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Q:\B.O.B.S\Manuals\2016 Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports Organization Lodi Parks and Recreation Department 230 W. Elm St., Lodi CA 95240 (209) 333-6742 2016 BABE RUTH MANUAL BOYS BASEBALL

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Q:\B.O.B.S\Manuals\2016

Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports Organization

Lodi Parks and Recreation Department

230 W. Elm St., Lodi CA 95240

(209) 333-6742

2016

BABE RUTH MANUAL

BOYS BASEBALL

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The Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports (B.O.B.S.) and the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department co-sponsor Babe Ruth Baseball, Cal Ripken, Jr. Baseball and Girls Softball in Lodi.

The B.O.B.S. were organized in 1960 to aid the City in various youth sports. The B.O.B.S. is a volunteer organization that assists in policy making, equipment and uniform purchasing and fund-raising.

The work of this group gives stability to all programs and keeps registration fees low for all the participants. The B.O.B.S. donate thousands of hours of time to Lodi athletic programs.

This manual is the basis for the administration of

this program. Please read it carefully. Any interpretation not specifically covered in this manual will be ruled on by the B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth coordinator.

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BABE RUTH BASEBALL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

I. ADMINISTRATION PAGE

A. Policies and Procedures 1 B. Rules and Regulations 1 C. Financial 1 D. Personnel 2

1. Game Officials 2 2. Support Staff 2

E. Facilities 2 F. Equipment 2 G. Uniforms 2 H. Sponsors 3 I. Schedules 3 J. Awards 3

II. THE PROGRAM

A. The Lodi Babe Ruth Program – National Affiliation 4 B. Player Eligibility 4

1. Player Registration 4 2. Age Requirement 4 3. Age Determination 5 4. Forms 5 5. Fees 5 6. Dual Participation 5

C. Areas and Leagues 5 D. Draft Procedures 5

1. Babe Ruth 13-15’s Draft 6 a) Regular Draft 6

2. General Draft Principles 6 a) Trading of New Drafted Players 6

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b) Team Roster Completion and Reserve Pool 6 c) Expansion/Contraction in Babe Ruth 7 d) Balancing By Age Group 7

E. Option Rules 7

1. Coach/Son Option 8 2. Brother Option 8 3. Draw Round 8

F. Tryouts 8

III. GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION 9

A. Divisions 9 B. Coaches 9 C. Transfers 9 D. Refunds 9 E. Shortages (Call-up Procedure) 10 F. Practices 10 G. Field Dimensions 10 H. Game Lengths 11 I. Play-off Procedures 11 J. Protests 12 K. Player Participation Rules 12

IV. RULES SPECIFIC TO VARIOUS DIVISIONS 15

A. Special Rules 15 B. Protective Head Gear 15

1. Batters 15 2. Catchers 15

C. Crashing into a Fielder 15 D. Faking a Tag 16 E. Coaches and Judgment Calls 16

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F. Bench and Field Conduct 16 G. B.O.B.S. Ejection Policy 16 H. Out-of-Play Interpretations 17 I. Tryout Pitching Rule 17 J. Pitching Rule Interpretations 18

V. OFFENSIVE CONFERENCE 19 VI. TOURNAMENT TEAMS 19

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BOOSTER OF BOYS/GIRLS SPORTS ORGANIZATION LODI PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT

230 W. Elm St., Lodi CA 95240 333-6742

LODI BABE RUTH BASEBALL MANUAL I. ADMINISTRATION

The Lodi Babe Ruth Baseball program is sponsored and administered by the City of Lodi Recreation Department and Booster of Boys/Girls Sports Organization (B.O.B.S.). The two sponsoring organizations use the National Babe Ruth organizational guidelines and rule books as their primary administrating guides with the exception of local rules and those the B.O.B.S. and the Lodi Parks and Recreation Department will administer and make policy. These policies will be spelled out in this manual. The B.O.B.S./City of Lodi established a staff to administer the various league level programs with assistance from the B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Coordinator and individual league level commissioners. They will assist where needed to provide guidance advisement, communication, securing of coaches, general control and monitoring of each league level.

The local organization will make every effort to provide the best possible experience and environment for a young person to develop and play baseball. Hopefully, this will be done with the cooperation of all concerned.

A.) Polices and Procedures

Lodi policies and procedures will be determined by the two sponsoring organizations. Coaches will have input into policy or procedural changes through their B.O.B.S. Sports Coordinator or Commissioner and/or Lodi Recreation Department Supervisor. The B.O.B.S. Coordinator and Recreation Supervisor will interpret items not specifically covered in this manual.

