NKCA BASEBALL RULES

New Rules for 2008 are listed in BOLD

THE NKCA BASEBALL LEAGUE WILL USE THE OFFICIAL RULES OF BASEBALL UNLESS OTHERWISE STATED IN THE FOLLOWING RULES:

I. ELIGIBILITY

All players, age 5 through age 18, living within the Kansas City Metropolitan Area, who abide by these Rules and Regulations, are eligible for participation in this program. The Board of Directors may grant exceptions to the boundary requirement.

All baseball players’ ages will be determined by whatever age they are or will be on April 30 of that baseball year.

The age brackets are as follows:

¨ Baseball T-Ball League is age 6 and under;

¨ Baseball Machine Pitch is age 6 and under;

¨ Baseball Machine Pitch is age 7 and under:

¨ Baseball Machine Pitch is age 8 and under;

¨ Baseball "9U" League is age 9 and under;

¨ Baseball "10U" League is age 10 and under;

¨ Baseball "11U" League is age 11 and under;

¨ Baseball "12U" League is age 12 and under;

¨ Baseball "13U" League is age 13 and under;

¨ Baseball "14U" League is age 14 and under;

¨ Baseball "16U" League is age 16 and under;

¨ Baseball "18U" League is age 18 and under.

(a) Games involving an illegal player will be forfeited by the Board

(b) Players may play up one age group. Teams may be allowed with proper approval to play up one age group. Requests will be submitted to the Executive Director for consideration.

All Leagues are open territory, within the above established boundaries of this program.

All Baseball players are free agents at the end of each season.

Once a player signs a contract and it is turned into the league, he/she will not be allowed to play on another team in the NKCA program that year .

Players participating in the NKCA program are not permitted to play on any other team in any other league except that they may play on a church softball team. Players are permitted to play with tournament teams only with the advance permission of the player's NKCA Team manager and the player’s parents. AAAA players will be allowed to participate in more than one program provided participation in the NKCA program takes priority.

To be eligible for participation in the Playoffs a player must have been a registered member of the team and played in at least three (3) games that season.

The Board of Directors shall have the authority to review any special situation and, if in the best interest of the program and/or player, may declare a player eligible or ineligible.

Infraction of any of the eligibility rules will result in forfeiture of games, and/or expulsion of managers, coaches or players, and any other action deemed appropriate by the Board of Directors.

II. REGISTRATION

Every player must sign, with their parents or guardians, a Player's Contract and Responsibility for Injury Release Form (supplied by League Headquarters).

All teams in Machine Pitch, thru 18U baseball must register by submitting a roster of player’s contracts with fees of at least twelve (12) players and a maximum of(18) players, along with verification of their age and residence at the League Office by the date set by the Board.

Verification should be done by the team's manager - subject to certification and review by the Board of Directors and League President.

If a registered team has less than their maximum, additional players may be registered during the season to bring the team up to the maximum. Fees and Contracts must be turned in before a player plays in any game or the game will be forfeited.

III. COST AND DIRECTION OF THE PROGRAM

Baseball fees:

(a) The participation fee for this baseball program will be as follows for each player:

¨ T-Ball League $ 80.00

¨ Machine Pitch 6U League $ 95.00

¨ Machine Pitch 7U and 8U League $120.00

¨ 9U & 10U League $140.00

¨ 11U & 12U League $150.00

¨ 13U & 14U League $155.00

¨ 16U League $185.00

¨ 18U League $195.00

** Under no circumstances may any individual player be charged more than the established fee to play baseball.

*** Managers who violate the intent of this section will be disciplined by the Board.

(b) A maximum family fee of $350.00 will apply in 2008.

(c) All teams are covered in the program's insurance plan which provides insurance in Official League authorized games. Additional insurance coverage for an individual team participating in games outside the League is recommended and is at the sponsor's discretion.

IV EQUIPMENT AND TEAM FINANCING

Single sponsors or groups finance individual teams. Sponsors should supply complete uniforms including socks and caps.

Baseball uniforms for all teams are required. All baseball uniform shirts shall carry numbers, which will not be duplicated. "T Ball", "6U Machine Pitch through 10U League teams may play with minimum uniforms, which shall consist of "T" shirts and caps, but only with advance special approval by the Board of Directors.

