LADABC Rules

Game Rules 2024

05/2024

REGULAR GAME RULES Any questions regarding the rules and their application to any game in progress shall be resolved by the Field Coordinator and the umpires.

1. 
   Established MLB rules of play will apply except as modified by the following local rules.

2. 
   All catchers must be properly equipped including helmets while catching.

3. 
   Game Time Limits. Games will be 7 innings. No new inning will begin after 2.25 hours from the start of the game. If the time limit is reached and play is in the middle of an inning, the inning will be completed. If the game is tied at the end of 7 innings or at the end of regulation time, then play will continue using the MLB extra inning format (last batted out placed on 2nd base and play continues until there is a winner). Regardless of inning or situation, the game will end 2.5 hours from the start time.

4. 
   Run Limit Per Inning. Each team will have a 5-run limit per inning except for the last inning of the game when this rule will be suspended. The last inning shall be the 7th inning unless otherwise designated by the umpires. If in the umpires discretion it appears that the 7th inning shall not be reached prior to the expiration of the Game Time Limit, the umpires shall then designate that the next inning shall be the last inning.

BATTING

5. 
   All players who are able to play will be listed in the batting order. The next game’s order will begin with the player due up next after the final out in the previous game’s order.

6. 
   On defense, every effort should be made to allow all players to play at least four innings per game unless the player chooses otherwise.

7. 
   No intentional walks are permitted.

8. 
   Batters under the age of 70 must use wood bats. Batters 70 years and older may use either wood or metal.

9. 
   No batter 70 years or older may be thrown out at first on a ball that reaches the outfield.

BASE RUNNING

10. No base stealing. No base stealing is permitted. If a runner leaves the base in an attempt to steal, the opposing team need only throw the ball to the base from which the runner left before the runner returns for a “force out.” If the pitcher or catcher throws the ball away in a pickoff attempt, the runner must first return and tag the base before advancing.

11. 
    Advancing on a passed ball. Runners may advance on a passed ball or wild pitch but only if the pitched ball passes outside the home plate circle. Advancement shall be automatic except for a runner on third, in which case that runner may advance but at the runner’s own risk.

12. 
    Pickoffs allowed. A base runner may be picked off by either the pitcher or the catcher. In either case, the out can be recorded by either tag of the baserunner or force at base.

13. 
    No Advancement on Balks. No balks will be called and no runners may advance on a balk. However, if a runner is picked off base on a balk by the pitcher, the balk will be called and the out reversed but the runner will not advance. With a runner on base, the pitcher may pitch from the windup position.

14. 
    If a pinch runner is required or desired, the runner must be the player who made the last batted out.

15. 
    In the event the batter is unable to run for himself, a pinch runner may run for the batter from home. A line will be established just outside the batter’s circle on the field ‘s first base side but in line with the third base foul line. The pinch runner will take a position behind this line. The pinch runner may not start his run until the batter shall on his swing have made contact with the ball.