Playing Rules - Pinto Division (Ages 5-6)
Updated Monday March 28, 2022 by Raymond Almeida Jr.
1: Games are played on a field where bases are separated by a distance of 50 feet. The regulation length of games is 6 innings.
2: The first three innings of all games are played off a batting tee. The final three (or four) innings are played with either the team manager or coach pitching to their own players. Said pitching shall be thrown overhand and occur only from the pitching area (as defined in rule 6).
3: Teams must use a rotating batting order. Teams to use 10 players on defense, with the additional player defined as an outfielder. Two adults are permitted on the playing field only in the outfield area in all innings to supervise the defensive team.
4: Tie games after six innings of play are permitted to extend for one additional inning, if weather and daylight permit. No games shall extend beyond 7 innings in length. A game tied after 7 innings of play is defined as a “Tie Game”.
5: Teams are restricted to scoring no more than 4 runs in each of the first five innings of all games (unless specified otherwise in these rules). In the final inning of play, the visiting team is permitted to score no more than 4 runs if leading or if the score is tied (unless specified otherwise in these rules). If trailing at this point, the visiting team is permitted to score as many runs as necessary to assume a lead of up to 5 runs (unless otherwise specified in these rules). In any instance, the home team shall be permitted to score as many runs as necessary in the final inning of play to win the game.
6: The defensive player occupying the pitcher’s position shall be stationed on the pitcher’s mound with at least one foot in said area until the batter hits the ball. The pitcher’s mound is defined as an 8 foot diameter area from the highest point of the mound. The center of the mound is defined as the intersection of first and third base, and home and second base.
7: During the first three innings of play, it shall be considered a “Strike” when the batter either misses the ball completely or strikes only the batting tee. It shall be considered a “Foul Ball” when the batter simultaneously strikes the ball and the batting tee.
8: The Infield Fly Rule shall not be observed.
9: The defensive team shall always position its catcher against the backstop directly behind home plate and shall not be permit the catcher to become involved in the play until the batter hits the ball.
10: Following completion of the third inning, batters will be allowed a maximum of 7 pitches in an at bat appearance. The batter is out after failing to hit the ball within the maximum allotment, or after missing a legal third strike. A ball hit foul on the seventh pitch and all succeeding pitches entitles the batter another pitch.
11: To be considered a fair ball, balls hit off the batting tee or off the coach pitching, must travel at least ten feet from home plate and in fair territory.
12: On legal hits reaching the outfield, the Umpire or Coach shall declare “Time Out” when an infielder possesses the ball in the infield (which is defined as within the diamond, for the purpose of this rule) and will be permitted to determine the advance of all base runners on said play. In instances when a base runner has advanced at least half way to the next base, in the judgment of an umpire, on a throw from the outfield prior to the possession of the ball by an infielder, said base runner shall be permitted to advance to the next base.
13: On legal hits remaining within the infield, and in possession of an infielder, base runners shall be permitted to advance only one succeeding base at their peril except in the event of an overthrow by a defensive player.
14: On legal outs recorded on fly balls or line drives by infielders who retain possession of the ball in the infield, no advances shall be permitted by base runners. The defensive team shall be permitted to legally record additional out(s) on said play while the base runners shall not be permitted to advance.
15: On legal outs recorded on fly balls or line drives by outfielders, No base runners shall be permitted to advance.
16: No player shall play more than 2 successive innings in the same defensive position and no player shall play more than 5 innings in the infield, not including the catcher.
17: The batting tee shall not be set higher than the batter’s chest level.
18: Bunting shall not be permitted in any game.
19: In instances when a batter is struck by a pitch thrown by a non-player, “No Pitch” shall be declared by the Umpire. The batter shall not be charged with a pitch in such instances.
20: In instances where a non-player pitcher is struck by a batted ball (and injured as a result) prior to the defensive player touching the ball, or provided with the opportunity to make a play on the ball, or non-player interferes with the defensive player, the Umpire shall declare “No Pitch”. The batter shall not be charged with a pitch in such instances.
21: All players present at any game that extends to its regulation length or beyond shall be required to play one complete inning in an infield position. The catcher is not defined as an infielder. Team managers shall not be obligated to enforce this regulation for one game per each player absence from a team activity (practices or games) during the season. Failure to adhere to this regulation shall result in game forfeiture upon proper protest by an opposing team.
22: Players who improperly release their bat, will be given a warning by the home plate umpire, on the second occurrence and subsequent occurrences, the batter will be called out.
23: If a player occupies the catcher’s position, said player must be involved in defensive force plays at home plate. If no catcher is fielded, then the defensive team forfeits all outs at home plate.