“A” Division - Rules 2009
The A Division is designed as an instructional and learning experience for its participants. Specifically, we want to enhance the participant’s baseball skills and help them to develop a love for the game of baseball. It is imperative that this concept be ever present in the minds of all associated with the league, from the players to the parents. There will be no playoffs or standings kept. Do NOT emphasize game scores or wins and losses. It is inherent to our program that each manager insures that all of his players and supporters demonstrate appropriate sportsmanlike conduct at all times during the course of the season. Make sure kids enjoy coming to games and practices.  Stress good sportsmanship. 
No arguing with umpires EVER!!!! ZERO TOLERANCE.
Safety balls are used the entire season in “A”.
1. No cumulative scorekeeping- Three (3) outs or three runs end each at inning.
2. All players play in the Field (if you have 14 players that day, you would have 8 outfielders).
3. Each player MUST play in the infield & outfield EVERY game (minimum 2 innings).
4. Player cannot play more than 2 innings at one position in one game.
5. Outfielders must be on grass – they cannot cover an infield position (at school 2, about 30-40 feet behind bases or just in front of cones).
6. Managers should rotate players from infield to outfield positions after each inning.
7. Coaches are instructed to keep each player in a set position (Shifting of players/pulling infielders in is not permitted).
8. The player in the pitchers position should be in the area of the pitching rubber (Not toward the 1st or 3rd base lines)
9. An outfielder or pitcher must throw the ball to a base; they cannot chase down and tag a base runner. (Supervisor’s discretion – ball hit down either baseline fielded by pitcher who can immediately tag runner).
10. Manager and two coaches may go onto the field with their team.
11. All players must bat in ONE continuous batting order.
12. Managers or coaches pitch OVERHAND from either one knee or a standing position to their own team (20-30 feet for the first half of the season)
13. Six swings is a strikeout.
14. Teams get one warning for any batter throwing the bat; second (or more) time any player will be called out. Any batted ball into fair territory will be declared “dead”, runners may not advance.  Supervisors must announce warning to both managers.
15. Batted ball, must pass foul arc to be in fair territory.
16. Infield hit limited to one base.
17. Batted ball on fly over infield limited to (2) bases at runner’s risk. (Umpires sign is two fingers).  Batted ball on fly over cones, no limit at runner’s risk. (Umpires signal waving index finger in circular motion). On all hits runner’s may NOT advance an extra base due to an overthrow to any base.
18. Special double-bag at first base: Fielder uses inside base, runner use outside base. First baseman cannot block base.
19. Players MUST! Wear cup and supporter.
20. ABSOLUTELY NO ARGUING WITH UMPIRES BY MANAGERS, COACHES, PLAYERS OR PARENTS.  No Manager, coach or parent may leave dugout or stands to goon Field to argue any call. Manager or coach will receive a warning from League; a second offense will result in loss of their position. Managers are responsible for the behavior of their players’ parents.
21. No bunting, no leading, no base stealing. Managers must teach proper sliding technique
22. Managers must have catcher dressed for following innings.
No arguing with umpires EVER!!!! ZERO TOLERANCE.
ACCENTUATE THE POSITIVE!

If there is ANY physical contact by any manager or coach with ANYONE AT ALL, he will be suspended for the remainder of the season. ZERO TOLERANCE.