Autumn Baseball League

Rules

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Autumn Baseball League

Opening day Sept. 10, 2011

Website:  www.AutumnBaseballLeague.com 

Established in 2000 by Lucas Bomback & Herman Bomback

 

283 Linden St., Fall River, MA   02720

telephone:  508-676-6110 (Headquarters) / 508 496 7371 (Cell)

email:  AutumnBaseballLeague@live.com  

 

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Table of Contents

Page 1 

Entrance fee

Responsibilities

Reporting a Win or Tie email address:  AutumnBaseballLeague@live.com

2011 Bylaws   

Rules and Regulations

                        Innings to be played

                        Delayed, Postponed and Suspended Games

                       

Page 2

Rain out games

                        Grace Period

            Umpire Qualifications

                        Player Eligibility

                        Misconduct Rule

                        Protests

                        Extra Hitters and Batting Line-up Rule

                       

Page 3

Extra Hitters and Batting Line-up Example

Substitution Rule (offense and defense)

                        Trips to the mound

                        Slash bunting

                        Sliding (AMENDED ON August 19, 2007) see pages 6 & 7 for details

Amount of innings a pitcher is allowed to pitch

                       

Page 4

            8U - no stealing home and 10 defensive players allowed

Pre-Game

Playoff Eligibility

Pinch Runner Rule

Game Times, Schedule, baseball/umps responsibility

Postponement of Game because of the weather

                        Bat Sizes

                        Post season playoffs and finals 

Page 5 & 6 

General Rules  1 – 20

Page 7

NCAA Slide Rule

 

 

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Autumn Baseball League 2011

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The Rules & Protest Committee:  Herman Bomback, Mark Bomback, Jimmy Freeman, Attorneys Patrick Reagan, Arthur Frank, James H. Barrett, Kevin Phelan and Mark Azar.

Deadline for registration – September 1st, 2011, 8 pm.   

Entrance fee is $285 per team and required to be paid to the League on or before the deadline date. 

Registration closes 8 pm Sept. 1st.

MAKE CHECK PAYABLE TO:  Autumn Baseball League

 

Insufficient funded checks will be charged $40.00  

Checks must be accompanied with registration. 

Teams may be omitted from schedule if fee is late.  Late fee:  $75.00

 

BY SIGNING THE APPLICATION and WAIVER FORMS YOU ARE ACCEPTING ALL LIABILITY RESPONSIBILITY.

Team managers, coaches, and parents willingly and voluntarily accept and assume all medical and liability risks of participation.  Each independent team, manager(s), coaches and parents or combination, shall be responsible for any and all liability.  The ABL shall share no responsibility. 

 

Reporting a WIN OR TIE:  

GAME RESULTS MUST BE REPORTED TO COMMISSIONER.  The report must be sent to AutumnBaseBallLeague@Live.com by the winning team.     

File your report at AutumnBaseballLeague@Live.com  WITHIN A 72 HOURS OF THE END OF GAME.   Failure to report within 72 hours could result in no credits awarded for the win(s).  Keep the report simple.  In the Subject line of the email indicate that this is a game report by writing "Scores" and indicate which age group you're reporting.

2011 Bylaws

Rules and Regulations:  The Autumn Baseball League (the ABL) shall be played in accordance with the rules adopted by the Rules Committee of the ABL.  With only a few exceptions, the Minor (U14), Major (U16) and the High School (18) Divisions will follow the Official Baseball Rules as authorized by the Commissioner of Major League Baseball and published by The Sporting News.   The Junior (U10) and the Minor (U12) Divisions, with only a few exceptions, will follow the Little League Rules.     Also see General Rule 1 on page 5 concerning Pony League rules. 

        Rules to govern play will be from the Sporting News Major League Rule Book for the Minors (U14), Majors (U16) and High School Divisions (U18) and rules to govern play will be from the Official Little League Rule Book, for the Juniors (10) & Seniors (12) with the exceptions of those variations listed below…

 

Innings to be played:

Pee Wee U8:

     All games shall be 6 innings.  A complete game shall be a minimum of 4 innings.