Uniform and equipment specifications:

(a) All leagues must use a full batting helmet (covering the top of the head and ears), while at bat, on deck, or on the bases. Each team must have a minimum of five (5) helmets (earflaps or cap liners are not considered a helmet). All bat boys/girls will wear a batting helmet at all times.

(b) Catcher’s helmet: In all leagues, catchers must wear approved catcher's helmets specifically designed for this purpose. For this program, a baseball cap liner is not an approved piece of equipment. 6U Machine Pitch through 12U league catcher's helmets must have full ear protection. In 13U leagues and above, the full ear protection is optional.

(c) All catchers’ masks will have a neck protection piece attached to the mask (all leagues).

(d) Penalty: If, in the umpire's judgment, there is an intentional violation of these rules, the offending player or players shall be called out and ejected from the game.

Each team is required to provide a complete catcher's outfit and sufficient balls and bats The League will supply balls with the NKCA logo for use in all league and playoff games.

(a) All baseball "boys" catching equipment must include cup protection for boys.

(b) Baseballs & Bats: All leagues except T Ball shall use a Collegiate level or above ball as it has been found that these balls will last longer. 16U & 18U Leagues must use a bat approved for MSHAA play. All other leagues may use any official baseball bat.

(c) One new ball and one playable ball are to be presented to the plate umpire by each baseball team at the start of each game. The umpire may ask for an additional ball from each team as the need arises.

(d) The use of steel spikes is prohibited in all leagues except 13U, 14U, 16U & 18U.

V. LEAGUE SCHEDULES

Complete scheduling of all league games, make-up games and assignments of diamonds for league play are to be made by the Director. Games are to be played according to these schedules or games will be forfeited.

Game times:

The Director shall schedule games, if possible, in all baseball leagues as follows:

League	Monday thru Friday	Saturdays Time Limits
16U & 18U Leagues	6:00 & 8:15	12:00; 2:15; 4:30; 6:45 2 hrs
13U & 14U Leagues	6:00 & 8:15	12:00; 2:15; 4:30; 6:45 2 hrs
11U & 12U Leagues	5:45 & 8:00	11:00; 1:15; 3:30; 5:45 2 hrs
9U & 10U Leagues	5:45 & 7:45	11:00; 1:30; 3:30; 4:30; 4:30 1:45
Rookie League	5:45 & 7:15	11:00; 12:30; 2:00; 3:30; 5:00 1:20
T-Ball League		11:00; 12:00; 1:00: 2:00; 3:00; 4:00; 5:00 :50

Time limits: No inning shall start if time has expired in the previous inning.

All leagues must have nine (9) players at the beginning of the game and must finish with nine (9). Scheduled starting time is forfeit time, however scheduled starting time may be adjusted by the League Director as required by circumstances. Penalty is forfeiture of the game. If neither team has nine (9) players at the scheduled game time, the game is a double forfeiture. Each team gets a loss.

If a team is short at game time, but expecting player(s) to make nine, they shall become the visiting team, but must have 9 when expected to take the field.

Teams forfeiting during the regular league schedule may not be eligible for the League Post-Season Tournaments, unless approved by the Board of Directors.

VI. OFFICIAL GAME

A regulation game consists of seven (7) innings.

In all leagues a game is official after time limit has been reached, regardless of innings played.

A game shall be considered official after three and one-half innings or four full innings, or one hour, if the umpire deems it advisable due to weather or darkness.

RUN SPREAD RULE - All Leagues will adopt a "12 after 4 Innings" and "10 after 5 innings" rule.

It is clearly the intention of the run spread rule to try to reduce the extent of lopsided games without hindering the proper teaching of the game. Any manager who uses the provisions of this rule in any way to make a farce of the game or in a manner which the Board of Directors considers detrimental to the program is subject to appropriate disciplinary action.

VII. RULES

The standard Rules of Baseball rules will govern the leagues with the following exceptions:

The only Leagues that will use the Free Substitution Rule are 16U and 18U and then only in games being played where the entire batting order does not bat:

This exception has been adopted by the league in order to give more players an opportunity to play. Any of the nine (9) starting defensive players may be withdrawn and may reenter once, provided such player occupies the same batting position whenever they are in the line-up. If a substitution is made that moves a player up in the batting order two consecutive innings, the manager will receive a warning from the umpires. If the same player is moved up in the order for a third time in the game, the batter will be declared out and the manager ejected from the game. Such substitution shall be made while the team is in the field and each player must remain out of the game at least one full inning. However, a withdrawn pitcher may return, only as a pitcher in the same inning, after three or more batters have finished their time at bat.

