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Suffolk County Youth Baseball League Rules & Guidelines
ALL GAMES WILL BE GOVERNED ACCORDING TO NATIONAL FEDERATION (NFHS) RULES WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS:
1. ELIGIBILITY/PERSONNEL
ROSTERS: The cutoff date to determine the league in which a player can participate is May 1st. The age of the player on May 1, 2021 determines a player’s age of participation. A player may not be registered on more than one team in the same age group. A non-rostered player participating in a game will result in the forfeit of that game.
TEAM PERSONNEL: Each team may have a maximum of 4 coaches and a minimum of 1 coach in the dugout at all times. Coaches must be on the team's roster. Players may coach on the baseline provided they wear a helmet. All coaches are required to wear a helmet while coaching the bases.
2. GAME DAY
A.) LINEUPS:
ALL AGES ARE PERMITTED TO USE A UNIVERSAL LINEUP, WITH NORMAL SUBSTITUTIONS ALLOWED. Completed line-up cards must be handed in to the umpire and opposing coach at the plate meeting before the game. Coaches must put the player’s LAST NAME AND UNIFORM NUMBER on the line-up card. Once handed in it is official and no additional changes can be made without substitution rules applying. The coach, team official or player must report all line-up changes to the umpire. Changes are to be reported as they occur. It is suggested that you list all substitutes on the bottom of the lineup card as a courtesy to both the opposing coach and our scorekeeper.
In the case of an illegal substitution, an automatic out will be recorded. In the event a player is removed from the game (injury, illness, etc) that spot in the batting order will be skipped, unless a sub is added. In all age groups an ejection will result in an automatic out unless a substitute is available. Teams may start a game with 9 players and play with 8 if a player must leave early or due to an ejection.
B.) EH/DH:
Coaches have the option of using an EH “extra hitter”/and or DH “designated hitter.” Players listed as an EH can play a field position. The EH’s spot in the batting order does not change. In the event of an ejected player, the EH can take the ejected player’s spot in the field. However, if a team has no more substitutes on the bench, then the ejected player’s spot in the batting order is an automatic out. Federation substitution rules will apply. The original lineup may include EH’s, but must be designated in the original line-up. The extra hitter is a starter and may rotate in and out of the field without being reported.
C.) PITCHING RULES:
Pitchers will all have a pitch count limit of 85 pitches, and then must be taken out of the game. If an at-bat starts before the 85th pitch is thrown, the pitcher is allowed to finish the at-bat, but must be taken out afterwards. Coaches will be in charge of keeping track of pitch counts. The home team will have the official record, but coaches should check with each other in between innings.
No player that pitches in game 1 of the double header is allowed to pitch in game 2 of the double header.
Pitchers may not wear white sleeves, nor use a white glove while pitching.
D.) FORFEITS:
If a team has eight players at start time, the game will begin at the scheduled time and play with an eight-player line-up and the 9th spot is an out. If additional players arrive after game time they may be added to the lineup. They must be added to the bottom of the order.
If a team has less than eight players at game time, forfeit time will be 15 minutes after scheduled game time. If a team is scheduled for a doubleheader against the same opponent a forfeit will be imposed 30 minutes after the first forfeit is awarded. PLEASE NOTE: Each team that forfeits at the field will be charged $100.00 per forfeit.
E.) MERCY RULE:
If one team is ahead by 10 or more runs after 4 innings have been played, provided the home team has batted in the bottom of the inning (if losing) and equal at bats for the remainder of the game, the game will be declared official. In 8-10u divisions, the teams may continue to play for the allotted 1:50 hours if the teams mutually agree. EXAMPLE: Team “A” scores 10 runs in the top of the 5th and leads 10-0. Team “B” must bat in the bottom of the 5th and reduce the lead to within 10 to continue.
If a team is ahead by 15 or more runs after the trailing team has had 3 at bats the game is terminated at that point.
F.) PRE-GAME WARM-UP:
Batting practice or batting into the fence is not permitted. However, plastic (whiffle) balls are permitted on the outfield perimeter fence. All coaches and participants must yield the field upon the umpires arrival. Please do not make the umpires wait for you at the plate for a pre game meeting. No infield/outfield. Teams are to use their half of the infield and outfield from second base over towards their respective dugouts.
