Tar Heel Leagues, Inc.
2006 - Official Rules
Disclaimer: The print version of the Tar Heel leagues, Inc. Rule Book supersedes this electronic version.
www.tarheelbb.com
Tar Heel Leagues, Inc.
Invites
All North Carolina Youth Leagues
To Affiliate With Us
For Franchise Application Blanks,
Rule Books, and other information,
please write to:
TAR HEEL LEAGUES, INC.
P.O. Box 1391
Dunn, NC 28335
Phone: (910) 892-5940
Fax:(910)892-5940
Web Site: www.tarheelbb.com
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE.................................................................................................. 5
BOARD OF DIRECTORS ................................................................................................... 5
COACH PITCH * MIDGET * LITTLE * JUNIOR * SENIOR ...........................- 7 GENERAL RULES ...................................................................................................................................................- 7 I - THE LEAGUE....................................................................................................................................................- 7 II - TEAMS ...........................................................................................................................................................- 7 III - ELIGIBLE PLAYERS .............................................................................................................................- 8 IV – BOUNDARIES ..........................................................................................................................................- 9 V - LEAGUE SCHEDULES ..............................................................................................................................- 9 VI - THE PLAYING FIELD ............................................................................................................................- 9 VII - OFFICIAL EQUIPMENT ...................................................................................................................- 10 VIII – FORFEITURE......................................................................................................................................- 11 IX – PROTEST ..................................................................................................................................................- 11 X – SPONSORS................................................................................................................................................- 11 XI - MANAGERS AND COACHES.............................................................................................................- 11 XII OFFICIAL SCORER................................................................................................................................- 12 XIII – GAMES ..................................................................................................................................................- 12 XIV – UMPIRES...............................................................................................................................................- 12 -
COACH PITCH LEAGUE.......................................................................................... - 13 Official Rules - Tournament Play..............................................................................................................- 13 Eligible Players...............................................................................................................................................- 13 Equipment and Uniforms..........................................................................................................................- 13 Playing Field.....................................................................................................................................................- 13 Coaches...............................................................................................................................................................- 13 Playing Rules ...................................................................................................................................................- 13 -
MIDGET AND LITTLE LEAGUES.......................................................................... - 15 Official Rules - Tournament Play..............................................................................................................- 15 1.00 - PLAYING RULES...............................................................................................................................- 15 2.00 - REGULATION GAME .......................................................................................................................- 15 3.00 - PITCHING RULES ............................................................................................................................- 15 -
JUNIOR & SENIOR LEAGUES.............................................................................. - 17 Official Rules -Tournament Play ...............................................................................................................- 17 4.00 - REGULATION GAME .......................................................................................................................- 17 5.00 - PITCHING RULES ............................................................................................................................- 17 -
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SAMPLE LEAGUE CONSTITUTION......................................................................... 19
1:00 - YOUTH BASEBALL............................................................................................................................... 19
Objectives:.......................................................................................................................................................... 19
2:00 - LEAGUE MANAGEMENT.................................................................................................................... 19
THE PLAYER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM................................................................. 21
ROTATING NUMBER SYSTEM ................................................................................. 22
POINTS OF EMPHASIS .............................................................................................. 23
LAYOUT OF COACH PITCH TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD.............................................. 24
LAYOUT OF MIDGET TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD .............................................................. 25
LAYOUT OF LITTLE TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD............................................................ 26
LAYOUT OF JUNIOR TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD .............................................................. 27
LAYOUT OF SENIOR TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD.............................................................. 28
LIST OF FIGURES............................................................................................................ 31
NOTES .............................................................................................................................. 32
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Tar Heel Leagues, Inc.
P.O. Box 1391 Dunn, North Carolina 28335
Executive Committee
JIMMY GAINES
State President
P.O. Box 1391
Dunn, NC 28335
910-892-5940 • 919-708-9058 • Cell: 919-356-6422
GREG JOHNSON
OSCAR H. PACE, JR.
