LOCAL RULES
PLEASE NOTE THAT THESE RULES ARE FOR CALIFORNIA TOURNAMENTS ONLY AND DO NOT APPLY TO OUT STATE AND NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP PLAY

METAL CLEATS ARE NOT ALLOWED IN AGES 12U AND BELOW

• Age divisions are based on the following:
  All USTSA USA Baseball Tournaments ages 8's thru 18's will use the May 1 age cutoff date. To determine your team's age, determine your oldest player's age as of April 30th, 2008. Player participating in a given division cannot turn the next age before May 1, 2008. Example: Player in 10U division cannot turn 11 before May 1, 2008 or he is too old for that division and must play in the 11U division. Players may play up but not down in age.
• Sporting News rules shall apply, along with USTBA National rules, using the following "local" California USTBA Rules modifications listed below. Click here for Sporting news Rules
• Pitching Limitations and Rules: Age division 08U Any combination of 6 innings in 2 consecutive days, 09U thru 10U Any combination of 7 innings in 2 consecutive days, 11U thru 12U Any combination of 8 innings in 2 consecutive days, 13U thru 14U Any combination of 10 innings in 2 consecutive days, 15U thru 18U innings Any combination of 11 innings in two consecutive days. No pitcher is permitted to pitch on 3 consecutive days.
  NOTE: For three (3) day events a pitcher can pitch up to his/her alloted innings on the first day and if he/she does not pitch at all on the second consecutive day his/her innings are renewed on the third day of the tournament. (Managers please use common sense) If a pitcher pitches at all in any two consecutive days pitcher is still bound to the alloted innings. Example: In the case of a 10U pitcher - Sunday he/she pitches four (4) innings. On Monday pitcher is limited to the remainder of 3 innings.
  Violation of pitching restrictions will result in automatic ejection of offending Manager and player plus and up to including forfeiture of game in some instances (Discretion of tournament director.)
  In the age divisions 08U thru 14U once a pitcher is removed from the mound he may not re-enter to pitch in the remainder of that game. He is elgible to play any other defensive position on the field. In age divisions 15U thru 18U high school (NFHS) rules apply to the pitcher.
  
• Mandatory Slide or Avoid Rule will be in effect at all age levels. Any player is out when the runner does not slide when the defensive player has the ball and waiting to make a tag. All players are required to avoid collision with another player while running the bases. If, in the opinion of the umpire, the runner does not make an effort to avoid collision, he is to be declared out. If in the opinion of the umpire the act is deemed to be malicious, the runner will be ejected from the game. Runner are not allowed to go after a defensive player to break a play at any base.
• Flagrant collision: When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who is clearly in possession of the ball , the umpire shall judge whether the collision was avoidable and whether the runner was attempting to dislodge the ball or simply attempting to reach the base. If the runner is judged to have attempted to intentionally dislodge the ball, the runner shall be called "Out", the ball is dead, and all runners return to their last base touched at the time of the interference. Any player, in the judgment of the umpire, flagrantly colliding with any fielder (especially the catcher) is subject to immediate ejection
• Teams may elect to bat 9 players or bat 10 players with the 10th player as an EH. Teams may also bat entire roster. Teams electing to bat their entire roster should note that in case of a player not being able to continue due to injury will only be an out the first time that player's spot comes up in the batting order, however in the case of a player ejection, the ejected player's spot will be an out every time that player's spot comes up in the batting order. A minimum of 8 players shall be required to start a game. Teams with 8 players shall start their scheduled games on time with the 9th spot in the batting order being left blank and resulting in an automatic out each time the 9th spot is due to bat. Teams that cannot field 9 players prior to the 5th inning starting shall forfeit. If prior to the 5th inning starting the 9th player arrives he shall be placed in the 9th spot in the batting order. Starters may re-enter one time only in their original batting order. DH is not permitted in age divisions 14U and below. NOTE: In the event of a player being injured during the course of a game and injured player cannot continue and the team has no more players with eligibility (subs have been used) the last declared substitute used by respective team then will be allowed to sub for the injured player. No outs are declared at this point. This exception is used to promote player safety and in the spirit of fair play.
• Designated Hitter: (DH), may be used in the 15U and over divisions. Normal substitution rules apply for the Designated Hitter (DH).
• Extra Hitter: A team may use the EH, (extra hitter) if desired in any (Ages 9 thru 18) USTBA (California) tournament game. The manager must declare the use of an EH prior to the start of the game. The EH position shall be considered  the same as any other position. Normal substitution rules apply. However, any team that begins play using an EH, must maintain a 10-player line-up throughout the game. If, due to injury, a team shall fail to field nine players, an out shall be recorded each time the EH was to have come to bat. Note: The extra hitter listed on the original line-up is considered the extra hitter for the entire game no matter what defensive position he assumes during the game. The extra hitter may occupy any position in the batting order. Once the game has commenced, the position of the EH in the batting line-up cannot change during the game.
• Jewelry shall be prohibited (except Medical Alert bracelets) One warning be given per team - followed by player (possible) ejection for ensuing infractions by players of the team for the remainder of the game.
• Time Limits: Official game time limit for 9U-12U is 6 innings with no new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes (whichever comes first). 13U thru 18U will play 7 innings with no new inning after two hours (whichever comes first). Once a inning begins it must be completed. Ties count in pool play. No time limits in Championship games only. Note***Managers, please have your team ready to play immediately following the completion of the preceding game. For the benefit of all participants in our events it is our desire to keep all games going off on time even if that includes beginning your game prior to the scheduled game time start.
• Between Innings: A maximum of 90 seconds or 5 warm up pitches, whichever comes first) will be allowed between innings with timing started upon the 3rd out. The umpire shall keep time. Automatic strikes may be called on an offensive team not ready, after the umpire has directed teams to play. Additionally any defensive not ready to begin play when umpire commences play with may be accessed automatic "balls". If an injury requires an emergency pitching change, the new pitcher will have 10 minutes maximum for warm up, during which time the game clock shall be stopped.
• Illegal Players: Any team knowingly using illegal players shall be subject to discipline ranging from forfeiting a game, possible ejection from tournament and possible future sanctions imposed by USTBA Baseball California.
• Tournament director reserves the right to alter format of any tournament event in order to finish tournament event in a timely manner. This includes shortening minimum game guarantees, modifying game schedules, time limits and innings per game if necessary. Additionally, every effort will be made to finish tournament but in case of rain, darkness or other acts of nature, director reserves the right to shorten games or modify schedules in order to finish event.
• Tie games in playoffs will be played out in extra innings. Game will be played until a winner is determined. In Pool Play a tie stands and will not be played out.
• Run rules: 20 run rule after 1 inning in all age divisions, 15 run rule after 2 innings in all age divisions, 12 run rule after 3 innings in all age divisions, 10 run rule after 4 innings in all age divisions, 8 run rule after 5 innings in all age divisions.
• Home team will be determined by coin flip, home team must occupy the third base dugout (Unless mutually agreed upon differently by both opposing managers). All changes must go thru the home plate umpire. In playoff rounds, the higher seed will be the home team. Higher seeded team also has the option of choosing to be visiting team.
• Official scorekeeper may sit in stands or in the vicinity of the backstop, the official scorekeeper cannot sit in the dugout or in the area of the dugout. Reminder: the scorekeeper is by rule an unbiased game official whose conduct is governed by that very definition.
• No metal cleats will be allowed in divisions 12U and below. Metal cleats are permitted in age division 13U and above. NOTE***Many sports parks that provide their own artificial mounds (ie Birdsall Sports Park) do not allow any metal cleats of any kind on their artificial mounds in any age group at any time.
  
