Spring 2014 Inter-League Baseball Rules
For purposes of this rulebook, the term “league” and “interleague” will refer to the
following associations:
The age groups of Pre-T thru Major will have “interleague” play consisted of:
 Collins Hill Athletic Association
 Dacula Athletic Association
 Mountain View Athletic Association
The Interleague will play according to modified Dixie Youth Baseball rules and
regulations. Any rule or action not covered in these league rules will revert to the
appropriate Dixie rulebook and/or Major League Baseball rulebook. For additional
information you are encouraged to go to the Dixie Baseball website (www.dixie.org).
The age groups of Pony/ Senior will have “interleague” play consisted of:
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Collins Hill Athletic Association
Dacula Athletic Association
Mountain View Athletic Association
Mill Creek Athletic Association
North Gwinnett Athletic Association
North Metro Athletics
The Interleague will play according to modified Dixie Boys Baseball rules for Pony, and
Senior, which plays strictly by Dixie Majors Baseball rules. Any rule or action not covered
in these league rules will revert to the appropriate Dixie rulebook and/or Major League
Baseball rulebook. For additional information you are encouraged to go to the Dixie
Baseball website (www.dixie.org).
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General League Rules
1.
Games delayed by rain, or other acts of nature shall be regulation games if 4 innings
have been played, or the home team is ahead after 3 1⁄2 innings. Games shortened
by reason of curfew, rain, or unforeseen conditions before they become regulation
games shall be resumed from the point of termination.
2. In the event of weather or other unforeseen conditions prior to the start of a game,
members of the local baseball committee, in consultation with the umpires and
league director, will determine whether playing conditions are safe. If a game has
been started, the home plate umpire is in control and will have the responsibility
and authority to suspend or continue play. At Dacula Athletic Association, a
lightning detector is utilized. The detector will be the determining factor as to
whether a game or practices at the park are halted due to lightning. Once the
detector registers lightning, ALL GAMES AND PRACTICES will be halted. Everyone
must clear the fields and dugout. All game participants and visitors are to proceed
to their vehicles until an all clear signal is sounded which will be three (3) short
blasts of the air horn. THERE ARE NO EXCEPTIONS! A team will be given one
warning and if they do not adhere to that, they will forfeit the game. A waiting
period of thirty minutes will be allowed to start or resume a game due to field
conditions after the Detector sounds the ALL CLEAR. The league director in
accordance with the scheduling and umpire coordinator will reschedule games.
3. Interleague Temperature rule - If at the start of the game or practice the
temperature is 40 degrees or below on the at park thermometer the game or
practice will be rescheduled. In the event there is not an at park thermometer, the
posted temperature at http://www.weather.com for the park zip code will be
used. The ON-DUTY Director will consider the wind chill factor. This is a Gwinnett
County Ordinance therefore a condition of league use for the park.
4. For the purposes of determining whether another inning can start, the next inning
will be considered started when the third out of the previous inning is made. If time
and innings remain, based on the game time limits for each age group, then play
will be allowed to continue. (Refer to Dixie Rule Book)
5. The home team shall occupy the batting cages first followed by the visiting team. The
home team will have use of the cages an hour before the game for twenty-five (25)
minutes. The visiting team will have use of the cages thirty-five (35) minutes before
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game time for twenty-five (25) minutes. Each team needs to be at the field ten (10)
minutes prior to game time.
6. The home team of the first and last game of each playing day shall be responsible for
getting and returning the electronic score board equipment and game box to the
storage age. Both teams are responsible for the cleanup of their dugout and stands
after each game.
7. Each team shall have one responsible person keeping the scoreboard and
scorebook/ pitch log during every game. The home team will keep the scorebook
and the scoreboard/ pitch log. Two adults will use the pitch counters. (These need
to be competent people who can handle the responsibility for each team, no one
under the age 18.)
8. A game shall be considered a regulation game when a team is ahead by fifteen (15)
runs after both teams have batted three times or, in the case of the home team,
when it is leading, two times. Pitchers shall only be charged for innings actually
pitched. The visiting team will be declared the winner of a game under the 15 run
rule provision only if the home team has had an equal number of times at bat.
9. A game shall be considered a regulation game when a team is ahead by ten (11) runs
after both teams have batted four times, or in the case of the home team when it is
leading, three times. Pitchers shall only be charged for innings actually pitched. The
visiting team will be declared the winner of a game under the ten-run rule provision
only if the home team has had an equal number of times at bat.
10. Each player will be given one warning for "slinging the bat". The second
occurrence in the same game will result in that player being called out. The umpire
must notify the official scorekeeper and manager of each warning.
11. All players who are eligible to participate shall be placed in the batting order and
bat consecutively in that order.
12. If a team starts play with eight players, an automatic out will be taken for the
ninth position in the batting order. (No penalty of an out if loss during game due to
ejection/injury/sickness, Refer to Dixie Rules) A sickness/injury loss can return to the
game. Players arriving after the game has started may be put into the game, as long
as the team has not started it's second time through the batting order, but must bat
as the last batter of the starting order. A team failing to field at least eight eligible
uniformed players within ten minutes after the scheduled start time shall forfeit the
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game. A team shall be allowed to complete any game with less than the normal nine
players under described conditions.
13. If a team is unable to field nine players in a game they may fill up to two positions
for a nine- player roster from the lower age groups or within the same league of
current host park recreation league players only. They may not pull more than is
necessary to fill a nine-player roster. The non-roster players must be used in the
outfield and placed at the end of the batting order. The Manager of the opposing
team must be notified of the non-roster player prior to the start of the game. Senior
may pull from other Senior Teams. Any player pulled from the same league must not
be a higher-round draft pick than the missing player.
14. Substitute runners are allowed only if the original player is injured. The player that
made the last out shall be used as the substitute runner. Courtesy runners are
allowed for catchers in all innings except the last inning to speed up the game. The
player who recorded the prior out must run for the catcher. The catcher then must
catch the next inning.