Vice President
1100 Eli Bowen Road
Williamston, NC 27892
State Umpire in Chief
12426 Hwy. 27 W
Broadway, NC 27505
919-770-1280
252-799-7173
252-792-5232
919-499-9971
DENNIS MAIDON
GORDON HAMPTON
Web Master
9411 Buffalo Road
Clayton, NC 27527
919-819-0136
919-965-3600
Assistant Umpire in Chief
2992 Garnet Lane
Lenoir, NC 28645
828-728-8411 • 828-728-1814
828-493-1374
Board of Directors
District One
DAVID FISHER
P.O. Box 207
Shelby, NC2815*
704-484-6839
704-484-2727
District Three
HAROLD GAINES
805 Pumping Station Rd.
Sanford, NC 27330
Cell: 919-353-3994
919-776-3087
District Two
NELSON MARTIN
P.O. Box 218
North Wilkesboro, NC 28659
336-838-3359
336-667-1012
District Four
TERRY GILES
8070 Collier's Chapel Ch. Rd.
Linden, NC 28356
910-980-0216
910-892-7171
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District Five
GARY JOHNSON
P.O. Box 2344 Smithfield, NC 27577
919-934-2148 919-796-8641 919-9633959
District Seven
STEVE BARNES
203 Fairview St.
Williamston, NC 27892
252-792-8898
252-217-7217
District Six
GREG JOHNSON
202 E. Vance St.
Zebulon, NC 27597
919-269-8265
919-369-3225
At-Large-Member
TIM COOKE
P.O. Box 169
Granite Falls, NC 28630
828-396-1221
Fax:828-396-3133
Figure 1 - District Map
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COACH PITCH * MIDGET * LITTLE * JUNIOR * SENIOR
GENERAL RULES
I - THE LEAGUE
A - It is strongly recommended that the league shall be the only unit of organization; however,
if all the managing personnel of the leagues agree, there may be multiple organizations.
B - The league shall be a community project and as such, all those active in the project may
make up the managing personnel. The personnel may include player representative, scorers,
coaches, umpires, managers, ground keepers and all elected officers.
C - The Tar Heel Leagues must be composed of from four (4) to ten (10) teams. The boundary
limits shall be established by local league office and will not infringe upon another community,
town, or city attempting to establish a league in the Tar Heel League program. There shall be
no population restrictions. State President will have the authority to accept new leagues with
less than four (4) teams.
D - Several small nearby towns or communities may combine to form a league provided they
meet the conditions of rule C.
E - Sanction fees for all Tar Heel Leagues will be $35.00 per team. Tournament sanction fee
eliminated.
F - Each League must apply for sanction annually with application forms issued by the office of
the State President of the Tar Heel Leagues, Inc., and must be filed not later than May 15 of
the year concerned.
II - TEAMS
A - Each team shall consist of a minimum of thirteen (13) and maximum of twenty (20)
players. The state president shall have the right to waive this rule upon receipt of letter from
league requesting change.
B - No Midget League team may have more than eight (8) players with a league age of ten
(10). No minimum on players ages nine (9) or eight (8). The state president shall have the
right to waive this rule upon receipt of letter from league requesting change.
C - No Little League team may have more than eight (8) players with a league age of twelve
(12) years. No limit on eleven (11) and ten (10) years old provided they do not exceed 20. The
state president shall have the right to waive this rule upon receipt of letter from league
requesting change.
D - Leagues not having a Midget division may use eight or nine year olds. There will be a state
tournament for Midget League.
E - No Junior League team shall have more than eight (8) players with a league age of
fourteen (14) years and each team must have a minimum of five (5) players with a league age
of thirteen (13). The state president shall have the right to waive this rule upon receipt of
letter from league requesting change.
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F - No Senior League team shall have more than eight (8) players with a league age of
seventeen (17) years and each team must have a minimum of five (5) players with league age
of fifteen (15). The state president shall have the right to waive this rule upon receipt of letter
from league requesting change.
G - Once a player is drafted or placed on a team, such player remains property of that team
for duration of eligibility.
H - All managers shall register the names of all eligible players with League office at least four
days prior to the first League game.
I. - Age for league purposes means "League Age which is that age" attained prior to May 1st of
the season in question. (For example:) A boy who is ten years of age early in the season but
who will be eleven years of age on or before July 31 will have a "League Age" of eleven.
J. - Should a team lose one of the players on its playing roster during a playing season for
some bonafide reason; he may add players to replace those lost by contacting the player
representative. The added players shall become a bonus player and the player replaced is
considered released.
K. - A player must not be released for any reason between the time the League schedule is
completed until the time to register for playing roster in the spring.
L. - Teams may, within ten (10) days after the first regularly scheduled game, trade players.
On the eleventh (11) day, all managers shall register their final playing roster with their
League Office.
III - ELIGIBLE PLAYERS
A. - Coach Pitch - Any player whose ninth (9) birthday falls on or after May 1st of current year
is eligible to compete in Coach Pitch play. A player must be six (6) years of age.
B. - Midget - Any player whose eleventh (11) birthday falls on or after May 1st of current year
is eligible to compete in Midget League play. A player must be eight (8) years of age.
C. - Little - Any player whose thirteenth (13) birthday falls on or after May 1st of current year
is eligible to compete in Little League play. A player must have a minimum League age of eight
(8).
D. - Junior - Any player whose fifteenth (15) birthday falls on or after May 1st of current year
is eligible to compete in Junior League program.
