Lightning

• 30 Seconds

• Count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder.
  
• If this time is less than 30 seconds, lightning is still a potential threat. 
• Seek shelter immediately.
  
  
• 30 minutes
• After the last lightning flash, wait 30 minutes before leaving shelter.
  

House League Rules

Structure

1. Teams playing non-competitive baseball shall be known as House League Teams.
2. The House League shall be governed by the Board of Directors, whose decision in all matters is final.
3. For 2012, the House League divisions shall be structured as follows:
   
   

   Division	Birth Years	EBBA Teams	Total Teams
   Rookie	2003-2004	?	?
   Mosquito	2001-2002	?	?
   Peewee	1999-2000	?	?
   Bantam	1997-1998	?	?

   The following divisions play in the LDBA House League.
   

   Midget	1994-1996	?
   Junior	1990-1993	?

   
   
4. Each team will be comprised of up to 16 approved players. 
5. All players must be registered and the waiver clause on said form must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. The completion of this form and payment of the registration fee must take place before participation in any team practice, exhibition or league game. Players must be approved by the Registrar. Any use of an unapproved player will result in game forfeiture and possible suspension of the team Manager and/or Coach.
6. A team losing a player on a permanent basis through injury, illness or other reason, may have that player replaced by another player declared eligible by the Registrar.
7. Sponsors shall receive their company name printed on the uniforms and the teams shall be known by the designated name such as Astros, Browns, etc.

Playing Rules

1. Player Age Grouping

   All players must play in their own age grouping unless otherwise approved by the Board of Directors.

2. Playing Rules

   Baseball as played under the auspices of Eager Beaver Baseball Association Incorporated, shall in general follow the rules of professional baseball and as modified by the most recent edition of the Ontario Baseball Association Playing Rules. Further exceptions are listed that apply to all age divisions and on the appropriate page where they apply to a specific Division.

3. Diamond Dimensions

   Division	Pitching Rubber	Bases
   Rookie	44'	55'
   Mosquito	44'	65'
   Peewee	50'	75'
   Bantam	55’ or 60'-6"	82’ or 90'
   Midget	60'-6"	90'
   Junior	60'-6"	90'

4. Game Time

   All regular season games start at 6:15 PM. sharp unless scheduled otherwise or advised otherwise by the Division Convener. There will be no infield practice after 6:10 PM. Playoff game time is 6:00 PM sharp. EBBA Umpires will be instructed to allow a 15 minute grace period to a team not having the required number of players to begin the game. Teams may play with a minimum of 7 players, with automatic outs inserted at any point in the batting order for 9 positions total.

5. Length of Games

   Regular season games shall consist of the following lengths
   

   Division	Full Game	*Home Leading	*Visitors Leading
   Rookie	5	2½	3
   Mosquito	6	3½	4
   Peewee	7	4½	5
   Bantam	7	4½	5
   Midget	7	4½	5
   Junior	7	4½	5

   * Minimum required innings for an official game

6. Extra Innings

   There will be NO extra innings during the regular season. Ties will stand, with each team receiving one point. Extra innings will be allowed in a playoff, or tournament game.

7. Player Participation

   All players participating in the House League will play a minimum of THREE innings per game. The three innings can NOT be all played in the OUTFIELD, unless the player wants them to be. The only exception will be game ejection, injury, or absence, and in such cases it must be noted on the official Game Card. Failure to adhere to this rule could result in game forfeiture.
   The batting order must ROTATE from game to game, so that every player has an opportunity to bat in each position in the order.
   Every player shall have the opportunity to learn as many fielding positions as they wish, and NOT be limited to only ONE position.

8. Contact Rule

   According to Ontario Baseball Association Rules, players must attempt to avoid making contact with any opponent. A player who in the Umpire’s judgement maliciously runs into another player is to be declared out (unless he/she has scored prior to committing the infraction) and is to be automatically ejected (whether or not declared out).
   Contact is considered MALICIOUS if the contact is the result of intentional excessive force and/or there is an intent to injure.
   Malicious Contact is to be penalized whether committed by an offensive or defensive player.
   If a RUNNER could have avoided the fielder and reached the base, or attempted to dislodge the ball, the runner is out even if the fielder loses possession of the ball. The ball is dead and all other runners shall return to the last base legally occupied by them at the time of the contact.
   If a FIELDER blocks the base path, the runner may make contact, slide into or collide with the fielder as long as the runner is making a legitimate attempt to reach the base/plate. If the collision is flagrant, the runner is called out and ejected. The ball is declared dead. If the defensive player blocked the path without possession of the ball, obstruction shall be called, the runner is safe and delayed dead ball is called. If the runner collides flagrantly, he/she shall be declared safe due to obstruction but shall be ejected. The ball is dead.

