Shetland Division Rules

Revised 1/07

The Shetland Division is an instructional division designed to build the child’s baseball skills while have fun.  The children are our first concern.  Teach them baseball, good sportsmanship and build their self-esteem.  Most importantly, make it fun.

Game Length: Games will be no more than 5 innings or 1 Hr. 15 min (which ever comes 1^st)

Umpires: Home team supplies the game umpire to keep the game moving

Special Rules

1. Batters are not permitted to bunt or swing easy at the ball.  A 10-foot arc is located in the front of home plate.  Any batted ball, which does not travel beyond that line, will be considered a foul ball.

2. No double or triple plays.  If a player is thrown out on any base that player is out and must return to the dugout.

3. Base runners are not permitted to leadoff base and shall remain in contact with the base until the next hitter hits the ball.

4. Up to 12 defensive players will be on the field.  Six in the infield and a maximum of six in the outfield.  All players must play in the infield at least two innings during the game.  Players are to rotate in all of the positions.  This is to teach all of the children all of the positions.  The league recommends rotation every inning.  (Infield positions are: Catcher, Pitcher, first, Second and Third Base, shortstop).  Players may not play any position for more than two consecutive innings.

5. Home team is responsible for returning the tee to the snack bar after each game.

6. Home team is located on third base side of the field.

7. No sliding at first base to avoid injury to young players.

8. All players on the roster will bat when their turn comes up.

9. The batting tee will be used only after failing to hit a fair ball after three pitches and two soft toss pitches.  Batters will not strike out.

10. Coach / pitcher must pitch from within the pitching circle, approximately 38 feet.  League recommends pitching from a kneeling position.

11. Base runners are not allowed to take more than one base on an infield hit.  They may not advance on an overthrow.  Two bases maximum for balls that make it to the outfield, unless hit fair over the fence.

12. The offensive half of the inning is over after three outs have occurred, or five runs are scored.  Home team will provide a person to monitor the outs and runs scored.

13. All coaching will be positive.  No comments toward opposing players, coaches or spectators will be tolerated.

14. Coaches are allowed on the field to help field players in position.  Defensive coaches will make the calls of outs / safe.

15. Coaches remember you are role models for our children and as such are expected to refrain from the use of foul language, alcohol and tobacco while at practice, or while using HYB facilities.

16. These fields belong to the HYB family.  Please have the players help in maintaining them by cleaning out the dugouts after each game.

17. All players must be in full uniform while on the field during a game.