Crossover Rules
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2024 CROSSOVER LEAGUE RULES AND REGULATIONS
March 19, 2024
1. Rosters – All teams should follow the Roster Rules of the league in which they have registered their team (PGL,WBA or HBQVB). If teams have any questions on the Roster requirements they should consult the rules of their league or ask their League Director.
A protest of an ineligible player may be made at any time over the course of the season to the League Director of the League in which their team is registered but must be accompanied by the amount of the protest fee of their league. The burden of proof in the case of an ineligible player is on the protesting team.
2. Insurance – All teams must carry medical and liability insurance. Proof of insurance must be submitted to the league in which they are registered before the start of the league season. If a team has any questions on Insurance Requirements they should consult the rules of their league or ask their League Director.
3. Protests – Other than the case of an ineligible player mentioned in Rule 1, only protests of the umpire’s interpretation of the playing rules will be permitted. You cannot protest an umpire’s judgment. In order to lodge a protest, you must notify the umpire of the protest and have him sign the scorebook before the next play or attempted play. All on field protests must be followed by a written protest and a $25 protest fee within 48 hours of the on the field protest in order to be considered. Your written protest and protest fee must be submitted to the League Director of the League in which you are registered. The Crossover League will have a standing protest committee made up of the League Directors or their designees that will consider all written protests and rule on them within 2 weeks of the submittal of the protest. If your protest is approved as valid your protest fee will be refunded and the game will be replayed from the point of protest at a later date if it has an impact on the overall standings of the league of either of the teams involved.
4. League Standings – Each of the Crossover Leagues will keep their own League Standings and decide how to count the Crossover Games in their respective League Standings. Each League will decide how to determine its League Champions and Tournament Slot Representatives with the Crossover Teams only eligible to win the Championship or earn Tournament Slots in the league in which they are registered.
5. Rainouts, and Cancellations - Any games canceled due to rain or other valid reasons, will be rescheduled by the Crossover Schedulers as soon as possible. The Director of Scheduling for each League involved will propose possible rescheduling dates that must be approved by each of the two Leagues/teams involved based on the availability of both teams.
In general, cancellations other than rainouts will not be permitted except under extremely extenuating circumstances and must be approved by the opposing league/team. The two League Directors from the 2 teams involved will determine whether a cancellation request will be accepted or not. If a cancelation request is not accepted, it will be considered to be a forfeit. If a cancellation request is made less than 12 hours before the scheduled game time but at least 2 hours before game time, then the umpires must be paid a half fee for a single game and 2 half fees for a doubleheader for both umpires by the team requesting the cancellation even if the cancellation request is accepted. If the cancellation request is made within 2 hours of game time, then the cancelling team must pay a full fee for a single game and 2 full fees for a doubleheader for both umpires and the games will be forfeited. The money will be taken out of the team’s forfeit escrow account and must be replaced before the next scheduled game except where the next scheduled game is the 2nd game of a doubleheader.
6. Game Length and Time Limit – In the PeeWee and Cub Divisions the game length is 6 innings and the time limit is 2 hours. In the Bantam Division the game length is 7 innings and the time limit is 2 hours in games between teams from PGL and HBQVB. When Bantam teams from PGL or HBQVB are playing against Bantam teams from the WBA, the game length is 6 innings and the time limit is 2 hours. In the Grasshopper, Freshman and Junior Divisions, the game length is 7 innings and the time limit is 2 hours 10 minutes if game played at PGL and 2 hours if played at WBA or HBQVB..
The Time Limit means that no inning can start after the time limit has been exceeded. However once the inning has started the inning will be completed even if the time limit is exceeded in the middle of the inning. If the inning is not completed, for any reason, then the game score will revert back to the start of the inning unless the lead has changed hands (become tied or other team has gone ahead) in which case it
will become a suspended game to be completed at a later date. The only exception to this rule is if the visiting team goes ahead by 10 runs in the top of the inning and the time limit is exceeded after the inning starts. In this case the game will be stopped immediately. The Time clock is started from the time that the pre-game meeting of the managers and umpires has been completed or when the home team takes the field in the second game of a doubleheader. It is the umpire’s prerogative to start the clock if the home team is tardy in taking the field.