(a) For infractions of the Free-Substitution Rule, any illegal substitution will be removed from the game at any time their presence in the game is appealed to the umpire. Such removed player will not be allowed to re-enter.

(b) All substitutions, with the exception of the substitute pitcher, pinch batter, pinch runners, or substitutes due to injury, are to be made at the beginning of an inning, or at the end of the first half of an inning.

(c) Sub remaining in the game must bat for player removed.

(d) Penalty for infractions of any of the foregoing situations, the Batting-Out-of-Order Rule will be invoked if called to the umpire's attention in accordance with the official rules of baseball.

(e) In case of accident or illness, any player may re-enter the game if all available players have participated.

(f) This league will use the rule that after a manager's second trip to the mound in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from pitching duties. They may be placed in another defensive position. If a pitcher is taken out of the game, his/her return to the mound is regulated by the Free Substitution Rule.

(g) If the manager elects to use the Extra Hitter Rule the provisions of this rule apply to all defensive changes.

The following Leagues (T-Ball, through 14U) will bat the entire lineup. All of these Leagues except T-Ball will use the following rules:

(a) All substitutions in the field, with the exception of the substitute for the pitcher, pinch runners, or substitutes due to injury, are to be made at the beginning of an inning, or at the end of the first half of an inning.

(b) In a situation where the entire team bats the minimum playing time required for each league will be determined by the number of defensive innings that are played in the field.

(c) This league will use the rule that after a manager's second trip to the mound in the same inning, the pitcher must be removed from pitching duties. The removed pitcher may be placed in another defensive position or taken out of the game. However, a withdrawn pitcher may return, only as a pitcher in the same inning, after three or more batters have finished their time at bat.

(d) All players may re-enter the game in a defensive position at the discretion of the manager. However, a player who has pitched in the game may re-enter the game as a pitcher only once, and then once removed at least three batters must be completed before that player may re-enter as a pitcher.

(e) In case of accident or illness, any player may re-enter the game immediately. The player leaving the game shall not cause the team to suffer an out when his spot comes up to bat. Openings in the batting order resulting from removal due to accident, illness, discipline, having to leave early, etc., will be skipped with no penalty.

(f) Penalty for infractions of any of the foregoing situations, the Batting-Out-of-Order Rule will be invoked if applicable if called to the umpire's attention in accordance with the official rules of baseball. Infractions not resulting in the application of the Batting-Out-of-Order Rule may subject the Manager to appropriate action by the Board of Directors for violating the spirit of the program, which could include suspension from the League.

Minimum number of players required:

(a) Teams in the 9U through 14U leagues are required to play a minimum of twelve (12) players in each game if they have that many available. A game must go five (5) complete innings for this rule to apply. If one team has less than twelve (12) players, the opposing team is obligated to bat only the same number of players. If both teams are unequal the batting in order rules do not apply and all free substitution rules will apply. Managers must declare if there are less than thirteen players at the beginning of the game, and must indicate the names of those players absent and the reasons, if known, on the game report turned into the league.

(b) If the number of available players changes during the game due to illness, injury, or behavior that requires disciplinary action by the manager, the umpire and the opposing manager must be informed.

(c) Penalty: Failure to comply with this section will result in forfeiture of the game involved.

Minimum number of innings required to be played:

(a) Players in the Machine Pitch 6U through 14U leagues must play at least two (2) defensive innings in the field per game.

(b) Rules in this section shall apply to all official games that have completed five innings.

(c) Managers may, withhold a player from a game or games for disciplinary reasons, but he must so inform the opposing manager prior to the game and he must list the player’s name and reason for the action on the game report turned in at the end of the game.

(d) Penalty: Violations of the rules in this section shall result in the forfeiture of the games involved.

Extra Hitter Rules & Batting Entire Lineup:

(a) 16U and 18U Leagues may use the following Extra Hitter rule:

1. A starting line-up may consist of ten (10) offensive players and nine (9) defensive players. The extra player shall be termed "extra hitter" (EH).