E. - Senior - Any player whose eighteenth (18) birthday falls on or after May 1st of current
year is eligible to compete in Senior League program.
F - Dates of birth of players shall be certified by an original registration of birth issued by a
government agency, or copy or photo static copy of the original. When such documents are
not available, the League President shall forward to Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. headquarters as
much documentary evidence as possible. If the State President determines that such evidence
is satisfactory, a statement to that effect will be sent to the League President which shall be
acceptable in lieu of other records.
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G - Birth Certificates described in Rule B shall be presented to the players representative or
other authorized personnel at least four days prior to the first game.
H - All players must attend at least fifty (50) percent of the total sessions called by team
manager in his league to be eligible for the team roster unless: Player has recently moved into
community, sickness or injury.
I - Any player who wishes to change leagues from one season to another must file a "Letter of
Request" to League President. If approved by the League President, must be forwarded to
District Director and if approved by all parties, forwarded to State President. Any player
released from a league will not be allowed to return to original league. "Release forms" may be
obtained from State President. All forms must be signed and approved by each League
President(s) as well as each District Director(s). All paperwork must be completed prior to
player(s) participating in any game. State President has authority to waiver in hardship cases.
IV – BOUNDARIES
A - The managing personnel of each league shall determine the actual boundaries from which
it will select players.
B - When two or more leagues operate within a certain locale, each must have its own
boundaries. Boundaries for Midget, Little, Junior and Senior Leagues need not be the same.
C - When making application for franchise, a map with league boundaries must be included.
When a franchise is granted, boundaries for each league will be protected for that calendar
year. When changes occur, a new map must be forwarded to the league office.
D - In the event a player's residence changes during the playing season, the league which said
player started the season with, reserves the right to continue to use said player's service for
the remainder of the current season only.
V - LEAGUE SCHEDULES
A - The managing personnel of each league shall prepare the regular season schedule. This
schedule shall provide for a minimum of 10 games.
B - Night games played under artificial lights are permissible.
C - Each team must play a schedule of one game per week. A team may not play more than
three games per week, in local league play.
VI - THE PLAYING FIELD
A-1 - Coach Pitch - The distance between all bases shall be 60 feet. The distance from the
point of home plate to the front of the pitching plate shall be 40 feet. Mound is not necessary.
Chalk line must go to all bases.
A-1 - Midget - The distance between all bases shall be 60 feet. The distance from the point of
home plate to front of the pitching plate shall be 46 feet. Playing field must have a pitching
mound.
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A-2 - Little - The distance between all bases shall be 65 feet. The distance from the point of
home plate to front of the pitching plate shall be 48 feet. Playing field must have a pitching
mound.
A-3 - Junior - The distance between all bases shall be 80 feet. The distance from the point of
home plate and the front of the pitching plate must be 56 feet. Playing field must have a
pitching mound.
A-4 - Senior - The distance between all bases shall be 90 feet. The distance from the point of
home plate and the front of the pitching plate must be 60 feet 6 inches. Playing field must
have a pitching mound.
B - Home plate, the pitcher's rubber, bases, batters box, coach’s box, shall be the official size
used in regulation baseball. This applies to all leagues.
C - For other measurements of playing field see cuts on pages 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19.
D - Home run distance shall be the minimum indicated on 11, 13, 15, 17 and 19.
E - The 3-foot restraining line shall begin half the distance from home plate to first base.
VII - OFFICIAL EQUIPMENT
A - All players must be in baseball uniforms. Uniforms shall consist of cap, shirt, pants, shoes
and stockings. The use of colored T-shirts of not more than two colors are permitted in local
league play and in tournament play. Regular baseball trousers, cap and stockings, however,
must be worn with the T-shirt. No identification may be worn to identify any other youth
baseball organization. Penalty - Forfeiture of game.
B - Coach Pitch Midget and Little Leagues: The bat shall be round and made of wood, or any
other approved material. Not to exceed 33 inches in length or 2 1/4 inches in diameter.
B2 - Junior and Senior Leagues: The bat shall be round and made of wood, or any other
approved material, and shall not exceed 36 inches in length or 2 3/4 in diameter.
B3 - Bat weight will not be a factor.
C - Coach Pitch Midget and Little Leagues: The ball shall be of the "Official Tar Heel Leagues."
Junior and Senior Leagues: The ball shall be of the "Official Tar Heel League."
D - Tennis shoes or shoes with molded rubber cleats are permitted in all Tar Heel League play.
Metal spikes are permitted in Junior and Senior Leagues.
E - A protective helmet must be worn by all batters and must be a helmet that gives protection
to temples, ears, and base of skull. Turtle shape style helmets without the ear protectors will
not be approved for Tar Heel Leagues.
Helmets must be worn by all base runners in local league and tournament play.
