KCYS Boys Baseball Rules

2022 KCYS Baseball Rules

 

SECTION A. Contracts, Participation, and Eligibility

SECTION B. The Manager

SECTION C. The Umpire

SECTION D. Equipment

SECTION E. The Commissioner

SECTION F. Rules for ALL League

SECTION G.  Special Rules for D League

SECTION H. Special Rules for C League

SECTION I. Special Rules for B League

 

Section A

Contracts, Participation, and Eligibility

  • Contracts
    • All players must sign a contract before participating in any game of official team practice.
    • The contracts will be handled solely by the Commissioner. Managers may accept contract, but they must turn them into the Commissioner before player is allowed to participate in practice or a game.
    • The manager is responsible for correct birth date and address of player contract.
    • All other contract issues will be dealt with at the Commissioner’s discretion.
  • Participation
    • A returning manager keeps all eligible players he coached the previous year. Exceptions are at the discretion of the Commissioner.
    • A player draft will be held for players not assigned to teams from the previous year.
    • Brothers and sisters will always be allowed to play on same team if eligible.
    • Players cannot play for more than one KCYS team and are not permitted to play in another baseball program while playing with a KCYS. (Example would be southwest, crosstown, knothole.) Only exception will be for High School Teams.
  • Eligibility
    • D-league: 9 and 10 not 11 before May 1, 2022
    • C-League: 11 and 12 not 13 before May 1, 2022
    • B-League: 13, 14, & 15 not 16 before May 1, 2022
    • A player may play in an older league if approved by the Commissioner and is within a year of the particular age bracket.
  • Ineligible Player
    • A protest against a team carrying an ineligible player must be made within 24 hours of the played game. A coach may request an age inquiry at a charge of $25 per player to see proof of the age. If it is shown player is ineligible, the coach will not be charged. Teams using an ineligible player will be penalized by forfeiture of each game in which an ineligible player participated.

Section B

  • The Manager
    • Any manager or coach may be dismissed, ejected, or suspended for use of profanity, verbal abuse, or any physical contact involving a player, umpire, fan, or other manager or coach.
    • Each manager is responsible for the conduct of the team fans. Any improper conduct by any person may result in immediate ejection from the complex. Please help the umpire, if requested, to control any improper conduct by your team’s fans. If the ejected person does not leave the field within 2 minutes, the team will forfeit. Any ejected person must stay at least 50 yards from the field.
    • Only one “coach” the manager or a coach, is permitted to discuss calls with the umpire. This person is to identified before the game during ground rules.  Do not argue judgement calls by the umpire including balls/strikes, caught balls, close foul/fair calls, tags, and force-outs.  A rule particular to the league can be discussed in a calm fashion if explanation is needed.
    • Only Head coach and 2 assistant coaches allowed in the dug out this includes anyone doing game changer.
    • Any effort to “bully” the umpire or influence the calls will not be tolerated.  To help prevent “bullying” of the umpire by fans, no one is to stand directly behind the backstop.  Each manager will be responsible that no fan from their team violates this rule.
    • Each manager is responsible for the filed they are playing, picking up paper cups, bottles, food wrappers and other garbage.  Any violation of this rule may result in the loss of team practice field.

Section C

  • The Umpire
    • All umpires are required to personally meet with the Commissioner before umpiring and KCYS game. Umpires will be expected to attend umpire training and to understand the rules for the league that is umpired.  All umpires report directly to the Commissioner or Commissioner’s designate.
    • All ejections will be reported to the Commissioner and reviewed for possible further action.
    • In the event of the absence of the official umpire, managers may choose a spectator to umpire the game.  If a spectator cannot be agreed upon, the game will be rescheduled. The coaches will be responsible for briefing the spectator umpire on the rules particular to the league.

Section D

  • The Equipment
    • Approved metal or wood bats may be used.  No metal spikes permitted.  Batter and base runners must wear helmets. If one team doesn’t have enough, the other team will furnish.  Catcher’s gear shall include a throat guard and catchers need to wear a protective cup.  Each team must have a basic first aid kit supplied by the manager and present at all games and practices.  On all fields there are bases and pitching rubber.

Section E

  • The Commissioner
    • The Commissioner is appointed by the organization’s President and has the authority to suspend any player, manager, or coach for up to 2 games.  Further action requires board approval.  The Commissioner is ultimately responsible for all baseball operations.

