NKCA

BASEBALL

LEAGUE

RULES

2016

THE NKCA BASEBALL LEAGUE

WILL USE THE OFFICIAL RULES OF BASEBALL

UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THE FOLLOWING RULES:

I.      ELIGIBILITY

1.          All players, age 5 through age 18, living within the Kansas City Metropolitan Area,  who abide by these Rules and Regulations, are eligible for participation in this program. The Board of Directors may grant exceptions to the boundary requirement.

2.        The established boundary of this program is the Kansas City metropolitan area.

3.        All baseball players’ ages will be determined by whatever age they are or will be on April 30 of that baseball year.

4.        The age brackets are as follows:

• Baseball T-Ball League is age 4-6;
• Baseball Coach Pitch League is age 6 and under;
• Baseball Machine Pitch League is age 6 and under;
• Baseball Machine Pitch League is age 7 and under;
• Baseball Machine Pitch League is age 8 and under;
• Baseball "9U" League is age 9 and under;
• Baseball "10U" League is age 10 and under;
• Baseball "11U" League is age 11 and under;
• Baseball "12U" League is age 12 and under;
• Baseball "13U" League is age 13 and under;
• Baseball "14U" League is age 14 and under;
• Baseball "16U" League is age 16 and under;
• Baseball "19U" League is age 19 and under.

1. Games involving an illegal player will be forfeited by the Board
2. Players may play up one age group. Teams may be allowed with proper approval to play up one age group.  Teams choosing to “play up” will be placed in the highest division of play.  Requests will be submitted to the Executive Director for consideration.
3. Machine Pitch eligible teams are not allowed to “play up” to kid pitch.

5.        All Leagues are open territory, within the above established boundaries of this  program.

6.        All Baseball players are free agents at the end of each season.

7.           Once a player registers on the website and is assigned to a team or signs a contract and it is turned into the league, he/she will not be allowed to play on another team in the NKCA program that year.

8.           Players participating in the NKCA program are not permitted to play on any other team in any other league except that they may play on a church softball team.  Players are permitted to play with tournament teams only with the advance permission of the player's NKCA Team manager and the player’s parents. 18U players will be allowed to participate in more than one program provided participation in the NKCA program takes priority.

9.           To be eligible for participation in the Playoffs a player must have been a registered member of the team and played in at least three (3) games that season.

10.         The Board of Directors shall have the authority to review any special situation and, if in the best interest of the program and/or player, may declare a player eligible or ineligible.

11.         Infraction of any of the eligibility rules will result in forfeiture of games, and/or expulsion of managers, coaches or players, and any other action deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.

II.     REGISTRATION

1.           Every player & parent or guardian must register on the website and complete all required entries or in the alternative sign, with their parents or guardians, a Player's Contract and Responsibility for Injury Release Form (supplied by League Headquarters).

2.        All teams in Machine Pitch thru 14U baseball must pay for and carry a roster of at least twelve (12) players and a maximum of (18) players.

3.           Verification should be done by the team’s manager – subject to certification and review by the Board of Directors and League President.

4.           All teams in 16U & 18U baseball must pay for and carry a roster of at least fifteen (15) players and a maximum of (20) players.

5.           Teams with a roster having less than the minimum number of eligible players on the opening date of the season will be ineligible for league championships and post season participation. The Executive Director may add players to any roster until a team has reached the maximum per these rules at any time prior to July 1. For the purpose of this rule, opening day is defined as the first day a division is scheduled.

6.           If a registered team has less than their maximum, additional players may be registered during the season to bring the team up to the maximum. Fees and Contracts must be turned in before a player plays in any game or the game will be forfeited.

III.   COST AND DIRECTION OF THE PROGRAM

1.           The participation fee for this baseball program will be as follows for each player:

• T Ball League 6U        $100.00
• Coach Pitch 6U        $100.00
• Machine Pitch 6U       $140.00
• Machine Pitch 7U        $140.00
• Machine Pitch 8U       $140.00
• 9U & 10U League        $160.00
• 11U & 12U League        $170.00
• 13U & 14U League        $175.00
• High School Spring        $160.00
• 16U - Summer                $235.00
• 19U - Summer                $235.00

** Under no circumstances may any individual player be charged more than the established fee to play baseball.  

*** Managers who violate the intent of this section will be disciplined by the Board.

2.           All registered teams are covered in the program's insurance plan which provides insurance in Official League authorized games and practice facilities. As the NKCA is officially affiliated with Triple Crown Sports, the insurance program extends to all Triple Crown activities. Additional insurance coverage for an individual team participating in games outside the League is recommended and is at the team's discretion.

IV.  EQUIPMENT AND TEAM FINANCING

1.           Single sponsors or groups finance individual teams.  Sponsors should supply complete uniforms including socks and caps.

