8.3 A team may call up the number of players required to bring the team roster up to ten players, however, the team must always have more team players than call up players. (For instance, if a team has only three players, they cannot call up four players to prevent a default.)

8.4 Minor division players called up as substitutes are not allowed to pitch or catch.

8.5 Once a substitute player(s) has agreed to play, he/she must be given the opportunity to play in a fair and equitable manner in the event that a team player(s) reports late.

8.6 There is no limit on the number of times a player from a minor division may be brought up over the course of the season, as long as all other conditions regarding substitutions are met.

8.7 The Coach in consultation with the Convener may request a player(s) from the opposing team, or another team in the same division if there are not enough available players from the minor division.

8.8 If a player(s) from the opposing team is used as a substitute, that player will be given the option of returning to his/her team or continuing to play for the opposition in the event that a team player(s) arrive late.

8.9 Rep players from the same division may only be used as a last resort, to bring the team roster up to seven players to prevent a default, and only after all other options have been exhausted. A Rep player called as a substitute will not be allowed to play any infield position, including pitcher or catcher and he/she must bat at the bottom of the batting order.

8.10 During play-offs, no player from a minor division may be used unless agreed upon by the Executive due to extenuating circumstances.

9. HOME TEAM

9.1 The home team is listed second on the schedule and will occupy the dugout on the third base side. The visiting team is listed first on the schedule and will occupy the dugout on the first base side.

10. WARM-UPS

10.1 There will be no infield practice/warm-ups prior to the start of the game.

10.2 All coaches who warm up the pitcher between innings shall wear a catcher’s mask.

10.3 In order to maintain the flow of the game, once an inning is in progress teams are allowed 4 warm up pitches for a returning pitcher and 6 warm up pitches for a new pitcher.

11. THE LINEUP

11.1 All players not on the field for the first inning must play the second inning. No player is to sit for two consecutive innings unless due to extenuating circumstances (i.e. injury or illness). Under these circumstances both the Umpire and Convener must be advised of the situation.

11.2 All players must play a minimum of 3 innings in a 7-inning game. Coaches should ensure that players receive equal playing time whenever possible and players have an opportunity to play a number of positions, both infield and outfield, during the season.

11.3 Coaches are to provide the scorekeeper with his/her lineup, indicating each players first name, last name, and uniform number, at least 5 minutes prior to the scheduled start time.

11.4 All players listed on the score sheet must bat and must bat in the order listed on the score sheet. Coaches should ensure they rotate the lineup game to game such that the same players do not always bat at the top or the bottom of the lineup.

11.5 In the case of injury or ejection, the player will be removed from the lineup. All remaining players will stay in the same batting order. Any player removed from the game due to an injury may return to the game, one time only. He/she must return to his/her original place in the batting order.

11.6 If a game is shortened, any player not playing 3 innings should start the next game.

12. SPORTSMANSHIP

12.1 There is no mercy rule in any division.

12.2 One of the Objectives of the YBA is to encourage sportsmanship. Any coaching staff reported to be showing a pattern of humiliating the opposition (ie. when having a large lead using their best pitchers or stealing bases) may face disciplinary action.

12.3 Mosquito and Pee Wee Divisions: Ninth Batter Rule

i) Up to and including the fifth inning, there will be a limit of 9 batters per half-inning.

ii) It is the responsibility of the offensive coach to inform the umpire when the ninth batter comes to bat.

iii)On the ninth batter the play will stop once a defensive player has possession of the ball and touches home plate.

iv) For the sixth and subsequent innings there will be no limit to the number of batters. A half inning will end when three outs have been recorded.

12.4 Bantam Division: Six Run Rule

i) Up to and including the third inning, there will be a six run rule.

ii) It is the responsibility of the offensive coach to inform the umpire when the sixth safe runner crosses home plate.

iii) On the play in which the sixth run is scored, the play will continue to its natural conclusion. Any additional runs on the play will be scored. At the end of the play the half inning will end.

iv) If three outs are called prior to six runs being scored the half inning will end.

v) For the fourth and subsequent innings there will be no limit to the number of runs scored. A half inning will end when three outs have been recorded.

13. CONTACT

13.1 Runners are instructed to slide to avoid making contact with a fielder or if the potential for contact exists.

13.2 Defensive players must yield the bag if they are not in the process of making a play.

13.3 If the defensive player blocks the base path the runner must slide. If the defensive player blocked the base path clearly without imminent or immediate possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner will be declared safe.

13.4 The umpire shall determine whether contact was avoidable or unavoidable.

13.5 A player who maliciously runs into another player is to be declared out and is to be automatically ejected from the game. The ball will be declared dead.

13.6 Contact shall be considered malicious if the contact is the result of intentional excessive force, and/or there is intent to injure.

13.7 Malicious contact will be penalized whether committed by an offensive or defensive player.

14. PITCHERS

14.1 Any player may pitch in a game except call ups/substitutes from a minor division.

14.2 Pitchers are restricted to pitching a maximum number of innings per game in House League and Rep Ball and Rep pitchers are restricted to pitching a combined maximum innings per week as follows:

14.3 If a pitcher is on the mound and it is determined that his/her allowable innings has been exceeded will be immediately removed from the mound. The player will be assigned another position for the duration of the game.

