1. sports
2. baseball

POUGHKEEPSIE MID-HUDSON
BA BE RU T H
B Y L AWS A ND L OCA L
RUL E S 2 0 1 5
IMPORTANT INFORMATIO N FOR MANAGERS
AND COACHES
PREFACE:
Each local League Board of directors should adopt its own bylaws, local rules or ground rules (the terms
are interchangeable.) This document or documents expire annually at the end of the fiscal year and must
be renewed annually. They normally include the local board’s procedures for selection of Tournament
Teams (All Stars), specific ground rules for various divisions (such as whether or not the 10-run rule will
be used), etc.
Because each League board of directors should have authority to change these types of procedures, they
require only board consent, without the general membership’s approval.
The bylaws, local rules or ground rules are to be distinguished from the League’s Constitution. The
Constitution spells out the duties and responsibilities of the officers of the board, definition of
membership, election procedures, meeting requirements such as quorum, etc. The League board of
directors must make a copy of the bylaws, local rules or ground rules available to any member of the local
League for review and inspection if requested.
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2015 Volunteer Officers:
Vincent D'Amato, President
Dave Koller, Vice President
Nicole Marino, Treasurer
Matt Hoyt, Secretary
Joe Goldsmith, Umpire-In-Chief
Jared Belon, Member-at-large
Dan Collins, Member-at-large
Brian Dazi, Member-at-large
Tom Feola, Member-at-large
Rich Gagnon, Member-at-large
Tom Marshall, Member-at-large
Rich Weatherwax, Member-at-large
Contact & General Information: WWW.PokBabeRuth.ORG
League President
Safety Officer
Equipment
Player Agent
Vin D’Amato
Tom Marshall
Rich Gagnon
Yvette Bairan
224-5789
235-4003
206-3122
705-3918
Division Coordinators:
T-Ball Division
Rookie Division
Minor League
Major League
Babe Ruth (15U)
Nicole Marino
Vin D’Amato
Rich Weatherwax
Joe Crichton
Dave Koller
264-4989
224-5789
914-497-5004
797-0914
339-223-0712
Umpires:
Major / Minor
Babe Ruth 15U/18U
Joe Goldsmith
463-5827
Larry Diamond(HVUA)888-289-4428 Ext 10
Division Schedulers:
T-Ball
Rookie
Majors / Minors
Babe Ruth (15U)
Babe Ruth (18U)
Nicole Marino
Vin D’Amato
Joe Goldsmith
Dave Koller
Vin D’Amato
MARCH 2015
264-4989
224-5789
463-5827
339-223-0712
224-5789
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Poughkeepsie Mid-Hudson Local Rules
For Majors / Minors (Ages 9-12)
 The Minor League is not using the infield fly rule.
 Minimum Play Requirement: Each player is required to play at least 3 defensive innings, and
bat at least once. Furthermore, each player must play a complete game at least 1/2 of the games
he/she attends. For regulation games of less than 6 innings, each player must play at least 2
defensive innings / bat once (with a goal of at least 3 innings play for each player). Please keep clear
records of game/inning play time. An EH (see below) must be ‘subbed’ into the field for his 3
innings of defensive play.
 8 players: If a team has only 8 players, we will play anyway. Defensively, the ‘short’ team will
borrow a player from the other team to play defense. Borrowed players cannot pitch or catch, and
should make their best effort when helping the other team. This defensive play does not count
towards the Minimum Play Requirement.
Managers should anticipate player shortages, and arrange ahead of time with the Player Agent to
borrow Pool Players. Pool Players should play at least 3 innings.
If a team has only 7 players present (Minor League 6 players), after a reasonable time (at least 15
min), the game should be rescheduled (not forfeited). This situation should be reported to the Board
of Directors.
 10 run rule: If a team is behind by 10 runs or more after 4 innings (3 1/2 if home team ahead),
the game is over. Note: if the visitors are ahead, the inning must be completed.
 Sat/Sun game time limits: No new inning will start after 2 hours of play. If your game is tied
or not regulation, the Board of Directors will later decide if it should be completed. This supersedes
the NO GAME rule on page 54. For start time delays due to weather, push the start time of the next
game back accordingly.
 Pitch Limits: Managers will keep track of pitches thrown [for each game] in the scorebook.
The following guidelines are in place to protect the health and safety of the players, and they
supplement the Babe Ruth rest requirements. For ages 8-10, pitchers should not exceed 75 pitches
per game, 125 per week. In no event shall a player exceed 90 pitches in a game. For ages 11-12,
pitchers should not exceed 85 pitches per game, 150 per week. In no event shall a player exceed 100
pitches in a game. A week is Monday through the following Sunday. If players play in other leagues
(eg travel), managers should include other pitching activity to the above pitch limits.
 Re-entry of used player: If a player is injured or ejected and there are no available substitutes,
the opposing manager shall select a ‘used player’ to re-enter the game. The injured player may not
re-enter the game later. This option does not apply when using continuous batting order.