2.           Baseball uniforms for all teams are required. All baseball uniform shirts shall carry numbers, which will not be duplicated. "T Ball", “Coach Pitch”, "Machine Pitch “ through 10U League teams may play with minimum uniforms, which shall consist of "T" shirts and caps, but only with advance special approval by the Board of Directors. Coaches must wear shirt & hat in team colors and are not allowed to wear flip flops or sleeveless shirts.

3.           Uniform and equipment specifications:

a.        All leagues must use a full batting helmet (covering the top of the head and ears), while at bat, on deck, or on the bases. Each team must have a minimum of five (5) helmets (ear flaps or cap liners are not considered a helmet). All bat boys/girls will wear a batting helmet at all times.

b.           Catcher’s helmet: In all leagues, catchers must wear approved catcher's helmets specifically designed for this purpose. For this program, a baseball cap liner is not an approved piece of equipment. 6U Machine Pitch through 12U catcher's helmets must have full ear protection. In "13U and above leagues, the full ear protection is optional.

c.        All catchers’ masks will have a neck protection piece attached to the mask (all leagues).

Penalty: If, in the umpire's judgment, there is an intentional violation of these rules, the offending player or players shall be called out and ejected from the game.

d.           Helmet with Face Guard and a Heart Guard protector shall be required for pitchers in all Machine Pitch age groups.

4.        Each team is required to provide a complete catcher's outfit and sufficient balls and bats. The League will sell balls at a rate established by the Board with the NKCA logo for use in all league and playoff games.

a.           All baseball "boys" catching equipment must include cup protection for boys.

b.           Baseballs: All leagues except T Ball and Coach Pitch shall use the Official League Baseball and must be stamped with the NKCA logo.

1.   One new ball and one playable ball are to be presented to the plate umpire by each baseball team at the start of each game.

2.   The umpire may ask for an additional ball from each team as the need arises.

c.           Spikes:  The use of steel spikes is prohibited in all leagues except 13U, 14U, 16U, & 18U.

d.           Helmets will be worn by any player coaching a base and are encouraged to be worn by all personnel coaching on the bases.

e.            Bats:

            6U Tball - May use any Official Baseball Bat or a bat labeled "Tball"

6U Coach Pitch - May use any Official Baseball Bat or a bat labeled "Coach Pitch"

6U Machine Pitch - 14U - May use any Official Baseball Bat

16U-18U - must use a bat approved for MSHAA play (-3, BBCOR)

Clarification:  A Tball labeled bat may only be used in Tball, not in Coach Pitch or above.  A Coach Pitch labeled bat may only be used in Coach Pitch, not in 6U Machine Pitch and above.

V.   LEAGUE SCHEDULES

1.           Complete scheduling of all league games, make-up games and assignments of diamonds for league play are to be made by the Director. Games are to be played according to these schedules or games will be forfeited.

2.           Game times:

The Director shall schedule games, if possible, in all baseball leagues as follows:

3.   Games in all divisions have a specific time of termination.

(a)   For T‐ball, 50 minutes

(b)   For machine pitch, 1 hour 35 minutes

(c)   For 9U through 14U, 2 hours 10 minutes

NOTE: For b and c, play ceases the moment termination time is announced by the field manager or umpire supervisor, unless the ball is in play. Do not complete the at bat or the inning. If the ball is in play, complete the play. Exceptions: (7U-14U)  If the home team is batting and has the tying or winning run either at bat or on base at the moment of termination time, termination time will be waived and the home team will be allowed to finish their half inning.

4.        The Board of Directors has authorized the use of cellular time.

5.           Time limits: No inning shall start if time has expired in the previous inning.

6.           All leagues must have nine (9) players at the beginning of the game and must finish with nine (9).  Scheduled starting time is forfeit time, however scheduled starting time may be adjusted by the League Director as required by circumstances. Penalty is forfeiture of the game. If neither team has nine (9) players at the scheduled game time, the game is a double forfeiture. Each team gets a loss.  In the event of a forfeit, the forfeiting team must leave the field.  The “winning” team may use the field for practice.

7.           Teams forfeiting during the regular league schedule will not be eligible for the League Post-Season Tournaments, unless approved by the Board of Directors.

VI.   OFFICIAL GAME

1.        A regulation game consists of six (6) innings in 6U – 12U and (7) innings in 13U – 19U.

2.           In all leagues a game is official after time limit has been reached, regardless of innings played.

3.           A game shall be considered official after three and one-half innings or four full innings, or one hour, if the umpire deems it advisable due to weather or darkness.

4.           If one team has a ten (10) run lead, it is an official game any time an umpire calls a game on account of darkness or weather conditions, regardless of the number of innings played. This rule applies in all leagues.  The ten (10) run lead rule applies if the home team has the lead or if the visiting team has the ten (10) run lead at the end of the last complete inning.

