2012 texas district 8 tournament rules clinic hosted by west dallas ll june 24, 2012

2012Texas District 8

Tournament Rules Clinic

2012Texas District 8

Tournament Rules Clinic

Hosted byHosted byWest Dallas LLWest Dallas LLJune 24, 2012June 24, 2012

Agenda / Objectives

Emphasis on select regular season rulesDifferences between regular season and tournament rules Presentation will focus on the 9-10, 10-11, Little League and Junior League Baseball/Softball Divisions of the International Tournament

Q/A period at end of presentation

Why are we doing this?

There are certain rules that league officials and/or umpires are guilty of not enforcing during the regular season.

Little League is aware of this and we as the District Staff are aware of this.

The International Tournament will be played in accordance with Little League Tournament Rules.

Be assured that these rules will be enforced by the tournament umpires.

Tournament Rules

Except where noted in the Tournament Rules and Guidelines, the Little League Baseball/Softball Official Playing Rules will be used in all levels of Tournament play.

No agreements shall be made between managers and/or Tournament Directors and/or umpires contrary to Tournament Rules.

Any player, manager, coach or official who is involved in a physical altercation at a game site, could be suspended or removed from tournament play by the Tournament Committee.

New 2012 Tournament Rule

The “dropped third strike” (Playing Rule 6.05 (b) and 6.09 (b)) was new in 2012 (when into effect in 2011 for Softball)

Will apply in tournament to all divisions EXCEPT 9-10 Baseball and Softball! (TR-3 (Note))

A batter becomes a runner when “The third strike called by the umpire is not caught, providing (1) first base is unoccupied or (2) first base is occupied with two out. (NOTE: A batter forfeits his/her opportunity to advance to first base when he/she enters the dugout or other dead ball area).

New 2012 Tournament Rule

Baseball Playing Rule 6.06 (d)

A batter is out for illegal action if batter enters the batter’s box with one or both feet entirely on the ground with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat prior to the next player entering the batter’s box.

For the first violation, the offensive team will lose one eligible adult base coach for the duration of the game.

For the second violation, the manager of the team will be ejected from the game, and a designated manager named. For subsequent violations, the designated manager will be ejected.

Roster/Dugout

Only players and the manager/coaches listed on the affidavit may occupy a bench or dugout during a game.

If a manager/coach is unable to attend a game, the Tournament/Game Director may approve a temporary replacement. Temporary Managers/Coaches CANNOT be used to replace an ejected Manager or Coach

Base coaches may be players, a player and an adult manager/coach or two adult coaches

Because of restricted dugout size at some of our fields, the umpires may choose to allow two of the manager/coaches to occupy the “dog path” directly outside and directly in front of the dugout.

Roster Size

9-10 Division through Junior League Division - Max 14 players

Coaches – 1 Manager and Two Assistant Coaches

If a team reports with 13 or more players eligible to play at game time – mandatory play is three (3) consecutive outs and bat at least one (1) time.

If a team reports to a game with 12 or less players eligible to play at game time – mandatory play is six (6) consecutive outs and bat at least one (1) time.

The number of players is set at game time. A player arriving late or a player leaving the game does not affect the number of players set at game time.

Mandatory Play Requirement (MPR)

9-10 Division thru Junior Division

Players MUST complete one time at bat and at least three consecutive defensive outs during the game (If less than 13 players eligible players, six consecutive outs and one at bat.)

Time at bat – Player enters the batters box with no count, completes that time at bat by being put out or reaching base safely.

Consecutive outs – Enters field of play in one of nine defensive position and occupies that position while consecutive defensive outs are made.

Protestable and game may be forfeited unless game is shorten for any reason. (This includes the 10 run mercy rule)

Failure to meet – Automatic 2 game suspension for manager. Game may be subject to forfeiture, Team may be disqualified

Curfew

9-10 Division through Little League Division No new inning start after 12:00 AM

Junior Division

No new inning start after 12:30 AM

Playing EquipmentAll playing equipment will be inspected by the umpires prior to the start of a game.

Have the following equipment laid out in front of your dugouts when you get to the game site. This includes equipment in Players Bags

Bats

Helmets

Catchers gear – All Sets

Any equipment that is not in compliance must be removed from the dugout. (not put back in the players bag)

Batting Donuts are prohibited from being used at any time.

Regular season rules that are not specifically addressed by the Tournament rules will be followed.

