Lake Wylie Athletic Association

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LWAA BASEBALL

ARTICLE I
Regulations

Regulations and Policies

SECTION 1. ZERO TOLERANCE POLICY.

The Lake Wylie Athletic Association (LWAA) adopted a “Zero Tolerance Policy” for all coaches, players, spectators, and other persons. No profanity, fighting, heckling, threats, or alcohol will be tolerated. Result: you will be banned indefinitely from all LWAA sponsored activities and facilities.

SECTION 2. OFFENSES AND PENALTIES.

A. Designated team representatives and coaches are responsible for the conduct of themselves, team members, and other appropriate representatives at all times.

B. Conduct. Conduct which may be interpreted by a staff person or game official as threatening to the administration or control, of the contest, including constant complaining, heckling, and bickering will result in immediate ejection from the contest and playing facilities for an amount of time deemed necessary by the league officials. Abusive Language. No person involved in any league activity or facility will be allowed to use profane, vulgar, excessively loud, or abusive language. Failure to comply will result in immediate ejection from the contest and playing facility for an amount of time deemed necessary by the LWAA.

C. Alcoholic Beverages. Alcoholic beverages are not allowed on LWAA property nor at LWAA sponsored activities and events, including dugouts, parking lots, restrooms, etc. No person having the discernible odor of alcohol about his or her person will be allowed on LWAA property or at League sponsored activities and events. Failure to comply will result in immediate ejection from the contest and removal from the premises for an amount of time deemed necessary by the league. Anyone associated with a youth or adult team that is found with alcoholic beverages in the parking lot, dugouts, restrooms, etc. is in violation of the law and will result in the entire team being removed from the premises for an amount of time deemed necessary by the League.

D. Fighting. Fighting in any form by any person involved in any league activity or facility will not be tolerated. Fighting shall be defined as “an act or attempted act of violence by one person towards any other person, including physical abuse and thrown objects.”

SECTION 3. SUSPENSION WILL OCCUR AS FOLLOWS CONCERNING FIGHTING AND THREATENING.

A. Threatening a game official, participant, spectator, or representative of the League will result in immediate ejection from the contest and a one-year suspension from all league sponsored activities and facilities.

B. Physically striking or attempting to strike a coach, player, or spectator will result in immediate ejection from the contest and a one-year suspension from all league sponsored activities and facilities.

C. Physically striking or attempting to strike a game official or representative of the league will result in immediate ejection from the contest and a permanent suspension from all league sponsored activities and facilities.

SECTION 4. SCHEDULING.

A. All regular season and post-season games will be scheduled by the LWAA. Games will be scheduled Monday through Saturday. Practices may be scheduled on Sundays. This is up to each individual coach.

B. Every effort will be made to schedule games around conflicting dates (such as school functions, etc), provided that coaches notify staff prior to scheduling preparations. Once the schedule is made, no changes will be made without the approval of the LWAA Commissioner. Our schedule encompasses YCAA and LWAA children (about 500-600 families), so it is not always possible to accommodate everyone.

C. Fall baseball does not have a required number of games. We will attempt to play 8 regular season games and participate in a double elimination tournament between participating organizations. Weather and other factors will play a part in this.

SECTION 5. CANCELLATIONS AND MAKE-UPS.

The Lake Wylie Athletic Association will make every effort to play all games if reasonably possible. Coaches may call, text or email the commissioner regarding any weather cancellations. If a decision has not been made, teams should report to the field and the official will make the decision. In the case of inclement weather, we will attempt to have a decision made by 4 PM. Sometimes conditions do not allow for this.

A game may be delayed, postponed, or cancelled due to lightning, heavy rain or poor field conditions. (Decisions made at the discretion of the Referee/Recreation Staff).

· Should a game be delayed during play due to cloud to ground lightning, there will be a 15-minute delay from the last cloud to ground strike. The game shall resume play at the point in which the delay occurred.

· Games interrupted due to weather or any other reason will be rescheduled and finished from the point of interruption, if less than one (1) inning has been completed the game will be rescheduled and replayed.