9. Call-Ups

   Any Junior, Midget, Bantam, Pee Wee, or Mosquito team that will be short of players for a game, may for that game, call up a player, or players from the division immediately below, provided the player is registered with EBBA. See the specific age division page for call up listings. Players cannot be called up if their registered team is scheduled to play.
   The participation rule will apply: i.e. regardless of the number of players at the game, regular and call ups will play a minimum of 3 innings. Called up players are to be noted on the Game Card.
   If the teams listed call ups are unavailable, then that Manager may approach another team, after first contacing their division convener. Once a player has been used as call up to a certain team, then that player is to be used only by that team.

10. Designated Hitter, Designated Runner, and Re-Entry

    There may sometimes be a need, due to health reasons, to compensate for a child who is unable to run, bat, etc. The Manager should discuss this with the Convener, who will review this with the Board and notify all Managers, so that the Board's decision is conveyed before games are played.

11. Running for Catcher with 2 Out

    When the catcher is on base and there are two out, then the player who become the second out of the inning may take the catchers place on the base occupied by the catcher. The catcher shall be defined as the player who last played the position, or the player who will play catcher in the next defensive inning. This rule is intended to save time by allowing the catcher to put equipment on before taking his defensive position.

12. Rainout Procedure

    The HOME TEAM Manager is responsible for checking his/her diamond playing condition when rain occurs. If the diamond is not suitable for play, he/she must notify the Umpire Assignor, and visiting team Manager, no later than ONE HOUR before game time. As well, after all players are notified, the home team Manager is responsible for rebooking the game as soon as possible and confirming this with the Division Convener.

13. Ejections

    When a team has a player ejected, then the ejected, or injured player's spot in the batting order will be removed, but not counted as an automatic out. If a team starts with 9 players and has a player injured or ejected, they can finish with 8 but the 9th player's spot in the batting order will be an automatic out.

14. Suspended Games

    An Umpire has the right to suspend a game at his/her sole discretion. This could occur when a situation arises with which the Umpire is not comfortable continuing a game. This could be caused by a team and/or its supporters. In this case, the Umpire will declare the game suspended, to be resumed at a later date, as determined by the Board of Directors in conjunction with the Division Convener. Managers are urged to avoid these situations, as they are not conductive to the method of operation of Eager Beaver Baseball and may also lead to suspensions.

15. Suspensions

    Ejection from a game for a Manager, Coach, or player will result in a one game suspension. The suspension is to be served during the next scheduled game. A second ejection will result in a three game suspension, and after the third ejection, the offending party must appear before the Board of Directors to show cause why he/she should be allowed to remain in the program.

16. Standings

    Standings will be computed on the basis of 2 points for a win, and 1 point for a tie. Ties in the standings at the end of the regular season will be broken only to determine the Pennant Winner (all Divisions except Rookie), or if they affect the play-off pairings. Such ties will broken by playing of a single game between the two teams until a winner is declared. If more than two teams are tied, a suitable formula for breaking the tie will be put into place by the Board of Directors, in consultation with the Division Convener.
    

Special Rules

Rookie

1. Sportsmanship

   THIS IS A NON-COMPETITIVE INSTRUCTIONAL DIVISION WITH EMPHASIS ON TEACHING BASEBALL SKILLS, HAVING FUN AND TO STRESS GOOD SPORTSMANSHIP.
   It is the duty of the Manager and his/her Coaches to teach the players to hit, field, run the bases, and the throw the ball. These skills are to be combined with overall ball etiquette on & off the field and GOOD sportsmanship.

