10th-12th Grade Overview & Rules

Print This Page - Back to 10th-12th Grade Overview

Eligibility

The Senior Youth Baseball League is for high school, 10-12 graders, not playing on a travel roster.

Official Game:

A game is official if:
- The game has gone seven innings, 6 ½ if the home team is winning, providing there isn’t a tie.
- When the visiting team is behind 10 or more runs after 4 ½ innings, or after the fifth inning, if either team is 10 runs behind and both teams have had an equal number of times at bat.
- The game is called due to weather or darkness under the following:
  - If five full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored an equal or greater number of runs in four or four and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in five turns at bat.
  - If play has gone beyond five full innings and the game is called when the teams have not had an equal number of completed turns at bat, the score shall be the same as it was at the end of the last completed inning; except if the home team in its half of the incomplete inning, scores a run (or runs) which equals or exceeds the opponent’s score, the final score shall be as recorded when the game is called.
- For Chaska home games: There is no game time limit, the above criteria applies.
- For Eden Prairie and Edina home games:
  - At the Eden Prairie Franlo field and at the Edina, Garden and McCarthy fields there is no game time limit with the exception that if there is a proceeding game within three hours of the game start time, then a two hour time limit applies with the same limitations as are noted for a field with lights noted below.
  - For any field that has lights, a two-hour time limit would be the rule. There will be a two-hour time limit on those games. For example, if the game starts at 5:30 P.M., no inning may start after 7:30 P.M., but any inning in progress may be completed. Games should start at the designated scheduled time, but if the starting time of the game is delayed by the extended play of the preceding game or other reason, then the two-hour limit will start when the home team pitcher is ready to pitch and the umpire will call play ball. Before the first pitch the umpire is to acknowledge the time on his watch at the start of the game. The time during a game delay, due to weather or another reason such as an injury is counted against the 2-hour time limit. For instance, the game is interrupted due to a brief rain shower for 15 minutes, the actual game duration would be 1 hour 45 minutes. Games tied after the two hour time limit are permitted to continue until there is a winner, unless the field is scheduled for another game, until darkness or weather requires the game to be stopped. A new inning starts the instant after the third out has been made by the home team.
- For Minnetonka home games:
  - At Big Willow, weekday games starting at 5:30 p.m. no inning to start after 7:40 p.m. and no play after 7:50 p.m., unless there is no late game and for late games, no inning can start after 10:30 p.m., with field lights turned off no later than 11:00 p.m. If only one game is scheduled on an evening, this game must start by 7:30 p.m.
  - At the Bandimere, Bennett and Freeman fields, no new inning should start after 2 hours, 30 minutes.
  - At Veteran’s field no new inning is to start beyond 2 hours.
- For St Louis Park home games:
  - 6PM start games: The next inning, which starts after 7:40 PM shall be declared the last inning. The umpire will inform both team managers before the start of the last inning that it will be the last inning. At the end of that inning the game is over, win, lose or draw. (This rule applies only if there is a game following on the field at 8:30 PM. If there is no following game scheduled, there is no time limit.)
  - For 8:30 PM start games: The next inning, which starts after 10:30 PM, shall be declared the last inning. The umpire will inform both team managers before the start of the last inning that it will be the last inning. At the end of the inning the game is over, win, lose or draw.

If a regular season game or a season ending tournament game is called and does not qualify to be a complete game, then the game is considered a “no game” and is to be played over in its entirety.

For the season ending tournament, if a game is tied and needs to be stopped and can not be continued for a winner to be determined, for any reason, the game will be rescheduled and played over in its entirety. If the game is the last game of the season for both teams, the game will be rescheduled, providing both teams can field teams. If either team can not field a team for the rematch, both teams will be declared co-winners for whichever place they are competing. If trophies are to be awarded, half of the first place trophies are to go to each team and half of the second place trophies are to go to each team. The coaches are to make team distributions of the trophies.

Continuous Batting

All players on the team must be assigned a position in the batting order. Batting is to be continuous through all players in the batting order, regardless of whether or not they played a defensive position in the field that inning. Late arrivals are to be placed at the end of the batting order as it is at the start of the game. When a player needs to leave early, the coach needs to inform the opposing coach and umpire when this is to happen. No out is to be recorded at the place in the batting order where the player has vacated. Once a player is out of the game, he is no longer an eligible player.

