TIFFIN AREA BABE RUTH LEAGUE
P.O. Box 592 Tiffin, Ohio 44883 http://tabrl.siplay.com
LEAGUE RULES
All games will be governed by BABE RUTH, OFFICIAL LEAGUE and the FOLLOWING rules. All Rules apply
to all games and functions of Tiffin Area Babe Ruth League
The rules listed in this booklet will apply to all Divisions unless otherwise noted.
ADMINISTRATIVE
BACKGROUND CHECKS, CHILD MOLESTATION/SEXUAL ASSAULT TRAINING
All League Officials and Coaches are required to submit to a yearly criminal background check. All
League Officials and Coaches are required to pass a Child Molestation/Sexual Assault class every two years.
FORMS, FEES AND BIRTH CIRTIFICATES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Medical Release Contract SHALL be turned into the Team manager prior to being allowed to practice.
All team Managers SHALL have their player’s contracts with them at all practices and games.
Managers are to provide the Division Commissioner a copy of each player’s contract for verification
If a player is not able to pay this fee, please call the Division Commissioner prior to the turn in date. No
player shall be denied the opportunity to play due to financial difficulties. Scholarships are available to
qualifying families
All TEAM Rosters are due NO LATER than one week before the first scheduled league game.
A certified copy of a birth certificate for all NEW players is due at time of registration and returned
immediately after verification.
Team Managers will be contacted by the Division Commissioner and given a date and time to meet in order
to pick up equipment.
Players, who have not turned in forms and/or fees prior to their first game, will NOT be permitted to play
until these items are taken care of. Even if you show up to your game and have the forms and fees, you
will not be eligible to play that game.
Age cut-off date is May 1 for all 13 to 16 year olds. 16 year olds shall not turn 17 before August 1 st.
1
INSURACE COVERAGE
1.
2.
The league coverage is the secondary payer, after your insurance coverage. This means that the league
policy will pick up where your own insurance company leaves off. It is a good idea to make copies of all
bills and statements that would pertain to your claim. The League President will provide the claim form to
be forward to the League Insurance Company.
The coverage is for all Tiffin Babe Ruth activities. Babe Ruth activities include: All practices, in town and
out of town ball games during the regular season, all tournament practices and games anywhere; also
includes all legitimate fundraisers that have been approved by the League (e.g. tad day or car washes). If a
player or family does not have medical insurance coverage, the League policy will cover from day one of
the claim. Coverage is provided for all players.
TRADES (Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
Team managers must obtain approval from the Division Commissioner to initiate trades. The Division
Commissioner’s decision is FINAL.
REFUNDS
Anyone who is removed from a team for any reason, or quits the team, WILL NOT receive a refund of fees
paid to the League.
ISSUING OF AND RETURNING OF EQUIPMENT
1.
2.
3.
Managers will be issued equipment and uniforms at the beginning of the season. The Manager will be
required to sign a contract when issued the equipment and uniforms.
At the end of the season, the Manger is responsible for gathering all uniforms that they had issued and take
an inventory of their equipment, then return it to the Equipment Manger, of the proper League
Representative in the absences of the Equipment Manger, along with a copy of their contract.
Team manager’s responsibility does not end until all equipment is returned. Junior Division managers
must account for all jerseys.
ISSUING OF AND RETURNING OF UNIFORMS (Junior Baseball Division ONLY)
1.
2.
3.
4.
Each player will be issued a team jersey. A $20.00 deposit is required for the issuance of a jersey. A
receipt will be issued to the player/parent and copy held by League Treasurer.
Each player is responsible for their jersey from unnecessary abuse or damage. If a jersey is returned
damaged or rendered useless, that player may be responsible for replacement cost of that jersey.
Upon return of the player’s uniform, the $20.00 deposit fee will be returned.
All uniforms are to be returned at the conclusion of your last player game!
INJURIES AND CONCUSSION
In the event that a player has sustained a serious injury prior to or during the season that requires medical
attention, that player MUST obtain a medical release statement from their Physician stating that they are medically
able to participate in practices and games. This includes injuries sustained while involved in a League function or
away from the League.
2
CONCUSSION
Training/Certification
All League Officials and Coaches are REQUIRED to take the recommended Online Concussion course through the
CDC website or NFHS Learn website, as required by the Ohio Revised Code. Concussion certificates are good for
three years.
Practice/League Functions
1.