Junior U10 and Senior U12 Division: 

     All single games shall be 7 innings.  A complete game shall be a minimum of 5 innings.  All doubleheaders shall be 6 innings each game.  A complete game shall be a min. of 4 innings.

Minor U14, Major U16 & High School U18 Divisions:

     All games shall be 7 innings however if both teams agree then 9 innings may be played.  (Complete game:  7 innings)

Extra Innings:  there's not time limit on ABL games.

In the event of a tied game, extra innings must be played to break the tie.  If game is being played in the extra innings and cannot be continued because of inclement weather or darkness, then the score shall stand after the last completed inning.  It’s the umpire(s) decision and not the coaches.  The umpire is in charge once the game begins.  If the game is tied, then each team is awarded one point.

 

Delayed, Postponed and Suspended Games:

     THE GAME MUST CONTINUE UNLESS AN ACT OF GOD PREVENTS IT FROM CONTINUING.  i.e. LIGHTNING, EARTHQUAKE, RAIN,  SUNSET AND SO FORTH.  IF THE GAME IS ENDED BECAUSE OF THESE CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER 4 INNINGS IN A 6 INNING GAME, 5 INNINGS IN A 7 INNING GAME, 5 INNINGS IN A 9 INNING GAME THEN THE SCORE STANDS.

     IF A GAME IS CALLED BECAUSE OF AN ACT OF GOD AND THE GAME HAS NOT MET THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF INNINGS TO MAKE IT A COMPLETE GAME THEN THE GAME MUST START OVER. 

     IF A GAME IS CALLED BECAUSE OF AN ACT OF GOD (I.E. RAIN, DARKNESS) AND THE GAME HAS MET THE REQUIRED AMOUNT OF INNINGS BUT IS TIED THE GAME IS SUSPENDED AND WILL BE SCHEDULED TO BE PLAYED (AS SOON AS POSSIBLE) FROM THE POINT IT WAS STOPPED.

     IF A GAME IS PREVENTED FROM CONTINUING BECAUSE OF MAN MADE CONDITIONS, (EXAMPLES:  THE ENTIRE UMPIRE CREW GETS SICK AND CANNOT CONTINUE OR THE MAYOR DECIDES HE NEEDS THE FIELD FOR A POLITICAL RALLY) THEN THE GAME IS SUSPENDED AND MUST BE CONTINUED FROM THAT POINT AND AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.  A suspended game must be completed as soon as possible to earn points.

 

 

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ABL – 2011                                                                                                                                                    2 of 7

Rain out games:

If game(s) are rained out, then the two teams must agree on a make up date within a week.  If an agreement cannot be made then the Commissioner may have to decide on the makeup date.

Grace Period:

If a team does not have enough players by game time, the team shall have a 15 minute grace period.  The second game shall start 30 minutes after the 15 minute grace period of the first game.  If the team(s) doesn’t (don’t) have enough players at the time of the second game, then the second game is forfeited also.  Call the Commissioner if this event occurs.  508 496 7371

 

Umpire qualifications: 

 Coaching staff cannot umpire games within their team’s Division.

Juniors U10 and Seniors U12 only:  All home teams are responsible for qualified adult umpires, baseballs and field preparations. Min. of 2 umpires are recommended. PATCHED UMPIRES MAY BE OF RESPONSIBLE AGE.  A MINIMUM OF ONE PATCHED UMPIRE IS REQUIRED AT EACH GAME.  A MINIMUM OF 2 PATCHED UMPIRES ARE RECOMMENDED.  Proper dress required.       

ONLY PATCHED UMPIRES BEHIND THE PLATE.    

Minors U14, Majors U16, High School U18:  Adult and mature umpires must be used during the game.  Two umpires are required.  Proper dress required.  It is recommended NOT to use a close friend or relative of a player.  All umpires must have earned an umpire’s certificate as credentials.                                                                                                          

Player Eligibility:  

            NEW PeeWee Division (U8) - if player is 9 on or after April 1st of 2011 then he/she is eligible

            Junior Division (U10) - if player is 11 on or after April 1st of 2011 then he/she is eligible

            Senior Division (U12) - if player is 13 on or after April 1st of 2011 then he/she is eligible

            Minor Division (U14) - if player is 15 on or after April 1st of 2011 then he/she is eligible

            Major Division (U16) - if player is 17 on or after April 1st of 2011 then he/she is eligible

            High School Division (U18) - if player is 19 on or after April 1st of 2011 then he/she is eligible.

