CR SSTOWNBASEBALL

OFFICIAL RULES OFCROSSTOWN BASEBALL

2018WWW.LEAGUELINEUP.COM/CROSSTOWNBASEBALL

www.redsyouthbaseball.org

CROSSTOWN BASEBALL LEAGUE CODE OF ETHICS

1. The managers and coaches are first and foremost the leaders among the boys and girls. Their conduct and attitude should set a pattern, which will mold the ideal character for each and every boy and girl. Clean play, sportsmanship, and the enjoyment of play should be stressed over winning games.

2. The managers and coaches should provide the opportunity for as many boys and girls as possible to play rather than to develop outstanding championship teams. They should be impartial in their judgment and give personal attention to each boy and girl.

3. They should be thoroughly acquainted with the Official Rules of Crosstown Baseball.

4. Managers and coaches should strive to promote baseball through regular attendance at meetings, friendly relations with other managers and coaches, and be well informed in regard to Crosstown Baseball regulations and procedures. They should never abuse the privileges of being a baseball manager or coach.

5. They should attempt to teach responsibility for equipment, backstops, care of grounds and the prevention of vandalism to baseball fields.

6. They should instruct their teams that the umpire is in complete charge of the ball games, and that no unnecessary riding or heckling of the umpire or the other team will be tolerated. This is also true of the parents and fans attending the games.

7. The managers and coaches should endeavor to raise the standard of all players on their teams to the highest level in sportsmanship and in fair play. Teach the players to “Win Without Boasting - Lose Without Alibis.”

8. Managers and coaches should encourage and promote baseball through the parents, businessmen, civic groups, and friends. They should always remember that baseball is nonsectarian, non-commercial, and non-political.

9. Any managers or coaches found consuming alcoholic during a game shall forfeit that game. Any player found consuming alcoholic beverage should be removed from the game.

10. All managers and coaches by entering a team in the league hereby agree to accept this code of ethics.

CROSSTOWN BASEBALL LEAGUE RULES & REGULATIONS 2018

1. A. AGE LIMITS FOR 201818U – 16U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 199915U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 200214U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 200313U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 200412U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 200511U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 200610U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 20079U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 20088U YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 20097U (Machine Pitch) YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 20106U (T-Ball) YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 20115U (T-Ball) YOUTH BORN ON OR AFTER MAY 1, 2012

B. Players are permitted to play up 1 year. For example, a player in 8U would be permitted to play 9U, but not up to 10U.

2. UMPIRES FEES (PER GAME)

Umpires for 18U-16U, 15 U & 14 U $50 per team (2 Umpires) $35 per team (1 Umpire)Umpires for 13U, 12U $25.00 per team (1 Umpire)11U, 10U, 9U & 8U…. $20 per team (1 Umpire)

All games, with the exception of 18U, 15U & 14U will use only one umpire per game. The league will assign all umpires. If no league umpire shows, a person can be selected from the stands. Both managers must agree on the person and the game will be official. If no agreement can be reached, the game will be rescheduled.

3. TIME LIMIT

A. There will be a 2 hour time limit for all age groups.

4. ENTRY FEES. 5U – 7U = $ 75 per team8U - 13U = $175 per team14U -18U = $225 per team

5. INDIVIDUAL AGREEMENTS. Players’ agreements are for the 2018 playing season which starts when the player signs the agreement and ends when the player's team finishes its regular season. Each player and the parent or guardian must have signed an Agreement before a player participates in a regular season game or the game will be forfeited.

6. REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION. All coaches must have in their possession at all time the player’s birth certificate.

7. TEAM REQUIREMENTS

A. 8U-18U teams are required to have not less than twelve (12) or no more than fifteen (15) players on its roster.

B. Once a player is under contract with a Crosstown Baseball League team, there shall be no contact “initiated” BY ANY member or representative of any other team in the league. Failure to comply with this will result in the team not being allowed to play for Crosstown Baseball.

8. NEW PLAYER(S). When a team roster declines below its standard number of player(s), new player(s) may be signed no later than May 15.

9. REGULAR PLAYING SEASON.

A. The regular playing season will start the Second Saturday in April and will consist of a minimum of a twelve (12) game schedule before the tournament starts in June. Teams must play a minimum of 10 games to be eligible for the tournament. No regular season games will be scheduled while the tournament is being played. All Games on Saturday and Sunday will be played at Bill Cappel Youth Sports Complex, if the Complex is full on those days then we will entertain having games at other fields. Saturday games will be scheduled at 9am, 11am, 1pm and 3pm. Sunday games will start at 1pm, 3pm and 5pm. We have fields at Covington Complex during the week and on the weekends. 8U-18U Games will be scheduled back-to-back on all fields on Saturday and Sunday to make the umpire scheduling easier.

