GENERAL RULES

Sun, 04/26/2009 - 02:10 — nlgsadmin
  1. A foul tip is a batted ball that goes directly from the bat to the catcher's glove, but not higher than the batter's head. This will be considered a strike. If the foul ball goes higher than the batter's head and is caught, the batter will be called “out”.
  2. When the ball is overthrown (out of the field of play), the base runners will be awarded the base they were approaching at the release of the throw plus one more base. The umpire must immediately declare “Dead Ball”.
  3. (Rookie Division only) The play is officially over when the ball is under control in the infield by any player and the umpire deems the play to be dead. In this situation, the base runners cannot advance. The umpire will call “Dead Ball”, play over, or time out on the field.
  4. A run shall NOT be scored if the third out of the inning is a result of the batter being put out before legally touching 1 st base or if a base runner is forced out.
  5. If any coach touches a player while running the bases, the player is called “out”. (Congratulatory “High 5's” are permitted)
  6. Time Outs:
    1. Each manager will be allowed two (2) time outs/ trips to the mound per inning to talk to his/her pitcher and/or team. The 2 nd trip to the mound will constitute a pitching change. (3 in Rookie level only)
    2. Any player on the team may ask for time out at any time and the umpire may grant time if play has ended.
  7. Appeals : An appeal may be made by a manager, coach, or player. Only then can an umpire make a decision. The appeal must be made before the next legal (or illegal) pitch, or before the defensive team leaves the field. (There is no formal procedure to go through, just ask the umpire and explain the appeal.)
  8. Game Forfeiture
    1. If a team does not wish to continue play, the game is to be forfeited against them by the umpire.
    2. If any rules are willfully violated, the umpire may declare the game forfeited.
    3. If a team is not ready to start within 15 minutes after the assigned starting time, they will forfeit the game.
    4. If a spectator becomes verbally abusive, the umpire will request the appropriate coach to inform the abusive individual that the game will possibly be forfeited if the abuse does not cease. If the abuse continues, the umpire will declare the game forfeited.
  9. Dropped Third Strike:

    The dropped third strike rule will apply in the Junior and Senior Division only. In the Junior level, this rule, however, only will be in affect if both managers approach the umpire prior to the game and ask for, and agree to, the dropped third strike rule being applied for the game.
  10. Bunting: Bunting is allowed in the Rookie and Junior and Senior Divisions ONLY.
  11. Balks: No balks will be called in any Division.
  12. Infield Fly Rule: (This rule applies to Junior and Senior Divisions only.)
    1. There are runners at first and second base, or first, second, and third base.
    2. There are less than two (2) outs.
    3. It seems apparent that the batted ball will be an infield fly.
    4. The ball is catchable by a defensive player.

    At any point, the umpire will call “Infield Fly, batter is out”.

    Junior & Senior: Runners may then advance at their own risk.

    THERE IS NO INFIELD FLY RULE AT THE ROOKIE LEVEL

  13. Stealing Bases:
    1. Stealing bases is only allowed in the Junior and Senior Divisions.
    2. In all lower Divisions, a base runner cannot leave the base before the ball reaches the plate. Doing so will result in the runner being called “out” and the play dead.
    3. Junior and Senior Division ONLY:
      1. No runner may leave the base until the ball leaves the pitchers hand.
      2. Any base is eligible to be stolen. However, the runner must slide or otherwise avoid contact if there is a play on the runner.
  14. Readiness : Each manager or coach is to instruct their catchers to be ready to take the field prior to the end of their turn at bat, if the catcher is not batting or preparing to bat. This will help speed up the game and stay within the time limit. If the catcher for the next inning reaches base with two outs, or is on base when the second out is made, it is recommended a pinch runner who made the last out should (not mandatory) be put in for her so that she can get ready for the next inning. The player replaced must catch the next inning.
  15. Ejections: Any and all ejections require the ejected individuals to leave the field area within five (5) minutes of the ejection and remain no closer than the parking area. Failure to do so will result in forfeiture of the game.
    1. If a player, coach, or spectator is ejected from the game, they must leave the field area with all family members. (Except Manager)
    2. If the manager is ejected, the manager must leave the field area.
    3. The N.L.G.S.A. Executive Board has the right to extend the ejection to the next game and beyond if they think the violation deems it necessary.
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