Misconduct Rule:

Only the team manager is designated to confront the umpire on disputes.  This person shall be named prior to the game.  If there is a violation then that person may be warned and may be ejected for the second violation.  The umpire has the option of either or both.  Disagreeing with the umpire is allowed but acting disrespectfully is not allowed.  All team personnel shall be civil and respectful.  The maximum penalty shall be ejection from the league.  The rules/protest committee shall make the final decision. 

IF A PLAYER, COACH OR MANAGER IS EJECTED FROM A GAME, THEN HE/SHE SHALL LEAVE THE BASEBALL PARK PREMISES FOR THE REST OF THE GAME AS WELL AS THE NEXT GAME.

 

Protests:    

There is a $100 protest fee.  Refundable if decision is in the plaintiff’s favor.                                                                                                      

All protests shall be reported to the umpire in charge and must be presented to the Commissioner in print or email with a $100 check made payable to the Autumn Baseball League within 24 hours of the game.  Any protest upheld by the committee shall be replayed at exact point of protest of the game.

Extra Hitters and Batting Line-up Rule:

***The minimum number of players in the batting lineup shall be 9.  The maximum, your entire team.   Any player(s) in the lineup over 9 shall be considered Extra Hitters (EH). Once you choose one of the above and the game commences, you cannot change. 

***Exception…If a team can only field 8 players at game time, then the 9th position shall be recorded as an out.  If later in the game the ninth player arrives, that player shall be inserted in the ninth position to rectify the problem. Extra Hitters:  If you elect to use all of your players in your line up there may be consequences. 

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ABL – 2011                                                                                                                                                                           

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Extra Hitters and Batting Line-up Example: 

If you place all of your players in the lineup you’re at risk.  If a player or players gets injured and cannot play because of an injury, then that vacant spot(s) shall be recorded as an out(s).  A minimum of 8 players is allowed in line-up.  No game is to be played with less than 8.  The team with less than 8 players in lineup shall forfeit the game.

Substitution Rule (offense and defense):

ALL DIVISIONS:  There is no mandatory or minimum amount of playing time for the players.  The manager is not obligated to play everyone.  Free substitution is allowed.  When a batter is taken out of a game and later re-entered, the batter must re-enter in his or her original position in the batting line up.

Trips to the mound: 

One trip to the mound:  If the pitcher is removed from his pitching position and goes to the bench then he/she cannot return to the mound however he/she can return to another position any time during the game.  

If a pitcher is removed after the 1st trip and immediately takes another position in the field then later in the game he/she can return to the pitcher's position. 

Two trips to the mound in the same inning with the same pitcher, the pitcher must be removed.

One visit to the mound per inning per pitcher is allowed.  On the 2nd visit in one inning the pitcher must be removed from the pitcher's position and cannot return to that position for the remainder of the game.

For U14, U16 and U18 only...Concerning the 2nd trip to the mound, in the same inning, same pitcher and the same batter the pitcher has to be removed and the coach is ejected from game.

***Note: Major League Baseball rule - if coach makes 2 trips to the mound in one inning with the same batter then the pitcher must be removed and the coach ejected.  The mound circle or grass fringe once crossed is considered a trip. The coach can participate in the next game.


If the pitcher is removed from the mound (after the first visit) and is placed in another defensive position then he is entitled to return to the mound. (This move will be allowed only once per game per pitcher  However, if at any time that player is benched after his removal from pitching status, then from that point on he cannot return to the pitchers position. This player can return in any subsequent inning as a pitcher but return as a pitcher ONCE.

If the player returns to his pitchers position in the same inning he was removed, he may have any warm-up pitches if needed.  Moreover, if the coach visits the pitcher again in the same inning then the pitcher is removed permanently from the pitcher’s status for that game.

 

Slash bunting:

No slash bunting in Junior and Senior Leagues

Slash bunting is allowed in Minor, Major League and High School Divisions but not recommended.