15. Sliding is highly suggested under all conditions permitted, but not required. Any
action, which, in the judgment of the umpire, is made to collide with a defensive
player will result in the offensive player being called out. Unless a player is returning
to a previously occupied base, any player sliding head first to the plate or bag will be
automatically out in all leagues other than Pony & Senior. (Refer to Dixie Rules) All
batter- runners and runners are required to AVOID contact with a defensive player.
16. It is not mandatory to slide at any base 1st through 3rd. It is strongly suggested
that a runner slide at any base except 1st on a ground ball when a play is being made
to the base they are running to. However, if the runner chooses not to slide thus
causing a collision, he will be called out and face ejection. It is the sole judgment of
the umpires and therefore not a protestable call. On all slides it is the responsibility
of the runner to attempt to avoid contact. When in doubt slide.
17. Any play going to be made or close to being made at home plate. It is mandatory
that the runner slide and attempt to avoid contact. It is the sole judgment of the
umpires if he/she feels the play was too close not to slide. If failure to slide results in
a collision, the runner will be ejected. He is already out due to the fact he did not
slide. Any play at the plate is defined by any player receiving the ball from any part of
the field in an attempt to get a runner out at home. This is not a protestable call.
When in doubt slide.
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18. Free defensive substitutions are permitted provided that minimum play
requirements are met. These requirements are at least every other inning.
19. Any player warming up a pitcher on the mound, in a bullpen or elsewhere shall
wear a catcher’s mask with a helmet and throat protector even if the mask has a
manufactured extension at the bottom, excluding the hockey-style mask. A batting
helmet cannot be used to warm up a pitcher. It is strongly recommended that only
players warm up a pitcher at any time. No other person should warm up a pitcher
without a protective face mask due to the risk of substantial facial or head injury
from deflected balls.
20. Catchers wearing hockey style masks shall NOT be required to wear a throat
protector.
21. No player will be considered ready to play if he/she is wearing any type of hard
surface cast or brace. An ace bandage or similar type of soft support does not
constitute a cast for the purpose of this rule.
22. Only the Manager may represent or speak for the team unless otherwise
requested by the Manager or duty officer. Managers must request and receive a
time out from an umpire to discuss a call or rule. Anyone who charges the umpire or
who does not request and receive a time out or who displays, at the discretion of the
umpire, un-sportsman like conduct, may be ejected from the game and must leave
the immediate playing field and grandstand area within two minutes of ejection.
Failure to leave these areas or any further disruptions may result in forfeiture of the
game. Anyone ejected from a game is automatically suspended from the next game.
Anyone serving a suspension from a game shall not be permitted in the grandstand
area or the scorers’ booth. If a person is ejected twice during the season, that person
will go before the Baseball Committee for further disciplinary review.
23. Players on the field or in the dugout area shall not wear jewelry of any kind, for
safety reasons. This includes bracelets, necklaces and piercings of any kind.
Exception: (1) Players may wear breakaway sports necklaces. Medical
or religious tags or medallions may be worn and secured
by tape if deemed necessary by the umpire-in-chief.
(2) Defensive players may wear sunglasses.
Penalty: When a first time occurrence is noted, a warning shall be
given to both teams, which applies to all players. Upon the
second occurrence, the manager and player(s) will be
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ejected from the game.
24.
Protests
a.
Protests that involve an umpire’s judgment shall not be accepted.
b.
Only the team manager or the acting team manager shall be entitled to file a
protest.
c.
The only legal protest shall be one that involves a violation of playing rules, the
use of an ineligible player or eligibility of a pitcher
d.
The protesting manager must request time, notify the umpire he is protesting,
notify the official scorekeeper to record the point in the game, and continue
the game.
e.
The protest shall be considered only if it is placed in writing in accordance with
the interleague rules by the manager in person along with a check of $50.00
payable to the association at which the game takes place and to that park
within 48 hours of the completion of the game. If protest is refused, the
protest fee will be forfeited to that association. Any protests will be decided
on by the protest committee.
f.
The award for winning a protest will be that the game will be replayed from the
point of the protest at a time and date to be determined by the league.
g.
AFTER THE COMPLETION OF A GAME, THERE SHALL BE NO PROTEST
REGARDLESS OF THE CIRCUMSTANCES INVOLVED WITH THE EXCEPTION OF
A PROTEST ON ELIGIBILITY OR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THE
PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT OR A PITCHING VIOLATION. A game shall
not be considered as complete until opposing managers have an
opportunity to make a protest on a game-ending play or failure to comply
with the one-inning participation requirement. Fifteen minutes shall be
considered sufficient time for the fulfillment of this rule.
Dacula Baseball Specific Rules
1. All players must be registered and considered paid in full with DAA recreation
league baseball, for the current DAA baseball season. No other players are
allowed to play as part of a DAA team including those who are current
members of any DAA travel program. The only exception is in the event that
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complete teams from other associations are invited to play inter-association
games by the approval of the baseball board.
2. A manager may choose to sit out a player for disciplinary reasons. The
manager must inform the home plate umpire and the opposing manager
and/or scorekeeper of this situation at the time rosters are exchanged. The
manager during the game for disciplinary reasons may also remove players.
This may be as a substitution if other players are available. The league director
must be notified in writing if this situation occurs.
Managers & Assistant Coaches
The following list will be the criteria used for the Manager and Assistant coach
approval:
 A manager or assistant coach returning from the previous year.
 A manager or assistant coach returning from the prior year but requesting a
new age group.
 A person who has previous coaching experience in another organization or
sport.
 DAA Baseball may also consider other factors when reviewing and approving
managers and assistant coaches. Having a child in that age group, experience,
as a player, umpire, or having completed coaching clinics will be considered.
 Managers and assistant coaches' positions are not automatic from year to year.
Criteria will be based upon the above conditions as well as conduct
sportsmanship and positive coaching abilities.
 Managers and assistant coaches must pass the background investigation.
