2005 Essex Invitational Tournament Rules

2008 Essex Invitational Tournament Rules

and Field Directions

The tournament will consist of two weekends with the first weekend being used for seeding purpose for the Rec division. Open division will play only one weekend. Rules may be different for the Open division.

The tournament will be conducted under the following rules:

All U19 teams will use the American League Rules as modified by the BCML 15-19 rules. See Rules on the website: www.1518baseball.org .

7-8 and 9-10 age groups will use the Official Little League Rule Book and

11-12 and 13-14 age groups will use the American League Baseball Rule Book, except as modified by the following rules:

PLAYER AND TEAM:

1. Age cut off date is May 1, 2008. Younger players may play up into the next highest age bracket.

2. The Tournament Board will determine the division for all teams. Players’ eligibility will be determined by the Tournament Board.

3. The Tournament Director will use his/her sole discretion in determining the eligibility of teams for the B bracket. Factors will include, the bracket where they are placed in the BCML, does their program already have a team in the A bracket, win/loss record, ages of the players, i.e. if a team has more than seven 10 year olds or 12 year olds or 14 year olds, then they may be requested by us to play in the A bracket. A team may request to play in a different bracket but they must do so within 24 hours of the draw. The Tournament Board reserves the right to make changes for any team from one division to another at any time that it appears that they have been placed into the wrong division., i.e. a team in B division can be moved by us to A division, and an A division team can be moved to B division at any time. Decisions for such change in placement will be made by the Tournament Director and are non-appealable. In some age groups, there may only be one bracket, depending on the number of teams signed up for that particular age group. No guarantee is or will be made that there will be a B bracket in any age group, nor is there a guarantee for any single age groups in the Open division. Decisions such as these are based on the number of teams signed up to play.

4. Players, coaches, managers, parents, spectators, or umpires are not permitted to use alcohol, narcotics, or profanity during the game. Penalty is ejection from the game. No smoking is permitted on or around the benches, on the playing field or on school property.

5. Each team is entitled to a maximum of 18 players. Home team will be determined by a coin toss before each game except the Championship round. In the Championship round, the team with the highest seed will be home team. Final decision is made by the Tournament Director and is non-appealable. No player may play in more than one age group with the exception of the teams in all U19 age groups, who may draw from players in the 13-14 divisions. Team rosters must match the roster turned into the Tournament Director. Rosters are frozen at the time of your first game, except in extreme emergency situations.

6. Managers, four (4) coaches, players, score keepers, and batboy or girl are the only people permitted on the benches during the course of the game. The Rule will be enforced by the Tournament Director.

7. All players and coaches are to remain on their respective benches in their designated areas during the course of the game. This rule will be enforced by the Tournament Site Director. No more than one player may be in the on-deck area at one time.

8. Players must wear headgear with earflaps while batting and while on base. Penalty for failure to do so is the batter or runner is out when the batter steps into the batter’s box (Umpire’s discretion). Catchers must also wear a catcher’s helmet, athletic cup, and throat protector while catching.

9. Use of unauthorized players will result in game forfeiture.

10. Batting: 7-8 rule: all teams must bat the entire lineup and have free substitution. If a player is injured, leaves the game, or is ejected from the game, he will be called out. Only one out can be called on the same batter. Should a player arrive late, he will be inserted at the end of the batting order. If the opposing coaches both agree to it prior to the start of the game, a planned early departure by a player may result in no penalty whatsoever. No intentional bunting is allowed, however, swinging bunts are allowed. If a batter intentionally bunts a baseball in the umpire’s discretion, the batter is out and the ball is dead with no base runners advancing. No stealing of bases. No leading off. The runner may not leave the base before the ball has crossed homeplate.

Other age groups: Each team will have the option of batting and substitution as follows (for all age groups, except 7-8). There are four options available in regard to the designated hitter (DH). One of these options must be selected prior to the start of the game. Once selected, the option cannot be changed during the game.