 Extra Hitter (EH): Each team may choose to bat 10 instead of 9. This player will be indicated
in the line-up as the “EH”. The “EH” will be treated as any other starter. The EH may appear in any
position in the batting order. If a game is started with an EH, but subsequently the players are
reduced to 9, the EH spot is skipped without penalty.
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 Continuous Batting Order: Either team may choose to bat the entire lineup and use free
substitution (i.e. starters and subs may re-enter the game as often as desired). If a player comes late,
he is added to the bottom of the order. If a player must leave early, his batting spot is skipped
without penalty. A player present for the entire game must play at least 4 innings defensively.
 Max runs per inning (Minors only): when a team scores 5 runs, the ½ inning is over. Wait
until play has relaxed, then change sides.
 Lightning: if lightning is seen or heard (thunder), the plate umpire will suspend the game and
clear the field. Teams should wait in dugouts or in their cars, until a period of at least 20 minutes has
elapsed with no lightning.
 Balks (Majors only): For the first 2-4 weeks of the season, base runners will not be advanced
on a balk (see exception). Each pitcher will receive 2 warnings before penalties will be enforced.
For a warning, a balk will be an immediate dead ball. Exception: if the pitcher balked because a
runner was obviously stealing, that runner will be given the advance base.
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Rookie AA Play Rules (8 yr olds)
Note: we may not have a Rookie AA division in 2015, more info to follow
Game Length: Regular season games will be 6 innings long
Coach Pitch/ Kids pitch ratio– There will be a progression on coach pitch versus kids pitch as we
go in to the season.
Guidelines (but can be flexible) – 1st 2 weeks Coach for 5 inning/ kid for 1 inning; weeks 3 and 4 –
coach pitch for 4 innings and kid for 2 an so on as long as the flow of the game is not compromised.
4 balls constitute a walk and 3 strikes and the batter is out. There will be NO BALKS. We will use
multiple distances for the pitching plate: 1) start the season at 40 feet. 2) on or about May 1,
we will increase the distance to 43 feet, 3) on or about June 1, we will increase the distance to 46
feet; the division coordinator will announce when the distances change.
Practices
a) Teams will have one practice during the week and one on Saturday until the season
begins
b) There will be “bullpen Session” added to your practice time to make sure you are
only working on pitchers and catching.
Field of Play
a) 9 defensive players will take the field.
b) A catcher should be dressed each inning from the beginning of the season.
c) Any extra players should be working with your coach on a particular drill
d) Free defensive substitutions are allowed – Note: all players will always remain in the
same batting order position due to continuous batting order rule. All players shall play
at least ½ of the game.
Game Play
a) Pitching Limitation: Pitchers may not pitch more than 2 innings or pitches in any one game.
In no event shall a pitcher exceed more than 55 pitches. If players play in other leagues (eg
travel), managers should include other pitching activity to the above pitch limits.
b) Continuous batting orders will be used.
c) The manager of the batting team will be the umpire when the kids pitch.
d) If a team has less than 9 players, we will play anyway. Defensively, the ‘short’ team will
borrow a player from the other team to play defense. Borrowed players cannot pitch or catch,
and should make their best efforts when helping the other team.
e) Bunting is allowed
Stealing:
a) Stealing can occur of 2nd and 3rd base is allowed after the first two weeks of the season. It
only allowed to be done when the pitcher is a player and not a coach. Stealing of home is
never permitted.
b) Passed Balls & Wild Pitches:
a. Runners may not score from 3rd base on wild pitches or passed balls.
b. They may advance from 1st to 2nd or 2nd to 3rd.
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c) When a pitcher is not in contact with the pitcher’s plate but does have the ball: base
runners may not jump back and forth while on a base to attempt to draw the defense into
making a play.
Sat/Sun game time limits: No new inning will start after 2 hours of play. If your game is tied or
not regulation, the Board of Directors will later decide if it should be completed. This supersedes the
NO GAME rule on page 54. For start time delays due to weather, push the start time of the next
game back accordingly.
Lightning: if lightning is seen or heard (thunder), the game should be suspended and players/
coaches should clear the field. Teams should wait in dugouts or in their cars, until a period of at
least 20 minutes has elapsed with no lightning.
Infield Fly rule shall NOT be in effect.
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Guidelines for Managers and Coaches
 League Objectives and Manager Roles:
 Our Program: The Babe Ruth Baseball program, using regulation competitive baseball
rules, teaches skills, mental and physical development, a respect for the rules of the game,
and basic ideals of sportsmanship and fair play. In all aspects, Babe Ruth League, Inc is
committed to providing our participants the very best educational, sports experience possible.
It is our fundamental belief that every child with a desire to play baseball be afforded that
opportunity.
