Special Playing Rules - Major Division

The Major Division Includes Grades 5 and 6

MAJOR DIVISION GAMES shall be played according to the Official Baseball Rules 1.00 through 8.06, with the following exceptions: In case of any conflict between the rules of the OYBI and the Official Baseball Rules, the OYBI rules shall have precedence.

THIS DIVISION WILL HAVE SEPARATE LEAGUES FOR GRADES 5 AND 6

PITCHING LIMITATIONS

1. A pitcher, regardless of grade, may pitch 6 innings per calendar week.

a. Applies to all regulation games regardless of when played. This includes rescheduled and makeup games.
b. If a pitcher delivers 1 pitch in an inning, that pitcher shall be charged for 1 inning pitched.
  EXCEPTION: All pitchers shall be allowed to pitch a maximum of 9 innings in a four (4) game week (Monday thru Sunday). This does not mean a rained-out game re-scheduled in the same week becomes a four (4) game week. All rest days, etc., shall still apply.

2. The calendar week is Monday through, and including, Sunday.
3. A pitcher must have 2 calendar days rest between pitching assignments in which he pitches in more than 3 innings. A pitcher may pitch the next day after having pitch less than 3 innings in a game. Each game in which a pitcher pitches is considered an assignment. (Example - A player pitching in more than 3 innings on Sunday cannot pitch again until Wednesday).
4. Games in which an ineligible pitcher has been used, as specified in paragraphs 1, 2 and 3, shall be declared forfeited.

A Pitching Eligibility Chart or an equally informational entry in the scorebook shall be kept by all teams showing pitcher's name, day and date of each game pitched, and number of innings pitched per game. Team managers will meet before the game to learn of each others available pitchers. At the completion of the game, the managers or their scorekeepers will meet to update and co-sign each teams chart. PENALTY FOR FAILURE TO MAINTAIN AND PRESENT PITCHING CHARTS: (A) First and Second violations-Manager will receive a warning and be reminded of this responsibility. (B) Any additional violation will result in a one game suspension, and the League President and Director will review the manager's status for possible further discipline.

NOTE: Failure to maintain the Pitching Chart places the manager in jeopardy of being able to verify the eligibility of his pitchers.

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RULE 3.03 - SUBSTITUTIONS

A pitcher, once removed from the mound, cannot re-enter as a pitcher. If a player re-enters illegally as a fielder, or runner, there is no penalty except that he must be removed from the game immediately when discovered.

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RULE 3.19 - MANDATORY PLAYING RULE

Each player must be played a minimum of three full innings in the field (9 nine defensive outs) in each game. Substitutes must enter the game by the beginning of the 3rd inning.

PENALTY - A manager's misuse or violation of this rule will subject the manager to possible dismissal as a manager, and/or forfeiture of the game. The first violation will result in the player(s) offended being played for the entire following game. The second violation will result in the player(s) offended being played for the entire following game, and the manager will be placed on a one game suspension. The third violation will result in the player(s) offended being played for the entire following game; the manager will be suspended for the remainder of the season, and lose eligibility to participate in the program the following season. During play-off or tournament games, failure to comply with these rules will result in forfeiture of the game.

As a matter of normal participation, players are expected to attend practices as well as games. In the event a manager feels a player is not practicing enough to warrant playing in games, the following course of action is recommended:

1. When it becomes apparent that there is an attendance problem, the manager should discuss the matter with the player and parents to see if the situation can be resolved. It should be mentioned at this time that continued absenteeism could affect his game playing status.
2. If the problem continues, and the manager determines that he must withhold the player from a game, the player and parents should be notified prior to that game. In addition, the Player Agent and the opposing team manager should be notified prior to the game. This action having been taken, the provisions of the mandatory playing rule will not apply to this player.

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RULE 6.01(a) - BATTING ORDER

Every player of the offensive team will be in the batting order, and will bat in the order that his name appears. If, for any reason, a player must be removed from the game while in the field or at bat and his batting position becomes vacant, the next batter in the order, and all behind him, advance one position. If a player is at bat and is injured, and has to be removed from the game, the next player in the batting order will assume the "count" of the "removed" player. Player(s) arriving after a team's first batter has been to bat are added to the bottom of the order.

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