Option 1: No DH. Start nine (9) (or eight) ball players in the field and bat the same nine (or eight).

Option 2: A DH may be used for any of the nine (9) (or eight) fielders. The DH and the fielder, for whom the DH is batting, are locked into the same batting position. If the DH goes into a fielding position, the DH is lost for the remainder of the game.

Option 3: Bat nine (9) (or eight) with free substitution in the field. No re-entry rule. You can add a fielder into the batting lineup.

Note: Under all three options the team must have eight (8) players available to continue the game.

Option 4: Bat your entire roster and field nine (9) (or eight). You would have free substitution of players, except for the pitcher. If a player is injured, leaves the game, or is ejected from the game, he will be called out. Only one out can be called on the same batter. Should a player arrive late, he will be inserted at the end of the batting order.

Note: This applies to Options 1, and 2 only. The starting players may be re-entered once. They must be re-entered in the same position in the batting order that they started. If the pitcher is removed on the second trip to the mound in the same inning, he must be removed from the mound and cannot re-enter to pitch. Also, if a player is injured after all eligible players have been used, the team may re-enter another team member (injury only).

Whatever batting arrangement you decide to use, you must declare which one you will use prior to the start of the game and may not change it once the game has started.

11. The team at bat may use runners for the pitcher and catcher anytime regardless the number of outs. These runners must be players that are currently not in the game, but are eligible to enter. If batting entire roster, then runner would be last out. If you choose Option 3, you must use a player not in the batting lineup.

12. Fielding for 7-8 only: Team can field 10 players in the field. 10^th player must be in the outfield, thus playing with 4 outfielders. Outfielders must be in outfield grass and not on infield dirt, if playing on a larger field, umpire’s discretion will be used.

Ending a play for 7-8 only: A play ends when the ball is in the pitcher’s hand on the pitcher’s mound circumference dirt area. It is the umpire’s discretion as to whether or not the end of a play has occurred. A play may also end when a play is made at a base such as tagging a runner, or the ball is thrown out of the playing field. If the throw to the base results in a rundown play, then play will be maintained until the player involved in the rundown is either put out or successfully advances to the base he was attempting to reach. Out of play balls and overthrows will result in the placement of runners at the umpire’s discretion. Final ruling on placement of runners is at the umpire’s discretion.

Placement of Runners for 7-8 only: A runner who is more than halfway to the next base before the play ends will advance to the next base. If the runner is less than halfway to the next base when the play ends, the runner goes back to the base he was at. Placement of the runners shall be in the sole discretion of the umpire. Players are not allowed to advance on throws from the catcher to the pitcher after a thrown pitch.

Collisions for 7-8 only: All players, whether on offense or defense, shall make a good faith effort to avoid unnecessary collisions at all times. This means that the offensive player must slide or take other appropriate action to avoid collisions, and the defensive player must avoid contact other than that necessary to attempt to get the out. The umpire is the sole authority in determining if the collision is intentional or incidental, and in determining the appropriate response. Failure to observe this rule may result in the awarding of the base and/or an out and may result in additional sanctions by the umpire, including a warning or ejection of the offensive and/or defensive player where necessary. NOTE: It is recognized that some degree of collisions are inevitable on plays at home plate; however, blatant (in the judgment of the umpire) attempts by the runner to dislodge the ball or cause injury are not allowed, and in likewise fashion the catcher must avoid contact other than that necessary to attempt to get the out.

Obstructions for 7-8 only: Defensive players shall have unimpeded access to attempt to field the ball. Likewise, offensive players’ ability to advance must not be unnecessarily blocked by defensive players. In cases where the advancement would interfere with the fielding of the ball, the fielding of the ball shall take precedence. Offensive players must take any reasonable action (e.g., pausing or slowing their advancement, etc.) needed to provide that unimpeded access to the defensive player. If the defensive player’s ability to field the ball is impeded – inadvertently or intentionally - by the offensive player, then the umpire may choose to call the impeding player out. If an offensive player’s ability to advance is impeded by any defensive player’s action other than that associated with fielding the ball then the umpire may award an advancement. The umpire’s judgment is final.