 Character Building: Youth baseball and softball are not only beneficial in terms of physical
fitness as many important life lessons can be learned. Self-esteem, work ethics,
sportsmanship, teamwork, social skills, discipline, dedication, respect for others and
perseverance are all very advantageous traits that one can learn.
 Managers and coaches: Be a role model. Children learn the skill of self-control by
watching you display good self-control skills. Your child can easily become intimidated if he
or she hears you shouting at officials. Remember, kids learn far more from their own
observations of adult behavior than they do from verbal instruction. A parent who remains
calm and thoughtful in situations provides their young athlete with an appropriate way to
handle emotional situations. Remember you are at a youth sports game, not at a professional
sports game where yelling at players and criticizing officials is perceived as normal. There is
absolutely nothing normal or acceptable about this behavior at a youth game.
 Fun: Emphasize fun and skill development, especially at an early age. Bad experiences with
sports at an early age can turn a child away from sports involvement forever. Nourish the
dreams of your child, not your own. This is their time for FUN and for MEMORIES to be
created that will last a lifetime.
 Demeanor: Managers and coaches are the primary behavior model for players, parents, and
fans. We must appreciate this responsibility and strive to uphold it. Managers and coaches are
expected to treat all players, umpires, parents, fans, and other managers/coaches, including
those on opposing teams, with courtesy and respect at all times. This expectation includes
(but is not limited to) the following:
1) Providing positive encouragement to all players
2) Players and umpires will make mistakes, errors, bad calls. These are to be
expected and tolerated without negative comments and/or criticism.
3) Not berating or demeaning players or anyone else, directly or indirectly
4) Avoiding foul and abusive language near players
Managers are responsible for the behavior of players, coaches, parents. Behavior
problems must be addressed and resolved immediately. Ask for help if you need it.
Persistent or severe problems in any of these areas should be addressed to members of the
board, who will deal with them directly and impose sanctions, if necessary.
Please share all of this information and expectations with your coaches.
 Division Coordinators: Each age division has a person responsible for the overall operation
of that division. They are in place to help you with training, scheduling, communications,
questions, resolving problems, etc. Use him as a resource to make your season a great one.
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 Web Site: Look under the ‘manager’s resources’ tab on our website. There is a lot of
information, forms, etc
 Safety: You are responsible for conducting safe practices and games, and for maintaining a
safe environment for all team activities. Our Safety Officer (see Contact List on page 2) is there to
help you. Feel free to ask questions, and use him as a resource. Ensure the Safety Officer is aware
of any safety concerns you or your parents may have.
All accidents or incidents must be reported within 24 hrs to the Safety Officer (call
him), followed by a written report.
Particular attention must be paid to all activities involving bats, and there are a number of
safety rules to aid you. Among them are:
 The use of helmets in all batting and base-running activities.
 Batters must be properly instructed to swing and drop the bat on the plate; no throwing
the bat! If a player is repeatedly throwing a bat unsafely in a game, that player should be
removed from the game.
 Whenever players are throwing or hitting baseballs, they must be supervised.
 Use of the batting cages and/or pitching machines only after you have been trained how
to use them safely.
 On-deck batters must be monitored.
 Players should be properly equipped, and all equipment should be worn properly. Check
bats for dents, and helmets for cracks. Helmets should not have decals or paint added, as
this voids the warranty.
 All managers and coaches must submit our form for a background check.
 Some Safety Rules: a partial list (oriented for ages 12 and under)
 Catcher must wear a cup
 No metal spikes
 No jewelry
 Pitcher rest days – see section 0.06 Pitching Limitations
 Contact rule: if a runner attempting to reach home plate or a base
intentionally and maliciously runs into a defensive player, he will be called
out and ejected. See page 20 of the 2015 rulebook.
 Batting Cages: We have batting cages with a pitching machine at Red Oaks, and at
Tilcon field. The facility is open to all RookieAA, Minor, Major, 15u, 18u teams. It is
secured with a lock. Safety is of utmost importance, and we ask that you read the
following rules, understand them, and follow them. If you want to use the cages, send an
email to Vinny D'amato ([email protected]), our President, stating "I have
read and understand the safety rules for the batting cage and will abide by them at all
times". When you send the note, you will get a key.
 Batting Cage Safety Rules:
 Only adults may operate the pitching machine. Adults must make sure the batter has
a helmet on at all times and is set in the batters box, facing the machine, before a ball
can be put into the machine. Make eye contact with the batter BEFORE releasing the
ball.
 Only one child is allowed in the cage at any given time. The child must enter the
cage with a helmet on his head.
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 If the ground is wet, the machine is not to be used. The balls could get wet, slip out
of the machine, throw an errant pitch.
 Should the adult leave the cage for any reason, it should be immediately locked, and
everyone leave the cage.
 The adult should make sure the machine is covered and protected when the batting is
done, the machine turned off, and the cage door locked.
 If the adult notices any problems with the wheel, or any part of the machine, he
should immediately stop using it and notify the Division Coordinator.