 

Sliding:

>>>8U, 10U & 12U:  Slide or avoid contact.  If there is a collision without sliding and the defensive player has the ball and or getting ready to make the play, the runner is out.    NOTE for all divisions:  If defensive player is blocking the plate without the ball or not attempting to make a play then the runner has a right to advance to the base even if a collision occurs the umpire may call defensive interference. 

ANY RUNNER IS OUT WHEN RUNNER SLIDES HEAD FIRST WHILE ADVANCING.  IF A RUNNER SLIDES HEAD FIRST INTO THE BAG BECAUSE  (1) OVER RUN THE BASE OR (2) DURING A PICK OFF THEN THE RUNNER SHALL NOT BE CALLED OUT FOR THE HEAD FIRST SLIDE.   If the Umpire calls a runner out for a head first slide, the ball is still live.  Go to page 7:  Slide Rule

>>>14U, 16U & 18U:  See 2007 NCAA rules on page 7.  Head first sliding is permitted but not recommended. 

 

Amount of innings a pitcher is allowed to throw

(more importantly Managers should keep a pitch count):

8U & 10U:  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 6 innings in one given day.  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 8 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 3 appearances during the 3 consecutive day period.

12U:   A pitcher cannot pitch more than 7 innings in one given day.  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 10 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 3 appearances during the 3 consecutive day period.

14U:  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 9 innings in one given day.  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 12 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 4 appearances during the 3 consecutive days.

16U:  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 9 innings in one given day.  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 14 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 4 appearances during the 3 consecutive days.

18U:  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 10 innings in one given day.  A pitcher cannot pitch more than 16 innings in any 3 consecutive days and cannot make more than 4 appearances during the 3 consecutive days.

 

 

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ABL  2011                                                                                                                                                      4 of  7

8U - No stealing home

 

8U - 10 defensive players are allowed (4 outfielders)

 

Pre Game:

If time permits, each team shall be allowed to have pre-game infield/outfield warm-up.  Visitors first.

Just prior to the game, both team managers shall meet at home plate to review the park rules and should but not necessary give the umpire their line-ups. If lineups are given to the umpires then all changes should be conveyed to them.

 

PLAYOFF ELIGIBILITY:

>>>PLAYER MUST PLAY IN HALF OR MORE OF SCHEDULED INTRA-LEAGUE GAMES TO QUALIFY FOR PLAYOFF PARTICIPATION.

ALL TEAMS MUST SAVE AND RECORD ALL SCOREBOOK DOCUMENTATION DURING THE SEASON.  THE SCOREBOOKS MAY BE NEEDED TO PROVE PLAYER (POST GAME) QUALIFICATION.

 

PINCH/COURTESY RUNNER RULE:

 THE RUNNER WHO IS REPLACED CANNOT RE-ENTER THE SAME GAME, ALTHOUGH, IN THE EVENT OF AN INJURY AND WITH THE AGREEMENT OF THE OPPOSING MANAGER AND HEAD UMPIRE, THAT INJURED PLAYER  MAY BE AVAILABLE TO RE-ENTER IF THE TEAM NEEDS THAT PLAYER TO MAINTAIN THE MINIMUM OF EIGHT PLAYER LINEUP.  THE UMPIRE AND OPPOSING MANAGER SHALL DETERMINE WHETHER OR NOT THE INJURED PLAYER IS HEALTHY ENOUGH TO PLAY, HOWEVER, THE UMPIRE SHALL HAVE THE FINAL DECISION.  THIS RULE IS PARTIALLY CREATED TO PREVENT A FORFEIT.  THE HEALTH AND WELFARE OF THE CHILD SHALL BE THE MAIN CONCERN.  COACHES:  TO PREVENT THIS SITUATION, MAINTAIN ENOUGH PERSONEL ON YOUR ROSTER.

 

Game Times & Schedule, baseball/umps responsibility: 

all games are initially scheduled for Saturdays at 10 am.

1.      If you wish to change the original scheduled time and place, then you must notify your opponent, umpires and Commissioner at least 24 ahead of scheduled game time.  The opposing team must agree with the change.  If no mutual agreement of the change of time then the original scheduled time and place shall stand.  If a team doesn’t show then that team shall forfeit.

