CLICK HERE FOR THE NEW BAT RULES FOR 2015

There will be no profanity, obscene gestures or throwing of any equipment. This can result in automatic ejection from the game in which it occurs and suspension from the next game. The second time one of these violations occurs, the person or persons involved will meet with the Rogers Youth Baseball board. At this meeting it will be declared if the person(s) will be allowed to continue to play in the Rogers Youth League. Any ejection of a coach or a player automatically is a one game suspension. All ejections will be reported to the Umpire in Chief, Commissioner of that league and President.

In case of a discussion, only the manager or head coach will speak to the chief umpire. All other coaches and players will either stay at their positions or in the dug-out. If this is violated, the person(s) involved may be ejected and suspended for one game. If this happens a second time that person(s) will have to meet with the Rogers Youth Baseball board where it will be decided if the can continue to coach in that league.

 A player, coach, or a fan ejected from the game must leave the park.

 There will be no yelling of personal or personal pronoun names. There will be no banging of bats against the dug-out fencing, floor, or bench. There will be nothing done to distract players from the other team. If any of the above violations take place, the umpire will warn the person(s) involved. A second warning means automatic ejection from the game. If the umpire is unable to tell who the guilty party is then either a player will be chosen or a coach may be ejected from the game. Managers should remember whatever their players do good or bad reflects on them. Again, managers are expected to have control of their players.

 No smoking or chewing tobacco will be allowed in the confines of the playing field. Alcoholic beverages and drugs are not permitted anywhere in the park. Coaches you may not go outside the dug out to smoke during the game in which your team is playing.

 There will be no soft toss allowed against the fence at any of the Rogers ball fields at any time.

 Before the start of any game managers should approach the umpires with any questions they may have.

 All equipment shall be kept in the dug-outs during the game. All players, unless they are on the field playing a position, on base, in coach’s box, up at bat, or in the –on-deck circle, will be in the dug-out.

 Managers should have their players in uniform with their shirts tucked in.

 Courtesy runners can be used for pitchers and catchers to help speed up the game. There must be at least one out for this to take place and the courtesy runner must be someone not in the line up. If a team has no subs for this then they must use the last recorded out as a runner.

 Teams are allowed to start with 8 players and must take an automatic out. If the 9th guy shows up he goes to the bottom of the lineup. Any team with less than 8 will have a 10 minute grace period before it is then considered a forfeit. However; the official game time will have started at the original game time and will not be added on once a player arrives.

 Delaying of the game by runners will not be tolerated. The runner will receive one warning by the umpire when a delay occurs. He will be called out if another infraction occurs.

 Stalling-If in the opinion of the umpire, a team exhibit stalling tactics, the umpire will give the team a warning. If in the opinion of the umpire, the team exhibits further stalling, the umpire shall stop the game and award a forfeit to the other team. Ordinary time outs will not be considered stalling if this has been the norm of this team throughout the game.

 There is no jewelry that is visible allowed on the playing fields at any time.

 Each team must supply at least two game balls every game.

 Collision Rule-In the umpire’s judgment, if the catcher or runner shows a violent or flagrant attempt at the tag or running over the catcher, either player may be ejected. There is not a slide rule but it is advised for all runners to slide at every base or the above could take place

 On double play balls the runner needs to get down or out. If not and in the umpire’s judgment the runner interferes with the play then that runner and the runner in which a play is being made will be called out.

 We follow Cal Ripken rules in 7-12 except where it may be amended. 13-15 yr olds are Babe Ruth and will follow Babe Ruth rules.

 City tournament will involve tournament rules for pitching.

 Rainouts and make ups please see rain out policy.

 13-15 refer to Babe Ruth Baseball rules and guidelines.

In ages 9-12 each pitcher is allowed to pitch 6 innings per week. Weeks run Sunday though Saturday (all ages). If a pitcher pitches more than 2 innings then he must have two calendar days rest before pitching again. If a team is caught in violation of this rule then that game will be a forfeit.

 In ages 13-15 same rules apply except pitchers must have two calendar days rest after more than 3 innings of pitching.

 In all ages 1 pitch constitutes one inning.

 If a pitcher begins warming up he must throw at least one pitch before being removed.

 Intentional walks are allowed, however; they are discouraged.

 There are no balks in ages 9-10.

All game time limits will be 1:00.