F - Catchers must wear all protective equipment, masks (to include hockey style) with
detachable throat protector, shin guards, chest protector, athletic supporters with protective
cup and full catcher’s helmets in local league and tournament play.
G - Any player warming up another player in live ball territory must have a protective helmet.
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H - If a team uses a bat person, said person must wear protective headgear.
VIII – FORFEITURE
A - A team must have 9 eligible players to start a game, but will be allowed to finish with 8
players for any reason.
B - Playing ineligible players shall result in forfeiture of games in which players participated
illegally.
IX – PROTEST
A - A protest based on a play which involves umpires judgment is not permitted. His word shall
be final.
B - The only legal protest is one which involves a violation of playing rules or the use of an
ineligible player, and is protested at time of infraction.
C - The protesting manager must immediately notify the umpire he is protesting. The umpire
shall announce that the game is being played under protest.
D - A protest shall be considered only if it is placed in writing and submitted to the League
President within 48 hours after the infraction in local league games only.
X – SPONSORS
Teams in local leagues shall be sponsored only by those organizations or business firms whose
activities or products are not detrimental to the welfare of the community youth.
XI - MANAGERS AND COACHES
A - Adult coaches will be allowed to coach at first and third base_ All coaches must be dressed
neat and in like manner. Only adults listed on affidavit will be allowed in dugout.
B - An offensive manager or coach may call time only once in an inning, and/or batter for the
purpose of getting instructions from the coach. On the second time out the batter on whom the
violation occurred shall be removed, and pinch hitter inserted in his place.
B1 - The coaches shall refrain from calling opposing players by name; he may not commit any
act of unsportsmanlike conduct or he will be removed.
B2 - No person will be allowed the use of tobacco products inside the fences during play of
game.
C - A defensive manager or coach may request one charged conference per inning. On the
second and any subsequent request, the pitcher must be removed from the mound. (This does
not include a conference when the pitcher is removed.)
D - The only exceptions to these rules are in case of injury, or if time is called by the opposing
coach or umpire.
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E - If violations of B and C occur to the point where more than three batters are replaced or
more than 5 pitchers used, game shall be forfeited.
XII OFFICIAL SCORER
A - Each league play shall provide an official scorer who shall keep all records as well as
innings pitched by each individual pitcher. His records shall be official in the event of a
question of the eligibility of a pitcher.
XIII – GAMES
Before June 10 of the current season, Tar Heel League games must be played only between
regular season teams. All Star teams must not begin practice before June 10 of current
season.
XIV – UMPIRES
A- It is recommended that 2 umpires work each game (local league).
B- It is recommended that 3 umpires work all tournament games. All umpires that work
District and State Tournaments must be dressed in blue shirts, grey pants and be 18 years of
age. All umpires that work District tournaments must be registered with Tar Heel Leagues, Inc.
All umpires that work State Tournaments must be registered with Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. and
N.C.H.S.A.O.A., Baseball Division.
C - Any umpire selected to work District or State Tournaments must end a Tar Heel Leagues,
Inc. clinic.
D - Umpires will be selected by Umpire-In-Chief at June meeting for purpose of officiating
State Tournament games. Umpires not registered by June 1 of current year will not be eligible
to officiate State Tournament games current year.
E - Umpire-In-Chief will assign all umpires per game at each State Tournament site.
F - No umpire will be allowed to officiate any game when any family member is involved. This
includes District or State Tournament.
G - Minimum of $30.00 per game for State Tournament.
H - Coach Pitch - $20.00 per game.
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COACH PITCH LEAGUE
Official Rules - Tournament Play
Eligible Players
Any player whose 9th birthday does not fall before May 1st of current year.
Equipment and Uniforms
Equipment and uniform code shall be same as for Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. Midget Division.
Playing Field
The playing Field shall be same as Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. Midget Division with the following
exception;
A.
Time out will be called by official after defense has contained front runner.
B.
There shall be a chalked hash mark 1/2 the distance between first and second
base, This hash mark shall determine whether a player may advance to the next base
or return to the previous base at the time of dead ball.
C.
Pitching plate shall be in the center of a 12' diameter circle.
Coaches
Coaching rules will allow only 4 adults coaches in dugout at any time during the game.
A.
Offense-one coach at third base, one coach at first base, one coach pitching, and
one coach in dugout for player control.
B.
Defensive Coaches - There may be a defensive coach on right field line and left
field line, provided they stay in foul territory.
Playing Rules
1.
Coach must submit a batting order to umpire and scorer before game. All players must
be listed in a batting order that will not change during said game. All players must bat in
numerical order for entire game. In the event a player is injured (umpire will justify), scorer
will be notified and said player will be out for remainder of said game with no penalty in
batting order. No player shall sit in dugout two straight innings. Ten players are allowed on
defense and each player must play at least every other inning in field.