B. A player who is on a team’s roster and under contract must play in a minimum of 5 games throughout the year to be eligible to participate in the end of season tournament.

10. TournamentA. The starting dates for the regular season-ending tournament will be announced at the coaches meetings in February and March. 8U through 13U will start on a Monday, with the 14U through 18U starting the following week. Tournament seeding will be based on the total wins on the Saturday before the tournament starts.

B. TOURNAMENT GAMES will be setup as follows:

i 8U-13U will be 5 innings long with a game being considered official after 4 innings.ii 14U-18U will be 6 innings long with a game being considered official after 5 innings.

11. OFFICIAL GAME

18U 7 innings15U 7 innings14U 7 innings13U 6 innings12U 6 innings11U 6 innings10U 6 innings9U 6 innings8U 5 innings7U (Machine Pitch) 5 innings6U (T-Ball) 5 innings5U (T-Ball) 5 inningsPITCHING DISTANCE

18U 60’ 6”15U 60’ 6”14U 60’ 6”13U 54’12U 51’11U 50’10U 48’9U 45’8U7U

BASE DISTANCE

45’40’ (Starting the 7th week of the season)

18U 90’15U 90’14U 90’13U 80’12U 75’11U 70’10U 65’9U 60’8U 60’

12. FIELD CONDITION. In case of a wet field and both teams show up, both managers and the umpire must agree that the field is playable. All three must agree or the game will not be played. If a manager does not have enough players present, he will not have a say on whether or not the field is playable.

13. PERSONNEL ON PLAYING FIELD. Only the official Manager or the designated coaches and the participating players shall be allowed on the players' benches or on the playing field during the progress of an officially scheduled game. Failure to comply with this rule can result in forfeiture of the game by action of the umpire in chief.

14. DISPUTED PLAYS. Only the official manager or designated coach of any team participating in a scheduled game may address the umpire on any disputed play during the progress of the game.

15. FORMAL PROTEST:A. Any formal protest on a field play must be made to the umpire-in-chief who shall be the

plate umpire and the opposing manager must be notified before the next legal pitch is made. Both score books must be noted and signed by both umpires and managers.

B. A written (preferably typewritten) statement of fact, setting forth the date, time, and all matters covering the formal protest must be submitted by the official team manager in person to Dave Epplen, Sr. or email to crosstownbaseball@yahoo.com prior to 4pm the next day. Including a full statement of facts such as number of outs, players on base, ball and strike count and rule number violated. Filing cost is $50 cash and must be given to Dave Epplen Sr or Todd Reams by 4p the next day.

16. BATS - Approved baseball bats are any unaltered commercially manufactured bats available for retail purchase with the following exceptions:

A. The maximum bat diameter is 2 3/4”.

B. Softball bats are not allowed to be used.

C. Composite material and flex handle bats are prohibited unless they are "bpf", BBCOR or BESR rated. Ratings may be printed on the bat or received from the manufacturer in some written or electronic (email) manner for each bat model.

D. The maximum difference between bat length and bat weight is minus 3 (-3) in 18U, 15U and 14U. Wood bats and single piece aluminum bats are allowed to be used in all classes without any ratings; all other restrictions apply.

PENALTY: Player is out and the ball is dead immediately and the bat is immediatelyremoved from the game and the bench area. Additionally, the manager of the offending team is automatically ejected from the game.

17. PROTECTIVE HEADGEAR & EQUIPMENT:

A. The batter and the base runner must wear a double ear helmet while at the plate and while running the bases. Penalty for not wearing a helmet shall be that the player will be declared "OUT" if the player re-fuses to wear a helmet after being reminded by the umpire that the player is not wearing the proper headgear.

B. Catchers are required to wear a chest protector, a mask (with throat protector), shin guards, and a protective headgear covering on top of the head while catching behind the plate. All male catchers must wear a cup. It is the coach's responsibility to make sure that he does.

C. Any player warming up the pitcher before the game and between innings shall wear a catcher's mask (with throat protector). Refusal to do so after being reminded by the umpire shall result in the ejection of the offender and the head coach.

18. All players’ shirts must be numbered. No player will be permitted to use metal spikes unless in 16U-18U, 15U and 14U.

19. RUN RULE

i 10U teams winning by 8 or more runs may NOT steal/advance any base or home plate until the lead drops below 8 runs at any point during the game. This does not apply to the end of season tournament.

ii 11U-13U teams winning by 8 or more runs may NOT steal/advance any base or home plate until the lead drops below 8 runs at any point during the game. This does not apply to the end of season tournament.

