GREATER KEENE YOUTH BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL ASSOCIATION

Keene Cal Ripken Baseball Association (KCRBA) Purpose Statement:

The purpose of the KCRBA is to provide the children in Keene, Gilsum, Marlborough, Stoddard, Sullivan, and Surry an opportunity to play baseball in a respectful learning environment that’s fun, instructional and competitive.

Goals of the KCRBA Policy Manual:

The goal of the KCRBA Policy Manual is to create the framework for the KCRBA league composition that is focused on recreating the child, developing the baseball skills of each child, and creating a strong sense of community amongst all of the participants.

MAP OF FIELDS AT WHEELOCK PARK - Click the link.
 

Overview of the KCRBA leagues:

The KCRBA Spring season offers five age based leagues of baseball development and competition for children ages 4 to 12 years old. The KCRBA Summer season offers three aged based leagues of baseball development and competition for children ages 6 to 12 years. The KCRBA Fall season offers two age based leagues of baseball development and competition for children ages 8 to 12 years. The KCRBA leagues are structured with the intent to provide the children the appropriate level of baseball competition based on the participants’ age, skill level and maturity. KCRBA feels that adhering to the fundamental value of placing children in the appropriate level of baseball competition will create better leagues, develop stronger players and retain participants. Listed below is a summary of the leagues offered by season.

Spring Season

Tee Ball League

Intended for 5 and 6 year olds, and is a fun introduction to baseball basics. Two games per week with 1 practice per week (pending Coach's availability). The season starts in late April/early May and runs through the middle of June.

Rookie League

Intended for 8 and 9 year olds, and is the introduction to competitive baseball. Pitching machines/coach pitch will be used for two innings; players will pitch for two innings, and pitching machines will be used for the last two innings. Games are typically played two nights a week and occasionally on weekends. The season starts in late April/early May and ends early to mid-June. End of regular season is round robin tournament with all teams playing all other teams once. Top two teams will meet in championship game.

Minor League

Intended for 9, 10, and 11 year olds, and is to follow the Cal Ripken Minor league model. Games are played on weekday evenings and weekends. The season starts in late April/early May and ends the first early to mid-June. All teams participate in single elimination playoff 

Major League

Intended for 10, 11 and 12 year olds, and is to follow the Cal Ripken Major league model. Games are played at Bambino Field. Games are played Keene Cal Ripken Baseball Association on weekday evenings and weekends. Some practices are scheduled for weekends. The regular season starts in late April/early May. All teams participate in playoffs.

Babe Ruth League

Intended for 13 year olds (and older).  Games are played at Alumni Field on Arch Street in Keene.  Games are played during the week with possible weekend games.  The regular season begins in late May, allowing the school baseball seasons to wrap up.  The Babe Ruth season finishes early to mid-July.  All teams participate in playoffs.


Summer Season

Instructional League

Intended for 6 and 7 year olds, and is the introduction to competitive baseball. Pitching machines will be used for two innings; players will pitch for two innings, and pitching machines will be used for the last two innings. Games are generally played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and not scheduled on weekends. The season starts in late June/early July and ends before August 1st.

Minors

Intended for 8 and 9 year olds, and is to follow the spring season Junior league model. Games are generally played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and not scheduled on weekends. The season starts in late June/early July and ends before August 1st. All teams participate in playoffs.

Majors

Intended for 10, 11 and 12 year olds, and is to follow spring season Senior league model. Games are generally played on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and not scheduled on weekends. The season starts in late June/early July and ends before August 1st. All teams participate in playoffs.

Fall Season

Minor League

Intended for 8 and 9 year olds, and is to follow the spring season Junior league model. Based on the level of participation the league may consist of one or more travel teams that will play teams in other local communities. Games are played on weekends. The season starts in late August and ends in early October.

Major League

Intended for 9, 10, 11 and 12 year olds, and is to follow the spring season Senior league model. Games are played on weekends. The season starts in late August and ends in early October.