5.           Run Spread Rule: All Leagues will adopt a “12 after 4 Innings” and “8 after 5 Innings” Rule with additional clarifications:

a.        9U, 10U, 11U, 12U League 10 Run Lead Rule:  Prior to completion of the 4th inning, any team coming to bat with a 10 run lead will be allowed only to send a maximum of 9 batters to the plate in that inning and any subsequent inning that the 10 run lead is still present. In addition, any team achieving a 10 run lead at any time during an inning will be allowed to bat an additional 9 batters within that inning, after the 10 run lead is established. If a team has a 10 run lead at the end of regulation time, the game will be called immediately.

b.        It is clearly the intention of the run spread rule to try to reduce the extent of lopsided games without hindering the proper teaching of the game. Any manager who uses the provisions of this rule in any way to make a farce of the game or in a manner which the Board of Directors considers detrimental to the program is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

VII.  RULES

The standard Rules of Baseball rules will govern the leagues with the following exceptions:

1.        The only Leagues that will use the Free Substitution Rule are 16U & 18U and then only in games being played where the entire batting order does not bat:

2.        This exception for 16U & 18U has been adopted by the league in order to give more players an opportunity to play.  Any of the nine (9) starting defensive players may be withdrawn and may re-enter once, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever they are in the lineup. If a substitution is made that moves a player up in the batting order two consecutive innings, the manager will receive a warning from the umpires.  If the same player is moved up in the order for a third time in the game, the batter will be declared out and the manager ejected from the game.  Such substitution shall be made while the team is in the field and each player must remain out of the game at least one full inning. However, a withdrawn pitcher may return, only as a pitcher in the same inning, after three or more batters have finished their time at bat.

1. For infractions of the Free-Substitution Rule, any illegal substitution will be removed from the game at any time their presence in the game is appealed to the umpire.  Such removed player will not be allowed to re-enter.
2. All substitutions, with the exception of the substitute pitcher, pinch hitter, pinch runners, or substitutes due to injury, are to be made at the beginning of an inning, or at the end of the first half of an inning.
3. Sub remaining in the game must bat for player removed.
4. Penalty for infractions of any of the foregoing situations, the Batting-Out-of-Order Rule will be invoked if called to the umpire's attention in accordance with the official rules of baseball.
5. In case of accident or illness, any player may re-enter the game if all available players have participated.
6. This league will use the rule that after a manager's second trip to the mound in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from pitching duties. They may be placed in another defensive position. If a pitcher is taken out of the game, his/her return to the mound is regulated by the Free Substitution Rule.
7. If the manager elects to use the Extra Hitter Rule the provisions of this rule apply to all defensive changes.

3.        The following Leagues (T-Ball through 14U) will bat the entire lineup. All of these Leagues except T-Ball will use the following rules:  All substitutions in the field, with the exception of the substitute for the pitcher, pinch runners, or substitutes due to injury, are to be made at the beginning of an inning, or at the end of the first half of an inning.

1. In a situation where the entire team bats the minimum playing time required for each league will be determined by the number of defensive innings that are played in the field.
2. This league will use the rule that after a manager's second trip to the mound in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from pitching duties. The removed pitcher may be placed in another defensive position or taken out of the game.
3. All players may re-enter the game in a defensive position at the discretion of the manager.
4. In case of accident or illness, any player may re-enter the game immediately. The player leaving the game shall not cause the team to suffer an out when his spot comes up to bat. Openings in the batting order resulting from removal due to accident, illness, discipline, having to leave early, etc., will be skipped with no penalty.
5. Penalty for infractions of any of the foregoing situations, the Batting-Out-of-Order Rule will be invoked if applicable if called to the umpire's attention in accordance with the official rules of baseball. Infractions not resulting in the application of the Batting-Out-of-Order Rule may subject the Manager to appropriate action by the Board of Directors for violating the spirit of the program, which could include suspension from the League.

4.        Minimum number of players required:

1. Teams in the 9U through 14U leagues are required to play a minimum of twelve (12) players in each game if they have that many available.  A game must go five (5) complete innings for this rule to apply. If one team has less than twelve (12) players, the opposing team is obligated to bat only the same number of players. If both teams are unequal the batting in order rules do not apply and all free substitution rules will apply. Managers must declare if there are less than (12) players at the beginning of the game, and must indicate the names of those players absent and the reasons, if known, on the game report turned into the league.
2. If the number of available players changes during the game due to illness, injury, or behavior that requires disciplinary action by the manager, the umpire and the opposing manager must be informed.
3. Penalty: Failure to comply with this section may result in forfeiture of the game involved.

5.        Minimum number of innings required to be played:

1. Players in the Machine Pitch 6U through 14U leagues must play at least two (2) defensive innings in the field per game.
2. Rules in this section shall apply to all official games that have completed five innings.
3. Managers may, withhold a player from a game or games for disciplinary reasons, but he must so inform the opposing manager prior to the game and he must list the player’s name and reason for the action on the game report turned in at the end of the game.
4. Penalty: Violations of the rules in this section shall result in the forfeiture of the games involved.