14.4 Pitchers who also act as catchers should be allowed to rest one inning between assignments and should not be asked to pitch or catch for too many innings in a single game. It is strongly recommended that no player pitch the maximum allowable innings and catch the remainder of the game.

14.5 Pitching rules are in place to minimize potential for injury and promote healthy development. Serious violations of these rules will result in disciplinary action for the coach and/or player. The player involved will not be allowed to pitch for any team until approved by the Executive.

14.6 A single pitch will count as an inning pitched.

14.7 Players pitching the maximum number of innings per game may not pitch on three consecutive days.

14.8 Players pitching the maximum number of innings on two consecutive days must have two nights rest prior to their next pitching assignment.

15. REP PITCHER LOGS

15.1 All Rep pitchers must maintain an up-to-date pitching log and have it available to their House League Coach, the Convener and Scorekeeper at every game. The pitching log must accurately reflect the date and number of innings pitched for each Rep and House League game pitched with the coach’s signature as verification.

15.2 Coaches are responsible for ensuring Rep players maintain an accurate pitching log.

15.3 Coaches must check a player’s pitching log prior to assigning them to pitch in a game. Pitching logs must be turned over to the scorekeeper when submitting the lineup for a game.

15.4 The Convener and opposing coach may request, and be provided, the pitching logs for players prior to the start of the game.

15.5 Any pitcher whose log is deemed to be inaccurate or out of date after he/she begins pitching will be immediately removed from the mound and will be unable to pitch that game. The player will be assigned another position for the duration of the game.

16. TRIPS TO THE MOUND

16.1 Trips to the mound are at the discretion of the Umpire.

16.2 Coaches may not use trips to the mound as a delay tactic.

16.3 Mosquito Division: A Coach may visit a pitcher on the mound three times per inning during the regular season; a fourth trip to the mound requires that the coach change pitchers.

16.4 Pee Wee and Bantam Divisions: A Coach may visit a pitcher on the mound once per inning; a second trip to the mound requires that the coach change pitchers.

16.5 Playoffs – All Divisions: A Coach may visit a pitcher on the mound once per inning; a second trip to the mound requires that the coach change pitchers.

17. CHANGING PITCHERS

17.1 A coach is permitted to use a player early in the game and bring the same pitcher back later in the game provided:

i) the player has not used their allocated innings for pitching, and

ii) the player is already on the field in another position.

17.2 A pitcher must be removed from the mound and assigned another position on the field for the remainder of the game when:

i) he/she has hit two batters in a single inning, or

ii) he/she has hit three batters in a single game.

17.3 Pitcher changes must be reported to the Scorekeeper.

18. CURVEBALLS

18.1 Mosquito and Pee Wee Divisions Only:

i) Pitching a curveball is not permitted.

ii) If there are no runners on base a warning will be issued for the first and second offence of pitching a curveball and the pitch will be called a ball.

iii) If there are runners on base, the first offence of pitching a curveball will result in a warning to the pitcher and all runners will advance one base (runners can score). A second offence of pitching a curveball in the same game will result in all runners advancing one base (runners can score), the pitcher being removed from the mound and assigned another position for the remainder of the game, the Umpire will direct the Scorekeeper to make note of the infraction on the score sheet and the Convener will be notified.

iv) Repeat offences may result in disciplinary action and the player will not be allowed to pitch for any team at the level which the violation occurred until approved by the Executive.

19. BALK

19.1 Mosquito Division: If a Mosquito pitcher is balking, the Umpire should let the coach know at the end of the inning. The coach will be asked to further instruct the pitcher on proper pitching mechanics.

19.2 Pee Wee and Bantam Divisions: The balk rule will be enforced as outlined in the Official Rules of Baseball.

20. INTENTIONAL WALKS

20.1 Mosquito and Pee Wee Divisions Only:

i) No pitcher will intentionally walk a batter.

ii) If the Umpire deems the walk intentional, all runners including the batter will advance two bases.

21. CATCHING

21.1 Any player may catch in a game except call ups/substitutes from a lower division.

21.2 It is strongly recommended that no player be asked to field the position of catcher for an entire game.

21.3 Catchers shall remain dressed while not batting or base running so as to be ready to start an inning. When a catcher is on base and a second out is called the coach is permitted to replace the catcher with a substitute runner.

21.4 Mosquito Division Only: If a catcher drops a third strike pitch, the batter is automatically out.

22. FIELDING

22.1 Mosquito Division Only: During regular season games only, a single coach may stand in the field to help position players. Said coach may direct the infielders/outfielders but may not interfere with play. If said coach speaks to the pitcher it will be considered a trip to the mound.

23. LEAD-OFFS

23.1 Mosquito Division Only:

i) Lead-offs are not permitted.

ii) The conclusion of a normal baseball play occurs when runners have been put out or stopped from advancing to the next base.

iii) When the pitcher has control of the ball and is within the pitcher’s circle at the conclusion of a normal play, a timeout will immediately be inferred.

iv) Until a formal timeout is called or a pitch is delivered and the ball is deemed to have crossed the home plate plane, runners must hold their base or the umpire will call them out.