Infield Fly Rule for 7-8 only: Infield fly rule WILL NOT be in effect.

13. You can start with eight (8) players and finish with eight (8) players. If you start with nine (9), and one player is ejected you can still finish the game with eight (8) players, even if the reduction in players is due to an ejection. You will take an “out” when the missing players comes to bat. Only one out can be called on the same batter.

Note: The rules above supersede both Little League and American League Rules.

14. Rubber cleats or rubber soled baseball shoes will be permitted for all age groups. No metal spikes, except for the players in all U19 divisions, 13-14 Open and 13-14A who may wear metal spikes.

15. Conventional baseball uniforms are required and will include shirt, pants, cap, and socks. Shirts are to be numbered and numbers must be visible with no duplications. Any duplications or missing numbers will result in a penalty or loss of time at bat and the batter will be called out. Neatness should be stressed.

16. Each team must supply two (2) new baseballs for each game. In the event additional balls are needed, teams will alternate in furnishing balls, with the home team supply the first additional ball.

Age group 7-8, and 9-10 - Official Little League baseball

Age group 11-12 and 13-14 - Pony League or equivalent baseball, Official Pony League, Babe Ruth League, or Major League balls may be used. No synthetic covered balls.

All U19 teams - High school equivalent or major league baseball (no Pony balls). Note: MacGregor 79 practice balls are not for use in games.

17. Unsportsmanlike conduct going to the bases will result in the runner being called out at the Umpire’s discretion.

PLAYING FIELD

18. The following playing fields will be used:

Age group 7-8, U7, U8: 60' diamond with 40' pitching distance. Home to 2^nd

Base 84'10"

Age group 9-10, U9, U10: 60' diamond with 46' pitching distance.

Age group 11-12, U11, U12: 70' diamond with 50' pitching distance.

Age group 13-14B, U13: 75' diamond with 54' pitching distance or

80' diamond with 54' pitching distance

Age Group 13-14A, U14: 90' diamond with 60' 6" pitching distance depending on

field availability

All U19 teams: 90' diamond with 60' 6" pitching distance

19. No team player, coach or manager is allowed on the playing field prior to the coin toss.

PITCHING

20. Any team member may pitch, subject to other restrictions of the pitching rules. Batters must make an effort to get out of the way of the pitch. This is the umpire’s judgment. For 7-8 only, any pitcher hitting two (2) batters in one inning or three (3) in one game must be removed as a pitcher. A player removed as a pitcher, regardless whether the removal is during or in-between innings, is not eligible to pitch again in the same game.

21. Number of innings allowed for each pitcher is:

Age group 7-8: no more than three (3) innings per game - no balks.

Age group 9-10: no more than three (3) innings per game -no balks

Age group 11-12: no more than four (4) innings per game

Age group 13-14: no more than four (4) innings per game

All U19 teams: Unlimited.

22. One pitch constitutes innings pitched. In 7-8, it is child pitching, no coaches pitch.

23. For 7-8 only: Strike Zone. The strike zone should be agreed upon by both managers and the umpire before the start of the game. It is recommended that the strike zone be slightly enlarged to speed up play and minimize the number of walks.

24. Any pitcher who is withdrawn from the mound cannot return to the mound in the same game, except as specified in the American League Rule Book for age groups 11-12 and 13-14 and all U19 teams.

25. Managers and coaches shall be permitted to warm up pitchers between innings and prior to the start of the game. Warm up of pitchers and catchers during the game shall be in an area behind the fence sheltered from foul balls; otherwise, a coach or player must be dedicated to warn of threatening foul balls. If a player is used to warm up a pitcher, they must wear a catcher’s facemask or batting helmet with facemask and a protective cup. If a relief pitcher comes into the game, he is allowed eight (8) warm up pitches, except in the case of injury.

