ST. MARGARET’S
BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
LEAGUE RULES
2011
ST MARGARET’S BASEBALL/SOFTBALL LEAGUE
81 College Road
Selden, NY 11784
Phone: 631-828-8331
smbaseball@optonline.net
Board Members/Commissioners
President - Bob Vath
Vice President- Pete Taddonio
Treasurer – Pete Taddonio
Umpire Coordinator – Pete Vath
Sponsorships – Mike Spinelli
Field Maintenance – Keith Hodge
Field Maintenance – Joe Vath
Equipment Manager – Anthony Gangi
Recording Secretary – Keith Hodge
Softball Commissioner – Franco frantellizzi
ST. MARGARET’S BASEBALL/SOFTBALL RULES
These rules have been adopted for Local League use only.
1. ALL DIVISIONS: All coaches must be Virtus certified or will
not be allowed to be on the playing field.
(a) League umpires have full authority and responsibility to call a
game due to darkness, inclement weather, unruly spectators, or
players, or any situation he deems detrimental to the safety and well
being of the players. If lightning is observed the umpire will
automatically call the game.
(b) The actions of players, managers, coaches, umpires, and league
officials must be above reproach. Any player, manager, coach,
umpire or league representative who is involved in a verbal or
physical altercation, or an incident of unsportsmanlike conduct, at
the game site or any other Little League activity, is subject to
disciplinary action by the Board of Directors.
2. (a) Waiting time due to inclement weather shall be ½ hour before
the umpire can officially call the game, unless field conditions
warrant immediate cancellations. Do not leave the field until the
umpire officially calls the game.
(b) RAINOUTS; DARKNESS:
Games postponed due to rain or darkness will be rescheduled at the
earliest possible date. Any game that is suspended after one full
inning is completed, will resume for the exact point of stoppage
unless an official game is declared. Any game that is suspended
with less than one full inning completed will be declared no contest.
And will be replayed in its entirety.
(c) An official game will be three innings unless the home team is
ahead, then it is 3 ½ innings. All games will be six innings.
3. (a) All games will start promptly at the scheduled time.
(b) The 6U and 8U Baseball Division will have a 1 hour and 45
minute time limit.
(c) The 10U and 12U Baseball and 10U and 14U Softball
Division will have a 2 hour time limit. At 2 hours the inning will
be completed if necessary and game will end.
(d) Time limit rule starts at the scheduled time. Only exception
is field conditions, league or umpire fault.
However the umpire may call the game short if, in his judgment, a
complete inning cannot be completed before darkness sets in. No
dispute or protest of his call will be entertained. His judgment is
final. If play is halted before a complete inning is achieved, all
scores will revert back to the last complete inning, providing the
game is official.
4. All players participating in a game must be in complete uniform
that include hats, sneakers, rubber spikes, and socks. All jerseys are
to be tucked into pants. Jackets, sweaters, sweatshirts are to be
worn under jersey. Exception: Pitchers running the bases will be
permitted to wear a jacket only when on the base path or in the
dugout. No jewelry permitted (earrings, chains, watches, etc.) And
must be removed prior to the game.
All male players must wear a protective cup while participating in
all practices and games.
5. Each team must be able to field a minimum of (8) players.
6. Any team unable to field a team within 15 minutes after the
scheduled starting time will automatically forfeit the game.
Scrimmage with umpire allowed. Once scrimmage starts regular
game is forfeited.
7. The home team shall occupy the dugout on the first base side of the
diamond & be responsible to line the field. Visiting team will spike
down the bases at 60 feet. After completion of game both sides are
to be responsible to bring all equipment and bases to the shed and
lock the shed once completed.
8. Teams will be limited to one manager and two adult coaches during
games.
9. The offensive team may have two adult coaches on the coaching
lines, as long as one adult remains in the dugout area.
10.All equipment must remain in the dugout when not in use.
11.Coaches and managers must remain in the dugout area except when
coaching the base paths or time out is called.