All games will be played at 6:00 & 7:15.

All players will hit from the tee. Each player will get 4 swings.

All players must bat regardless of outs every inning.

10 players allowed in the field(4 play in the outfield).

All players must play infield and outfield positions.

No score will be kept.

There may be one coach in the field on defense. There may be one coach behind the batter to help the player.

The ball is dead if thrown to the pitcher, catcher, or 1st.

All game time limits will be 1:00

All games will be played at 6:00 & 7:15

There will be ONLY 3 pitches to each batter. If after 3 pitches regardless if fouled or missed the player must then hit the ball off of the tee. If the player misses the ball on the tee the player shall be declared out. We need to keep the game moving.

All players must bat regardless of outs every inning.

10 players allowed in the field(4 play in the outfield).

All players must play infield and outfield positions.

No score will be kept.

There may be one coach in the field on defense. There may be one coach behind the batter to help the player.

The ball is dead if thrown to the pitcher or 1st.

New 2015 - Fake Bunt - Slash Bunt - A batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes a bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball.  PENALTY:  Batter is out, the ball is dead, no runners may advance.

  (Last Updated: 3/28/14)

1. A player, coach, or a fan ejected from the game must leave the park.

2. There will be no yelling of personal or personal pronoun names. There will be no banging of bats against the dugout fencing, floor, or bench. There will be nothing done to distract players from the other team.  If any of the above violations take place, the umpire will warn the person(s) involved.  A second warning means automatic ejection from the game.  If the umpire is unable to tell who the guilty party is then either a player will be chosen or a coach may be ejected from the game.  Head coach should remember whatever their players do good or bad reflects on them. Again, head coaches are expected to have control of their players.

3. No smoking or chewing tobacco will be allowed in the confines of the playing field.  Alcoholic beverages and drugs are not permitted anywhere in the park. Coaches you may not go outside the dug out to smoke during the game in which your team is playing.

4. There will be no soft toss allowed against the fence at any of the Rogers ball fields at any time.

5.  Before the start of any game head coach should approach the umpires with any questions they may have.

6. All equipment shall be kept in the dugouts during the game.  All players, unless they are on the field playing a position, on base, in coach’s box, up at bat, or in the –on-deck circle, will be in the dugout.

7. Head coach should have their players in uniform with their shirts tucked in.

8. Courtesy runners can be used for pitchers and catchers to help speed up the game. There must be at least one out for this to take place and the courtesy runner must the last player to make an out.

9. Teams are allowed to start with 8 players and must take an automatic out.  If the 9^th player shows up he goes to the bottom of the lineup.  Any team with less than 8 will have a 10 minute grace period before it is then considered a forfeit.  However; the official game time will have started at the original game time and will not be added on once a player arrives.

10. Delaying of the game by runners will not be tolerated.  The runner will receive one warning by the umpire when a delay occurs. He will be called out if another infraction occurs.

11. Stalling-If in the opinion of the umpire, a team exhibit stalling tactics, the umpire will give the team a warning.  If in the opinion of the umpire, the team exhibits further stalling, the umpire shall stop the game and award a forfeit to the other team. Ordinary time outs will not be considered stalling if this has been the norm of this team throughout the game.

12. Big Barrel Bats are not allowed.  Only 2-1/4” are allowed.

13. There is no jewelry that is visible allowed on the playing fields at any time.

14. Collision Rule-In the umpire’s judgment, if the catcher or runner shows a violent or flagrant attempt at the tag or running over the catcher, either player may be ejected. There is not a slide rule but it is advised for all runners to slide at every base or the above could take place

15. On double play balls the runner needs to get down or out. If not and in the umpire’s judgment the runner interferes with the play then that runner and the runner in which a play is being made will be called out.

16. Rainouts and make ups will be rescheduled by the league commissioner.

17. All game time limits will be 1:15 or 6 innings whichever comes first.

18. All games will be played at 6:00 & 7:30

19. Game will be played with hard ball

20. Run rule of 6 runs per inning unless behind and then can only go ahead by 6 runs

21. Home team will be official scorekeepers and both coaches must sign-off on scorebook and send the score into their commissioner.

22. 4 pitch maximum unless the ball was fouled on the 4th pitch.  If 3 strikes occur prior to 4 pitches batter is out.

