Rookie League

Click HERE for a printable version of the Rookie Schedule.

About Umpires and the Rookie League:

  • There are no volunteer umpires for the Rookie League
  • Rookie League coaches umpire T-Ball Major games.
  • Rookie League coaches should check the ROOKIE schedule for their umpire schedule. 
  • Coaches should enlist the help of their assistant coaches and knowledgeable parents if they cannot perform their umpire duties.
  • Coaches should call the league commissioner if unforeseen circumstances prevent them from attending a game at the last minute.  
 
Rookie League Rules
  1. TIME LIMIT:  One hour and fifteen minutes or (6) innings whichever comes first.  In the event of a tie the game will continue until there is a winner.
  2. BATTING ORDER:  All teams will bat round robin.  If a batter becomes disabled during the game and cannot bat, it WILL NOT be an out.
  3. DEFENSE:  Will consist of (9) regular fielding positions and (2) additional rovers in the outfield.  The pitcher may not be beyond the forward mast point of the machine before the ball is put in play.  Penalty:  If the ball is not hit the umpire shall declare “no pitch”.  If the ball is hit the offensive coach may choose between the play and “no pitch”.
  4. RUNS PER INNING: (6) runs per inning.
  5. CONTACT RULE:  Babe Ruth rule: 6.05 (m) shall apply
  6. DEAD BALL: Time will be called by the UMPIRE when no runner is advancing.
  7. PITCHING MACHINE:  Machine speed will be 52% or 38mph on a Jugs Single Wheel Machine.  The machine will be placed 46 feet from home plate.  The umpire may adjust the machine at the beginning of any inning to maintain consistency.  The machine may be adjusted during an inning with the consent of both coaches or if deemed necessary by the Umpire – in Chief.  Any batted ball striking any part of the pitching machine or the individual feeding the machine will be called dead.  The batter will be awarded first base.  No runners may advance unless forced.
  8. THE BATTER:  All batters will wear a batting helmet when on the field of play, whether as an on deck hitter, a batter, or a base runner.
  9. THE CATCHER: Must wear a facemask, helmet, mitt, chest protector, shin guards, and a protective supporter with cup.
  10. COURTESY RUNNER:  Will not be allowed.
  11. INFIELD FLY:  Will not be in effect.
  12. BUNTING:  Will be allowed. (The batter may square to bunt and pull the bat back to take a pitch, but he cannot square and then swing away).  Penalty: The batter is out, no runners advance and the batter may be ejected if his actions place the safety of a defensive player in jeopardy.
  13. STEALING:  Will be permitted.  A runner may not steal until the 3rd pitch.  Cal Ripken Baseball Special Base Running Rules (a,b,c) shall apply (page 11).  Passed balls will be live.  At no time can a runner advance to home plate if he is on third base when the pitch is made, unless the catcher throws to third base or the ball is hit by the batter.  Stealing will not be allowed on a “no-pitch”.
  14. BATTER IS OUT:  After five pitches.  If, in the umpires judgment, the machine delivers a ball out of the strike zone a “no-pitch” will be called unless the batter swings in which case it will be called a strike.  If a batter slings his bat, a warning will be given to the team at bat.  After one warning, any player on the warned team who slings his bat will be called out immediately and no runners will advance.  The umpire will be the sole judge of whether the bat was slung or dropped.  This is NOT an appeal play.
  15. COACHES:  On offense a first base and third base coach will be allowed on the field.  On defense, coaches must remain in their dug out.  One coach may stand directly in front of the dugout for the purpose of defensive instruction.
  16. BASE AWARDS: All overthrown balls are live unless the ball leaves the field of play, in which case, a (1) base limit will be given to the runners.  Any (fair) batted ball that bounces over, rolls through or under a fence will be a ground rule double.
  17. RUN RULE: If a team is ahead by (10) runs after (4) complete innings (3 ½ for the home team) the game will be called.  If a team is ahead by (7) runs after (5) complete innings (4 ½ for the home team) the game will be called.
  18. GAME TIME: Be at the field at least (30) minutes prior to game time.
  19. UMPIRES:  The field umpire will feed the pitching machine, call strikes, “no pitch”, and call plays on the bases.  There will be no protest of judgment calls.
  20. LINEUPS:  (1) copy to score box and to opposing coach (10) minutes before game time.  First initial, last name and number are required.

Tobacco use is prohibited.

Refer to the Cal Ripken Tournament Rules and the Official Baseball Rules for situations not covered here.
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