B) Rules and Regulations

Rules and regulations will be determined by the sponsoring organizations plus those that comply with National Babe Ruth Baseball. Coaches will have input through the B.O.B.S. Sports Coordinator or Commissioner and/or the Lodi Park and Recreation Department Supervisor. Rules and regulations will be issued to all coaches prior to the start of the program. Official baseball rules and regulations will guide game play. Local rules and regulations will cover specifics of individual leagues.

C) Financial

The Lodi Recreation Department and the Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports Organization will handle financing for the local Babe Ruth Baseball program.

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It will be their responsibility to provide an operational program budget for each league level. These two organizations will set registration fees, sponsorships, and other operational or league fees to meet appropriate budget needs. At various times the Lodi Recreation Department and B.O.B.S. may ask team coaches, players, and parents to cooperate and participate in fund-raising activities to assist in covering league or tournament team financing liabilities.

D) Personnel

1.) Game officials will be recruited, hired, trained, scheduled, and paid by

the Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. The Lodi Recreation Department will set salaries for these people.

2.) Support Staff - Scorekeepers and a team business manager will be

volunteers. They will be recruited from each team's parents or persons the team coaches secure to assist with team responsibilities. Teams will be asked to secure at least two scorekeepers and have one parent as a team business manager to coordinate team matters and responsibilities. For games at Kofu, Salas, or Zupo Field, the visiting team supplies the scoreboard operator.

E) Facilities

The Lodi Recreation Department will furnish and maintain practice and game field facilities as deemed necessary. The Lodi Recreation Supervisor will schedule practice times. Practice facilities will include school grounds and city park areas. Coaches will be asked to adhere to the agreed practice sites, days, and time allotments.

Teams may secure two or three practice assignments per week on regulation diamonds until league play starts and as the need for fields to play scheduled games becomes more prevalent. Coaches are asked to practice no more than two hours maximum on a diamond so other teams may use facilities. Teams in the Babe Ruth groups will be sharing diamonds. A fourth meeting off the practice fields is allowed (ex. batting cages, team meetings).

F) Equipment

Equipment will be issued to each head coach by the B.O.B.S. Broken equipment or gear may be exchanged by bringing in the broken article to the Parks and Recreation Department Equipment Room. Equipment room hours

will be announced. Please adhere to those hours. Do not come to the office expecting anyone to open the equipment room other than during the announced hours.

G) Uniforms

Teams will be issued caps and shirts. Teams must wear similar colored socks or white socks to match their uniform.

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Teams will be asked to wear, and not add to, league uniforms that are issued to teams unless prior approval is given by the Babe Ruth Committee/Lodi Recreation Department.

H) Sponsors

Sponsors - The B.O.B.S. are responsible for the recruitment and securing of all sponsors. They will set fees for the various age groups, which follow in line with budget guidelines.

Sponsors assigned yearly - Sponsors will be local merchants, fraternal or service clubs, or family businesses. Sponsorships will be for one season. They will be assigned annually provided sponsor has paid prior years’ fees and has been in good standing. Priority will be given to past sponsors over new sponsors.

The B.O.B.S. sponsorship chairman and the Lodi Recreation Supervisor will assign sponsors. Sponsors will not be required to provide any additional service, monies, adjustments, or additions to uniforms for their team unless approved by the B.O.B.S. Sponsorship Chairman and Lodi Recreation Supervisor. Sponsors names will appear on team uniforms. If sponsors do not wish to have their name on the team uniforms they may request to leave it blank or call it by another name.

Sponsor Priority Order

1. Returning sponsor 2. Coach - sponsor 3. Player - sponsor from previous year 4. Player - sponsor (new)

5. I) Schedules

Schedules are prepared by the Lodi Recreation Supervisor with advisement from the B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Committee and league coaches. Game schedules will comply with National Babe Ruth requirements. Teams may schedule additional practice games if diamonds are available and they stay within pitching rules, as per Babe Ruth rules. Schedules will be issued at the last league meeting prior to the opening of league play. Coaches are asked to check all NOTES on schedule.

J) Awards

Trophies are awarded to the play-off winners and runners-up ONLY.

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II. THE PROGRAM A) The Lodi Babe Ruth Program – National Affiliation

The Lodi Babe Ruth Baseball Program consists of five levels in the Babe Ruth Baseball Program. These levels are determined by the age groupings of the participants. The Lodi program covers the ages of 6-15 years. Our programs, by ages, are set in the following league levels: (April 30 of current year determines age)

1. 5-6 years old – Machine Pitch 2. 7-10's - Junior Baseball 3. 11-12's – Cal Ripken, Jr. Baseball 4. 13-15's - Babe Ruth

This manual will be concerned with 13-15 Babe Ruth levels only.