Injured Player

A player who is injured during the course of the game must either take his normal turn at bat and fulfill his equal time obligation in the field or be declared injured, “not able to compete,” and be taken out for the remainder of the game. An injury must be declared right after the occurrence to the umpire and the opposing coach, but the decision to declare, “not able to compete,” need not be decided until any subsequent turn at bat or his turn in the field, whichever comes first. When a player is removed from the line-up, due to an injury, it is not necessary to take an out in the position in the line-up.

Equal Play

Each player must play in the field a minimum of 3 innings per six innings or a seven inning complete game. For extra inning games, each player is to play a minimum of one half of the innings in the field for even numbered innings. The intent of this rule is to assure, that to whatever extent possible, innings played over the season should be distributed equally among all players.
For an injured player to participate, he must be able to bat and take a normal turn in the field. He cannot simply bat or play in the field. He must be able to do both. Failure to play a player in the field, the required number of innings will result in forfeiting the game. Failure of a player, to take a normal turn at bat, will result in an out as described in the high school rulebook.
If a team has not played any player for the required number of innings, the opposing coach is to report it to their Community Commissioner and the Community Commissioner is to report it to the other commissioners and the league coordinator. The offending team is to be reported to the league coaches. If it happens again, the game is to be forfeited. If it occurs in a tournament game, the game is to be forfeited.

Free Substitutions

Players may be freely substituted throughout the game (subject to the restrictions covering pitchers).

Pitching

A player may pitch a maximum of 5 innings in any one-day. Once the pitched has been replaced, he can not re-enter the game as the pitcher. Having pitched in any part of an inning is counted as whole inning. For instance, if a player replaces a pitcher in the second inning with two outs, that inning is considered as one complete inning that he has pitched. A pitcher that has been replaced during a game may not re-assume the position of pitcher.
If a pitcher is found to have pitched for more than 5 innings, the pitcher is to be replaced immediately. The opposing coach is to report it to their Community Commissioner and the Community Commissioner is to report it to the other commissioners and the league coordinator. The offending team is to be reported to the league coaches by the league coordinator. If the offending team offends again, the game is to be forfeited. If it occurs in a tournament game, the game is to be forfeited.
Coaches, players and umpires at this level are assumed to know the balk rules by now and no balk warnings need be given prior to an umpire calling a balk.

Number of Players

There must be a minimum of 8 players playing in the field. If a team has only 8 players, it is not necessary to take an out in the 9th position in the batting line-up. A team with less than 8 players, under any circumstance, is to forfeit the game.

Forfeits

If one team does not have the minimum number of players (8) within 10 minutes after game time, that team loses by forfeit and the game is canceled. If both teams do not have the minimum number of players both teams lose by forfeit and the game is canceled.
If a team knows ahead of time that they will be short of players for a regular season game, they have two options:
- The game can be rescheduled, provided a cancellation notice is communicated to the home team commissioner and the opposing coach, no later than 9:00 pm, the day before the scheduled game. The commissioner will contact the umpire coordinator and the field scheduler for a make-up date. If cancellation notice is not properly given, the opposing team can take a forfeit if desired.
- A substitute player from one of the Community’s league teams can be used during the regular season on a temporary basis. The substitute player must be a rostered player on another team. No other substitutions are allowed. Refer to the rules heading, “Use of Substitute Players,” for the rules concerning the use of substitute players.
For the season ending tournament games, there is no rescheduling for teams that are short of players. Teams are obligated to play at the designated scheduled time. No non-rostered substitutions are allowed for the season ending tournament games. Tournament players can not be rostered on another team. A team that fails to meet these obligations is to forfeit the game.
One responsible, adult coach must be on the field during the whole game. If there is not an adult coach on the on the field, a forfeit is to be called. See the definition of an adult coach under the Coaches’ section.
If a team forfeits for any reason, the team that is receiving the forfeit has the option of taking the win or rescheduling the game, instead of receiving the forfeit. The decision to reschedule must be made within a one-week period from the date of the forfeit.
Forfeits are taken very seriously in the Senior Youth Baseball League. Umpires get paid for a forfeit and that money is wasted. Players, coaches and fans waste time traveling to a game that is forfeited. A team that forfeits is subject to the following:
- After the first forfeit, the team coach must meet with the community commissioner to explain the circumstances of the forfeit.
- After a second forfeit the team’s community commissioner must alert the league coordinator and communicate with the team’s coach to determine the reason for the forfeits and make the appropriate corrections to avoid another forfeit.
- After a third forfeit the coach must explain why the team should be allowed to play any further games to their community commissioner. The commissioner is to communicate with the league coordinator and the other commissioners and assess if the forfeiting team is to be allowed to continue in the league.