Any applicant for the Manager position will be required to be interviewed and/or
complete a coaching application. If the applicants do not fall into the above category,
an interview may not be required.
League Directors will submit Managers names to all Baseball Directors for approval
of selections. The DAA Baseball Director reserves the right to withdraw
Manager/Coach privileges from anyone at anytime after a Board notification.
Assistant coaches with children will not be assigned until after the player
assignments are made. If a parent wants to serve as an assistant for the team on
which his or her child plays, he or she should follow the child, not the child following
the parent's assignment.
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Managers and or coaches are expected to resolve any problems with coaches,
players, parents or anyone else associated with their team immediately. Failure to
attend to these concerns may lead to game forfeiture and possible loss of
coaching privileges.
The Draft
(Does not apply to the Pre-T, Pony/Senior)
Each league director will conduct a draft that will be held as fair and equitable as
can be reasonably expected.
The coaches will rate each player at evaluations on ability 1-9. Any players not
showing at the evaluations will be discussed at the evaluation, if two coaches or
more agree on what numbers a player should get the league director will note it and
place the player in an appropriate spot in the draft, if at least two coaches cannot
agree, the player will be placed in a "hat" at the end of the draft and picked though a
blind drawing.
If additional players sign up between evaluations and draft day or after draft day,
the players will be “hat pick” players. The hat picks will be handled as follows: The
1st hat pick will go to the coach who draws the number 1 from the hat at the
completion of the final round. The coach who draws number 2 will get the next hat
pick; number 3 will get the next hat pick and so on…
If a head coaches child does not show at evaluations or is found intentionally trying
to appear to have lesser abilities that player will be automatically be that coaches
first round pick, if the coach has more than one child that does not show they will be
taken in order starting with round 1 in the draft.
The league director will take the coaches evaluation sheets and total all of the
numbers throwing out the high number and low number for each player, using this
total sort them by totals to determine the order of the draft.
The following assumes there are ten teams of eleven players and is for example only
the numbers per round will change based on the number of players signed up to
play.
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If for some reason a coach cannot make the draft or evaluations the league director
may approve a stand - in as long as that stand - in will not have a child playing in
that age group.
At the end of the last round coaches will have 10 minutes in which to make trades,
players can be traded for another that was ranked one (1) round higher to one (1)
round lower. Example: a 2nd round ranked player can be traded for a 1St, 2nd, or 3rd
round player but not for a 4th round player. Players drawn from a "hat" at the end
may not be traded.
Assuming 10 teams of 11 players each coach will draw a number that becomes their
team number and order of picking team names. The coaches then go 1 through 10
picking their team name.
Each coach draws a number that determines the order of the pick, Coaches then pick
one player each from number 1 through number 10 then the next round will be
number 10 through number 1, after two complete rounds the numbers will be
redrawn and draft continued redrawing every 2 rounds until complete.
With 10 teams of 11 players there will be 11 rounds in a draft with one round
consisting of each coach picking one player. The players will be displayed 2 rounds
at a time and selections must be made from the 2 rounds that are displayed. The
draft will start with rounds 1 and 2 open or in this case the first 20 players available
on the board. Round 3 can not open until all picks have been selected from either
round 1 or 2. At no time will more then two rounds be open regardless of the
number of players to choose from. Exception: The only exception to this is if all
remaining players in open rounds are frozen by someone other then the coach
whose turn it is to pick.
**Please contact your players’ parents as soon as possible and let them know
what team they are on.
**Due to the limited amount of time that we have to get uniforms in time for
opening day, uniform numbers will be assigned by the uniform coordinator.
Frozen Player Rules
a. Tball through Major: Each coach will be allowed three freezes, plus his child.
In the event a coach doesn’t have a child playing, he will be granted three
freezes.
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b. Pony: Each coach will be allowed four freezes, plus his child. In the event a
coach doesn’t have a child playing, he will be granted four freezes.
c. Senior: Each coach will be allowed six freezes, plus his child. In the event a
coach doesn’t have a child playing, he will be granted six freezes.
Each coach must have the Parent consent form signed by the parent of the
player whom you are freezing.
The Parent Consent form must be submitted to the league director before the
player evaluations start. If the consent form is not signed and submitted prior
to the start of evaluations, the player will not be frozen and will placed in the
draft and made available as a regular pick.
All frozen players will be kept confidential until evaluations have been
completed.
Each frozen player will be evaluated as normal and placed in the appropriate
round in the draft based on how the player was evaluated by the coaches. A
frozen player who does not attend evaluations will be viewed the same as a
coaches son and will placed in the first round of the draft regardless of talent
level.
The round that your frozen player is placed in will be your selection for that
particular round. Example: You freeze Johnny who is evaluated and is placed in
the 2nd round. You would then get a 1st round pick and Johnny would
automatically be your 2nd round pick.
If the frozen player and the coaches’ son are both in the same round of the
draft, the coaches’ son would be the selection for the round they are placed in
and the frozen player would be the selection for the next round. You would not
get a pick in the next round however you would take your regular pick in the
following round and the last pick of that same round. Example: Coaches’ son
and Johnny are both 2nd round players. The coach would get to select a player
from the 1st round. The coaches’ son would then be the 2 nd round selection and
Johnny would be the 3rd round selection. The coach would skip the 4th round
and select their regular pick in the 5 th round and the last pick of the 5th round.
In the event that there is more than one coach who is forced to choose the last
pick of a round, they would follow their drawing order. Based on the above
example 2 coaches have son’s and frozen players in the 2 nd round. They each
pick their son in the 2nd and their frozen player in the 3rd round. Neither would
pick from the 4th round and they would take their regular pick in the 5 th round.
They would then pick again at the end of the 5 th round based on their numbers
drawn.
No trading of frozen players will be permitted. Trades will be limited to one
per team if you utilize a freeze. In the event that you are not utilizing a freeze
you would have the right to make two trades.
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The baseball/rec ball director reserves the right to amend these as
circumstances warrant or in the case of individual disputes.
