The following 'rules of the game' are presented to give you a basic understanding about how 'AA' Minor League operates. If you are a spectator in the stands and are not aware that our kids don't play by the Major League rules we are used to when watching games on television, you may not understand why an umpire has ruled a certain way. The following information is being presented to assist you with the 'AA' Division rules format.
General Rules
1. Two (2) hour time limit - No inning shall start after two (2) hours of time have elapsed since the official starting time of the game. It shall be held that an inning starts immediately when the third out is made, or the fifth run is scored, ending the preceding inning. This rule applies only when a game is scheduled following on the same field on the same day. It does not apply to the last or only scheduled game of that day. (Note: Time limit is elapsed time from when the game officially began regardless of what time the game was scheduled to begin. Scheduled start time is the time recorded in the official game score book as noted by the official scorekeeper by the umpire and the time is kept by the umpire only.)
2. Five (5) run rule - The fifth run scored before three outs are recorded in any half-inning, except the sixth inning, ends that half-inning. No five run rule will be in effect in the sixth inning or any subsequent inning. (Note: Applies to all innings before the sixth inning regardless of whether game is called due to time limit, darkness, etc.)
3. Batters shall not fake a bunt, pull back and hit away in the 'AA' Division. Penalty: Batter shall be called out, whether or not contact was made with the pitch. (Batter must swing to be called out)
4. Infield Fly Rule - shall be interpreted to mean a high fly ball which can be caught by any infielder without moving.
5. All players on the team roster will bat in order. Players coming to the game late will be added to the end of the batting order.
6. In case of injury to any runner, the last player listed in the batting order at that time shall be the substitute runner.
7. A line-up shall be presented to the home plate umpire prior to the start of the game. Batters must bat in order.
8. Base runners leaving early - a base runner who leaves a base early, that is prior the ball crossing home plate shall be called "OUT". An immediate time out shall be called and a "dead ball" shall be declared....the runner is out.
9. There will be no stealing of home - overthrows or passed balls however, are considered a live ball and runners may advance at their own risk. When the ball is in possession of a player in the infield and it appears no further play is possible the umpire will call 'TIME' and no further action will be possible on the playing field.
Pitchers
1. Pitchers shall only pitch a maximum of three (3) innings per game and six (6) innings per calendar week, Sunday through Saturday.
2. Pitchers will be removed from pitching after hitting two (2) batters in an inning or three (3) batters in a game. That player however, can remain in the game at a different position.
3. Pitchers who intentionally pitch at any batter shall be removed from the game immediately and also be suspended from the next game along with the manager.