East York Baseball Association House League: 8U & 9U Rules
(Updated: January 2018)

Expectations
Some children will learn the game and acquire the skills more quickly than others. This may be a child's first exposure not only to baseball but also to any organized team sport. This is okay. By the time they are 11U age most children will be able to:

•    Catch and throw the ball with proficiency and accuracy
•    Field ground and fly balls and know the play to make once the ball is caught
•    Hit with consistency
•    Run the bases with skill and understanding
•    Play every position
•    Set up defensively in each position based on runners, outs, batters and count
•    Know what to do and where to be when the play is not to them

Rain Policy
The City of Toronto dictates when we can and when we cannot play games. We will make EVERY effort to update the Website & Twitter account in a timely manner. Each team is also encouraged to have a team communicator/manager who will pass on pertinent information.
If you have not heard from the league, your team’s coach and there is nothing posted on the website or Twitter, the assumption should always be that the game is on. Just because it is raining in one part of the city, doesn’t always assume it is raining at the park.

Field of Play & Terminology
Bases: The bases in the 8U/9U Division shall be 65 feet apart.
Pitching Rubber: The distance to the "pitching rubber" from home plate shall be 44 feet in a direct line between second base and home plate, measured from the front edge of the pitching rubber to the tip of home plate where the base lines converge.
Safety Circle & Pitching Machine: The safety circle shall be a circle 4 feet in radius around the centre of the pitching rubber measured from the centre of the pitching rubber. The pitching machine is housed in this circle. Players MAY NOT enter the Safety Circle to play the ball. If a player touches the ball in the safety circle it will be deemed a dead ball and the players in force will advance one base.
Pitching Machine: The pitching machine will straddle the pitching rubber so the release point is equal to 44 feet from home plate. The pitching machine speed will be set at 35-40 mph. The pitching machine speed can only be altered prior to the start of a new inning. Should the machine appear to be malfunctioning, at the discretion of the umpire, the position or speed may be adjusted at other times during the game. Any ball that hits the pitching machine is a dead ball.
Pitching Line: The pitching line extends 4 feet on each side of the safety circle and runs parallel to the pitching rubber and even with the release point of the pitching machine. Pitchers must stand with both feet on this line until the ball is hit.
Fair but Foul Line: The fair but foul line shall be a 10 foot arc drawn on the field, centered on the tip of home plate where the base lines converge between the first and third base lines. The area inscribed shall be considered foul territory and subject to the same rules as any other foul territory between home plate and the first and third bases.
Playing Line:  The playing line shall be a real or imaginary 40-foot arc, drawn from the tip of home plate between first base and third base. No fielder may cross the playing line until the ball is hit.
Commitment Line: The commitment line is drawn halfway between third base and home plate and runs parallel to the home plate line.  Once a base runner heading home from third base has crossed this line, the runner cannot return to third base.
Dead Ball Line: The dead ball line is an imaginary straight line extending from the base of the backstop and runs parallel to the 1st or 3rd baselines of the field. When a thrown ball crosses this line it is called an overthrow, the ball is dead and the play is stopped.
Official Score:  The score sheet of the home team will considered the official score.  It is the responsibility of both teams to email or text the score to eybascores@gmail.com.

Equipment
Uniforms: Uniforms shall consist of a league cap, team jersey, baseball pants and socks. A player must be in full uniform to play. Any sweatshirts or turtlenecks must be worn under the player's jersey. No jackets will be permitted while a player is batting, running or playing in the field.  Shirts must be tucked in at all times.
Balls: A 9'’, 4 to 5 ounce Safe-Soft ball with a moulded core or sponge rubber centre shall be used for all game and practice sessions.
Bats: Both wood and metal bats with safety grips are legal but metal is preferred as they do not splinter or break.
Batting Helmets: Players are required to each have their own personal helmet. Chin-straps must be worn at all times. A helmet must be worn for all base runners (3), a batter (1).
Gloves: Any type of baseball glove may be used.
Shoes: Shoes with metal cleats and sandals are prohibited. Non-metal cleats are permitted, however are not required. Running shoes are acceptable. The use of soccer shoes is discouraged as they are designed for use on grass and most of the running in baseball will be done on sand, clay or gravel infields. Players wearing prohibited footwear will not be allowed to play until such footwear is changed to be acceptable. This is a safety issue.
Athletic Support and Cup: An athletic support and cup are mandatory for all male players. A Jill is mandatory for all female players.
Safety Bag: The first base shall consist of a double bag, with the orange half in foul territory. This is the one the batter runs to after hitting the ball. The fielders use the white half in the fair territory side of the base line to step on when making an out.