7. Official Game - A game is official in the PeeWee and Cub Divisions when 4 innings have been played if the home team is losing and 3 ½ innings have been played if the home team is winning. It is also official if the time limit has run out or the mercy rule has been invoked. In Bantam, it is official after 5 or 4 ½ innings if the mandated number of innings is 7 innings and after 4 or 3 ½ innings if the mandated number of innings is 6. Under any other circumstances the game is considered to be a suspended game. If a game is tied after the mandated number of innings have been played or the time limit has run out, then the game will be officially considered to be a tie game. If the game is tied after the mandated number of innings have been played, but the time limit has not run out then additional innings can be played. However, once the time limit has run out before any/another additional inning has been started then it is officially a tie game.
8. Suspended Game – Any game that is stopped for any reason (rain, darkness, injury, etc.) before the time limit has been exhausted or before it has become an official game, will be considered to be a suspended game. If a game is stopped in the middle of an inning for any reason after it has become an official game, and the lead has not changed hands in that inning, the score will revert back to the end of the previous inning and the team winning will be declared the winner. However, if the lead has changed hands in the top of that inning with the visiting team tieing or going ahead it will be declared a suspended game. If the home team has tied or gone ahead in the bottom of the inning before the game was called then they are declared the winner if they have gone ahead, and the game is suspended if they have tied the game.
If it is declared a suspended game, then it will be continued at a later point in the season if it is necessary to accurately determine the league standings. The League Directors of the two teams involved will be responsible for determining whether the suspended game needs to be completed and for getting the suspended game scheduled. When the suspended game is continued, if an inning or less remains to be played and the umpires have not come down only to do the suspended game then each team will pay the umpire $10. However, if more than one inning remains to be played or the umpire came down specifically to do the suspended game then each team will pay the umpire a half fee.
9. Mercy Rule - When a team is ahead by 10 runs after 5 innings in a 7 inning game or 4 innings in a 6 inning game with equal at bats, the game will be stopped at the time the 10th run is scored. If a team goes ahead by 10 runs any time after 5 innings in a 7 inning game or 4 innings in a 6 inning game, then both teams still must have equal at bats for the game to be stopped.
10. Ejections - A manager, player or coach ejected from a game will be subject to fine and a minimum 1 game suspension. The ejected individual must remove himself at least 200 yards from the nearest player. If there is deliberate physical contact with an umpire, then the person involved will be immediately suspended from the league, pending a hearing. If the physical incident occurs in the first game of a doubleheader, then the suspension will be immediate and the offending person will not be permitted to participate in the second game.
11. Rainouts/Lightning - Up until the pre-game managers/umpire meeting the decision on a rainout is in the hands of the league officials. Once the pre-game meeting has started, the decision is in the hands of the umpires. If no league official is in a position to make a decision, then the home team (if game is scheduled at a team’s designated home field) has the right to do so up until 2 hours before game time. Within 2 hours of game time it is in the hands of the umpires. Teams are required to show up at the field unless a league official or the home team has officially called off the game at least two hours before game time. In the case where the game has been called off in advance it is the responsibility of the league official or home team to notify the teams, the head of the umpires and the league. If the game is called within 2 hours of game time and the umpires show up at the field, they are entitled to a travel fee, which is ½ of the single game fee. Once a game has started and the umpire temporarily halts the game due to rain, then the umpires must wait at least a ½ hour before calling the game unless they already deem the field to be unplayable. In case of lightning, the umpires must immediately halt the game and must wait at least 20 minutes before resuming it. If lightning occurs again within that 20 minute period then the umpire must cancel the game. If it does not, then the umpire can resume the game and if lightning occurs again must follow the same procedure.
12. Forfeit Time – On all Crossover games, the forfeit time is 30 minutes and if the game is started after game time the time limit starts from the time at which the game is started with the proviso that no inning shall start after 8 p.m., unless the start of the game is due to the umpires’ inability to begin at the appointed time. In the case of a doubleheader if a team forfeits the first game, then the forfeit time for the second game will be one hour after the first game was scheduled to start. A team must have at least 8 players in order to start a game and not be in a forfeit situation. It is totally the umpire’s responsibility to call a forfeit. The team with enough players cannot determine whether a forfeit is called or not. Even if a forfeit is called both teams are encouraged to try to play a game by the lending of players. If a game is played, then the forfeiting team will still get a loss but the two teams will split the umpire fees. In the case of a forfeit where no game of any kind is played, the forfeiting team is responsible for paying all money due to the umpires from both teams. If they do not do so at the time of the game, then the money will be taken out of their forfeit escrow money. The escrow money must be replenished before the next scheduled game except where the next scheduled game is the 2nd game of a doubleheader.