 Reserving the Batting Cages: Teams can reserve the batting cages by going to the league
website and going to the ‘manager resources’ tab. The league will supply special pitching
machine balls. The balls will be available for use inside the cage. After using the machine, the
balls should be gathered up and placed back in the bucket. If you have any other questions,
contact your Division Coordinator.
 Tryouts / Player Evaluations: We will have evaluations for all levels/players (except
TBall). There is an evaluation procedure on the web site with current info for this year. Teams are
drafted, based on the number of players who signup, with a goal of balancing team strengths evenly.
The draft procedure is available on the website. Beginning in 2015, any new player (Minors and
above) or any player who is looking to "play up" (Minors/ Majors) must go through a player
evaluation.
 Playing Time: An important part of our League and commitment to our youth is every
player will play at least half or more of every game they attend. The burden of delivering this
commitment lies with the mangers, with careful, advance planning on each manager’s part. See the
local rules section for more specific information.
 Rules: Read and learn the rulebook, as well as our local rules. You will be teaching the
playing rules to the players. An important part of the Babe Ruth/Cal Ripken experience is to have
games played with official rules. If you would like to attend a clinic to improve your understanding
of rules, just ask.
 Local Rules: See pages 3 and 4 of this document for ages 9-12; pages 5 and 6 for
RookieAA.
 Pitching Rest Rules: All managers and coaches are expected to understand and abide by
rule 0.06 Pitching Limitations (pp. 11-12). Note: required rest days are determined
by how many innings pitched in a game. In addition, pitches are to be counted so as
not to exceed the league recommended maximums. The pitch counts and innings
pitched must also be updated on the website.
 Substitution Rules and Mandatory Play: Depending on which line-up you decide on for
the game, there are 2 different rules regarding player substitutions. Playing 9 or 10 are
governed by the re-entry rule (see page 12). Continuous batting order (CBO; see Local rules
in this document) have free substitution; when using CBO, each player must play at least 4
innings each game.
 BR/CR Tournament Teams (All Stars): We will possibly have 8u, 9u, 10u, 11u,
12u, 13u, 14u, and 15u teams. The tournament teams and tournament experience is an intensive,
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daily commitment. Managers should canvass their player’s, and only those players who are
willing to fully commit themselves to the tournament team should be nominated. There is more info
about the selection process appended to the end of this document.
Players: Each year, we form teams in many, if not all of these age groups, depending on the
league’s budget, player talent and availability. PMH Tournament team members are selected through
a vote of regular-season managers in the respective age groups and ratified by the Board. A team
may also hold a tryout for their age group based only of those players nominated for All Stars. No
player may play in more than one age group during the regular tournament run. In cases where
individual players may be judged capable of playing for an older age-group team in the same
Division (for example, an 11-year-old for a 12U team), placement will be determined according to
the best interest of the collective teams, as judged by all voting regular-season team managers and the
PMH Board, with the appropriate parental consent.
Scholastic sports: Note the exception and requirements in rulebook [page 24] for players who miss
regular season games due to conflicts with school sports (FYI: not specific to school baseball, but
any school sport).
Managers: Tournament team managers are determined by the Manager’s Committee. The
managers are selected in the Fall, to enable Fall/Winter/early Spring evaluations. The Board's role is
to recommend the candidates who have expressed interest in becoming an all star manager. The
Board reviews the candidate’s actions over the past season and discusses their accomplishments.
Candidates (managers or coaches) must be from the division they are in (Rookie AA, Minor, Majors,
Juniors). Each manager / coach selected must be Cal Ripken certified and pass a background check.
In the event no acceptable division candidates are available for a team, coaches and managers from
other divisions may be authorized by the President or Board as candidates.
Coaches: The Manager of the team selects his coaches. Other managers from the division are to be
considered ahead of division coaches. Coaches from other divisions require Board approval.
All manager / coach appointments are subject to approval of the President.
 Smoking / Tobacco Policy: Babe Ruth League, Inc. prohibits the use of all tobacco
products, including smokeless tobacco for both local league and tournament competition. This rule
applies to all field personnel, which includes managers, coaches, and umpires. In addition, there is
no smoking by anyone (parents included) in the stands or at the field.
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Majors / Minors (ages 8-12)
 Rule change affecting Minors: on page 13 of the rulebook, there is a confusing rule. The
rule sentence and associated interpretation are below:
Immediately following a pitch, “once the catcher has secured the ball and the runner has
stopped his forward progress, the runner must immediately return to the base.” The defense is
expected to ignore the runners and return the ball to the pitcher for the next pitch, and ignore any
illegal advance; once the action relaxes, the runner(s) is returned to his time of pitch base. But, if
the defense plays on the runner, the highlighted rule is ignored and the runner is out or safe
based on the play outcome; and the runner is not returned to his time of pitch base.
