FRANKLIN YOUTH BASEBALL ORGANIZATION
AAA RULES AND REGULATIONS
2016
FOREWORD
Franklin Youth Baseball Organization (“FYBO”) is a non-profit educational organization
dedicated to the ideals of good sportsmanship, team play, honesty, loyalty, courage and
respect for authority. In pursuit of these ideals the FYBO will remain sensitive to the physical
and emotional well being of the boys and girls in the program.
Unquestionably, one of the primary reasons for the success of this organization is the rules
and regulations. Program volunteers review and refine the league’s rules and regulations each
year. In 2007 the FYBO Rules Committee adopted these “Home Rules” which supplement the
“Official Rules” which the FYBO recognizes and plays by (i.e. “Official Little League
Rules”, “Babe Ruth” and the “Official Baseball Rules” as published by the National Baseball
Congress, Inc.).
The “Home Rules” that have been instituted for the 2016 season may only be changed upon
motion and two-thirds vote of the Board of Directors. Any suggestions or requests for
clarification are to be directed to the Rules Committee. The Spirit of these Rules shall not be
altered by an interpretation that is inconsistent with that of the Rules Committee.
FYBO rules supersede Official Cal Ripken League rules. Exception applies when
playing in a Cal Ripken sanctioned tournament where only Cal Ripken rules will apply.
Where there is no conflict between FYBO rules and Cal Ripken League rules Cal
Ripken rules will apply.
Your cooperation in following these rules will allow for a positive experience for players,
families, coaches and fans. The rules have been established to allow every child the
opportunity to play in the program.
1.00
Draft Process
2.00
Objectives of the Game
3.00
Game Preliminaries
4.00
Starting and Ending the Game
5.00
The Batter
6.00
The Runner
7.00
The Pitcher
8.00
The Playoff
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1.00 DRAFT PROCESS
1.01
Draft Preliminaries
a)
Only one (1) skill session will be scheduled for the AAA League. Players
eligible to try out for Majors who are not selected for a Major’s team will be
assigned to the AAA level. 12 year olds who played in AAA the prior season
are required to attend the Major League tryout only if they wish to try out for
an opening in the Major League. In the event of exigent circumstances and at
the discretion of the Major League Coordinator or the Director of Baseball, an
alternate try out session for Majors may be scheduled. Players eligible for the
AAA League who fail to participate in the AAA skill session will be allowed
into the AAA League draft process. ANY 12 YEAR OLD PLAYER WHO
OPTS TO NOT TRY OUT FOR MAJORS OR ELECTS TO NOT
ACCEPT A ROSTER SPOT ON A MAJORS TEAM WILL NOT BE
ELIGIBLE TO PITCH AT THE AAA LEVEL.
b)
Prior to the skill session/tryout, the Draft Committee (the AAA Coordinator,
Assistant AAA Coordinator and the Director of Baseball or President) will
determine the number of teams.
c)
The Coordinator will review the sign-up sheets in order to determine the
number of applicants that signed up to manage. The Coordinator, Assistant
Coordinator and Director of Baseball will unanimously agree on the manager
selections to be presented to the FYBO board for approval. In the event the
three individuals cannot agree on the managers in question, the President of the
FYBO will intercede to make the final decision. Preference should be given to
returning managers unless there is a concern regarding their performance. The
Coordinator shall secure commitments from interested applicants to manage
the teams. If the Coordinator does not have enough applicants signed up as
Manager, the Coordinator should then ask those applicants who signed up as
coaches to assume a Manager’s position
1.02
d)
There will be no protecting assistant coaches.
e)
Players who have conflicting activities will be identified before the draft. Each
team is allowed no more than ONE (1) player who has been identified as
playing in another baseball league.
f)
In the event that there are ten or more teams in a division, there will be an American
and National league within the division. Teams cannot be requested, but will be
drawn out of a hat at random.
g)
A coin flip will determine which league selects first (odd # picks) in the round. Each
subsequent round after the first round will rotate the league that selects first.