Use of Substitute Players

Substitute players are allowed from one of the other teams within the Community with the following restrictions:

A substitute player is only allowed when a team can not field at least 9 rostered players for a game.
A team can not use substitute players if there are 9 rostered players available to participate.
Not more than 2 substitute players are allowed for any one game.
The substitute player(s) has to be identified to the opposing coach when the team line-ups are exchanged before the game starts.
The substitute player must be the last batter in the batting order and can only play an outfield position.
No substitute players are allowed in the season ending tournament, only rostered players are allowed.
If at all possible, the substitute player is to wear the jersey and hat for the team for which he is substituting.
Any incorrect use of a substitute player will result in the game being forfeited by the offending team.

Rescheduling Games

Every effort is to be made to play the games on the scheduled date. Rescheduling is a major effort and inconvenience for all involved. It also gives the league a poor reputation with the communities in which we play. We compete for fields with travel teams and adult teams and don’t want to jeopardize our ability to reserve fields. Here is the process for rescheduling regular season games:

It is the responsibility of the coach who wants to reschedule a game to make the rescheduling arrangements.
Contact the opposing coach to let them know about the rescheduling desire.
Contact the home team commissioner to cancel the field and umpire for the game
Let the scheduling coordinator know of the change so that the league website can be updated.
Review the league schedule and consult with the opposing coach to find mutually convenient times to play.
Check with the home team commissioner to find an available field and select a date.
Have the home team commissioner schedule an umpire.
Notify the scheduling coordinator of the rescheduled game’s information.

Umpires

If an umpire has not arrived 10 minutes after game time, the game is to proceed using a volunteer umpire, or a coach from each team will alternate innings as umpire. If the umpire shows later they are to take over their duties.
Rainouts or make-up games must be re-scheduled, through the community commissioner, with the umpire coordinator as soon as possible.
Complaints against any umpire are to be made to the community commissioner via e-mail and directed to the appropriate Umpire Coordinator, who will take appropriate disciplinary action.
In a threatening or unsafe situation an umpire may choose to end the game and leave. In the event an umpire ends a game in this situation, the league commissioners will determine the outcome of the game, which could result in forfeiture to either or both teams. An umpire is to direct the coaches of the offending party that he will end the game if the offensive behavior before leaving the game.
When consulting an umpire, both coaches must be present.

Weather

The home field coach is responsible for assessing the field conditions for a game and communicating that to the opposing coach. For games that are played at neutral sites there is not an effective way of monitoring the neutral site games. The coaches for these types of games need to be communicating during the day to see if one of the coaches can check on the field on the way home from work and relay that information the other coach. The bottom line is that the coaches need to be talking and make the decision. In either case make sure you have the opposing coach’s and commissioner’s phone number. Our games need to be played, if at all possible. The commissioner is responsible for communicating with the umpire coordinator.
During the game, the umpire has discretion for the suspension of play due to rain, lightning or any unsafe condition. If in the opinion of a coach that there is danger to a player he is to call a conference between the other coach and umpire to discuss and agree the course of action.
If lightning is observed, the play is to be halted and the field cleared until no lightning is observed for 30 minutes before play can be resumed.
Play is to continue after the weather threat has passed. If it is obvious that the weather condition will not dissipate in a reasonable period of time the game is to be called, based on the umpire’s discretion or mutual agreement between the coaches.
There maybe local community rules on weather delays and game suspension or resumption. If that is the case local rules will be followed.

Team Conferences

After three charged defensive conferences in a seven-inning game or for a charged conference in excess of one in each extra inning, when the same player is the pitcher, that pitcher shall be removed as pitcher for the duration of the game.
A conference with an injured player is not a charged conference.
A conference where a pitcher is removed is not a charged conference to the new pitcher.
Only one offensive conference is allowed per inning.
The other team may conference during the same time as the team that called the conference and not be charged for the conference.

Coaches

Senior Youth League coaches are to be adults that are college age or above, no player peers are considered team coaches. An adult coach is defined as a coach that:
- Is responsible for and in control of the players conduct.
- Abides by the league rules and ensures that the players abide by the Senior Youth League rules.
- Presents a good example for the players.
When reporting the game score, both coaches are to report the score to the score coordinator.
When a player acts as a base coach, the player is to wear a batting helmet.