2.
A maximum of five runs, or three outs will constitute an offensive inning.
3.
Six (6) innings will constitute a game.
4.
If after four or more innings a team has a 15 run lead, game shall be called. The losing
team shall have equal number of bats.
5.
No team shall play more than 3 games per day in one tournament.
6.
No intentional bunting is allowed. No walks allowed. Attempted bunting will constitute a
strike.
7.
A twelve (12) foot diameter circle is to be drawn around pitching plate. Defensive
pitcher must remain inside circle until batter makes contact with ball.
8.
All outfielders must be positioned at similar radius. No short fielder will be allowed.
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9.
Each batter will be allowed six (6) pitches or 3 swings per bat. No limit of number of
foul balls on 6th pitch or 3rd swing.
10.
No head first sliding will be allowed at any base - Penalty -runner will automatically be
declared out. Diving back to a base is not considered a head first slide.
11.
No infield-fly rules.
12.
No base stealing allowed. A runner leaving the base before the ball reaches home plate
will be removed from base and an out will be declared. A delayed dead ball call by umpire.
13.
Base runners that miss touching a base shall be called out by the umpire upon
completion of the play. No appeals on missed bases will be allowed. Delayed dead ball called
by umpire.
14.
A team may have a courtesy runner for the catcher at any time. It is mandatory that
the catcher be removed from base running with two outs to speed play. The runner used as a
courtesy runner will be player that made last out.
15.
The umpire's judgment will rule on runner’s position at time of called time by either
official.
16.
Umpire's judgment will rule on defensive player being inside base path to call time out
and either player may advance or return to last base touched when time was called.
17.
Catcher must be in a squatted catcher's position and not standing.
18.
Once a pitcher/coach releases the ball, he cannot be involved with coaching until time is
called. There are base coaches to direct runners. Coach may not deceive defensive players to
get ball thrown before time is called.
Penalty: All runners return to last base.
19.
If batted ball hits coach/pitcher before defensive player touches ball, ball is dead; all
runners advance 1 base if forced. If coach/pitcher intentionally interferes, ball is dead, batter is
declared out and all runners return to base occupied before pitch and lead runner declared out.
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MIDGET AND LITTLE LEAGUES
Official Rules - Tournament Play
(Any rule not specifically covered in this book will be governed by the National Federation of
State High School Association (Baseball Rules).
1.00 - PLAYING RULES
1.01 - Any of the starting players may be withdrawn and reentered once, provided such
player occupies the same batting position, including tournaments. Exception: Pitcher cannot
return to mound; refer to Rule 3.02.
1.02 - A player must play one inning for each scheduled game (Optional Local League - will
not be enforced during tournament play).
1.03 - The catcher does not have to catch the third strike. The batter is automatically out
and the ball remains in play, base runner may advance at own risk.
1.04 - Once a pitcher starts motion toward home plate, pitcher has to deliver ball. If pitcher
stops motion, balk will be called.
1.05 - When a pitcher is in contact with the rubber with the ball in his possession, the
catcher in the catcher's box ready to receive the ball, the batter is in the batter's box, no base
runners shall leave their base until the pitched ball reaches the plate.
A - A runner leaving his base before the ball reaches the plate will result in a delayed
dead ball being called and the runner removed and called out.
B - A player failing to touch a base during a live ball situation will be called out by the
umpire by sign of delayed dead ball
2.00 - REGULATION GAME
2.01-A - Midget & Little League games shall be six (6) innings unless shortened or lengthened
legally. If score is tied at end of six (6) innings it shall be continued until a verdict is reached if
time permits.
B - Ten Run Rule: If after 4 or more complete innings a team has a 10 run lead, game
shall be called. Losing team must have equal number of at bats.
C - If a game is called before it becomes a regulation game, it must be replayed from
the exact point of interruption with the same ball and strike count on the batter and the
same line-up as near as possible.
D - All tournament games must be completed (6) - innings unless home team is ahead
in 5 1/2 innings or game is called at end of 4 innings because of 10 run rule.
3.00 - PITCHING RULES
3.01 - Any member of a team may pitch, however all pitchers are subject to all pitching
rules.
3.02 - A pitcher removed from the mound or the game may not return to the mound in the
same game.
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3.03 - As soon as a pitcher delivers one pitch to a batter he shall be considered as having
pitched one inning.
3.04 - A manager shall not use more than five pitchers in any one game unless game goes
into extra innings.
Penalty: Forfeiture - Extra innings, number of pitchers unlimited.
Any exceptions to calendar week must be approved in writing to District and State Office.