6.        Extra Hitter Rules & Batting Entire Lineup:

1. 16U & 18U Leagues may use the following Extra Hitter rule:

1. A starting line-up may consist of a minimum of ten (10) offensive players and nine (9) defensive players. The extra player(s) shall be termed "extra hitter(s)" (EH).

 * The purpose of the NKCA "extra hitter" rule is to allow extra players to participate in the game.

1. Use of the "extra hitter" is optional, however the team manager must make this decision before the game starts. A EH may not be added after the game begins.
2. For purposes of substitution the EH if used shall be considered a defensive position. Any player may move from the EH position to a defensive position in the field.
3. An extra hitter may appear in any position in the batting order as set before the game begins and once set that player or his substitute must bat in that same spot in the batting order. The extra hitter position once established cannot be dropped from the line-up.
4. When a courtesy runner is used for the catcher the runner must come off the bench and must be a player not in the game in a defensive position or in the game as the EH and does not count as a substitution.  
5. The provisions of the Free Substitution Rule apply to all defensive changes.

2. Batting Entire Lineup

1. In all T-Ball, Machine Pitch and 9U through 14U League games each team will be required to include all players in the batting order except in situations covered in VII 4(a).  Each player must play a minimum of two (2) defensive innings in the field in every game.
2. Extra Hitter Rule does not apply to T-Ball, 9U through 14U League nor any other league for the team that elects to bat the entire batting order.
3. In 16U, & 18U the use of the entire team batting order is optional for each team.  If a manager desires to bat his entire team in the batting order he must declare so prior to the game. If the team bats the entire lineup the substitution rules will be the same as in the younger leagues, otherwise the Free Substitution Rule will apply.
4. Missing batters in the lineup due to illness, injury, discipline, early departure, etc will be skipped with no penalty.

3. Violations of this rule will be enforced the same as the batting out of order rules.

7.        Designated Runner Rule:

1. All Leagues will use a courtesy runner for the catcher, which is optional with less than two outs and mandatory with two outs.
2. The courtesy runner cannot be a player currently in the game in a defensive position or as EH but must be a player on the bench. When batting the entire lineup the player who made the last batted out will be used and in any case the runner will not be charged as a substitute.
3. In Machine Pitch thru 14U, the courtesy runner shall be the player who makes the last batted out.

8.        In all leagues if a runner on third attempts to steal home and the batter swings away, the batter and the runner are both automatically called out and the manager or acting manager will be ejected from the game, without exception.

9.        Pitching rules:

a.        Any player on a regular season team may pitch with the following exception:  the catcher is prohibited from pitching if he/she has caught in (4) four or more innings (per day). (NOTE: There is no limit to the number of pitchers a team may use in a game.)

b.        A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher. High School divisions only: A pitcher remaining in the game, but moving to a different position, can return as a pitcher anytime in the remainder of the game, but only once per game.

c.        The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position:
League Age is determined by the player’s age on April 30th of the current year, this will include Fall Ball.  

League Age    17 - 18 105 pitches per day
                       13 - 16   95 pitches per day
                       11 - 12   85 pitches per day
                         9 - 10   75 pitches per day
                         7  -  8   50 pitches per day

Exception:  If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in this rule for his/her league age while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. That batter reaches base; 2. That batter is put out;  3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning. Note 1: A pitcher who delivers 41 or more pitches in a game cannot play the position of catcher for the remainder of that day.

d.        Pitchers league age 14 and under must adhere to the following rest requirements:

• If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, four (4) calendar days of rest

must be observed.

• If a player pitches 51 - 65 pitches in a day,

three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 36 - 50 pitches in a day,

two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 21 - 35 pitches in a day,

one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 1-20 pitches in a day,

no (0) calendar day of rest is required.
      
Pitchers league age 15-18 must adhere to the following rest requirements:

• If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day,

four (4) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 61 - 75 pitches in a day,

three (3) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 46 - 60 pitches in a day,

two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 31 -45 pitches in a day,

one (1) calendar days of rest must be observed.

• If a player pitches 1-30 pitches in a day,

no (0) calendar day of rest is required.

e.        The home team must designate an official pitch count recorder.  This person cannot be the official scorekeeper.

f.        The Pitch Count Boards are the official record. PCBs are to be reset to zero whenever there is a pitching change.  The Pitch Count Recorder is to keep the boards accurate for the pitchers currently in the game.  However, the manager is responsible for knowing when their pitcher must be removed.

g.        The official pitch count recorder should inform the umpire-in-chief when a pitcher has delivered their maximum limit of pitches for the game, as noted in this rule. The umpire-in-chief will inform the pitcher’s manager that the pitcher must be removed in accordance with this rule. However, the failure by the pitch count recorder to notify the umpire-in-chief, and/or the failure of the umpire-in-chief to notify the manager, does not relieve the manager of their responsibility to remove a pitcher when that pitcher is no longer eligible.

h.        Violation of any section of this regulation may result in forfeiture of the game in which it occurs.

i.        A player may not pitch in more than one game in a day. 