The local Babe Ruth programs were started in 1969 to enhance the baseball experience of our youth. The main objective was to affiliate with a program that gives us national exposure, sets rules, regulations, organizational guidelines, opportunities for advanced play in tournaments, and a named program that had a solid base within youth baseball circles. Our annual affiliation with National Babe Ruth has produced the exposure we feel is needed and offers many opportunities for administrative assistance, coaches training, yearly tournaments within surrounding area leagues, and helped establish sound goals, objectives, and good competitive attitudes regarding baseball.

The local Babe Ruth program must re-charter its program annually. This is accomplished by completing national forms and paying nominal fees. Along with affiliation in the national program, we are members in a State Region known as "Central California Babe Ruth Baseball" and "District 1." National Babe Ruth provides our local leagues rulebooks, clinic material, and a monthly publication for league officers and all coaches.

B) Player Eligibility for Program

1) Player registrations - The Lodi Recreation Department and B.O.B.S.

require players to register every year in order to be eligible for their league level. Registrations are announced through the efforts of the Lodi Recreation Department and B.O.B.S. in a program information flyer that is sent to schools and, in some cases, mailed directly to potential players. Newspapers and other media will be contacted to further announce these registrations.

2) Babe Ruth players must turn 13, 14 or 15 prior to May 1 of the current

year. Their age as of April 30 of the current year determines their age.

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3) Age determination per league level - The national rule to determine a young man's program age for play is his age on April 30 of the current year. The player's age for that particular season is whatever age he is on that date. Since we are directing this manual toward 13-15 year olds, he must be within this age range to be eligible for Lodi Babe Ruth Baseball. Once age is determined, the player will be placed in

the appropriate league level (13-15's in Babe Ruth). NOTE: It may be necessary to cut some players at these levels. All cut players will receive a full refund.

4) Forms - Once the two requirements listed above are determined, the

player must secure a registration form at the Lodi Recreation Office, complete and return it along with his proof of residence and fees.

5) Fees - Players are required to pay a registration fee. The fee is set by

the sponsoring organizations and must be paid when registering. (Sometimes special circumstances arise and a player is unable to pay. In that case, the Lodi Recreation or Babe Ruth Coordinator will make special arrangements as needed).

6) Dual Participation - Participation in the B.O.B.S Babe Ruth program is

limited to residents of Lodi Unified School District or those who attend school within the LUSD boundaries except as prescribed by the Babe Ruth charter. Players may participate in other programs and be eligible to play in the Babe Ruth program. Players are eligible for Babe Ruth upon conclusion of their school season.

C) Areas and Leagues

Babe Ruth Draw Area - The Lodi Babe Ruth League has been assigned, through their charter with National Babe Ruth, a geographical draw area in which all players must live to be eligible for our local programs. The geographical draw area is determined by Babe Ruth Commissioner and B.O.B.S Babe Ruth. This area includes the Lodi High School and Tokay High School attendance areas as well as other high schools (see boundary map). Once it is determined participants live within the above charter area, they are eligible for Lodi Babe Ruth.

D) Draft Procedures

Drafting - All players who have met the registration and tryout requirements are eligible for league level draft. The Lodi Recreation Department and B.O.B.S. will prepare player lists and will explain the particulars of drafting for each league level.

1) Babe Ruth Draft will use a draft set up for a one-year assignment.

Coaches will evaluate each and every candidate and set his priority list of eligible players for drafting.

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.

a) Regular Draft

The B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Committee and league coaches will evaluate players that do not attend tryouts or ask to be excused on an individual basis. Players not attending tryouts will not be allowed to be drafted to National League but will be allowed to participate in the American League Division. The B.O.B.S. Coordinator has the final authority for these players. Each case will be evaluated individually. The National Division draft order will be determined by reverse order of finish in the prior year. In 2016 we will draw for draft order with serpentine draft to follow for both National and American divisions

Roster Size Rule - Team coaches are reminded that they can draft any age group player they wish on any round. Roster sizes are determined before the draft by B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Coordinator and per Babe Ruth rule 0.05 Team Composition

2) General Draft Principles

a) Trading of New Drafted Players - At this point, if teams want to

exercise a trade for a new drafted player, they may negotiate with other coaches. If a trade is acceptable to coaches, the Lodi Recreation/B.O.B.S. Draft Committee must approve it.

b) Team Roster Completion – Upon completion of the draft,

coaches will be given team roster forms, these will become their final roster of players for the coming season.

