C. Liberty Park & Rec will notify the manager’s of the make-up games by way of written schedules mailed or picked up by team Manager’s or by phone or email.

*See also Rule 1.4 – Make-up Games.

RULE 1.3 – MANAGER’S RESPONSIBILITY

The manager is the primary link between their team and league management. It is the manager’s duty to obtain all information regarding league play.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

A. Attending manager’s meeting when required. Manager’s will be notified if a meeting is required and as to the date, time and location.

B. Reading rules and policies prior to starting league play and informing the players and parents of the rules.

C. Obtaining league information pertaining to registration deadlines, make-up schedules, league awards.

D. Submitting league paperwork on time (registration form, roster, etc.)

E. Informing league office of change’s in his/her address and/or telephone number.

F. Securing parent/legal guardian signature on waiver form for any participating minor.

G. Having all players read and sign the team roster BEFORE playing and ascertain the eligibility of each player signing the roster.

H. Maintaining control over his/her players and parents in all circumstances including disputes on the field. Umpires will discuss disputes on the field with the manager only. Players are not to question an umpire call or ruling.

RULE 1.4 – MAKE-UP GAMES

A. All games canceled during the regular season will be rescheduled regardless of team records. The make-up games will be rescheduled on any available nights or as management deems necessary to complete the league.

B. Should a baseball game be called because of rain:

1. In a 6 inning game, If 3 innings have been completed or 2 ½ if the home team is ahead, the game will be official and not made up.

2. In a 7 inning game, If 4 innings have been completed or 3 ½ if the home team is ahead, the game will be official and not made up.

C. The team manager is responsible for obtaining make-up schedules when they become available.

RULE 1.5 – FORFEITS

A. Give the office notice by 1:00 pm on the day of your game in order to contact the other team within a reasonable amount of time.

B. Liberty Parks & Recreation understands if your team needs to forfeit a game. But forfeiting two game nights will NOT BE ALLOWED FOR ANY REASON. If your team must forfeit a second game night, your team MAY BE removed from the league.

C. Any team forfeiting two game nights during a season without notifying LPR before the fact could be dropped from the league, forfeiting all awards and berths won. No refunds of entry fees will be given. All remaining games will be recorded as losses.

RULE 1.6 – ROSTERS

A. All rosters must be completed and must include the player’s name, signature, date of birth, and parent’s signature. Incomplete rosters will not be accepted. Teams will not be permitted to play without submitting a valid roster. Any additions to the roster must come through the league office. No additions to the roster are allowed after the second game of the season. The roster is not to exceed fifteen (15) players.

· Up to 15 individual awards will be given to the championship team SIGNED ROSTER PLAYERS for all leagues.

B. Submission date – The original copy of the roster must be submitted to the league office prior to the first game. FAILURE TO SUBMIT A ROSTER WILL RESULT IN AN AUTOMATIC FORFEIT OF ALL GAMES PLAYED WITHOUT A ROSTER ON FILE – NO EXCEPTIONS. Each team manager is responsible for the accuracy of all information on the roster.

C. Roster changes –Must follow USSSA guidelines. Players may not switch teams within the same league during the same season. If a player signs two or more rosters with teams playing in the same league, the player is eligible only for the team he/she first participates with as a player.

RULE 1.7 – GRACE PERIOD

A. Teams are required to be ready to play at least 15 minutes before game time. If, at game time, one team is short the required minimum number of players, the opposing team will choose one of the following options:

a. Accept forfeit at game time.

b. Allow opposing team a grace period of ten (10) minutes to reach the minimum number of required players. Grace period time will be deducted from the game time.

c. Teams will be given an additional 20 minutes for the 2^nd game of a double header. Example: if a team forfeits the 6pm game they have until 6:30pm to get enough players for their 2^nd game.

In the event both teams cannot field the minimum required number of players, there would be an automatic ten (10) minute grace period for both teams. Once both teams have reached the minimum number of required players, the game shall begin immediately. GAMES WILL NOT BE DELAYED IF TEAMS HAVE THE MINIMUM EIGHT PLAYERS.