• Legal Metal and Wood Bats.
  All metal bats must be approved for Youth Baseball League. No softball bats. Max barrel in ages 7-14 is 2 3/4. Ages 15 & above must use NFHS approved bats (-3). Penalty for use of illegal bat will be out. 2nd offense will result in ejection of offending player. Wood bats are permitted in all age divisions.
• Catchers must be properly equipped for safety purposes. "Properly equipped" is per judgment of chief umpire and tournament director. (i.e. no skull caps allowed, catchers head gear must cover ears & catchers must wear athletic protective cup.)
• All protests will be ruled on immediately by tournament director and all decisions are final and once the next pitch is thrown, team loses right to protest. Only managers may protest. Judgment calls by umpires may not be protested. Upon a protest, a manager shall remit $100.00 cash protest fee. If the protest is upheld, the $100.00 shall be immediately refunded. If the protest is denied, the deposit shall be forfeited. All protests must initiated thru the home plate umpire before being brought to the tournament director. Absolutely, No pre-game infield on any of the fields. Warm up in foul territory only please.
  Courtesy Runners: A courtesy runner may be used for the pitcher or catcher at any time. Courtesy runner can only run once in an inning and must be first be someone not presently in the game or secondly the last out. The same runner may not run for both the pitcher and the catcher in the same inning. Courtesy runner for the catcher with two outs is mandatory. (This is also referred to as the "Speed Up Rule which is intended to help speed the game along so as to help insure that teams get their full games in.)
• intentional walk, may be announced by the manager in the 08U thru 14U age levels. In the 15U thru 18U four (4) balls must be thrown.
• Missed bases require an appeal play.
• Forfeits Any team forfeiting a game may not advance to playoff round if it is determined that it is beneficial to that team with regards to runs allowed/differential etc. 
• Managers responsible for players, fans and team conduct:Managers are held responsible for the conduct of thier players, coaches and fans. Game personnel (including spectators) shall not use language or gestures that will, in any manner, refer to, or reflect negatively toward opposing players. coaches, umpires, or spectators. PENALTY:In the case of unruly fans or unsportsmanslike conduct from fan(s) the team's manager will be given the opportunity to inform fan(s) that their behavior is subject to that fan(s) being ejected from the game and from the park. If once fan(s) is warned by manager and behavior persist fan(s) will be ejected from park. If manager does not warn fan and behavior continues both manager and fan will be ejected.
• Manager only allowed to appeal to umpire Only managers or recognized head coach is allowed to appeal to umpires during game and all conversations with an umpire should be conducted after a time out has been called and be held in a calm and professional manner. Verbal abuse of the umpire will not be tolerated and may result in ejection from the game. Assistant coaches not adherring to this rule are subject to immediate ejection from game.
• All ejections of managers and coaches Any manager or coach ejected from the game will sit out the next game also.  An ejected manager must not be in the area of the field after being ejected or during the pre game or play of the suspended game. Any manager caught continuing to coach after being ejected or suspended will be suspended for an additional period of time. Any player ejected from a game is subject to a one game suspension at the tournament director's discretion. Managers are responsible for the conduct of his players and fans
  Note: Player ejections resulting from offenses deemed flagrant by umpire will carry an additional and immediate 1 game suspension and are not reviewable under any circumstances by the tournament director. (ie running over the catcher at home plate by runner.) Players ejected during game must remain in dugout for remainder of game. Ejected player must sit our remainder of game quietly and without incident. Penalty: Failure of player to act without further incident in dugout will result in up to and including additional and immediate 1 game suspension or even disqualification for remainder of tournament.
• Post-Game Misconduct: If a team, coach or player displays misconduct or poor sportsmanship AFTER a game has concluded, the player or coach may be ejected from the next game - the team may forfeit the next game - or may be suspended at the discretion of the USTBA tournament director.
• Game Misconduct: No coach, player, or team shall, at any time, whether from the bench, coaching box, or playing field, attempt to incite by word or sign, any unsportsmanlike conduct or demonstration by spectators. Penalty: Offending team member is subject to immediate ejection from game. (Profanity of any sort is strictly prohibited and is grounds for immediate ejection)
• Failure to leave park after being ejected from game: If any manager, coach or fan, upon being ejected during game, refuses to leave the park in a timely manner determined by the tournament director the game shall be deemed a forfeit.
• Some parks may have gate fees. Private parks policies and gate fees may differ and are determined by those respective parks. Gate fees where posted are not optional.
• No alcoholic beverages allowed to be brought  into the ballparks.
• No ball buckets or coaches chairs on the playing field.