Section F

  • Rules for ALL leagues
    • Rules of the game – KCYS baseball is played under National League rules expect as noted in the special rules section of each league.
    • If there is a lightning strike seen at the park, there will be a mandatory 15-minute delay.  That 15-minute delay will start over with each subsequent lightning strike.
    • Prior to the game – The home team is responsible for providing bases and pitching rubber and measuring appropriate distances. Each team will provide a new game ball. Both teams will keep score and verify score at the end of each bottom inning but the home team will be responsible for the official score. The visiting team takes infield warm-ups first. The home team will occupy the first base dugout. On most fields, sun exposure is worse in one dugout vs. the other so adherence to the occupation of the scheduled dugout is important and will be scheduled equally throughout the year.
  • Pitching
    • Pitchers may pitch a total of 6 inning in any combination in two days. If they reach this limit they must rest two nights before they pitch again.
    • If a manager/coach makes two trips to the mound in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from pitching after the second trip and cannot pitch in the game again. If a manager goes to the mound due to an injury to the pitcher that trip does not count.
    • If a pitcher hits 3 batters in one inning or 4 in one game, he must be removed from the mound and may not return as a pitcher.
    • In C and B leagues, the umpire will give one balk warning per pitcher. In no instance shall the offensive team be penalized as a result of the warning situation.
    • At the start of each inning the pitcher should only take 6 warm up pitches and then the inning should start. (Except for new pitcher who has not pitched in that game) Coaches should try to warm up their new pitcher before they enter the game.
    • No hidden ball trick.
  • Batting/Running
    • Coaches may have one offensive conference per inning with on batter. Bunting is permitted in all leagues. All runners should be encouraged to slide any time they are advancing to a base where a defensive player has the ball. A runner that attempts to dislodge the ball by using force shall be called out and ejected from the game.
    • Sliding base rule – the runner should remain in the general area of the original spot of the base.
    • The infield fly rule will NOT be called in any of the leagues.
    • There are NO Intentional walks. (No telling the umpire that you are walking the batter.) You must pitch to the batter.
  • Other game rules
    • A legal team consists of not less than 9 and no more than 17 players. A minimum of 8 players is required to start a game. If a team does not have 8 players they must take an out when the 9th batter is up; exception, if there are already two outs the 9th batting position will be skipped and play will continue until the defensive team gets the third out. Under this exception, at the beginning of the next inning the offensive team will automatically take one out. There will be a 15-min. grace period to allow for a team to reach the number of players required to start a game. However once the team achieves the minimum of 8 players the game will begin immediately.
    • If during the course of the game the number of players drops below 9 players due to injury, illness, ejection, or a player leaving the game, the game shall continue as a legal game as long as each team has a minimum of 7 players. If a team drops below 7 players, they forfeit.
    • If a player has to leave the game due to injury or illness, that spot in the lineup is skipped and is NOT counted as an out.
    • All power lines are considered Dead Ball. Which means a redo of the previous play.
  • Playing Time
    • For the offense, all players will be in the starting lineup at the beginning of the game. All players in all leagues present will have their own spot in the lineup, also known as “roster batting.”
    • For defense, a team may freely substitute at any position except pitcher. Once a pitcher is taken out, he cannot re-enter, except in the case of being removed for hitting 3 batters in one inning. He may re-enter in the proceeding inning but must be removed for rest of game if he hits his 4th batter.
    • A player must play at least 2 innings of defense for all leagues
    • If a player missies two practices or two games without notification to the manager, the manager can choose to hold the player out of the next game the player attends. The manager must notify the Commissioner of all unexcused practices or games that result in a player be held out of the lineup.
  • Legal Game
    • For C and D league, a legal game is 4 innings (or 3 ½ innings if home team ahead) and for B league a legal game is 5 innings (or 4½ innings with the home team ahead)
    • No inning shall start after 9 pm.
    • If the heat index is 104 or greater please check our website or call the main number.
  • Suspended Games
    • Games stopped due to darkness, weather, time limit, or other safety related reason will be considered suspended games. All suspended games will be played from the point of suspension but any game suspended prior to the completion of two full innings will be replayed in its entirety.
    • In the event the visiting team ties or goes ahead in the top of the inning, after the game becomes legal and the bottom of the inning cannot be played due to darkness, weather or safety, the score will revert to the bottom of the previous inning and the game will be considered complete.
    • Legal games suspended as ties will be played from their point of suspension.
  • Protesting a Game
    • The manager must notify the umpire before the next play that he is protesting the game.
    • The manager will note on the back of the score sheet the following: the batter and the count on the batter, the inning and number of outs, and a brief description of the rule interpretation causing the protest. The umpire will sign the score sheet indicating only that the above information is correct and he is aware of the protest.
    • The umpire will notify the other manager the game is being played under protest.
    • All protests must be submitted in writing accompanied by a $35 deposit within 24 hours to the Baseball commissioner or any other member of the KCYS board of director. If the Protest is up held, the deposit will be returned. All protests will be heard by a 3-person panel appointed by KCYS board of directors.
  • League games not played.
    • Any game not played due to a rain out at the end of the season shall result in a loss for both teams. This is for seeding purposes in the all star game and tournaments.