2.      Night games.  No inning shall start after 8:15 pm for Juniors and Seniors - 10 pm for Minor - 11 pm for the Major Division and High School Divisions. 

3.      Host team shall be home team for both games of double headers, supply the baseballs and responsible 

      for the hiring and paying umpires.

      The second game of the double header shall begin a minimum of 20 minutes and a maximum of 30 minutes from the end of the first game.

           

Postponement of Game because of the weather:

                 

                   The home team must notify their opponent at least   hours before game time concerning a postponed game because of rain or any other reason.  Because teams are traveling, this would prevent a team from needlessly making a trip. No game can be called off more than 24 hours prior to game. 

 

Bat sizes:

8U, 10U, 12U Bat diameter:    Maximum barrel size – 2 1/4 inches

 

14U, 16U, 18U, Starting in 2012:  High School rules shall be used...No reasonable restrictions on Big Barrel bats.  Player's cannot modifiy bat to enhance the bat's performance. 

Attention 18U Concerning metal bats, the High School Division shall use drop 3 bats only.  Wooden bats are allowed in all Divsions.

 

Post season playoff and finals protocol:

The team with the most points shall host the first 2 games and shall be home team for those games.  The third game shall be hosted by the opponent involved and shall be the home team.

 

The first 2 games of playoffs and World Series shall be hosted by the top seeds.  The top seeds will be home for both games. 

 

If scheduling permits, and if the Rule Committee agrees, all teams could qualify for tournament competition.  This shall be determined pre-season.

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ABL    2011                                                                                                                                      

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 General Rules:

1.  ABL’s Jr. and Sr. teams shall use Little League Rules except for ABL modifications however, if two Pony League teams agree to use Pony League rules it is acceptable.   The Minor, Major, and High School Divisions use Sporting News Professional Baseball rules except for ABL modifications.  See page 1 under 2011 Bylaws.

2.  The ABL uses the point system:  2 points for a win, 1 point for a tie and 0 for a loss.  A team that forfeits gets 0 points and their opponent shall receive 2.  If both teams cannot field enough players or cannot play for any reason, then each team receives 0 points. 

3.  The winning team must report the result of the game to get credit (points).  If the game ends in a tie then both teams must report.  If both teams forfeit, then the home team must call the commissioner with an explanation.  YOU HAVE 72 HOURS TO REPORT THE SCORES…IF THE REPORT IS NOT RECEIVED WITHIN THE 72 HOURS THEN THE WINNING TEAM WILL NOT RECEIVE THE POINTS.   Send the results to AutumnBaseballLeague@live.com

4.  One win gets 2 points only.  No exceptions.  A complete game must be played to earn points. 

5. Once the game begins, then the home plate umpire is in charge and controls the game.

6.  Home team scorebook is final but if necessary will be reviewed by the Rules Committee.

7.  Hidden ball trick is allowed. Pitchers can be on the mound but cannot straddle or appear to be on or near the rubber creating an illusion or deception to the runner or batter.  It’s the umpire’s call concerning level of the deception.  The umpires call shall be indisputable.

8.  Playing on multi-teams:  No player is allowed to play for more than one team in each Division.  However, a player is allowed to play on more than one Division concurrently.  Example:  A 10 year old may play for a Junior team and a Senior team during the season.  The player cannot play on two Junior teams.

9. Trades:   If a player desires to be traded, then the manager from which that person currently plays for must release that player in writing or both agree and confirmed with the Commissioner, otherwise if there is a dispute, and the teams cannot agree, then the rules committee shall review the case.

10. FIELD DIMENTIONS:   ABL MINOR, MAJOR and HIGH SCHOOL DIVISION TEAMS PLAY ON MAJOR LEAGUE BASEBALL SIZE FIELDS (90’ BETWEEN BASES)

                                                                                                               

11.  IF A TEAM BECOMES INSOLVENT OR DISCONTINUES DURING A SEASON, NO PLAYER FROM THAT TEAM CAN PLAY FOR ANOTHER TEAM, WITHIN THAT DIVISION, DURING THAT SEASON WITHOUT PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE RULES COMMITTEE AND A MAJORITY VOTE OF THE MANAGERS WITHIN THEIR DIVISION.