20. Player Illness/Leaves during GameA. A player who is injured or ill or who leaves the park may leave the game, but may NOT return. That spot in the batting order is skipped and does not count as an out. Injuries and illnesses may not be feigned, doing so may result in the forfeiture of the game. A player who leaves the game while on base or at bat is replaced by the player with the last out. If at any point you drop below 9 batters, the player who left due to injury or illness becomes an out on his next scheduled plate appearance.

21. If a throw by a fielder goes out of play, each base runner will be awarded one (1) base from his position at the time of the throw in 9U and 8U.

22. In 8U, players may not steal any base or home plate, or lead off at any time. There will not be a dropped third strike rule. A half inning is over when a team scores four (4) runs or three (3) outs, whichever comes first. (This rule applies only in the first four (4) innings. All games will be five (5) innings. All players present at the game will be put into the batting order. If a player is late for the game, that player must be added at the end of the batting order. If a player cannot continue in a game, his/her spot in the lineup is left open and is not an out. 8U may play with four (4) “outfielders”. This additional player must be placed in the outfield and cannot assume a position inside of or next to the bases. (Example: This player cannot be placed “next” to or “on” second base at the time of the pitch as a means of creating an easy force out. This rule is designed to get more kids on the field and less in the dugout at this age level.) Each player must play a minimum of 2 innings per game.

23. In 9U, players may not steal any base or lead off at any time. If there is a dropped third strike, the catcher must tag the batter or throw to first to get the out. If first base is occupied, the batter is automatically out with less than 2 outs. All 9U games will be six (6) innings. A half inning is over when a team scores four (4) runs or three (3) outs, whichever comes first. (This rule applies only in the first five (5) innings.) All players present at the game will be put into the batting order. If a player is late for the game, that player must be added at the end of the batting order. If a player cannot continue in a game, his/her spot in the lineup is left open and is not an out. Each player must play a minimum of 2 innings per game.

24. In 10U, all games will be six (6) innings. Teams must bat their entire roster. If a player is late for the game, that player must be added at the end of the batting order. If a player cannot continue in a game, his/her spot in the lineup is left open and is not an out. If a batter is Walked the ball will be consider dead and players are only allowed to advance to the next base but no further. Players can steal one (1) base per pitched ball. Players can steal on any overthrow or passed ball. If there is a dropped third strike, the catcher must tag the batter or throw to first to get the out. If first base is occupied, the batter is automatically out with less than 2 outs. Each player must play a minimum of 2 innings per game.

25. In 11U, 12U and 13U, all games will be six (6) innings. Teams must bat their entire roster. If a player is late for the game, that player must be added at the end of the batting order. If a player cannot continue in a game, his/her spot in the lineup is left open and is not an out. If there is a dropped third strike, the catcher must tag the batter or throw to first to get the out. If first base is occupied, the batter is automatically out with less than 2 outs. Each player must play a minimum of 2 innings per game.

26. In 14U, 15U and 16U-18U, all games will be seven (7) innings. Teams must bat their entire roster. If a player cannot continue in a game, his/her spot in the lineup is left open and is not an out. If there is a dropped third strike, the catcher must tag the batter or throw to first to get the out. If first base is occupied, the batter is automatically out with less than 2 outs. Each player must play a minimum of 3 innings per game.

27. THE PITCHER

A. Pitch Limits. If the final pitching limit is reached in the middle of an at bat, the pitcher may complete that batter before being removed.

8U and 9U (The maximum number of pitches for one (1) day is 65.)Less than 25 pitches = no rest26-45 pitches = 1 day rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch on Wednesday)46-55 pitches = 2 days rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch Thursday)56-65 pitches = 3 days rest (Pitch Monday, can pitch Friday)

10U and 11U (The maximum number of pitches for one (1) day is 75.)Less than 25 pitches = no rest26-50 pitches = 1 day rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch on Wednesday)51-60 pitches = 2 days rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch Thursday)61-75 pitches = 3 days rest (Pitch Monday, can pitch Friday)

12U and 13U (The maximum number of pitches for one (1) day is 85.)Less than 30 pitches = no rest31-55 pitches = 1 day rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch on Wednesday)56-70 pitches = 2 days rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch Thursday)71-85 pitches = 3 days rest (Pitch Monday, can pitch Friday)

14U, 15U and 16U-18U (The maximum number of pitcher for one (1) day is 95.)Less than 35 pitches = no rest36-60 pitches = 1 day rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch on Wednesday)

61-75 pitches = 2 days rest (Pitch on Monday, can pitch Thursday)76 and 95 pitches = 3 days rest (Pitch Monday, can pitch Friday)

Penalty for first offense is a warning; the second violation will result in the manager being suspended for two (2) games and forfeiture of both games in which the violation occurred.