23. The ball becomes dead when a batted ball hits the pitching machine or the individual feeding the machine.  The batter will be awarded first base. No runners may advance unless forced.  Any thrown ball which hits the machine remains alive and in play. 

24. The umpire will call time when the ball is thrown back to the pitcher in the circle or when no runner can advance and all runners less that halfway must return to prior base, which will be the judgment of the umpire only. (Example: Ball is either thrown to or stopped by the SS and the runner at second base can’t advance without being tagged out, then umpire would call time.)  Any ball that is clearly overthrown would be considered a live ball.  This is a judgment call and can’t be questioned. 

25. Only the head coaches are allowed to discuss a call (that reflects baseball rules) with the umpire.

26. Ten (10) players will be allowed on the field during play. With one player at each position, pitcher must be in the circle to the side of the machine, within four (4) feet of and behind the forward most point of the machine and all infielders must play their positions, not in the infield grass and the four outfielders must be in the outfield grass. 

27. The current team batting will provide a coach to feed the pitching machine.

28. Pitching Machine: The Louisville Slugger Perfect Pitch Machine will be se on 9 and 4 (40 MPH).  The 4 may have to be adjusted if the field has a mound.  The rear of the machine will be placed 46 feet from home plate. The umpire may adjust the machine at the beginning of an inning to maintain consistency.  The machine may be adjusted during an inning with the consent of both coaches or if deemed necessary by the umpire.

29. Every player must bat.

30. 3 outs per half inning.

31. There will be free substitution allowed.

32. New for 2016 - Stealing is allowed of second and third bases only.  Stealing of home is not allowed.  Base runners may attempt to steal ONLY on a third strike that isn’t caught by the catcher.  Cal Ripken leaving early rule applies.  The base runner may only score as a result of a play developing off a batted ball, or a play at a base.  Pass Balls or dropped balls are a judgment call by the umpire and cannot be disputed.

33. One bunt is allowed per inning, per team. NO SLASH BUNTING! (Slash Bunt - A batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes a bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball.  PENALTY:  Batter is out, the ball is dead, no runners may advance.

34. A game can end in a tie. (Except in the Playoffs)

35. Each team must supply at least one new game ball every game.

36. Only Adults with a current background check conducted by the league will be allowed on the field or in the dugout. 

1) All game time limits will be 1:30 or 6 innings

2) All weekday games will be played at 6:00 & 8:00

3) Rainouts generally scheduled for the next available Wednesday at the same time or on Saturday depending on current schedule and field availability.

4) Closed Bases: Pitcher's Mound 46'6"   Bases 60'

5) Home team to occupy 3rd base dugout

6) There will be free substitution(except pitcher). Must follow pitching rules. 6 innings per week. Must have two calendar days rest once pitched more than 2 innings. ONLY starting pitcher may re-enter the game

7) All players must play two defensive innings

8) Must bat the roster

9) All coaches are responsible for going to the score box and signing the books. Any coach is allowed to sign the books. If the book is not signed the game will be accepted as is.

10) A runner may steal once the ball crosses home plate. A runner that leaves early will be sent back to the base from which he started.

11) Run rules: 10 runs after 4 innings

12) Official time will be kept by the umpire

13) Fake Bunt - Slash Bunt - A batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes a bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball.  PENALTY:  Batter is out, the ball is dead, no runners may advance.

*Tournament Rules*

All rules still apply the same except for pitchers get 6 innings per consecutive games---If a pitcher pitches 6 innings then he must have a days rest. EX: game one the tournament and a pitcher throws 4 innings then game 2 he can pitch 2 innings---if you now go to game 3 then that pitcher would now have 4 innings.

1) Time limit 1:30 or 6 innings

 2) The bases are closed—bases will be 60’

 3) Run rules: 10 after 4 innings

 4) Pitchers must follow all pitching rules. Each pitcher is allowed 6 innings per week. Once a pitcher has pitched more than two innings he must have two calendar days rest before pitching again.

 5) All players must play two defensive innings.(free substitution)

6) Must bat the entire roster

 7) Game times 6 & 8

 8) All coaches responsible for going to the score box and signing the books. If the book is not signed then it will be accepted as is.

 9) Official time will be kept by the umpire

10) Fake Bunt - Slash Bunt - A batter is out for illegal action when the player fakes a bunt and then takes a full swing, thus eliminating a player from fake bunting the ball.  PENALTY:  Batter is out, the ball is dead, no runners may advance.