• Wherever stated clearly these "Local Rules" supersede USTBSA National rules for all local events.

08U Division (Player Pitch)

• Base length shall be 60 feet.

• The pitching distance shall be 40 feet.

• The game shall be six (6) innings. The game time limit 1-1/2 hours.

• Tie games in playoffs will be played out in extra innings. Game will be played until a winner is determined. In Pool Play a tie stands and will not be played out.

• A game shall become official after three innings have been completed or after 2-1/2 innings if the home team is ahead.

• A team may start a game with no less than nine (9) players. Failure to field nine players is cause for forfeit.

• Any player may pitch a maximum of 6 innings per day with no more than 8 innings per tournament. Any pitcher who pitches in two consecutive days is not allowed to pitch on the following day.

• 4 balls constitute a walk and 3 strikes is an out as per baseball rules.

• Balk rules do not apply.

• Base runners may not leave the base until the ball is hit or has crossed the plate. PENALTY: The runner is out. Base runners may advance at their own risk once a pitched ball is hit of has crossed the plate.

• Runners on 3rd may not steal home on a passed ball or wild pitch. Runners on 3rd may not advance unless play is made on him at third base (example: catcher or pitcher attempts to pick off 3rd base runner), the ball is hit, or the runner is forced home by a base on balls, or hit batsman.

• Ball is dead when pitcher has the ball in the area of the mound.

• The batter is out on dropped 3rd strikes.

• Runners cannot advance once the pitcher is on the rubber with ball in his possession. Exception: Runners may advance when the ball is hit to the pitcher and time has not been called.

• Only nine (9) players shall play the field.

• Runners may advance at their own risk if a defensive player, including the pitcher, should make a throw to any base in a pick-off effort.

• The team may bat nine (9) players - or a 10th player if using the E-H rule. Teams may also bat entire roster if they wish with free substitution.

• Batting order cannot change. Starters re-entering must assume their original place in the batting order.

• Defensive coaches must remain in, or in front of, the dugout at all times.

• Infield fly rule does not apply.

• Intentional walks are not allowed.

• The courtesy runner rule, for pitcher or catcher is allowed. A player, who has not been in the game, may be allowed to run for the pitcher or catcher. A courtesy runner may run for only one player per inning. If the same batter gets on base twice in the same inning, only the same courtesy runner may be use. NOTE: Courtesy runner for the catcher with two outs is mandatory.

• Bunting is allowed in the 08U player pitch division.

• Wherever stated clearly these "Local Rules" supersede USTBA National rules for all local events.

USTBA Baseball National Rules can be found by clicking here.

SUMMER NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS!
SAN DIEGO - CALIFORNIA
Click Here For 2008 USTBA Summer Nationals Details!