Updated 5/04/2008
ARKANSAS USSSA BASEBALL
TOURNAMENT RULES
2008 Season
THESE RULES SHOULD BE USED BY ALL ARKANSAS
TOURNAMENT DIRECTORS
Additional Individual Park Rules May be Added
Any individual park rule changes must be printed out and handed to coaches
For Rules not covered in the Arkansas State rules, please refer to National By-Laws
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ENTRY FEE PAYMENT POLICY
ALL tournament entry fees are required to be pre-paid UNLESS arrangements are made with an individual tournament director. If you are NOT PAID, you will not be included in the brackets.
REFUND POLICY
If you have paid your tournament entry fee and the tournament is canceled due to weather or lack of teams, you will receive a FULL refund.
If you pull out of a tournament BEFORE the brackets have been posted, you will receive a FULL refund.
If you pull out of a tournament AFTER the brackets have been posted, but prior to the start day, you will receive HALF a refund.
If you pull out of the tournament on the start day or are a "no show" you will receive NO refund and your games will be listed as a FORFEIT even if brackets have been redone.
Those teams who make arrangements with an individual tournament director and are allowed to bring their entry fee with them and they back out of that tournament will be billed for their tournament fee and not allowed to compete in another USSSA tournament until the bill is paid.
RAIN OUT REFUND POLICY
If a tournament has been canceled or rained out, the following guidelines will be used regarding refunds: (For those teams who have pre-paid)
If your TEAM has played:
NO games - FULL REFUND
ONE game - HALF REFUND
TWO games or more - NO REFUND
It is the team Managers responsibility to contact the tournament director for rain out information. Information should be posted on the city's website, or a message on a answering machine. The tournament director cannot be expected to contact each team if a tournament is rain out.
FORFEITS
The only "forfeit" that will appear on a teams score will be if a team is a "No Show" at a tournament.
If a team / manager ejection results in a game forfeit, the score entered for the game is as follows. At the time of the team, manager ejection the score stands, unless the team / manager ejected were leading. If the team / manager ejected was leading the team trailing will be awarded one more run than the team / manager ejected. [i.e. "Team A" gets ejected and was winning by the score of 8-3 over "Team B". "Team B" will be awarded 9 runs so that the final score is "Team B"(9) and "Team A"(8).]
This also applies to pitching violations.
This rule can be found on the USSSA Power Rating system and was created so that a winning team is not punished or the losing team cannot benefit from the forfeit.
HOME TEAM
In Pool Play. Home team will be determined by coin toss. Once in bracket play, the highest seed team will have the option of choosing home or visitor. . In the Championship game, home team will again be determined by coin toss. In all games, home team will appoint a scorekeeper who will be the official scorekeeper and must record the game in the official score book.
GAME TIE BREAKERS
During the initial round of POOL play, at the end of regulation time limit if the score is tied, ONE extra inning will be played utilizing “International Rules” to determine a winner, if the game is still tied, it will be ruled a tie. *** International Rule: The last out in the lineup is placed on second; the game is then played as usual. After the visitors bat and three outs have been made. The home team does the same thing.
POOL PLAY TIE BREAKERS
1. Head to Head
2. Fewest runs allowed
3. Highest run differential (max. 8 runs)
4. USSSA Points
5. Coin toss
NOTE: Head to head tie-breaker is to be used for TWO TEAMS tied only. If three or more teams are tied, the first tie-breaking criteria will be fewest runs allowed by all of the tied teams.
SPORTSMANSHIP
GOOD sportsmanship is expected by players, coaches and fans at all times. The umpire will handle any disputed calls on the field immediately and finally. Razzing, heckling, chanting, or making rude remarks towards opponents is strictly prohibited. This type of conduct will be handled by a tournament official quickly and with no exceptions. Arkansas USSSA Sports will hold to a ZERO tolerance policy. We believe in stopping the problem BEFORE it starts. Unruly coaches, fans or players will be removed from the park for the duration of the game in which their conduct was inappropriate.