(Exception: In the High School Divisions, a player may be used as a pitcher in up to two games in a day if they don't exceed 30 pitches in game one.)

NOTES :

1.        The withdrawal of an ineligible pitcher after that pitcher is announced, or after a warm-up pitch is delivered, but before that player has pitched a ball to a batter, shall not be considered a violation.

2.        Pitches delivered in games declared “Regulation Tie Games” or “Suspended Games” shall be charged against pitcher’s eligibility.

3.        In suspended games resumed on another day, the pitchers of record at the time the game was halted may continue to pitch to the extent of their eligibility for that day, provided said pitcher has observed the required days of rest.

Example 1: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on the following Thursday. The pitcher is not eligible to pitch in the resumption of the game because he/she has not observed the required days of rest.
Example 2: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes on Saturday. The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game because he/she has observed the required days of rest.
Example 3: A league age 12 pitcher delivers 70 pitches in a game on Monday when the game is suspended. The game resumes two weeks later. The pitcher is eligible to pitch up to 85 more pitches in the resumption of the game, provided he/she is eligible based on his/her pitching record during the previous four days.

10.        Force-Play-Slide Rule:

The intent of the force-play slide rule is to insure the safety of the defensive player. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.

On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.

CLARIFICATION: Nothing in this rule requires a slide at home plate unless there is a force out at that base.

EXCEPTION: A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder.

"On the ground" means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground."Directly into a base" means the runner's entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.

1. Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner:

1. Makes a legal slide directly to the base, or
2. Is on the ground at the time of contact and the fielder moves directly down the line between the two bases to attempt a play.

2. Action by a runner is illegal and interference shall be called if:

1. The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder;
2. The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder;
3. The runner's raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder's knee when in a standing position;
4. The runner goes beyond the base and either makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder;
5. The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg;
6. The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.

PENALTY FOR 10(b)6-

1. With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.
2. With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.
3. If the runner's slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the game.

11.        Collision Rule

The rules committee is concerned about unnecessary and violent collisions with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage base runners and defensive players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.

a.        When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge:

1. Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner have reached the base without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner’s path to the base was blocked) or
2. Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate) or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder.

PENALTY—If the runner, a) could have avoided the collision and reached the base, or b) attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner shall be declared out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.

A.R. 1—If the fielder blocks the path of the base runner to the base (plate), the runner may make contact, slide into, or collide with a fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base or plate.

A.R. 2—If the collision by the runner was flagrant, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball shall be declared dead.

b.    If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball shall be called.

A.R.—If the base runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on the obstruction, but will be ejected from the contest. The ball is dead.

12.        Game Speed Up Rules:

1. The pitcher will be allowed no more than five (5) throws between innings. At the start of the game or when a pitching change is made the new pitcher will be allowed no more than seven (7) throws unless he is being replaced because of an injury, then the umpire may allow additional pitches.
2. The taking of infield practice prior to the start of a game will be limited to 5 minutes per team. The visiting team will have the field from 15 to 10 minutes prior to starting time, the home team will have the field from 10 to 5 minutes prior to starting time. The five minutes prior to game time will be used by the umpires to insure everything is done and ready to start on time.
3. The starting time of second and subsequently scheduled games will follow the published start times unless delayed by the umpire due the length of a prior game. In those situations the umpire will notify each manager of the exact scheduled starting time.
4. Batter's Box Rule:

1. The batter must keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout the time at bat.
2. Exceptions: A batter may leave the batter's box but not the dirt area surrounding home plate when:

1. The batter swings at a pitch.
2. The batter is forced out of the box by the pitch.
3. The pitcher calls time out.
4. The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound after receiving the ball.
5. The pitcher throws to a base during a pick-off attempt.
6. An appeal is made at any base.
7. The batter request for time is granted.

PENALTY FOR (d.1.)--If the batter intentionally leaves the batter's box and none of  these exceptions applies, the plate umpire shall award a strike. The pitcher shall not pitch but the ball is live.

3. The batter may leave the batter's box and the dirt area when time is granted for the purpose of:

1. Making a substitution.
2. An offensive conference.
3. A defensive timeout or conference.

4. If the batter refuses to take a position in the batter's box during the time at bat, the umpire shall award a strike. The pitcher shall not pitch, but the ball is live.

13.    Protested games:

1. Refer to rule 4.19 - Official Baseball Rules. Substitute "Director" for "League President".
2. A written protest to League Headquarters within 48 hours after the game has been played must be presented or mailed, giving the umpire's name date, time, and place of the game, plus the section of the Rules under which the protest is made. A $50.00 fee must accompany the written protest. If the protest is won, the $50.00 will be returned.

14.   Tie Games:  Extra innings can only be started if end time (time limit) has not been reached and no inning can start after end time (time limit).  If the game is tied after an extra inning(s) and the game is past end time (time limit), the game will be a tie.  Term Time will still be in effect.  

