HSYB / GYBS / NYBSA / CLBS / SHYB
“LEAGUE RULES”
(APPLIES TO ALL DIVISIONS)
THESE RULES ARE USED BY THE HILMAR, GUSTINE, CROWS LANDING, SACRED HEART AND NEWMAN
BASEBALL-SOFTBALL LEAGUE
Dated 3/19/26
All Players on the original roster at the beginning of the season must remain on the team throughout the year.
Any player moved up a division may not return to the lower division at any time during the regular season for that year. This includes play offs.
Line-up with full names and number, is to be given to the scorekeeper 15 (fifteen) minutes before the game. This needs to be done on a consistent basis. All changes during the game are to be reported to the scorekeeper. If a player is expected to be late for a game you may place them at the bottom of the line-up (if mandatory to bat the entire roster), or list them as a sub (option of line-up or roster). If the player’s turn to bat comes up and they have not arrived you have the option of notifying the umpire and other coach that you are scratching them as a no show or you would like to take the out for their at bat and continue to keep them on the line-up.
Each team must have a minimum of 8 (eight) players to start and finish a game. The umpire will allow 15 minutes after game time for the 8th player to arrive, if they do not show that team will forfeit the game. If at any time during the game a team falls below 8 players they will have to forfeit the game.
The home team will be the official scorekeeper.
Home Team Dugout will be the 3rd base dugout.
The home plate umpire will be the official timekeeper.
After 1 (one) warning per team, any player who flagrantly throws the bat will be called out.
Batter, base runners and on-deck batter must wear a helmet. Any base runner deliberately removing their helmet while the ball is in play will be called out. (Umpire’s Discretion)
Catchers must wear all equipment-chest protector, mask, and shin protectors.
Only approved bats are USA stamped for baseball and NSA stamped for softball.
Any person warming up a pitcher must wear a face mask if he/she is under 18 years of age.
Only if time allows, each team will get warm-ups on the field. The home team is to go first.
Catchers may have a pinch runner if they are on base with 2 (two) outs in order to hasten the game. Pinch runner is to be the person who made the previous out.
Five (5) over run limit rules will be played. This rule allows a team when down by runs to match that of the other team and then surpass it by a maximum of 5 (five) runs. If the score is tied or if a team is currently in the lead, they may only score 5 (five) runs maximum in the inning.
There will be no open inning. The game will last the designated innings for your division or the inning being played when the timer expires will be the final inning. If the home team is ahead and at bat the game will be immediately over. If the visiting team is at bat and trailing, they must at least tie the game or it is over immediately after the 3rd out is recorded by the home team. If the home team is trailing, the game will continue only until they resume the lead or until the visiting team records the 3rd out. If the game must be called due to darkness (at umpire’s discretion) before the final inning can be completed the score will revert back to the last completed inning.
If all innings have been played and the game is tied and there is still time on the timer, the game may continue for a maximum of two (2) more innings or until the timer expires, whichever comes first. League games can end in a tie. However, Playoff games play until tie is broken.
All players should play at least 6 (six) defensive outs. There will be free subs, but scorebooks may be checked to make sure all players have their required playing time. An attempt must be made for the player to play their 6 defensive outs but if game does not have enough innings then the player who does not play their mandatory 2 innings needs start the next game and play their innings at the beginning of the game. If a player is held out of a game for any reason, the opposing coach, official scorekeeper and Board Member must be notified prior to the game. Players are in the league to learn and improve their skills; coaches need to make sure all players have a fair chance to play.
Only coaches and players are to be in the dugout during the game. Players should remain in the dugout at all times with their team during the game.
No headfirst sliding (except in pony/senior division)! Players will be called out.
Any misuse of equipment will result in automatic ejection from the game.
Four (4) coaches will be allowed in the dugout.
No coaching from behind the backstop will be allowed.
If a coach or player is ejected, they will serve a one game suspension. The next ejection will result in possible removal from the league.
Anyone using foul language near the players will be asked to leave. The next offense will result in being banned from the field for the remainder of the season.
There will be a minimum of 2 (two) umpires scheduled for all inter-league games. If for unforeseen reasons a scheduled umpire does not show up for his game and a replacement cannot be found, the most qualified umpire for that division will umpire alone.
Only the head coaches should approach the umpires during the game. Umpires will only approach the head coach.
Coaches may not dispute any discretionary calls with the umpire. The head coach may call time out and respectfully ask the umpire if he believes there is an error on a ruling (only if he has the rules in his hand to show the umpire what he is questioning.) Umpires will listen and respond to the coach’s question when following this rule.
Complaints need to be directed to a board member after the game, not umpires or other coaches. Complaints requiring action must be made in writing if you wish them to be taken before the league boards. Board members will not change any umpire ruling calls. No protests will be allowed.
Each coach should have a set of rules with them at each game.
No game times, dates or locations are to be changed without the approval of the HSYB/GYBS / NYBSA/CLBS/SH League boards. Every reasonable attempt will be made to reschedule rained out games, however there are no guarantees. Requests for changes should be addressed with your League board and they will determine if your request can be addressed. No reschedules for personal conflicts, all teams need to have several coaches to cover for each other.
HSYB LEAGUE RULES (Click to view)