3.05 - In local league play, Midget or Little League, pitchers must have 40 hours rest after
pitching in three (3) or more innings, must not exceed six (6) innings per week. If pitching
three (3) or more innings on Sunday, cannot pitch again until Tuesday.
3.06 - No Midget or Little Leagues Pitcher will be allowed to pitch more than 12 innings in
each level of tournament play, but no more than 6 innings in one day.
3.07 - A pitcher shall be considered ineligible if he makes one legal pitch after reaching the
pitching limitations.
3.08 - No protest of game in which ineligible pitcher participates will be allowed unless
manager refuses to remove the pitcher from the mound when appeal is made.
Penalty: Forfeiture
3.09 - Pitchers must have at least 40 hours rest after pitching in three (3) or more innings in
the same game or on the same calendar date, unless suspended game. All innings are
determined from the original starting time and date of game for pitcher of record. Example:
Pitchers that have pitched or are pitching at time of suspension will be affected. Any pitcher
entering pitching position after suspension is resumed will be determined from that time.
3.10
- The responsibility of the above rules is with the managers of the competing teams.
3.11 - All pitchers become eligible at each level of tournament play provided they have 40
hours rest.
3.12 A defensive manager or coach may request one charged conference per inning. On the
second and any subsequent request, the pitcher must be removed from the mound. (This does
not include a conference when the pitcher is removed.)
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JUNIOR & SENIOR LEAGUES
Official Rules -Tournament Play
(Any rule not specifically covered in this book will be governed by the National Federation of
State High School Association Baseball Rules.)
4.00 - REGULATION GAME
4.01 - Any of the starting players may be withdrawn and reentered once, provided such player
occupies the same batting position, including tournaments. Exception: Pitcher cannot return to
mound; Refer to Rule 5.02.
4.02A - Junior & Senior League games shall be seven (7) innings unless shortened or
lengthened legally.
B - Ten Run Rule: If after 5 or more complete innings a team has a 10 run lead, game
shall be called. Losing team must have equal number of at bats.
C- If a game is called before it becomes a regulation game it must be replayed from the
exact point of interruption with the same ball and strike count on the batter and the
same line-up as near as possible.
D- All tournament games must be completed - (7) innings unless home team is ahead
in 6 1/2 innings or game is called at end of 5 innings because of 10 run rule.
4.03 - A player failing to touch a base during a live ball situation will be an appeal play.
5.00 - PITCHING RULES
5.1
- Any member of a team may pitch, however all pitchers are subject to all pitching
rules.
5.2
- A pitcher removed from the mound or the game may not return to the mound in the
same game.
5.3
- As soon as a pitcher delivers one pitch to a batter he shall be considered as having
pitched one inning.
5.4
- A manager shall not use more than five pitchers in any one game unless game goes
into extra innings. Penalty: Forfeiture
5.5
- In local league play, Junior and Senior League pitchers shall not pitch more than
seven (7) innings in one day, or more than ten (10) innings between Monday and Sunday
night.
5.6
- No Junior and Senior League pitcher will be allowed to pitch more than 14 innings in
each level of tournament play, but not more than 7 innings in one day.
5.7
- Junior and Senior League pitchers must have at least 40 hours rest after pitching in
four (4) or more innings in the same game or on the same calendar date. All innings are
determined from the original starting time and date of the game for pitcher of record.
Example: Pitchers that have pitched or are pitching at time of suspension will be affected. Any
- 17 -
pitcher entering pitching position after suspension is resumed will be determined from that
time.
5.8
- A pitcher shall be considered ineligible if he makes one legal pitch after reaching the
pitching limitations.
5.9
- No protest of game in which ineligible pitcher participates will be allowed unless
manager of ineligible pitcher refuses to remove the pitcher from the mound when appeal is
made.
Penalty: Forfeiture
5.10
- The responsibility of the above rules is with the managers of the competing team.
5.11 - A defensive manager or coach may request one charged conference per inning. On the
second and any subsequent request, the pitcher must be removed from the mound. (This does
not include a conference when the pitcher is removed.)
- 18 -
SAMPLE LEAGUE CONSTITUTION
Optional
1:00 - YOUTH BASEBALL
1.01 - This organization shall be known as the Tar Heel Leagues, Inc.
1.02 - The purpose of this organization shall be to develop worthwhile athletic skills and
knowledge through baseball activities for the youth of anywhere.
Objectives:
A. Develop sportsmanship - as winners and losers.
B. Promote healthful interest in activities of a worthwhile nature.
C. Develop character and physical efficiency.
D. Develop self-reliance, courtesy, kindness, loyalty, honesty, cooperation and initiative
through supervised baseball activities.
