Rookie Rep/Sel Rules (North London Baseball)

Diamond Layout

• The pitching machine must be directly in front of home plate at 44ft.
  
  
• An 8ft diameter safety circle should be marked off by chalk or a line with the pitching machine in it's centre.
  
  
• Lines should be marked off 4ft wide at either side of the pitching machine behind the release point.
  
  
• The electrical cord must run along the ground at 90 degrees to the baseline (or as close to 90 degrees as possible)

(Basic) Playing Rules

• There are 10 players on the field during play - 1LF, 1RF, 2 CF, 3B, 2B, 1B, SS, 1 Catcher and 1 Pitcher position.

• A team may play as long as it has 9 players.  If it drops to 8 or fewer players, the game is forfeited to the other team.
  
  
• Any inning will be 3 outs or 7 runs, whichever comes first.
  
  
• Each batter will receive 5 strikes called by the umpire.  Foul balls on the 5th strike will not result in an out.  Pitches that are over a batter's head or in the dirt will not be called strikes unless the batter swings at the pitch.  See illustration at the bottom of this page.
  
  
• Base runners cannot leave the base until the batter makes contact with the ball.  There are no leadoffs or steals.  Runners may be warned, but could be called out if they leave the base prior to contact.  
  
  
• If a batted ball, or thrown ball contacts the pitching machine, the cord within the safety circle or the coach, the ball is called dead and first base is awarded along with any player that is forced to move.
  
  
• Players must drop the bat and not throw it.  Each team will receive one warning per game, after the warning any further offences will result in the batter being called out by the umpire.
  
  
• All games are a maximum of 7 innings or until a winner is declared.  A game is considered complete after 5 innings or at any point where the opposing team is unable to win or tie the game.
  
  
• Infielders can ask for time in the infield area.  Time will be given at the umpire's discretion when continuous action from the play has stopped.  The ball does NOT have to go back to the pitcher for the infield to call time.  See the illustration at the bottom of this page.  
  
  
• Small adjustments to the pitching machine are allowed between pitches.  The minimum speed is 35mph and the maximum is 40mph.
  
  
• The pitcher position must stand beside the pitching machine outside of the safety circle and behind the release point lines.
  
  
• Once the ball is released, the pitcher may move ahead of the release point line, but no part of the player is permitted to enter the safety circle (i.e. reaching into the circle etc.).  If any player or body part enters the circle, the play is called dead and runners will be awarded one base.  See diagram below:

 

2023_9U_Playing_Rules