Major League (Formerly known as Senior League)

Philosophies

• The philosophy of the Major League is to provide a baseball experience that is fun, safe, and challenging.
• Every player is to be taught the fundamentals of the game and the value of teamwork.
• Since each team will be involved in the league play-offs, winning should not be the highest priority, though coaches should be aware of the competitive instincts of most players at the Senior League level.
• It is in the best interest of all involved that coaches pay particular attention to the physical and emotional development of ten year-old players, and allow sufficient, quality playing time to foster their advancement.
• Coaches, players, and parents are to be held to a high standard of behavior in which they support their teammates and respect their opponents

Rosters

• Rosters must consist of no fewer than twelve (12) players. Rosters of 12 players may not contain more than six players that are 12 years old. Team composition will be determined by actual signups on a yearly basis. All eligible 12 year olds will be drafted to senior league teams, so actual maximum number per team may change yearly. No team may have more than five 11 year olds. Teams must contain one but no more than two 10 year olds.
• If a team loses a player during the first half of the season and that team’s roster drops below 12 players, that team must choose a player from Junior League to bring the roster back to 12. If the team loses a player during the second half of the season, it may pick up player/players from the Junior League on a game-by-game basis. When players are drafted up from the Junior League, the above roster limitations apply
• Temporary roster shortages (when a team has fewer than ten players) may be filled by first notifying the Senior League Commissioner, then notifying the Junior League Commissioner who will assist the Senior League manager in his selection. Junior League players will not be available if they have a game scheduled the same day as the Senior League game Players will be available to Senior League on a first come first serve basis. No nine-year-old may be used as a substitute in the Senior League. Games may be played with as few as 8 players, however all attempts should be made to compete with a full roster and batting order. Replacement players must be put at the bottom of the batting order and play in the field but cannot pitch.

Drafting Rules

• Teams will draft in the reverse order of the prior year’s finish with the exception of league reorganization. In the case of reorganization, the Board of Directors will establish an order of draft for that season.
• All ten, eleven, and twelve-year-olds, not currently on a roster, must attend at least one of the scheduled tryouts to be eligible for the Major League draft. The Board may grant medical exceptions.
• All 12 year olds that sign up will be drafted to a major league team; unless it is determined that ability is limited by parents, with request to the board. All teams will draft until they have nine players and then they will discontinue drafting until all other teams have filled to ten players. Teams will then resuming drafting until all teams fill their rosters.
• Children and grandchildren of managers (only) are automatically placed on the manager’s team (at the manager’s option), before the start of the draft.
• Eligible brothers/sisters of players on a team will automatically be placed on that team’s roster at the option of the coach before the draft starts. If the manager does not use this option before the draft, the player will be eligible to be drafted by any other team. However, it is strongly recommended that managers make every effort to keep qualified siblings on the same team.
• If a player drafted has an eligible brother/sister in the draft, the siblings may be added to the roster immediately at the option of the coach.
• Teams may not draft a player that did not attend at least one of the scheduled tryouts except for the following situation: Players that move within league boundaries after the scheduled tryouts Dates may be drafted to a Major League team (before the team’s eighth game) should a roster opening occur. Each manager with a roster opening must be made aware of the player and a tryout will be scheduled so the player can be evaluated. Player selection will be determined by order of the draft.
• Requests to be Re-drafted- If a player requests to be re-drafted, for the purpose of being reassigned to another team, that player’s parents, at the discretion of the League Commissioner and President, may be required to meet with the Board personally, to explain the specific reason to remove their child from the team. The Board will review all the circumstances and render a decision based on what is best for the player and the league.
• Head coaches only may be present at the draft