12.All players and player coaches must wear batting helmets when at
bat, on the base paths, or on coaching lines. One on-deck batter is
permitted only in the designated area.
13.All players must remain in the dugout area while the game is in
progress. No player is permitted outside the confines of the playing
area during games. The rule applies to all reserve players not
participating in the game. The manager is responsible to enforce
this rule.
14.A rotating batting order will be used by all teams. This means that
all children on each team that are present at each game will be
placed in the official batting order and be permitted to bat in
numerical order without any change to that order throughout the
game, whether or not they are playing in the field. If a player is late,
he/she is put at the bottom of the batting order. No pinch-hitting
permitted. Start of the game is when the first pitch is thrown. There
is NO maximum 10 batter rule.
15.No pinch running. In the event of any injury to the runner, the last
batted out must run for the injured runner. A pitcher who is pinch
run for cannot continue to pitch. A courtesy runner for the catcher
with two outs is allowed. With two outs, Manager must assign &
dress catcher.
16.SLIDING: All runners should slide and avoid collisions at all
times. All managers should instruct players that when in doubt, they
should slide. No head first sliding is permitted. The only exception
is returning to a base. BASE RUNNERS MUST SLIDE ON A
BANG BANG PLAY TO HOME PLATE OR WILL BE CALLED
OUT.IT WILL BE THE UMPIRES DISCRETION ON WHAT A
BANG BANG PLAY IS. No fake tags this will be considered
obstruction. All position players must give a sliding lane when not
in possession of ball or will be call for obstruction and player called
safe.
17.THROWN BAT: A violently thrown bat will result in a dead ball
and an out called. A bat thrown not deemed violent or dangerous by
umpires discretion will result in one warning to the player.
Thereafter the player will be called out and result in a dead ball.
18.RUN RULE: 15 runs ahead after 4 innings or 10 runs ahead after 5
innings game is over. (Home Team Must Bat)
19.Coaches and managers are permitted to warm-up pitchers. Players
must wear masks as a minimum of protection.
20.Game Report: Both managers, at the conclusion of the game, will
call in scores, the names of all pitchers used, the total innings they
pitched, and the pitch count to the league “game disposition” phone
box.
21.Prior to leaving the fields, all teams are responsible for the cleanup
of dugout area at the conclusion of each game.
22.Protests should be avoided if possible. Managers should use
discretion when a protest situation arises, especially when an
ineligible pitcher is placed on the mound-when in doubt ask-do not
wait until the end of the game. If opposing manager is aware of this
infraction, he must notify the umpire before pitcher throws the
pitch.
23.We play on private property and must respect it at all times.
Therefore, no alcoholic beverages will be permitted on the property
at any time. There is no tobacco on school or town grounds. (school
and town rule)*Please note NO PARKING ON GRASS OR CURB
SIDE AT NEW LANE SCHOOL.
24.(a) The use of foul or abusive language by any player or league
official will subject that individual to immediate reprimand or
ejection, and can carry a suspension into the next game, or games as
determined by the Board of Directors.
(b) Any parent or spectator or league official who uses foul or
abusive language or causes disruption before, during or after the
game will be cause for suspension from the league. Managers are
responsible to control spectator’s conduct.
(c) Any player or coach who abused equipment will be subject to
immediate ejection from the game and will face a 1 game
suspension without prior warning.
(d) Any league member who or visitor who causes any damage to
public, private, or league property will be prosecuted.
(e) All complaints should be submitted to the Player Agent in
writing. All complaints will be reviewed, by the Board of Directors,
within 5 days.
25.Any manager, coach or player ejected from a game is suspended for
their next physically played game.
ST. MARGARET’S ADDITIONAL BASEBALL RULES
1. 6U Baseball Division:
Tee will be used after 7 pitches.
The offensive team Manager/Coach will pitch to their team.
No walks
No score
All players will take the field.
All players will bat in each half inning.
*No more than 7 pitches will be thrown to a batter without contact and 10
with contact. Coaches must use a Tee at that point.
2.8U Baseball Division:
No Umpires
No Walks
Steal of one base per inning only when the player is pitching. No
stealing of home plate.
No Batting Around (once every player in the batting order gets up the
inning is over.)
The Offensive Teams Manager/Coach will call balls and strikes while
standing behind the pitcher. After four balls the coach will pitch until
the third strike or the ball is put in play.
40’ pitching mound
3.10U Baseball Division
Will follow Official Little League rules with the exception of rules
listed in this guide.
No double steals
No composite bats- Hybrids are acceptable
4.12U Baseball Division
Will follow Official Little League rules with the exception of rules
listed in this guide
5. Infield fly rule 10U and 12U Division only.
6. STEALS:
10U Baseball Division: Unlimited Steals-No Double Steals
permitted and no advancement of any base runner on a catchers
overthrow. Player can advance on catchers pick off throw to any base
and throw back to pitcher.
12U Baseball Division: Unlimited Steals, Double Steals and
Advancement on Overthrows allowed.
7. Bat may not exceed 33 inches in length 21/4 inches in diameter.
*NJBL website to be used for any clarifications WWW.NJBL.COM*
8. Pitching distance is to be set at 41 feet, with the bases at 60 feet for
the 8U Baseball Division.
Pitching distance is to be set at 46 feet, with the bases at 60 feet for
the 10U and 12U Baseball Division.
Pitchers in 10U and 12U Baseball must adhere to the following
rest requirements as described by the following pitch counts:
1-20 pitches in a day no rest required.
21-40 pitches in a day 1 calendar day of rest.
41-60 pitches in a day 2 calendar days of rest.
61 pitches in a day 3 calendar days of rest.
 Any pitcher in the 10 through 12 year old division who pitches
more than 50 pitches in one game is not permitted to pitch the
next game.

U-12 pitch count rule subject to change due to inter leaguing.
To be discussed at coaches meeting

8U Division pitcher must be removed after the pitcher reaches 50
pitches or 2 innings in game. (May exceed to finish current batter)
10U Division pitcher must be removed after the pitcher reaches 75
pitches per day. (May exceed to finish current batter)
12U Division pitcher must be removed after the pitcher reaches 85
pitches per day. (May exceed to finish current batter)
Pitcher cannot pitch in consecutive games once he throws over 50
pitches in a game. (May exceed to finish current batter) ONLY
EXCEPTION IS IF NEXT GAME IS POSTPONED HE MAY
PITCH IN THE NEXT SCHEDULED GAME.
There are no Balks.
Removed pitchers may not return to the mound or play catcher.
Hit Batter Rule: 3 hit batters per inning or 4 total hit batters in a
game and the pitcher must be removed.
9. All Players must play in every game. No player shall sit for more
than one inning in a row. Players must not be submitted mid-inning,
except for pitching change or injury.
ST. MARGARET’S ADDITIONAL SOFTBALL RULES
 Pitching distance is to be set at 43 feet, with the bases at 60 feet
 Pitching limit is 6 innings per week.14year old players cannot pitch.
 All Players must play in every game. All players must play a
minimum of 3 innings. Players must not be submitted mid-inning,
except for pitching change or injury.
 The pitcher's circle is an 8 foot radius around the pitching rubber
 PITCHING: Both feet must start on rubber. No crow hopping.(can
drag foot. Feet must remain on ground. Pitchers will be warned.
 CIRCLE RULE: Time is out when pitcher and only pitcher has ball
in circle for 3 seconds.
 CONTINUATION RULE: Runners must keep a continuous motion
any hesitation or stutter step is an out. Runner may head back to first
base on a throw to second base or first base.
 HIT BATTER: 3 hit batters in a game or 2 hit batters in one inning
pitcher must be removed. Pitcher removed from mound after hitting 2
batters may return to pitch in the next inning. Once that pitcher hits
one more batter equaling 3 for the game she must be removed.