G.) TIME LIMIT:
All games will have a 2:00 curfew meaning that no new inning will start 2:00 hours after the time of the first pitch. Official time will be kept by the umpire. It is recommended that each team’s scorekeeper do the same. If a game is tied and cannot be continued due to time limit or darkness, it will be an official game and each team will be awarded 2 points for a tie in the standings. Extra innings can be played if within the allotted 2:00 time limit. Coaches and umpires are encouraged to hustle players on and off the field. All games are to be governed by the 2:00 hour time limit.
H.) SPEED UP RULE:
A courtesy runner is permitted, regardless of the number of outs, only for the pitcher and catcher (currently in the lineup in those positions). The courtesy runner will be the last player batted out or a sub not in the game.
I.) UNIFORMS:
Jerseys, pants, and caps must be matching to be eligible to warm-up, play, or sit in/on the bench area. Any player not in full matching uniform is ineligible to play and must stay out of the bench area. Registered coaches must be uniformed (including hats) to enter the playing field at any time. Acceptable coach attire includes matching shirts, hats, and athletic pants or shorts. No cutoff jeans, bathing suits, flip-flops or other similar apparel is permitted.
3. SCHEDULES
A.) POSTPONEMENTS/CANCELLATIONS:
In the event of rain or wet grounds a team representative is required to the check the website. On days of bad weather the website will be updated frequently. Check the website the morning of your game, and before you leave the house! It is suggested to get your team's parents into the habit of checking the league website themselves
A game may be called if, in the opinion of the field supervisor and/or umpire, field conditions and/or weather are unfavorable. In the event of light failure, rain, or lightning, the teams will vacate the field, and must wait a MINIMUM of 20 minutes.
Coaches, players and spectators are expected to wait in the parking lot, and the head coach/manager must check with the umpires for the official notice of game cancellation or resumption of the game. If the situation does not improve, the game will be suspended and resumed at a later date to be determined by the Board, unless it is an official game.
For the 13u & 14u leagues, five innings must be played to make the game official (4 ½ if the home team is ahead).
For the 8u thru 12u leagues, 4 innings will constitute an official game (3 ½ if the home team is ahead).
Thunder/Lightning Rule Specifics: If the game is official (3 ½ or 4 innings for a 6 inning game; or 4 ½ or 5 innings for a 7 inning game) and there is thunder/lightning we will still wait to attempt to continue. If the game is NOT official, at the first sound/strike of thunder/lightning, the game will be paused for 20 minutes—and no matter how much thunder/lightning there is in the 20 minutes, we will wait. At the first sound/strike of thunder/lightning, after the allotted 20 minutes, the game will be suspended and rescheduled for a later date. If the first game of a double header is cancelled due to weather the second game is also cancelled.
B.) RESCHEDULING OF GAMES: The league will reschedule postponed games.
Suspended Game: If a game is terminated due to rain, lightning, light failure, inclement weather, etc. provided the losing team has not had 5 at bats, the game will be resumed at the point of suspension with unused time applied. In the 8u thru 12u division, the losing team must not have had 4 at bats.
Example: Team A has a 2-0 lead after 4 innings, after one hour and fifteen minutes of play.
Ruling: Game will be resumed at the top of the 5th, with Team “A” leading 2-0.
Example: Team A has a 2-0 lead after 5 innings, after one hour and fifteen minutes of play.
Ruling: Official game. Team A is credited with a 2-0 win.
4. POST SEASON
A.) CHAMPIONSHIP:
The top 4 teams will make the playoffs. Teams will play 8 season games, and then be seeded. Seeding will be decided by wins, runs against, and then runs for. Playoffs will go 1v4 and 2v3. The Championship team will receive a trophy, and customized Championship t shirts.
B.) PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY: A player must be on your roster for a minimum of 4 games to play in playoffs.