Offensive Play 
Dugout: All offensive players must be behind the safety screen waiting their turn to bat. There will be an on-deck circle. Every effort should be made to speed up the batting process by having the next batter ready.  Only the batter and on-deck batter should be holding a bat. As baseball is a team game, players are expected to remain on the bench when not batting, or fielding.  It is the coach’s responsibility to enforce this.
At Bat: The batter is allowed five (5) pitches from the pitching machine as called by the umpire. If the batter fails to hit a fair ball within these pitches, the batter is out. Foul tips don’t warrant an additional pitch. ** NEW ** The batter is NOT given any more pitches even if the fifth pitch is hit foul. If the ball crosses over a batter's head or bounces in the dirt in front of the plate, the umpire, at his/her discretion, may call a “no pitch” and award another. There are no walks.
Hit Batters (when using batting machine): Hit batters are not awarded first base.
Foul Ball: The umpire will make all foul ball calls. The call is made when the defensive player touches the ball. It is possible for a ball that is foul territory to roll back into fair territory.
Bat Throwing: There will be a 12 foot circle (6 foot radius from the centre of home plate) surrounding home plate. If a batter throws, slings, or otherwise tosses their bat in the air, completely outside the circle, the batter will receive a warning on the first occasion. On the second occasion the batter will be declared out and no runners will be allowed to advance. If there is a third occasion, the batter will be removed from the game. If a player carries their bat just outside of the circle, there is no penalty. In all cases of bat throwing, it is the responsibility of the coach to assist the player and attempt to correct the situation.
Bunting: Batters are not allowed to bunt, and may not take a half-swing or swinging bunt. If, in the judgement of the umpire, the batter has not taken a full swing, any play that took place as a result of the improper swing shall be nullified, and the improper swing counted.
Base Running: When running to first base the runner must touch the orange half of the bag or they will be called out. Runners must stay in contact with the base until the batter makes contact with the ball. There is no leading off or base stealing. If the base runner leaves the base before the batter makes contact with the ball the base runner will be called out. Each team may receive one warning. Once a runner has crossed the commitment line (halfway between third and home) the runner must proceed to home. The runner will be called out if the runner returns to third base. Note, however, that tagging up and running after a caught fly ball is not stealing.
Turns at First: A base runner that turns at first base in an attempt to advance to second base may touch the white half of the safety bag. However, in so doing, if tagged by a defensive player the runner will be called out.
Tagging:  Normal baseball tagging up rules apply. A tag is not needed at home plate as the runner is now in a force and forced to go home if he/she has passed the commitment line.
Advancing: Base runner(s) may advance, at their own risk, until such time as the ball has been thrown back to the pitcher, or until the umpire calls time.  Once the pitcher is in possession of the ball, the umpire will stop play and all runners will return to the last base touched. If a runner has advanced more than half way to a base, that runner will be allowed to advance to the next base.
Overthrow: In the event of an overthrow past the dead ball line, the umpire will call "time" and runners will be allowed to go directly to the base to which they were heading. An overthrow to first or third base stops play and the ball is 'dead'. The runner does not advance to the next base. If the ball does not go into dead ball territory it is not considered an overthrow and is in play. A defensive player can recover the ball and beat the runner to first base for an out. The same rule applies at third base on a force play. On a non-force play at third base the defensive player would have to tag the runner to get the out.
Contact: When a defensive player is in possession of the ball, it is the obligation of the base runner to avoid contact.
Sliding: Sliding is permitted at second and third base as well as home plate. Infielders must apply the tag to the runner for the out if there is no force play at the base. Note that once the player has passed the commitment line as described above the out at home plate will be a force, so no tag is necessary.  A base runner sliding into first base will be called out, whether contact is made or not.
Scoring: To score, the base runner must touch home plate.
Mercy Rule:  In any one inning, the offensive team may not score more than five runs.  The exception to this rule is the final inning. If the "no new inning" time is reached in the top half of the inning, then the inning will be declared an open inning. If the "no new inning" time is reached in the bottom of the inning, then the inning will not be an open inning.