2:00 - LEAGUE MANAGEMENT
2.01 - The governing authority of Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. shall be invested in an Executive
Council. The Council shall consist of a President, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, Player
Representative, Scorer, Umpire-in-Chief and Team Managers. Leagues operating in cities or
communities with organized recreation department, the Recreation Director shall be an ex
official member of the council.
2.02 - At a February meeting, the managing personnel shall elect a President, Vice-President,
Secretary and Treasurer, etc.
2.03 - A majority of the members of the managing personnel shall constitute a quorum at any
meeting and a majority vote shall prevail in all matters.
2.04 - Each League President shall rule on the eligibility of all players and/or shall pass them
on to the full Executive Council for a ruling.
2.05 - The League Secretary shall keep minutes of all meetings. He shall keep an accurate
record of all uniforms issued and shall be responsible for collection of the league uniforms.
2.06 - The League Treasurer shall keep an accurate account of all money received. He shall
deposit all money in the name of and to the credit of Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. He shall disburse
all money under the direction of the League President.
2.07 - The League Sponsor shall have one, or more representatives at each game. This
representative shall aid in the supervision of the field, in keeping records, score of each game,
in providing officials, and in other ways that promote the interest of this league.
2.08 - A team franchise shall be sold to team sponsoring organization. This franchise may be
retained as long as standards are maintained as mentioned in 1.02.
19
2.09 - The finances of the league shall be directed in a way that will give no team an
advantage over any other team. All the equipment in the league shall cost the same such as
uniforms, etc.
2.10 - The managing personnel may form any kind of promotion organization for this league.
20
THE PLAYER DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM
Optional
A very popular system of choosing players for teams in a league is The Player Distribution
System. This system works as follows:
The league official shall make the announcement in the spring that tryouts will be held on a
certain day at a centrally located place in the league boundaries. ALL players 8 through 17
years of age are eligible to tryout for the teams in the league provided they live within the
boundaries established for the league.
After each team is assigned their allotted number of players then each manager shall draw
from a hat the name of the team he is to manage. Then the teams retain rights to all their
players for the duration of their Tar Heel League career.
If while a father is head coach, a player becomes a candidate, the coach must select his child
for his team. In the event of brothers/sisters becoming candidates at the same time, they shall
be selected as one player to avoid separation.
(A coach may waive this rule if he wishes the other coaches to have a chance to select these
players.)
21
ROTATING NUMBER SYSTEM
Optional
A. The league official shall make the announcements in the spring that tryouts will be held on a
certain date at a centrally located place in the league boundaries. ALL players with a "League
Age" of 8 through 17 years of age are eligible to try out for the teams in the league, provided
they live within the boundaries established by the league.
B. After the tryout period is over and all the managers have given to each child a chance to
prove his merits as a player, the "Player's Representative" will meet with the managers to
distribute the players to the different teams.
C. Each manager will draw from a container a number depending on the number of teams in
the league. Each manager will then draw a number. The manager that draws the number "one"
would have first choice of any player on the field. The manager that draws number "two"
would have second choice of any player on the field. The manager with number "three", "four",
etc. select their choice. After all managers have made their choice the rotation would reverse.
D. Each player would then become the property of the team that selects them for the duration
of their Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. career. This system is indeed very popular since the turnover in
managers from year to year is very high and there is not a chance of a new manager having to
inherit some old managers points. Also, this system does away with the system of keeping
record of points from season to season. Only the transaction of players should be recorded.
E. If while a father is head coach, a player becomes a candidate, the coach must select his
child as his seventh choice if he wishes to select his child for his team.
F. In the event of a player becoming a candidate while his brother/sister is a member of a
team in the league, he shall be placed on the team with his brother/sister to avoid separation.
G. In the event of brothers/sisters becoming candidates at the same time, they shall be
selected as one player to avoid separation.
22
POINTS OF EMPHASIS
1.
Host teams for STATE TOURNAMENTS have option to play in District Tournament with
understanding that they may only advance if they finish 1st or 2nd in District Tournament.
2.
Host team to be allowed in all divisions and that team must play in game number ONE of
STATE TOURNAMENT play.
3.
Sanction Fees - There is only 1 fee for Tar Heel Leagues, Inc. and that is $35.00 per
team.
4.
Coach Pitch Division - Umpire will call time as soon as defense has contained front
runner.
5.
Coach Pitch - Pitcher cannot participate as a coach until umpire has called time. Penalty All runners return to last base.
6.
Courtesy runners for catcher or pitcher at any time, mandatory for catcher with 2 outs.
Courtesy runner cannot be active in line-up. Expended players are eligible as courtesy runners. If
a team has 9 or less players, the player who made the last out is eligible to run for catcher only
with 2 outs.
7.
Allow All Stars to begin practice on June 10 of current year.
8.