LINE – UP CARDS
Each manager must prepare a minimum of three written copies of his line up, listing first and last names and numbers of all players and subs on his roster, prior to each game. Please check each copy to make sure the writing has gone through ALL copies.
SCORE BOOK / SCORE BOARD
The home team is responsible for the score book Visitor team will be responsible for the scoreboard (if field has one). COACHES are responsible for checking the score at the end of each inning.
GAME TIME LIMITS
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AGE GROUP
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GAME LENGTH
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6, 7 & 8
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6 innings / 1 hour 15 min
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9 through 12
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6 innings /1 hour 30 min
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13 and over
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7 innings / 1 hour 30 min
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Championship games will be played out to the full amount of innings indicated above.
RAIN SHORTENED GAMES
COMPLETE GAME IF THE NUMBER OF INNINGS LISTED BELOW ARE PLAYED
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AGE
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INNING
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6U
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3
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7U
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3
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8U
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3
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9U
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3
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10U
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3
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11U
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3
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12U
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3
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13U
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4
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14U
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4
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15U
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4
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16U
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4
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17U
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4
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18U
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4
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FOR AGES 6 THROUGH 12 - 2 ½ INNINGS IF HOME TEAM IS LEADING
FOR AGES 13 THROUGH 18 - 3 ½ INNINGS IF HOME TEAM IS LEADING
PITCHING LIMITS
ARKANSAS IS NOW USING THE NATIONAL RULES
PAGE 12 SECTION 8.05 OF THE NATIONAL BY-LAWS
8.05 Pitching Rules & Regulations:
8.05.A Limitations (see Chart 8.05 Figure 1):
8.05.A.1 The end of the day for the pitching limitation rules is the time of day or night when the ballpark is shutdown and the teams go home for the night break. Games that for whatever reason extend past midnight or start late at night, past midnight and before the teams take the night break, will count as being played on the scheduled day. Games that for whatever reason are suspended and then resumed after the night break (the next day or another day), will count as two days. The part of the game played before suspension will count as being played on the scheduled day and the part of the game played once resumed will count as being played on the resumed day.
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AGE DIVISION
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COLUMN A
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COLUMN B
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COLUMN C
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4U
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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5U
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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6U
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N/A
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N/A
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N/A
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7U
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3
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4
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6
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8U
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3
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4
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6
|
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9U
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4
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6
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8
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10U
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4
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6
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8
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11U
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4
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6
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9
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12U
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4
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6
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9
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13U
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5
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7
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11
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14U
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5
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7
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11
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14U - PRE-FRESHMAN
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5
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7
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11
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15U - HS FRESHMAN
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5
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7
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12
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16U - SOPHOMORE
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5
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7
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12
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17U - HS JUNIOR
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NONE
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UNLIMITED
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UNLIMITED
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18U - HS SENIOR
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NONE
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UNLIMITED
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UNLIMITED
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CHART 8.05 FIGURE 1
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8.05.A.2 Column A: The number of innings a pitcher can pitch in one (1) day and still pitch the next day.
Rule 8.05.A.2 Example: In the 10U age division, a pitcher may throw up to four (4) innings in one (1) day and still pitch the next day; but if that pitcher throws four and one-third (4 1/3) innings or more in one (1) day, he cannot pitch the next day.
8.05.A.3 Column B: The number of innings a pitcher can pitch in one (1) day.
Rule 8.05.A.3 Example: In the 10U age division, a pitcher may throw a maximum of six
(6) innings in one (1) day. The pitcher would not be allowed to pitch the next day.
8.05.A.4 Column C: The number of innings a pitcher can pitch in two (2) consecutive days.
Rule 8.05.A.4 Example: In the 10U age division, a pitcher may throw a maximum of eight (8) innings in two (2) consecutive days. This is to be interpreted as a pitcher may pitch any combination of innings that equal eight (8) as long as the first (1st) day pitched does not equal more than four (4) innings due to Column A requirements.