10U Division: 2 stolen bases per inning any player. Stealing of home
is not permitted. No advance on over throw to a stolen base.
 10U Division: No CONTINUATION, No Infield fly, No Bunting.
 10U Division: 4 walks in inning Coach comes in to pitch. Coach
must pitch from rubber. Can strike out batter, Cannot walk batter.
 10U Division: No Batting Around (once every player in the batting
order gets up the inning is over.)

12 U Specific Rules
 Continuation rule applies
 3 Stolen bases per inning
 Stealing of home plate is permitted
 14U Specific Rules
 STEALS:
14U Division: Unlimited Steals, Double Steals and Advancement on
Overthrows allowed.
 Infield fly rule 14U Division only.
Coach Duties and Responsibilities
(10U, 12U baseball, and 10U, 14U softball only)
All winning and losing coaches must report scores and pitch counts after all
games, no exceptions. Each coach must report the other teams pitching stats
along with their own team stats. Both coaches must also report the name(s)
of the umpire(s) for the game.
There are two options for reporting scores:
Telephone 828-8331
Email smbaseball@optonline.net
The report must consist of the following information:
1.
date of the game
2.
score
3.
who won, who lost
4.
all pitchers used (both teams)
5.
pitchers full names
6.
umpire(s) name(s)
7.
number of pitches thrown
*Please report these scores before the next day
All coaches must wear league shirt and hat at all games.
All coaches must arrive at the fields 30 minutes prior to the start of the
game. The home team is responsible for lining the field. The visiting team
is responsible for spiking the bases. After the completion of the game, both
teams must put the bases away, turn off the lights, lock up the equipment
cages and clean the dugouts.
U-15 Travel –NJBL




Stealing upon release of ball
Dropped 3rd strike
Infield fly rule applies
Pitcher cannot put her hands together once she has separated them
to throw the ball
 Pitcher may not make more than two revolutions with her arm
before releasing the ball.
Typical Phone Call with Game Info
Hello, it is April 26th and I am John Doe coach of the 9-10 Yankees.
Today we won 7 to 5 against the Angels.
My pitchers were:
Joe Moore
25 pitches
Tom Smith
45 pitches
Bob White
12 pitches
The Angels pitchers were:
Jim Black
21 pitches
Mike Green
26 pitches
Eric Fox
44 pitches
NO scores or standings can be posted without the call being made.
Inclement Weather Instructions
When it rains either the night before or the day of the game you are
to call the league phone number 828-8331 for game disposition.
You can also check the league website:
www.leaguelineup.com/stmargarets
For weekday games starting at:
5:15pm
call at
4:15pm
7:15pm
call at
6:15pm
For Weekend games:
Call ONE HOURS before posted starting times
Very Important: Please hang up the phone after hearing game
dispositions. The voicemail mailbox will fill up and no
instructions can be obtained. Please inform all parents of this
problem as well.
When in doubt…if you are not sure…
Always instruct parents to show up at the field for further
instructions. It is better to send players home than forfeit a game.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Saint Margaret of Scotland
Minuteman Press
Michael Pam’s Black Belt Champions
Middle Country Automotive
Bissett Nursery Corp
Marinello Funeral Home
Giove Funeral Home
Jo Jo Bagels
Dr. Kardovich
Action Hobbies
CPS Financial Services
Joe Booker Allstate
Lighthouse Insurance Agency
Station Dental
Family Auto Parts
Sue Bohrer Braun All State Insurance
Superior Cesspool
DG Home Improvements
DeSena & Sweeney, LLP
Long Island Landscape design
Devitt Stellman Barrett-LLP
Michael Anthony’s Pizza
Sign-A-Rama
Dr. Joshua Rottenberg Orthodontics
Mercedes Benz of Smithtown
Centereach Pharmacy
Law offices of Brian Epstein and Tai Kim, PC
Special Thanks To
Legislator Tom Muratore