Playing Rules

• The Official Cal Ripken Division of Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations will apply, except as noted by the Senior League Playing Rules detailed below:
• A set batting order will be used with all available players at the game included in the batting order.
• Free substitutions in the field can occur. All players must play a minimum of 3 (Three) complete innings in the field, unless the game is shortened due to time or mercy rule. Any team that violates this rule will forfeit the game. Coaches will agree on the approach to be taken with players arriving after the start of the game.
• Games may be played with as few as 8 players, however all attempts should be made to compete with a full roster and batting order. Replacement players must be put at the bottom of the batting order and cannot pitch.
• Balks will be called only after the first instance for each team, and the umpire shall try and explain to the pitcher his violation. After the second Monday in May, No warnings will be issued prior to the first called balk.
• No new inning shall start after two hours, (1:45 prior to the Second Monday in May) from the start time. Determine the watch to be used as official time before the start of the game. The last out of the previous inning is the start time for the next inning. Weekend games should follow the same 2 hour rule. Games called because of the time limit will be considered regulation games regardless of the number of innings played. Every attempt should be made to finish the game in the time allowed. If games are tied the Umpire has the final call.
• Tie games will be resumed (provided there is a need in the standings) from the point at which the game was stopped, with all appropriate pitching limitations (both game and current week) continuing for the game being resumed.
• There is a 12 run mercy rule in effect after 3-1/2 (if home team is leading) or after 4 innings. Games in which the home team is leading prior to time limit, but passes beyond the two hour time limit, will revert back to the score at the start of the half inning, and games will end when time passes the limit. Teams will not finish out the inning if home teams are leading and game is beyond time.
• Players may NOT serve as base coaches. If a base coach is needed an adult (18 years or older) can be brought in from the stands or from the other team but will not be allowed in the dugout.
• No Slash Bunt Rule: Bunting is allowed, but “Slash bunting" is prohibited--Batter is out, no warning. Any batter who executes a slash bunt (square to bunt, pull the bat back, then swing away attempting to put the ball in play) shall be ruled out, the ball is dead, and all base runners return to the last safely occupied base at the time of the pitch.
• Definition- a BUNT is a batted ball not swung at, but intentionally met with the bat and tapped slowly. Batters are not permitted to take a half-swing.”
• Definition- The ‘slash bunt’ is defined as a half or full swing or an attempt at a half or full swing after the player assumes a bunting stance (either squaring or pivoting). If at any time while in the batter’s box the batter squares or pivots as if to bunt, he either must bunt or attempt to bunt the ball or let the pitch go.
• Any player ejected from a game shall face suspension from the next scheduled game, in addition to the ejection from the subject game. Player must be dressed and in attendance at next game. If a player is ejected twice in a season, the player will be suspended for the remainder of season and playoffs. In addition, any player ejected twice in a season will not be allowed participation in any All Star team but will be allowed on a Summer League team.
• In instances where the umpire feels that a serious injury has occurred, play will stop immediately until after the injured player is attended to

Major League Playoffs

All teams will compete in a double elimination playoff format. No pitcher shall be allowed to pitch in more than six innings in two successive playoff games. If a pitcher delivers one pitch in an inning they will be charged for one inning pitched. Any pitcher can reenter to pitch unless they were removed for a second trip to mound in same inning. Games may be played with as few as 8 players, however all attempts should be made to compete with a full roster and batting order. Replacement players must be put at bottom of batting order and cannot pitch.

Seeding/ standings

Play-off seeding will be according to the regular season final standings.

Tie breakers will be decided as follows:

• Head to head record with tied team(s).
• Head to head versus teams finishing ahead in the standings.
• Runs allowed versus tied teams.
• Runs allowed entire season.
• Coin toss will be used to determine playoff position if required.

Home team will be determined by highest seeded position for all games. All playoff games must be played to completion (unless meeting 12 run mercy rule). Trophies will be awarded to the top 2 teams. First Place (Winner of Championship game) and Second Place (Runner Up)

Umpires

Major League will use two Senior Umpires (patched) for each game. Deviations from this format will be at the discretion of the Senior League Commissioner.

Safety

In case of injury that prevents a child from participation in a game, a letter from the child’s parents will be required for the child to return to league activity. Children with a cast on an arm or hand that prevents them from gripping the bat properly will not be allowed to participate in games or practices. Players should not return to play without a note of clearance from Doctors or parents

Managers

• Anyone wishing to become a manager in any league must fill out the application for manager/coach position and return it to the league commissioner. The KCRBA Board will review the applications annually. The Board of Directors will approve all managers. All Coaches will be subject to a background check with NH State Police.
• All Coaches must have completed Babe Ruth League/Ripken Baseball Coaching Certification Program. Coaches who successfully pass the Babe Ruth League Coaching Education and Certification Program will receive a certification that is valid for their entire coaching career with Babe Ruth League, Inc. This also applies to any coach who has already taken and successfully passed the Babe Ruth Coaching Education and Certification Program.
• All managers will be subject to a performance review by the Board of Directors.
• Managers must return all equipment and uniforms at the end of the season as directed by the equipment manager.
• Managers will coordinate any fund raising activity and account for the return of money due in a timely fashion.
• Any Manager or Coach who is ejected from the game will result in banishment from that game plus the following two games. Coaches may not attend games from which they are suspended. If a player or coach is ejected twice in a season, the minimum penalty shall be suspension for the remainder of the season, including playoffs.

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Minor League (Formerly known as Junior League)

Philosophies

The philosophy of the Junior League is to give the players the guidance to improve on the skills needed to prepare for possible advancement to the Senior League.