13. Responsible Adult in Attendance - There must be at least one responsible adult in attendance for each team at all times in order for a game to be started or continued to completion. Normally that responsible adult is expected to be the manager or a coach that has been listed on the team’s roster that was submitted to the league. Under extenuating circumstances where the manager and/or coach cannot attend, then another responsible adult can take their place. However, under no circumstances will a game be started without a responsible adult in attendance for each team. If this situation occurs, the game will be canceled and the team without a responsible adult will be responsible for paying the umpires. The League Directors of the two teams will decide, based on the circumstances presented, whether the game will be a forfeit or whether it will be replayed at a later date.
In the case where the only responsible adult in attendance for a team is thrown out of the game by the umpire, then the adult will be permitted to stay on the field but will be confined to the dugout and will not be permitted to communicate in any way with the players or umpires. Failure by the responsible adult to comply will result in the game being forfeited. In the case where a player is seriously injured and the only responsible adult in attendance needs to take that player home or to the hospital for medical attention, the game will be suspended and completed at a later date if it has a bearing on the standings.
14. Re-entry Rule - Re-entry is permitted in the PeeWee, Cub, Bantam, and Grasshopper Divisions. A starting player can re-enter once and must do so in the same spot in the batting order. A substitute player cannot re-enter under any circumstances in the same spot in the batting order or in a different spot except to prevent a forfeit due to an injury or ejection. A pitcher can only re-enter as a pitcher if taken out of the game on the first trip to the mound or between innings.
15. Extra Hitter(s) - Up to 2 extra hitters are permitted in the PeeWee, Cub, Bantam, and Grasshopper Divisions and 1 extra hitter in the Freshman and Junior Divisions. In all of these Divisions, the Extra Hitter(s) can play the field. If an extra hitter goes into the field, the hitter continues to bat in the same spot in the batting order. The player that the extra hitter replaces in the field also hits in the same spot in the batting order if that player stays in the game. If that player is removed from the game, then the replacement player bats in the spot in the batting order of the removed player.
16. Designated Hitter - The American League Designated Hitter Rule will be used in the Freshman and Junior Divisions.
16a. Universal Line-up – In the PeeWee, Cub, Bantam and Grasshopper Divisions, a team may choose prior to the first pitch of the game to bat a Universal Line-up where all players at game-time are permitted to bat. Once they have decided to do so or not do so, they cannot change their line-up structure in the middle of the game. If a player comes after the first pitch, that player cannot be entered into the game except as a replacement for another player and bat in that player’s spot in the line-up. If a Universal Line-up is being used, then any of the players in the line-up can play a defensive position in the field at any time, but league pitching rules for replacement and re-entry of pitchers still apply. If using a universal batting order and a player must leave the game for any reason, the spot that player occupied in the batting order is an automatic out when it is that player’s turn to bat, unless he has been replaced by a late-arriving player.
17. Non Violent Contact Rule – Violent contact will not be permitted on plays at any base. It is the umpire’s discretion to call the runner out in case of violent contact and to eject the runner from the game. Violent contact includes but is not limited to lowering the shoulder, raising the elbow or intentionally trying to hurt the fielder in any way when making contact.
18. Trips to the Mound – The major league rule for trips to the mound will be used in all divisions including PeeWee, Cub and Bantam. The pitcher must be removed on the second trip to that pitcher in the same inning. If a pitcher is removed as a result of a second trip in an inning, that player may not return to the mound later in the game however, he or she may play any other defensive position.
19. Field distances will be as follows:
Division Bases Pitching
PeeWee 60 42 unless coaches agree to play 40
Cub 60 46
Bantam 70 50’6” except in games at HBQVB where it will be 75/51
Grasshopper 90 60’6”
Freshman 90 60’6”
Junior 90 60’6”
20. Bats – In all Divisions (including PeeWee, Cub and Bantam) USA Aluminum Bats and Wood Bats that meet major league specifications and wood based composites such as the Baum and DeMarini Bats will be permitted. Bamboo bats will not be permitted under any circumstances.