Equipment

Bats: Maximum diameter at the thickest part: 2 5/8” with minus 3 weight differential, and be BBCOR approved. Length of a bat can not be longer than 36”. The manufacturer’s label, stating the bat specifications, must be legible, if not, the bat cannot be used. Use of an illegal bat is an out if: the batter enters the batter’s box with an illegal bat or is discovered having used an illegal bat. If the infraction is discovered before the next pitch, following the turn at bat of the player who used an illegal bat, the defense may elect to take the result of the play or the penalty. The penalty is that the batter is called out and the runner(s) are to return to the base that they occupied when the player, with the illegal bat, came to the plate.
Metal spikes are allowed.
The visitor and home team must each contribute one new baseball to the umpire before the start of the game. Each team is equally responsible to contribute more balls to make sure that there are two playable game balls throughout the game.

No Contact Rule

Contact is to be avoided, sliding is preferred. Any offensive player that runs into a defensive player attempting to make a put out is automatically out, with the exception of the first basemen moving into the path of the runner. Sliding into a fielder who is attempting to perform a double play is not allowed and the penalty for doing so will result in an automatic out of the runner at the base at which the contact is made and the runner at the next base at which the defensive player is attempting to throw too. The umpire is to determine if the throw to the next base could have potentially made the put out, if the defensive player had not been obstructed and call an out or safe. If the offensive player intends to injure, the umpire is to throw the player out of the game. Any such incident is to be communicated to the community commissioner. Any player exhibiting a record of deliberate contact is to be disciplined according to the high school rules.

Uniforms

A player must wear his team’s baseball shirt and baseball hat. Players are also to wear baseball pants, baseball socks, which are to cover the leg from the pants to the shoes, and either cleats or athletic shoes. The hat must be worn with the bill forward. The shirt must be tucked into the pants. Uniform defacing is not allowed. A defaced uniform is one that has been altered, such as removal of the sleeves or torn, etc. No shorts or sweat pants are allowed. Any player without the appropriate attire cannot participate. During a regular season game, if a team only has eight players and one player is missing an article of uniform, an exception can be made for only one player, to avoid a forfeit. A substitute player is not required to wear the team uniform for which he is substituting, but can wear his own uniform.

Season Ending Tournament

The ranking for the season ending tournament will be determined by winning percentage. Tie games during the season will be counted as a ½ point win.

Team Roster

No later than June 13, a team roster is to be submitted to the league coordinator. Any additions to the roster, after June 13, need to be submitted to the applicable community commissioner. The commissioner will communicate the change to the league commissioners and then be approved by the league community commissioners.

Pinch Runner

A courtesy runner is allowed for the pitcher or catcher. The courtesy runner must be the player who has made the last out proceeding the pitcher or catcher in the batting order. To be eligible to be pinch run for, the player must have played either the pitcher or catcher position in the inning just prior to the player’s turn at bat.
A pinch runner maybe allowed for a player with an injury that prevents him from running at full speed. If the player has the condition prior to the game, the coach must alert the umpire and the opposing coach of the injury. The umpire must observe that the injury affects the player’s ability to run. If a player is injured during the game, the coach must announce to the umpire and opposing coach, right after the injury, that the player’s injury prevents him from running at full speed and that the coach wants the player to be considered for a pinch runner, if said player were to reach base. The umpire needs to determine if an injury adversely affects the player’s ability to run and allow a courtesy run for the player. The injured player must take a normal turn in the field. He cannot simply bat.

Bench and Field Conduct

A coach, player, substitute, attendant or other bench personnel shall not commit any unsportsmanlike act to include, but not limited to:

Fake a tag without the ball.
Carelessly throw a bat

The penalty for the above: At the end of playing action, the umpire shall issue a warning to the coach of the team involved and the next offender on that team shall be ejected.

Use profanity, make a racial or ethnic slur, use references to a person’s sexual orientation, use intimidating language or tactics, make remarks reflecting unfavorably upon any other person, or taunting or baiting.

The penalty for the above: The umpire shall eject the offender from the game, unless the offense is judged to be of a minor nature. The umpire may warn the offender and then eject him if he repeats the offence. The warning or ejection shall be made at the end of the play or action. Failure to comply shall result in the game being forfeited.

Deliberately throw a bat, helmet, etc.
Initiate malicious contact.
Call “Time” or use any command or commit any act for the purpose of causing a balk.
Leave their position or bench area for the purpose of fighting or physical confrontation.

The penalty for the above: The umpire shall eject the offender from the game. Failure to comply shall result in the game being forfeited. A coach who attempts to prevent a fight or restore order is not in violation of the rule. A repeated incidence of fighting will result in an ejection from the league.

Umpires are to record names of players and coaches ejected and reported them to the umpire coordinator. The umpire coordinator is to report those ejected to the community commissioner.