Greater Hudson Valley Baseball League - Key Rules @ A Glance... Sportsmanship, Safety & Be Great Role Models (3/31/25 Update)

46/60 Games - 1 ump @ $80 split by 2 teams

50/70 Games - 2 umps @ $80

13U -16U - 2 umps @ $90

6 inning games - No inning starts after 2:00 hr

7 inning games - No inning starts after 2:20 hr

ALL Games - GO DIRECTLY TO California Rule (last batted out @ 2nd base with NO outs) - After 3 extra Innings - TIE IS AWARDED - unless playoffs (play until decision)

8 players must be at the field to start play. If playing with 8, when 9th position in order comes up, an automatic out is recorded.

May bat 9, roster, or between - once game starts, team is locked into # of batters. No automatic outs unless 8 players (9th is automatic out). Players may "share" spot in batting order - hitting / baserunning

Min 2 innings in field / 1 at bat

No minimum play requirement in 10U+

7U & 8U ONLY has 4 outfielders, all other divisions have 9 fielders. Open, free substitution for all divisions - except pitcher may not return to mound after pitching in 12U and under

7U & 8U ONLY NO infield fly rule, infield fly rule in effect for all divisions 9U & above

10 runs after 4 innings or 10 runs after next full inning (home team gets last licks)

10 runs after 5 innings or 10 runs after next full inning (home team gets last licks)

NO dropped 3rd strike (8U - 10U)

Dropped 3rd strike is in effect & ALLOWED (11U+)

2 mound trips per inning (3 trip max)

3 free pitcher conferences per game - removing pitcher does not count as as a conference

Not applicable in 8U, 9U, 10U

One warning / pitcher, no warning in playoffs.

No balk warnings 14U+

Not applicable in 8U, 9U, 10U

31 Play - Pitcher fake to 3rd, Pickoff to 1st is LEGAL in all divisions where there is leading and stealing.

Wood or USABat on 46/60 field (NO USSSA BATS)

Wood, USABat, or BBCOR on a 50/70 field (NO USSSA BATS)

Wood or BBCOR on a 60/90 field (NO USSSA BATS)

Plastic Molded Cleats on all 46/60 & 50/70 Fields

Metal Spikes Legal on 60/90 Fields Only

Dangling throat protector is required for masks - unless a "Hockey Style" mask is used with extended throat protection. All masks must provide FULL EAR PROTECTION.

Allowed at fields with enclosed area for batter warm up (No open area bat swinging)

Open area bat swinging is allowed on 60/90 fields - please use appropriate safety judgement

Coaches not required to wear facemask - but ALL PLAYERS MUST WEAR FACEMASK to warm up pitcher at all times (on and off the field of play)

Run for CURRENT OR INCOMING CATCHER OR PITCHER with any # of outs (never during an at bat) - Replace with last batted out.

PitchSmart in effect in all Age Groups - see chart in league rules. Pitcher MAY FINISH BATTER.

Not Permitted - Automatic out - Warning to batter (ejection on second offence)

Showing bunt, pulling back, and swinging is legal

GHVBL is a "SLIDE OR BEST ATTEMPT TO AVOID CONTACT" league. NO RULE FORCING YOU TO SLIDE. Forceful, purposeful, COLLISIONS are grounds for immediate ejection at umpire discretion.

NO head 1st sliding on 46/60 fields. May dive BACK.

Head first slide (dive) into any base is allowed on 50/70 & 60/90 fields.

Once game starts - Umpire discretion - thunder and/or lightning neccitates suspension of play. Wait 30 minutes after last thunder and/or lightning to begin play.

Each Team is required to provide 2 new game balls to umpire to start. 5th ball provided by visiting team, then alternating. Teams may agree to each provide game balls for one game of a doubleheader.

League of gentlemen. Sportsmanship is the RULE. Outbursts when pitcher starts motion is NOT PERMITTED. More rope given on the 60/90 field - but sportsmanship should be adhered to at all levels.

Use of illegal bat is prohibited. In the event an illegal bat is identified before AB - bat is removed and warning issued. If bat is used (1 pitch) in at bat, player is automatically out. Second offense - ejection.

Pitch limits are GHVBL RULES. Avoid discipline by counting pitches & communicating with opposing scorekeeper each inning. Disregard (after communication) subjects team to forfeit and/or coach suspension.

1st offence - TEAM warning 2nd offense - umpire awards pitch (ball or strike) to team subjected to offense. 3rd offense - umpire may award base or out. 4th offense - GAME DECISION (umpire discretion)