All Star Rules
Following the spring season each baseball league may participate in post season All
Stars.
1. Player Participation
Any player that has played in at least five (5) games in the current season, can
supply written parental consent with an affidavit of availability, and submits a
certified record of birth proving appropriate age will be eligible to participate on the
All Star team for their division.
Players playing for teams in the DAA travel program are not eligible.
c. Participation is not a requirement, nor is it a right.
2. Player Selection
Each Manager is responsible for the nomination of players from their team but will
be allowed to nominate players from other teams in their division if there is proof of
eligibility.
The league directors will arrange a date to evaluate all nominated players. All
nominated players must attend to be eligible to play in All Stars. This is to allow
managers evaluation of nominated players in an on field setting. The format will be
to place the players into a setting of standard baseball trials and situations of
running, throwing, and hitting.
The coaches will rank the players at evaluation on ability 1-9. The league director
will total each player’s scores, throwing out the high and low number of each player.
This total will be used as the average rank of each player.
Each league director will hold an All Star selection meeting for each division in their
league at a time that is both convenient to as many managers as possible and by the
mid point of the season. All Managers must attend this meeting, if for some reason
they cannot attend they must send one of their assistant coaches in their place to be
considered their official representative.
At the selection meeting, all nominations will be written on a board according to the
average ranked order, highest to lowest rank. The board will be placed where all
coaches can clearly see. Then each player will be discussed openly between the
managers. Only the coaches will have a vote on which players should make the team.
If all coaches agree a player should be on the team that player will be marked and
the next player discussed, all nominated players will be discussed. If at the end of
the list there are open spots still available the unmarked players will be gone
through again until there are no spots left available. Likewise if there are too many
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spots taken then the managers will again go over the marked players to reduce the
list to the available positions on the team.
Once a complete roster has been selected, all managers or reps must ratify the
roster in attendance. All managers or reps at the meeting will agree on player
selections.
3. Manager Selection
A manager will be selected based on a written affidavit of availability, an interview
of qualifications, written referrals of DAA members, and additional written
references. The final decision will be made from the League Director, All-Star
Director, and Director of Baseball.
4. Substitute Players
No alternate / substitute player will be selected. If a team loses a player due to
injury or illness, it is the head coach's responsibility to replace them. The All-Star
Manager will use the list of nominated players from the selection meeting that were
not selected to the final team. It will be left up to the Manager what order to go in.
After making a selection, the player must be approved by the league director. If
there are no nominated players left, the coach may pick from any eligible player in
their division as long as the league director approves the player.
5. Final Approval
a. All Managers, Players, and Teams, are subject to the final approval of the All-Star
Director and Baseball Director.
Bat Requirements by League
ALL BATS (T-Ball – Major)
1. (1) 2 1⁄4” wood bats are approved for play in all age divisions.
2. (2) 2 1⁄4” barrel non-wood bats which are manufactured to achieve a Bat
Performance Factor (BPF) of 1.15 or less through the life of the bat are approved
for play in “Dixie Youth -wood bats include aluminum/metal alloy bats and bats made
with composite materials. NOTE: All 2 1⁄4” composite barrel bats manufactured by a
licensed bat company which are clearly marked “Approved for Play in Dixie Youth
Baseball®” and stamped “BPF 1.15” will be legal for league and tournament play if it
has manufacture date stamp of 2011 or later.
(3) All older 2 1⁄4” non-wood bats which do not have a manufacture date stamped on the
barrel of the bat and are listed on an approved bat listing on the DYB website at
www.dixie.org/dyb are approved for league and tournament play if they are clearly
marked “Approved for Play in Dixie Youth stamped “BPF 1.15”. Older aluminum/metal
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alloy 2 1⁄4” bats which do not have the BPF 1.15 stamp on the bat are allowed if stamped
approved for play in Dixie Youth
(4) The following bats do not have to bear DYB markings, but must not bear the
markings of any other program:
(a) Wood bats; and
(b) T-ball bats
(5) Any bat stamped for T-Ball cannot be used in games played in the AA, AAA,
Majors or “O”Zone divisions due to the manufacturing standards for such bats.
(6) All bats shall not be less than 25” nor more than 33” in length. (Exception:
24” bats may be used in A Division (T-Ball) play only).
(7) The handle of any bat may have a gripping material not to exceed 16” from the knob.
COMPOSITE BATS
(1) All 2 1⁄4” composite barrel bats manufactured by a licensed bat company which are
clearly marked “Approved for Play in Dixie Youth Basebaland stamped “BPF 1.15” will
be legal for league and tournament play if it has a manufacture date stamp of 2011 or
later.
(2) 2 1⁄4” composite barrel bats manufactured by a licensed bat company which are
clearly marked “Approved for Play in Dixie Youth Basebabut does not have a “BPF
1.15” will not be legal for league and tournament play unless is shown on a list of
approved bats on the Dixie website at www.dixie.org/dyb .
(3) The handle of composite bats shall be no less than 3⁄4” plus/minus 1/32” in diameter
and the barrel no more than 21⁄4” plus/minus 1/32” in diameter.
(4) A composite bat must be a safe unit of multi-material construction.
ALUMINUM / METAL ALLOY BATS
(1) Newly manufactured aluminum/metal alloy 2 1⁄4” bats are required to have both
“BPF 1.15” and “Approved for Play in Dixie Youth stamped on the bat. Older
aluminum/metal alloy 2 1⁄4” bats which do not have the BPF 1.15 stamp on the bat are
allowed if stamped approved for play in Dixie Youth
(2) The handle of aluminum/metal alloy bats shall be no less than 3⁄4” plus/minus 1/32”
in diameter and the barrel no more than 21⁄4” plus/minus 1/32” in diameter and may be
made with composite materials.
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(3) An aluminum/metal alloy bat must be a safe, one- or two-piece construction of hollow
aluminum, metal alloy or magnesium.