This should be done with the emphasis on team play and improving on fundamental skills instead of wins and losses.

Players should be allowed to play multiple positions while keeping their safety as a key goal. Players should not be put into playing positions where their safety will be compromised.

Fairness should be used in giving all players adequate playing time to allow for the skills taught to be put into use during game situations.

Junior Umpires (usually 13 or 14 year olds) are being given the opportunity to prepare their skills. Coaches and parents are expected to be lenient towards them as they learn.

Our primary goal in Junior League is to give players the instruction needed to improve on their skills while having fun playing the game of baseball

Roster

• A Junior League team roster will contain a minimum of one nine year-old. Rosters must consist of a minimum of 11 and no more than 12 players. All eligible players not selected for Senior League will be placed in the Junior League.
• If a team loses a player during the first half of the season and that team’s roster drops below 12 players, that team must choose a player from the Rookie League to bring their roster back to 12. If a team loses a player during the second half of the season, it may pick up player/players from the Rookie League on a game-by-game basis. When players are drafted up from the Rookie League, the above roster limitations apply.
• Temporary roster shortages (when a team has fewer than ten players) may be filled by first notifying the Junior League Commissioner, then notifying the Rookie League Commissioner who will assist the Junior League manager in his selection. 9 year old Rookie league players will be available on a first come first serve basis. 9 year old Rookie League players will not be available if they have a game scheduled the same day as a Junior League game.
• Games may be played with as few as eight players, however all attempts should be made to compete with a full roster and batting order. Replacement players must be put at the bottom of the batting order and cannot pitch

Drafting Rules

• The order of the draft will be determined by lottery on or before draft night. Draft order will be reversed from the selected number on the even rounds of the draft. Example: Draft order 1-9 for round 1, 9-1 for round 2, etc.
• All nine-year-olds that registered and indicated Junior League, must attend at least one of the scheduled tryouts to be eligible for the draft.
• All teams will draft until they have 5 players and then they will discontinue drafting until all other team rosters have filled to 5 players. All teams will then resume until all players have been drafted.
• A maximum of up to two children and grandchildren of manager’s (only) are automatically placed on the manager’s team (at the manager’s option) before the start of the draft. Children of managers (only) do not have to try out for the Junior League.
• One assistant coach may be named before the start of the draft. Assistant Coach’s children may be added to the team’s roster before the start of the draft, as long as roster age limitations are not violated AND the number of automatically placed players does not exceed two players.
• Eligible brothers/sisters of players on a team will be automatically placed on that team’s roster at the option of the coach before the draft starts. If the manager does not use this option before the draft, the player will be eligible to be drafted by any other team. However, it is strongly recommended that managers make every effort to keep qualified siblings on the same team.
• If a player drafted has an eligible brother/sister in the draft the sibling may be added to the roster immediately at the option of the coach.
• Once the remaining number of roster openings (to 12) equals the remaining number of undrafted ten and eleven year olds, these players must be drafted to fill the rosters.
• Parents shall notify the board at or before tryouts of any special coaching requests. The board will consider all reasonable requests but cannot guarantee the request will be granted

Playing Rules

The Official Cal Ripken Division of Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations will apply, except as noted by the Keene Cal Ripken Baseball Association Junior League Playing Rules detailed below.

• No steals of home plate are allowed, either directly or as a result of steal attempts to second or third base until after the Second Monday of May.
• No scoring on passed balls or wild pitches is allowed until after the Second Monday in May.
• A rotating batting order will be used, i.e. all players bat, whether playing in the field or not.
• No more than eight runs per inning can be scored until the first inning started after 7:15 pm through the Second Monday in May and 7:30 pm thereafter.
• In instances where the umpire feels that a serious injury has occurred, play will stop immediately until after the injured player has been attended to.
• No inning shall start after 7:30 p.m. through the Second Monday in May and 7:45 pm thereafter. Determine the watch to be used as official time before the start of the game. Note: the last out of the previous inning is the start time for the next inning. Games played on weekends will have the same time limitations as weekday games, for example, scoring restrictions will be removed 90 minutes after the start of the game.
• Forfeits -Teams short of players (Fewer than 8) shall forfeit the game and the score will be recorded as 1-0 in the home team's scorebook. The game will be played by loaning players to the team short players, but the score will not count due to the forfeit.
• If a team has nine players and loses one to injury during the game, that team must complete the game with eight players. No automatic out for any team playing with 8 players.
• A maximum of six warm-up pitches are allowed to start an inning.
• When there are two outs, a manager may remove the catcher as a base-runner and substitute another runner to allow the catcher to get his/her gear on.
• Pitching Rules will be the same as the pitching rules in the Cal Ripken Division Rules and Regulations 0.06, with the following exceptions:
• NO PITCHER may pitch more than three innings in any one regular season game.
• During the playoffs a rolling 6 pitching rule will be used.
• Players must be put in the field by the 3rd inning and must play for at least two consecutive innings in the field.
• No balks will be called. However, pitchers who can’t abide by the intent of 0.06 will be asked to pitch from the stretch. Pitches must be “legal” pitches; it will be up to the umpire to enforce.
• Intentional walks are not allowed.
• Tie games that must be resumed to determine a playoff position will start from the point at which the game was stopped. All appropriate pitching limitations (both game and current week) and substitution rules continue for the game being resumed.
• Batters who throw a bat will be issued a warning by the umpire. A subsequent thrown bat by the warned batter will be an out