* The purpose of the NKCA "extra hitter" rule is to allow another, extra, player to participate in the game.

A. Use of the "extra hitter" is optional, however the team manager must make this decision before the game starts. A EH may not be added after the game begins.

B. For purposes of substitution the EH if used shall be considered a defensive position. Any player may move from the EH position to a defensive position in the field.

C. An extra hitter may appear in any position in the batting order as set before the game begins and once set that player or his substitute must bat in that same spot in the batting order. The extra hitter position once established cannot be dropped from the line-up.

D. When a courtesy runner is used for the catcher the runner must come off the bench and must be a player not in the game in a defensive position or in the game as the EH and does not count as a substitution.

E. The provisions of the Free Substitution Rule apply to all defensive changes.

(b) Batting Entire Lineup

1. In all T-Ball, Machine Pitch and 9U through 14U League games each team will be required to include all players in the batting order except in situations covered in VII 3(a). Each player must play a minimum of two (2) defensive innings in the field in every game.

2. Extra Hitter Rule does not apply to T-Ball, 9U through 14U League nor any other league for the team that elects to bat the entire batting order.

3. In 16U & 18U the use of the entire team batting order is optional for each team. If a manager desires to bat his entire team in the batting order he must declare so prior to the game. If the team bats the entire lineup the substitution rules will be the same as in the younger leagues, (see rule VII-2 page 8) otherwise the Free Substitution Rule will apply.

4. Missing batters in the line up due to illness, injury, discipline, early departure, etc will be skipped with no penalty.

(c) Violations of this rule will be enforced the same as the batting out of order rules.

6. Designated Runner Rule:

a. All Leagues will use a courtesy runner for the catcher, which is optional with less than two outs and mandatory with two outs.

b. The courtesy runner cannot be a player currently in the game in a defensive position or as EH but must be a player on the bench. When batting the entire lineup the player who made the last batted out will be used and in any case the runner will not be charged as a substitute.

7.In all leagues if a runner on third attempts to steal home and the batter swings away, the batter and the runner are both automatically called out and the manager or acting manager will be ejected from the game, without exception.

8. Pitching rules:

1. Pitchers shall have a minimum of two full days (does not mean 48 hours) of rest when;

a. They reach their maximum number of pitches in either one, two or three days, or;

b. they pitch on two consecutive days and do not pitch on the third consecutive day, regardless of the number of itches thrown or;

c. If a pitcher throws less than half the maximum number of pitches allowed over a one, two or three day period, only one full day of rest would be required.

Intentional walks are allowed, with no charged pitches

Pitching in non-league tournaments or practice games will not invoke a penalty although managers are strongly encouraged not to overpitch these young arms and to allow rest.

Pitchers may not throw more than 80 pitches in 9U & 10U, 90 pitches in 11U & 12U, 100 pitches in 13U & 14U or 110 pitches in 15U through 18U in any one day; nor more than this number of pitches in two or three consecutive days. Pitchers shall be allowed to exceed the above number of pitches in order to complete the time of bat for that batsman only. No pitcher may enter or re-enter a game as pitcher with 5 or less pitches remaining.

9.Force-Play-Slide Rule:

The intent of the force-play slide rule is to insure the safety of the defensive player. This is a safety as well as an interference rule. Whether the defense could have completed the double play has no bearing on the applicability of this rule. This rule pertains to a force-play situation at any base, regardless of the number of outs.

On any force play, the runner must slide on the ground and in a direct line between the two bases.

CLARIFICATION: Nothing in this rule requires a slide at home plate unless there is a force out at that base.

EXCEPTION: A runner need not slide directly into a base as long as the runner slides or runs in a direction away from the fielder to avoid making contact or altering the play of the fielder.

"On the ground" means either a head-first slide or a slide with one leg and buttock on the ground.

1. "Directly into a base" means the runner's entire body (feet, legs, trunk and arms) must stay in a straight line between the bases.

(a) Contact with a fielder is legal and interference shall not be called if the runner:

1. Makes a legal slide directly to the base, or

2. Is on the ground at the time of contact and the fielder moves directly down the line between the two bases to attempt a play.