15.    The home team, listed first on the schedule, shall occupy the THIRD BASE BENCH in all Leagues.

16.    In all leagues, each offensive team will be limited to two conferences between a manager/coach and player or players per inning. Each conference honored by the umpire in excess of two in any inning will result in present batter being called out.  An umpire may grant an exception to this rule at any time to allow the manager/coach to respond to a legitimate injury.

17.    Player's conduct --- Automatic Expulsion from the game:

1. Fighting
2. Profanity
3. Bat throwing by endangering the safety of players, spectators, managers, umpires, or coaches.
4. Unsportsmanlike conduct: Players will be removed from the game for the use of unsportsmanlike conduct. A runner will be called out and removed from the game if the runner's advance to a base is achieved by unsportsmanlike play. (Umpires must protect players from injury in every possible way).
5. Three expulsions of a player, coach, or manager from games during the season will be cause for automatic suspension from the Program for the remainder of the season. It shall be the responsibility of the Umpire-in-Chief to report this action immediately to the Board of Directors.
6. Players, coaches, managers, and fans will not be permitted to direct comments directly towards opposing players, coaches, or managers during a game. Cheering or chanting is permitted but not if directed towards an individual. Example: Players will not be allowed to yell "Swing" at a batter.

18.    No person may manage more than one team in the same league.

19.    UMPIRE-FAN ABUSE:

Constant baiting, verbal abuse or profanity towards the umpiring crew working NKCA baseball games by fans will not be permitted. Team managers are responsible for the conduct of the fans representing their teams and the umpires shall be given sufficient authority to take whatever action is required to halt any incident of fan abuse.  That authority can include such actions as ejection of the appropriate manager, suspension of the game, or even termination of the game.

1. If at any time during the game the umpires believe that a negative situation has developed they may request of both managers that a coach be designated by each team to escort the umpiring crew to a pre-designated neutral area immediately following the game. In such situation each manager will be required to provide such assistance to deter further problems.

20.    Manager/Coach Misconduct:

Any Manager or Coach ejected by an Umpire for any reason other than a specific rule violation (such as attempting to steal home when batter swings) shall be automatically suspended for the next game played by his/her team. A second ejection shall result in review by the Program Director for further disciplinary action, and a third ejection is grounds for suspension for the remainder of the season as determined by the disciplinary committee. Any Player ejected by an Umpire in Leagues 13U and above for any reason shall be automatically suspended for the next scheduled game (whether League or Post Season).

21.    The League is very concerned about the safety of all participants.  Weather conditions in our part of the country, sometimes containing lightning, can change quickly. Whether or not a game is to be delayed or called off is at the discretion of the game umpires.

22.    Special rules for 9U Non-American Division Leagues:

a.     Lead-offs are not allowed:

b.     Base stealing is allowed, after the pitched ball crosses home plate.

c.     If a player leads off or leaves a base early on a pitch, on the first offense by a team in the game the umpire shall declare a “dead ball” and send the runner back to the base. On any subsequent violation the umpire shall call “dead ball” and the player will be called out.  

d.    There shall be no stealing of home plate, nor advancement to home plate on an attempt to put out a runner who is attempting to steal second or third..

e.    A dropped third strike the batter/runner is out.

f.     There shall be no stealing of home on a wild pitch, passed ball, missed exchange between pitcher & catcher, or on a missed third strike; a runner from 3rd may score if an attempt to put him out is attempted.

VIII.   OFFICIALS

1.      At the start of the game each manager must supply the umpire with one written lineup card with the starting batting order and remaining players on the team.  Lineup card must contain the players number, first and last name (as they appear on the teams online roster).  The scorekeeper of the home team shall be the Official Scorekeeper.  Home team is also to provide a keeper of the pitch count.  Scorekeepers should sit together behind home plate when possible. Managers are to give all line-up changes to the plate umpire as they occur and the umpire should announce player changes and mark his/her card as to who played.

IX.  DIAMOND SIZE FOR BASEBALL:

X.    RELEASE SCHEDULE

All managers must release extra players by April 1st.

XI.   GAME FIELDS 

Macken Park, Waterwell Park and A.J. Wilson Sports Complex

1. The NKCA Baseball League has adopted a policy that there be a deadline of 10:30 p.m. on all night games, at which time the ball field lighting system will be turned off.  The Park Supervisor has the authority to vary this matter by a very few minutes, depending on the advisability and need for completion of the game or inning.
2. There will be no smoking on the field or in the dugout by players, managers, or umpires during the ballgame. Additionally, for the safety of the spectators at each park, the following is banned from all League parks: dogs, scooters, skateboards, alcohol, smoking and glass bottles.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO MANAGERS AND COACHES

You may save trips to the Ballparks by checking the league website for information about the parks.  The website will be updated as soon as the status of a field is known. 

FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS CONCERNING PROBLEMS WITHIN YOUR PARTICULAR LEAGUE CONTACT YOUR LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE:

the list of contacts is available at the following link on the NKCA League website:

        LEAGUE CONTACTS

Machine Pitch Rules

The Machine Pitch League Rules will be the same as the

NKCA League Rules pertaining to 9U & 10U, with the following exceptions:

1. Per game time limit is 1 hour and 20 minutes. No inning shall start after time limit expires.
2. An inning shall consist of three outs or six runs.
3. Bases shall be 60 feet apart. Pitching Machine will be 42 feet from the plate.
4. Pitching machine will be set at approximately 6U/7U - 36mph - 8U - 38mph.
5. Batting team shall provide a coach to feed the pitching machine.
6. Ten players will play in the field. Six infielders, (pitcher, catcher, first, second, third and shortstop), and four outfielders, (left, left-center, right-center, and right, playing at approximately equal depth). While playing an outfield position, players cannot assume an infield position. The use of a “rover” will not be allowed.
7. Nine players are required to start a ballgame.
8. Teams must bat their entire roster. Late arriving players will be added to the end of the lineup.
9. 7U-8U:  Each batter will receive a maximum of 6 pitches or three “strikes” to put the ball in play. If they fail to do so, the batter will be declared out.  If an at bat comes down to the the 6th pitch, any outcome other than a ball batted in play on the 6th pitch will be called an out.  There are no hit-batters or walks in Machine Pitch. In 6U: players will receive 5 pitches to put the ball in play regardless of strike quantity, if the batter fails to put the ball in play on the 5th pitch, the batter shall be called out.
10. Bunting the ball will not be allowed. Any attempt to bunt will be an out.
11. Fields shall use dual pitching rubbers, prior to the pitch, the pitcher must stand with both feet on the rubber.  Pitcher shall have the choice of which rubber to stand on.  In the event a field doesn’t have dual rubbers, pitcher shall stand adjacent to the pitching machine behind the front legs and in front of the back leg at the time of the pitch. Pitcher may move freely after the pitch is made.
12. If the ball hits the pitching machine, (machine, stand, or cord) umpire or coach in any way, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance one base.
13. Time-Out may only be called by a defensive player in possession of the ball while on the infield dirt in fair or foul territory (baseline extended to the fences on 1st & 3rd to include foul territory). Effect on Base Runners at the moment timeout is called: if in the umpire’s opinion the runner was attempting to reach the next base, the runner shall be awarded one base otherwise the runner shall return or remain on the last occupied base.  The Umpire shall call time-out once the lead runner ceases to attempt to advance (ie stops on a base or stops running).
14. The “Infield Fly Rule” will not be in effect.
15. Leading off and stealing will not be allowed in Machine Pitch. In all divisions, the runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball crosses the plate.  If an umpire sees a runner leaving a base early, he shall be given a warning and may be called out for a second offense.
16. Pick-off plays will not be allowed regardless of the call of ball or strike.
17. No steel cleats will be worn by any player. Rubber cleats are acceptable.
18. Only one manager and three coaches per team will be allowed in the dugouts during any game.
19. If a player leaves the game due to illness or injury, the battling sequence will move to the next batter in the lineup with no out recorded, once removed the player may not return.
20. Home Team is the official scorekeeper.
21. At the completion of time limit or 6 complete innings, if the game is a tie, it shall remain a tie. No extra innings will be played in Machine Pitch.
22. Overthrow rule to 1st base:  any runner may advance a max of one base on an overthrow at first, at their own risk.  If a runner doesn’t attempt to advance, the runner will remain on the last base occupied.  For the purpose of this rule, the runners base is determined at the time of the pitch and not at the time of the throw from the fielder.
23. Each Machine Pitch team is to provide 3 coaches while on offense: 1st base coach, 3rd base coach and a coach to load the machine.  Base coaches are to provide instructions to runners.  Coaches loading the machine are not allowed to instruct runners.  In the 6U division only, 1 coach may be on the field while their team is on defense and should stay behind the base paths at all times.
24. There is no spread rule in Machine Pitch.  If a team is mathematically unable to tie or win the game, the game will end at 1:20 (80 minutes) no matter what the game situation is.
25. Face and Heart protectors are required for pitchers in all Machine Pitch age groups.
26. There will be no gentleman’s agreements to vary any of the rules.

Coach Pitch Rules

The purpose of the coach pitch division is to provide a transition between

T-Ball and Machine Pitch.

Objective - Build on skills learned in T-Ball by hitting a coach-pitched ball.

Rules - Same as NKCA Rules with the following exceptions:

FIELD AND EQUIPMENT

1.            The playing field shall have 55 foot baselines and a pitching rubber set at 30 feet. First base shall be a dual safety base where the runner should tag the outside bag in foul territory.

2.         League provided R/F Level 5 balls shall be used

3.         Rubber cleats or tennis shoes only

4.         Players must supply their own glove

5.         Uniform shall be a shirt and ball cap provided by the teams.

6.         Catchers must wear a helmet and mask as a minimum. Shin-guards are optional

7.         Batters and base runners must wear helmets

PLAYERS

1.         Each player should get to play at least half the game

2.         All players shall be listed in the batting lineup

3.         10 Players will be allowed on defense with 4 players in the outfield

4.         Every team must carry at least 12 players. If one team is short of players, one or more may be borrowed from the other team. No forfeits.