Defensive Play
Positions: There are five (5) infielders (one at each base, one at shortstop and a second shortstop between 1st and 2nd base), two (2) pitchers, one (1) catcher, one (1) left fielder, two (2) centre fielders and one (1) right fielder for a total of twelve (12) positions on the field. (Yes, some players will sit out an inning if the full roster is in attendance.)
Outs: At first base, the defensive player must touch the white half of the safety bag or the runner will be called safe. Making the force play is encouraged. If no force is available then the defensive players are encouraged to try for the out at first base.
Outfielders: Outfielders will start each play at least ten (10) feet behind the baseline. An outfielder may not make an unassisted out in the infield.  An outfielder must throw the ball to an infielder to make an out, and to stop play. Outfielders may not call for a time-out.
Infielders: Infielders may not take more than 5 steps to make an unassisted out if a grounder is fielded. An infielder must throw the ball to another infielder to make an out, and to stop play. Infielders may call for time.
Pitcher: The players who occupy the position of pitcher must stand beside the pitching machine outside of the safety circle and behind the pitching line (4 foot line extending from the safety circle) until the ball is hit. If a pitcher moves in front of the pitching line prior to the batter making contact with the ball the umpire will give a warning and the pitch will not count if the batter does not get a safe hit. Should the same pitcher do this a second time the batter will be awarded first base, and the pitcher will be removed from the position. 
A pitcher may not make an unassisted out at any base if a grounder is fielded, with the exception of a play at home plate. The pitcher must not in any way break the plane of the safety circle to make a play on a hit ball whether stepping on the circle line or reaching in. Play will be called dead and one (1) base will be awarded. All other forced runners will advance one (1) base. This only applies if the pitcher makes contact with the ball. Only pitchers may return a live ball to the umpire when runners are on base. The pitcher must wear a helmet.
Catcher: A catcher is mandatory. Catchers are required to use complete catcher's gear provided by the league, which consists of protective headgear including throat protector, chest protector and shin guards. They are allowed to use any type of glove or mitt. This gear must be worn during warm-up and machine set-up in addition to game play.
Ball Throwing: All players are expected to make proper baseball throws. Rolling the ball is not permitted. Underhand throwing is not permitted except for very short distances.
Ball Buckets:  All pitched balls that are not hit, will be retrieved by the catcher and placed in the bucket that is located beside him/her.  When the umpire runs out of balls at the pitching machine, the catcher will then trade the umpire for his empty bucket.  This should also be done between each batter to ensure the game moves as quickly as possible.
Stopping Play / Calling for Time Out: The ball is considered dead and play ends only when the ball has been returned to the pitcher, or the umpire calls time.  Infielders, other than the pitcher, may hold up the ball and ask the umpire for time. It is up to the umpire to grant the time out. A runner may only advance to the next base if they had advanced past the halfway point to that base prior to the pitcher securing the ball, or the umpire calling time.
Contact: If contact occurs between a base runner and a defensive player when the defensive player does not have possession of the ball, the defensive player is called for obstruction and the runner is awarded the base.  Until they have possession of the ball, any defensive player must allow runners to advance to any base (including home plate) without obstructing them in anyway. An infielder with the ball can tag a runner out.