21. Helmets – Double Flap helmets that are in good condition (no cracks), must be worn at all times at the plate and on the bases and in the coaches’ box if a player is coaching. Catcher’s helmet and mask must be worn at all times when the catcher is catching the pitcher. Failure to comply will result in ejection. In the Freshman and Junior Divisions all coaches over the age of 18 are strongly urged to wear at least single flap helmets in order to coach on the lines but it is strictly optional.
22. Speed-up Rules - Runner for the catcher and pitcher is mandatory in all Divisions with 2 outs and optional with less than 2 outs. Runner must be a player that is not currently in the game or the last player that made out, and must be on base within a minute. Umpire’s decision whether to permit runner based on timeliness in replacing runner.
23. Bases - The home team is responsible for providing the bases, home plate and a pitching rubber if it is not provided by the playing facility. If for some reason the home team does not have the necessary items, then the visiting team should provide them and will become the home team for that game. If the home team or the visiting team when called upon do not have the necessary items, then they will be subject to be fined by their league. Under no circumstances will a game be forfeited due to the lack of bases, a home plate or a pitching rubber
24. Field Dress and Behavior – All Players much be in full uniform in order to play in the game. Failure to do so could result in a fine but it will not be grounds for a forfeit. Managers and coaches must be dressed in a baseball fashion with a team hat, team identifying T-Shirt or uniform and coaches’ shorts or pants. Managers and Coaches will not be permitted to coach the lines or go on the field in fair grounds if not properly dressed. Failure to comply will result in an immediate ejection and a fine. There is to be no smoking, drinking of alcoholic beverages, unsanitary behavior or cursing on the field under any circumstances. The penalty is immediate ejection and a fine. Managers, Coaches and Players need to stay in the dugout at all times if not on the coaching lines, in the on-deck circle or on the field for some valid reason.
24a. Spectator Behavior - Unruly and unsportsmanlike conduct by Spectators, Parents and Friends of the teams will not be tolerated. Each team is responsible for controlling their fans. If such behavior occurs, the umpires will give the manager of the team in question one warning. If such behavior continues, the umpires can ask the manager to have the offending parties leave the playing area. Failure to do so within 5 minutes will result in the game being forfeited.
25. Metal Spikes - In the PeeWee, Cub and Bantam Divisions metal spikes are not permitted at any time. In the Grasshopper, Freshman, and Junior Divisions, metal spikes are permitted unless restricted due to the playing rules for the field.
26. Official Baseballs - Following baseballs should be used
PeeWee, Cub and Bantam – Little League Baseball or Better (Wilson 1074 or equivalent)
Grasshopper - Babe Ruth Baseball or Better (Wilson 1082 or equivalent)
Freshman, Junior, Senior and Open - College Baseball or Better (Wilson 1010 or equivalent)
In PeeWee, Cub and Bantam the home teams provides 2 baseballs and the visiting team 1 to start the game. In Grasshopper and Freshman each team provides two baseballs to start the game. In Junior the home team supplies the baseballs. In all cases the umpire gets additional baseballs as needed.
27. AED Requirements – In all divisions an AED and an AED certified person must be present at all times in order for the game to be started and continued to completion. Each team participating, in the game should have both an AED and an AED certified person in attendance at all times. It is the umpire’s responsibility prior to starting the game to ensure that there is at least one AED and AED certified person present from either of the teams. AED certified people must carry their AED Certificates with them to the game at all times. If there is no AED present at the game from either team, then the game will be canceled and will be rescheduled at another time. If there is no AED Certified person present from either team and neither of the umpire(s) are AED certified then the game will be canceled and will be rescheduled at another time. If the situation occurs to the same team more than once over the course of the season, the team will be subject to a league fine and possible forfeiture of the game depending on the circumstances of the situation.
28. Home Team – Home Team is the last team listed on the schedule. In doubleheaders each team will be home for one game.
29. Other League Rules
29a) Cell phones and/or electronic devices of any kind are not permitted on the coaching lines, on the pitcher's mound or in and around home plate at any time. If you receive a call on your cell phone in those areas, you must vacate those areas to continue the call or terminate the call immediately. Failure to comply can result in an immediate ejection and a fine.