Section G

  • Special Rules For D-League
    • Pitching distance- 45 ft. Bases- 60ft. Game – 5 innings. Minimum innings for official game – 4 inning (3 ½ with the home team winning)
    • A team may score a maximum of 4 runs per inning, except for the last inning.
    • 10 run rule after 4. If home team is winning they may still play the 4th inning. Game is official after 3 ½ with home team up by 10.
    • Each player must play 2 innings in the field.
    • Batter order shall include all members of the team, also known as “roster batting”
    • The batter is out on a dropped 3rd strike.
    • Any pick off plays involving players at 3rd base The base runner may advance home at his own risk. If a catcher throws down to 2nd to attempt to catch a player stealing 2nd and a player is on 3rd player on 3rd still may not go home. Only time the are permitted to go home is on a pickoff attempt of player on 3rd.
    • Extra Innings will be allowed if the game can be played. The extra innings will be played as if it were the 5th inning meaning can score as many runs until the 3rd out is recorded. Game should only TIE IF GAME IS CALLED DUE TO DARKNESS.
  • Base Running
    • There will be NO lead off, Players may steal when the ball crosses the plate.
    • The runner may steal 2nd or 3rd only after the ball crosses the plate.
    • If the runner leaves the base early on a steal attempt, the runner will return to the base and be given a warning.
    • The runner stealing 2nd may continue to advance to 3rd on an overthrown or missed ball at 2nd
    • The runner may NOT advance to home on an overthrow to 3rd on a steal attempt.
    • The runner cannot advance on an overthrow or missed ball when the catcher is throwing the ball back to the pitcher after a pitch.
    • Stealing home is not permitted. However, the runner can advance to home from 3rd on an overthrow as a result of a BATTED Ball.
    • If the ball is in play, the runner may advance at his own risk. If an overthrow occurs and the ball goes out of play, the runner advances one base.
  • Pitching
    • Pitchers in D-league are permitted to pitch 60 pitches If the pitchers hit the 60 pitch count the may finish the batter.  If a player is getting close to his pitch count the opposing coach should tell the umpire.

Section H

  • Special Rules For C-League
    • Pitching distance - 48ft.  Bases- 70ft. Game – 6 innings. Minimum innings for official game 4innings (3 ½ with home team winning.)
    • Each player must play 2 innings in the field.
  • Run Rule
    • Once a team reaches a 10 run lead they will only be permitted to score 3 runs in that inning. A team will be permitted to score only 3 runs per inning so long as they maintain a 10 run lead. When the minimum innings of a legal game have been played and a team acquires a 10 run lead, the game will be considered complete. TEAMS: UMPIRES ARE NOT IN CHARGE OF THIS RULE ITS UP TO THE COACHES TO ABIDE BY THIS!
    • Extra Innings is allowed.
    • The batter is out on a dropped 3rd strike.
  • Pitching
    • Pitchers in C-league are permitted to pitch a maximum of 70 pitches if they hit the 70 pitch mark they can finish that batter. If a player is getting close to his pitch count the opposing coach should tell the umpire.
  • Base Running
    • There is a 6ft lead off of all bases. If a runner goes more than 6 ft he will be considered as a steal.
    • Teams have unlimited steals, except home. Players may advance on passed balls with no limitations, except to home. Once a team is up 10 runs you may not advance bases on any pitch, but may still advance if catcher over throws the pitcher.
    • A player MAY NOT steal home or advance to home on a passed ball at any time. A passed ball is a pitch that is delivered from the pitcher to the catcher and the ball goes past the catcher.
    • Runners MAY steal home on any ball that is in play. Examples: Catcher Over throwing the ball back to the pitcher, to any base, or pitcher Over throwing the ball to any base.

Section I

  • Special Rules For B League
    • Pitching distance – 56 ft. Bases – 80 ft. Game – 6 innings. Minimum innings for official game is (5 innings 4 ½  innings with home team in the lead.)
  • Run Rule  
    • Once a team reaches a 10 run lead they will only be permitted to score 3 runs in that inning. A team will be permitted to score only 3 runs per inning so long as they maintain a 10 run lead. When the minimum inning of a legal game have been played and a team acquires a 10 run lead, the game will be considered complete. IT IS THE TEAMS RESPONSIBILITY TO ADHERE TO THIS RULE NOT THE UMPIRE!
    • Extra innings are allowed.
    • Each player must play at least 2 innings in the field.
  • Pitching
    • Pitchers in B league are permitted to pitch 80 pitches pitches if they hit the 80 pitch mark they can finish that batter. If a player is getting close to his pitch count the opposing coach should tell the umpire.
  • Tie Breaker rules
    • Tie breaker rule 1 is Head to Head.
    • Tie breaker 2 is Run differential.
    • All games must be played: In case of a rain out, It is the coaches responsibility to reschedule these games. The boys baseball director will also help this process out. Rainouts need to be made up in a timely fashion. At the end of the season going into the tournament any game not played will count as a loss. If a team has tried numerous times to reschedule and the other team fails to help then it will be up to the director to decide that game as a forfeit win for the team who has made plenty of efforts to make the game up. The director will also help in getting that game scheduled!