26. Any manager or coach who goes onto the playing field two (2) times in an inning to talk to a player or pitcher must make a pitching change. The only exception to the rule is if the umpire in the case of injury or some equipment damage calls time.

MANAGER AND COACHES

27. Refusal of a manager or coach to leave the field when requested by an Umpire could result in forfeiture of the game by the Umpire. If a manager/coach is ejected, they will serve a one game suspension and will not be able to attend the next game for the team. However, this can be overuled if deemed appropriate by the Tournament Director.

28. It must be apparent during the game who are managers and coaches. All managers and base coaches are to be dressed the same so that they can be distinguished from parents. Only the manager, not coaches, are allowed on the field to talk to an umpire regarding any call or controversy. Other coaches and parents are not allowed on the field. All managers must notify the umpires prior to the game that they are the manager and the appropriate party to discuss controversies with the umpires.

OFFICIAL GAME

29. All games must be completed. In case of rain or darkness, the game will be suspended. No inning may be started after dark, umpire discretion. Game time will be set by the Tournament and forfeit time will be twenty (20) minutes after the time set. Any team forfeiting a game will be responsible for all game umpire fees, in addition to a $25.00 forfeit fee. Failure to pay umpire fees will result in denial of entry in future tournaments.

30. Length of games:

Age group 7-8: Six (6) innings

Age group 9-10: Six (6) innings

Age group 11-12: Seven (7) innings

Age group 13-14: Seven (7) innings

Age group 15-18: Seven (7) innings

31. The championship rounds for some age groups will be played at East Regional Park under the lights depending upon field availability.

32. Scores: After the game, all teams must report to the Concession stand to turn in the scores and the sign the score sheets. These will be turned into the Tournament Director at the end of the day. All teams must also email the scores to bat4essex@aol.com. This will be a double check so that we can post scores, standings, brackets on the following website: www.essexdugout.com

For 7-8 only. Scoring. Innings will be three (3) outs or one (1) time through the batting lineup or five (5) run maximum per inning for innings 1 through 5. During the 6^th inning and extra innings, there is unlimited scoring.

33. Championship rounds will be seeded from highest to lowest depending upon the number of teams that move on in the division. For example, teams will be scored based on the tie breaker rules, and 1^st place will play 8^th place for the championship round of single elimination, and 2^nd place will play 7^th place, etc. This is subject to change by the Tournament Director.

OFFICIALS

34. The Umpire will make the decision concerning stopping the game in the event of darkness or wet playing conditions. The Tournament Director will have final authority as to the playability and use of the fields.

MISCELLANEOUS

35. The numbers on the uniforms will be recorded at the first game, and every game thereafter. Players must have the same number on their uniform throughout the tournament unless authorized by the Tournament Director to make such change.

36. Bats: Aluminum, fiber, or wood bats are allowed. Little League or Pro model, two piece bats are permitted, provided they are inspected and approved by the Umpire prior to the start of the game and determined to be safe. Unlimited weight drop. Maximum bat diameter for 7-8 and 9-10 is 2 1/4". Maximum diameter for 11-12 and 13-14 is 2 5/8". Maximum diameter for 15-18 is -3.

37. Slaughter Rule: A twelve (12) run rule will be in effect for age groups 7-8 and 9-10 if after 4 innings or an equal number of innings past 4, a team is behind by 12 runs or more. For age groups 11-12 and 13-14, there will be a twelve (12) run rule after five (5) innings. For age groups 15-19, there will be a twelve (12) run rule after six (6) innings. The twelve run rule will be suspended for all championship games.

38. If all players have been used and an injury occurs and the injured player cannot continue a player who had exited the game, if available may re-enter the game. That player may not pitch, if he has pitched previously in the game.

39. No more than three (3) offensive or defensive conferences per inning.

40. It is not mandatory for all players to participate in the game, although we do encourage it.

41. The “MUST AVOID CONTACT” rule is in effect for all age groups at the Umpire’s discretion. While not a specific rule, coaches are requested to highly discourage any type of headfirst slide in all age groups. This is a safety request and not a rule as such. Sliding into a base will be interpreted to be attempting to avoid contact.

