Spirit

1. 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.  If this is not possible, parents, coaches or siblings may be used.  The game is ultimately for the kids.  Let them play.
2. 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.
3. The maximum number of players allowed to take up defensive positions is 9 unless both teams have 10 or more players.  In this situation, a 10th players may be added to the outfield as a “rover”.  Both coaches must agree to this prior to the game.  At no point can one team field 10 players while the other teams fields 9 or less unless both coaches agree to this. 
4. If a player has to leave the game because of injury, sickness or ejection his/her spot will be simply skipped for the remainder of the game without penalty.  If the player leaving the games allows the roster to fall below the numbers required to start a game, the game will be defaulted.  Rather than terminate the game, the other team should “loan” the team a player so that that the game can be completed.  At no time can an ejected player be re-inserted into the game.
5. The umpire will ensure that the game starts on time. Games are to start at 8:45. There is a 15-minute grace period, after which, if the game cannot start, a default will declared.
6. After the first inning, a returning pitcher is allowed 5 (five) warm up throws.
7. If a new pitcher comes into the game he or she is allowed six warm up throws.
8. A pitcher may only pitch 2 innings per game, and these innings must be consecutive.  Pitching any part of an inning constitutes 1 inning. In seasons where overage (U18) players are allowed to play, an overage (U18) pitcher may only pitch one inning. For the 2022 season The divisions are split.
9. A catcher may only catch a maximum of 3 innings per game; they do not have to be consecutive. Catching any part of an inning constitutes 1 inning.
10. In addition to Rules 8 & 9, no player may PITCH OR CATCH MORE THAN A COMBINED 3 INNINGS PER GAME / PER DAY and the pitching innings must be consecutive. This rule is meant for safety and to ensure that kids do not end up with serious elbow injuries as a result of too many throws and multiple warming and cooling sessions.
    • Example 1 - Pitch 2 innings or Catch 3 innings in Game 1 = No longer available to pitch or catch in Game 2
    • Example 2 - Pitch 1 inning and catch 2 innings in Game 1 = No longer available to pitch or catch in Game 2
    • Example 3 – Pitch 2 innings and catch 1 inning in Game 1 = No longer available to pitch or catch in Game 2 
    • Example 4 – Pitch 1 inning and catch 1 inning in Game 1 = Able to catch 1 inning in Game 2, not able to pitch as it has to be consecutive.
    • Example 5 - Pitch 1 inning in Game 1 = Able to catch 2 innings in Game 2, not able to pitch as it has to be consecutive.
    • Example 6 – Catch 2 innings in Game 1 = Able to pitch or catch 1 inning in Game 2
    • Example 7 - Catch 1 inning in Game 1 = Able to pitch 2 or catch 2 innings, or 1 and 1 in Game 2
    • Example 8 - No pitching or catching in Game 1 = Able to Pitch 2 or Catch 3 innings, or pitch 1 and catch 2, or less in Game 2.
11. Any pitcher who hits a batter with a pitched ball twice during the same game will be removed from the mound.  The player may still play in the field but may not be placed in the pitcher position for the remainder of the game.
12. All players must bat in turn for the entire game. (One batting order).
13. The playing positions and number of innings shall be as follows:
    • All players must play at least two (2) infield positions and at least one (1) outfield position within the first 5 innings of the game.  Which positions each player plays is at the discretion of the coach, but remember it is house league and all players deserve a chance to play every position.
    • No player will sit out two innings in a row. 
    • No players will sit twice before all other players on the team have sat once.
14. In any one inning you may not score more than five runs except the last inning where there is no limit on runs scored.  The umpire will announce last inning.  If time runs out during the last inning, the game will revert to the last completed inning where there was a winning team. 
15. Base stealing will be as baseball rules. 
16. If you know ahead of time that you will be short players, you may call up an approved player from next lower division.  This player should be on the same colour team and 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. 
17. If player(s) are brought up for a game from lower division, they must be played under the same rules and regulations as the coach’s regular players.  If it turns out that the coach already has a full team of regular players, the above statement still holds true.
18. Players and coaches of both teams must be in the dugout five minutes prior to the start of the game. The umpire will advise the time.  The home team will occupy the dugout on the 3rd base side of the field.  It is the coach’s responsibility to know who whether they are the home team or the visitor.
19. Rosters for both teams should be exchanged 10 minutes prior to the start of the game. The home team’s score sheet will be considered the official sheet.  It is the visiting team’s responsibility to verify the score prior to the score sheet being handed in to the umpires. It is the responsibility of both teams to email or text the score to eybascores@gmail.com.
20. If a batted ball touches a player on another diamond or a spectator, the ball is ruled dead. The umpire will then judge what base the batter is entitled to reach.
21. If there are two out with the catcher on base, a runner may be substituted for the catcher. The runner will be the previous out.
22. Collisions at the plate are to be avoided at all times.  It is the responsibility of the base runners to avoid collisions. If a collision occurs at home plate without the base runner attempting a slide, the runner will be called out.  It is up to the umpire to determine whether a slide was attempted.  If there is no play at a base, the defensive player must allow the base runner(s) the base path.
23. All players on both teams not participating in actual play must remain in the dugouts with the following exceptions: 
    • Relief pitchers and catchers may warm up behind their own screen. Catchers MUST wear a catching mask even in warm-up. This is mandatory for Players and Coaches.
    • The batter on deck may take his or her proper position.
    • Player has asked permission from the coach to leave dugout. 
24. 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.
25. Umpires will be in total control of the game and will have the final say on any interpretation of the rules.  No Player, coach or spectator will put pressure on the umpire to influence any judgement call.
26. Abuse, verbal or physical of umpires by players or coaches will not be tolerated.  The umpires will remove said violator(s) from the game.  Violators may be subject to further disciplinary action.
27. Parents or spectators will not be allowed to verbally or physically abuse any player, coach or umpire.  The convenor and/or the VP of House League will intervene.
28. The scorekeeper will inform the umpire when five runs have scored to end an inning (except the inning declared as ‘last inning’ by the umpire). The final play must be completed and the ball in the pitcher’s hand before the scorekeeper announces that five runs have scored.
29. 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.
30. Any hit ball that rolls over the path near the playground in left field will be declared a ground rule double.  If it rolls over the path in centre field it will be declared a ground rule triple.  Any ball that clears this path will be declared a home run.  The umpire will have the ultimate decision on how many bases can be awarded. 
31. All batters and base runners must wear batting helmets with straps attached (this includes the on-deck batter). If a player, while in play removes the batting helmet or undoes the strap the umpire will call the player who was in the wrong out.  Any player that is coaching first or third base must wear a batting helmet.  Straps are not required for this.