NJAmerLegionBaseballRules

American Legion Baseball ( 17 & Under, 15 & Under, 14 & Under ) shall be played in accordance with rules adopted by the National and Department of New Jersey of The American Legion with the following exceptions. Every team that shows being sponsored by an American Legion Post on their Form 1 (Roster) and their insurance policy must make sure they have the approval of said Post.

Rule A1:

(A) Coaches shall be mandated to wear a helmet when in the coaching box. MLB is leaving the decision as to what type of helmet the coach wishes to wear up to the coach or club. But the coach has to wear a protective helmet while in the coaching box. He can wear a single, double or no flap helmet. If he does not have a helmet - that coach cannot remain on the field. Coaches must remain in the coach's box until the ball is put into play. (For safety reasons MLB [and the Legion] will not allow coaches to creep towards home plate until the ball is in play). Coaches must have both feet inside the front of the coach's box. However if the coach wants to move away from the plate - out the back of the box, MLB will not mandate he remain in the box. If a coach is outside the box (closer to home plate) he will be warned once and on the 2nd infraction, will be ejected. If he is out of the back of the coach's box this is not considered an infraction.

PLAYING REGULATION - RULE 1

1. - Bat Rule - ( 17 & Under, 15 & Under, 14 & Under ) Accordance to National Rule 1a.

2. - The official Baseball for all New Jersey American Legion Junior Baseball games will be the Wilson A1010HS.

3. - Every American Legion Baseball team in New Jersey must purchase both group liability and accident insurance from The American Legion’s agent of record (S.A. Van Dyk, Inc.). Coverage must be purchased by May 15, 2009. Violation of this rule will result in the disqualification from State Tournament competition.

a. Proof of coverage must be submitted to the Department with Form #1.

4. – 17 & Under, 15 & Under, 14 & Under: All regular and post season play, shall use the National High School Federation Designated Hitter Rule, with one exception, The American Legion does not permit re-entry into a game, therefore the DH may not re-enter into the game.

a. A hitter may be (not mandatory) designated for any one starting player (not just the pitcher) and all subsequent substitutes for the player in the game. A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the designated hitter in the starting lineup. A designated hitter for said player shall be selected prior to the start of the game, and his name shall be included on the line-up cards presented to the umpire-in-chief and to the official scorer. Failure to declare a designated hitter prior to the game precludes the use of a designated hitter in the game. If a pinch hitter or pinch runner for the designated hitter is used that player becomes the new designated hitter. A designated hitter and the player for who he is batting are locked into the batting order. No multiple substitutions may be made that alter the batting rotation. The role of the designate hitter is terminated for the remainder of the game when:

b. The defensive player, or any previous defensive player for who the designated hitter batted, subsequently bats, pinch-hits for the designated hitter; or

c. The designated hitter or any previous designated hitter assumes a defensive position.

5. - Ten (10) Run “Mercy Rule”. All games shall use 10 run rule after 5 innings, unless the home team is ahead by 10 runs or more after 4 1/2 innings at which time that game will be halted.

6. - No Player may pitch more than 10 innings during any consecutive three (3) day period.

a.15 & Under and 14 & Under - 8 innings during any consecutive three (3) day period.

7. - No player may make more than Three (3) appearances as a pitcher during any consecutive three (3) day period.

a. 15 & Under and 14 & Under - Two (2) appearances as a pitcher during any consecutive three (3) day period.

8. - Should a double or triple play cause a pitcher to exceed the permitted 10 innings in three consecutive days: that action in and of itself shall not be construed as a violation of this rule. The official scorekeeper, for the purpose of this rule violation, must record 10 and 1/3 innings.

a.15 & Under and 14 & Under - Should a double or triple play cause a pitcher to exceed the permitted 8 innings in three consecutive days: that action in and of itself shall not be construed as a violation of this rule. The official scorekeeper, for the purpose of this rule violation, must record 8 and 1/3 innings.