(b) Action by a runner is illegal and interference shall be called if:

1. The runner slides or runs out of the base line in the direction of the fielder;

2. The runner uses a rolling, cross-body or pop-up slide and either makes contact with or alters the play of a fielder;

3. The runner's raised leg makes contact higher than the fielder's knee when in a standing position;

4. The runner goes beyond the base and either makes contact with or alters the play of the fielder;

5. The runner slashes or kicks the fielder with either leg;

6. The runner illegally slides toward or contacts the fielder even if the fielder makes no attempt to throw to complete a play.

PENALTY FOR 1-6—

A. With less than two outs, the batter-runner, as well as the interfering runner, shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

B. With two outs, the interfering runner shall be declared out and no other runner(s) shall advance.

C. If the runner's slide or collision is flagrant, the runner shall be ejected from the game.

10. Collision Rule

The rules committee is concerned about unnecessary and violent collisions with the catcher at home plate, and with infielders at all bases. The intent of this rule is to encourage base runners and defensive players to avoid such collisions whenever possible.

a. When there is a collision between a runner and a fielder who clearly is in possession of the ball, the umpire shall judge:

(1) Whether the collision by the runner was avoidable (could the runner have reached the base without colliding) or unavoidable (the runner’s path to the base was blocked) or

(2) Whether the runner actually was attempting to reach the base (plate) or attempting to dislodge the ball from the fielder.

PENALTY—If the runner, a) could have avoided the collision and reached the base, or b) attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner shall be declared out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other base runners shall return to the last base touched at the time of the interference.

A.R. 1—If the fielder blocks the path of the base runner to the base (plate), the runner may make contact, slide into, or collide with a fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base or plate.

A.R. 2—If the collision by the runner was flagrant, the runner shall be declared out and also ejected from the contest. The ball shall be declared dead.

b. If the defensive player blocks the base (plate) or base line clearly without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called. The runner is safe and a delayed dead ball shall be called.

A.R.—If the base runner collides flagrantly, the runner shall be declared safe on the obstruction, but will be ejected from the contest. The ball is dead.

11. Game Speed Up Rules:

(a) The pitcher will be allowed no more than five (5) throws or 1 minute between innings. At the start of the game or when a pitching change is made the new pitcher will be allowed no more than seven (7) throws unless he is being replaced because of an injury, then the umpire may allow additional pitches.

(b) The taking of infield practice prior to the start of a game will be limited to 5 minutes per team. The visiting team will have the field from 15 to 10 minutes prior to starting time, the home team will have the field from 10 to 5 minutes prior to starting time. The five minutes prior to game time will be used by the umpires to insure everything is done and ready to start on time.

(c) The starting time of second and subsequently scheduled games will follow the published start times unless delayed by the umpire due the length of a prior game. In those situations the umpire will notify each manager of the exact scheduled starting time.

(d) Batter's Box Rule:

1. The batter must keep at least one foot in the batter's box throughout the time at bat.

Exceptions: A batter may leave the batter's box but not the dirt area surrounding home plate when:

A. The batter swings at a pitch.

B. The batter is forced out of the box by the pitch.

C. The pitcher calls time out.

D. The pitcher leaves the dirt area of the pitching mound after receiving the ball.

E. The pitcher throws to a base during a pick-off attempt.

F. An appeal is made at any base.

G. The batter request and is granted time.

PENALTY FOR (1)--If the batter intentionally leaves the batter's box and none of these exceptions applies, the plate umpire shall award a strike. The pitcher shall not pitch but the ball is live.

2. The batter may leave the batter's box and the dirt area when time is granted for the purpose of:

A. Making a substitution.

B. An offensive conference.

C. A defensive timeout or conference.

3. If the batter refuses to take a position in the batter's box during the time at bat, the umpire shall award a strike. The pitcher shall not pitch, but the ball is live.

12.Protested games:

(a) Refer to rule 4.19 - Official Baseball Rules. Substitute "Director" for "League President".

(b) A written protest to League Headquarters within 48 hours after the game has been played must be presented or mailed, giving the umpire's name date, time, and place of the game, plus the section of the Rules under which the protest is made. A $50.00 fee must accompany the written protest. If the protest is won, the $50.00 will be returned.