B. Trips to the Mound.

i. Two trips to the mound by a manager or coach will be enforced in 12U-18U. Pitcher is to be removed on the second trip in the same inning.

ii. In 8U-11U, a pitcher shall be removed upon the third trip to themound or after hitting a 3rd batter in the same inning.

iii. When a pitcher is removed for any reason, he shall only be removed from the pitching assignment and he may otherwise remain in the game. Once removed (end of game/inning), the player shall not be permitted to resume the pitching role the remainder of that day (i.e., doubleheaders)

A pitcher may wear a medical alert bracelet on his non-pitching arm as long as the bracelet is secured and covered by colored tape.

28. RE-ENTRY. A team must start with nine (9) players and can finish with eight (8).

A. Any of the starting and substitute players may be withdrawn and re-entered once, providing such player occupies the same batting position whenever he is in the lineup. Penalty for violation of this section shall be ejection of the manager and player involved.

B. If a player is injured or ejected and cannot be replaced because all substitutes have played, then the opposing manager will choose any player from the bench to replace the injured or ejected player.

29. SLIDING BASE RULE:

A. When a runner goes into a base standing up and the runner and the base move more than the width of the base in any fashion whatsoever, and the runner is tagged, the runner is out.

B. If the runner gets back to the spot where the base was before being tagged, the runner is safe.

C. When sliding, the runner shall remain on the ground until the umpire calls time. If the player gets up and moves before the umpire calls time, the runner will be called OUT if tagged and not standing on the original spot of the base. If the player moves the base and gets up and makes the next base, the future runner will go to the original spot of the base.

D. If the base is tied down the runner must stay with the base. If a tied down base becomes loose or broken because of a slide and the base moves away, the runner is not in jeopardy.

E. Pegged or weighted bases may be used.

30. Run Rulei. 8U-13U A game is considered official if one team is ahead by ten (10) runs in four and a half (4.5) innings, and by fifteen (15) runs in three and a half (3.5) innings.ii. 14U-18U A game is considered official if one team is ahead by ten (10) runs in five (5) innings.

31. ForfeitThe first forfeit will result in a $75 fee to be paid to the league prior to the next game and pay the umpire if one shows up. A second forfeit will result in a $150 fee to be paid to the league prior to the next game and pay the umpire if one shows up. Failure to pay the fee/umpire before your next scheduled game will result in the next scheduled game being marked as a Loss and each game after that until the fee/umpire is paid. Any team that forfeits three (3) games will be removed from the league.

32. Make Up GamesThe home team will be responsible for make-up games. The home manager will contact the opposing manager to arrange mutual and satisfactory date. If, after 48 hours, the home team has not contacted the visiting team, the league will reschedule the game at the earliest date and time the league has a field available. The only reason for postponement will be weather or darkness. The league will assign ALL umpires. Contact Dave Epplen at 859-331-1177 or 859-640-2031 to reschedule umpires and report no shows.

33. SUSPENDING A GAMEGames stopped by weather conditions or darkness will become suspended games unless four and a half (4½) innings are completed in 16U-18U, 15U, 14U, 13U, 12U, 11U, 10U and 9U, and after three and a half (3½) innings in 8U, providing the home team is leading in each case. If the game is suspended, it will be played from the point of suspension unless the losing team manager decides to call the game official.

34. LIGHTINGi. Games will be stopped at a visible lightning strike and a 30-minute delay will be enforced from the time of the last visible lightning strike. If time restrictions become a factor, the game will be suspended.

35. BAT THROWINGi. Teams in 8U, 9U, 10U and 11U will be warned one (1) time for throwing the bat. The

second time a batter will be out. Players in 12U, 13U, 14U, 15U and 16U-18U will not be giving a warning for throwing the bat and the player will be called out and can be ejected at the umpire’s discretion. If a player is called out for throwing the bat, it is a dead ball and all base runners return to their base at the time of the pitch.

36. MANAGERS

A. Winning managers have 24 hours to submit scores and pitch counts of both teams via the website: www.leaguelineup.com/crosstownbaseball by going to online forms then clicking on Game Results Form. This will allow us to maintain accurate information on the website.

B. Litter Rule. Upon completion of each game, all players must pick up all litter in the area of the team benches. The league will enforce this rule. No alcohol, tobacco use or glass containers are permitted on any baseball fields.

