Elk Grove Babe Ruth local Rules summary

==Here are the highlight for Elk Grove Babe Ruth's local rules that umpires should be familiar with==
'''Time 2:15 – soft limit'''. No new inning starts after 2:15 has elapsed.
*'''Hot buttons''' – time is measured at the moment the third out is made in the bottom of the inning; not in the top of the next inning. Start time should be from first pitch.

'''Innings – 7''', but can go extra if game is tied and there is time left. In bad weather or darkness, a game is considered complete if 4 innings are complete or one hour and fifteen minutes has passed.

'''Batting order '''– All players bat continuous; no subs or pinch hitting.

*Ejected player’s spot is an automatic out when it comes up.
*Players must be at field by end of pre-game meeting to remain in batting order.
*Late arrivals can play, but bat last.
*Injured player can be removed without it being an automatic out, but once removed he/she cannot return.
*If coach removes a player from game due to discipline, it is an automatic out when the player’s spot in the order comes up.

'''Ejected player/coach''' – Coach must leave the field area and be outside of visual or verbal communications range. Player does not have to leave the area, but should be supervised.
*'''Umpire to write a report describing circumstances.'''
**RCOA should be called as soon as you step off the field.
**Written report due within 15 hours

'''Pitchers''' – Limit is 4 innings in any game. Player cannot return as a pitcher once removed from the position. Balks are called and penalties enforced.

'''Suspended Game''' – If one of two conditions are met, a game can be continued another day.
#Visiting team ties the game or takes the lead in the top of the inning and the inning is not completed.
#Home team ties the game in the bottom of the inning and the inning is not completed.
#If neither condition is met, score reverts back to last completed inning.

*Umpire responsibility is to issue lots of warnings and projections as to when he/she may call the game.
*Suspended game rule eliminates some motivation to stall, but not all.
*Umpires should not allow stalling and should report all obvious attempts to EGBR management.
*Should also try to avoid calling game when either team is virtually one pitch away from qualifying for a continued or completed game. Worst case example – home team loads the bases with nobody out, is down one run, and then the game is called.

'''Forfeit:''' Team has to start and finish with 8 players to play legally. They are allowed 10 minutes after scheduled start time to be legal.

'''10 run rule''' Does not apply, although if the losing team relents, the game can be ended.

'''Field conditions''' – Group decision made by head umpire, home team & visiting team as to whether a game will be started if conditions are questionable. Once game starts, head umpire makes all decisions as whether to delay, cancel or continue.

'''Slide rule''' – Slides must be at the base, not the fielder. Runners cannot force contact with a fielder at any base. Ejection should be only for intentional and willful contact. Hurdling a fielder is grounds for ejection, unless fielder is prone.