CENTRAL AREA YOUTH LEAGUE
RULES AND REGULATIONS
(UPDATED 3/27/2024)
**This league will follow the CAYL rules first, then USSSA Rules will be applied. **
RULE 1: AGE REQUIREMENTS
T-BALL:
Girls 4U/U5/6U Division
Boys 4U/5U/6U Division
LEAGUE AGE in T-BALL with a child’s first year of eligibility, he/she is allowed to play if they will be 5 years of age by December 31st of the current season year. Players who are 4u/5u/6u are eligible for this division. Players who turn 7 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible.
SOFTBALL:
Coaches Pitch 7U/8U Division
Players who turn 9 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible. Players who are 7u/8u are eligible for this division.
Coaches Pitch 9U/10U/11U Division
Players who turn 12 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible. Players who are 9u/10u/11u are eligible for this division.
Fast-Pitch 12U/13U/14U/15U Division
Players who turn 16 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible. Players who are 12u/13u/14u/15u are eligible for this division.
BASEBALL:
D-Minor Coaches Pitch 7U/8U Division
Players who turn 9 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible. Players who are 7u/8u are eligible for this division regardless of their grade.
D-Major 9U/10U Division
Players who turn 11 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible. Players who are 9u/10u are eligible for this division.
C League 11U/12U Division
Players who turn 13 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible. Players who are 11u/12u are eligible for this division.
B League 13U/14U Division
Players who turn 15 prior to May 1 of the current season are not eligible. Players who are 13u/14u are eligible for this division.
A player may compete with only one CAYL team. If he/she should desire, any child may choose to play in the division one level higher than his/her age dictates. However, once a player has moved into the higher classified division, he/she may not in that year return to the lower league from which he/she is moving.
RULE 2: ROSTERS
SELECT TEAMS will bring in full rosters. A select team is defined as a team who brings in a full roster of players who are designated from a specific coach. The Commissioner will designate rosters for draft, t-ball, and girls. If possible, no team will have more than 15 players and no less than 12 players.
Any child found intentionally giving false birth date information enabling the child to participate in the wrong division will be ruled immediately ineligible for play for the remainder of the season. All games he/she participated in will be ruled as forfeited in favor of the opponent.
RULE 3: FIELD DIMENSIONS
| Division of Play | Base Paths | Pitching Distance |
| 4U/5U/6U T-Ball | 55’ | N/A |
| 7U/8U Girls | 60’ | 40’ |
| 9U/10U/11U Girls | 60’ | 40’ |
| 12U-15U Girls | 60’ | 40’ |
| 7U/8U Boys | 60’ | 40’ |
| 9U/10U Boys | 65’ | 46’ |
| 11U/12U Boys | 70’ | 50’ |
| 13U/14U Boys | 80’ | 54’ |
T-Ball:
Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball.
Coaches Pitch:
Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball.
Outfielders must stay behind the infield lines until the ball is hit.
RULE 4: TIME LIMITS
– T-BALL: 55 MINUTES OR THREE (3) INNINGS (**NO RUN RULE**)
– COACHES PITCH- 7u/8u- 1 HOUR OR 5 INNINGS
– COACHES PITCH- 9u/10u/11u- 1 HOUR 5 MIN. or 5 INNINGS
– D MINOR: 1 HOUR 5 MIN. OR 5 INNINGS
– D MAJOR: 1 HOUR 10 MIN OR 5 INNINGS
– C LEAGUE: 1 HOUR 15 MIN. OR 6 INNINGS
– B LEAGUE: 1 HOUR 25 MIN. OR 6 INNINGS
– GIRLS 12u-15u: 1 HOUR 15 MIN. OR 5 INNINGS
**RUN RULE FOR ALL Leagues apart from T-BALL:
- 15 After 3, 8 After 4
**No game shall begin earlier than 5 minutes before the scheduled start time unless both head coaches agree. Coaches, please have players warmed up and game ready when the game prior ends.
**Once an inning has started, that inning must be completed. For this rule, an inning begins when the third out is made. A NEW INNING will not begin if there are 5 MINUTES or less left in the game.
Ten (10) players are required for T-BALL, D-MINOR, and COACHES PITCH. A team that has only eight (8) players at game time will be allowed to play with eight (8) players. If a ninth (9th) player shows up, the coach must put him/her into the ninth (9th) position in the batting order.