 Umpires: The Minors/Majors divisions use mostly teenage umpires who have received training
in playing rules, field positioning, relations with managers, and other topics. Our umpires vary in
experience; those working Major games are generally more seasoned. The Minor league uses
umpires with zero experience; it is entry level umpiring. Our league would not function without
them, and it is essential that all managers, coaches, players, parents, and fans respect their role
and authority. The umpires will seek a constructive working relationship with managers, and we
expect managers and coaches to reciprocate fully. This implies a number of specific expectations:
1) Managers, coaches, players, parents, and fans must treat all umpires with respect;
managers and coaches in particular must accept responsibility for modeling respectful
behavior toward umpires. You set the example.
2) An umpire’s judgment on the field is final, and any call involving judgment is not
subject to protest or reversal (except insofar as umpires can confer amongst
themselves and determine a proper call as regarding a rule question). Comments,
criticism, chirping, and objections are out of line. Bad calls are to be expected
and tolerated. Model good behavior and maintain control of your coaches,
parents, players.
3) Spontaneous reactions to umpiring calls are a natural impulse, but good judgment and
restraint must prevail. Excessive, prolonged, or inappropriate responses cannot and
will not be tolerated by the board. Such reactions include (but are not limited to) the
following:
 comments directed at an umpire’s person
 any use of foul or abusive language
 language or actions that may be deemed intimidating, especially involving
teenage umpires
4) If managers or coaches have important questions or concerns about an umpiring call,
the manager should respectfully request an explanation and the umpire will provide
it. Request time and ask the umpire who made the call. This conversation should be
face to face; polite and to the point. Judgment calls (such as ball/strike, safe/out)
cannot be argued. Incorrect application of the rules can be protested, but don’t
bring your rulebook onto the field. Keep your cool and remember: your good
behavior is being watched by everyone at the field.
 Formal protests are governed by rule 4.19 (p. 59). Managers and umpires should
work together to resolve ruling disputes on the field if at all possible; protests are a
last resort for significant uncertainties or violations of playing rules (NOT matters
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involving umpires’ judgment). Any formal protests, if necessary, shall be directed
to the President or league UIC in writing within 24 hours of the game. The Protest
committee comprised of the President, league UIC, and one or more board directors
who are not managers or umpires shall hear and resolve any such protest. If the
protest is allowed, resume the game from the exact point when the infraction
occurred.
 Youth baseball is a learning, growing experience for all the participants, and that
includes the umpires. If there is a significant umpire problem at your game, call the
Umpire-in-Chief (UIC) after the game. Be specific with examples and facts. But also keep
in mind: poor umpire performance never justifies poor behavior on anyone’s part.
 Practice & Training: Arrange practices with your team according to the practice schedule.
Feel free to arrange scrimmage games with other teams during some of these times. Your division
coordinator is a good resource for training information and practice help.
 Games: The game schedule should be available by late March. Major league teams will be
playing a 12-18 game schedule; Minor league teams will be playing a 12-16 game schedule.
 Game time is 5:45 on weeknights. Try to be at the field 30 minutes early.
 Rainouts: Games (managers and umpires) must be cancelled at least 75 minutes early. Home
team manager should call 463-5827 to cancel the umpires.
 Game Re-schedule Procedure: Call the Scheduler ASAP to arrange for an open field. This
should be done within 2 days of your rainout. If you don’t arrange for the make-up, the
game will be re-scheduled for the next available field and you will be notified.
Exceptions: the game will not be scheduled the next day; you won’t have more than 3 games
within the same week; and Sundays will not be chosen (unless we are out of time).
 Every effort should be made to play your full game schedule, on the scheduled dates. Reschedule a game only if absolutely necessary; unavailability of key players is not an
acceptable reason. If you expect to be short players, arrange for pool players.
 If a game must be cancelled, make sure the scheduler is notified well in advance. We pay
the umpires if they are cancelled at the field; this is an expense we want to avoid,
especially for problems we know about in advance. If the weather is iffy, try to play the
game unless the field is unplayable.
 This year some of the teams may be playing inter-league games with Beekman. Separate
information will be available for the cancellation, game make-up procedures, rules, etc.
These games will not count towards the league standings. They are being held to provide
a ‘travel’ experience for the players. You will be representing our league; we expect all
teams to exhibit excellent sportsmanship.
 Spring Season: The 2015 season begins April 18, and will conclude near June 13.
Following a schedule of games, there will be an in-house tournament to conclude the season.
Standings in the spring season are used to seed placements in the tournament. Following the Spring
Season, tournament teams are formed for the Cal Ripken tournament.
 Spring in-house Playoffs: Standings will be determined by most points:
win – 3 pts; tie – 2 pts; loss – 1 pt.
 In the event of a tie, next tiebreaker is head to head play
 In the event of a tie, next tiebreaker is runs head to head runs allowed
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 If still tied, coin flip
 Player Agent / Player Pool: We will be using a player pool to provide players when
teams are short of 9 players. Anticipate player shortages ahead of the game.
