Age cut-off (birthday) | 4/30 |
# of weekly games* | 2-3 |
# of innings per game | 6 |
Game start time | 6:15 or 6:30PM |
Game time limit | 2 hrs., start last inning before 8:15pm (8:30pm) & finish, max. end time 8:45pm (9pm) |
Run limit per inning | None |
Mercy rule | 15 runs after 4 complete innings (coaches can decide to continue playing after mercy rule is reached, though game is officially over) |
End-of-season playoffs** | Yes |
Fence distance | No restrictions |
Pitching mound distance (raised or flat) | 60' |
Base distance | 90' |
Game balls | 9 in./5 oz., 2 provided by home team |
Preferred number of Umpires per game | 1 umpires (certified) (2 for playoffs) |
Minimum number of players to start game | 8 |
Mandatory play time | 6 defensive outs (does not need to be consecutive) |
Call-ups permitted | From same age division or one level down |
Metal spikes allowed | Yes |
Non-permitted attire by pitcher | No white sleeves, sunglasses (prescription ok), batting glove under mitt, jewelry |
Pitching restrictions (pitch count) | Pitches/Days Rest 1-20 = 0 21-35 = 1 36-50 = 2 51-65 = 3 66-95 = 4 |
Pitcher re-entry as pitcher | No |
Pitches permitted | Any |
Pitcher warm-up by coach | Yes |
Intentional walk | Advance runner, don't pitch |
Balk | Yes |
Hit batter limit | Replace pitcher on 3rd hit batter |
Visits to mound | 1/inning, pitcher must be replaced on 2nd visit in same inning |
Catchers - # of defensive innings | Unlimited |
Catchers required equipment | Catcher's mitt, cup, chest protector, helmet (throat guard optional) |
Catchers permitted to pitch | Yes |
Catchers pitching restrictions | None |
# of outfielders | 3 |
Bat restrictions | Max. 2 3/4" diameter w/"official" baseball marking |
Continuous batting order | Yes |
On-deck batter | Permitted inside fence on side of batter or per field rules (donuts ok) |
Lead offs | Yes |
Steals/advancements limit (not on a play) | Unlimited |
Dropped 3rd strike | Yes |
Head-first sliding | No (dive-back permitted) |
Courtesy runner | Use last out to run for pitcher/catcher when there are two outs |
Infield fly rule | Yes |
Additional notes:
· OHSAA rules apply if not specified by above
· Insurance must be carried by each community
· Background checks for coaches are the responsibility of each community
· All players must be registered through community recreation leagues (but can live in a different community)
· Roster limits are at the discretion of each community league
· Recreation team rosters should be as balanced as possible if more than one team in a respective division
· Community league boards may place players one level higher than their age group if they deem it appropriate
· Umpires are to be scheduled/paid for by the home team
· Recreational teams will play a minimum of 12 games in a regular season, plus playoffs