Consideration Picks (Prior to the start of the draft)
a)
If a Manager’s child is to be drafted (all Manager’s sons/daughters,
brothers/sisters, or nephews/nieces are protected) the other Managers will
collectively decide at which point in the draft (what round) the player will be
protected to. If the Manager does not feel that his protected player should be
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ranked as high as he/she has been the Manager may elect not to choose him/her
at that point in the draft. However, the player will no longer be considered
protected after that point in the draft and may be selected by another team.
b)
No more than one consideration pick can be requested by any team.
EXCEPTION: A Manager has more than one son/daughter in the draft.
1.03
The Draft
a)
The AAA League Coordinator with either the Director of Baseball or the
President shall conduct the draft.
b)
The draft is a snake draft (up and back). The order of the draft is determined
by picking from a hat.
c)
The draft will continue until all players have been selected. Any late sign-ups
will go to the next team in the draft order.
d)
Trading of draft picks prior to the draft is NOT permitted.
e)
Trading of players may only be conducted after the draft but, before the
Managers leave the draft hall. The Draft Committee must approve all
trades.
2.00
2.01
OBJECTIVES OF THE GAME
The FYBO Code of Conduct shall govern behavior. In addition to Code of Conduct
sanctions, misconduct by a player, Manager, coach or fan may result in immediate
expulsion from the playing field area. During a game, the umpire(s) shall be
responsible for preliminarily addressing any display of inappropriate behavior.
Managers/coaches shall support the umpire(s) in his/her attempt to address
inappropriate behavior. In his/her discretion, the umpire, for cause, may remove a
player, coach, fan or anyone else present at a game from the field area. In the event the
umpire is unwilling or unable to effectively address a display of poor sportsmanship,
the responsibility shall shift to the Managers/coaches present. Failure to comply with
an expulsion order may result in forfeiture of the game, if so decided by the umpire. In
the event a Manager, coach, player, fan or anyone else present at a sponsored event is
removed from the field area for inappropriate behavior the League Coordinator shall be
notified. The Coordinator shall investigate such removal and take additional action if
necessary.
2.02
In the event a Manager, Coach, Player, Fan or anyone else present at a sponsored event
is ejected from a game, that person(s) shall leave the field immediately and take no
further part in that game. They shall not sit in the stands nor, may they be recalled
during the game. If the person(s) refuses to leave the field within (5) five minutes of
their ejection the team that that person is affiliated with will forfeit the game. (Note:
Managers, Coaches, Players and Fans maybe subject to further disciplinary action
by the Franklin Youth Baseball Board up to and including expulsion from the
program). Any player or coach ejected from a game will automatically receive a
minimum one game suspension for the next game.
2.03
There will be 9 defensive positions. A team shall have a minimum of 8 players to start
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a game.
2.04
All players shall play a minimum of 4 defensive innings per game of which at least two
(2) innings in the infield and one (1) in the outfield. In the event a team has 13 players,
each player shall play a minimum of 3 defensive innings per game (see Rule 4.03 for
further clarification) of which at least two (2) innings in the infield and one (1) in the
outfield
a) If a coach AND a parent or a parent alone feels a player would risk serious injury by
playing an infield position he/she will not be required to do so.
2.05
A full batting roster will be used at all times. All players will take their turn at bat,
regardless of whether they are in the defensive line-up or not.
2.06
Players must remain inside the dugout at all times unless, they are batting, playing a
field position, coaching a base or otherwise authorized by a Manager/coach. Managers
& umpires are responsible for maintaining order on the field and in the dugouts.
THERE WILL BE NO ON DECK BATTERS ALLOWED. No one shall climb on
the dugouts or the backstop.
2.07
All male players are required to wear a metal, fiber, or plastic type cup.
2.08
Catchers must wear a catcher's mitt. If a left-handed catcher’s mitt is not available, a
player may use a standard fielders glove.
2.09
Metal cleats are not permitted.
2.10
Batting donuts are not permitted.
2.11
Team players shall wear numbered uniforms identical in color. Players shall purchase white
baseball pants. (Exception: female players may purchase gray pants). A player’s name shall
not be printed on his/her jersey.
2.12
The pitcher's glove shall not be gray or white. Pitchers shall not wear any item that
may reasonably distract a batter’s attention (i.e., sweat bands, batter’s glove(s),
wristwatch, etc.). Pitcher’s necklaces must not be visible to the batter.