B. Teams are allowed to start with 8 players, but MUST take an out when the 9^th position comes to bat. Teams can also add their 9^th player at any time.

RULE 1.8 – LEAGUE STANDINGS

A. League standings will be posted weekly on the City’s web page www.ci.liberty.mo.us. PLEASE REPORT ANY MISTAKES FOUND ON THE STANDINGS TO THE LEAGUE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY.

B. FOR STANDINGS TO BE OFFICIAL, THE WINNING TEAM MUST SIGN THE UMPIRE’S SCORECARD AT THE COMPLETION OF THE GAME.

C. The team with the best record at the end of the league will be declared the champion.

D. If two (2) or more teams end in a tie for first place at the end of the season the following criteria will determine a champion.

Leagues

1. Head-to-Head records of all tied teams

2. Run differential between tying teams only (runs scored vs. runs given up).

3. Total runs scored by teams tied.

4. Flip of the coin.

SECTION TWO – AWARDS AND BERTHS

RULE 2.1 – AWARDS

A. Awards for leagues:

1. Individual Awards – 1^st & 2^nd place

2. Team Awards – 1^st & 2^nd place

3. Participation awards presented to all other players.

B. The maximum number of individual awards given for baseball is fifteen (15) FOR SIGNED ROSTER PLAYERS ONLY. If additional awards are needed, they may be purchased through the league office.

SECTION THREE – BASEBALL PLAYING RULES

RULE 3.1 – GOVERNING RULES

All league games will be played under USSSA rules except those amended in the League Rules and Park Policies book or by an official league memo.

RULE 3.2 – REQUIRED NUMBER OF PLAYERS

A. Roster limits are a minimum eleven (11) and a maximum fifteen (15). Every team bats their entire lineup. In case of injury, the team will not be charged with an out in that batting position. In case of ejection, the team will be charged with an out in that batting position.

B. Each player must play at least two (2) innings in the field. Free substitution is allowed except the pitching position. If a pitcher is removed from the game, that player cannot pitch again during that game. Managers are allowed to approach the mound twice. Manager must remove pitcher on second visit to the mound.

C. Teams are allowed to start with 8 players, but MUST take an out when the 9^th position comes to bat. Teams can also add their 9^th player at any time.

D. 8 Machine Pitch will play 10 defensive players in the field with 4 outfielders. The 4^th outfielder may not assume an infield position. All outfielders must stay behind the baselines.

RULE 3.3 – INNINGS PLAYED

A. Age divisions 12 and below shall play 6 inning games. Age divisions 13 and above shall play 7 inning games.

RULE 3.4 – MERCY RULE

A. 6 run max per inning

B. 6 inning game = Home team ahead by 12 runs after the 4^th inning

C. 7 inning game = 15 runs after the 3^rd inning, 12 runs after the 4^th inning, and 8 runs after the 5^th inning

RULE 3.5 – BASE AND PITCHING DISTANCE

A. 8 Machine Pitch = 42 ft. pitching machine, 60 ft. bases, 40 mph.

B. 9 & Under = 44 ft. pitching mound, 65 ft. bases

C. 10 & Under = 46 ft. pitching mound, 65 ft. bases

D. 11 & 12 = 50 ft. pitching mound, 70 ft. bases

E. 13 & 14 = 54 ft. pitching mound, 80 t. bases

F. 14 Major = 60 ft. pitching mound, 90 ft. bases

RULE 3.6 – Base Running

A. Leadoffs and stealing are allowed for 9-14 year olds with the following exception: No stealing home. 8 Machine Pitch runners may not lead-off or steal bases. A runner is out for leaving the base before the ball is hit or reaches home plate for 8 machine.

B. 9 & 10 year olds cannot run on a dropped third strike. The only way to advance to home from third base is if he is forced in, batted in, or a pickoff attempt at any base. He may not advance on a passed ball by the catcher. He may not advance on an overthrow back to the pitcher.

C. 11 – 14 year olds cannot steal home. Regular base running rules will apply for these leagues.

RULE 3.7 – TIME LIMIT

No new inning will begin after 1 hour and 45 minutes for all divisions; if an inning is started, it must be completed.