Playing Equipment

All equipment will be inspected by the umpires. (any equipment that is disqualified must be removed from the field prior to the game.

9-10 Division through Little League Division

No Metal Cleats

6 NOCSAE Batting Helmets

Long model catchers vest, short model for females

Catcher's shin guards

Catcher’s Helmet w/ dangling throat guard

This includes the hockey style masks

Throat guard must dangle, not rigid to mask.

Playing Equipment

Junior League Division

Metal Cleats are allowed

7 NOCSAE Batting Helmets

Short or Long model catchers vest,

Catcher's shin guards

Catcher’s Helmet w/ dangling throat guard

This includes the hockey style masks

Throat guard must dangle, not rigid to mask.

Playing Equipment

All divisions

Batting Helmets. No Cracks in helmet.

All paint must have been done by the manufacturer

Only Stickers allowed:

League Designator on front of helmet

Player’s number

No other stickers will be allowed. Stickers are to be removed or helmet will be disqualified.

Umpires decision is final and will not be argued with.

Playing Equipment

Mr. Lucky’s Pet Peeves

Catchers will wear their catcher’s helmets during all infield, outfield, warm-ups and game situations! NO EXCEPTIONS!

NO ONE but players are allowed to warm-up any pitcher!

Playing Equipment - Bats

For 9-10, 10-11 and Little League Baseball Divisions

MUST NOT be a softball bat

Metal or Wood

2 ¼ in diameter – 33 in length maximum

Non-wood bats MUST be labeled with a BPF of 1.15 or less

Bats will be inspected at all games. Any bat that is disqualified by the umpire will be removed from the field.

All composite barrel bats must be on the Approved Composite Bat list.


Junior Division Baseball

Metal or Wood

2 5/8 in diameter –

Junior - 34 in length maximum


All composite barrel bats must meet BBCOR performance standards and be labeled with the certification mark.


All Baseball Divisions

Bat barrels made of wood, metal or metal alloy are okay to use.

Bat handles may be made with a wood, metal, metal alloy or composite material.

ALL bats MUST meet the specifications of Rule 1.10 for the specified division.


For Softball Divisions

Metal, Wood or Composite SOFTBALL bats

2 ¼ in diameter – 33” in length maximum (34” for Juniors)


Uniforms - Baseball

Conventional Baseball Uniform

Pants

Shirt

Stockings

Cap

LL Patch on left shoulder

Regular Season uniforms are okay, except you CANNOT have any duplicate uniform numbers.

Uniforms - Softball

Conventional Softball Uniform

Pants / Shorts

Shirt / Vest with LL patch

Stockings

Cap / Visors – optional during defensive play.

Regular Season uniforms are okay, except you CANNOT have any duplicate uniform numbers.

Pitching Rules - Baseball

Are the same as regular season pitching regulations.

Violation of these pitching rules is subject for protest and action by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport if protested before the Umpires leave the field.

Pitch Count - BaseballMaximum pitches a pitcher can throw per day

League age 9 -10 75 per day

League age 11-12 85 per day

League age 13-14 95 per day

9-10 through Little League Division: Can only pitch in one game per day.

Junior League Division: Pitcher can pitch in more than one game per day provided he has not pitched more than 30 pitches in he first game.

Pitching Rest - BaseballLeague Age 9 through 14

1 - 20 pitches No Rest Required.

21 - 35 pitches One (1) calendar day of rest.

36 – 50 pitches Two (2) calendar days of rest.

51 – 65 pitches Three (3) calendar days of rest.

>65 pitches Four (4) calendar days of rest.

Pitching Rules - Softball

International Tournament Pitching Rules are slightly different than Regular Season.

Violation of these pitching rules is subject for protest and action by the Tournament Committee in Williamsport if protested before the Umpires leave the field.

Pitching Rules - Softball

Maximum of seven (7) innings in a day for 9-10.Maximum of nine (9) innings in a day for 10-11 and LL.Maximum of ten (10) innings in Junior League.

One calendar days rest if three (3) or more innings pitched in a day – 9-10, 10-11 and Little League. Less than three (3), no days rest.One calendar days if five (5) innings or more innings pitched in a day – Junior League. Less than five (5), no rest.