13.Tie Games: This League will use the following rule regarding tie games: If a game is a tie game after seven (7) innings or time limit has expired, up to two additional innings may be played to break the tie. At this stage all offensive at bats will begin with the last batted out starting at 2^nd base with no outs. If the tie is not broken after the two additional innings the game will end as an official tie.

14.The home team, listed first on the schedule, shall occupy the THIRD BASE BENCH in all Leagues and be responsible for operation of the scoreboard and keeping the pitch count.

15.In all leagues, each offensive team will be limited to two conferences between a manager/coach and player or players per inning. Each conference honored by the umpire in excess of two in any inning will result in present batter being called out. An umpire may grant an exception to this rule at any time to allow the manager/coach to respond to a legitimate injury.

16.Player's conduct --- Automatic Expulsion from the game:

(a) Fighting

(b) Profanity

(c) Bat throwing by endangering the safety of players, spectators, managers, umpires, or coaches.

(d) Unsportsmanlike conduct: Players will be removed from the game for the use of unsportsmanlike conduct. A runner will be called out and removed from the game if the runner's advance to a base is achieved by unsportsmanlike play. (Umpires must protect players from injury in every possible way).

(e) Three expulsions of a player, coach, or manager from games during the season will be cause for automatic suspension from the Program for the remainder of the season. It shall be the responsibility of the Umpire-in-Chief to report this action immediately to the Board of Directors.

(f) Players, coaches, managers, and fans will not be permitted to direct comments directly towards opposing players, coaches, or managers during a game. Cheering or chanting is permitted but not if directed towards an individual. Example: Players will not be allowed to yell "Swing" at a batter.

17.No person may manage more than one team in the same league.

18.UMPIRE-FAN ABUSE:

Constant baiting, verbal abuse or profanity towards the umpiring crew working NKCA BB games by fans will not be permitted. Team managers are responsible for the conduct of the fans representing their teams and the umpires shall be given sufficient authority to take whatever action is required to halt any incident of fan abuse. That authority can include such actions as ejection of the appropriate manager, suspension of the game, or even termination of the game.

(a) If at any time during the game the umpires believe that a negative situation has developed they may request of both managers that a coach be designated by each team to escort the umpiring crew to a pre-designated neutral area immediately following the game. In such situation each manager will be required to provide such assistance to deter further problems.

19.Manager &/or Coach Misconduct:

Any Manager or Coach ejected by an Umpire for any reason other than a specific rule violation (such as attempting to steal home when batter swings) shall be automatically suspended for the next game played by his/her team. A second ejection shall result in review by the Program Director for further disciplinary action, and a third ejection is grounds for suspension for the remainder of the season as determined by the disciplinary committee.

20.The League is very concerned about the safety of all participants. Weather conditions in our part of the country, sometimes containing lightning, can change quickly. Whether or not a game is to be delayed or called off is at the discretion of the game umpires.

21. In B League Continental Division, the batter shall be declared out whether or not the catcher catches the third strike or not, a runner on third may not advance to home on a missed third strike.

VIII. OFFICIALS

At the start of the game each manager must supply the umpire with one written list of the starting batting order and remaining players on the team. The scorekeeper of the home team shall be the Official Scorekeeper. Scorekeepers should sit together behind home plate when possible. Managers are to give all line-up changes to the plate umpire as they occur and the umpire should announce player changes and mark his/her card as to who played.

Managers of winning and losing teams are required to phone in their scores to 1-800-384-3060 within 8 hours after the game.

IX. DIAMOND SIZE FOR BASEBALL:

League	Bases Distance	Pitching Distance
T-Ball League	55 Feet	40 Feet
6U-8U Machine Pitch League	60 Feet	42 Feet
9U-10U League	65 Feet	46 Feet
11U-12U League	70 Feet	50½ Feet
13U-14U League	80 Feet	54 Feet
15U-16U League	90 Feet	60½ Feet
17U-18U League	90 Feet	60½ Feet

X. RELEASE SCHEDULE

All managers must release extra players by April 1st.

XI. MACKEN PARK, WATERWELL, KEARNEY, AND A.J. WILSON COMPLEX

The NKCA Baseball League has adopted a policy that there be a deadline of 11:00 p.m. on all night games, at which time the ball field lighting system will be turned off. The Park Supervisor has the authority to vary this matter by a very few minutes, depending on the advisability and need for completion of the game or inning.

