CYB Rules – Shetland Division

Scope:                    These rules apply to the Shetland division of Chandler Youth Baseball (CYB) – ages 5 & 6.  Rules for the other divisions are published separately.

Rule Book:           The official rules are found in the Official Baseball Rules book (published by Sporting News) – unless overridden by these CYB rules.

Game Location:    All games will be played at the park and field shown on the schedule unless modified by a league official.

Game Start:          The starting time for each game is as shown on the schedule or as designated by a league official.  If the game is delayed (e.g. umpire arriving late), the umpire shall designate the start time.

6-run rule:            A half-inning shall be declared over when:
1) The defensive team has recorded three outs;
2) The batting team has scored six runs in that inning.  The scorekeeper should advise the umpire when six runs have been scored in an inning.

Game Finish:        A game is over when either five innings have been played or when the inning has ended which was in progress when one hour (1:00) has elapsed.

Home Team:         The home team is the second team listed on the schedule.  The home team will set up along the third base line and will provide an official scorekeeper and a game ball.

Line-up:                 All players shall play in the field on defense.  “Extra players” may not play in the infield (umpire’s discretion).  No player shall remain at the same defensive position for more than two innings and should be rotated between the infield and the outfield.

Coaches:               Up to three coaches may be on the field to advise the players on defense.  On offense, a coach may assist a player in getting set in the batter’s box.

Scorekeeper:       The scorekeeper will keep score during the game using the official CYB scorebook.  The scorekeeper should keep track of how many runs have been scored each inning (maxiumum of six).

Line-up:                 All players present (and only players who are present) shall be in the line-up.
Any player who arrives late will be added to the bottom of the batting order.
If a player gets injured or must leave the game prior to completion, he/she is removed from the lineup with no penalty.

Uniforms:              Each player must wear a matching team shirt, and a cap (when in the field).  Players may not wear jewelry during a game.

Equipment:            All players batting, on-deck, on base or in the coaching boxes are required to wear a helmet.  The catcher is also required to wear a helmet.  Bats may not be more than 2¾ in diameter.  Metal cleats are not allowed.

Batting:                 Batters are allowed five swings at the ball on the tee to hit a fair ball (no pitching).  Bunting is not allowed and will be called a foul ball.  Any hit ball must travel at least 10 feet from home plate or it will be called a foul ball.  A batter who throws the bat will be called out (after one warning per team per game).

Fielding:                When the ball is held up by an infielder in the infield, the umpire shall call "time".  Any runner who is more than halfway to the next base shall be awarded that base; any runner who is not halfway shall be returned to the previous base.  The infield fly rule is not in effect.  Outfielders must stay behind chalk line until the ball is hit.

Ground rules:      If a ball is hit beyond the cones on a fly (which designate the back edge of the outfield), the batter shall be awarded a home run.  If a ball travels beyond the cones after hitting the ground, the batter shall be awarded a ground-rule double.

Base Running:     Base runners must remain in contact with the base until the ball is hit.  If a player is injured or sick, a pinch runner may be used.  No other pinch runners are allowed.

Sliding:                 Players are not required to slide.  However, a base runner who intentionally causes a collision during a play at any base and does not slide shall be called out.  Sliding head first is not allowed.

Last Revised:        2/17/2005