2.13
Any player who is acting as a base runner, base coach, on-deck batter or batter must
wear a batting helmet. Players can ONLY serve as a base coach in the event no
manager, coach or parent is available to do so.
2.14
Home team managers are responsible for properly securing all field related equipment
after the game has ended.
2.15
2.16
Both teams are responsible for preparing the field prior to the game.
Offensive and defensive strategies are components of a competitive baseball program.
Specifically, no one should run up a score, or promote base advancement once an
opponent has clearly demonstrated their inability to remain competitive. Once a ten
(10) run lead has been achieved there will be no stealing of bases, advancing on passed
balls or advancing on wild pitches by the team with the lead. If the lead falls below ten
(10) runs, normal play will resume until the point where a ten (10) run differential may
be attained again.
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2.17
All Managers must be BOARD APPROVED.
2.18
Any player that is removed from a game due to a head injury will not be allowed
to return to play for that game
2.19
Once 7 runs have been scored by one team in an inning that half inning is over and the
team scoring those runs will take their defensive positions.
3.00
GAME PRELIMINARES
3.01
Typically, umpires will be FYBO members from the Pony or Babe Ruth leagues (ages
13-15) or from the High School.
3.02
In the event a game must be rescheduled because of rain or other acceptable reason, the
Home Team Manager will contact the Coordinator to reschedule the game. Managers
will not reschedule or cancel games. Only the Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator
are authorized to do so.
3.03
Only those directly involved with the team may enter the bench area or the playing
field. The bench is reserved for Managers, coaches, players and batboys. There shall
be no more than one Manager and two coaches allowed into the playing area during the
game. An additional bench coach (3rd coach) is also allowed, but he/she must remain
directly in the dugout/bench area. THERE WILL BE NO ON DECK BATTER
ALLOWED.
3.04
FREE SUBSTITUTIONS will be allowed during all games at the end of each ½ inning.
3.05
FULL BATTING ROSTER will be used during all games. A player will take his turn
at bat even if he is not playing a defensive position that inning.
3.06
Managers WILL MAINTAIN the scorebook provided by the FYBO. There is to be no
electronic data recording devices used in lieu of the FYBO scorebook.
3.07
Managers WILL EXCHANGE lineups prior to every game. Lineups will include the
player’s last name, uniform # and fielding position at the start of the game by batting
order.
4.00
STARTING AND ENDING A GAME
4.01
Unless the game has been delayed, postponed or cancelled in accordance with Rule
3.02 the umpire(s) shall enter the playing field five minutes before the hour set for the
game to begin and proceed directly to home plate. At that time the umpire(s) shall meet
the respective Managers and discuss all ground rules.
4.02
A game is considered complete once it has gone 4 full innings, or, if after 3 1/2 innings
the home team has more runs than the visiting team.
4.03
A player whose defensive playing time is adversely affected by early game completion,
as provided by Rule 4.02, shall start defensively at the Team’s next regularly scheduled
game. The player shall remain in the next game’s defensive line-up until he/she has
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played not less than 4 consecutive innings.
4.04
Once a game has begun only the umpire has the authority to terminate or suspend play.
The umpire shall suspend or terminate play if, in his opinion, continued play would
endanger the safety and/or well being of the players.
4.05
No inning may start after 8:00 PM. If an inning begins before 8:00 PM and goes
beyond, then that inning and only that inning may be completed. The umpire’s time
shall be official.
4.06
When multiple games are scheduled on the same day and at the same field, a two-hour
time limit shall be adhered to. No full inning shall be started unless there is at least 15
minutes remaining in the two hour time period (The umpire shall be the keeper of the
official time). In the event two hours elapses before the game goes six innings, the
game shall be called after the bottom half of the inning being played. If, after
completion of the last full inning played, the game can not be considered a complete
game or, if the score is tied, the Teams shall proceed in accordance with Rule 4.07 or
Rule 4.08.
4.07
If a game is called because of unsafe conditions or curfew before it has become a
complete game, pursuant to Rule 4.02, the entire game will be replayed at a later date.
The Coordinator, in consultation with the two Managers, will reschedule the game.
Pitcher’s innings will count for that week’s total.