c) Expansion/Contraction in Babe Ruth - The number of teams in

each division depends on the number of player registrations. From time to time it may be necessary to expand or contract a league. This process may affect the status of returning players. In contraction, the disbanded team's returning players would be asked to attend the tryouts and be placed in the pool of players to be drafted by the remaining teams. In expansion, some of the existing teams may be asked to release one or more of their returning players to form a pool from which the expansion team could choose to form a nucleus for their teams. (The expansion team may not choose more than one player from any of the returning team's list unless there are rare circumstances.) An alternative method to start an expansion team would be to award extra draft picks to that team. Each expansion/contraction situation will be analyzed by the Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth staff,

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with advisement from coaches, and dealt with on an individual basis as these situations occur.

d) Balancing By Age Group - Roster age make up will differ

somewhat from year to year. All teams will be required to draft, as close as possible, an equal number of 13-15's as each of the other teams. Numbers will be set prior to the draft and according to Babe Ruth Rule 0.05

E) Option Rules

Options - Prior to the beginning of the draft the Lodi Recreation Supervisor and B.O.B.S. Committee will discuss the draft, update eligibility list of players, ask for options, and answer questions as coaches prepare for the draft.

We should take this time to mention options which can be used in almost all draft league levels. Options can take place and be called in any round of the draft.

1) Coach/Son Option

The local Babe Ruth Committee has provided an option that allows a coach and his sibling to be assigned to the same team. This may be done ONLY with head coach and one assistant. All Coach/son options must meet the Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Committee approval before it can be authorized and must comply with the general rules of prior coaching experience between the two parties involved in this request. Once the coach/son option is approved, Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. staff will evaluate coach/son options in that level and come up with an appropriate round that these option players must be drafted. If they are not drafted in the set round, the option is dropped and players are no longer considered an option to a specific team but open to all teams for draft eligibility. Any coach’s option not covered specifically in the father/son option rule will be at the discretion of the BOBS coordinator and Recreation Supervisor.

2) Brother Option

Brothers to be assigned to the same team - A parental option that may be requested is to have brothers placed on the same team providing the brothers are in the same league level. There are times when this may not be possible. In this case, the Lodi Recreation Supervisor and Babe Ruth Committee will review the brother option.

The Babe Ruth Committee, with advisement from the coaches, will evaluate all brother situations. Before the draft the Babe Ruth

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Committee will inform the teams in which round the second brother can be taken. Once the brother option has been presented and the choice of the first brother has been retained, the other brother must be taken in the designated round.

3) Other Options

Other options or concerns may occur. If they do, the Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. Babe Ruth Baseball Committee is empowered to take required action and set procedure and policy.

F) Tryouts

Once prospective players have registered, they are eligible to tryout and are assigned to a team within their age level. Tryouts will be set to allow players to workout and for coaches to evaluate their players.

Players who are required to tryout must attend at least one tryout in order to be eligible for National league draft.

Players that do not attend the minimum required tryouts will be allowed to participate in the American Division. If a player is cut from the program a refunded will be issued unless previous arrangements have been made with the Lodi Recreation Supervisor and/or the Babe Ruth Committee.

In the 13-15 year old Babe Ruth program some players are considered "returning players." Players, who were 13 &14 years old and assigned to a National Division Babe Ruth team the previous year and register the following year, will automatically be assigned to the same team. One exception would be in expansion (see 3(d) Expansion section). Tryouts will be set and announced in relation to the league level and starting date for scheduled games.

NOTE: Tryout Pitching Rule (All levels with tryouts) All players with previous pitching experience (whether in Lodi or in any program) must tryout in order to pitch in the current season in Lodi Babe Ruth. All returning players to their National Division team are eligible to pitch!

III. GENERAL PROGRAM INFORMATION A) Divisions – 13-15’s Babe Ruth

1) National Division – 6 Teams with returning players to that team 2) American Division – Number of teams determined by number of participants. Players in this division will return the following year to tryout for National Division or be selected to a new team in the American Division

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B) Head Coaches and Assistant Coaches

1. The Lodi Recreation Supervisor and B.O.B.S. will select volunteer

coaches and assistant coaches. They will assign, train, evaluate, and terminate head coaches and assistant coaches within the Babe Ruth Baseball program. All coaching assignments are for one season. Coaches will be reviewed, terminated, or reassigned after each session of play or before the next season of play.

2. The conduct of head and assistant coaches must set a proper

example for all participants in the league. To put it plainly, stand up for your rights, but exhibit and practice good sportsmanship at all times. All volunteer coaches must uphold the B.O.B.S. Code of Ethics. Coaches are asked to read the Code of Ethics/Volunteer Coaches Policy and sign it prior to active participation in the program.

