Babe Ruth Division Rules

Babe Ruth division rules for ages 13 to 15.

GAME PRELIMINARIES

  1. The home team is determined by the official league schedule.
  2. The home team is responsible for the following:
    • Providing an official scorekeeper. The official scorekeeper’s main functions are getting the official game rosters from each team, noting the official start time of the game in the scorebook, keeping track of outs, runs per inning, proper batting order of teams and maximum runs per inning.
    • Submit final score online within 24 hours.
    • Getting 2 baseballs from the field supervisor.
  3. The visiting team is responsible for the following:
    • Providing someone to operate the scoreboard if available. 
  4. The official scorebook must be kept accurate for participation in All-Stars. Failure to maintain accurate records may result in a manager’s suspension and our league not being able to play in all-star tournaments.
  5. Before the start of the game each manager will provide their line-ups for the game to the Official Scorekeeper and the umpire.
  6. If a game is under weather delay PRIOR to the start time of the game, teams must wait a minimum of 30 minutes from the scheduled start time for an "all clear" before leaving the park. If the all clear is not given before the 30-minute waiting period, the game will be called as a "rain out" and will be rescheduled. If the all clear is given within the 30-minute waiting period, the game will begin and the start time will be noted. If a game goes under a weather delay while in progress, prior to the completion of the 4th inning (complete game), teams must wait a minimum of 30 minutes for the all clear. If the all clear is not given within the 30-minute waiting period, the game will be rescheduled and play will resume from the point of the delay.

THE GAME

  1. There will be 2 umpires for this division. If only one umpire is available, the game will be played and recorded.
  2. Games are seven innings with a time limit of 2 hours, 15 minutes. No new inning begins after 2 hours, 15 minutes. There is no time limit for championship games. 
  3. The 10-run rule will be invoked when one team has a 10-run advantage after 5 innings or 4½ innings if the home team is winning.
  4. Players and coaches in uniform are the only people allowed in the dugout, field and bull pen area. Any person not wearing the complete uniform issued by the league will not be allowed in the dugout. No substitute uniforms or alterations will be accepted. All uniforms must have numbers. Please do not allow any children other than players in the dugout. No Team Moms. No exceptions.
  5. Teams have the option to bat the lineup and free substitution is permitted. 
  6. Every player must play 3 innings on defense and get one at bat in every game. Any player who does not must start the next game and play three innings in the field before the completion of the fifth inning.  
  7. Players are exempt from the mandatory 3 innings if they show up after 1 completed inning. Managers need to record what time and inning a late players shows up in the official scorebook.
  8. Managers will be penalized for violating the mandatory play rule (See by-laws).
  9. Teams must have 8 players to start and finish a game. Failure to have 8 players throughout the game will result in a forfeit.
  10. Pitch Count Restrictions
    AgeDaily Max. (Pitches in Game/Day)1 Day
    Rest Period    		2 Day
    Rest Period    		3 Day
    Rest Period
    Minors601-2021-4040-60+
    Majors751-4041-6566+
    Babe Ruth951-4546-7576+
    • If the pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count limit while facing a batter, he may continue to pitch until the batter reaches base safely or is put out.
    • All pitchers must adhere to the pitch count rest requirements before pitching in another game.
    • Games in which an ineligible pitcher has been used, as specified above, shall be declared forfeited. The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is announced, or after a preparatory (warm-up) pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a violation.
  11. Managers are responsible for making sure that all pitchers are listed in the scorebook and the teams pitching affidavit for each game. It is important for eligibility purposes and weekly innings pitched (See by-laws). 
  12. In the event the game is tied after 7 complete innings, or the time limit is reached, there will be a tiebreaker as follows:
    • TEXAS SHOOTOUT: The last out made for the hitting team goes to 2nd base. 2 outs are put on the board. Each batter starts with an open count. Each team gets an at bat until one team out scores the other. If a winner is not determined after 3 rounds of the Texas Shootout, the game will be declared a tie. Standard Babe Ruth rules apply. (Playoffs only)
  13. Cancelled games will be made up at the first opportunity. Games will be continued from the point they were left at only if a full 3½ or 4 innings were not played. All makeup games will be scheduled by ASBR (See by-laws “Players”). 
  14. Managers are responsible for the conduct of their team, fans and coaches and must address this with each parent and child.
  15. Managers are responsible for league issued equipment and must return it at the conclusion of the season. Managers will not be eligible to coach next season if equipment is not returned.
  16. In cases of inter-league play, rules may be adopted and amended prior to the season.
  17. In the event of a protest, the following procedures must be followed:
    • The protesting manager must call time out before the next pitch is delivered.
    • A protest that occurs on a game ending play condition must be made by noon of the following day to the League President.
    • Notify the home plate umpire and the official scorekeeper who records the protest in the scorebook, and the opposing manager, stating the reason for the protest.
    • At this point the game continues under a “protest condition.”
    • Discussion over the validity of the protest will not occur at this point.
    • The protesting manager must submit, in writing the protest form (located in press box on field #3) to the field supervisor.
    • The report must document the specific issue in enough detail for the League President and field supervisor to understand the situation.
    • The League President along with the field supervisor will meet individually with the coaches and umpires involved and will rule within 7 days of the occurrence.
    • A protest request will only be considered if it is in reference to a rule interpretation. A judgment call by an umpire can not be protested.
    • If a protest is dismissed the games outcome stands as played.
    • If the protest is upheld the game is replayed from the point of the protest.

 STANDINGS

  1. Standings will be maintained throughout the season.

SAFETY

  1. Safety is paramount. If at any time a parent, coach or manager has safety concerns about the application of any playing rule or ground rule in a particular situation they may submit these concerns to any ASBR LO member for a special ruling.
  2. All players shall wear a protective cup.
  3. Managers are to ensure that players remain properly hydrated during games and practices.
  4. All League Officials, managers, coaches and players are to adhere to Park rules adopted by the City of Altamonte Springs in regards to facility usage.

DRESS CODE

  1. The league furnishes each player with a hat, pants, shirt, belt and socks. Every player must wear a complete and matching uniform for all league games. This includes matching pants. The LO may take action against a manager or player who continually disregards the league dress code.
  2. Exposed jewelry such as wristwatches, bracelets, hoop style earrings and neck chains, or any other item judged dangerous may not be worn during the game. Religious and medical alert bracelets and necklaces are the exception to the rule, but if worn must be taped to the body. 
  3. The League Officers have adopted these ground rules. Any proposed changes to the ground rules after the season begins, shall be posted 2 weeks prior to taking effect.

STANDARD BABE RUTH RULES APPLY.