Minor League Playoffs

All teams will compete in a single elimination playoff  format. Play-off seeding will be according to the regular season final standings.Tie breakers will be decided as follows:

• Head to head record with tied team(s).
• Head to head versus teams finishing ahead in the standings.
• Runs allowed versus tied teams.
• Coin toss will be used to determine playoff position if required.

Home team will be determined by highest seeded position for all games.

All playoff games must be played to completion. (In event game suspended due to darkness, Game can be completed on a lighted field from point of suspension on that or next available night). Trophies will be awarded to the top 2 teams. First Place (Winner of Championship game) and Second Place (Runner Up).

Umpires

Minor League will use a Senior Umpire (patched) and a Junior Umpire for each game. Deviations from this format will be at the discretion of the Junior League Commissioner.

Safety

In case of injury that prevents a child from participation in a game, a letter from the child’s parents will be required for the child to return to league activity. Children with a cast on an arm or hand that prevents them from gripping the bat properly will not be allowed to participate in games or practices. Players should not return to play without a note of clearance from Doctors or parents.

Managers

• Anyone wishing to become a manager in any league must fill out the application for manager/coach position and return it to the league commissioner. The Board will review the applications annually. The Board of Directors will approve all managers. All Coaches will be subject to a background check with NH State Police.
• All Coaches must have completed Babe Ruth League/Ripken Baseball Coaching Certification Program. Coaches who successfully pass the Babe Ruth League Coaching Education and Certification Program will receive a certification that is valid for their entire coaching career with Babe Ruth League, Inc. This also applies to any coach who has already taken and successfully passed the Babe Ruth Coaching Education and Certification Program.
• All managers will be subject to a performance review by the Board of Directors.
• Managers must return all equipment and uniforms at the end of the season as directed by the equipment manager.
• Managers will coordinate any fund raising activity and account for the return of money due in a timely fashion.
• Any Manager or Coach who is ejected from the game will result in banishment from that game plus the following two games. Coaches may not attend games to which they are suspended. If a player or coach is ejected twice in a season, the minimum penalty shall be suspension for the remainder of the season, including playoffs.

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Rookie League

Philosophies

The goal of the Rookie League is to teach the basics of batting, running, fielding and pitching. This is the first year that teams keep score of their games, although winning should not be the most important thing. The emphasis is on learning to play as a team and having fun. Children have the ability to pitch, although not every child is at the ability level to pitch at this age. Coaches are encouraged to work with any child who is willing to learn. The expanded strike zone in Rookie League (chins to shins) allows all ability levels to progress, while providing encouragement to those pitching. Junior Umpires (usually 13 or 14 year olds) are being given the opportunity to prepare their skills. Coaches and parents are expected to be lenient towards them as they learn. We strongly encourage coaches to play children at various positions, although the child’s safety is highest priority. Children aren’t expected to play (for instance) first base or catcher until they are comfortable catching a thrown ball.

Roster

• Roster size will be determined on an annual basis. Teams will have a minimum of 11 players. All eligible players will be drafted and placed on teams. Number of teams may fluctuate with eligible players to allow for equity of roster sizes.
• Temporary roster shortages (when a team has fewer than ten players) may be filled by first notifying the Rookie League Commissioner, then notifying the Pee Wee League Commissioner who will assist the Rookie League manager in his selection from available Pee Wee League players. Pee Wee league players will not be available if they have a game scheduled the same day as a Rookie League game.
• Games may be played with as few as eight players, however all attempts should be made to compete with a full roster and batting order. Replacement players must be put at the bottom of the batting order and cannot pitch.