All coaches must be fingerprint cleared to participate.

3. No one is allowed on the field or on the benches except umpires, eligible players, one bat boy, and not more than three designated coaching staff members of a Babe Ruth league team.

Base coaches must be eligible players or designated coaching staff members of the team at bat. Players must be in uniform and must wear a batting helmet.

C) Transfers

Transfers will be reviewed and considered ONLY under extreme or serious conditions or circumstances. This is a draft league so transfers are very unlikely. If a problem exists, a refund may be given.

D) Refunds

Administration fee will be forfeited on all refunds after tryouts and/or draft completion! Refunds will be given for: 1) Medical Reasons (proof required) 2) Moves out of the Lodi area 3) Cut from team

All refunds must be requested by completing a Refund Request Form.

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E) Shortages (Call-up Procedures)

1) Roster Shortages for In-season Play - If teams find they do not have enough players to play a scheduled game, they may follow the procedures below:

Notify the Babe Ruth coordinator or Lodi Recreation Supervisor for approval. Restrictions do exist as to whom a team may bring up/over to play. Consult your coordinator if clarification is needed!

NOTE: Called up players may NOT play more than rostered players who are at the game, and may not start if rostered players are available to start. At no time is a called up player allowed to pitch.

2) Babe Ruth 13-15’s Call ups National League Division: If you are short players, you may bring up players from American League Division. You may only use that individual once and then you must seek other players if future situations occur. Players who substitute for a team must adhere to mandatory play rule and are unable to pitch for that team. You may draw to 9 plus one only. The coach must be notified. American League Division: If you are short players, you may bring over players from another American Division team. Players made available may be restricted by draft round (3rd round current drafted players or lower only) Players must wear their current teams’ uniform and not the team they are being asked to play for. You can not use National Division or Cal Ripken, Jr. players!

F) Practices

Once teams are formed, coaches can contact the Recreation Supervisor for practice assignments. Teams may schedule three practice assignments per week on regulation diamonds, until league play starts and need for fields to play scheduled games become more prevalent. At this time, teams are limited to three meetings (games and practices) per week. A fourth meeting may be held away from the practice fields. Coaches may practice no more than two hours maximum on a diamond so other teams may use facilities. Teams in the Babe Ruth groups will be sharing diamonds along with other program teams.

Violations of practice restrictions will be handled by the B.O.B.S. Coordinator and his committee as follows:

1. First Violation - Written notification. 2. Second Violation - Team forfeit one game. 3. Third Violation - Coach is relieved from his position.

G) Field Dimensions - 90' bases for all divisions.

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H) Game Lengths

1) A regulation game shall be seven innings or 2 hours and 10 minutes,

whichever comes first. NOTE: Tie games will be played out if time still remains on the time limit. Once the time limit is reached and a started inning is completed, if the game is still tied, it will be recorded as a tie. (See #3 below.)

2) Ten Run Rule – The Ten Run Rule is in effect with a lead of 10 runs

after (5) innings (41/2 if the home team is ahead) of a 7-inning game.

3) Quick Infield (Babe Ruth) If the first game of two scheduled games is completed less than 10 minutes BEFORE the scheduled game time of the next game both teams can only take infield during the first inning while their pitcher is warming up.

4) In case of rain or darkness, four innings or more shall constitute a

legal game. The home plate umpire shall be sole judge for calling a game because of rain or darkness. Called games because of rain, darkness, or any other reason called by umpires, shall go back to the last completed inning for the final and recorded result of the contest. If four innings are not finished the game will be re-scheduled unless it is called because of the time limit.

If a game is called because of poor team, coach, or spectator conduct, the Lodi Recreation Supervisor and Babe Ruth League Committee will determine the game result.

5) If each team has the same number of runs when the game is called, it

shall be declared a tie game.

Rule Interpretation: The time limit of a game is 2 hours and 10 minutes. If there is any time left when the 3rd out of an inning is made, a new inning shall be started. Once an inning starts, it will be completed unless the home team possesses the lead as their team comes to bat. The umpire/scorer will at that point call the game.

NOTE: An umpire has the authority to initiate play if a team purposely delays a game.

I) Play-off Procedures

Play-off - At the conclusion of league play, a play-off schedule will be created to accommodate teams in each division

Established weekly play, pitching rules, etc. will be used for play-offs just as though it was any ordinary week. All rules used in league play will be used in play-offs except as follows: All six-team and five-team leagues will follow a single elimination playoff format determined by the final standings. All seeding ties will be determined

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by coin flip if all other tiebreakers are even. Any Division greater than 6 teams, Top 4 go to playoffs

1) Rainouts (games suspended by rain) will be continued from the point

of suspension.