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS - RULE 2

1. - Competition in 2009 is open only:

a. 17 & Under : to players born on or after January 1, 1992

b. 15 & Under: to players born on or after January 1, 1994

c.14 & Under: to players born on or after January 1, 1995

PLAYER RECRUITING - RULE 3

1. - New Jersey is in accordance with the National RULES, Plan “B” recruiting rules. No 17 & Under, 15 & Under and 14 & Under Transfers or Waivers are allowed.

2. - Approval for a base school (New and/or Existing team) from the Department shall be April 1st. Once a team has establishes a base school, which base school is “locked in” for a minimum of 5 years, unless written permission is requested and granted by the Department Baseball Chairman to change base school. Any team who fails to comply is ineligible for regular and post season play.

a. Second team using the same base school is permitted with the approval of the Department Chairman.

3. - Non-base school players whose parent’s or guardian’s domicile is nearest the team’s base school. To determine the nearest team the shortest driving distance as calculated by Mapquest.com

a. No verbal request is permitted.

4. - “Option” Rule. Players attending a high school (including 9th grade freshmen) outside a team’s recruiting area may have the option of playing for the team nearest the high school the player attends or playing for the team nearest the parent’s legal domicile. To determine the nearest team, use the shortest driving distance as calculated by Mapquest.com

a.The enrollment of the high school and/or high school district the player attends will be counted.

b.7th grade & lower players must try out for the team nearest the parent’s legal domicile.

c. 8th graders registered by May 1st with a non-public high school can play for the non-public school if it is a base school, otherwise they must play for the school nearest the parent’s legal domicile.

5. - Three ( 3 ) dual roster players are permitted to be registered on both; Senior & Junior, roster only that are in the same base school and school combination that the team is registered with the Department. There is no age restriction on age of dual roster player. Dual roster players are subject to all Department Rules and regulations.

a. Dual roster players not in the same base school and combination school is NOT permitted.

TEAM AND PLAYER CERTIFICATION - RULE 4

1. - New Jersey American Legion 17 & Under Baseball entry fee is $100.00 per team.

a. 15 & Under entry fee is $100.00 per team.

b. 14 & Under entry fee is $100.00 per team.

2. - American Legion Baseball teams must register with their Department Baseball Committee. Complete packet must be turn no later than 10:00 a.m. June 20, 2009. An extension will not be granted by the Department Baseball Committee.

The packet consist of;

A) Team roster - National Form #1

(Original plus 10 copies - single sheet, printed on both sides)

B) Player Indemnification/Parental Consent forms - National Form #2

(Carbon and/or copy)

D) Proof of liability of insurance in accordance with National Rule 1 (Carbon only)

E) Proof of accident of insurance in accordance with National Rule 1 (Carbon only)

Any team, who fails to comply, shall be disqualified from the State Tournament and the league losing a tournament berth.

3. - National Form #1. Players must enroll on Player Roster of Eligibility (National Form #1). This form must be typed in alphabetical order and completely filled out to include each player’s full name and the address of their parents’ permanent legal domicile. Temporary domicile; or Post Office boxes; or the address of a relative; or temporary guardianship is not permitted. Any team who fails to complete and file Form #1 shall be disqualified from State Tournament.

4. - National Form #2. It is mandatory for all players; their parents or court approved legal guardians must complete Player Agreement and Parent’s Consent Form #2. Any team or player who fails to complete and file Form #2 shall be disqualified from any further play.

SPORTSMANSHIP & CONDUCT - RULE 5

1.- No member of the American Legion and/or American Legion Baseball Program shall in no way interfere with a player’s responsibility to his American Legion Baseball Team. Any players and/or teams may not participate in any other amateur baseball programs, Players and/or team must obtain written approval from the League Chairman prior to participating in the event and/or tournament. Fail to comply shall be ineligible for post-season play.

STATE TOURNAMENT - RULE 6

The Department Baseball Committee shall decide by July 1st the number of teams participating in the Department Junior State Tournament.