8.05.A.5 For purposes of the pitching limitations rules, a pitcher is in violation of the rule if he records any out above the pitching limits.
Rule 8.05.A.5 Exception: Exceeding the maximum innings allowed in the case of a
double or triple play will not be counted against the pitcher.
8.05.A.6 For all cumulative totals in this rule, one (1) out equals one-third (1/3) of an inning, two (2) outs equals two-thirds (2/3) of an inning and three (3) outs equals one (1) full inning. A pitcher that pitches in a game and records no outs is not charged with any innings pitched.
8.05.A.7 It is the responsibility of each team’s manager to challenge pitching violations by notifying the umpire-in-chief and then the League / Tournament Director.
8.05.A.8 Any innings pitched or outs recorded during a game that is forfeited shall count towards the pitchers’ allotted innings.
8.05.A.9 In age divisions 12U & younger, a player that pitches two (2) consecutive days must rest the third (3rd) day regardless of the number of innings pitched on either day.
Rule 8.05.A.1 – 8.05.A.5 Penalty: Any violation of pitching limitation rules shall result in immediate forfeiture of the game. This may be done at any point after an illegal out has been recorded while the pitcher in violation is in the game and in the pitching position. If such violation occurs during pool-play, the team in violation of the rule may not advance to the championship bracket regardless of record.
PITCHER CHANGES DURING A GAME
Coaches are responsible for notifying the home plate umpire of ALL pitching changes during the game. The umpire will record pitchers name and number and the number of outs pitched and return this information to the tournament director for future reference.
PITCHER’S RECORDS AND FINAL SCORE
Managers, please check the pitching records and final game score before the umpire turns it in. YOU must request to see it. The umpire will not look for you. ALL stats will be final once they are turned in to the tournament director. The game scores will be taken from these records. Score booksGROUP WINNINGDECLARED RUNS are for umpire’s reference during the game and as a secondary reference for the tournament director.
RUN RULES
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AGE GROUP
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WINNING TEAM DECLARED
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RUNS PER INNING
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6 through 8
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15 after 3
8 after 4
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7 runs per inning
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9 through 12
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15 after 3
8 after 4
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N/A
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13 through 18
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15 after 3
12 after 4
8 after 5
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N/A
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BRACKET GAMES
Bracket games will be played out until there is a winner. The international rule will be used if the game time is up and there is a tie, International rule will be used each inning after game time until a winner is declared.
CHAMPIONSHIP GAME
All Championship games will be played out the full number of innings allowed for that age group. If the game is tied after that number of innings, the game will continue until a winner is determined. International rules will not be used. Run rules are still in effect.
GAME BALLS
Each team must provide two new or good condition baseballs per game. USSSA stamped balls are preferred. All baseballs must be USSSA approved.
AWARDS
Awards will vary depending on the tournament format. However, individual awards will always be given to the top two finishing teams in each division.
TOURNAMENT FORMAT ALTERATIONS
Arkansas USSSA Baseball Directors reserve the right to alter, change, or abbreviate the tournament format, when necessary, in order to complete the tournament or correct errors.
GATE ADMISSION
Gate admission will be charged each day; Admission is subject to change depending on event type. Most common gate admission rate is $5.00 for adults and $2.00 for children ages 6-12. State Tournaments, AA Nationals and World Series rates will generally be higher.
COACHES PASSES
Each team will receive three coaches’ passes in their tournament packet. Coaches must have these passes to enter free.
TOBACCO
Use of any tobacco product is prohibited in the park, on all fields and in the dugouts. Smoking is allowed outside the fenced in area, IN THE PARKING LOT, AWAY from the dugouts and bleachers.