 *Tournament Rules*

All rules still apply the same except for pitchers get 6 innings per consecutive games---If a pitcher pitches 6 innings then he must rest the next game. EX: game one the tournament and a pitcher throws 4 innings then game 2 he can pitch 2 innings---if you now go to game 3 then that pitcher would now have 4 innings.

Time limits are 1 hour 45 minutes 

1. Babe Ruth Rule Book used in its entirety except as indicated below.

2. Games will be an hour and forty five minutes.  At time limit, the inning being played will be completed as needed. Official game time will be kept by the umpire.

3. Regular season games can end in a tie.

4. The run rule will be 15 after 3 innings; 10 after 4 innings

5. Must have 8 players to start a game. However, an out will be recorded until the 9^th player arrives.

     6. Babe Ruth Rule Book for pitching substitutions, player re-entry into game, bats sizes, etc.

7. Pitcher can only pitch seven innings a week (week starts Sunday).  If he pitches four innings in an outing he must have two days of rest before pitching again.  One pitch in an inning constitutes an inning of pitching.  Only starting pitcher can re-enter game as a pitcher.

     8.  Extra Player (formally the “EH” extra Hitter) – May be used. Extra hitter is considered a position in the field. If you bat 10 you must finish with 10 (an injury during the game is an exception).

     9. Batters/courtesy runners - for catcher only and with 2 outs. Not Mandatory. Has to be someone not already in batting line up.

10. There are no fake tags or hidden ball tricks allowed.

     11.  No quick pitching allowed (page 81 rule book)

     12. No organized chanting the pitchers or batters.

.    13. No runner can clap the pitcher.

     14. No bats or helmets may be thrown by the player or they will be removed from the game.

     15. No profane language allowed on the field, dugout or stands by players or parents.

.    16. Only the head coach can appeal a call made by an umpire.  

.    17. Report scores to league commissioner by email joseph.palasak@tyson.com within 18 hours of game completion. (Include date played, score, innings completed, pitchers name, number and innings pitched for both teams)

18. Rogers Play Rules – If a player is present and does not play in a game, he will start the next scheduled game.  However, if a player misses practice or has a discipline problem, the coach will have the right to not start him once he has contacted league commissioner.

19. Guidance to the coaches is that a player to have minimum of 3 defensive outs and one at bat.  However, as result of time limit game or run rule games that may not happen. That is the reason for the previous rule.

20. Games are played at Rogers Veterans Park North and South Fields, Rogers Northwest Park Bradford Field, Gravette Babe Ruth Field and Gentry Babe Ruth Field.

Where to find out about rainouts: Sign up for text/email alerts at www.Rogersbaseball.com or call 936-PLAY to hear a recording on rainout information for Rogers.

Gravette and Gentry Fields: http://www.leaguelineup.com/directors.asp?cmenuid=9&url=gravette&sid=921612276 

Bats – May not exceed 34 in in length, and the bat barrel may not exceed 2 5/8” in diameter.  All aluminum/alloy barrel bats and all composite handle (ONLY) aluminum/alloy barrels are allowed.  Only composite barrel bats certified and marked BBCOR .50 will be allowed.  Wood barrel bats conforming to the specification of Official Baseball Rule 1.10 are allowed.   Nike Bat Model #Aero CX2-BTO636 (light grey), CX2-BTO573 (dark grey) and CX2BTO598 (blue), including all graphic variations, is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.  Marucci CAT5 33” length is not eligible, or approved, for use in any Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken program or activity.  (Penalty – If illegal bat is discovered prior to a batter completing his “at bat” the bat is simply removed from play and the “at bat” continues.  A player who uses an illegal bat or nonconforming barrel bat dimension and hits a fair ball will be ruled out.  No advancement on the bases will be allowed, and any outs during the play shall stand.  This is an appeal play.  The “at bat” will be considered legal once a pitch is thrown to the next batter.  Any bat discovered prior to the game shall be removed immediately and not be allowed for use during the game.

Above all good sportsmanship must be shown by all parents, players and coaches.    

*City Tournament Rules*

Pitchers can pitch 7 innings per consecutive games ---If a pitcher pitches a complete 7 then he must have a game rest. There will be no time limit on tournament games but the run rules will still be in effect.