2) The Ten-Run-Rule will be enforced after 5 innings (4 ½ if the home team is ahead.)

In cases of ties in the standings, the following system will be used to break ties:

3) Points (3 for win, 1 for tie, -1 for forfeit) 4) Head-to-head competition 5) Conference/Division record (if applicable) 6) Record vs. “top 4” playoff teams 7) Coin flip (unless it is a tie for the last playoff position)

J) Protests

1) If a coach believes an umpire misinterpreted a rule and wishes to

protest the game, he must notify the plate umpire at the time of disputed play and before play is resumed. The plate umpire must notify the opposing coach immediately. The scorer shall mark all pertinent facts in the official scorebook. The protesting coach must submit his formal protest in writing within 48 hours of the completed game. The Lodi Recreation Supervisor shall contact both managers to appear before the B.O.B.S. Protest Committee and a final ruling will be made on the protest.

Any coach willfully using an illegal player at any time will be removed from his coaching duties immediately and suspended for three (3) years from coaching in all B.O.B.S. programs. An illegal or ineligible player is defined as a player whose name does not appear on the official team roster or the coach does not have said player’s approved medical release in his possession.

2) A protest based on an umpire's judgment is not permitted.

3) In the case of an ineligible player, the above protest procedure will be

allowed and the penalty shall be forfeiture of each game the ineligible player participated in.

K) Player Participation Rules

Standard Babe Ruth Baseball Re-Entry Play Rule in Babe Ruth will be used. 1) Babe Ruth – Regular Season

All players must play two consecutive innings (12 outs) of each and every game, unless they are being held out of a game for disciplinary

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action or injury/illness medical reasons. If this is the case (disciplinary/medical reasons), the coach must indicate this to the umpire and opposing coach when covering ground rules.

Substitutions must be made no later than the TOP of the FIFTH INNING. All substitutions dealing with players who have not been in the game can occur anytime, provided the player being removed has met his mandatory play time. All mandatory substitutions MUST BE MADE BY THE TOP OF THE FIFTH INNING. Re-entering starters may re-enter the game once the player he is re-entering for has played his two consecutive innings (12 outs). He must re-enter in his original line-up spot.

2) Batting- Lineup only (9 players)

3) Re-Entry Rule -

Any of the nine starting players may withdraw and re-enter once, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever he is in the line-up. The pitcher is governed by provisions in the Official Baseball Rule 3.05. A substitute who is withdrawn may not re-enter.

NOTE: If a player re-enters illegally as pitcher, fielder, or runner, there is no penalty except that he must be removed from the game immediately when discovered. If he re-enters illegally as a batter, such illegal re-entry is penalized according to Official Baseball Rule 6.07, Batting Out of Order. Listed below are interpretations of the above rule:

A) This rule applies to both local league and tournament play.

B) Each of the nine starting players may be withdrawn from the

game and re-enter once.

C) The starting player, when re-entered, must occupy the same batting position as he occupied when starting the game, i.e., a starting player and his substitute cannot be in the game at the same time.

D) A starting pitcher withdrawn from the game may re-enter

immediately if he was withdrawn while a batter or base runner. If a starting pitcher is withdrawn while he is on the mound pitching, his substitute must fulfill Official Baseball Rule 3.05 (b) before he is permitted to re-enter the game. (tournament rule)

E) All other starting players may be withdrawn and re-entered

immediately or anytime at the discretion of the manager (tournament rule).

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F) A substitute withdrawn from the game can never re-enter the

game.

G) An injured or ejected player may be replaced to avoid forfeiture if no substitutes are available.

MANDATORY PLAY RULE PENALTY

NOTE: All games must be completed. Violation of the Mandatory Play Rule is forfeiture of game. If an occasion arises that is beyond the control of the manager/coach, the plate umpire must be notified immediately. The Babe Ruth Committee will review the protest and ruling will be made within seven days unless protest requires immediate attention.

Examples of review able situations:

1. Parents removing player for an appointment without giving the coach

sufficient notification.

2. Sudden illness. * The manager/coach should make himself aware prior to the game of any player who has time restraints put upon him. Players must play the required time.

IV. RULES SPECIFIC TO VARIOUS DIVISIONS

A. Special Rules of Importance and Emphasis for All Leagues

Teaching base runners how and when to slide is an important part of a coach's responsibility. Players should be instructed to slide or avoid being put out (without violent contact) on any close play at first, second, third, and home, not only to avoid injury to the fielder, but also to prevent personal injury.

