Commentary » Athletics

More

• CYM Director of Youth Sports
• Athletic Advisory Committee
• Athletic Associations - Parishes and Schools
• Athletics as Ministry
• Athletic Programs by Season
• Program Divisions
• Parish In-House/Intramural Programs
• Tryout/Practice Guidelines
• Sunday Morning Athletics
• Registrations/Billings
• Rosters
• Online Registration
• Team Participation/Affiliation
• Affiliation Changes
• Coach Requirements/Registrations
• Coach Liability
• Code of Conduct - Coaches
• Code of Conduct - Players
• Code of Conduct - Spectators
• Unsportsmanlike Conduct Fouls
• Ejections
• Complaints
• Appeals/Protests
• Ineligible Players
• Athletic Contests and Games
• Playing Time
• CYM Commitment and Divisional Alignment
• Postponements/Cancellations/Forfeits/Weather
• League PlayOffs/Tie Breakers
• Mouth Protector
• Medical
• Head Injuries
• Football
• Cross Country
• Soccer
• Girls Volleyball
• Flag Football
• Basketball Rules
• PRE-JV Basketball
• JV Basketball
• Varsity Basketball
• Senior and Intermediate Basketball
• Wrestling
• JV Softball
• Fast Pitch Varsity Softball
• Baseball
• Track & Field
• Boys Volleyball
• Cheerleading

 

Baseball

Last Revised on August 01, 2023

Baseball Rules 2023-2024

1. Game Rules: If a rule is not specifically addressed herein, NFHS (“Federation”) rules apply.  In the event of a conflict between sets of rules, these rules control.
   1. Length of games – both regular season and playoff games will consist of 7 innings for C Division, and 6 innings for Y Division.
   2. Stopped games – In both divisions, a game that is stopped due to weather, darkness or permit expiration will be considered complete if 4 full innings were played, or if 3 ½ innings were played and the home team is ahead. If fewer innings were played, the game will be considered a suspended game and will be played at a later date from the point where the game was stopped. Coaches for both teams are to have the umpire sign their scorebooks noting the point and reason the game was stopped. If coaches do not use a paper scorebook, both coaches should email the CYM Director of Youth Sports and the CYM Baseball Coordinator with the inning the game was stopped, the number of outs, the position of baserunners and the batter and pitcher. 
   3. Starting new innings – no game may begin a new inning later than 15 minutes prior to the scheduled start of the next game.
   4. Mercy rule - In the C Division, if a team has a 10 run lead at the completion of 5 innings, the game will be considered complete. In the Y Division, if a team has a 10 run lead at the completion of 4 innings, the game will be considered complete.
   5. Re-entry rule – A starting player may be withdrawn and then re-enter a game. The player must occupy the same position in the batting order upon return. A substitute who is withdrawn may not re-enter the game. Federation Rules govern removal of the starting pitcher if he is withdrawn while on the mound pitching. However, if the starting pitcher is replaced using a batter (DH) or base runner (Courtesy runner), he/she may re-enter the game immediately as the pitcher.
      1. Y Division only: If coaches agree before the game to a relaxed version of this rule, it will be acceptable for the 2023-2024 season.

 

2. Batting Rules:
   1. In Y Division, there is a limit of 10 batters per inning.
   2. The 10th batter may be intentionally walked.
   3. This rule does not apply in the final inning of a Y Division game, in any playoff game nor any C Division inning/game.
   4. Extra batter – use of the extra batter as a 10th player is at the option of each manager.  If the extra batter is used, the re-entry rule under Game Rules will apply to this player.  Once the decision to use or not use the extra batter is made, it applies for the entire game.
   5. Designated hitter – using a designated hitter is optional.  The designated hitter bats for a player in the field, which player does not bat.  The decision to use a designated hitter must be made prior to the start of the game; once the game starts, the designated hitter cannot be started.
   6. Once batting order is established, it does not change

 

3. Pitching: CYM will monitor all pitchers based on pitch count and not innings pitched. Pitch count is more consistent with USA Baseball rules governing youth pitchers. It is deemed safer and healthier for all pitchers.
   1. Head coaches are responsible for working together after each half inning to agree a pitch count for all pitchers in that half inning. If there is a discrepancy, the following should be used as a guideline:
      1. If within 5, use the number from the pitcher’s coach
      2. If greater than 5, two coaches agree to a number
   2. Winning coaches should report both score and pitch count for both teams within 12 hours of game’s completion
   3. Pitch Rest/Maximum Pitches:
      1. 0 days – 1-20 pitches
      2. 1 day – 21-35 pitches
      3. 2 days – 36-50 pitches
      4. 3 days – 51-65 pitches
      5. 4 days - >65 pitches
      6. If a pitcher reaches his limit during an at bat, the pitcher may complete the at bat and his pitch count should be reported as 85+ or 95+ depending upon his maximum permitted.
      7. Maximum Pitches: age as of 4/1/2024 - if they are 12 they get a maximum of 90 pitches; if they are 13 or 14 they get a maximum of 95 pitches.
   4. Mound Trips: Trips to the mound will be governed by Federation Rules.  Questions about infield conferences should be reviewed with the umpire prior to the start of a game.
   5. A game in which an ineligible pitcher is used will be considered a forfeit.

 

4. Base Running:
   1. A base runner is out when the runner does not slide or attempt to get around a fielder who has the ball and is waiting to make the tag.  If the runner maliciously runs into the fielder, the runner will be ejected from the game.
   2. Courtesy runner – a courtesy runner is optional for a pitcher and catcher at any time.  The courtesy runner for the catcher is strongly recommended to assist in speeding up play by allowing the catcher to return to the dugout and put on his equipment.  The courtesy runner must come from a player on the bench who has not been in the game or is not currently in the game.  If a team is using all available players in the game and there are no substitutes, the player that made the last out can be used as the courtesy runner.  The same courtesy runner can be used more than once in a game and in the same inning. (ex. a pitcher and catcher bat and reach base in the same inning - the same courtesy runner can be used for both pitcher and catcher.

 

5. Equipment:
   1. The baseball used for games will be the “Babe Ruth” or “Senior League” baseball.  Any brand can be used.  Each team will provide 2 game balls.
   2. Only baseball bats approved by the Federation (up to a -3) and displaying the BBCOR seal may be used.
   3. All catchers must wear a mask with throat protector, chest protector, head protector, protective cup and shin guards.
   4. Players who are batting, waiting on-deck, running the based or coaching a base must wear batting helmets.
   5. Both teams must bring bases to all games.
   6. Metal cleats are permitted.

Related Policies: