CROWN COLONY BASEBALL
CAL RIPKEN DIVISION RULES
Other than the following league-specific rules, the rules of Cal Ripken Baseball within the rulebook of that particular year shall apply.
These rules apply to games played in all Cal Ripken levels at Crown Colony, including St. Vincent’s. If a Crown Colony team plays at another league’s field, their local league rules apply.
AVOIDING CONTACT
A runner at home plate or any base that intentionally and maliciously runs into defensive player in the area will be called out and ejected from the game. However, there is umpire discretion in the ruling. This includes sliding early or peeling off from the regular basepath when a double play is in motion. If the runner directly impedes a possible double play, the runner shall be called out. However, there is umpire discretion in the ruling.
BATS
All non-wood bats must have the USA bat marking to be allowed.
No USSSA bats are permitted.
No BBCOR .50 bats are permitted.
No BPF 1.15 bats are permitted.
All wood bats are allowed.
BATTING OUT OF TURN
Rules prohibit the umpire and the scorekeeper from calling to attention the fact that a player is batting out of turn.
When a player bats out of turn, the proper batter is the player called out, if the opposing team makes an appeal at the correct time. The correct time to make an appeal regarding batting out of turn is after the improper batter has completed his time at bat and before the first pitch to the next batter.
If an improper batter completes his at bat and no appeal is made before a pitch to the next batter, the results of the improper batter’s time at bat becomes legal.
If a player is injured and cannot continue playing and there are no replacement players available (i.e. the team is left with eight (8) total players), the team of eight shall not be penalized with an out.
EJECTIONS
Any coach/player/fan that is ejected from the game must leave the park immediately. If the individual that is ejected refuses to leave the park, their team forfeits the game. The coach or player that was ejected will be suspended for their next game. Ejection is at the discretion of the umpire. The manager (head coach) of the team has 24hrs to appeal an ejection to the board.
GAME LENGTH
A regulation game shall consist of six (6) innings (if time allows) or at least three (3) innings if the game is called due to time constraints.
Tie Game: In order for a game to be declared a tie game by the umpire, it must be a regulation game i.e. 2½ or 3 innings must have been played.
Weekday Games – games at the beginning of the season will be no new innings at 1 hour 30 minutes and kill time at 1:40.
Example: First game will start at 4:45 p.m. and there will be no new inning after 6:15 p.m. The KILL RULE will be implemented at 6:25 p.m. Please reference Kill Game Rules to determine the winner of the game.
Example: The second game will start at 6:30 p.m. with no new inning after 8:00 p.m. The KILL RULE will be implemented at 8:10 p.m. at the end of the batter that is at the plate. Please reference Kill Game Rules to determine the winner of the game.
Saturday Games – Games will be no new innings at 1 hour 40 minutes and kill time at 1:50 all season. The official timekeeper is the umpire on the field. If the umpire chooses to give this duty to the scorekeepers in the score box he/she may do so. In the event of this taking place the official game clock is located in the scorekeeper’s box.
The time clock for all games will start at the game time that is assigned in order to stay on schedule. The game shall not start earlier than the assigned time unless both coaches and the umpire agree to start early. If teams do not start on time, no time is added at the end to compensate for full game time.
Example: The umpire is ready to start the game at 4:45 p.m.but both teams are still warming up. The umpire will still start the game timekeeping at 4:45 p.m.
Any team purposely delaying the start of the game by more than five minutes will forfeit the game.
A playoff game will be scheduled at the end of the season if there is a tie for 1st place within the division.
The umpire has control of the game and can call the game due to unsafe conditions.
Ten Run Lead Rule (Time) – Any game that has completed two (2) innings and one of the teams is more than 10 runs ahead and ends due to time, the team that is ahead will be called the winner and no makeup game will be played.
HOME TEAM
The home team will occupy the third base dugout at both Crown Colony and St. Vincent’s fields.
MINIMUM NUMBER OF PLAYERS
A minimum of seven (7) players are required to start a game. You have until five minutes after game start time to field a team of seven (7) players or the game will be called a forfeit. No automatic outs will be recorded for player eight (8) and player nine (9) if the team does not have players for these positions.
The major and minor divisions play with a maximum of nine (9) players on the field. Teams are allowed to use players from lower division to complete a team of nine (9) only if there are less than nine (9) players from their own team in attendance. If a team can field nine (9) players using players from lower divisions, the lower division player(s) shall not continue to play on the field but may remain in the batting order if a registered team player arrives after the game starts. Teams who invite up players from lower divisions shall not encourage their own players not to show up for their game. If this occurs, a coach will be suspended for the season.
