FMBA 16U REC RULES 2021 - Fredericton Minor Baseball ...

FMBA 16U REC RULES - 2021
1. Team coaches are responsible for the following:
       a. All games are scheduled to commence at 6:00pm unless otherwise stated.
       b. No new inning may start more than 2 hours after start time of game (ie 8:00pm)
       c. All players must be on the bench when not at bat or on deck. It shall be the
          coach’s responsibility to enforce this rule and if not obeyed, the players may be
          disciplined by the umpire, at their discretion.
       d. Players will not climb the dugout fencing.
       e. A plastic cup type of athletic supporter is highly recommended for all males and
          a jill is recommended for all females to be on the field. Sandals are not
          permitted for any player, and discouraged for coaches. No jewelry/watches of
          any kind will be allowed to be worn by any players. The only exception to this
          rule would be a medic alert bracelet or necklace.
       f. Home team will supply 1 new baseball and 1 used baseball in “good condition”
          at the start of each game.
       g. Each team must field a minimum of 8 players for each game. Coaches are
          encouraged to make use of the “short list” if applicable to insure they have
          enough players. In the event that a team is short players they may borrow from
          the opposing team. In the event that one or both teams are not able to field the
          minimum 8 players, (after borrowing from the opposing team) the umpire will be
          released and the evening will play out as a scrimmage. No forfeits will be
          recorded.

2. GAMES:
     a. Each game will consist of a maximum of 7 innings. See rule 1b.
     b. If a game is called due to darkness, weather conditions, or the 2 hour inning start
        time limit, the final score will be the score at the end of the last completed
        inning.
     c. If after 5 complete innings one team is ahead by 10 runs the game is over.
     d. The FMBA lightning policy will be followed at all times.
     e. In any one inning you may not score more than five (5) runs except the last
        inning. There is not limit on runs scored in the last inning. If the last inning is not
        completed (eg. Due to darkness) the score will revert to the last inning
        completed.
     f. Coaches will insure that players are given equal play time between infield and
        outfield. No player will sit on the bench for 2 innings before all players have
        been on the bench for at least 1 inning excluding players benched for disciplinary
        reasons. See player conduct agreement.
     g. All players in attendance will be placed on the batting order and will bat in turn,
        regardless of whether they field an inning. The batting order must remain
        consistent throughout the game. Late arrivals shall be allowed to play and
        should be added to the bottom of the batting order and marked as a late arrival.
     h. Unlimited substitutions defensively are allowed (including for injury or official
        ejection.)
     i. All batters will start with a 0 ball and 0 strike count.

3. PITCHING RULES
      a. Pitcher balks are in play.
      b. If a pitcher hits 2 batters in an inning or 3 in a game, he must be replaced, unless
           the umpire determines that the batter could have avoided being hit through
           reasonable effort.
      c. Once a player assumes the position of pitcher, they cannot catch for the
           remainder of the day.
      d. Pitchers must follow the pitch count chart. This chart is found on the last page of
           this rules book.
      e. Pitchers may finish pitching to a batter even if their maximum pitch limit (85
           pitches) has been reached.
      f. A pitcher can pitch no more than 3 innings per game.
      g. Once a pitcher is taken out he cannot pitch again, but may be used in any other
           position but catcher.
      h. It is the responsibility of each coach to keep track of their pitcher’s pitch count.
      i.   The number of trips to the mound by manager/coach shall not be limited except
           when the umpire rules that the purpose of the trip is to delay the game.

4. BASE RUNNERS
      a. Base runners leading off, stealing bases are in play with the following limitations.
               i. Baserunners reaching 3rd base can only advance to home on a batted ball or due
                  to being forced to advance (ie Walk or Hit by Pitch). Advancing to home plate
                  on a wild pitch or passed ball will NOT be permitted. Advancing to home plate
                  due to an overthrow on a steal of third base will NOT be permitted. Any
                  violation will result in the runner returning to 3rd base.
              ii. Baserunners stealing will only be permitted to advance 1 base per attempt. Any
                  overthrow will not result in the baserunner advancing an additional base. For
                  example, a baserunner stealing 2nd base or 3rd base and the ball is overthrown or
                  underthrown and the ball goes into the outfield or out of play, the baserunner
                  will not advance to 3rd base or home plate. Ultimately, a baserunner may only
                  steal one base at a time.

b. Batters are not permitted to attempt to run to 1 st base on a dropped third
        strike.
     c. Runners may only take home plate if they are batted in or forced to advance.
        (no stealing home).
     d. A delayed steal, occurring as the catcher is throwing the ball back to the pitcher
        is not permitted. Thus, the base runner may not attempt to advance to the next
        base when the pitcher misses the ball when receiving it back from the catcher.
     e. If there are two outs and the team’s catcher is on base, the team may send in a
        courtesy runner to allow the catcher to prepare for the defensive inning. The
        courtesy runner shall be the player who committed the last out (ie the 2 nd out) in
        the inning.
     f. The infield fly rule will apply

5. MALICIOUS CONTACT
     a. Malicious contact is to be penalized whether committed by an offensive or
        defensive player.
     b. Contact shall be considered malicious if:
             i. The contact is the result of intentional excessive force, and/or
             ii. There is an intent to injure.
     c. The umpire shall determine whether contact was avoidable or unavoidable. If
        the fielder blocks the base path, the runner may make contact, slide into or
        collide with the fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to
        reach the base/plate.
     d. Runners are instructed to slide or attempt to avoid making contact with a fielder.
        A player who maliciously runs into a fielder is to be declared out (unless he/she
        has scored prior to committing infraction).
     e. On all close plays at home plate, the runner must slide.

f. If the defensive player clearly locked the base path without possession of the
         ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball is
         called.

 6. PITCH COUNT CHART FOR 16U

                       PITCHES          REST REQUIRED
                1-35                  None
                36-50                 1 Day
                51-65                 2 Days
                66-80                 3 Days
                81-95                 4 days

A rest day consists of 1 full calendar day.