Junior Department Champion will receive the William Adelhelm Award

Junior Department Runner-Up will receive the Robert Catullo Award

Sophomore Department Champion will receive the John Newton Award

Sophomore Department Runner-Up will receive the Jack Byrnes Award

Freshman Department Champion will receive the Fran Carr Award

Freshman Department Runner-Up will receive the Jon Hernandez Award

PLAYER ELIGIBILITY PROTESTS

Eligibility protests of players involved in District and State tournaments must be in writing and provide proof of ineligibility. They must be filed with the Tournament Director at each tournament site no later than 9:00 a.m., local time on the first day of the tournament involved, except when there is a discovery of fraud. When fraud is discovered, the eligibility protest and a written description of the alleged fraud must be filed immediately. All other protests concerning game situation shall be filed as specified in the Official Baseball Rules published by The Sporting News and National Rule #1.

GAME PROTESTS

Tournament Directors will handle and settle any and all protests immediately at the time they are lodged.

TOURNAMENT RULES

1. A daily coin-flip will be conducted to determine home teams for all games. The third base dugout is designated as the home team dugout, however, if there is a host team in the tournament, the host team and/or a team playing in a doubleheader shall have the right to use their usual dugout regardless if they are home or visitors for that game.

2. No team shall be required to play more than two games in one day.

3. All District and State games are seven (7) innings.

4. Ten (10) Run “Mercy Rule”. All tournaments shall use 10 run rules after 5 innings, unless the home team is ahead by 10 runs or more after 4 1/2 innings at which time that game will be halted.

5. All games shall be played in accordance with Rule #1 of The American Legion Rulebook.

6. Designated Hitter Rule. All games, regular and post season play, may use the National High School Federation Designated Hitter Rule, with one exception, The American Legion does not permit re-entry to a game, therefore the DH may not re-enter the game:

a.A hitter may be (not mandatory) designated for any one starting player (not just the pitcher) and all subsequent substitutes for the player in the game. A starting defensive player cannot be listed as the designated hitter in the starting lineup. A designated hitter for said player shall be selected prior to the start of the game, and his name shall be included on the line-up cards presented to the umpire-in-chief and to the official scorer. Failure to declare a designated hitter prior to the game precludes the use of a designated hitter in the game. If a pinch hitter or pinch runner for the designated hitter is used that player becomes the new designated hitter. No multiple substitutions may be made that alter the batting rotation. A designated hitter and the player for who he is batting are locked into the batting order. The role of the designated hitter is terminated for the remainder of the game when:

b.The defensive player, or any pervious defensive player for who the designated hitter batted, subsequently bats or pinch-hits for the designated hitter; or

c.The designated hitter or any previous designated hitter assumes a defensive position.

7. American Legion Baseball does NOT permit any type of re-entry rule.

8. American Legion Baseball does NOT permit courtesy runners.

9. Suspended games will be completed from the point of suspension.

a. When a game is suspended on one day and completed the following day, the pitcher will be charged for innings pitched on the first day. Any innings pitched by that pitcher on the next day will also be charged to the first day. One appearance will be charged unless there is a change of pitchers.

b. A suspended game completed on a second day will not count toward two games in One-Day Rule - these teams can still play an additional two (2) full games.

10. In the case of rain, games may be shifted to other locations at the discretion of the Tournament Director on site. Tournaments have a time limit, and Tournament Directors must take all efforts to finish on time.

11. The Pitching Rule will be observed throughout the tournaments (District and State). For the winning team going to the next level of play, the 3-Day Pitching Rule applies during travel time.

12. Teams will either dress in the hotel or at home. No team shall dress at the ballpark unless dressing rooms are provided.

13. Any player ejected from a game must remain in the dugout under adult supervision. Any coach ejected from a game must leave the park and be outside of sight and sound of the game. Players, managers, and/or fans who are ejected from a game must sit out the next game unless the Tournament Committee determines that it should be longer. The Tournament Director and umpire shall file an ejection report to the Department Baseball Chairman and/or Department Junior Chairman. Any coach ejected from a State Tournament game shall be suspended for remainder of tournament.