Nine (9) players are required for D-MAJOR, B & C LEAGUES, and Girls 12u-15u (softball). A team that only has eight (8) players at game time will be allowed to play with eight (8) players. If a ninth (9th) player shows up, the coach must put him/her into the ninth (9th) position in the batting order.
Teams may play an official game with an eight (8) player line-up. If a team plays with an eight (8) player line-up. A ninth (9th) player and all subsequent players may be added to the bottom of the batting line-up as soon as they become available. A team may continue a game with a minimum of eight (8) eligible players.
After the regulation number of innings, if there is a tie, both teams will have a ½ win and ½ loss.
RULE 5: PLAYER PARTICIPATION RULES
T-BALL:
Each coach must play every player listed in the official scorebook a minimum of three consecutive outs in the field and BAT every inning.
All other leagues:
1. Every player listed in the official scorebook MUST PLAY a minimum of three consecutive outs in the field on defense OR at bat at least once in the game.
2. Batting Lineup:
Each team has the option to bat 9 players, with an option of using a Designated Hitter (DH) and/or an Extra Hitter (EH), OR a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players.
THE PENALTY FOR VIOLATION OF PARTICIPATION RULE IS FORFEITURE.
T-BALL RULES:
1) BATS:
– MAXIMUM DIAMETER IS 2 1/4 INCHES
– MAXIMUM LENGTH IS 32 INCHES
2) Fair Ball Arc: There shall be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be fair.
3) Every player present at game time must be listed on the lineup card and must bat in that order. Late players will be added to bottom of lineup.
4) The umpire should adjust the tee height for each player, and then place the ball on the tee. The umpire makes sure everyone is ready and then says, “PLAY BALL.” If the batter swings before the ump calls “PLAY BALL,” that batter is given a warning.
5) The catcher should retrieve all balls thrown in from the field and hand them to the umpire who will place the ball on the tee.
6) Batters must take a full swing at the ball.
7) If the ball is batted fair but remains within the Fair Ball Arc (20 foot semicircle) the play is dead and a strike is called.
8) A fair ball is any ball within the first and third base boundary lines and past the Fair Ball Arc (20 foot semicircle.)
9) A player is not permitted to steal or take a lead off a base.
10) Once a defensive player has secured possession and control of the ball and is in the infield area (inside base paths, to home plate) and does not attempt to make a play on an advancing base runner, the play will be called DEAD by the umpire. The base runner will be allowed to advance to the base provided he/she has crossed the halfway mark between the bases.
11) If the ball is overthrown at first or third base, the ball is considered in play and all runners may advance one (1) base. An overthrown ball that goes out of the field of play is immediately called dead and the umpire will allow the base runners to advance one base.
12) Coaches are not permitted to assist any player while at bat or in the field unless time out is called by the umpire.
13) SCORING : If runs are scored before the third out, only the runs scored before the third out and 10th batter is made shall count. After the third out is recorded or the seventh run scores the rest of the team shall bat in order, but those runs will NOT count. When the last batter in the order bats and play is stopped, that half of the inning is over.
14) It is the responsibility of the umpire to remove the tee from home plate area any time a play may be made or any time a runner may attempt to score.
15) The Defensive player must hold the ball up in the air while standing in the infield for the umpire to call “time” after every play and to declare the ball “dead”.
16) NO obstruction and or interference will be called.
PLAYING POSITIONS:
1) Ten (10) Total Positions.
2) The pitcher is for defensive purposes only.
3) NO defensive player may be inside or standing on the infield fair ball arc until the ball is hit, at which time the player may enter the restricted area to play the ball. A batted ball must go past this line to be fair.
4) The catcher shall stand on the opposite side of the batter.
5) The four designated outfielders must play behind the infield. They cannot be within the infield area until after the ball has been hit. They must not obstruct the runners unless they have possession of the ball. The coaches MUST tell their players (if they do not have possession of the ball) to get out of the runner’s path to the bases.
6) A shift will NOT be allowed in this league. A shift is defined as a defensive strategy where fielders move away from their normal positions.
BOYS D MINOR / COACHES PITCH:
GIRLS COACHES PITCH:
1) ALL BATS are legal for the appropriate leagues.
2) Fair Ball Arc: There will be a twenty (20) foot arc drawn from first (1st) baseline to third (3rd) baseline in front of home plate. A batted ball must go past this line to be a fair ball.