For 7-8 only: Runners must avoid contact. Any runner who in the judgment of the umpire fails to slide, slides with malicious intent, or otherwise does not avoid contact shall be called out and may be ejected from the game (umpire’s discretion). HEAD FIRST SLIDING IS NOT ALLOWED. No sliding into 1^st allowed under any circumstances.

42. Action taken for violations of these Rules may result in game forfeiture, game suspension, or removal from the tournament. Verbal or physical threats of personal/physical assault to any umpire will not be tolerated and will result in disciplinary action. Unsportsmanlike conduct by players, managers, coaches, parents, or spectators will not be tolerated. Managers are responsible for their team, their conduct, and the conduct of the team’s parents, and spectators. Failure to control any of the above may result in a game forfeiture being issued by the home plate umpire, if in his judgment, he has issued the appropriate warning with no positive results. Razzing of players is not allowed. The use of profanity and/or fighting among players will result in the removal of the players involved. The throwing of equipment and/or uniform parts (gloves, hats, etc.) will result in a warning being issued to the Team for the first offense. The second offense will result in the player(s) being removed from the game. At no time are players, coaches, managers, or spectators allowed in the area immediately behind and/or along the backstop and/or out-of-bounds marker. If, in the judgment of the umpire, any person is in flagrant violation of the above rule, that shall constitute grounds for warning, ejection, and/or forfeiture of the game by the offending team.

43. All controversies of any kind will be decided by the Tournament Director and those decisions will be final and non-appealable.

PROTEST

44. A protest based upon a play that involves an Umpire’s judgment is not permitted. The Umpire’s word is final. If the Protest concerns Rule interpretations, the objecting manager must notify the Umpire during the game that the game is being played under protest. The Umpire will notify the opposing manager and make a public announcement to the scorekeeper. The game must be completed. After the game is completed the protesting manager must submit in writing to the tournament director with the protest fee. The written notification must be completed within four (4) hours of the completion of the teams last scheduled game for that day.

45. The protest fee is $100.00 cash and must be submitted at the time of the Protest. The protest fee is non-refundable and is an administrative fee which will be placed in the Tournament treasury.

46. Decision on Protest made by Tournament Director is final.

TROPHIES AND MEDALLIONS

47. Trophies will be awarded to a maximum of 15 players for each First and Second place teams in each age bracket unless otherwise decided by the Essex Baseball/Softball board. Team trophies will be awarded. In the consolation rounds, players will be awarded first place medallions. There will not be consolation rounds in all divisions. This will be determined by the number of teams in each particular division.

TIE BREAKER RULES

48. a. If one team has beaten all the teams they are tied with, they will be awarded the position. If the remaining teams are tied with the same record, the position will be awarded to the team with the lowest number of runs allowed.

b. If one team has lost to all those teams it is tied with, that team is eliminated.

c. If either 48a or 48b above narrows the teams tied down to 2 teams, the team having won the game between those two teams will be awarded the highest position.

d. If three teams within a group are tied with the same records, the team with the lowest number of runs allowed will be awarded the highest place and the other two teams will break the tie using Rule 48c.

e. Runs scored will be the next tie-breaker. If this procedure narrows the teams to two, then Rule #48c is in effect.

f. A coin toss will decide the position.

49. The decision of the Tournament Direction will be final in this regard.

POSSIBILITY OF A BYE

50. The attempt is made to have an even number of teams in all age groups, so that there are no byes in Round One. If there is an odd number of teams, the “luck of the draw” applies. Some age groups may find a bye in a later round., i.e., the semi-finals. In this case, the tie breaker rules will determine the seeding in that round.

