealing of bases is allowed. A runner is permitted to lead off and may start for the next base before
the pitcher delivers the ball. Balks will be called.
10. During regular season play, a tie will remain a tie.
11. During tournament play, extra innings will be played to break a tie regardless of the official time.
International rules will apply during all extra innings in a tie game (the last batter of the previous
inning will become a runner on second base).
12. The wearing of Metal cleats is NOT authorized.
13. Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS) will supply numbered jerseys, and team equipment to the
teams. The MCCS uniforms will be the only uniform authorized during games. All team equipment is
the responsibility of the coach.
14. Personal equipment may be used. Only official markings of “BBCORE” will be authorized and must
be stated on each item of equipment.
15. Sliding is not permitted on any field where the bases are anchored (i.e. first base). Players will
always slide at home plate when home plate is involved in the play. For example, if the catcher is in a
position to “protect” the plate, or if a ball is being thrown, in the air/on the ground, directly or indirectly
towards home plate. There will be NO head first sliding.
16. When playing the position of catcher, the player is required to wear a facemask with helmet, throat
guard, chest protector, leg/shin guards and protective cup.
17. If the pitcher hits any batter for the first time they will be warned. If they hit another batter in the same
inning, they will be reassigned to another position for the remainder of the game. Only a total of 3
dead balls per game will be allowed.
18. Head Coaches & Assistant Coaches who have registered with the SFYS Program Office and
registered players will be the only authorized personnel on a team’s sideline & dugout during a game.
Parents, siblings, spectators and “bat boys/bat girls” will not be permitted to enter the dugout.
19. The base distance will be 75 feet or set at the discretion of the youth sports coordinator.
MCCS SOP XX-02, Subj: YOUTH SPORTS PROGRAM
20. The distance between the front side of the pitcher’s plate and home base (the rear point of home
plate) shall be 54 feet.