If a player is struck on the head with no signs of concussion, the Team Manager SHALL:
a. Notify the player’s parent/guardian as soon as possible.
b. Information provided to Parent/guardian to watch for signs of concussion
c. Notify Division Commissioner as soon as possible
2.
Should the player show signs of concussion, the Team Manger SHALL:
a. Remove player from play and seek medical attention immediately.
b. Contact the player’s parent/guardian immediately.
c. Contact the Division Commissioner as soon able possible.
d. Division Commissioner will follow up with concussion information, Insurance claim
form, and assist family as needed.
e. Player shall be medically cleared before returning to play, written permission signed by a
physician, must be given to team manager.
f. Player, even if medically cleared, cannot return the same day, must sit out a minimum of
24 hours.
Games: Regular season/Tournament
1.
If a player is struck on the head with no signs of concussion, the Team Manager SHALL:
a. The player shall be removed from game and checked. If no signs of concussion, the
player will be permitted to return any time after at least one pitch has been made.
b. Notify the player’s parent/guardian as soon as possible.
c. Information provided to Parent/guardian to watch for signs of concussion
d. Notify Division Commissioner as soon as possible
2.
Should the player show signs of concussion, the Team Manger SHALL:
a. Seek medical attention immediately.
b. Contact the player’s parent/guardian immediately.
c. Contact the Division Commissioner as soon as possible.
d. Division Commissioner will follow up with concussion information, Insurance claim
form, and assist family as needed.
e. Player SHALL be medically cleared before returning to play, written permission, signed
by a physician, must be presented to Division Commissioner.
f. Player, even if medically cleared, cannot return the same day, must sit out a minimum of
24 hours.
3
GAME STANDARDS
GENERAL RULES
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages prior to or during a Babe Ruth League sanction event is strictly
prohibited. PENALTY: Suspension from activities. If occurs at a game: ejection
Illegal use of drugs is strictly prohibited. PENALTY: Removal from League
Use of tobacco products during a game is prohibited. PENALTY: Ejection from game
Abuse of equipment is prohibited. PENALTY: Team warning, next offense: ejection. NOTE: Umpires
have the discretion to eject an offender with no prior warning. This is solely the umpires judgment and not
subject to debate.
Use of Foul and/or abusive language, taunting or “trash” talk is prohibited. PENALTY: Team warning,
subsequent offenses in same game, offender shall be ejected. NOTE: Umpires have the discretion to eject
an offender with no prior warning. This is solely the umpires judgment and not subject to debate.
When a game is in progress, players are to remain in their respective team’s bench area. This means
players are NOT to hang out in the bleachers or on the hill or any other place away from their team.
PENALTY: Team warning, subsequent offenses in the same game, the offender shall be ejected.
MALICIOUS CONTACT (Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
1.
2.
Applies at all bases
Applies to both DEFENSIVE and OFFENSIVE players
PENALTY: Ejection
EXTRA HITTER (E.H.) (Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
The use of an Extra Hitter is permitted.
Has to be declared at the beginning of the game.
Can NOT be inserted once the game has begun.
The E.H. can NOT be substituted for.
The E.H. can NOT play the field.
Should the E.H. be removed during the game, the team will not be forced to take an out in that slot unless
the team falls to 8 players.
IF a team uses an E.H. and loses a fielder, the E.H. can NOT play the field.
DESIGNATED HITTER (D.H.)
The use of a Designated Hitter will NOT be permitted.
HELMET
1.
2.
No helmet with a reflective or metallic type surface will be permitted.
Face guards are permitted for all Divisions
a. Mandatory for Rookie Division and Fastpitch Softball
3.
Use of chin straps is encouraged
a. Mandatory for Rookie Division
4
BATS
1.
2.
All bats SHALL conform to standards set forth by Babe Ruth rule book (All Divisions)
Junior Division:
a. May use bats with barrels NO smaller than 2 ¼ inch
b. All “big” barrel bats, NO larger than 2 5/8 inch, shall meet BBCOR standards.
c. Bat length, wooden bats and composite bats SHALL follow Babe Ruth rule book standards
RUN RULE (Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
1.
2.
3.
Ten (10) run rule applies to all games, regular season and tournament.
The game shall go five (5) innings unless the home team is leading, then the game can end at four and
one half (4 ½) innings.
A mercy rule can take effect at any point after three (3) complete innings. It must be agreed upon by
both team managers and will be recognized as a league game. This should be utilized ONLY in the
event that one team is leading by an excessive margin, i.e. leading by 20 runs or more.
