Special Playing Rules - Minor Division

The Minor Division Includes Grades 3 and 4

MINOR 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 3 AND 4.

PITCHING LIMITATIONS

A. A pitcher shall be allowed to pitch up to a limit of eight innings in a calendar week. However, he may only pitch six innings in any two successive games, irregardless of the calendar week limitation. A calendar week is Monday through Sunday. It therefore follows, by provisions of this rule, that a pitcher who pitches six innings in a game, will be unable to pitch in the team's next game, regardless when played. NOTE: Forfeited or rained-out game(s) do not count as a game played in regards to pitching eligibility. Example: A pitcher pitches 4 innings on Monday, next game is forfeited or rained-out on Wednesday, the pitcher then has as many as 2 innings left to pitch in his next game. If a pitcher delivers one (1) pitch in an inning, that pitcher shall be charged for one (1) inning pitched. Games in which an ineligible pitcher has been used as specified above, shall be declared forfeited.
B. Violation of any section of this regulation can result in a protest of the game in which it occurs. A protest shall be made in accordance with Regulation XIII, rule 4.19 PROTESTING GAMES.
C. The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is announced, but before a ball is pitched, shall not be considered a violation.
D. Innings pitched in games declared "no contest" or "regulation drawn games", shall be charged against a pitcher’s eligibility for that week. If resumed in the following week, or weeks, the pitcher of record may continue up to six (6) innings, or to the extent of remaining eligibility for a calendar week.
E. Pitchers eligibility for canceled games:

a. A pitcher's eligibility for the resumption of a suspended game during the same calendar week shall not change. Total innings per week will remain the same.
b. If a suspended game is continued in a week other than the originally scheduled game, the pitcher is subject to rules A through E in this section (pitching limitations).

A Pitching Eligibility Chart or and 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 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, and the manager being 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 shall be in the batting order and shall 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, 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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