3) Safety Arc: There will be a thirty (30) foot arc drawn from the first (1st) baseline to the third (3rd) baseline in front of the home plate. Infielders stay behind this line until the ball is hit.
4) The pitching coach shall keep one foot on or straddle the pitcher’s line. The coach can pitch anywhere in between the thirty (30) foot Safety Arc and the forty-second (42) foot Pitching Circle.
PITCHING COACH:
5) The pitching coach shall NOT verbally or physically coach while in the pitching position. 6) When a batted ball hits the Pitching Coach, the following shall apply:
– if in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did not make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the batter is declared out and no runners shall advance.
– if in the Umpire’s judgment, the coach did make a legitimate attempt to avoid contact, the ball becomes dead, and a no-pitch is declared.
7) **NO walks will be allowed. The batter must hit the ball fair, strike out, or receive six pitches for the at batt to end.
8) The batter shall receive a maximum of six (6) pitches or three (3) swinging strikes. (The at bat is extended if the last pitch is hit foul.)
9) A team may score a maximum of seven (7) runs per inning or ten batters.
10) No headfirst slides and players must slide if there is a play at a base the player is approaching.
11) The batter cannot advance on dropped third strike
12) Bunting shall NOT be allowed.
13) Runners shall NOT lead-off or steal any base. (Penalty- A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate.)
14) Base Running:
-7/8U – Base Runners MAY advance ONLY ONE base per overthrow.
-9/10/11U – Base Runners Have NO MAXIMUM bases they can advance on overthrows
15) All catchers must wear a catcher’s helmet, mask, chest protector and shin guards.
16) The defensive player listed as PITCHER shall not leave the pitching circle until the ball is hit. Penalty: The play continues. After the play has ended, the offensive team has the option of taking the result of the play or no-pitch. Additional Penalty: First Offense: Warning; Second Offense: Removal of player from the pitching position for the remainder of the game.
17) The infield FLY Rule shall NOT be in effect at any time.
18) Umpires shall call “Time” after every play and declare the ball dead. “Time” shall be called as soon as the runners are not attempting to advance. “Time” does not have to be called by the defense for the purpose of this rule. (Penalty- When a runner stands off a base and “jukes” or “feints” back and forth, this is to be interpreted as “not attempting to advance” and “Time” shall be called.
19) Batting Lineup:
Each team has the option to bat 9 players, with an option of using a Designated Hitter (DH) and/or an Extra Hitter (EH), OR a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players.
DH- The designated hitter is a player who bats in place of another position player. (**DH is NOT allowed to substitute for a defensive player, he is strictly a hitter.)
- The DH must be listed next to or under the player he is batting for in the lineup. The DH and the player he is batting for are both locked into the same batting slot; neither of these two players can ever bat in another batting position.
- The DH can bat for any defensive player, not just the pitcher.
EH- May be placed on the lineup card (a 10th hitter which can be placed anywhere in the batting order) this is used to get more players at-bats throughout the game. (**EH is NOT allowed to substitute for a defensive player, he is strictly a hitter.)
BOY’S D Major:
1) We will enforce CAYL rules first, then USSSA rules could apply. If there is no specifically stated rule, then we revert to USSSA for that ruling.
2) Any team that scores seven runs in one inning, the inning is over regardless of outs.
3) On Defense, only three (3) outfielders are allowed in the field.
4) Batting Lineup:
Each team has the option to bat 9 players, with an option of using a Designated Hitter (DH) and/or an Extra Hitter (EH), OR a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players.
5) Baserunners:
All Base-runners are allowed to take a lead (NOT EXCESSIVE) from the base they are occupying.
Base-runners may ONLY advance if:
-Base on Balls in a force situation
-A Ball is put in play by the batter
-A balk is enforced by the umpire
-Baserunner can advance on a dropped ball by the catcher or a pass ball
-On a pickoff attempt or a throwing error by the pitcher or catcher
-Overthrow while being played on
-Baserunner can advance on a dropped third (3rd) strike
DH- The designated hitter is a player who bats in place of another position player. (**DH is NOT allowed to substitute for a defensive player, he is strictly a hitter.)
- The DH must be listed next to or under the player he is batting for in the lineup. The DH and the player he is batting for are both locked into the same batting slot; neither of these two players can ever bat in another batting position.
- The DH can bat for any defensive player, not just the pitcher.