The commissioner will contact the head coach only in the event a game is cancelled or postponed. Coaches should contact their players concerning postponed/cancelled games.
All cancelled games will be rescheduled by the host organization at the earliest possible date and reschedule dates are final. Both coaches will be notified of the new date, time, and location, which may include Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and any other days that games are not normally played. Officials will be arranged by the host organization.
In the event of a large number of cancellations, LWAA may have to reschedule games on Saturdays or at the end of the regular season schedule.

SECTION 6. PROTESTS.

Protest Procedure.

1. Head coach must call time-out to halt play.

2. Notification of intent to protest can be made only by the team head coach.

3. The protesting Head coach must immediately notify the head umpire and all scorekeepers of the intent to file a protest.

4. The head umpire and coach should make sure that the scorekeepers keep accurate records of the protest time and game situation (batter, count, runners on base, etc.).

5. File an official, written, protest with the protest committee ([email protected]), along with a $50.00 protest fee, no later than twenty-four (24) hours after the time of the protest. In the event the game is scheduled on a Friday or Saturday, the protest and fee must be filed no later than 5:00 p.m. the following Monday in which the protest occurred.

The protest will be reviewed and an appropriate ruling will be made as quickly as possible by the protest
committee. Protest committee will include commissioners from both participating organizations if the game involves both organizations and the umpires for the game will be consulted. If the protest only involves LWAA teams, the LWAA commissioners will review the protest and the umpires will be consulted as well.

All parties involved will be notified by the protest committee of any decision reached.

Protest Fee. A fifty-dollar ($50.00) fee shall accompany each and every protest filed. Should the protest be upheld, the fee will be refunded to the person who provided the fee. Should the protest be rejected, the filing fee will be retained and placed in the General Operating Fund of the LWAA.

E. Filing Procedure. Protests filed must be typewritten and contain all of the following information:

1. Date, time, and location of game.

2. Names of umpires and scorekeepers.

3. Rule in question.

4. Location of rule in Little League rule book.

5. The protested decision and circumstances surrounding the protest.

SECTION 7. MANDATORY PLAY RULES.

Every rostered player present at the start of a game will participate in each game for a minimum of six (6) defensive outs and bat at least one (1) time. For the purposes of this rule, “six (6) defensive outs” is defined as: A player enters the field in one of the nine defensive positions when his/her team is on defense and occupies such position while six (6) outs are made; “bat at least one (1) time” is defined as: A player enters the batter’s box with no count and completes that time at bat by being retired or by reaching base safely.

Penalty: The player(s) involved shall start the next scheduled game, play any previous requirement not completed and meet the requirement for this game before being removed.

The Head Coach (if in attendance) or acting Head Coach shall for the:

· First offense---receive a written warning.

· Second offense---a suspension for next scheduled game.

· Third offense---a suspension for remainder of the season.

*Note 1: If the violation is determined to have been intentional, a more severe penalty may be assessed by the board of directors. However, forfeiture of the game may not be invoked.

*Note 2: There is no exception to the mandatory play rule unless a game is shortened for any reason. (Ex: Mercy rule, weather situation)

SECTION 8. PLAYER POOL (PULL UP RULE)

In the event that a team will be not have enough players to field a minimum roster for any reason, to avoid forfeits teams will be allowed to fill their roster to the minimum roster size (nine (9) with players from within the league.
Divisions will be allowed to fill their rosters to the minimum size with participates from a pre-selected pool of players from lower divisions.
Permission to use this policy must be given to a team by the LWAA commissioner who will inform any participating organizations of substitute players.
Any coach substituting players not authorized by the commissioner will be

SECTION 9. TIES

In the event two or more teams are tied at the conclusion of regular season play, the following steps could be taken to break the tie:

Head-to-head competition; the record between the two or more teams will be considered.

Point spread between the two or more teams; an examination of the final scores between the two teams will be considered.

Fewest runs allowed; an examination of the final scores for ALL regular season games will be considered.

Coin toss.

LWAA Machine Pitch Rules

The Little League Rule Book shall govern play with the exception of the Machine Pitch rules states in this document.

