River Valley Youth Baseball League
(Chillicothe, Dunlap, Henry, Midland, Minonk, Mossville, Notre Dame, Toluca, Washburn, Wenona)
Boys Rookies (7-8) Baseball Rules – 2020
1. Any boy who will be 9 years old before September 1st this season is not eligible to compete.
2. Each game consists of six innings.
3. Games will start at 6:00 p.m. Home team to take infield at 5:30 p.m. Visitors take infield at 5:45 p.m. No inning starts after 8:00 p.m. Thirty (30) minute grace before forfeit may be declared.
4. Only 10 players will be in the field with 4 outfielders and must be positioned in reasonable locations for baseball (e.g. outfielders should be playing in the outfield). 1 player will field the pitcher’s position. Free substitution will be in effect.
5. A minimum of 7 players is needed to start a game, or the team shall forfeit. If both teams agree, a practice game may be played. No outs for players short of 9.
6. All boys will bat in the batting order.
7. Players shall not sit out more than three innings defensively, unless they are being disciplined. Each boy shall have the opportunity to start every other game.
8. A team can score a maximum of 5 runs per inning except for the 6th inning – no limit.
9. No batter can be walked. If hit by a pitch, he continues to bat.
10. Three swinging strikes are an out. Maximum of 10 pitches per player – if the batter does not strike out or put the ball in play within 10 pitches, an out is recorded and the next batter comes to the plate.
11. Batter cannot bunt.
12. No stealing bases.
13. A runner can only advance on batted balls. Once the ball is controlled by an infielder on the infield, a runner cannot advance beyond the base they were heading to. The infield is defined as inside the base paths.
14. Coach of defensive team can be on field as long as they do not interfere with play.
15. A runner cannot advance on an overthrow at any base. Runner(s) only advance as far as batter advances, except on a sacrifice fly, where runner(s) may advance one base at their own risk.
16. Bases at 60 feet.
17. Coaches will pitch overhand at a minimum of 30ft.
18. Situations not covered here will be governed by IESA rules, including no head first sliding and no on-deck batter on the field. One warning per team will be given on head first sliding. On the next infraction, the runner will be out.
19. All play is IMMEDIATELY suspended if lightning or thunder is present anywhere within sight or sound of the field. “If you can see it flee It” and head directly for covered indoor shelters or vehicles. NO EXCEPTIONS and this rule applies to practices as well. Per the National Lightning Safety Institute, individuals should not return to the fields until Thirty (30) Minutes have elapsed. “HEAT” Lightning is equally as dangerous as “regular” bolts.
COACHES/PARENTS/FANS should be always mindful that this is a recreational baseball league that is primarily concerned with the participants learning to improve their fundamentals and to enjoy the FUN OF THE GAME. Please feel free to cheer your child and/or their teammates. INAPPROPRIATE CONDUCT towards the umpires (remember that they aren’t professionals) or the other team or their fans WILL NOT BE TOLERATED and will lead to a warning and/or temporary or permanent dismissal from the Park for the remainder of the season.