RULE 3.8 – PLAYER / MANAGER EJECTION RULE

A. If a coach or manager is ejected from a game, they must sit out the remainder of that game and at least the following game. Additional penalties may be assessed as deemed by the program coordinator.

B. A player ejected from a game must sit out the remainder of that game and at least the following game.

C. Anyone ejected may be asked to leave the park at the discretion of the program coordinator.

SECTION FOUR – PROTEST POLICY

RULE 4.1 – VALID PROTEST

No “judgment” call can be protested. Protests are considered valid with regard to player eligibility and rule interpretations only. Any valid rule interpretation must be announced verbally to the umpire when the contested action occurs and BEFORE the next pitch. In order to protest, it must be noted in the official scorebook at the time of protest. The protesting team will also give the umpire in charge $100 to be given to the league director. Upon resolving the protest, if the protesting team is correct, the $100 will be returned. Upon losing the protest, the $100 will be kept by the league.

SECTION FIVE – PARK POLICY

RULE 5.1 – GAME TIMES

Schedules will be given to team managers. Schedules will also be posted on the City’s web page www.ci.liberty.mo.us. Please do not call the office for game times. LPR will not be responsible for incorrect game times given over the phone. Please call your manager or teammates for game times.

RULE 5.2 – HOURS OF OPERATION

A. During the season, Fountain Bluff Sports Complex will be open from 4:30 pm to the conclusion of games Monday through Friday. The league office will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm Monday through Friday.

B. During the season, weekend hours of operation will vary according to the activity. Please contact the complex office regarding hours.

C. During the winter, the complex office will be open from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday.

RULE 5.3 – FIELD CONDITIONS

When weather conditions warrant, the status of games will be available after 3:30 pm by calling 816-439-4360 for Liberty Park fields and 816-439-4360 for Fountain Bluff Sports Complex fields.

Rainout information can also be found on the City’s web page. PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE OFFICE REGARDING GAME STATUS. NO DECISION WILL BE MADE UNTIL 3:30 PM. Practices are at the coach’s discretion.

RULE 5.4 – GAME BALLS

Game balls will be provided for league play. The team batting is responsible for retrieving game balls when hit out of play. Failure to retrieve game balls that results in a delay of the game can result in the umpire forfeiting the game.

RULE 5.5 – METAL CLEATS

No Metal cleats are to be worn except in the 13 & 14 year old divisions. No Metal cleats are to be worn on the portable mounds.

RULE 5.6 – WARM UP AREA

All players are requested to warm up in designated warm up areas only.

RULE 5.7 – VULGAR AND OBSCENE LANGUAGE

Obscene language will no be tolerated. Umpires have been instructed to eject violators. Complex management may eject any individual using obscene and vulgar language from the complex.

RULE 5.8 – PETS

No pets will be allowed in the field areas. NO EXCEPTIONS!!

RULE 5.9 – DESTRUCTION OF PROPERTY

Any person guilty of willfully destroying property will be required to pay for the damages and suspended indefinitely. In addition, if conditions warrant, the violator will be prosecuted.

RULE 5.10 – SMOKING

No smoking is permitted on the field by umpires or participants this includes the dugouts. Smoking is permitted outside the playing fields only. DO NOT THROW CIGARETTE BUTTS ON THE FIELDS.

RULE 5.11 – ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited

RULE 5.12 – COMPLEX RULES

Liberty Parks & Rec reserves the right to interpret any and all rules and situations. Further, LPR reserves the right to insert, delete, or change rules at any time and make decisions retroactive should it be deemed necessary for the benefits of the league.

RULE 5.13 – JEWELRY

Exposed jewelry such as wrist watches, bracelets, any type of earrings, neck chains or any other item judged dangerous by the umpire or official my not be worn during the game. Medical alert bracelets or necklaces can be worn but must be taped to the body. Players may be asked to remove jewelry. Failure to do so will be reason for ejection from the game.

RAIN OUT LINE :

Liberty Parks Fields: 816-439-4360

Fountain Bluff Sports Complex: 816-439-4360

GOOD LUCK AND HAVE A GREAT SEASON!!!