29b) Umpire fees are payable BEFORE the game begins. Penalty is $50 for the first offense and $100 for subsequent offenses. Fines must be paid prior to the next scheduled game.
NOTE CAREFULLY: CROSSOVER RULES FORBID UMPIRES FROM STARTING A GAME UNLESS THEY HAVE BEEN COMPENSATED PRIOR TO THE GAME OR SATISFACTORY PAYMENT ARRANGEMENTS HAVE BEEN MADE PREVIOUSLY. THIS RULE WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED BY ALL THE CROSSOVER LEAGUES.
29c) No pepper or soft toss is to be allowed at any time on any league permitted fields by order of the NYC Department of Parks.
29d) Dugouts - Only authorized team personnel are allowed in the dugouts. Spectators are only permitted in the dugouts in the event of inclement weather.
30. Ground Rules - The Manager is required to attend the pre-game meeting with the opposing manager and the umpires prior to the start of the game. If the manager fails to do so, then any ground rules including the official game starting time covered at that meeting can only be discussed with the umpires during the game by the person that the manager designated to take the ground rules.
31. PeeWee and Cub Rules – All Crossover rules will apply in the PeeWee and Cub Divisions except where superseded as follows:
- No leads allowed and stealing only permitted after the ball has passed the batter. The first time a runner leaves early when on base, a warning will be issued by the umpire and the runner will be required to return to the “time of pitch” base. If the runner leaves early but the ball is hit, then the umpire will use his discretion to place the runner who left early. If the runner leaves early a second time from the same base in the same inning, that runner will be immediately called out. However, if the ball was hit into play, the other players on offense will be permitted to continue to try to advance.
- No dropped 3rd strikes. Batter automatically out.
- No slash bunting
- No Balks
- Can bat 9, 10 or 11 players or use Universal Line-up
32. Additional PeeWee Rules
- Scoring is only permitted on a batted ball, walk, or hit by pitch
- 4 Outfielders Permitted.
- Pitcher can only pitch 3 innings in one day
– A team will only be permitted to score a maximum of 5 runs in any inning except the last inning (6th inning). Once the 5th run has been scored (even in the middle of a play), the bases will be cleared and teams will change sides as if 3 outs had been made. In the last inning of the game (6th inning) a team will stay up at bat until 3 outs have been recorded or the time limit has expired.
33. Bantam Rules – All PGL Rules will apply in Bantam except where superseded as follows:
- Each pitcher will receive 1 warning per game before a Balk is called. If a runner is called out on the bases as part of the play in which a balk warning is given, then the runner will be returned to his “Time of Pitch” base. If however, the runner has successfully stolen the base despite the balk, that runner will be able to keep whatever advance base (or bases) he earns on that play. If a balk is called but the batter puts the ball into play and that batter and all base runners advance at least one base, then the balk call is disregarded – however, if that was the balk on which the pitcher would have been warned, the next balk by that pitcher will be enforced. Whenever a pitch on which a balk is called is hit into play, the base runners are only protected for one base. They advance beyond their protected base at their own peril.
34. Umpire Fees – Fees are as follows depending on the League providing the Umpires:
PeeWee – WBA - $35/team HBQVB - $32.50/team PGL - $35/team
Cub - $40/team All Leagues
Bantam - WBA - $40/team HBQVB - $80/team PGL - $65/team
Grasshopper – WBA - $75/team PGL - $75/team
35. Other Rules - Major League Rules will apply in all cases not specifically mentioned in these rules. This includes the balk rule to third base if a pitcher steps toward 3rd base without throwing the ball.
Crossover League Directors - Contact Numbers
Parade Ground League
Ruben Ramirez – President, Director of Officials
email: Rrami21@aol.com 718-909-3543
Jerry Katzke - Treasurer, Director of Scheduling -
email: jerry.katzke@verizon.net (301) 704-7436 cell or (718) 941-4698 clubhouse
Alberto Ariza – Media Director (Website and Standings)
Email: albertoariza2@gmail.com 917-459-7233
Westchester Baseball Association (WBA)
John Nesi – Executive Director
email: jtnn@aol.com 914-227-5106
HBQVB
Steve Adler – President
email: stevenadler4223@yahoo.com 516-322-1554
Paul Busciolano – Director, Scheduler
email: pbush41@yahoo.com 917-567-8918