Pee Wee teams are allowed to play ten (10) players in the field if desired.
If a player started the game and has to leave early, their turn in the batting order will be skipped and no out recorded.
PROPERTY VIOLATIONS
Any coach/player/fan that is guilty of abusing any field or parking area by causing physical vandalism and/or abusing private property in an inappropriate manner, shall be immediately expelled from Crown Colony.
RAIN OUTS
There is no guarantee that rainouts will be rescheduled. However, the Board will use discretion in case it has been a very wet spring.
SCOREKEEPERS
Each team must provide a scorekeeper for each game. If the assigned team does not provide a scorekeeper, the game will be recorded as a forfeit, but will still be played.
SHOES
No metal cleats are allowed in Cal Ripken baseball.
STARTING LINEUPS
Submit lineup, including all available subs, to scorekeeper and opposing coach and/or scorekeeper fifteen (15) minutes before game time.
Lineups must include player’s full name, uniform number and position.
Notify scorekeeper of all substitutions.
SUBSTITUTIONS
Free substitutions in the field; however, the batting line-up cannot change.
If a player must leave the game early or is injured there is no penalty, (unless the number of players fall below seven (7), then the forfeit rule would apply).
If a lower division player plays up a division as a fill-in, they can play in any position except pitcher.
If a lower division player is asked to play up a division they can play on the field till the 9th regular team player arrives. At this point in time the lower division player must return to the dugout and can only bat in the position the lineup card stated in the beginning of the game. The late regular division player will bat at the bottom of the lineup.
If a lower division player is called up and the regular team ninth player shows up prior to the start of the game the lower division player can only bat. Please do not abuse calling up players to just bat.
If a team is short one or more players, they may ask another team within the division to borrow players for the game.
The borrowed player may not pitch for the team they are filling in for.
If a borrowed same-division player is asked to play, they can play on the field till the 9th regular team player arrives. At this point the borrowed same--division player must return to the dugout and can only bat in the position the lineup card stated in the beginning of the game. The late regular division player will bat at the bottom of the lineup.
If a borrowed same-division player is asked to play and the regular team ninth player shows up prior to the start of the game the lower division player can only bat. Please do not abuse borrowing players to just bat.
All called up and borrowed same-division players must be registered Crown Colony players in the current season.
SUSPENDED GAMES
Time or weather-related suspended games will be scheduled for a make-up date if possible.
All players on the team roster can play in a suspended game even if they were not there for the original game.
TEN RUN LEAD RULE
If four and a half innings have been played, and the winning team is ahead by ten (10) runs or more, then the game will automatically be called.
EXCEPTION: Any game that has completed two (2) innings and one of the teams is more than 10 runs ahead and ends due to time, that team will be called the winner and no makeup game will be played.
TRIPS TO THE MOUND
The second trip to the mound to the same pitcher in the same INNING by manager or coach will cause that pitcher’s automatic removal from the game as pitcher.
UMPIRES
Crown Colony crew umpires shall not umpire games in which a relative or sibling is playing. This will avoid any possible bias in calling the game as well as even the appearance of bias.
VALID COACH
Any responsible person that presented a Cal Ripken Coaching Certificate may substitute for manager, coach, or umpire but must adhere to league rules regarding behavior.
A team may have no more than three (3) coaches on the field or in the dugout.
Coaches cannot touch runners while the ball is in play.
A Pee Wee coach may help on the field during play, but must remain in the outfield area if they are helping.
MAJORS
PITCHING
A pitcher can throw up to 85 legal (official) pitches per day.
If a player pitches 1-45 pitches in a day, zero (0) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 46-75 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 76 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
EXCEPTION: If the pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count limit while facing a batter, s/he may continue to pitch until the batter reaches base or is put out.
If an illegal pitcher is put into the game a forfeit will be called against the team.
Managers and coaches are responsible for keeping a pitching log via GameChanger and/or other system.
A legal pitch is to a batter.
Coaches are strongly encouraged to keep pitchers at low pitch counts early in the season and build their strength up over the course of the season which allows for higher pitch counts and longer outings.
MINORS
PITCHING
A pitcher can throw up to 75 legal (official) pitches per day.