Line-Up
Each team shall consist of boys and girls from 8 to 9 years of age.  Each team will have a maximum of 15 players.
Roster: All players on the roster, who are present, will be listed in the line-up and will bat in turn through the line-up. The batting order is to be rotated each game to ensure all players are given an equal opportunity to bat in every position in the line-up.
Late Arrival: Players who arrive late for the game will be added to the bottom of the line-up without penalty, no matter what inning the game is in.
Minimum number of players: The minimum number of players required to play a game is eight (8). If this number cannot be fielded at game time the game will be forfeited. In such a situation it is recommended that the other team lend some of their players to the opposing team.
Call-Ups:  If you know ahead of time that you will be short players, you may call up an approved player from 7U for 8U and 8U for 9U.  This player must possess enough ability that he/she will not get hurt, or slow the game down.  All players called up from a lower division will be played under the same rules and regulations as the regular players.  All call-ups should be coordinated through the convenors, or if necessary, the VP of House League. Coaches are asked to have call-ups wear a t-shirt or jersey of the colour of the team the call-up is playing for.
Forfeits: If a team forfeits, the forfeit will be recorded as a 5-0 win for the non-forfeiting team. If both teams forfeit, it will be recorded as a 0-0. Games will be recorded as having 1 defensive inning.

Player Participation and Playing Time
Playing Time: All players will be afforded equal playing time to the best of the coaching staff’s ability to balance the time. Because a roster may have 15 players, and there are only 12 available positions, there will be times when a player must sit-out an inning.  No player shall sit more than 2 innings per game, and never in consecutive innings. The coaches must ensure that no one player sits out more than another over the course of the season.
Participation:  Player's will rotate positions every inning giving all players an equal opportunity to play the different positions. Assuming that twelve (12) players are fielded, no player will play a position more than once in any given game. Players that play the outfield one inning should play the infield the next inning. The pitcher positions are considered as one position, and therefore a player may not play the left and then the right side position in the same game. Coaches are strongly encouraged to equalize the defensive playing time in the infield and outfield for all players on their teams. Every player will play every position at least once during the season. A player may be removed from the game for displaying poor sportsmanship or other conduct as outlined in the East York Baseball Association Conduct Policy.  The discretion for such action is vested in the game umpire, the player’s coach or the league convener.

Umpire
Responsibility: The umpire will be in total control of the game and has final say on interpretation of the rules.
Time: The umpire will ensure that the game starts on time.  Games are to start at 6:30pm (6:15pm in August).  There is a 15 minute grace period, after which, if the game cannot start, a default will declared.  The umpire will establish the official curfew time of 8:30 P.M. should it become an issue.
Pitching Machine: The umpire for the game will ensure the proper speed has been set and has the sole reasonably for any adjustments to speed or position. The umpire shall get agreement from both coaches on the person designated to operate the pitching machine.   In the event of an unfixable malfunction, the umpire will determine who will replace the machine as pitcher for the remainder of the game.
Interference: No player, coach or observer shall put pressure upon the umpire to influence any judgment call. Any disputes should be brought to the attention of the 8U/9U Convener.

Ground Rules
Safety Circle: A hit or thrown ball passing through the safety circle without hitting the equipment, the coach, or the umpire is a live ball and should be played.
Diamond #5: Any ball that is hit on to or over the paved road in left or center field is ruled an automatic home run. Balls bouncing prior to the paved path and then subsequently rolling on or over the path will be counted as a ground rule double in left field, or ground rule triple in centre field. This is at the discretion of the umpire based on their judgement of where the runner would have ended up easily had the ball not passed the path.
Diamond #7:  If the ball rolls under the stands by diamond 1, under any picnic table in the outfield or into the playground it shall be a ground rule triple. Balls hit off the screen/fencing of diamond 1 are live balls and in play. Balls landing in the diamond 1 3rd base dugout are home runs. Balls rolling behind the backstop of diamond #6 are ground rule doubles.