(Ages 6-7-8)

Revised 8/12/2019, with minor updates 8/27/2020, 3/10/2021, 3/18/2021, 8/2021

Game and Length

1. Games will start at the scheduled time (6:00 for weeknights). Any team without 8 players ten (10) minutes after the scheduled game time, it will be considered a forfeit and played as a scrimmage. (Game can/will still be played). If knowing in advance that you will have less than 8 players, please reach out to the Commissioner and opposing Manager to work on rescheduling the game or borrowing a player(s) if possible. Borrowing players- If borrowing from a team other than your opponent- borrowed player plays outfield only, bats last in batting order. The opportunity should be made available to all players eligible to fill in, not "cherry-picked". Commissioner must be notified of all player borrowing at the time of the arrangements. If borrowing from the opponent for that game- the player(s) scheduled to bat last in each respective inning (the final batter of the previous inning) shall play outfield for the shorthanded team to fill in on defense only, and will return to their own team to play defense in the following half-inning (players only bat for their OWN team in this situation)

2. All games must be played as scheduled. In case of rain, darkness, etc., 3 ½ innings (if home team is ahead) will constitute a game. Games called because of rain, darkness, or other reasons, and have not reached 3 ½ innings (if home team is ahead) in length, will be rescheduled at both teams’ earliest availability and resumed from the point they were stopped. Unavailable players will be removed from the batting order. New players will be added to the bottom of the batting order.

3. All games will be 6-innings or 90-minute time limit. No new inning may begin after 1 hour and 30 minutes from the official start time. For the purpose of enforcing the time limit, the beginning of an inning will be immediately after the third out is made in the bottom of the previous inning. If after 6-innings or the expiration of the time limit and the game is tied, a tie will be allowed.

4. There will be no mercy rule in effect. All games will be 6-innings or 90-minute time limit, whatever comes first.

5. Home team occupies the first base dugout, and the Visitors will occupy the third base dugout. Home team lines and preps the field for each scheduled game.

6. The home team shall supply (5) games ball for use each game. Fall ball 4 balls in play due to darkness

7. Home team manager is responsible for getting the diamond ready for play (setting up bases, lining field, chalking the batter’s box) and official score keeping. Trash removal is the responsibility of each team for their dugout and bleacher areas.

8. Bats shall be kept in the enclosed “on-deck” area or other designated area during games, to prevent injury from players handling bats in the close confines of the dugout. All other equipment shall be kept in the dugout and clear of the playing field for the safety of the players.

9. Scorekeepers from each team should convene after the end of each full inning to confirm the current score. Any discrepancies should be researched and resolved immediately at that point.

Pitching

1. Pitching will be done by a spring-release pitching machine (Louisville Slugger Blue Flame) set on Pitching Height = 4 and Speed = 8. The pitching machine will be set up approximately 46’). The coach releasing the pitch must ensure everyone is ready before starting the ball in play. The coach must be in a direct line between home plate and second base and within a width from one side of the pitching rubber to the other.

2. Prior to the start of the game, a coach from each team shall inspect the positioning and settings of the pitching machine for accuracy and consistency. It is suggested that both coaches agree on a common method of setting the ball on the pitching arm (4 seam, 2 seam horseshoe up, 2 seam horseshoe down, etc.) for additional consistency. Once these pre-game settings are agreed upon, the ONLY setting that may be adjusted during the course of the game is the height adjustment screw at the end of the throwing arm. Any exceptions to this must be approved by the umpire and only for unique circumstances such as the machine being accidentally knocked over and then being unable to pitch a strike with its current settings.

3. Test pitches before the start of an inning should be done to an adult catcher to ensure the machine is set properly before the first batter steps to the plate. COACHES SHOULD NOT ENCOURAGE PLAYERS TO “TAKE A PITCH” ONCE THE BATTER HAS BEGUN THEIR AT BAT. Doing so slows the pace of the game and instills a bad habit for players as they move up to player-pitch divisions.

4. The player playing the pitcher position on defense must be in-line with the rubber and within 3 feet of the rubber either side.

5. 5 game balls in Spring, 4 in fall season may be used if the home team supplies a “good condition” game ball from a previous game.