FINAL NOTE
Our city has been very generous in allowing us to host these tournaments here. We thank them for the opportunity to use these facilities. Please urge your players and parents to pick up their trash and leave the dugouts, fields and facilities as you found them. We believe that the respect of a ballpark and ball fields, is something that coaches and parents by example, can teach young players along with learning to play the game that we all love.
ARKANSAS MACHINE PITCH RULES
1. Bases will be set at 60 feet.
2. 8.08.D Pitching Machine: The front leg(s) shall be set at a distance of forty-two (42) feet from the rear point of home plate.
8.08.E Recommended pitching machine speeds:
8.08.E.1 36 M.P.H. – 39 M.P.H. for the 7U age division.
8.08.E.2 39 M.P.H. – 42 M.P.H. for the 8U age division.
3. A runner cannot leave the base before the ball has been hit. If he does, the team will receive a “team warning”. If this action persists, the umpire has the right to call the runner out. There will be NO STEALING.
4. Ten players will play in the field with four outfielders. The fourth outfielder is not allowed to assume an infield position. ALL outfielders must stay behind the baseline.
5. Batting order shall consist of every player on the roster that is in attendance of that particular game.
6. Maximum of seven runs per inning or three outs, including the last inning.
7. Defensive player known as the pitcher must stay in the pitcher’s circle until the ball is hit.
8. A batter receives seven pitches or three swings. A foul ball counts as a pitch. Batter is out after seven pitches.
9. Free substitution on defense. Batting order must stay the same.
10. NO BUNTING in seven year old machine pitch. BUNTING will be allowed in eight year old machine pitch. It is the coach’s responsibility to inform the umpire that it is an eight year old team. If they do not, any call made by the umpire concerning bunting will hold as called. During mixed age play – seven and eights, no bunting will be allowed.
11. Any ball that hits the pitching coach or pitching machine will be termed a “dead” ball and the batter is awarded first base. All other runners will be awarded ONE base.
12. In case of rain, COACH PITCH will be substituted for the pitching machine. This will be the tournament director’s call. This is for the safety of the players and the machine.
13. GAME TIME LIMIT is one hour and 15 minutes or six innings. Four complete innings will constitute a game in case of rain.
14. RUN RULES – 15 after 3, 8 after 4.
15. No limit on bases for overthrows in the field. Runners may not advance on a missed “catch” by the catcher from the pitching machine. If the ball goes into the dugout or outside the fence, runners may not advance.
16. Umpires will call “TIME” at the end of each play.
17. It is the Team Managers responsibility to maintain control over their fans. Failure to do this may result in the Manager being asked to leave along with any disruptive fans. Please display GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.
ARKANSAS T-BALL RULES
Bases will be set at 60 feet.
A. There will be a fair ball arc (recommended at least 8’) drawn from 1st baseline to 3rd baseline in front of home plate. A ball must go past this line to be considered a fair ball.
B. A base runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit. Stealing is not allowed
C. Ten (10) players will play in the field with four (4) being outfielders. The fourth (4th) outfielder may not assume an infield position. All outfielders must be in the grass behind the baseline.
D. The batting order shall constitute all players on the team roster at the beginning of the game. Late arrivals will be inserted as the last batter. All players on the roster shall bat before returning to the top of the order.
E. A maximum of seven (7) runs or three (3) outs per inning for the entire game.
F. Free substitution on defense.
G. No bunting allowed.
H. Defensive coaches are not allowed on the field of play and must coach from the dugout area.
I. Umpires will call time after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” should be called as soon as the lead runner is not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the participants.
J. No intentional walks allowed.
K. No infield fly rule.
L. A full-use catcher’s helmet and mask is the only catcher’s gear required.
M. A batter is allowed three (3) swings to put the ball in play or is declared out. A foul ball result on the third swing is not an out. A ball not passing the fair ball arc on the third swing will be considered a third strike and the batter is declared out.
N. 8-1/2” baseball preferred for this age group.
O. GAME TIME LIMIT is one hour and 15 minutes or six innings. Four complete innings will constitute a game in case of rain.