General Rules
Home Team: The home team shall occupy the third base dugout.
Infield Practice: The home team may take infield practice for 10 minutes beginning 30 minutes prior to scheduled game time. The visiting team shall then have 10 minutes to use as infield practice, if so desired.
Game Time: Games will start at 6:30pm (6:15pm in August) if both teams have at least the minimum number of players needed to play the game.  Please ask parents and players to expect to arrive no later than 6:15pm. If either team is short, a 15 minute grace period will be given, after which, a default will be awarded.  At no time shall the game time be delayed due to infield practices, waiting for a particular player etc.
Team Field Changes: Teams must "hustle" on and off the field.
Coaching Positions: Coaches are to communicate with their players in a positive constructive manner. Offensive base coaches may give direction to or comment on the opposing players' defensive positioning, base running or play in general, provided the opposing coach has no objections. The defensive team may place one coach in the outfield to direct the players during plays. At no time shall a coach touch the ball while it is live, nor interfere with the play in any way. The offensive team may have a coach at both first and third base as well as running the pitching machine.
Helmets:  All pitchers, catchers, batters, runners, and on deck batters shall wear helmets. All helmets must have straps that are done up.
Infield Fly Rule: The infield fly rule does not apply.
Dead Ball Rule: When people, dogs, bikes or any other obstruction interferes with a ball in play, the umpire will call a 'dead ball'. Bases awarded will be at the discretion of the umpire   When a batted ball hits the pitching machine, the ball bucket, the coach, the umpire or stops within the safety circle, the ball is declared a 'dead ball'. The batter is awarded first base and all base runners in a force position advance one base.
Passed Ball: There are no passed balls or wild pitches.
Putting Ball in Play:  Each pitch commences with the umpire calling out "Play Ball".
Completion of Half Inning: A half-inning is over when one of three (3) outs or five (5) runs have been scored, regardless of the number of batter or outs.  The scorekeeper will inform the umpire when five runs have been scored to end an inning (except in the final inning).  The final play must be completed before the scorekeeper announces that five runs have scored.
Base Runner Substitution:  If there are two outs with the player that has been assigned to be catcher for the next inning is on base, a runner may be substituted for that player.  The new runner must be the player that was the last out.
Smoking: Smoking is not allowed on the playing field or in the dugout area.
Accidents:  All accidents, however minor, must be reported to the league convener, or if necessary, to the VP of House League immediately.  All teams should have first aid kits in their equipment bag, but if not, there are supplies at the snack bar.  Ice packs may also be obtained from the snack bar.
Respect: Abuse, be it verbal or physical against the umpires will not be tolerated.  This will apply to all spectators, parents, coaches and players.  East York Baseball has a zero-tolerance policy in this area, and violators will be removed from the game.  Depending on the violation, further disciplinary action will be dealt by the convener, or the disciplinary committee.  This extends to any abuse towards players and coaches as well.
Protests: Protests must be lodged at the game with the plate umpire at the moment of the presumed infraction. A period of forty-eight hours will be allowed to give written protest. A $25.00 fee must be accompanied with the written protest. Written protests are to be filed with the Vice-President of house league.
Food/Drink: There is no food allowed in the dugouts. Drinks (water and sport drinks) are allowed. All food must be consumed off the field of play. It is expected that the teams, at the conclusion of the games will clean up all garbage. The coaching staff will enforce this.

Playoffs - For 2024, Playoffs will begin the week of July 15th
Format:  Playoffs will be held in a round robin format.  The outcome of the round robin determines the semi-final, final and consolation games to be played on the Closing Weekend. All teams will play on Closing Weekend.
Official Score:  The score sheet of the home team will considered the official score.  It is the responsibility of both teams to email or text the score to eybascores@gmail.com.
Tie Games:  If the game cannot be decided in extra innings (curfew has been reached, or darkness makes playing dangerous), the game will revert back to the last completed inning where the score was not tied.
Six Team Round Robin Format: Regular Season Standings will determine position
Each team will play 5 games round robin games in their pool. Teams will be awarded 2 points for a win. The top 4 teams in each pool will play the semi-finals in a 1 vs 4 & 2 vs 3 format. The winners of the semi-finals will then play in the finals. The 5^th and 6^th place teams will each play a consolation game. All teams will receive awards.
Tie Breakers in the Playoffs
In the event of a tie within the pool, the following tie- breaking formulas will be used:
i) The winner of the head to head game between the two (2) teams will advance.
ii) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
iii) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in all games.
iv) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
v) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in all games.
vi) Coin Toss.
In all other circumstances (3 or more), the following will be utilized:
i) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
ii) Team with the smallest runs against ratio (Runs allowed divided by the number of defensive innings played) in all games.
iii) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in games among tied teams.
iv) Team with the highest runs for ratio (Runs scored divided by the number of offensive innings played) in all games.
v) Coin Toss.