Batting

1. Each batter will have 3 strikes or 5 pitches (4 in Fall). If on the 5th pitch (4^th pitch in Fall), they hit a foul ball, they will receive another pitch from the machine until hit or out. Batters are encouraged to swing at hittable pitches. It will be the umpire’s discretion if a player swings on the 5^th pitch (4^th in Fall) with a question that it would have been an unhittable bad pitch, then only umpire can make the call if need an additional re-pitch.

2. If the pitch is not swung at by the batter and deemed "unhittable" by the umpire, the batter will receive one additional pitch. No additional pitches will be granted, except for a foul ball. This rule will be at the umpire’s discretion.

3. If the pitching machine or coach is hit by a batted ball, the ball will be considered “dead”, the batter and runner(s) will advance 1 base.

4. No bunting or walks allowed.

5. All players bat in a continuous order.

6. 5-run max per inning

7. All bats must be Little League approved and either have a USA Baseball stamp (except USA bats labeled for “Tee ball use only” may not be used) or made of solid one-piece wood.

8. If a batter throws the bat, a TEAM warning will be issued. If the team that has been warned has this happen again, the player will be automatically out.

9. The ball becomes dead, and the umpire will call time when-

i. A batted ball comes in contact with the pitcher coach. The batter shall be awarded first base and runner(s) may only advance if forced.

ii. A thrown ball comes in contact with the pitcher coach, the ball is dead. Any runner(s) who have crossed the hash marks shall be awarded the base they were going. If the runner(s) have not crossed the hash marks they will return to the last base occupied.

iii. A player injured. Any runner(s) who have crossed the hash marks shall be awarded the base they were going. If the runner(s) have not crossed the hash marks they will return to the last base occupied. (NOTE: If a base runner is injured, the last retired batter will replace the runner.

Running

1. Helmets must be worn from the time a player leaves the dugout until they return. Warnings will be issued to a runner that intentionally removes his/her helmet during this time.

2. Base runners may not leave their base until the ball is hit. Umpire will send batter to base they would have made at the umpire’s discretion.

3. "Time" called by a player does not stop play. Machine Pitch is a developmental process and calling time does not teach the game. Umpires are expected to control the game and if the ball is in the infield and player has control of the game and showing awareness, the umpire should call time.

4. Coaches should respect the developmental process. Running bases because you can, is not the best course of action. Coaches should not send runners additional bases solely to provoke a throwing error. Getting base runners to listen to coach’s instruction and signals will help develop skills related to base running.

5. On an overthrow that lands in foul or fair territory, all runners may advance to next base if advised by the coach.

6. Any ball in the outfield is considered live and the runners may advance as many bases as the defense will allow. All runners will be held at current base or next base, if runner pass the hash mark in between bases, when the ball is within the diamond (on field inside the bases) when player has the ball or semi control of the ball (time is called).

7. Runners do not need to slide but must not show ill intent to draw/make contact with the fielder. We encourage a base runner to slide if there is a possible play at the base the runner(s) are advancing to.

8. No headfirst slides except going back to a base that was previously earned.

9. A base runner must turn right or maintain the course of the base path after crossing 1st base. As long as the base runner does not make an attempt to continue onto 2nd base, they will be considered safe if fielder attempts a tag. This rule will be at the umpire’s discretion.

Defense

1. Teams will have no more than 10 players on the field, five (5) in the infield (no catcher), and the rest of the players in the outfield. If using a catcher, then this will result in having 4 outfielders. Outfielders must be standing in the outfield grass before the ball is hit.

2. It is encouraged that a catcher position be played at all times to encourage development at this position.

3. If safety is not a concern for a developed player, then managers should encourage player development by allowing the players to learn various positions.

4. Players must stay in the same position for the entire inning unless injury.

5. Not all players are required to play in the infield, but to encourage participation, it is recommended. Players must play a minimum of 1 inning of the first 4 innings in outfield or catcher to encourage player rotation.

6. No infield fly rule will be used.

7. Outfielders may not make a play in the infield.

Pace of Play

Several of the above-mentioned rules are intended to speed the course of play so players get more at-bats and fielders see more action in the field. Coaches are encouraged to pay attention to the pace-of-play and do what they can to keep the game moving along and allow more at-bats before reaching the time limit. Warm-ups between innings should be kept brief, and the next inning's catcher should have their gear on ready to go before the third out is made, whenever possible.

