2009 RULES FOR EASTSHORE MIDGET LEAGUE
1.	Any player coming out of fifth grade is eligible to play.

2.	Evening games will begin at 6:15 PM.  All games will be 6 innings long.  Innings will be limited to a maximum of ten batters per team.  

3.	If it rains, an official game is a 4 full innings, 3 ½ if home team is ahead.

4.	Games are to be called off by the home team at least one hour before game time.

5.	The home team furnishes the home plate umpire and the game balls.  The opposing team furnishes the base umpire.  Umpires shall be at least 14 years old.  “Addition to the rule” For tournaments the umpires shall be 15 years old.

6.	The visiting team shall be allowed to take infield practice 15 minutes before game time.

7.	A team roster should be available upon request that has grade, age, and name of players by the third game of season.  The number of players on a roster is unlimited.

8.	The pitcher’s mound will be 46 feet measured from the front of the pitcher’s rubber to the rear of home plate.

9.	Sportsmanship and skill development are to be stressed at all times.

10.	A team roster is required for all tournaments.

11.	A player must be on the team roster and play two league games prior to playing in a tournament.  (And / or okayed by the President and the (2) Board Members)

12.	It is the coach’s decision to use either 3 or 4 outfielders.

13.	A player who leaves the game may re-enter at once in any “Defensive Position” however they must re-enter in their original batting order.

14.	A team that starts without an AH must maintain 9 in the batting order (or 10 if using 4 outfielders).  Addition to the rule - A team may opt to bat their entire team to make substitution easier.  

15.	There shall be no physical interference by coaches.

16.	Batters and runners must wear full helmets.

17.	Metal Cleats are not allowed.

18.	There is no limit on the weight, length or type (metal or wood) of bats used.  However, there is a limit on the width of 21/4 inches.

19.	Catchers must wear complete outfits at all times including cup while catching.

20.	A pitcher may pitch 9 outs or 3 complete innings in one game.  Facing six batters is considered a complete inning.  A pitcher may appear in a maximum of 4 innings.

21.	There is no balk rule.  Curve balls are not allowed (discretion of the umpire).

22.	There is no infield fly rule.

23.	Razzing opponents or false tags will not be allowed.

24.	A count of 4 balls and 3 strikes will be used.

25.	The batter is automatically out on strike three, whether or not if the catcher holds on to the third strike.

26.	Bunting and sliding are permitted.  Stealing is not allowed.

27.	A player is not out for turning the wrong way at first base.  If the player breaks for second, he can be put out.

28.	Base runners must stay on their bases until the pitched ball has been batted or reaches the batter.  If a runner leaves a base ahead of time the runner will be called out.

29.	On a missed base, no appeal is to be made.  The play is called out at the umpire’s discretion.

30.	A player may advance and score after tagging up on a caught fly ball.

31.	If a ball is thrown out of play the runner or runners may only advance one base beyond the base they were going to.

32.	No player may intentionally run over the catcher at the plate.  If this occurs the runner will be called out.  If the play is at home plate, it is up to the catcher to clear the base path and the runner does not have to slide (discretion of the umpire).

33.	A player can only score after a hit ball.  A play does not end until the ball is dead.

34. 	Defensive player can’t talk to batter.