4.08
A complete game, as determined by Rule 4.02, that is suspended due to weather, or
curfew, at a time when the score is tied shall be resumed from the exact point at which
it was halted. (Pitchers’ innings will count for that week’s total.) The game may be
completed preceding the next scheduled game between the same teams. In such an
event a pitcher may pitch in both games subject to the (6) six inning per week
limitation and the rule governing the number of innings pitched per game. A pitcher
who pitched in the game, which was suspended, shall be credited with the number of
innings pitched in that game when determining his eligibility to pitch in the
continuation game. The line up and batting order of both teams shall be the same as the
lineup and batting order at the moment the game was halted. Once a game has begun
only the umpire has the authority to terminate or suspend play. The umpire shall
suspend or terminate play if, in his opinion, continued play would endanger the safety
and/or well being of the players.
4.09
A team unable to field 8 players after a 20-minute grace period, commencing from the
stated start time, shall forfeit the game. For the purpose of league standings the team
who forfeits will be credited with a loss and the opposing team will be credited with a
win. When a team has only eight (8) players the other team may still field nine (9).
4.10
The offensive team shall station two base coaches on the field during its term at bat,
one at first base and one at third base. Base coaches shall be limited to two in number
and shall remain within the coach's box at all times.
4.11
A player, whose defensive playing time is adversely affected by early game completion
or termination, shall start defensively at the Team’s next regularly scheduled game.
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5.00
THE BATTER
5.01
A full batting roster will be used in every game.
5.02
“Slashing” is not permitted (squaring to bunt then swinging away at the pitch). Anyone
attempting to “slash’ will be called out immediately.
5.03
The batter shall be called out immediately if he/she makes contact with ball when one
or both feet are on the ground entirely outside the batter’s box.
5.04
Bats used must be “Babe Ruth / Cal Ripken” approved.
5.05
The “Infield Fly Rule” shall be enforced. The Infield Fly Rule is in effect when a fly
ball is hit (not including a line drive nor an attempted bunt) which can be caught by an
infielder with ordinary effort, when first and second, or first, second, and third bases
are occupied, with less than two outs. In such a case the batter who hit the ball shall be
called out and the runners may advance at their own peril. When it seems apparent that
a batted ball will invoke the infield fly rule the umpire shall immediately declare
"INFIELD FLY" for the benefit of the runners. If the ball is near the foul line, the
umpire shall declare "INFIELD FLY IF FAIR". The ball is alive and runners may
advance at the risk of the ball being caught, or retouch and advance after the ball is
touched, the same as on a fly ball. If the hit becomes a foul ball, it is treated the same as
any foul ball.
6.00
THE RUNNER
6.01
Base runners must slide or attempt to avoid contact when there is an imminent play at a
base the runner is attempting to advance to (i.e. the ball is being delivered to a base that
the runner is advancing to, from an outfielder, a cut-off man or an infielder). Contact
between a runner and fielder may only occur by sliding. Runners violating this rule
shall be called out. Umpires’ judgment is final.
6.02
Sliding headfirst is not permitted. Players sliding headfirst into a base shall be called
out. [Exception: A player may return to a base that he has already successfully reached,
by sliding back to that base headfirst.]
6.03
Stealing is allowed. (Runners may not leave their base until the ball crosses the plate).
6.04
Base runners may re-touch their base and advance at their own risk on a fair or foul ball
that is caught.
6.05
Stealing and advancing on passed balls/wild pitches is permitted. Only 3 advancements
from 3rd to home are allowed on a pitched ball per inning regardless of wild pitch,
passed ball or a ball thrown back from catcher to pitcher.
6.06
Base runners shall advance one base on an overthrow that leaves the playing area.
Runners may advance at their own risk on an overthrown ball that remains in play.
7.00
THE PITCHER
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7.01
Curve balls are NOT allowed (the umpire’s decision is final) Sequence of events (1)
warning, (2) removal from game.
7.02
A pitcher can pitch a maximum of 3 innings in a game during the regular season and
playoffs (no exceptions). All teams will be provided with a pitch counter. All
teams/managers are required to keep pitch counts for all pitchers and must report
counts with their game scores to the league coordinator. Opposing coaches should
compare pitch counts at the end of each half inning for accuracy. While there are no
pitch count restrictions, FYBO is interested in reviewing the data for future reference.