Drafting Rules

• The draft policy will be reviewed each year.
• The order of the draft will be determined by lottery on or before draft night. Draft order will be reversed from the selected number on the even rounds of the draft. Example: Draft order 1-9 for round 1, 9-1 for round 2, etc.
• A maximum of up to two children and grandchildren of manager’s (only) are automatically placed on the manager’s team (at the manager’s option) before the start of the draft.
• One assistant coach may be named before the start of the draft. Assistant Coach’s children may be added to the team’s roster before the start of the draft, as long as roster age limitations are not violated AND the number of automatically placed players does not exceed
• If applicable, when the number of automatically placed players exceeds two players, the Board will decide the draft position of the Coach’s child, which will subsequently determine the draft position surrendered by the drafting team to obtain the Coach’s child. If the Coach has multiple children, the highest draft position will determine the draft position surrendered, hence standard sibling draft rules apply.
• All teams will draft until they have 5 players and then they will discontinue drafting until all other teams have filled to 5 players. All teams will then resume drafting until all players have been drafted.
• If a player drafted has an eligible brother/sister in the draft, the sibling will be added to the roster immediately.

Playing Rules

The Official Cal Ripken Division of Babe Ruth Rules and Regulations will apply, except as noted by the Keene Cal Ripken Baseball Association Rookie League Playing Rules detailed below.

• No stealing, but bunting is allowed.
• A rotating batting order will be used, i.e. all players bat, whether playing in the field or not.
• An eight run scoring limit will be in effect in innings one and two
• A five run scoring limit per inning will be in effect during innings three and four.
• The eight run limit returns for the fifth inning. There is no scoring limit for the first inning started after 7:15 pm for games played before the Second Monday in May and 7:30 pm in games after the Second Monday in May.
• Coaches will use pitching machines positioned in front of the pitcher's rubber, the first two innings of each game (to their own team), then players will pitch (from the rubber) the next two innings (to the opposing team). Coaches will use machine to pitch the fifth and sixth innings (if they are played).
•  Players may only pitch two innings per week and one inning per game.
• Ten players will play in the field (one will field as pitcher, situated next to mound), after each pitch, the adult pitcher should not be involved in the play. The tenth player in the field will be a fourth outfielder. All four outfielders must be positioned at least 15 feet in the outfield and may not be used as a "short-fielder" or as an additional infielder.
• Coaches use machine to pitch to their own team, but don't field the position. Players fielding the pitcher's mound must stay within 3 feet of either side of the rubber until the ball is hit by the batter.
• When the coach is pitching each batter receives 6 pitches or gets three swinging strikes, whichever comes first. Note that a foul ball on the 3rd swing that occurs on the 3rd, 4th or 5th pitch is not an out. A batter will be awarded another pitch if the final pitch of the at bat is hit foul.
• When the players pitch, regular balls and strikes will be called. When the players pitch no balks will be called. However, pitchers who can’t abide by the intent of 0.06 will be asked to pitch from the stretch. Pitches must be “legal” pitches; it will be up to the umpire to enforce.
• Every player must play at least two innings in the field and must play in the field by the third inning.
• In instances where coaches or an umpire feels that a serious injury has occurred, play will stop immediately until after the injured player has been attended to.
• No inning shall start after 7:30 pm until the Second Monday in May and 7:45 pm thereafter. Determine the watch to be used as official time before the start of the game. Note: the last out of the previous inning is the start time for the next inning. Games played on weekends will have the same time limitations as weekday games, for example, scoring restrictions will be removed 90 minutes after the start of the game after the Second Monday in May.
• Forfeits should be avoided since games can be played with 8 players. Teams unable to field 8 players will forfeit the game and the score will be recorded as 1-0 in the home team's scorebook. The game will be played by loaning players to the team short players, but the score will not count due to the forfeit.
• Play stops as soon as a fielder has possession of the ball in the infield. Runners more than halfway to the next base may continue to that base at their own risk. Players less than halfway must return to the previous base (at no risk).
• One coach may be on the field to provide defensive direction. When the players are pitching, the team that is batting will provide a coach to stand behind the catcher to get passed balls back into play. However catchers should return ball to pitcher.
• When there are two outs, a manager may remove the catcher as a base-runner and substitute another runner to allow the catcher to get his/her gear on.
• Only one base is allowed on an overthrow and there will only be one "overthrow" per play. Runners advance at their own risk on overthrows (they are not awarded the base unless the throw has gone out of play).