Pitcher Returned to Mound

9-10 Division through Little League Baseball Division

Removed from mound – May not return as a pitcher

Junior Division Baseball

A pitcher remaining in the game but moving to a different position can return as a pitcher any time in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

TR 10(c) Note 2 – A player who has met the mandatory play requirements, and is a pitcher at the time he/she is removed, may be removed for a substitute batter and re-enter the game as a pitcher once, provided the pitcher was not physically replaced on the mound. (The player used as a substitute batter MUST have met MPR.)

Be careful: TR 10c also states when a substitute is entered for the first time in either the offensive or defensive, they must stay in until their MPR is satisfied.

Pitcher to Catcher - Catcher to Pitcher - Baseball

A pitcher who has thrown 41 pitches in a game may not be place in the position of catcher on that day

A catcher who has caught 4 innings in a game may not be moved from Catcher to Pitcher. (Note catching one pitch in an inning constitutes an “inning”.

Pitcher Returned to Mound

9-10 Division through Junior League Softball Division

A pitcher remaining in the game but moving to a different position can return as a pitcher any time in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

TR 10(c) Note 2 – A player who has met the mandatory play requirements, and is a pitcher at the time he/she is removed, may be removed for a substitute batter and re-enter the game as a pitcher once, provided the pitcher was not physically replaced on the mound. (The player used as a substitute batter MUST have met MPR.)

Be careful: TR 10c also states when a substitute is entered for the first time in either the offensive or defensive, they must stay in until their MPR is satisfied.

Intentional Base on Balls

All Divisions of Baseball and Softball

If a pitcher wishes to intentionally walk a batter, the pitchers may do so by throwing four pitches outside the strike zone, not struck at by the batter, and are called “balls” by the umpire.

These pitches will count in determining that pitchers pitch count.

Player Re-Entry 9-10 Division though Junior Division Baseball and Softball

Any player who has been removed for a substitute may re-enter the game at any time in the SAME position in the batting order provided:

Player being removed has met his/her Mandatory Play Requirement (MPR).

Starters may be removed prior to their MPR but must complete it.

Once MPR is met, starter/substitutes may reenter any time

Starter – sub may not be in the game at the same time.

Conferences Offensive – One per inning

Defensive –

Two visits in an inning, pitcher must be removed on third visit in inning.

Three visits in a game for the same pitcher, that pitcher must be removed from mound on fourth visit in a game.

Starts over when pitcher is replaced.

Ten-Run Rule

If at the end of a regulation game one team has a lead of ten (10) or more runs, the manager of the team with the least runs shall concede the victory.

9-10 Division through Little League Division 4 innings (3 ½ if the Home Team is ahead)

Junior Division through Big League Division 5 innings (4 ½ if the Home Team is ahead)

On Deck Batter Position

9-10 Division through Little League Division

Not permitted – Only the leadoff batter permitted outside the dugout between half innings

Junior Division

Allowed in Designated area.

Special Pinch Runner

Playing Rule 7.14 (special pinch runner) may be used in Tournament Play.

Once each inning a team may utilize a player who is not in the batting order as a special pinch runner for any offensive player on base.

A player may only be removed for a special pinch runner one time during a game

Protest

All officials, including all managers, coaches, scorekeepers, umpires, Tournament Directors, District Administrators, etc., should make every effort to prevent a situation that may result in the forfeiture of a game or suspension of tournament privileges.

However, failure by any party to prevent such situations shall not affect the validity of a protest.

Protest

All Divisions

Playing rule – Before next pitch / Play / attempted play

Improper substitution – Allowed after next pitch or play, Situation corrected. Not a forfeitable situation

Ineligible pitcher or Mandatory Play – Before umpires leave the playing field.

Ineligible player – As soon as facts become known to complainant, but in any event before the next game for either team

Protest

Once a formal (verbal) protest is made to the umpire-in-chief.

At this point, no play is permitted until protest is resolved.

If the protest is not resolved referred to the Game/Tournament Director

If not resolved, protest referred to District Tournament director (District Administrator).

If not resolved, protest referred to Regional Director.

Protest

If the protest is not resolved by the Regional Director, the protest may be referred to the Tournament Committee in Williamsport. The decision of the Tournament Committee is final and binding.

Ejections

As in regular season, any manager, coach or player ejected from a game will be suspended for the next physically played game.

Ejections shall be noted in the tournament team’s affidavit on the Team Note page and will include member’s name and date ejected, and be signed by the tournament director.