There will be no food or smoking on the field or in the dugout by players, managers, or umpires during the ball game. Additionally, for the safety of the spectators at each park, the following is banned from all League parks: dogs, scooters, skateboards, alcohol, and glass bottles.

ADDITIONAL INSTRUCTIONS TO MANAGERS AND COACHES

You may save trips to the Ball Parks by calling the League information line after 10:00 a.m. regarding Saturday or Sunday games, and after 4:00 p.m. regarding weekday games at:

816-734-8449

FOR SPECIFIC QUESTIONS CONCERNING PROBLEMS WITHIN YOUR PARTICULAR LEAGUE CONTACT YOUR LEAGUE REPRESENTATIVE:

6 & Under T-Ball	Dan Konecny	716-7815
6 & Under Machine Pitch	Steve Evans	529-2173
7 & Under Machine Pitch	Chris Shultz	686-7153
8 & Under Machine Pitch	Dan Newberry	792-1875
9 & Under	Holly Bontz	699-2321
10 & Under	Wayne Orr	532-5449
11 & Under	Aron Branson	556-2915
12 & Under	Chris Harvey	734-5507
13 & Under	Mike Washe	305-6611
14 & Under	Ray Killion	468-0298
16 & Under	John DelPercio	468-4025
18 & Under	Scott Miller	217-7532
Director	Ed Kamler	456-6903
Chief Umpire	Joe Smith	741-8086
League President	Lindy Evans	699-5943

NKCA Baseball League - 2008 Rookie Ball Rules

Note: Updated rules for 2008 are in BOLD

The Rookie Ball League Rules will be the same as the NKCA League Rules pertaining to B League, with the following exceptions:

Time limit per game is 1 hour and 20 minutes. No inning shall start after time limit expires. If an inning is started, the inning must be completed regardless of the time.
And inning shall consist of three outs of six runs.
Bases shall be 60 feet apart. Pitching Machine will be 42 feet from the plate.
Pitching machine will be set at approximately 36 MPH for 6 and 7 year olds and at 38 MPH for 8 year olds.
A coach from the team at bat shall feed the pitching machine.
Ten players will play in the field. Six infielders, (pitcher, catcher, first, second, third and shortstop), and four outfielders, (left, left-center, right-center and center). While playing an outfield position, players can not assume an infield position. The use of a "rover" will not be allowed.
Nine players minimum per team need to be present to start a ballgame.
Every player in attendance hits. Late arriving players will be added to the end of the lineup.
Each batter will receive three "strikes" to put the ball in play. If s/he fails to do so, s/he will be declared out. Should a pitch from the machine be a "ball" and the batter does not swing, it will be declared a "no pitch" and not count against the batter's three strikes. There are no hit-batters or walks in Machine Pitch. In 7U and 6U, a warning strike may be given to each batter.
Bunting the ball will not be allowed. Any attempt to bunt will be an out.
Pitcher shall stand adjacent to the pitching machine behind the front legs and in front of the back leg at the time of the pitch. Pitcher may move freely after pitch is made.
If the ball hits the pitching machine, (machine, stand or cord) umpire or coach in any way, the ball is dead and all runners shall advance one base.
Time-Outs may only be called by a defensive infielder while on the infield dirt in fair our foul territory.
The "Infield Fly Rule" will not be in effect.
Leading off and stealing will not be allowed in Machine Pitch. In all Divisions, the runners must stay in contact with the base until the ball is hit. If an umpire sees a runner leaving a base early, he shall be given a warning and may be called out for a second offense.
Pick-off plays will not be allowed regardless of the call ball or strike.
No steel cleats will be worn by any player. Rubber cleats are acceptable.
Only one manager and three coaches per team will be allowed on the field, which includes dugouts, during any game.
If a player leaves the game due to illness or injury, the batting sequence will move to the next batter in the lineup with no out recorded.
Home Team is hte official scorekeeper.
At the expiration of the time limit if the game is a tie, it shall remain a tie. No extra innings will be played.
No warning strike in 8U
In the 6U division only , 1 coach may be on the field while their team is on defense and should stay behind the base paths at all times.
If a team is mathematically unable to tie or win the game, the game will end after 1:15 (75 minutes) NO matter what the game situation is.