SPORTSMANSHIP
A.) UNSPORTSMANLIKE BEHAVIOR/EJECTIONS/SUSPENSIONS:
Any individual – player, coach or spectator, whose language or actions are considered by the Baseball Staff to be abusive towards members of other teams, umpires, scorekeepers, and league officials will be grounds for immediate disqualification and ejection from the game. Anyone so disqualified must leave the bench and playing area immediately. The playing area is defined as within sight and sound of both the umpires and site supervisor. Failure to do so will result in a team forfeit. If the individual continues to be abusive from a further distance, the team will forfeit the game. That individual will not be permitted to attend any future games in the League for the remainder of the season and a determination will be made on the team’s further participation in the league. If necessary, any ejected player must be accompanied by an adult to the parking lot. The team manager is responsible for the conduct of his players and spectators/parents before, during, and after scheduled games at the ballfield. If deemed necessary, spectators will be restricted to a designated area by the site supervisor. Before each game, each manager should instruct his players that they must display good sportsmanship during the course of the contest. Umpires are being instructed to call games should an altercation or other type of disturbance occurs between representatives of the teams involved. We do, however, feel that such action will not be necessary if all team managers cooperate and make the control of their players’ conduct their primary aim. Any coach, player, representative, manager, spectator/parent or team attendant that makes physical contact with an umpire or league Official in a threatening matter will be removed from further participation in League for the remainder of the summer and criminal charges will be initiated. Further disciplinary measures will also be considered if warranted. These same penalties apply to any parents or spectators who become unruly at the game. AT ALL TIMES, ONLY A TEAM MANAGER MAY ADDRESS THE UMPIRES OR LEAGUE OFFICIAL.
A player, coach or parent/spectator’s first ejection will result in at least a minimal one game suspension to be served at the NEXT GAME.
6. MISCELLANEOUS
A.) ALOCHOL/TOBACCO: There will be ABSOLUTELY NO ALCOHOL OR TOBACCO PRODUCTS permitted at any site or facility by teams, personnel or spectators.
B.) BENCH AREA CLEANING: The head coach is responsible for cleaning their bench area. At the end of each game, the bench area must be cleaned of all litter. It is suggested that team personnel be assigned to this task. At fields, trash containers are within close vicinity of the benches.
C.) BENCH AREA RESTRICTIONS: There is to be no smoking or use of any
tobacco products by any participating players, coaches, or spectators within 50 ft. of the bench or playing area. No seeds at any turf fields. No glass items are permitted in the bench area at any time. Violators will be warned and subject to ejection. Bench areas are restricted to coaches, and registered team personnel. Players, coaches, managers and all other team personnel must have a fence between themselves and the playing field when in the bench area.
All team personnel must be on your roster and filed with the league. All players must remain in the bench area (dugout) except to play or warm-up under supervision. No on deck batter, unless he can stand behind a fenced area.
D.) DELIBERATE THROWING/KICKING OF BAT OR HELMET:
A player will receive an automatic ejection from the game and banishment from the playing area will result if any object (bat, helmet, etc.) is thrown or
kicked. This action can result in an injury to another player, coach, or spectator and will not be tolerated.
E.) FIRST AID KITS: All teams are required to have a First Aid Kit on their bench at all times. Ice or ice packs are included as MANDATORY first aid supplies.
F.) INAPPROPRIATE LANGUAGE-TRASH TALK: Sportsmanship is a primary focus of recreational sports. It is inappropriate for players, parents, spectators, and team personnel to use insulting or demeaning language to one another before, during, or after games. Players should be encouraged by their parents, teammates, and coaches to avoid negative comments directed at opposing coaches, players, or umpires. It is clearly the role of the coach to set the proper example in this area of sportsmanship and to assure that the team does the same. Coaches and players are reminded that FEDERATION Rule 3-3-1g refers to inappropriate language or behavior directed at players, coaches, and umpires. These rules are to be strictly enforced by umpires.
G.) INJURED PLAYERS: Once removed from the game it will up to the discretion of the site supervisor, coach and parent to determine if they should return. This is for the player’s own protection and liability. Accident reports should be filled out on all injured players.
H.) JEWELRY: All players are prohibited from wearing any type of jewelry in the bench area or playing field. (Ex: bracelets (rubber/metal), necklaces, rings, and watches). Medical Alert bracelets are permitted.
I.) MALICIOUS CONTACT PROHIBITED: Malicious contact of any kind will result in an immediate ejection from the game. The umps will warn you in the pre-game conference. Malicious contact is penalized whether committed by an offensive or defensive player.
J.) PROTESTS: Protests must be made during the game to the Umpire-In-Chief staff prior to the NEXT pitch. Such protests must be made in accordance with the official 2021 Federation Rulebook that states that a judgment call may in no case be protested. There will be a $100 protest fee that you will get back if you win the protest.
K.) TURF FIELDS: Rubber/plastic cleats only permitted on turf fields/turf mounds. Violators will be subject to ejection, suspension and possible fines.