STARTING GAME (Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Regular Season: All players should be listed on the team’s line up sheet, starters and substitutes.
However, if a player(s) is not list on the line up sheet but is on the team roster, that player will be
permitted to play.
TOURNAMENT ONLY: All players SHALL be listed on the line-up sheet, starters and substitutes.
All teams should have 9 players to start a game. In the event that a team only has 8 players to start a
game, that team will be permitted to play their scheduled game. A fifteen minute grace period is
permitted to obtain the ninth player. If after the grace period, the team only has 8 players, the game
shall start. Once a team starts with 8 players, they will be permitted to put a ninth player into the
lineup should another player arrive after the first pitch.
In the event that a team plays with 8 players, they shall take an automatic out in the ninth player’s
position in the lineup. If a 9th player shows up and is inserted in the vacant spot, they no longer are
penalized with an out.
Should a team fall to seven players, that team shall forfeit the game.
Each player SHALL play two innings per game regardless of length of the game. Exception: A player
has been ejected from the game, shows up late or is serving a Team or League Suspension. Suspension
shall be in writing and the Plate Umpire notified at the beginning of the game.
AFTER GAME
1.
All managers, Coaches and Players SHALL shake hands with the opposing team. PENALTY:
Offender is subject to suspension.
(Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
2.
3.
4.
Home team is responsible for lining the field and batter’s boxes at the beginning of every game.
Home team is responsible for raking the mound and home plate after every game.
Both teams SHALL clean their bench area after every game
PENALTY: Subject to suspension
5
GAME TIME
1.
2.
When a team is scheduled for the second or third game of the day, teams are to be at the field one hour
prior to their scheduled game time.
Second or third game of the day is to start no later than 25 minutes after the completion of the
preceding game.
TIME LIMIT (Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
1.
2.
3.
4.
All League games will have a time limit
If the time limit takes effect after the top of an inning begin, that inning will be completed. If the home
team is leading when the inning enters the bottom half, the game is over.
The game is an Official game regardless of what inning it is in when the time limit takes effect.
If the game is tied at the time limit, the game will be completed at a later time.
Rookie Division
1.
2.
75 minute time limit
If the game is tied at the time limit, both teams will be credited with 1 point each.
Junior Baseball Division: 2 hours and 15 minute time limit
Fastpitch Softball: 2 hour time limit
ARGUEMTNS AND DISUTES
Only team managers or Coach in the Managers absence will be permitted to have discussions with any
umpire. PENALTY: Team warning, subsequent offense, the offender will be ejected.
LEAGUE STANDINGS
Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Division
1. End of season standings will be based on win/loss record
2. If two or more teams have the same win/loss record at the end of the season, SEE TIE
BREAKER
Rookie Division
1. End of season standings will be based on point system
2. Two points are awarded for a win
3. 1 point is awarded for a tie
4. No points for a loss
5. If one or more teams are tied, SEE TIE BREAKER
6
EJECTIONS, SUSPENSIONS AND REMOVAL FROM LEAGUE
EJECTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
The umpire has sole authority to make ejections
An incident report shall be submitted by the ejecting umpire and given to the Division Commissioner.
Any person ejected from a game is subject to suspension from further play.
All ejections will be reviewed by the Division Commissioner or League Official in the Commissioners
absence, to determine if a suspension is warranted.
If a manager or coach is ejected, they shall leave the field within one minute.
If a player or bat boy is ejected, they shall go directly to the bench and remain there for the remainder
of the game. If the player becomes disruptive, that player will be required to leave the bench within
one minute.
SUSPENSIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Suspensions will be based on the severity of the offense or if the person is a repeat offender.
a. Ejections
b. Violation of Rules
c. Bullying, taunting
d. Sexual harassment
e. Other acts deemed detrimental to the League, Officials, Managers, Coaches, Players and
Spectators
Suspension can range from one game to removal from the League.
If a suspension is issued, a written notice will be issued to the offending party, team manager and
League President.
If a suspension is not completed by the end of the season, it may be carried over to the next season.
A suspension will be completed for each played game. If a scheduled game is not played, the
suspension will be carried to the next played game.
The suspended player must attend scheduled games to be credited with serving the suspension and
must be in uniform.
Managers and/or coaches who have been suspend, SHALL NOT have any contact with their team
during scheduled games. May not attend their teams scheduled games.