(4) Aluminum/Metal Alloy bats with “plugged” barrel ends must be manufactured so that
the rubber, vinyl or other type “plug” is mechanically and permanently affixed to the bat.
(5) The knob on the handle of an aluminum/metal alloy bat must be permanently
attached.
(6) The term “one-piece construction” shall be defined to include the permanently affixed
plug and attached knob described above for aluminum/metal alloy bats.
WOOD BATS
(1) The handle of wood bats shall be no less than 7/8” plus/minus 1/32” in diameter and
the barrel no more than 21⁄4” plus/minus 1/32” in diameter.
(2) A wood bat must be a safe, solid, one-piece, rounded stick of flame treated or natural
finish, hardwood construction.
1.10(b)– 2 5/8” Barrel Bats (NOT FOR T-BALL USE)
(1) Subject to restrictions by local league or state organizations, 2 5/8” barrel bats are
legal in all divisions of Dixie Youth Baseball. Note: If a 2 5/8” barrel bat is a -3, the
BBCOR certification must be stamped on the bat. Local League Option: Local leagues
may restrict the use of 2 5/8” bats in any age division in local league play. State
Organization Option: State organizations may restrict the use of 2 5/8” bats in any age
division in district and state tournament play.
EXCEPTION: 2 5/8” Barrel Bats will not be used in T-Ball
(2) All 2 3⁄4” barrel bats are prohibited in all divisions of Dixie Youth Baseball.
1.10(c) A batter who uses an illegal bat shall be called out and all runners shall return to
the bases occupied by them at the time such batter took his position in the batter’s box if
protested by the opposing team manager prior to the first pitch to the next batter. A batter
uses a bat when he takes the first pitch from a pitcher during any time at bat. The bat
becomes illegal when the batter receives the first pitch during his turn at bat. He does not
have to hit the ball. Batter will be called out and any runners must return to the base they
occupied prior to the first pitch to the batter.
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All Bats (Pony, Senior)
Dixie Boys (age 13-14)-The bat rule for the 2014 season once again addresses the use
of composite barrel bats.
Rule 1:10 DB—Bats must be manufactured meeting specifications as determined by
Dixie Boys Baseball. As such, a bat can have a 2 1/2 inch barrel or a 2 5/8 inch barrel
diameter. There is no weight to length limitation. Aluminum/alloy barrel bats and all
composite handle (only) aluminum/alloy barrels are allowed. Only composite barrel
bats certified and marked BBCOR .50 will be allowed.
Point of Emphasis: All bats having a composite barrel must be BBCOR .50
certified.
15U Division, Pre-Majors & Dixie Majors (age 15-19)- The bat rule for the 2014 season
remains the same.
Rule 1:10 DM—BBCOR is the approved bat standard for 15U Division, Pre-Majors &
Dixie Majors Baseball. Note: The length to weight “difference” (i.e. -3) will be
maintained through BBCOR standards.
2014 Official Rules of Dixie Boys Baseball, Inc. (Point of Emphasis)
Any player found to have used a bat that has been altered (shaved, rolled, etc.) will be
immediately disqualified from further play and is subject to permanent dismissal from
the program.
Length of Play and Runs Allowed by League
Tee Ball
Games are 5 innings or a time limit of 1 hour and 15 minutes. A new
inning will not start after 1 hour and 10 minutes of play.
A team can score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning through the 4th
inning. In the 5th and only the 5th inning, ten (10) runs will be allowed, or one time
through the batting lineup.
If after 3 innings a team is leading by fifteen (15) or more runs, or after 2
1⁄2 innings if the home team is leading, the game will be declared over. If after 4
innings a team is leading by eleven (11) or more runs, or after 3 1⁄2 innings if the
home team is leading, the game will be declared over.
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If after 5 innings, time permitting, additional innings will be played. To
begin the additional inning, the last batted out will be placed on 2nd base. The
additional inning will be played in its entirety. No additional innings may begin
after the specified time limit.
Pee Wee
Games are 5 innings or a time limit of 1 hour and 25 minutes. A new
inning will not start after 1 hour and 20 minutes of play.
A team can score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning through the 4th
inning. In the 5th and only the 5th inning, ten (10) runs will be allowed, or one time
through the batting lineup.
If after 3 innings a team is leading by fifteen (15) or more runs, or after 2
1⁄2 innings if the home team is leading, the game will be declared over. If after 4
innings a team is leading by eleven (11) or more runs, or after 3 1⁄2 innings if the
home team is leading, the game will be declared over.
If after 5 innings, time permitting, additional innings will be played. To
begin the additional inning, the last batted out will be placed on 2nd base. The
additional inning will be played in its entirety. No additional innings may begin
after the specified time limit. Minor
Games are 6 innings or a time limit of 1 hour and 40 minutes. A new
inning will not start after 1 hour and 35 minutes of play.
A team can score a maximum of five (5) runs per inning through the 5th
inning. In the 6th and only the 6th inning, ten (10) runs will be allowed, or one time
through the batting lineup.
If after 3 innings a team is leading by fifteen (15) or more runs, or after 2
1⁄2 innings if the home team is leading, the game will be declared over. If after 4
innings a team is leading by eleven (11) or more runs, or after 3 1⁄2 innings if the
home team is leading, the game will be declared over.
If after 6 innings, time permitting, additional innings will be played. To
begin the additional inning, the last batted out will be placed on 2nd base. The
additional inning will be played in its entirety. No additional innings may begin
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after the specified time limit. Major
Games are 6 innings or a time limit of 1 hour and 45 minutes. A new
inning will not start after 1 hour and 40 minutes of play.
If after 3 innings a team is leading by fifteen (15) or more runs, or after 2
1⁄2 innings if the home team is leading, the game will be declared over. If after 4
innings a team is leading by eleven (11) or more runs, or after 3 1⁄2 innings if the
home team is leading, the game will be declared over.