In addition, any ejection will be reported by the umpires to the District Umpire Consultant, who will then inform the District Administrator.

Ejections

If a Manager or Coach is ejected, they may not be replaced on the affidavit.

The ejection will be reported to both the league president of the ejected person and the league president of that team’s next opponent, to ensure that the suspension is served.

The suspended individual will not be allowed to attend the next game even as a spectator.

Suspended Games

Any game in which a winner cannot be determined in accordance with the playing rules shall be resumed from the exact point it was suspended.

The only exception is if the first inning of a suspended game was not completed, that game shall be replayed from the beginning and all records, including pitching, disregarded.

A game in which a winner can be determined in accordance to the playing rules, but halted due to unnatural occurrences (light failure, sprinkler malfunction, locally imposed light curfew, etc.) will be considered suspended.

A game in which a winner can be determined, terminated because of weather, darkness or curfew, must be resumed if the visitors tie the game or takes the lead in their half inning and the home team does not complete their time at bat or take the lead in an incomplete inning.

Additional Notes Etc…..

During tournament play, there are certain pre-game activities, such as announcing players, playing the national anthem, etc.

Be aware that the umpires for that game will have the option of holding the pre-game plate meeting prior to the start of these activities.

Catchers are required to wear head gear during pre-game infield and warming up the pitchers.

At no time may anyone besides a player warm up the pitcher.


Feedback regarding officiating

Tournament Directors, Managers and Coaches

Please provide via email for documentation purposes.

Juniors/Senior Baseball – [email protected]

All others – [email protected]

Favorable and unfavorable is welcome. This is for internal use only. Do not give this address to parents of players as I will not respond to emails from parents.


Michael Lucky

[email protected]

TX District 8 Web site

www.texasdistrict8.org

A copy of the Tournament Rules

A copy of this Presentation

There will be links to download a Tournament Rules Summary, separate ones for Baseball and Softball.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.texasdistrict8.org/


• Now, what do you, as a manager or a coach, do when we arrive at the game site.

• First, as a manager, you find the game director to let him/her know that you have arrived.

• Once both managers are present, the game director will do a coin flip to determine which team will be home or visitors. The manger who wins the coin flip has his/her choice.

• Home team will occupy the first base dugout, the visiting team will occupy the third base dugouts. ALWAYS!!!


• Once it your dugouts, please lay out all of your bats, batting helmets and all catchers gear (mask, shin guards and chest protectors) for the umpires to inspect.

• Please fill out your lineup cards completely (starting lineup and available subs, plus those who will miss the game). Please be sure to include uniform numbers and starting positions!

• Turn your lineup card, complete affidavit and $40 check/cash to the game director. The $40 check/cash is your share of the umpire fees.

• The game will not be allowed to start without a team paying this fee!


• DO NOT turn in any of your documentation…but, bring your documentation to every game. If there is a protest on any of your players, I will need to get my hands on these documents that evening.

• DO NOT allow ANYONE to view this documentation. If I need something, I will phone you and let you know who is approved to review/collect the documentation.

• You have no right to view another team’s affidavit or documentation. If you wish to see who is not eligible to pitch for the other team, ask the scorekeeper or game director.


• Typical game scenario;

30 minutes prior to game time Visitors Infield20 minutes prior to game time Home Infield10 minutes prior to game time Pre-Game Ceremonies

• If you need to take a catchers helmet to do infield before umpire inspection, do so. The umpires will check it later on.

• Most of the umpires will have their plate meeting before the pre-game ceremonies start.


• Once the game is over, please review the pitching record with the game director and sign the pitching record.

• Please note: once that pitching record leaves the game site, that pitching record is official! So, be sure of your pitch counts/innings pitched before you leave.

• Please do not call me with game results! That is the responsibility of the game director.

• Brackets and next game sites will be posted on the website the next morning. If you have a question, please contact your league president. If that person does not have the answer, they will contact me.

Questions/Answers

• Please ask questions based on tournament play only.

• NO “What If” questions!

Affidavit Pickup

• You MUST be a manager/coach listed on the affidavit.

• Picture ID will be required to pickup an affidavit.

• Yes, we’re hard nosed about this, but we do it to protect the kids.

Good LuckPlay Ball!

Good LuckPlay Ball!

2012 texas district 8 tournament rules clinic hosted by west dallas ll june 24, 2012

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