 Player pool will be the top few kids on each team based on the draft order. If a player
does not want to be on it, they can let the coach know or let the player agent know when
contacted.
 We will have younger players play up, if they are ready for it
 Get players from the pool for your game only through the Player Agent
 Do not use players who happen to be at the field (even if they are in uniform) who have not
been assigned from the pool by the Player Agent.
 Field Care: The town will mow, drag, and line the fields. However, there are several
things manager’s can do to keep the fields in best condition:
 Pitcher’s plate: Boys should be discouraged or prevented from digging a hole in front of
the plate. Often this activity becomes habitual and destructive, resulting in a very large
hole in front of the plate platform, making it very difficult to properly pitch. For the
Minors, we are using a temporary plate at ROM and CH. It needs to be setup before the
game and removed at the game’s end: use care when removing the spikes in the ground
so as to not damage the plate.
 Minors pitching plate – use care when removing it from the field; place in equipment box
or in the dugout.
 Quick dry usage: it should be used sparingly as it is expensive.
 Raking: once the game is over, each team should rake the infield dirt from grass back on
dirt areas (pitchers circle, running lanes, home plate area, infield arc).
 Field Ground Rules: Visiting teams should try to take infield practice first. The home
team provides baseballs for the game, at least 2 new baseballs. The home team keeps the official
scorebook. Decisions on whether to start a game are made by mutual agreement between the
two managers, if possible. If there is disagreement, the home team manager’s decision will
prevail. Each field has ground-rules.
 ROM: Home team dugout is on 1st base side. The field is enclosed; the gate down the left
field line should be closed. The dugout gates should be kept closed during live ball.
 Crown Heights: Home team dugout is on the 1st base side. The opening along the 1st base
side should not have the attached chain during games. The area in right field near the foul
line and fence can be wet and unplayable, while the rest of the field is playable; in those
situations, we will designate the very muddy/standing water area as out of play (ground rule
double on batted balls). The entrances to the dugouts are open and out of play; any ball
crossing an imaginary perpendicular line at the pole at the dugout entrance is out of play.
The boards at the base of the backstop have places where the ball can become lodged; if the
ball does come to rest on top of these boards, the ball is lodged and should not be played.
 Hillis/New Hamburg/Tilcon: Home team dugout is on the 1st base side.
After the game or practice is over: Manager’s must ensure players take all of their
equipment and the dugouts are left clean; all water bottles, etc must be taken away. The
town does not clean up our garbage; they expect us to do that.
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
Sunday League: This spring, we expect to form ‘travel’ teams which play games on
Sundays against other towns. This activity is separate from the Spring program, and is intended
to offer more baseball play for those boys (ages 9-12) who desire more games.
 Fall Season: The Fall Season begins in late August, and runs through October. New teams
are formed. We also group the ages on teams differently, depending on the numbers playing, and to
also allow the 12 year olds (for example) to play at the next higher level to gain experience. The fall
season emphasizes learning and fun. There are no standings, and competition is minimized.
 Game Management Tips:
 Be ready for the pre-game meeting, 5 mins before game time with the umpires (Batting
lineups exchanged, know who is ineligible to pitch). Be ready to start the game on time.
 Check: are your players properly equipped before the game starts (catcher equipment, no
jewelry, etc.)
 Recruit someone to help with the score book and managing the dugout
 And to keep an eye on the on-deck batter; err on the side of safety!
 Anticipate lineup changes, and don’t hold up the game making them
 Hustle your players between innings, especially the pitcher/catcher for warm-ups (should be
1 minute max between innings)
 As tempting as it is to warm up the pitcher yourself, assign the duty to a player who is not in
the game. Give him a mask, mitt, and a 1 minute job.
 Watch your pitcher; is he tiring? If he needs relief before the pitch count guidelines, err
on the side of safety.
 Keep your 3rd base signals simple and short; the batter should stay in the box
 Ask for time before entering the field; wait until action has relaxed (Only the manager should
be talking with the umpires)
 On rule questions: Unless you can find it in the rule book in 30 seconds, don’t bother trying
during the game; look it up after the game and learn from it. Don’t bring your rulebook onto
the field.
 If you want an appeal or quick clarification, ask the umpire who made call.
 Watch your players. Watch for:
 Where does your catcher set up (too far back? Outside, off the plate?)
 Where do your basemen set up for a throw (obstruction?)
 When the ball goes into the outfield..... Is F3 or F6 obstructing runners?
 Where do your batters set up (are they crowding the plate?)
 The batting box lines are seldom drawn the same way twice (and may not be regulation);
your players may have to adjust each game.
 Throwing the bat. Almost always, this is not an out, but a safety issue. Coach your
players to drop the bat after swinging.
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Rookie (ages 6/7) Game Guideline
1) Objective — The goal at this level is for the players to have fun, while advancing their
understanding of baseball fundamentals and learning about sportsmanship. While competitive
instincts begin to manifest themselves naturally for most children at this age, it’s important to
understand that winning games and defeating the opposition are not objectives in this league.