C. Home team is responsible for bases, pitching rubber and first new game ball. Visiting team is responsible for one (1) new backup ball.

D. Manager and organizations are responsible for financial viability. All league fees must be paid on or before your scheduling date. Failure to do so will result in your team not being allowed to schedule any games.

i. Those teams that use Reds to pay for league fees. The league must pay the Crosstown Fee upfront then get reimbursed from the Reds.

E. Contracts & Roster are to be turned in to John Graszus at or prior to the scheduling meetings in March for 5U – 13U and in April for 14U-18U. Managers will be held responsible for the correct birthdate and permanent address on the contracts.

F. If league fees, roster and contracts are not turned in by the scheduling date, the team will not be allowed to schedule games.

G. Managers have the right to take disciplinary action against any player who fails to attend regularly scheduled practices and scheduled games without authorization. If a player needs discipline, he can be benched for the game if the umpire and opposing coach are told before the game starts.

H. All rain out/cancelled games are to be rescheduled (not played) within two (2) days of cancellation.

37. SUPERVISOR. During the regular season, a board member is authorized to schedule games, regulate activities, decided protests and disputes, and render all necessary decision on the above rules and situations not mentioned. Major League Baseball Playing Rules (see exception in Rule 43) are the standard and will govern in all baseball activities except wherein rules of Crosstown Baseball take precedence.

38. If a manager, coach, player or parent is ejected from a game, he/she must sit out the next schedule game. There will be no reversals of this rule and no ability to “protest” an ejection.

39. CONDUCT

A. Each manager is responsible for the conduct of the team's players, coaches and fans before, during and after the game. Managers and coaches are responsible for assisting the umpire in controlling the fans. Failure to do so will result in the manager being suspended for one (1) game. The game will be forfeited by the team with the offense

B. Taunting by players, coaches or fans shall not be condoned and shall be considered unsportsmanlike conduct subject to disciplinary action.

C. The use of alcoholic beverages, tobacco, profane language, or improper conduct will not be permitted at any baseball facility while a game or practice is in progress regardless of location. Violation will result in immediate ejection from the field and coach being suspended for one (1) game for the coaches 1st offense. 2nd offense will result in the coach being suspended for two (2) games and a forfeit of that game (forfeit fee will apply). 3rd offense the coach will be removed from Crosstown Baseball.

D. No game shall continue until the offender(s) have left, or all persons shall be cleared from the field and the game will continue with the spectators removed.

E. We encourage no smoking around the players and playing area in conjunction with tobacco rule above.

F. Please ask your parents to not sit directly behind the backstop. The only exception will be if a Permanent Bench is set behind the backstop.

40. INTENTIONAL FIGHTING by participants including players, managers, coaches and other team personnel may result in a one year "Calendar" suspension of said participant. Any striking or offensive touch not in the normal course of a baseball game by a player, coach, or manager of an umpire before, during or after a baseball game shall result in a one year "Calendar" automatic suspension.

41. "FAKE TAG" - No defensive player may make a tag attempt on a base runner if that defensive player does not have the ball in his possession. This is to ensure the safety of the base runners by eliminating unnecessary slides that may result in injuries to the base runner. The penalty for infraction of this rule is that the base runner shall be declared "Safe" and the offender may be ejected from the game.

42. HURDLING OR PLOWING OVER THE CATCHER OR OTHER BASEMAN - (Will be a judgment call).

43. All teams in 8U-18U are eligible to play in the Crosstown Baseball League Tournament. If the minimum amount of games are played during regular season.

44. EXCEPTIONS TO MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL PLAYING RULES:

A. All balks are dead immediately.

B. Appeal plays will follow Kentucky High School Rules meaning an appeal play can be made verbally by a coach or player.

C. The “third to first” pickoff move will be allowed.

CROSSTOWN BASEBALL LEAGUETEAM ENTRY FORM

Team Name: Class:

Sponsor:

Manager: Phone:

Address: Zip:

Email Address:

Coach: Phone:

Email Address:

Address: Zip:

Email Address:

Coach: Phone:

Address: Zip:

Email Address:

Coach: Phone:

Address: Zip:

By entering this team in Crosstown Baseball, I agree to abide by the National League Playing Rules, the Crosstown Baseball Rules & Crosstown League Code of Ethics.

Manager’s Signature:______________________________________________________________

CROSSTOWN BASEBALL LEAGUETEAM ROSTER FORM

Organization or Team:_______________________________________________ Class:_________

Name Address DOB PhoneTeam Played for last year