2010 Duane Ward League Rules

1. All players shall play on defense. However, within the infield, there shall only be one shortstop, second baseman, third baseman, first baseman, catcher and pitcher. All remaining players will be placed in the outfield.

2. While playing defense, coaches are allowed and encouraged on the field to give defensive instruction to players but shall in no case interfere with play. Teams may field up to nine coaches/parents on the field. Recommended coaching locations on defense include: behind the catcher, behind 1^st base, behind 3^rd base, behind shortstop and/or 2^nd base, behind the right and left fielders, and behind the outfielders in left and right center. The most important thing is to remember is for coaches to make every effort to stay out of a defensive player’s line of site to the batter. In order to speed up play, the league recommends a defensive coach be stationed behind the catcher to assist in the instruction to that position and to shag pitches for return to the offensive pitching coach.

3. With the exception of the last batter, play will continue until the pitcher has control of the ball within the pitcher’s circle. Upon the verbal statement from the coach that the last hitter is up to bat, once the ball is hit into play, the batter/runner shall run bases until he or she is put out or has safely crossed home plate. Note: In the event a play occurs on a runner at any base (except first), coaches should encourage that runner to slide in order to ensure safer and avoid a collision. See rule #11

4. Each team will bat 6 batters per inning regardless of the number of players on that game’s roster or the number of put out’s during that inning. In the event a team has more than twelve players up to 7 batters may hit per inning.

5. When a player is up to bat, the coach shall make overhand throws to the batter either while kneeling on one knee or sitting on a bucket. NO UNDERHAND THROWS WILL BE ALLOWED. If the batter does not make contact with the ball after 3 swings he/she will be required to hit ball off of the tee. In the event a batter is making contact but has not put the ball in play, two additional pitches may be thrown at the coach’s discretion before utilizing the tee.

6. Base stealing and lead-offs are not allowed. Base runners shall advance only after the ball is hit into play. Coaches are encouraged to use discretion on base running. We recommend that a player that hits the ball to the outfield is able to take only two bases. Balls that are hit in the infield, that player is able to take one base, regardless of defensive errors with the exception of the last batter.

7. The infield fly rule does not apply.

8. If a batted ball hits a coach or the bucket then it will be declared a dead ball and all runners shall advance one base.

9. Although outs will not be recorded during the inning, in the event a player is thrown, tagged or put out, the runner will exit from base running and return to the dugout.

10. At no time shall scoring be recorded. There is no scorekeeping for this level of play.

11. Coaches are encouraged to teach sliding (except at first base) when possible to make every effort to avoid base running collisions where a play is being made.

12. All players shall rotate defensive positions on an inning-by-inning basis. Coaches should also make every effort to rotate players to every position throughout the season but also practice good discretion when considering the abilities of their players. For example, if a team has one or more players capable of throwing to first base and the player at first base does not have the ability to catch the ball; coaches should use discretion to ensure the safety of that player.

13. Games are 1 hour and 20 minutes long.

14. Any players, which show up after the game has started, shall be added to the bottom of the batting order.

15. Unless otherwise noted above, all other AABC rules of baseball shall apply.