UMPIRE FEES

51. Fee for the umpire:

Age group 7-8: $36.00 for one umpire (divided by both managers)

Age group 9-10: $38.00 for one umpire (divided by both managers)

Age group 11-12: $42.00 for one umpire (divided by both managers)

Age group 13-14: $44.00 for each umpire if two umpires are supplied

$46.00 for one umpire (divided by both managers)

All U 19 teams: $48.00 for each umpire - two umpires will be supplied

FIELD DIRECTIONS

Chase Elementary School

11701 Eastern Ave.

Baltimore Md 21220

Take I-695 to Md 702. Take Exit 36 (Eastern Avenue) toward Chase (approx. 4 miles). Stay in the left hand lane on Eastern avenue, traveling past the airport and National Guard base. Continue on Eastern Avenue, bearing left at the stop light past Bengie Drive-in. Chase Elementary is on the right.

Deep Creek Middle School

1000 S. Marlyn Avenue

Baltimore MD 21221

Take 695 to 702. Take the first exit, Essex, onto Eastern Avenue. Make a left on Marlyn Avenue (7-11 on one corner). Follow Marlyn Avenue. It will make a sharp left. You will see the Farm Store on the Right. Just past the Farm Store, there are two schools next to each other. The first school is Sandalwood Elementary and the second is Deep Creek Middle. The fields are behind the parking lot.

Eastern Tech High School

1100 Mace Ave.

Depending on which direction you are coming from - you go from Pulaski Highway to Rossville Boulevard (away from Belair Road). Rossville Boulevard bearing right onto Mace Avenue. Short distance and you will see the School on the right. The baseball diamond is on the right of the school.

Eastern Regional Park

Essex Elementary

100 Mace Avenue

From 695 Beltway, south towards Essex, fork onto Md 702 South. Approx. 1.4 miles take ramp onto Eastern Boulevard towards Essex. Go approximately 3 miles, make a right on Mace Avenue. School is on the left.

Kenwood High School

501 Stemmers Run Road

Depending on which direction you are coming from - you go from Pulaski Highway to Rossville Boulevard (away from Belair Road). Rossville Boulevard bearing left at the light onto Stemmers Run Road. Short distance and you will see the School on the right. The baseball diamond is behind the school. (Follow the road on the left side of the school to the back of the school)

Mars Estates Elementary School

1500 Homberg Avenue

695 to 702 (bear left at the split of 702 and 695).

Make a left onto Homberg Street. School on the left.

Martindale Park

695 to 702 (bear left at the split of 702 and 695).

Make a right onto Homberg Street. When it deadends, make a left and it takes you into the parking lot of the field.

Middlesex Elementary

142 Bennett Road

Depending on which direction you are coming from - you go from Pulaski Highway to Rossville Boulevard (away from Belair Road). Rossville Boulevard bearing left at the light onto Stemmers Run Road. Make a left at the light at North Marlyn Avenue. Right onto Bennett Road.

Moffit field

Water treatment Plant

695 to the Eastern Ave. exit (I think it is exit 38). You want the second Eastern Avenue exit (the first takes you toward Eastpoint Mall and you want to go the opposite direction), go to the first light and make a right into the Back River Sewage treatment plant. Make a right into the parking lot and the field is visible from there.

Orems Elementary

711 Highvilla Road

From Pulaski High make a right onto Rossville Boulevard. Make a left onto Orems Road. Then a left onto Golden Tree Lane. Then a right onto Highvilla. School is on the right.

Sandalwood Elementary

900 S. Marlyn Avenue

Baltimore MD 21221

Stemmers Run Middle School

Take 695 toward Essex. Take 702 Essex exit. Take second right (Chase Exit) to Eastern Ave. Go

to first traffic light (Stemmers Run Rd.) and make a left. School is on the left across from the

Giant Food store.

Sussex Elementary

515 S. Woodward Ave.

From 695 Beltway, south towards Essex, fork onto Md 702 South. Approx. 1.4 miles, take ramp onto Eastern Boulevard toward Essex. Go approximately 1.3 miles, make a left onto South Woodward Drive. School is approx.3 miles straight ahead.