If after 6 innings, time permitting, additional innings will be played. To
begin the additional inning, the last batted out will be placed on 2nd base. The
additional inning will be played in its entirety. No additional innings may begin
after the specified time limit. Pony
Games are 7 innings or a time limit of 1 hour and 50 minutes. A new
inning will not start after 1 hour and 40 minutes of play.
If after 4 innings a team is leading by fifteen (15) or more runs, or after 3
1⁄2 innings if the home team is leading, the game will be declared over. If after 5
innings a team is leading by ten (10) or more runs, or after 341⁄2 innings if the
home team is leading, the game will be declared over.
If after 7 innings, time permitting, additional innings will be played. To
begin the additional inning, the last batted out will be placed on 2nd base. The
additional inning will be played in its entirety. No additional innings may begin
after the specified time limit. Senior
Games are 7 innings or a time limit of 2 hours. A new inning will not start
after 1 hour and 50 minutes of play.
If after 4 innings a team is leading by fifteen (15) or more runs, or after 3
1⁄2 innings if the home team is leading, the game will be declared over. If after 5
innings a team is leading by ten (10) or more runs, or after 4 1⁄2 innings if the
home team is leading, the game will be declared over.
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If after 7 innings, time permitting, additional innings will be played. To
begin the additional inning, the last batted out will be placed on 2nd base. The
additional inning will be played in its entirety. No additional innings may begin
after the specified time limit. Pitch Counts by League The official scorebook keeper/ scoreboard operator should keep pitch counts for
both teams’ pitchers as well as a participant from the visiting team. At the end of
each inning, the totals should be compared and agreed upon. In the event that the
counts do not match, the counts should be added together, divided by 2 and
rounded up. A pitcher reaching the maximum limit for the day or week may
finish the batter. A calendar week shall begin on Monday at 12:00 am and end on
Sunday night at 12:00 midnight. A coach’s failure to comply with the pitch counts
and rest period rules is subject to discipline in accordance with that coach’s
association.
Pitches thrown in a make up game count in the week that the game is played, not
the week originally scheduled.
Game summary/Pitch count log sheet must be completed at the end of each
game and signed by both Managers/Coaches. Furthermore the final score and
pitch counts must be entered in the online scoring system.
Tee Ball N/A Pee Wee
A pitcher may throw no more than fifty (50) pitches per day and no more than
eighty (80) pitchers per calendar week. The following pitch counts and days’ rest
will be enforced:
If a player pitches 40 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of
rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 30 – 39 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest
must be observed.
If a player pitches 1 – 29 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is
required before pitching again.
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- A pitcher who delivers 30 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of
catcher for the reminder of that game.
Minor
A pitcher may throw no more than sixty (60) pitches per day and no more than ninety
(90) pitchers per calendar week. The following pitch counts and days’ rest will be
enforced:
If a player pitches 50 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of
rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 35 – 49 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest
must be observed.
If a player pitches 1 – 34 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is
required before pitching again.
- A pitcher who delivers 35 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of
catcher for the reminder of that game.
Major A pitcher may throw no more than seventy (70) pitches per day and no more than
one hundred (100) pitchers per calendar week. The following pitch counts and
days’ rest will be enforced:
If a player pitches 60 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of
rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 45 – 59 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest
must be observed.
If a player pitches 1 – 44 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is
required before pitching again.
- A pitcher who delivers 45 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of
catcher for the reminder of that game.
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Pony A pitcher may throw no more than one hundred five (95) pitches per day and no
more than one hundred twenty (110) pitchers per calendar week. The following
pitch counts and days’ rest will be enforced:
If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of
rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 45 – 59 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest
must be observed.
If a player pitches 1 – 44 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is
required before pitching again.
- A pitcher who delivers 45 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of
catcher for the reminder of that game.
Senior A pitcher may throw no more than one hundred-five (105) pitches per day and no
more than one hundred twenty (120) pitchers per calendar week. The following
pitch counts and days’ rest will be enforced:
If a player pitches 61 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of
rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 45 – 59 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest
must be observed.
If a player pitches 1 – 44 pitches in a day, no calendar day of rest is
required before pitching again.
- A pitcher who delivers 55 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of
catcher for the reminder of that game.
Field Dimensions by League
Field preparation for games is the responsibility of the home park. Electronic score
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brains, official scorebooks, bases, etc. should be brought to and returned from the field
by the home team.
The home team should occupy the first base dugout. The visitor team should occupy the
dugout on the third base side.
Tee Ball
Field dimensions are 50’ baselines and 40’ from the back point of home plate to the
front edge of the pitching rubber. A 10’ diameter circle should be drawn from the back
point of home plate. A 10’ diameter circle should be drawn around the center of the
pitching rubber. Lines should be drawn at the half-way point between 1st base and 2nd
base and 2nd base and 3rd base.
Pee Wee
Field dimensions are 50’ baselines and 40’ from the back point of home plate to the
front edge of the pitching rubber.
Minor
Field dimensions are 60’ baselines and 46’ from the back point of home plate to the
front edge of the pitching rubber.
Major
Field dimensions are 70’ baselines and 50’ from the back point of home plate to the
front edge of the pitching rubber.
Pony
Field dimensions are 80’ baselines and 54’ from the back point of home plate to the
front edge of the pitching rubber.
Senior
Field dimensions are 90’ baselines and 60’ 6” from the back point of home plate to the
front edge of the pitching rubber.
Specific League Rules by League
Tee Ball
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All Tee Ball rules will be played according to the Dixie Youth rulebook except for the
following.
1.
The batting tee will be optional for all players for a specified number of games.
Each player must receive a minimum of three pitches from an adult coach. After
the third pitch the player may use the remaining two balls to hit from the tee. (I.E.:
3 pitches, 2 swings on tee or 4 pitches, 1 swing on tee or 5 pitches). If the fifth
swing is fouled during coach pitch the batter will continue to receive pitches until
the batter either strikes out or hits the ball in fair territory. If the fifth swing is
fouled from the tee the batter is out. The bat must connect with a portion of the
ball to be declared a hit. On a specific date that will be decided by the league, half
the number of total batters must be designated as coach pitch batters only and
will not be allowed to use the tee. When team has an uneven number of batters
coach must round up to determine the number of batters to hit off coach pitch
(e.g. If a team has 11 batters 6 must hit off coach pitch). The remainder of the
team will be allowed to use the tee, if needed. These players must be noted on
the lineup before each game. The coach can change these players from game to
game but cannot change the players once the lineup has been given to the
scorekeeper for that particular game.