Any coach or player ejected from game due to unsportsmanlike conduct, shall not be
eligible to participate in next game of play to include next level.
9.
In Midget and Little Divisions, once a pitcher starts motion toward home plate, ball has to
be delivered. If pitcher stops motion, balk is to be called.
10.
Age of bat person shall not exceed that of players in game.
11.
General rules apply to League Play, Official Rules-Apply to Tournaments.
12.
At all levels of play, catcher must wear full head protector and shall have extended throat
protector.
23
LAYOUT OF Coach Pitch Tar Heel League Field
Figure 2 - Coach Pitch Field Layout
Bases - 60 ft. - Pitcher's Plate 40 ft. No mound necessary -12 ft. diameter circle around plate
Chalk line from home to first, first to second, second to third and third to home. Hash mark halfway between first and second.
24
Layout of MIDGET TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD
Figure 3 – Midget League Field Layout
• MOUND *
minimum height 8"
maximum height 12"
Dimensions are mandatory unless marked "Optional"
25
Layout of LITTLE TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD
Figure 4 – Little League Field Layout
• MOUND *
minimum height 8" maximum height 12"
Dimensions are mandatory unless marked "Optional"
26
Layout of JUNIOR TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD
Figure 5 – Junior League Field Layout
..
Minimum height 8"
* MOUND •
maximum Height 12'
27
Layout of SENIOR TAR HEEL LEAGUE FIELD
Figure 6 – Senior League Field Layout
Minimum Distance Outfield Fence
285' with 8 foot fence
28
INDEX
A
I
age, 6, 7, 11, 20, 21
Age, 7, 21, 22
appeal, 15, 16, 17
application, 6, 8
ineligible, 10, 15, 17
inning, 10, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17
L
league, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16, 18, 20, 21
League office, 7
Little League, 6, 7, 14, 15
local, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 15, 16
B
ball, 9, 12, 13, 14, 16, 22
base, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 22
batter, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16
batting, 12, 14, 16
birthday, 7, 12
Board of Directors, 4
boundary, 6
M
manager, 8, 10, 15, 16, 17, 20, 21
managers, 6, 7, 15, 17, 21
Midget, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 22
Minimum Distance. See Distance
mound, 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 16, 17, 23
MOUND, 24, 25, 26
C
coach, 9, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17, 20, 21, 22
Coach, 7, 8, 9, 11, 12, 13, 22, 23
Coach Pitch, 7, 8, 9, 11, 22, 23
coaches, 6, 10, 12, 13, 20
conference, 10, 15, 17
N
National Federation, 14, 16
O
D
officers, 6
organizations, 6, 10
Outfield, 27
Outfield Fence, 27
dead ball. See Delayed Dead Ball
deceive, 13
defensive, 10, 12, 13, 15, 17
delayed, 13, 14
delayed dead ball, 13, 14
Distance, 27
District, 8, 11, 15, 22
P
personnel, 6, 8, 18
pitch, 14, 16
pitcher, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22
pitchers, 11, 14, 15, 16
pitching, 8, 9, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17
plate, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 22, 23
player, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 20, 21, 22
players, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 18, 20, 21, 22
president, 6, 7
President, 6, 7, 8, 10, 18
protest, 10, 15, 17
E
eligible, 7, 8, 10, 11, 15, 20, 21, 22
Executive Committee, 4
F
fee, 6, 22
fence, 27
G
R
game, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 22
reentered, 14, 16
rest, 15, 16
rules, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 22
runner, 12, 13, 14, 22
H
height, 24, 25, 26
29
teams, 6, 11, 15, 20, 21, 22
third strike, 14
time, 7, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 20, 21, 22
tournament, 6, 9, 11, 12, 14, 15, 16
Tournament, 6, 11, 12, 14, 16, 22
S
Sanction, 6, 22
Sanction fees, 6
scheduled, 7, 14
scorer, 11, 12
Senior League, 7, 16
State, 6, 7, 8, 11, 14, 15, 16
suspension, 15, 16
U
umpire, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 22
umpires, 6, 10, 11
T
team, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 20, 21, 22
30
LIST OF FIGURES
FIGURE 1 - DISTRICT MAP........................................................................................................................................- 6 FIGURE 2 - COACH PITCH FIELD LAYOUT ............................................................................................................. 24
FIGURE 3 – MIDGET LEAGUE FIELD LAYOUT....................................................................................................... 25
FIGURE 4 – LITTLE LEAGUE FIELD LAYOUT......................................................................................................... 26
FIGURE 5 – JUNIOR LEAGUE FIELD LAYOUT ........................................................................................................ 27
FIGURE 6 – SENIOR LEAGUE FIELD LAYOUT........................................................................................................ 28
31
INDE
NOTES
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32