A Manger, Coach or player who has been suspended may appeal to the League President within 24
hours of being served notice of their suspension.
REMOVAL FROM THE LEAGUE
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Any act of violence or threat of violence.
Illegal use of drugs or arrest for any drug offense.
Severity of offense or repeat offender.
Any act determined to be detrimental to the League, Officials, Umpires, Managers, Coaches, Players
or spectators.
Division Commissioners may recommend removal from the League, however, the League President
has final decision.
7
ALL STAR, TOURNEMANT TEAM AND LEAGUE AWARDS
ELIGIBILTY
1.
2.
3.
4.
Must not have been suspended from play.
Must project a positive attitude
Must have participated in at least 80% of their teams scheduled games
Must have participated in at least one League Fundraiser
LEAGUE TOURNAMENTS
1.
2.
3.
League hosted Tournament games will be govern by Tournament rules.
Under no circumstances may a Tiffin Babe Ruth Player participate in a Tiffin Babe Ruth Tournament
for or with a foreign team participating in the said tournament, if their Tiffin Babe Ruth Team is in said
tournament.
Depending on time, a skills competition may be included in conjunction with the All-Star game and/or
League Hosted Tournament(s).
ALL-STAR GAME
1.
2.
3.
4.
Both teams will have a running line-up. Every player who attends the game will be placed in the
batting line-up and will remain in that position for the remainder of the game. Should a player be
removed from the batting line-up for any reason, no penalty unless the team falls to eight players or
less. IF other team has enough players, they can participate for the opposite team so that the game
does not end in a forfeit due to lack of players.
Teams will be permitted open substitutions. Substitutions do not have to be reported except for
pitching changes.
Every player MUST play a minimum of TWO innings in the field.
A player may ONLY pitch a maximum of TWO innings. Remember, one pitch equals one inning
LEAGUE CHAMPISONSHIP
(Junior Baseball Division and Fastpitch Softball)
GAMES
1.
2.
Games will be played by regular season rules except:
a. Pitchers can only pitch 7 innings per 2 consecutive games (Junior Division ONLY)
b. Protests must be settled before game can continue.
Champion will be determined by a best of three game series
DIVISION METHOD
1.
2.
With 8 teams or more, they will be split into two divisions
The two division winners will meet for the League Championship.
8
3.
4.
Teams will play each team in their division three times. In the event of a tie between two teams, their
record will determine the tie breaker. (i.e. Team A won 2 of 3 games with Team B, Team A would
win the tie).
In the event that more than two teams tie for first place in a division, a single elimination tournament
will take place. Winner of the tournament will proceed to League Championship. Subject to changes
due to number of teams involved.
No Division
1.
2.
The top two teams at the end of the season will face each other for League Championship.
In the event of a tie for first involving more than two teams, a single elimination tournament will take
place. The top two teams will proceed to League Championship. Subject to changes due to number of
teams involved.
WILD CARD
1.
2.
3.
4.
Subject to time restraints, it might be possible to host a wild card playoff system for League
Championship.
Single game playoff
No more than top four teams based on win/lose record at end of regular season.
a. Division method, top two teams in both divisions will face each other for Divisional
Championship
First place plays fourth place. Second place plays third place.
PROTEST
All protest shall be declared to the Home Plate Umpire prior to the next pitch after the incident. Unless
otherwise noted below, failure to comply with this requirement will void the protest. If the incident occurs at the
end of the game, the protest must be made to the Plate Umpire prior to he/she leaving the field. Failure to notify the
Plate Umpire will result in the protest being void.
REGULAR SEASON
1.
2.
3.
All protest must be put into writing and submitted to the Division Commissioner within 24 hours after
the final out of the game. A decision from the Division Commissioner will normally be returned
within 48 hours after receiving the written protest.
Division Commissioner’s decision is final, no appeals
Violations of Pitching regulations/rules do NOT require a formal protest. Once discovered,
appropriate actions will be taken. I.e. a pitcher pitches too many innings in a week. Two weeks later it
is discovered, the team in violation can be made to forfeit the game in which the pitcher was in
violation.
9
TOURNAMENT GAMES
1.
2.
If a protest occurs during a Tournament game, the issue must be resolved before play can continue, by
the Tournament Director or Protest Committee.
Pitching violation must be caught and protested at the time of violation up and until the first pitch of
the next game. Should a pitching violation be discovered after the first pitch of the next scheduled
game, the protest is void.
10