GAME

1.         A game shall consist of 6 innings or 50 minutes, whichever comes first. Games should start on the hour, but games will end 50 minutes after the hour. Games may be extended by the umpire to complete the last half inning if the home team has a chance to win based on max runs per inning. Official times will be kept by the umpire.

2.         An inning will be 3 outs, 5 runs or 10 batters

3.         Coaches shall pitch to their own batters and remain behind the 30' pitching rubber

4.         Each batter gets five pitches to hit a fair batted ball. If the fifth or subsequent pitches are fouled off, the batter shall receive another pitch. If a batter does not hit a ball fair in his at bat he shall be declared out.

5.         Base runners cannot leave the base until the ball is hit. First violation by a base runner is a warning and second violation is an out.

6.         No bunting or infield fly rule.

7.         Batting out of order - the Skipped batter shall bat next with no penalty

8.         An offensive coach shall be positioned near the backstop behind the catcher to retrieve balls missed by the catcher to help speed up the game.

9.         A courtesy runner for the catcher is required with 2 outs and is optional if less than 2 outs.

10.       Runners cannot advance on an overthrow at any base. Runners are station to station unless the ball is hit into the outfield.

11.         Runners shall halt their advance when the ball is in the possession of any infielder on the infield dirt. Runners may advance to the base they are headed for.

12.         A ball hitting the coach/pitcher shall be considered a single.

13.         Two defensive coaches may be positioned in the outfield.

14.         The home scorekeeper shall be the official scorekeeper. The home team shall also provide an adult to run the scoreboard.

T-Ball Rules

Objectives

1. Teach every child how to field, catch, hit the ball and how to run the bases.
2. Eliminate the need to develop pitching skills and the fear of being hit by a pitched ball.

Rules – Same as NKCA Rules with the following exceptions:

1. The playing field shall have 55 foot bases and a pitching rubber 40 feet from home plate.
2. Soft T-Balls or R/F Balls shall be used and supplied by the Home Team.
3. Rubber cleats or tennis shoes only.
4. All players must wear a uniform Cap and T-Shirt provided by the League.
5. All Players must provide their own glove.

Players

1. Each player should get to play in the field at least half of the game.
2. The pitcher is to stay on or behind the pitching rubber until the ball is hit.
3. All players may play on defense but extra players can play only in the outfield.
4. Every team must carry at least 12 players. If you are short of players for a particular game you may borrow some from the other team so the game can be played. We never want a forfeit in T-Ball.

Game

1. A game will consist of 6 innings or 50 minutes, whichever comes first.
2. An inning will be 3 outs, 5 runs, or 10 batters.
3. The batting order will consist of all players and cannot change once the game begins.

Ball In Play

1. Umpire, manager or coach will place the ball on the tee and call “Play Ball”.
2. If a batter hits the tee, a foul ball will be called. If the ball goes in fair territory, use good judgment that it has gone far enough to be deemed a good hit. Players are allowed a max of 5 swings to put the ball in play, if the batter fails to put the ball in play on the 5th swing, the batter shall be called out.
3. Base runners cannot leave the base until the ball is hit. First violation is a warning. Second violation is an out.
4. No bunting and no infield fly rule.
5. Batters and base runners must wear batting helmets. Catchers should have helmet and mask on when behind the plate.
6. Batting out of order – the skipped player will bat immediately with no penalty.
7. Any player who throws a bat, the umpire will give a warning to the team and may call an out if the player throws a bat again.
8. Runners cannot advance on an overthrow at any base. Runners are station to station unless the ball is hit into the outfield.
9. Pitchers are not allowed to field the ball and run to a any base to make an out.  Once the ball has been fielded, the pitcher can take no more than 2 steps before he must throw the ball.  If a pitcher takes more than 2 steps before throwing the ball, all runners shall be called safe.  This rule applies to all bases.
10. A player may only play or appear as a pitcher during 1 inning per game.

FALL BALL RULES

1. Baseball player’s age division to be determined by age they will be on April 30, the following year.
2. No playing down in age groups, i.e. no 15-year olds on an 14U team.
3. 6U-14U age groups will have minimum of 12 players, and a maximum of 18.  Teams not rostering a minimum of 12 players will be ineligible for division titles and post season play.
4. Any team playing with unregistered players is subject to forfeit and further disciplinary measures.
5. Baseball uniform numbered shirts are required, but they do not have to match.
6. Time limit is 1 hr 45 min for all leagues except machine pitch which is 1 hr 15 min.
7. A team is allowed a maximum of 6 runs on offense per inning.
8. Mathematical spread rule in affect.
9. For the purpose of pitch counts, the players age shall remain the same as during the just completed Spring season.