Rookie League Playoffs

All teams will compete in a round robin playoff. Rookie league commissioner will determine playoff schedule and home team for each playoff game. Umpires wil be used during round robin play. 

All playoff games must be played to completion. (In event game suspended due to darkness, Game can be completed on a lighted field from point of suspension on that or next available night). Teams with the top 2 records in the round robin playoff will play for the championship.

Tie breakers will be decided as follows:

• Head to head record with tied team(s)
• Runs allowed versus tied teams
• Run scored versus tied teams
• Coin toss will be used to determine playoff position if required

Trophies will be awarded for the Winner and Runner Up in the championship game.

Umpires

Rookie League will use coaches and adults for umpiring during regular season games. Senior and Junior umpires will be utilized for playoff games. Deviations from this format will be at the discretion of the Rookie League Commissioner. During the regular season, coaches on the field (either on mound, at bases, or in the field) will make field calls in Coach Pitch innings. Coaches will call Ball/Strike when their players are pitching (from the mound) and base coaches/field coach will assist in umping field calls.

During the playoffs, umpires will make field calls in Coach Pitch innings, and then move behind the plate when players pitch.

Safety

In case of injury that prevents a child from participation in a game, a letter from the child’s parents will be required for the child to return to league activity. Children with a cast on an arm or hand that prevents them from gripping the bat properly will not be allowed to participate in games or practices. Players should not return to play without a note of clearance from Doctors or parents.

Managers

• Anyone wishing to become a manager in any league must fill out the application for manager/coach position and return it to the league commissioner. The Board will review the applications annually. The Board of Directors will approve all managers. All Coaches will be subject to a background check with NH State Police.
• All Coaches must have completed Babe Ruth League/Ripken Baseball Coaching Certification Program. Coaches who successfully pass the Babe Ruth League Coaching Education and Certification Program will receive a certification that is valid for their entire coaching career with Babe Ruth League, Inc. This also applies to any coach who has already taken and successfully passed the Babe Ruth Coaching Education and Certification Program.
• All managers will be subject to a performance review by the Board of Directors.
• Managers must return all equipment and uniforms at the end of the season as directed by the equipment manager.
• Managers will coordinate any fund raising activity and account for the return of money due in a timely fashion.
• Any Manager or Coach who is ejected from the game will result in banishment from that game plus the following two games. Coaches may not attend games from which they are suspended. If a player or coach is ejected twice in a season, the minimum penalty shall be suspension for the remainder of the season, including playoffs.

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Tee Ball League

Philosophies

Tee Ball is an introductory league for children starting to play baseball for the first time. We want all the children to be safe and enjoy playing Tee Ball, so we encourage parents and coaches to make it a positive experience for all players. Our primary goal is for the children to have FUN while we teach them some of the basics of playing baseball.

Roster

Team roster size will be determined on an annual basis but kept at approximately 10 players. Teams will consist of four, five and six year-olds. Six year olds who have never played before can play for skill development.

Drafting Rules

The commissioner will hold a meeting with all the Tee Ball league coaches to assign players to teams.

Playing Rules

• All players will play in the field each inning. Teams will field 5 infielders and 5 outfielders. Placing a player in the catcher’s position is not allowed. No more than three coaches may direct their players in the field. Fielders should be rotated between the infield and outfield inning by inning.
• Each team will bat all of their players each inning (even if the defensive team completes three or more putouts). Teams are encouraged to rotate batting order each inning, (example 1-10, then flip 10-1).
• Having a "second base" coach is encouraged to help direct the runners.
• Once a throw is made to a base, runners will stop at the base they are closest to when the throw arrives near the base. Runners will still run if out is made.
• Runners can advance multiple bases on big hits but should be encouraged to stop at bases when throw is in area.
• Last batter will be announced by coach and will advance all the way around bases to home. All players on base will run around bases to home on last batter. Defensive team will make a play to first base and the defensive players should stay on the field until the last batter has reached home plate to end the inning. (In Past players were running off field while runner was advancing, so we are trying to avoid collisions)
• Coaches will not modify rules to pitch to batters. Players must all bat from tee, NO EXCEPTIONS!
• No score will be kept, only a count of the number of batters that have hit and number of innings played.
• Games will last no more than 4 innings; however, no inning shall start after 7:00 PM. Specify the watch to be used as official time before the start of the game. Note: the last batter of the previous inning is the start time for the next inning.
• Defensive teams coach should rotate the infielders and outfields half way thru the batting order.