Article II

Rules

Minor/ Major division ( subject to change )

Section 1. The Game-In General.

A. All players must be registered with the LWAA or participating recreation organization.

B. See league ages

C. The home team shall furnish 3 game baseballs and the visiting team shall furnish 2 approved playable baseballs.

D. The home team will occupy the first base dugout.

E. The home team is responsible for keeping the official scorebook. (Both teams are required to keep a scorebook)

F. The visiting team is responsible for keeping the official pitch count. (Both teams are required to keep pitch count)

G. The LWAA will be responsible for recording wins/losses for each team.

H. Every effort will be made to have two (2) umpires present at all games including regular and post-season games. However, games shall be played if only one (1) umpire is present. Balls and strikes will be called from where the attending umpire is most comfortable.

I. Batting line-ups must be exchanged by teams no later than ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled game time. Teams must notify the opposing team’s official scorer of any line-up changes during the game.

J. Umpires have the authority to clear each field five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled game start time.

K. Teams must have a minimum of nine (9) players present to start a game.

L. Coaches are to instruct their players to hustle on and off the field at all times.

Section 2. The Playing Field and Equipment

A. Baselines shall be seventy (60) feet.

B. Pitching distance shall be fifty (46) feet.

C. Five (5) ounce-nine (9) inch baseballs will be used for all game play.

D. Bat Rules:

· Only USA stamped bats are allowed

E. Helmets must be worn by any offensive player on the playing field. Face guards are optional

F. All catchers must wear full protective equipment during game play. (Including throat protectors no matter what style mask is being used) Two (2) piece style helmets are not allowed.

G. Metal cleats are not allowed during local league play.

Section 3. Regulation.

The completion of seven (7) innings or two hours and 15 minutes (135) minutes constitutes a complete game (If game must be called for darkness before a full inning can be completed, we will revert to the last complete inning and score for the game). We do this so the kids can all get as much play time as possible.
If it is deemed by the umpire that any team is intentionally delaying or stalling a game, a forfeit will be called in favor of the other team.
Mercy Rule: A team is winning by ten (10) runs or more after both teams have completed five (5) innings (four and one-half (4 ½) innings if the home team is winning) constitutes a regulation game.
If the game is tied at the end of a regulation game, the game will be declared a tie during the regular season. During postseason play the game will continue and the “International Tie-Breaker Rule” will apply. *International Tie-Breaker Rule: each team starts the inning with the player who completed the last official at bat as a base runner on second base and with one (1) out.
Games interrupted due to weather or any other reason will be rescheduled and finished from the point of interruption unless five (5) innings have been completed (home team must complete their half of the fifth inning).
All decisions made by the umpires are final.

Section 4. Batter.

A. The batter cannot sling the bat. The batter shall be warned on the first offense, the batter will be called out on the second offense and any offense thereafter. *Note – Slinging of the bat will be the sole judgment of the umpire*

B. Dropped 3^rd Strike

Uncaught/Dropped Third Strike Rule ( not in minor division ) - If the catcher drops or misses strike three, the batter can run to first, unless occupied with less than two (2) out, and must be thrown or tagged out.

Section 5. Runner.

The runner cannot slide into first base. The runner will be called out for sliding into first base.
The runner cannot slide head first into any base. The runner will be called out for sliding head first into any base. Runners may only slide head first when returning to a base.
The runner can lead off ( only in majors ) or steal any base.
The runner will be called out for running past a base without touching the base.
It is mandatory that a courtesy runner is used for the catcher when there are two outs. The courtesy runner is the last batted out or any player not currently in the line-up

Section 6. Defense.

Each team will play nine defensive positions, including a pitcher, catcher, four infielders, and three outfielders. All outfielders must position themselves on the grass area, which signifies the beginning of the outfield.

Section 7. Pitcher.

Little League Pitch Count Limits and Mandatory Rest Rules
11-12 – 85 pitches per day
9-10 – 75 pitches per day
7-8 – 50 pitches per day

Warm up pitches do not count towards the pitch count.

If a pitcher reaches his max pitch count during an at-bat, the pitcher is allowed to continue until any of the following conditions occurs:

1. That batter reaches base;

2. That batter is put out;

3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning.