14. Players removed from a game (other than ejection by an umpire) may be used as Base Coaches.

15. All players and coaches must be in like uniforms in order to go onto the field or sit in the dugout.

PITCHING RULES

1. No 17 & Under player may pitch more than 10 innings during any consecutive three (3) day period.

a. 15 & Under and 14 & Under - 8 innings during any consecutive three (3) day period.

2. No 17 & Under player may make more than Three (3) appearances as a pitcher during any consecutive three (3) day

period.

a. 15 & Under and 14 & Under - Two (2) appearances as a pitcher during any consecutive three (3) day period.

3. Should a double or triple play cause a pitcher to exceed the permitted 10 innings in three consecutive days: that action in and of itself shall not be construed as a violation of this rule. The official scorekeeper, for the purpose of this rule violation, must record 10 and 1/3 innings.

a. 15 & Under and 14 & Under - Should a double or triple play cause a pitcher to exceed the permitted 8 innings in three consecutive days: that action in and of itself shall not be construed as a violation of this rule. The official scorekeeper, for the purpose of this rule violation, must record 8 and 1/3 innings.

4. If a pitcher delivers one (1) pitch in an inning that pitcher shall be charged one-third (1/3) inning pitched.

5. Any player may be removed from the pitching position and remain in the game at another position. However, a pitcher will be automatically removed when a coach makes a second trip to the mound in the same inning and that player cannot return as a pitcher in that game. Penalty for violating this rule: Forfeiture of the game if a protest is filed with the umpire in chief before the last out of the game. If this player returns as a pitcher in the same game, he will be charged with another appearance.

ON FIELD CONDUCT

The umpiring staffs will be instructed to monitor, promote and enforce the following:

1. Only one on-deck batter will be out of the dugout. Other personnel are to remain in the dugout, bullpen or coaches’ box. Umpires are also instructed to keep players off the dirt around home plate after a home run.

2. Except for lengthy delays, the pitcher will be limited to five (5) warm-up throws between innings.

3. When warming up a pitcher in the bullpen, the catcher must wear a mask and a third player must protect the bullpen from line drives and foul balls.

4. Shirttails are to be tucked in.

5. List the last names and uniform numbers of all players, including non-starters, on the line-up cards.

6. The umpires are expected to keep the games moving at all times, so expect verbal encouragement from them.

7. Any player, coach, manager or party accompanying a team may be ejected for the remainder of the tournament from the time of the rule infraction if they:

a. Use profane language in any manner.

b. Make any unnecessary gestures in protesting an umpire’s decision. (Only the team manager or coach may ask for a clarification of a rule, but never argue.)

c. Throw bats or any other equipment.

d. Make unnecessary gestures to fans, opposing players or coaches.

8. If an umpire ejects a player or a coach from the game, they will be suspended for the next game or longer.

CONDUCT OFF THE FIELD

1. All persons traveling with an New Jersey American Legion Junior Baseball team are expected to conduct themselves in a manner that will, at all times, reflect credit on their community, State and The New Jersey American Legion Baseball Program and The New Jersey American Legion Junior Baseball Program. Any player, manager or team official, whose conduct may be considered detrimental or injurious to others, or the program, may be suspended for the remainder of the tournament and returned home by means of the first available transportation. A parent, coach or other team official will escort players under 18 years of age home. The Department Chairman and/or Department Junior Chairman will be notified of such action.

2. Team managers and coaches are responsible for player conduct at all times. Pushing, shoving or unnecessary playfulness in hotels, restaurants and other public areas will not be tolerated.

3. (17 & Under Division only) once American Legion Baseball tournaments begin (District play through State play) no player can participate in another amateur baseball program, UNLESS that program has been sanctioned by The American Legion.

2009 Tournament Dates

19 And Under

District Tournament July 18

State Finals July 25

Regional Aug. 6

17 And Under

District TournamentJuly 25

State Finals Aug. 1

Regional Aug. 14

15 And Under

District TournamentAug. 1

State Finals Aug. 8

14 And Under

TBA