Tee Ball League Safety/Playing Guidelines

• The offensive team's coach should place the ball on the tee.
• Only one bat should be out of the bat bag at a time. There is no swinging a bat while "on deck"
• Runners coming into home plate should tag the tee with their hand to avoid tripping over the tee.
• All batters and base-runners must wear an approved batting helmet.
• Coaches may assist batters if they are having difficulty hitting the ball. There are no strikeouts in Tee Ball. All batters hit until they put the ball in play.
• Please make sure to teach players to drop rather than “throw” their bat after they hit the ball.

Safety

In case of injury that prevents a child from participation in a game, a letter from the child’s parents will be required for the child to return to league activity. Children with a cast on an arm or hand that prevents them from gripping the bat properly will not be allowed to participate in games or practices. Players should not return to play without a note of clearance from Doctors or parents.

Managers

• Anyone wishing to become a manager in any league must fill out the application for manager/coach position and return it to the league commissioner. The Board will review the applications annually. The Board of Directors will approve all managers. All Coaches will be subject to a background check with NH State Police.
• All Coaches must have completed Babe Ruth League/Ripken Baseball Coaching Certification Program. Coaches who successfully pass the Babe Ruth League Coaching Education and Certification Program will receive a certification that is valid for their entire coaching career with Babe Ruth League, Inc. This also applies to any coach who has already taken and successfully passed the Babe Ruth Coaching Education and Certification Program.
• All managers will be subject to a performance review by the Board of Directors.
• Managers must return all equipment and uniforms at the end of the season as directed by the equipment manager.
• Managers will coordinate any fund raising activity and account for the return of money due in a timely fashion.

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Tournament Teams - 9, 10, 11, and 12 year old all stars

Managers

1. Candidates should submit a letter of intent prior to deadline. Applicants must be a head coach/manager in the present season. The Board holds the right to accept applications and assign the manager’s position to a rostered assistant coach in the event that a present-season manager does not come forward and indicate a desire to manage the tournament team.
2. Board should discuss candidate’s qualifications, abilities, experience, and any other issues that the Board feels are pertinent to the applicants.
3. If candidate is a member of the Board, he or she shall be asked to leave the room so that discussion can be open and honest. However, the Board member still retains the right to vote since he or she is still an elected Board Member.
4. Tournament team managers will be selected by majority vote of the Board of Directors.

Teams

1. Tournament teams will be selected by ballot of league coaches. The top 8 vote winners will be placed on the team. The head coach and his coaching staff must add at least 4 players and not more than 7 players. (Cal Ripken Rule: Minimum 12 players, Maximum of 15)
2. The selection process shall be as follows: Each team may nominate up to 5 players for each tournament team. All nominated players must have played in half of the team’s regular season games unless the board approves a medical exception. Selection will be by ballot of league coaches. Coaches may not vote for anyone from their own team, and must vote for at least 8 players.
3. All 9 year olds playing in Junior League are eligible for post-season Tournament team. (In event that coach cannot fill rosters based on eligible players, they may look to Rookie League players)
4. Each player selected to a tournament team will be required to pay a fee equal to Summer League participation plus additional costs of individual uniforms.
5. The league policy is to pay for half of the cost of team jackets and pay the entire cost of State Championship jackets. However, the League’s contribution towards the purchase of team jackets is contingent on the availability of funds.
6. Umpires for scrimmages: League pays for umpires (2 for 11 and 12’s, 1 for 10’s and 9’s) for up to 3 games per team. After the completion of the 3rd game, it becomes the responsibility of the Head Coach to arrange umpire services.
7. The league will reimburse the cost of hotel rooms or lesser overnight accommodations for head coach and rostered coaching staff at regional and national tournaments. League will only pay the base rate for rooms, and not upgrades, or add-ons. Paying of housing expense is contingent on the availability of league funds and approval of the Board of Directors.
8. Payment of travel expenses of league president to state/regional/national tournaments will be determined on a case-by-case basis, and is contingent on the availability of league funds and approval of the Board of Directors.

Revised August 22, 2014