2. Participation

   There will be 10 defensive positions, consisting of 6 infielders and 4 outfielders. Teams with only 8 players in attendance at particular game may still play. All players MUST play at least 2 innings per game in a defensive position. Any player playing only 2 innings in a game in a defensive position is not allowed to spend both innings in the outfield.

3. Coaches on the Field

   The Manager or a designated Coach (one person at a time only) will be allowed on the playing field, on the outside of the base lines, while his/her team is on defense, in order to assist in instructing players on positioning and how to play each particular situation. A Manager or designated Coach with the offensive team will also be on the field to "feed" the balls into the pitching machine for his/her team while batting. The pitching machine coach, must wear a batting helmet, this is to be a full 2-ear flap batter's helmet, not the  catcher's style, or the one-ear version. The coach should avoid the live play as it develops, and during the play may not make contact with the ball or any player.

4. Positions

   Since this is a development division, all players must play a different position from game to game throughout the regular season, wherever possible. The goal would be to have each player play every position during the regular season. There is no penalty for failure to do this. However, if the players are to develop and enjoy the game, time spent in various positions will encourage them.

5. Batting Order

   Teams will use a continuous batting order. All players present at each game will be given a position in the batting order and they will take their regular turn at bat even when not in the defensive lineup for that inning. The batting order will be determined prior to the start of the game and will not change during the game. 

6. Base Runners

   There will be no leading off or stealing of bases. There shall be no advancement of base runners until the ball is legally batted into play. EXAMPLE: No advancement on any passed ball or ball thrown into foul territory or out of bounds (out of bounds area is to be determined by the plate Umpire before the start of the game). When the ball is in foul territory or out of play, either off the catcher or overthrown, the play is called dead and the base runners may not advance. This includes all diamonds whether they be a fenced diamond or not. A player cannot run on a third strike pitch dropped by the catcher.

7. Pitching Machine Rules

   1. The pitching machine is placed directly in front of home plate at a distance of 44 ft.
   2. An 8 ft. diameter safety circle shall be marked off directly in front of home plate and its center shall be 44 ft. from home plate. No player is permitted to enter the safety circle which is considered a dead ball area. Enter means that any part of the body enters the safety circle.
   3. The pitcher must stand beside the pitching machine outside of the safety circle and behind the release point of the pitching machine. Lines shall be drawn from the release point to 4 ft. beyond the circle. The pitcher must have both feet on the white line until the ball is released from the machine. Only the pitcher can return a live ball to the operating Coach with runners on base. The pitcher must wear a regulation batting helmet with a football style mask, and an attached chin strap. The pitcher must not in any way break the plane of the 8 ft. safety circle whether stepping on the circle line or reaching in. Play will be called dead and 1 base will be awarded. All other forced runners will move 1 base. This only applies if the pitcher makes contact with the ball.
   4. The pitching machine speeds can be altered only at the end of an inning. Machine speed is a maximum of 40 mph and aminimum of 35 mph. Height can be adjusted at any time.
   5. If a batted ball hits the pitching machine or any adult on the playing field , then the ball is declared dead and the player awarded first base with the corresponding move of any base runners who may be forced to move.
   6. The pitching machine coach, must wear a batting helmet, this is to be a full 2-ear flap batter's helmet, not the  catcher's style, or the one-ear version.
      

8. Balls and Strikes
   

   Each batter shall receive a maximum of 5 strikes as called by the umpire. If a player does not hit a fair ball within 5 strikes he / she is declared out. If a ball crosses the plate over a batter's head or bounces in the dirt, the Umpire will not count it as a strike unless the player swings at the pitch.
   BATTERS CANNOT WALK

9. Bunting

   There is no bunting. Any ball bunted fair will be called an automatic out.

10. Infield Fly Rule

    The Infield Fly Rule will not apply.

11. Scoring Rule
    

    Each half inning will end either with 3 outs, or six runs scored. If there are 2 outs and last batter strikes out, has a fly ball caught, or an out is made on the field; or if a player scores the sixth run in the inning, then the inning is over. In the last inning only 3 outs will count, there is no run limit.
    

12. Time Limit

    No new inning can start after 8:00 PM. Any inning that starts between 7:45 PM, and 8:00 PM, will be considered the last inning. If the game is still being played at 8:15 PM, the game at this point will end. The 3rd out constitutes the start of a new inning.