A pitcher who delivers forty-one (41) or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that calendar day.

Any player who has played the position of catcher in any part of four (4) or more innings in a game is not eligible to pitch on that calendar day. (Catching a single pitch in an inning constitutes catching in that inning. Warm up pitches do not count.)

In the Intermediate division, a pitcher remaining on defense in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game as long as their maximum pitch count has not been reached.

· If a player pitches sixty-six (66) pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

· If a player pitches fifty-one to sixty-five (51-65) pitches in a day, three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

· If a player pitches thirty-six to fifty (36-50) pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.

· If a player pitches twenty-one to thirty-five (21-35) pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.

· If a player pitches one to twenty (1-20) pitches in a day, no (0) calendar day of rest must be observed.

If a pitcher reaches a day(s) of rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any of the following conditions occur: That batter reaches base; that batter is put out; the third out is made to complete the half-inning. The pitcher will only be required to observe the calendar day(s) rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, provided that pitcher is removed or the game is completed before delivering a pitch to another batter.

Players may not pitch in more than one (1) game in a day

Pitches in suspended/regulation tie games charged against pitcher's eligibility. If suspended games are resumed on another day, pitchers of record at time game was suspended will be allowed to pitch to the extent of their eligibility for that day if they have rested the proper amount of days.

Coaches are allowed three (3) total visits to the mound before removing that pitcher with a maximum of two (2) in an inning. On the third visit in an inning, that pitcher must be removed. On the fourth visit over multiple innings, the pitcher must be removed.

*Note: A day’s rest for a pitcher does not begin until the following day after a player pitches. (Ex. Player X throws sixty (60) pitches on Monday night. Player X is not eligible to pitch again until Friday) *

Sections 8. Coaches.

Only the head coach may represent or speak for the team.
There will be a maximum of four (4) coaches in the dugout at any time during game play. There must be at least one coach in the dugout at all times.
Two (2) offensive coaches will be allowed on the field during game play, first base coaching position and third base coaching position (base coaches may be either coaches or players).
One (1) of the dugout coaches may serve as the scorekeeper. If not, the scorekeeper cannot sit in the dugout.
Parents will not be allowed on the field or in the dugout during a game unless a player is injured.

Minors

Section 1. The Game-In General

A. All players must be registered with the LWAA or participating recreation organization.

B. No player can turn twelve (12) years of age before August 30, 2017.

C. The home team shall furnish 3 game balls and the visiting team shall furnish 2 approved playable baseballs.

D. The home team will occupy the first base dugout.

E. The home team is responsible for keeping the official scorebook. (Both teams are required to keep a scorebook)

F. The visiting team is responsible for keeping the official pitch count. (Both teams are required keep pitch count)

G. The LWAA will be responsible for recording wins/losses for each team.

I. Batting line-ups must be exchanged by teams no later than ten (10) minutes prior to the scheduled game time. Teams must notify the opposing team’s official scorer of any line-up changes.

J. Umpires have the authority to clear each field five (5) minutes prior to the scheduled game start time.

K. Teams must have a minimum of nine (9) players present to start a game.

L. Coaches are to instruct their players to hustle on and off the field at all times.

Section 2. The Playing Field and Equipment.

A. Baselines shall be sixty (60) feet.

B. Pitching distance shall be forty-six (46) feet.

C. Five (5) ounce-nine (9) inch baseballs will be used for all game play.

D. Minor League Bat Rules:

· Bats may not be more than thirty-three (33) inches in length; nor more than two and one quarter (2 ¼) inches in diameter. Non-wood bats shall be labeled with a BPF (bat performance factor) of 1.15 or less.

· Composite Barrel: Two and one quarter (2 ¼) inch composite barreled bats must be approved by Little League Baseball.

· When the 2018 bats come out (sometime in September/October 2017, they MAY be used. Please refer to the Little League website for 2018 bat rules. No exceptions will be made.

E. Helmets must be worn by any offensive player on the playing field. Chin straps must be worn if snaps are provided on the helmet. Face guards are optional.

F. All catchers must wear full protective equipment during game play. (Including throat protectors no matter what style mask is being used). Two (2) piece style helmets are not allowed.