Rookie Division Rules

Coach's Expectations

  • Every Coach is expected to act in an appropriate manner at all times. 
  • Each coach is expected to read and accept the Coaches’ Code of Conduct and adhere to its spirit.  In addition, the younger ages require that coaches also adhere to the following:
  • Promote an environment of fun and learning.
  • Safety as the number one priority.
  •  Communicate expectations to parents.  It is very important that parents understand what is expected of them and their children and foster an environment of inclusion.  Get everyone involved as much as they are able.
  • Sportsmanship should not only be shown, but taught to your players.  Manoa Baseball should be known around the state and region as an exemplary program that plays the right way.  This is taught at the youngest ages.
  • Children and coaches are required to wear their uniforms for practices and games in a manner that shows pride in their league and themselves.
  • Coaches should police their own parents.  If there is ever an issue with a parent that cannot be addressed by a coach, it should be brought to the attention of the division managers.

General

  • All games must conclude within the assigned time slot and not exceed 1 hour 30 minutes.
  • No new innings after 1 hour and 15 minutes.
  • All games will end at the bottom of an inning.
  • There will be no infield fly rule in effect.
  • Each half inning prior to the sixth inning (unless an inning such as the fifth is declared to be the final inning by BOTH coaches prior to the Star of the inning) will end when the first of either of two situations occurs:
    • Three outs are recorded.
    • 5 Runs are scored.
  • Mercy Rule: There is an 15 run mercy rule in effect after 4 innings. Or 10 run mercy rule in effect after 5 innings. Teams can continue to play all 6 innings or within the time allotted, no additional score keeping will take place.
  • The sixth or last inning will end when three outs are recorded OR five (5) runs are scored.
  • Home team (established by the schedule) will occupy 3rd base dugout.
  • Each team will provide one baseball at the start of the game, but the ultimate responsibility for providing clean baseballs lies with the Home team.
  • Home team is responsible for prepping the field and the visiting team is responsible for prepping the field for the following game.

Batting

  • The batting order will consist of all players attending the game.
  • Players CANNOT reach base via a walk or hit by pitch.
  • Bunting is NOT permitted.
  • Slash bunting is NOT permitted (i.e., showing bunt and then swinging away).
  • Seven swings at a pitched ball. After which, the player is out. If the seventh pitch is fouled out, they get one more pitch. If that pitch is fouled out, the player is out.

Fielding

  • A max of 11 players with 5 outfielders due to the size of rosters.
  • At no time will a team be permitted to begin or continue play with less than 8 players in the field.
  • No player can sit out two consecutive innings.
  • It is recommended that no player is permitted to play the same position for more than 2 innings per game. And that each player play at least one inning in the infield. Coaches should evaluate players to make sure they can play in the infield, without safety concerns.
  • Play is suspended when the ball is returned to the pitcher in the pitcher's circle.

Pitching

  • Coaches will pitch to their own team for the entire game.
  • Underhand pitching only.

Base Running

  • Feet-first sliding is always permitted, while head-first sliding is only permitted when returning to a base.
  • Runners must make every attempt to avoid contact with the catcher on plays at the plate.
  • Players should advance one base on the over throw if the ball goes out of play.  However, a player may continue to advance a base if there is an additional overthrow by the defense.  A coach should not continue to advance a base runner base to base or all the way home to score if the ball was not hit out of the infield.
  • Leads are not permitted. If a runner is determined to have left a base prior to a pitched ball crossing home plate, the following will occur:
    • All runners will be returned to their original bases.
    • If the pitch is not hit into play, the pitch will stand.
    • If the pitch is hit into play, the pitch WILL NOT COUNT and the batter will return to continue the at bat.
  • Runners may not steal any base on a wild pitch or passed ball.

Safety

  • Batter & base runners must wear batting helmets at all times.
  • Players may not be used as base coaches during the game.
  • Protective athletic cups are REQUIRED.
  • Player pitchers must wear face mask.  Catchers must wear face mask or helmet.
  • Rubber cleats only - no metal cleats.
  • USA Bats only. USSSA and BBCOR bats are not allowed.
Approved by the Manoa Youth Baseball League Board of Directors, February 12, 2024