2.
A semicircle will be drawn in front of home plate. It will be measured ten (10)
feet from the back corner of the home plate. A batted ball must either stop on
this line, or go beyond this line to be a fair ball. If it doesn't it will be declared a
foul ball, and will count as 1 swing or pitch.
3.
A ten-foot diameter circle will be drawn around the pitcher’s mound when adults
are pitching; the player designated as the defensive pitcher must have at least one
foot on or inside the circle and must stand on or behind a line drawn from first
base to third base.
4.
Adult pitchers must ensure they do not interfere with the pitcher in any way or
block the pitcher's vision to the plate. This could result in an out if the umpire
judges the adult is purposely doing this.
5.
The coach pitcher must pitch the ball over handed to all batters in a normal
pitching motion.
6.
If the optional player catcher is not used, any coach catcher who squats behind
the plate to receive a pitch must wear facial protection.
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7.
Once the ball is put into play, time will be called by the Umpire, when the player
has full control of the ball and steps inside the circle with their hands raised
above their head in an effort to stop play. Timeout will also be granted by the
Umpire if a player has control of the ball and is in front of the lead base runner.
Any base runner behind the lead runner that has the opportunity to advance to
the next base may do so at his or her own risk. However, if timeout is granted
before the base runner reaches the chalk line drawn halfway between the bases in
which the player is running the player will be sent back to the base from which he
was running. Conversely, if the base runner has passed the chalk line halfway
between the bases, the player will be granted the base towards which he was
running. If a player is attempting to make a play and runs through the circle, this
will not be considered as making the play dead and play will continue. If the
pitcher catches a fly ball while inside the circle time is granted once their hands
are raised above their head in an effort to stop play. If the pitcher attempts to
make a play on a runner attempting to advance, he will be allowed to do so.
8.
If the batted ball contacts the coach pitcher, the play is dead and the batter will be
awarded first base. If, in the judgment of the umpire, the coach pitcher
intentionally contacts the ball, the ball will be declared dead. Runners will return
to the base they just left and the batter will return to the plate.
9.
Two (2) defensive coaches will be allowed in the outfield. They must stay in the
outfield and coach only the outfielders unless time has been called.
10.
Throwing the ball in a bowling type motion or intentionally grounding the ball so
that it rolls is not allowed. If a ball is intentionally rolled the runner is
automatically safe.
11.
There will be no intentional walks allowed.
12.
There will be no bunting allowed.
13.
The pitching coach is not permitted to coach or talk to the batter or any base
runners while in the circle. The pitching coach can tell either base coach what the
batter should do at the plate and the base coach can relay that direction to the
batter. Once the ball is put into play, the pitching coach must exit the field
immediately without interfering or obstructing a player in any way. Failure to
abide by either or both of these rules is a warning the first time and second time
the pitching coach is removed from pitching duties for the remainder of the game.
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14.
The catching coach may not coach once the ball is put on the tee or put into play.
15.
The tee must be placed so that the ball is above any portion of the plate.
16.
If the ball is hit to the infield, the fielder may not carry the ball across a line drawn
from home through second base beyond 3 feet in an attempt to run down a base
runner, the ball is to be thrown to the base to record an out on the runner. The
penalty for this will be to allow the runner the base he is running toward. If the
Pitcher/Circle Player fields the ball inside the circle, or has at least one foot inside
the circle, then the Pitcher/Circle Player must throw the ball to the base where
they are trying to record an out. If the Pitcher/Circle Player fields the ball outside
the circle, they have the option to either throw or run with the ball to a base
where they are trying to record an out. Exception: The Pitcher/Circle may run a
fielded ball inside the circle to make a play at home plate. Exception: The first
baseman can establish himself as a catcher and be allowed to tag a runner back
fully to third base. There cannot be intentional grounding of the ball thrown back
to the circle player.
17.
For safety reasons, the 1st and 3rd baseman may not be closer to home plate than
the circle player.
18.
The outfield player must throw all balls hit to the outfield back into the infield in
an attempt to stop the advancement of runners. No outfielder is allowed to field
the ball in the outfield grass and run into the infield to get a force out or tag a
runner trying to advance to another base. If this happens, the base runner is not
out and will be allowed to stay at the base to which he was running.
19.
Overthrow Rule – only applies when a ball hit into play is fielded and thrown to 1st
base. If the first baseman doesn’t catch the ball, the runner can advance to 2nd
base and only 2nd base (this is not a dead ball; the runner advances to 2nd at his
own risk). This rule only applies to the batter and not any other base runners. At
the same point where the league director designates the number of pitch batters,
the overthrow rule will not be in effect and the batter can advance as many bases
as possible at their own risk.
20.
The adult catcher cannot line up or touch a batter at the plate. They may offer
direction by drawing a line, making footprints in the dirt or perform the touch my
feet process. Failure to abide by this rule is a warning the first time and second
time the coach is removed from catching duties for the remainder of the game.
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Pee Wee
All Pee Wee rules will be played according to the Dixie Youth rulebook except for the
following.
1.
The infield fly rule will not be in effect.
2.
No intentional walks will be allowed.
3.
Bunting is allowed only during player pitch innings and never during coach pitch
innings.
4.
A runner may not leave a base until the ball is put into play or a walk forces them
to advance.
5.
Each team is allowed to have up to four (4) coaches. Three (3) coaches on the field
during offense and two (2) coaches on the field during defense. All on field
coaches must be in a coach’s box or within arms reach of the dugout. The coaches
not on the field are to be in the dugout. During player pitch, only two (2) coaches
on the field at any time. On field coaches maintain bats retrieval. A coach
maintains order in the dugout and a coach has a catcher ready for quicker inning
rotations. Each team must have a coach that has passed a background check on
the field at all times.
