This program is organized for the purpose of providing good instruction and experience for the beginning baseball player; and for the mutual enjoyment and benefit of the players and the parents. This league is established for the furtherance of sportsmanship and to establish friendships for the members of the community.

 Rules

1. A child may not play in the same field position for more than 3 innings.

2. The Plymouth Recreation will provide a Shirt & Hat to each participant. Participants must wear all-purpose rubber cleats or tennis shoes, NO METAL SPIKES OR JEWELRY ALLOWED.
3. Rosters will be determined by Plymouth Recreation.
4. Number of players - Offensive team, all players present for the game. Defensive team, 6 infielders and remaining players in the outfielders.
5. Batting Order - 3 Outs per inning with a maximum number of batters to be based on all players in attendance receiving one turn at bat.
6. Regulation Game - A regulation game shall consist of 5 innings of play. No new inning may begin after one hour of play.
7. Each child present at the game must receive equal playing time in the field.
8. Field of play - Base distance is 50 feet. An arc of 15 feet will be placed in front of home plate.
9. Pitching - the ball will be hit off a tee, which shall be placed at home plate. It shall be the umpires' responsibility to remove the batting tee once the ball has been hit. The player who occupies the defensive position of "pitcher" may not move in front of the pitching rubber until the ball is hit. The pitching rubber will be marked at 45 feet.
10. Base Running - Runners must stay in contact with the bases until the ball is hit. When the players have advanced as far as possible, or have been retired, the umpire shall call time and place the ball on the tee. When all defensive players are in the proper positions, the umpire shall call "play ball" and the next batter takes his turn at bat. Base runners shall not advance on over throws.
11. Foul Ball - Same as conventional baseball, plus when the ball travels less than the 15 feet in fair territory from home plate (within arc).
12. No strikeouts. A player shall bat until he hits the ball into fair territory or a foul ball is caught.
13. Play is automatically stopped when an incoming ball from the outfield is returned to the infield.
14. Hitting - Batter shall not be allowed to bunt or take a half swing. If, in the umpires judgement, the batter did not take a full swing, the batter may be called back.
15. Throwing the bat is illegal, with the batter being warned the first time and out all additional incidents.
16. Coaching- Managers and coaches may stand near their batters or defensive players to give advice but must not interfere with play.
17. All players will receive participation awards.
18. Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be allowed by the coaches, players, or spectators before, during or after the scheduled game. The League Coordinator has the authority to take the appropriate action toward any offender. Any further action that is deemed necessary will be taken by the Plymouth Parks & Recreation Department.
19. The Parks & Recreation Department and League Coordinator reserves the right to amend any rule or policy that would be in the best interest of the game or the league.
20. In the event that an umpire is a no show at game time, the game may be umpired by coach/manager, as long as both teams approve of the substitute umpire.

COACHES:

1. Please have the catchers wear the facemask. Please have the players wear the helmets. I know that it may seem awkward but if it prevents one injury, it is worth it.

2. Please instruct your assistants not to advance the runners to run up the score.