Mt Zion Youth Baseball & Softball Association Inc.

1.         THE GAME:

A.     Prior to the start of the game, the coaches shall meet at home plate to discuss C.G.S.L. rules and any ground rules for the diamond.

B.     A game will consist of 6 innings, if possible.

C.     A 1 hour and 45 minute time limit on all games. No new inning may begin after this time.

D.    There will be one minute to run on and off the field between innings. This is to encourage players to hustle and allow for more playing time.

E.      There shall be one paid patched umpire behind the plate. A base umpire may be either paid or and educated volunteer age 16 or older. The plate umpire must wear chest and face protectors.

F.      A minimum of 8 players are required, the game may be played but an out shall be recorded every time the 9^th player would come up to bat and the 10^th player is considered non-existent. Any less than 8 players is considered a forfeit.

G.     Each player must play a minimum of 2 complete innings.

H.    Re-entry rule is in effect. (must re-enter into same batting order)

I.       8 runs maximum scored in one inning.

J.        15 run rule after 3 complete innings.

K.     With the exception of the rules listed on this sheet all other IHSA rules apply.

2.         EQUIPMENT AND FIELD:

A.                 The pitching distance shall be 35 feet with a 16-foot diameter pitching circle.

B.                 12” ball will be required.

C.                 The bases distance will be 60 feet.

D.                The catchers must wear full gear: including a helmet, facemask, throat protector, chest protector, and shin guards.

E.                  Batters boxes are required as stated in the IHSA rules.

F.                  No metal spikes are allowed.

G.                 Batting helmets with face protectors are required.

3.         DEFENSE:

A.        10 players will play at a time on the field. These same 10 players are in the batting line up.

B.                 The infield fly rule will be applied to the infield only (inside the base path); the umpire has the final determination.

C.                 Once a pitcher has hit 4 batters total for the game or 3 within one inning, she is to be relieved of the pitching position for the rest of the game.

4.         OFFENSE:

A.                 There is no designated hitter.

B.                 All players must enter the game by the start of the third inning and play a minimum of two complete innings. If all players have not played a minimum of two complete innings at the end of the 4^th inning a forfeit will be recorded. If a player is substituted at the end of the first inning that player must re-enter the line up prior to the start of the 4^th inning in order to play their minimum of two innings. (Note; score keepers should meet at the end of the 2^nd and 3^rd innings to ensure all players have been properly entered into the game.) The re-entry rule may be used to re-enter players after the 4^th inning in the same batting order they started.

C.                 The umpire will determine if the rule has been broken and access the penalty.

Note: the exception to the 2 inning minimum rule would be an injured or sick player.

D.                At the beginning of the game the coaches are allowed to agree whether or not they want to bat the entire roster. Both Coaches have to be in agreement for this to be allowed. The player must still play the field per rules under Offense #C

E.                  Any player attempting to score must slide if a play on them is attempted (penalty is runner is out).

F.                  We have eliminated the drop third strike rule for this division. Drop third strike is now an out.