THE USE OF SUNFLOWER SEEDS AND GUM IS PROHIBITED AT ALL TURF FIELDS. THERE WILL BE ONE WARNING PER TEAM. AFTER THAT, VIOLATORS WILL EJECTED.
7. RULE EXCEPTIONS
8u
1. The bases will be set at 60’ and the pitching mound at 42’.
2. 4 outfielders are permitted.
3. Each game will be six innings. An official game will be 4 innings (3 ½ if the home team is ahead).
4. Bats: There is a 2 ¼ barrel bat restriction or USA Bat is permitted.
5. Teams will be limited to scoring 6 runs per inning in the first 4 innings. Runs will not be limited in the 5th and 6th inning.
6. Stealing will be allowed in the 8u division, however, players cannot steal home plate. Three steals (a double steal is counted as 2 steals) or advancements on non-batted balls are permitted per inning. There will be no leading. Runners may not go until the ball has passed the batter (one warning per team, then recorded as an out). A runner may not score on a passed ball. On any play that began with an attempt to throw out a runner who was trying to steal a base, there is no further advancement of the bases and it cannot result in a runner scoring. (Unless the ball goes into dead area).
7. Tagging up and bunting is allowed. There is no dropped third strike, infield fly or balks. No slashing
8. There will be no headfirst sliding (one warning per team, then recorded as an out). If on a steal attempt, before warning, the runner(s) go back to previous base. After the team warning, IT WILL BE RECORDED AS AN OUT.
9. When a ball goes into dead ball area, dead ball rules apply.
10. Universal batting order will be allowed. However, the batting order may NOT be switched.
11. Pitching: Coaches are allowed 2 conferences per pitcher. The pitcher must be removed on the 3rd conference.
12. Coaches are allowed 1 defensive conference, that may be no longer than 4 minutes! The league is about development - do not make a mockery of the game.
9u/10u:
1. The bases will be set at 60’ and the pitching mound at 46’.
2. Each game will be six innings. An official game will be 4 innings (3 ½ innings if the home team is ahead).
3. Bats: There is a 2 ¼ barrel bat restriction or USA Bat is permitted.
4. Teams will be limited to scoring 6 runs per inning in the first 4 innings. Runs will not be limited in the 5th and 6th inning.
5. Stealing will be allowed in the 9u/10u division, however, players can only steal home plate ONCE per inning. There will be no leading, and runners may not go until the ball has passed the batter (one warning per team, then recorded as an out). A runner may not score on a passed ball.
6. Tagging up and bunting is allowed. There is no dropped third strike, infield fly or balks.
7. There will be no headfirst sliding (one warning per team, then recorded as an out). If on a steal attempt, before warning, the runner(s) go back to previous base. After the team warning, IT WILL BE RECORDED AS AN OUT.
8. When a ball goes into dead area, dead ball rules apply.
9. Universal batting order will be allowed. However, the batting order may NOT be switched.
10. Pitching: Coaches are allowed 2 conferences per pitcher. The pitcher must
be removed on the 3rd conference.
11. Coaches are allowed 1 defensive conference, that may be no longer than 4 minutes! The league is about development - do not make a mockery of the game.
11u & 12u
1. 75’ bases- 51’ mound
2. Each game will be 6 innings. An official game will be 4 innings- 3 innings if the home team is ahead.
3. Bats: There are no bat restrictions in this age group
4. Stealing and leading are allowed in this division.
5. Universal batting order will be allowed. However, the batting order may NOT be switched.
6. Tagging up and bunting is allowed. The dropped third strike, infield fly rule and balk (one warning per pitcher) rule will be in effect in this league.
7. Pitching: Coaches are allowed 2 conferences per pitcher and the pitcher must be removed on the 3rd conference
8. Coaches are allowed 1 defensive conference, that may be no longer than 4 minutes! The league is about development - do not make a mockery of the game.
13u & Up
- 90' Bases - 60' mound
- This division will utilize National Federation Rules
- This division will utilize BBCOR or wood bats only. No exceptions
- Universal batting order will be allowed. However, the batting order may NOT be switched.
- The dropped third strike, infield fly rule and balk rule will be in effect in this league.
- Pitching: Coaches are allowed 2 conferences per pitcher and the pitcher must be removed on the 3rd conference