12.  PLAYER IDENTIFICATION:  MANAGERS MUST KEEP BIRTH CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE DURING EACH GAME.

ALL TEAMS MUST SEND THE COMMISSIONER A COPY OF THEIR ROSTER.

 

ALL TEAMS SHOULD SEND THE COMMISSIONER A COPY OF THEIR ROSTER TO PROTECT THEMSELVES FROM ROSTER PIRACY.                                                                                                                                                                 

13.   CORI AND MANAGEMENT CHECK:  ALL TEAMS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR INTERNAL PROBLEMS.  THE LEAGUE (ABL) IS NOT LIABLE FOR ANY PERSONAL PROBLEMS OR SITUATIONS.  TEAMS MUST SCREEN ALL MANAGERS AND PERSONAL AND APPROVE ALL PERSONS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR TEAM.

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ABL 2011                                                                                                                                          6 of  7

  

  1. DELIQUENT LEAGUE FEES:  IF REGISTRATION FEE IS NOT PAID THEN THE TEAM(S) SHALL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO PLAY.

  1. All teams in each division must play by these rules.

  1. The 10 run mercy rule is used when required…(6 inning game – must complete 4 innings) (7 inn / 5) and (9 inn / 5)

  1. HEAD TO HEAD:  In the year 2009 the league elected to use the “Head to Head” method of breaking a tie to determine playoff eligibility or playoff seeding.  If teams are still tied after Head to Head then the team that gave up the least runs during the head to head game(s) shall be the upper seed.  In previous years teams that were tied at the end of the season would play a one game tie breaker.  Because time is a factor, the weather may be cold and the sun sets much earlier the “Head to Head” method shall be used.  A playoff game will be played only if using the head to head method results in a tie.  If both teams agree, a flip of a coin may be used.

  1. Keep these rules with you during games.  Review them with the umpires.

  1. Anytime during the season bylaws may be modified by the Rules Committee for the betterment of the league and players.                                                        
  2. 8U - (as of 2011) teams are allowed 4 outfielders (10 defensive players)
  3. 8U - teams CANNOT steal home.
  4. The infield fly rule is used in each Division (10/10/11)

 

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ABL 2011                                                                                                                                         

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Force-Play-Slide Rule

SECTION 4. The intent of the force-play-slide rule is to ensure the safety

of all players. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether

the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the

applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any

base, regardless of the number of outs.

a. On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground before the

base and in a direct line between the two bases. It is permissible for

the slider’s momentum to carry him through the base in the baseline

extended (see diagram).

Exception—A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the

runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making

contact or altering the play of the fielder. Interference shall not be

called.

(1) “On the ground” means either a head-first slide or a slide with one

leg and buttock on the ground before the base.

(2) “Directly into a base” means the runner’s entire body (feet, legs,

trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.

b. Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if

the runner makes a legal slide directly to the base and in the baseline

extended (see diagram).

A.R.—If contact occurs on top of the base as a result of a "pop-up" slide, this contact

is legal.

c. Actions by a runner are illegal and interference shall be called if:

(1) The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the

fielder and alters the play of a fielder (with or without contact);

(2) The runner uses a rolling or cross-body slide and either makes

contact with or alters the play of a fielder;

(3) The runner’s raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder’s knee

when in a standing position;

(4) The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg; or

(5) The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the

fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.

PENALTY for 1-5—

(1) With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as wellas the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other

runner(s) shall advance.

(2) With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and

no other runner(s) shall advance.

(3) If the runner’s slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be

ejected from the contest.

A.R.—If the bases are loaded with no outs, a double-play attempt is made, and

interference is called, all other runners must return to their original bases.

Note: On a force play, with a two-man umpiring system, if the plate umpire

does not have a potential play at the plate, he should move toward the base

to observe the runner going into second or third base. In this situation, the

base umpire must follow the throw and may not see the true effect of the lead

runner’s action.

slidingexample.jpg