More time and energy should be directed towards building basic skills needed for advancement,
rather than on actual games. A focus will be placed on fielding, hitting and throwing: using
proper mechanics. Practices will be more structured and geared towards keeping the entire team
busy and moving at all times. Parent involvement will be an essential part in accomplishing these
goals. There are resources available to help plan and run practices, help with pitching instruction,
etc.; be proactive and ask if you need assistance.
2) Games: once the season begins, there will be one scheduled weeknight and one scheduled
weekend game per week. All weeknight games will start at 5:45pm. Each team will have the field
for 15 minutes to warm up. Then a 3-4 inning game will start. This format allows us to teach,
play ball and keep the kids focused. Our Goal is for the Kids to learn and have fun doing it.
3) Parental involvement — A parent or guardian should be present for each player at all practices
and games. Encourage parents to help with field coaching during games and station help during
practices. Stress that anyone can help with such things as putting a ball on a tee or rolling
grounders. This division is COACH pitch.
4) The home team, listed first on the schedule, will occupy the bench on the 1 st base side; the
visiting team will occupy the bench on the 3rd base side. The visiting team bats first.
5) Teams may keep score, but there will be no official standings or won–loss records.
6) Players may hold bats only when they are batting at the plate; players waiting on deck to bat and
in the bench area may not hold bats at any time.
7) The offensive team should have one coach near the pitching mound. The defensive team should
have 1 or 2 coaches in the outfield; the offensive team should also have one coach behind the
plate.
8) Games should be 4-6 innings (weather and daylight permitting). An inning consists of each
batting team making three outs OR batting once around the order. Both teams should bat an
equal number of times, unless the home team is leading and chooses not to bat.
9) Offensive players should be called out on the base paths by mutual consent of the opposing
managers.
10) Balls hit into gaps or past outfielders warrant extra bases.
11) On errors within the field of play, including overthrows of second base, coaches should limit base
runners to one extra base.
12) On overthrows past first base (and ball remains live), base runners may advance to second base,
at their own risk (i.e. they may be thrown out); they should not advance past second base.
13) Batters may not bunt.
14) Base runners may not lead or steal.
15) Pitching: Rookie A is coach-pitch:
(a) Coaches will pitch to their own players.
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(b) Coaches may elect to use the soft-toss method for those players not ready to swing at
pitched balls early in the season, but all players should progress to pitched balls by the end of
the season.
(c) The goal is to keep the kids moving, therefore an excessive amount of pitches to one player is
strongly discouraged. The soft toss method should be used or an out recorded if the player
continually chooses not to “engage” in play.
(d) A parent or coach will serve as catcher, but will not participate in defensive plays.
(e) a batter is out after 3 swinging strikes (including foul balls prior to the 3rd strike); batters
cannot walk.
(f) Managers are encouraged to develop at least one pitcher by the end of the season. Accuracy
is far more important than speed. If and when players pitch, they should never exceed 2
innings and should pitch from approx. 40 feet.
(g) Players should show a willingness to play the catcher position should be encouraged and
given opportunities in games and practices.
16) All games should conclude with a team handshake, emphasizing positive sportsmanship.
17) Kids can get discouraged if they continue to strike out during the season. While disappointment
is part of the game, if you have kids who are constantly striking out, give them an extra chance.
Have a coach come in closer and pitch to them. Please be considerate in this. We need to keep the
game moving or the kids will become bored.
18) Every coach needs to follow the same basic games rules. Three outs and we switch sides. Play
with innings. Play with rules. Children at this age, if taught do understand force plays, 3 outs
etc. We need to teach them the rules.
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15U / 18U Guidelines/Rules
Our League: The 15U division consists of players of the ages of 13, 14, and 15 year olds as
of April 30th of the playing year. The 15U teams may play interleague games with at least one
other town.
There is a playoff between the 15U Poughkeepsie teams at the end of the season.
Standings will be based on Poughkeepsie team games only.
Games: All evening games, with the exception of those under the lights, will start at 5:30, with a
5:50 forfeit time. The home team has the field from 5:00 to 5:12 for warm-ups, and the visiting team
has it from 5:12 to 5:25.
 Game Time Limit: No new inning can start after 3 hours. This is particularly relevant on
the Saturday games. If the game is tied, report that to the Division Coordinator; the Board of
Directors will decide if the game should be re-played or remain tied.
 Weather: Calling a game off due to inclement weather is done by mutual agreement of
both team managers. Contact lists will be provided. The umpire coordinator must be
contacted before 4:00 (or 1½ hours before start of game) should the game be cancelled.
The number to call to cancel the umpires is 1-888-289-4428. The assignor’s name is
Larry Diamond. You will receive a recording when you call this number; Larry’s
mailbox is #10. Managers should then notify the 15U/18U Division Coordinator that the
game was cancelled, and that person will contact both managers as to when the makeup
will occur.