B. Protective Head Gear

1) Batters

All batters, on deck batters, base runners, and players serving as base coaches must wear protective gear.

A player who refuses to wear protective headgear will not be allowed to bat, coach bases, or be a base runner. A batter or base runner that intentionally throws his protective headgear while running to a base or between bases will automatically be called out.

2) Catchers

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Catchers must wear the helmet/mask combination when catching in a game or practice session. Masks must be worn any time a catcher or player is warming up a pitcher at a practice game or warming up in the bullpen. A protective cup must be worn.

C. Crashing Into A Fielder

There have been cases where the base runner, upon seeing the catcher or another fielder who has the ball waiting for the runner, remains on his feet and deliberately and with great force, crashes into the defensive player hoping to jar the infielder so hard that he will drop the ball rather than slide or make an attempt to avoid being tagged out. Severe injury can result from such unnecessary unsportsmanlike tactics. It is the duty of the umpire to declare the runner out. When the action of the runner is also interpreted as being a flagrant act, the violator will be disqualified from the game. Coaches and players must be aware that umpires are asked to watch more closely for obstructions by the catcher and other fielders. It appears that coaches need to remind their players of the rule pertaining to obstruction and the proper method of making the tag during putouts. Catchers need to be taught to give runners a piece of home plate in which to slide prior to receiving the ball to make the put out. It appears catchers, because of the added protective equipment, defy runners to challenge them and have the tendency to obstruct runners unnecessarily when they do not have the ball. We have the ability to make the put out at first, second, and third base without violent collision; it should be no different at home plate. It is the umpires’ duty to enforce the obstruction rule and not give the defense an unfair advantage.

D. Faking a Tag Without the Ball

Faking a tag on a runner when that defensive player does not have the ball must be curtailed. The Committee has changed the rule to provide that when a defensive player fakes a tag when he does not have the ball, obstruction is called. Repeated violations of faking a tag without the ball may result in disqualification.

E. Coaches Charging Umpires on Judgment Calls

The Rules Committee is disturbed that coaches have charged umpires and others connected with the team to question a judgment call. There is no place for such tactics in amateur baseball. Any player, coach, or bench personnel who charges an umpire or questions a judgment call will be warned to stop at once. If the warning is not heeded immediately, the offender will be banished from the game. If after one warning to a member of a team (coach, player, or scorekeeper) a member charges an umpire, that offender will be banished for the remainder of the game.

F. Bench and Field Conduct

The Committee has been apprised many coaches and players are guilty of conduct detrimental to the game of baseball. Specifically, the Committee

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has been informed that the practice of baiting opponents is on the rise. The Code of Ethics for baseball players and coaches states, "The ethics and sportsmanship of players, coaches, officials and others associated with the games must be exemplary and beyond reproach." The penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct, as it pertains to using remarks, which reflect on opposing players, is disqualification. The Rules Committee hopes coaches will work with their players to eliminate these unsportsmanlike acts.

G. B.O.B.S. Ejection Policy

Head and Assistant Coaches:

Any coach that is ejected from a game will be suspended from the next two (2) games and will be put on a one year probation (the current season and next). Any further ejections that season will result in a minimum three (3) game suspension and can carry over to the next season. A third ejection removes the coach as a coach for the remainder of the season.

Players:

Players who are ejected will be suspended for one (1) game. A second ejection will be for two (2) games. A third ejection will result in the player being released from the team. Fans:

Fans who are ejected or removed will be suspended for one (1) game. A second offense will be for a minimum of three games.

Note: The B.O.B.S. Sports Committee or Program Coordinator may

extend any suspensions and/or probations as offense warrants.

H) Out-of-Play Interpretations

1. The ball is dead whenever it crosses the out-of-play line.

2. On an overthrow, when the ball goes out-of-play, the award of bases is as follows:

a) Overthrown by an infielder - Two bases for each runner from

the start of the play. (Pitch) This is referring to ground ball plays for an infielder.

b) Overthrown by an outfielder - Two bases for each runner at the

time the outfielder lets go of the ball. NOTE: It means the award of bases is made at the time the outfielder threw the ball and not when the ball crosses the out-of-play line.

c) Overthrow by a pitcher - When the pitcher attempts a pick-off

with his foot in contact with the pitching plate and throws the ball out-of-play. The award shall be one base for each runner.

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NOTE: If the pitcher attempts a pick-off with his foot NOT in contact with the rubber, he shall be the same as an infielder.