6.
During the first half of the season, the first two (2) innings of each game a coach
shall pitch with the umpire counting pitches to the batter, calling swing
strikes/fouls and normal field calls, then the next three (3) innings a player will
pitch and an umpire calling balls and strikes. During the second half of the season,
on a date that shall be determined by the league director(s) prior to opening day,
all five (5) innings of each game will have a player pitcher and an umpire calling
balls and strikes.
7.
In order to speed up the game during kid pitch, walks will not be permitted in pee
wee. Once the player pitcher throws the 3rd ball, the coach will enter the game
and assume the strike count on the batter. The batter will get up to 3 pitches from
the coach. The at bat will end when the player reaches 3 strikes, 3 pitches have
been thrown without a ball being put into play (with exception of foul ball on the
3rd pitch; in which the batter will get an additional pitch), or the ball has been
placed into fair territory by the batter. 3rd pitch foul balls will result in another
pitch. This will continue until the batter allows a pitch to pass without swinging,
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swings and misses the pitch, or places it into fair territory.
8.
During coach pitch, each batter gets a total of five (5) pitches or three (3) swing
strikes to the 3rd out of each half inning with a normal foul rule in effect.
9.
If on the 5th pitch, the ball is hit foul, the batter will receive pitches until the
batter strikes out or hits the ball in fair territory.
10.
The coach pitcher must pitch the ball over handed to all batters in a normal
pitching motion.
11.
If the batted ball hits the coach pitching, the play is dead and no pitch will be
declared. This does not count against batter's swing count. All base runners
return to prior base.
12.
The pitching coach must exit the field immediately once the ball is put into play
without interfering or obstructing a player in any way. Also, the pitching coach is
not permitted to talk to the batter or any base runner while on or exiting the
mound or on the field. Failure to abide by either or both of these rules is a first
time warning and second time the pitching coach is removed from pitching duties
for the remainder of the game.
13.
When the coach is pitching, the defensive pitcher must be within three (3) feet of
the mound. The defensive pitcher will be even with or behind the pitcher rubber
being able to see the batter.
14.
A player pitcher will be removed if either walking five (5) batters in one inning or
hit three (3) batters in one game.
15.
A defensive player throwing the ball in bowling type motion or intentionally
grounding the ball so that it rolls is not allowed. If a ball is rolled, the runner is
automatically safe.
15.
Any batter, who intentionally exits the batter box during a pitch, unless he is
avoiding a wild pitch, will have a called strike as long as the pitch is close to the
strike zone.
16.
When the ball is hit to the infield, the fielder may not carry the ball across a line
drawn from home through second base in an attempt to run down a base runner.
The ball is to be thrown to the base to record an out on the runner, unless the
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base fielder fields the ball. The penalty for this will be to allow the runner the base
he is running toward.
17.
There can be up to (4) outfielders at any time in any configuration. The outfielders
must stay in the outfield, throw the ball from the outfield to the infield and cannot
call time in front of a runner on the infield.
18.
Once the ball is put into play, an infielder must have full control of the ball, and in
front of the lead runner before a PLAYER REQUEST for Time-out can be initiated.
Any lagging runners may advance at their own risk until time-out has been
granted. It is Umpire judgment when to GRANT time-out and whether the lagging
runners must return to a previous base. The lagging runner judgment decision
should be based upon the “runner concede” pattern of ruling.
Minor
All Minor rules will be played according to the Dixie Youth rulebook except for the
following.
1.
The infield fly rule will be in effect.
2.
No intentional walks will be allowed.
3.
Stealing home. When a pitcher has the ball AT the temporary mound, and a
catcher has control of home plate and any runner at third or other bases has
stopped their forward momentum “conceded advancement”. A PLAYER TIME MAY
BE REQUESTED. When an umpire grants time, all runners will return to occupied
bases. If the catcher or player has the ball and control of home plate, all runners
will return to occupied bases by umpire judgment. The Catcher or player must
throw the ball over-handed back to the pitcher within 5 feet of the mound. If the
pitcher does not catch the ball the runners may run at their own risk. The runner
concede and GRANTING PLAYER TIME is a judgment call by the umpire to stop
attempts of chicken between players and to speed up the game.
4.
Repeated attempts by an offensive coach playing "chicken" or "taunting" between
a 3rd base runner and opposing pitcher or catcher will be considered a delay of
game tactic. The result will be their team being charged with 1 additional out. The
Umpire may use a taunting warning.
Major
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All Major rules will be played according to the Dixie Youth rulebook except for the
following.
1.
The infield fly rule will be in effect.
2.
There will be a limit of one (1) intentional walk allowed per team, per game. The
head coach should inform the umpire of his intent to intentional walk the batter.
The pitcher will not be required to throw four (4) balls.
3.
Runners will be allowed to lead off.
Pony
All Pony rules will be according to the Dixie Boys & Majors (DB) rulebook except for the
following.
1.
Metal cleats are allowed.
2.
Facemasks on batter’s helmets are optional. If a facemask is worn the player must
have a chinstrap.
3.
Head-first sliding will be allowed, except when the runner’s helmet has a
facemask. Sliding at home plate is mandatory if a thrown ball results in a play at
the plate.
4.
There will be a limit of one (1) intentional walk allowed per team, per inning. The
pitcher must throw four (4) balls to intentionally walk a batter.
5.
The on deck circle for each team shall be on the side in which the team is
representing. Players are not to go to the opposite on deck circle depending on
which side the batter bats on.
Senior
All Senior rules will be played according to the Dixie Boys & Majors (DM) rulebook,
unless otherwise stated in this rulebook.
1. The on deck circle for each team shall be on the side in which the team is
representing. Players are not to go to the opposite on deck circle depending on
which side the batter bats on.
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