13. Ball Out of Play

    On any ball thrown into foul territory, or out of play, no extra base shall be awarded to the runner. The runner shall be awarded only the base he/she is moving to at the time of the throw. EXAMPLE: A player standing on a base, or running past first base down the foul line, at the time of the throw, cannot advance to the next base. If the ball is thrown to any base and stays within fair territory, then the play shall remain live until such time as it is thrown to the pitcher.

14. Pitcher and Catcher Development

    Even though EBBA has implemented the use of the pitching machine in our Rookie Division, we still strongly urge all Managers and Coaches to develop as many pitchers, and catchers as possible. In consultation with Managers, live pitching may be introduced later in the season.

Mosquito

1. Leading Off
   

   There will be no leading off. The runner may not leave the base until the ball has left the pitcher's hand. Penalty for infraction: Runner is out, ball is declared dead.

2. Passed Ball on the 3rd Strike
   

   The batter may not run on a third strike missed by the catcher. The ball is alive and any runners already on base may advance at their own risk.

3. Balks

   No Balks will be called.

4. Curve Balls

   No deliverate Curve Balls may be thrown.

5. Bunting

   Bunting is allowed.

6. Infield Fly Rule

   The infield fly rule applies.

7. Pitchers

   Pitchers may only pitch 9 outs in a game. Violation of this rule will result in game forfeiture and suspension of the Manager. If a pitcher hits 2 batters with a pitched ball in an inning, the Umpire may at his/her discretion, order the pitcher removed from the mound. The affected player may switch to another position.

8. Time Limit

   No new inning to be started after 8:00 (3rd out constitutes the start of a new inning).
   

9. Mercy Rule

   Mercy rule is 10 runs after 4 innings, 18 runs after 3 innings.

10. Scoring Limit

    No more than 7 runs can be scored in a single inning, except for the 6th inning.

11. Call-ups

    TBD

Peewee

1. Leading Off

   Leading off is permitted.

2. Passed Ball on the 3rd Strike

   Batters may advance to first base on a third strike missed by the catcher. If first base is occupied and there are less than two out the batter is out, by the official rules of baseball.

3. Balks

   Balks will be called, after one warning per PITCHER per game.

4. Curve Balls

   No deliverate Curve Balls may be thrown.

5. Bunting

   Bunting is allowed.

6. Infield Fly Rule

   The Infield Fly rule applies.

7. Time Limit
   

   No new inning to be started after 8:00 (3rd out constitutes the start of a new inning).
   

8. Mercy Rule
   Mercy Rule is 10 runs after 5 innings, 18 runs after 3.
   

   Pitchers

   Pitchers may pitch 9 outs in a game. Violations of this rule will result in game forfeiture and suspension of the Manager. If a pitcher hits 2 batters with a pitched ball in an inning, the Umpire may at his/her discretion order the pitcher removed from the mound. The affected player may switch to another position.

9. Scoring Limit

   No more than 7 runs can be scored in a single inning, except for the 6th inning.

10. Call-Ups
    

    TBD

    
    

Bantam / Midget / Junior

1. Leading Off

   Leading Off is permitted.

2. Passed Ball On 3^rd Strike

   Batters may advance to first base on a third strike missed by the catcher. If first base is occupied and there are less than two out the batter is out, by the official rules of baseball.

3. Balks

   Balks will be called.

4. Curve Balls

   Curve Balls may be thrown.

5. Bunting

   Bunting is allowed. 

6. Infield Fly Rule

   Infield Fly Rule applies.

7. Time Limit & Mercy Rule

   No new inning to be started after 1¾ hrs (3rd out constitutes the start of a new inning ). Mercy Rule is 10 runs after 5 innings.

8. Pitchers

   Pitchers my pitch 12 outs per game. Violation of this rule shall result in forfeiture of the game and suspension of the Manager. Total outs pitched by each pitcher shall be recorded by the Plate Umpire on the Game Card.

9. Diamond Dimensions

   For Bantam only, games may be played on diamonds with 82ft base paths and a 55ft pitching mound.

10. Bat Restrictions

    Bats shall have a diameter no more than 2 ¾” and a weight in ounces no less than -5 of their length in inches.

11. Call-Ups

    TBD