3. On a fly ball, both feet must be inside the out-of-play line for a catch

to be good. If either foot crosses the out-of-play line after the catch, the batter is out, ball is dead, and all runners advance one base. In the case of intentionally carrying the ball out-of-play, two bases will be awarded to all runners.

I) Tryout Pitching Rule (All levels with tryouts)

All players with previous pitching experience, whether in Lodi or in any other program, must tryout if they are to pitch in the current season in Lodi Babe Ruth.

Penalty: Any games pitched by an illegal pitcher will be forfeited and the coach will be put on probation.

J) Pitching Rule Interpretations Babe Ruth Rule 0.006 Pitching Limitations

13-15 Program 1. Any pitcher, regardless of age, may pitch seven innings per

calendar week. This rule applies to regular schedule and all play-off games.

2. Pitching eligibility, in effect for re-scheduled and make-up games, goes in accordance to the calendar week in which the games are replayed or re-scheduled. 3. If a pitcher delivers one pitch in an inning, he shall be charged

for one inning pitched.

4. A calendar week is Monday through Sunday.

5. A pitcher must have two full days’ rest between pitching assignments when he has pitched in more than three innings in a game. This would be a calendar week or between two calendar weeks. If a pitcher pitches three or less innings in a game, the rest rule is not in effect. Pitcher would still adhere to eligible innings per week rule. This means two full calendar days.

6. The word "assignments" means each game in which a pitcher pitches

is considered one assignment. A pitcher in the same game may start out as pitcher, play another position, and return to the mound; this would still be considered one assignment.

7. Examples of pitching assignments:

a) Pitcher pitches four innings on Monday and may pitch three

innings on Thursday.

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b) Pitcher pitches seven innings on Monday, he cannot pitch until

the following Monday, which begins the new calendar week.

c) Pitcher pitches six innings on Tuesday; he may pitch one inning on Friday.

d) Pitcher pitches seven innings on Tuesday; he cannot pitch until

Monday of the new calendar week.

e) Pitcher pitches three innings on Wednesday; he may pitch four innings on the next day or any day through to Saturday.

f) Pitcher pitches seven innings on Wednesday; he cannot pitch

until Monday, which begins the new calendar week.

g) Pitcher pitches three innings or less on Saturday; he would be eligible for seven innings on Monday of the new calendar week.

h) Pitcher pitches four or more innings on Saturday; he cannot

pitch again until Tuesday.

NOTE: If a game is called before it has become a regulation game and the umpire declares it "no game", the pitching eligibility is the same as it was prior to the beginning of the "no game" situation.

8) Exhibition Season rules see addendum: V. OFFENSIVE CONFERENCE

A. There will be only one charged conference between the manager

and/or other team representative(s) and the batter or runner(s) in an inning. The umpire shall not permit any such conferences in excess of one in an inning.

Penalty: Ejection of the manager or coach who insists on another charged conference.

VI. TOURNAMENT TEAMS

Tournament Play - Players/Coaches - Tournament levels at the conclusion of local league play - tournament teams will be selected to compete in District, State, or Regional-type tournaments. The Lodi Recreation Department/B.O.B.S. will determine participation with consent of coaches and league personal.

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Team Selection - If teams are chosen, players will be nominated by team coaches and finally selected by coaches on league level teams, or the tournament team coaches. All teams must comply with National Babe Ruth Tournament team rules as to number of teams per league and the number of rostered players. Coaches are asked to be aware of these rules and tournament player eligibility guidelines.

Dates - Tournament team play runs into July and can go into August if teams advance to higher levels of play, to include the World Series. Team expenses will be covered by the B.O.B.S. organization but may fall on the shoulders and responsibility of team parents. They may assist in working out financial and team details. Tournament Team Coaches - Selection Process - During each league level of play, the Babe Ruth Committee's assigned Coordinator will contact coaches within each level to inquire if they would be interested in coaching/managing a tournament team if that level should in fact have a tournament team. The Coordinator and Lodi Recreation Supervisor/B.O.B.S. staff will evaluate coaches who are interested in coaching the tournament team. Only two assistant coaches and one manager/head coach per team will be selected.

These coaches are responsible to coach/manage the tournament team(s) and ensure players have transportation to and from games, issue and collect uniforms, and generally oversee the players. When teams are required to travel further than their district boundaries for tournament level play, the B.O.B.S. will assist with arrangements for players and coaches. In state or above level tournaments, coaches will be responsible for family member's involvement and finances unless the sponsoring organizations have made available compensation. Each player will be assessed $35.00 uniform deposit.