EH- May be placed on the lineup card (a 10th hitter which can be placed anywhere in the batting order) this is used to get more players at-bats throughout the game. (**EH is NOT allowed to substitute for a defensive player, he is strictly a hitter.)
5) Baserunners:
All baserunners are allowed to take a lead from the base they are occupying.
Base-runners may advance if:
– Base on Balls in a force situation
– A ball is put in play by the batter
– A balk is enforced by the umpire
– Baserunner can advance on a dropped ball by the catcher or a pass ball
— On a pickoff attempt or a throwing error by the pitcher or catcher
– Overthrow from the catcher to pitcher
— Baserunner can advance on a dropped 3rd strike
Pitchers:
– Pitchers must pitch from the stretch when runners are occupying bases
– Pickoffs are legal at any base occupied by a baserunner
– Each pitcher in the contest will be given one warning before a balk is enforced
6) NO headfirst slides except back to the bag and if a play is being made the base runner must slide.
7) Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/ or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is defined as an act that involves intentional excessive force with an opponent (Offense or Defense). Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire. (Penalty- The runner will be called out and an Ejection of the player involved. Malicious contact by a fielder, results in ejection of the player involved.)
8) FOR THIRD BASE ONLY: After a pitched ball and the catcher has control of the ball, and the base runner has stopped his forward motion, the base runner must return to third base.
Explanation:
1) Once a base runner has stopped his forward motion, the base runner must return to his base.
2) A base runner can be played upon while returning to any base.
3) If a base runner is played upon, the base runner can advance or return.
4) Any team that scores seven runs in one inning, the inning is over regardless of outs.
5) Pitching rules will be referred back to USSSA rules.
6) No pitcher will be allowed to return to the mound after being replaced as a pitcher not even the starting pitcher.
7) The balk rule will be in effect.
8) NO headfirst slides except back to the bag and if a play is being made the base runner must slide.
BOY’S C LEAGUE:
1) All base running will be governed by USSSA BASEBALL rules.
2) Any team that scores seven runs in one inning, the inning is over regardless of outs.
3) Batting Lineup:
Each team has the option to bat 9 players, with an option of using a Designated Hitter (DH) and/or an Extra Hitter (EH), OR a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players.
DH- The designated hitter is a player who bats in place of another position player. (**DH is NOT allowed to substitute for a defensive player, he is strictly a hitter.)
- The DH must be listed next to or under the player he is batting for in the lineup. The DH and the player he is batting for are both locked into the same batting slot; neither of these two players can ever bat in another batting position.
- The DH can bat for any defensive player, not just the pitcher.
EH- May be placed on the lineup card (a 10th hitter which can be placed anywhere in the batting order) this is used to get more players at-bats throughout the game. (**EH is NOT allowed to substitute for a defensive player, he is strictly a hitter.)
4) NO headfirst slides except back to the bag and if a play is being made the base runner must slide.
5) Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/ or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is defined as an act that involves intentional excessive force with an opponent (Offense or Defense). Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire. (Penalty- The runner will be called out and an Ejection of the player involved. Malicious contact by a fielder, results in ejection of the player involved.)
6) Pitching rules will be referred to USSSA.
7) The balk rule will be in effect.
BOY’S B LEAGUE:
1) All base running will be governed by USSSA BASEBALL rules.
2) Any team that scores seven runs in one inning, the inning is over regardless of outs.
3) Batting Lineup:
Each team has the option to bat 9 players, with an option of using a Designated Hitter (DH) and/or an Extra Hitter (EH), OR a continuous line-up of all present, eligible, uniformed players.
4) NO headfirst slides except back to the bag and if a play is being made the base runner must slide.
5) Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/ or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is defined as an act that involves intentional excessive force with an opponent (Offense or Defense). Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire. (Penalty- The runner will be called out and an Ejection of the player involved. Malicious contact by a fielder, results in ejection of the player involved.)
6) Pitching rules will be referred to USSSA.
7) The balk rule will be in effect.
GIRLS 12U-15U:
1) The base runner may steal but must stay in contact with the occupied base until the ball has left the pitcher’s hand. (Penalty- A dead ball is called immediately and the runner is out, for the batter, it’s a NO pitch)
2) Any team that scores seven runs in one inning, the inning is over regardless of outs.
3) For this league ONLY 3 outfielders are allowed to play in the outfield.
4) Batting Lineup: Please refer to the USSSA rules.