 Short Players: Teams can play with eight or seven players, and NO out is assigned for
the 9th slot (exception below). However, if the other team has enough players, the
managers can agree that one (or two) player from the team with enough players can play
for the team with seven or eight players for the whole game. The managers will agree on
the player(s) before the game, and that player will play for the other team for the whole
game. A forfeit will result if a team only has six players, and the other team does not
have enough players to “loan” the other team. Managers should use the “player pool”
(details below) to prevent this from happening. Exception: if a team only has 7 ‘full
time” players, the short team will take an out in the 9th slot.
 Short-handed teams. If a team is short-handed (one or two players), please provide
them the necessary defensive player(s) so they can field all nine defensive positions. If
the other team has 10 or more players, the manager can agree to let a player (or players if
appropriate) play for the other team (offense and defense) for the entire game.
 Every effort should be made to play your full game schedule. Re-schedule a game only if
absolutely necessary; unavailability of key players is not an acceptable reason. Make-up
games should be scheduled as soon as possible. We pay the umpires if they are cancelled
at the field; this is an expense we want to avoid, especially for problems we know about
in advance. If the weather is iffy, try to play the game unless the field is unplayable.
 Any player who is ejected from a game is suspended for one additional game. A second
ejection will result in a three game suspension.
 A 10 run mercy rule is in effect after five innings (4 ½ if home team is ahead).
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 Playing time: Players must meet the minimum of 3 innings in the field and one turn at bat.
Furthermore, each player must play a complete game at least ½ of the games he attends. For players
arriving very late to the game, they should play at least ½ of the innings they are present, if possible.
An EH (Extra Hitter) must be ‘subbed’ into the field for his 3 innings of defensive play.
 Pitching Rest Rules: All managers and coaches are expected to understand and abide by
rule 0.06 Pitching Limitations (pp. 11-12). Note: required rest days are determined
by how many innings pitched in a game.
 Substitution Rules: each team may use the BR substitution rules, or free substitution
under continuous batting order: bat the entire lineup and use free substitution (ie starters
and subs may re-enter the game as often as desired). If a player comes late, he is added
to the bottom of the order. If a player must leave early, his batting spot is skipped
without penalty. A player present for the entire game must play at least 3 innings
defensively.
Smoking / Tobacco Policy: Babe Ruth League, Inc. prohibits the use of all tobacco products,
including smokeless tobacco for both local league and tournament competition. This rule applies to
all field personnel, which includes managers, coaches, and umpires. In addition, there is no
smoking by anyone (parents included) in the stands or at the field.
Grounds Rules (at Red Oaks Mill)
1) Home team will use the dugout on the 1st base side.
2) The home team will provide the game balls to the umpire. A minimum of four balls should
be available.
3) After the game or practice is over: Manager’s must ensure players take all of their
equipment and the dugouts are left clean; all water bottles, etc must be taken away. The
town does not clean up our garbage; they expect us to do that.
4) Raking: once the game is over, each team should rake the infield dirt from grass back
onto the dirt areas (pitcher’s circle, running lanes, home plate area, infield arc).
Player Pool: Due to school ball, teams at times may have a tough time fielding a team.
Managers should be aware of all their school ball players and their schedules. If a manager knows
beforehand that he will be short players, he may go to the “player pool” list, which is a group of
players who have volunteered to play extra games on short notice. The player pool players should
wear their regular uniforms. The League Coordinator will provide the list of players to all the
managers. Every two weeks, each manager will notify the League Coordinator of those players who
played games for them. The League Coordinator will then provide a new list of players, with players
who already played at the bottom of the list.
Player pool players cannot pitch. They should also be placed at the bottom of the batting order,
behind all the regular team’s players.
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Umpires: If there is a significant umpire problem at your game, call the 15U/18U Division
Coordinator after the game. Be specific with examples and facts. But also keep in mind: poor
umpire performance never justifies poor behavior on anyone’s part.
Playoffs: Following the regular season, there will be an in-house tournament.
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Standings will be determined by most points: win – 3 pts; tie – 2 pts; loss – 1 pt.
In the event of a tie, next tiebreaker is head to head play
In the event of a tie, next tiebreaker is runs head to head runs allowed
If still tied, coin flip
Tournament Teams: We will have a 15u team, an 18u team, and possibly more. See the
section above for the process used to select players and managers.
Babe Ruth 18U
18U is a program for 16, 17, 18 yr olds (and those players who turn 19 this year). Games are usually
started later in the season (after High School is concluded), and usually continue into the summer.
Many games are played on weekends, instead of week days. Games are inter-league, played against
other towns in the District. The 18U team may also enter the tournament. Depending on interest, an
18U team may be formed which starts on Opening Day, just like other divisions, and play other
towns. There may be another 18U team that starts play right when school ball ends.
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