Failure to keep and report pitch counts may result in disciplinary action for the team
manager.
7.03
The pitching week begins on Monday and ends on Sunday.
7.04
A pitcher may only pitch a total of six (6) innings per week.
7.05
If a pitcher walks 5 batters in an inning, he/she must be removed.
7.06
If a pitcher pitches three (3) innings in a game, the pitcher must have three (3)
calendar days of rest. If a pitcher pitches two (2) innings or less, the pitcher must have
(1) one full day of rest between games. One (1) pitch constitutes an inning pitched.
Failure to comply with this pitching rule will result in game forfeiture and the
Manager may face disciplinary action.
NOTE: It is strongly encouraged that parents and coaches communicate
before and during the season to insure a player does not pitch too
much in the Spring. They should review the player’s participation
outside of FYBO and note if the player is pitching for other teams,
when he/she pitches and how many innings.
7.07
Any player who is warming up a pitcher must wear the catcher’s headgear. Catchers
must wear Little League approved headgear (Major League does not allow using Big
Diamond headgear).
7.08
Balks will not be called.
7.09
Hidden ball tricks are not permitted.
7.10
A Manager or Coach will be allowed (2) trips to the mound per inning. On the second
trip the pitcher must be removed. (Calling the pitcher to the foul line will be considered
a trip to the mound). Manager will not be charged a trip to the mound to check on an
injured pitcher (determination made by umpire).
7.11
A player removed as a pitcher may not pitch again in the same game.
7.12
A replacement pitcher may come from the bench (does not have to already be
playing in the field). Any replaced pitcher or fielder will still have to play the
minimum of four complete defensive innings (playing in the field). A defensive
inning constitutes three (3) outs.
7.13
A maximum of eight (8) warm up pitches are permitted per pitcher.
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7.14
Not more than six (6) pitchers per team shall be used in one game.
7.15
If a pitcher hits the batter three (3) times in one (1) inning or five (5) total, the pitcher
must be removed immediately.
8.00
PLAYOFFS
8.01
The playoffs are meant to determine the town champion.
8.02
The playoffs and championship games shall adopt the following format of play:
a)
Depending upon the size of the league the Coordinator and the Director
Baseball shall develop a playoff format that all teams will make the playoffs.
Table 1 provides a playoff format suggestion for 12 or 14 teams.
b)
The playoff schedule and seeding is determined by overall record. In the case
of a tie within the division, the winner will be determined as follows:
i) head to head play
ii) head to head run differential, (margin of victory by game, with a
maximum of 5 runs awarded per game)
iii) runs allowed
iv) play-off game
c)
Home field is determined by best record.
d)
All playoff games are single elimination.
e)
All playoff games must be complete games. If a playoff game is stopped due to
weather conditions or darkness the game will be resumed at a later date (as
scheduled by the league Coordinator). The game shall be resumed from the
point at which the game was stopped. The game shall resume with the same
lineup as when the game was stopped. (Exception: if a player is not available
for the scheduled makeup).
f)
A coin toss will determine the home team for the Championship game.
TABLE 1 (EXAMPLE OF 12 & 14 TEAM PLAYOFF FORMAT)
Section 1.01
2016 Season
14 Teams
1) 12 Teams
Round 1
Round 1
14 vs. 13
11 vs. 12
12 vs. 11
9 vs. 10
10 vs. 9
7 vs. 8
8 vs. 7
5 vs. 6
6 vs. 5
Round 2
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4 vs.3
Article II.
1 vs. 11/12
Round 2
2 vs. 9/10
1 vs. 13/14
3 vs. 7/8
2 vs. 11/12
4 vs. 5/6
3 /4 vs. 9/10
Round 3
5/6 vs. 7/8
1/11/12 vs. 4/5/6
Round 3
2/9/10 vs. 3/7/8
1/13/14 vs. 5/6/7/8
2/11/12 vs. 3/4/9/10
Championship Game
Championship Game
Undefeated teams
Undefeated teams
8.04
Regular Season Rules apply during the playoffs.
8.05
Trophies will be awarded to the TOWN CHAMPIONS, CHAMPIONSHIP FINALIST,
and DIVISION CHAMPS, IF APPLICABLE. No team may be awarded more than one
trophy.
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