5) A twelve-inch optic yellow ball will be used.
6) No headfirst slides and players must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/ or catcher if there is a play at a base the player is approaching.
7) Whenever a tag play is evident, a runner must slide or seek to avoid contact with the fielder and/ or catcher. Malicious contact shall supersede all obstruction penalties. Malicious contact is defined as an act that involves intentional excessive force with an opponent (Offense or Defense). Malicious contact is solely up to the discretion of the Umpire. (Penalty- The runner will be called out and an Ejection of the player involved. Malicious contact by a fielder, results in ejection of the player involved.)
8) The batter is allowed to run on a dropped third strike.
RULE 6: GAME RULES:
**This league will follow the CAYL rules first, then USSSA Rules will be applied. **
– No infield practice is allowed on the fields before or between games. Warmups may be done outside the fence area prior to scheduled game times. NO SWINGING BATS outside the fenced playing fields.
– Any time a batter slings a bat he /she is subject to be called out without warning.
– When a team is on the field, the defensive coaches must remain in the dugout.
– Lineups including full name and number will be given to scorekeeper in writing ten minutes prior to scheduled game time.
-Every substitution must be reported to the scorekeeper by the coach at the time of substitution. If the score keeper determines a player has not been reported, the scorekeeper shall immediately notify the umpire. This does not include a legal player who is merely batting out of turn. Batting out of turn must be appealed by the opposing coach. The scorekeeper reports only the player who was not properly reported as a substitute by the coach.
-Any pitching change must be reported to the scorekeeper.
-Should a starting player who has not been substituted for be injured and all substitutes on the bench have been entered into the game, any player not currently in the lineup at the time of the injury may be entered into the injured player’s position in the batting order. The injured player may reenter the game after one inning of play if his injury should allow it. However, the player who became the substitute for the injured player remains the injured player’s substitute and must be removed from the game. (in other words, the injury substitute cannot be moved back to his original batting order: he remains in the batting order where he was placed as substitute for the injured player).
-All players are required to wear their jerseys/uniform for every game. All players will wear rubber soled shoes or rubber cleats. **No Metal Cleats are allowed on the turf fields**
-The catcher SHALL wear all appropriate protective gear including a catcher’s helmet with facemask, chest protector, shin and / or leg guards, and protective cup.
SPORTSMANSHIP:
1) Any player that throws his/her bat or helmet shall be ejected from game.
2) No player, coach, fan, shall ride, abuse, heckle, or make uncomplimentary remarks to any opposing player, team, official, scorekeeper or park official. Any individual violating this rule, at the discretion of the umpire and or Commissioner may be ejected from the game and or park.
3) The Head coach is responsible for controlling his/her players, assistant coaches, parents, and fans. The Head Coach will be ejected if he/she doesn’t control his/her team or fans. If the team or fans still cannot be controlled the game shall be forfeited to the opposing team.
4) No smoking or tobacco use will be allowed on the field of play or in the dugouts by coaches, players, or umpires.
5) No alcoholic beverages are allowed in the park or parking area.
SCOREKEEPERS AND GAME PROTESTS:
1) NO ONE WILL BE ALLOWED TO QUESTION THE SCOREKEEPER EXCEPT THE UMPIRE.
2) The official scorekeeper and scorebook will be supplied by CAYL. The official scorekeeper must report to the field ten minutes prior to game time. Conferences with the scorekeeper will only be allowed before the game, between games, during an official time out, or after the game. The umpire must be present during such conferences.
3) The Head Coach must go to the plate umpire if he believes the scorekeeper has made a mistake on the score.
4) A protest may be filed when a coach claims that an umpire’s decision is in violation of these rules. NO protest shall ever be permitted on judgement calls by the umpire. In all protested games the decision of the CAYL Commissioner is final.
5) Whenever a coach protest a game because of alleged misapplication of the rules, the protest will not be recognized unless the umpires are notified at the time the play under protest occurs and before the next pitch is made or a runner is retired.
6) Even if it is held that the protest decision violated the rules, no replay of the game will be ordered unless in the opinion of the CAYL Commissioner the violation adversely affected the protesting team’s chances of winning the game. The protest fee will be forfeited if the protest is disallowed.
7) A protest must be made immediately after the play or ruling in question occurs before play resumes. If the game ends on the play or ruling in question, the protest must be made to the Commissioner (or his/her designee) within thirty minutes of the game ending.