If a player pitches 1-40 pitches in a day, zero (0) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 41-65 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
EXCEPTION: If the pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count limit while facing a batter, s/he may continue to pitch until the batter reaches base or is put out.
If an illegal pitcher is put into the game a forfeit will be called against the team.
Managers and coaches are responsible for keeping a pitching log via GameChanger and/or other system.
A legal pitch is to a batter.
Coaches are strongly encouraged to keep pitchers at low pitch counts early in the season and build their strength up over the course of the season which allows for higher pitch counts and longer outings.
STEALING
A runner is not allowed to “steal” second after a walk. If the runner attempts to do so, he/she shall be placed back at first and given a warning by the umpire. If a second “steal” of second by the same runner occurs in the same game, the runner shall be called out.
Base runners shall not leave their base until the ball reaches the catcher.
Therefore, there is no leading off.
For more detail, please refer to the Cal Ripken Rulebook.
PEE WEES
COACH PITCH SUPPORT
Coach pitch support will be utilized at times when a player pitcher throws four balls to any batter, no matter what the strike count is.
Coaches will support their pitcher by then pitching to their own batters.
Any certified coach can be the pitcher, not just the head coach.
The coach pitcher enters the game to throw 3 pitches, giving the opportunity to the batter to swing and is encouraged to do so.
The batter does not forfeit the walk that was earned and cannot be called out for a strikeout even after swinging 3 times.
If the batter makes contact with the ball and gets out on a defensive play, then they are called out.
During coach pitch support, the player pitcher plays the defensive fielding position.
When the batter concludes the at bat, the player pitcher returns to the mound to pitch to the next batter and the coach pitcher exits the field.
FULL GAME COACH PITCH
Coaches will pitch to their own batters.
Any certified coach can be the pitcher, not just the head coach.
MISC
No infield fly rule.
PITCHING
A pitcher can throw up to 75 legal (official) pitches per day. For 7-8 year olds, less is better.
If a player pitches 1-40 pitches in a day, zero (0) calendar days of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 41-65 pitches in a day, one (1) calendar day of rest must be observed.
If a player pitches 66 or more pitches in a day, two (2) calendar days of rest must be observed.
EXCEPTION: If the pitcher reaches the maximum pitch count limit while facing a batter, s/he may continue to pitch until the batter reaches base or is put out.
If an illegal pitcher is put into the game a forfeit will be called against the team.
Managers and coaches are responsible for keeping a pitching log via GameChanger and/or other system.
A legal pitch is to a batter.
Coaches are strongly encouraged to keep pitchers at low pitch counts early in the season and build their strength up over the course of the season which allows for higher pitch counts and longer outings.
Pee Wee pitching rules are subject to change based on the level of skill and competition to ensure there is baseball happening and the kids are learning and having fun!
Crown Colony is one of the only leagues in the Salt Lake Valley that begins developing pitchers as Pee Wees. As such, the league has adopted its own unique style to support proper development and active games.
Weeks 1-3 Full game coach pitch
Weeks 4-5 First 2 innings coach pitch; player pitch remainder of the game with coach pitch support
Weeks 6+ Player pitch with coach pitch support
STEALING
Base runners shall not leave their base until the ball reaches the catcher.
Therefore, there is no leading off.
A PLAYER MAY ONLY STEAL WHEN THERE TWO (2) OUTS.
A runner is not allowed to “steal” second after a walk. If the runner attempts to do so, he/she shall be placed back at first and given a warning by the umpire. If a second “steal” of second by the same runner occurs in the same game, the runner shall be called out.
For more detail, please refer to the Cal Ripken Rulebook.
QUICKBALL
Quickball is designed for diamond sport rookies, introducing the youngest players to the game. It brings more activity and less standing around. Quickball provides a positive experience for entry level players and their families to fall in love with the game. Crown has found that this program has resulted in better skill development as players continue to grow into baseball and move up in age divisions better than tee ball, which was retired in 2019.
Players can expect to…
Learn the fundamentals - Foot cutouts, position cards and curriculum teach rookies the basics.
Master your skills - Skill stations are the perfect platform to show your diamond prowess.
Fast-paced play - Constant action keeps players engaged and active while developing confidence & game skills.
Crown Colony runs an 8-10 week program over the course of the regular season which extends from April to June. Each session will last 90 minutes which includes skills development and mini games. Runs and game scores are not counted. There are no practices. There are no division standings, playoffs or all-star tournament play at the end of the season.
GAME
A game will be played with however much time is left, but not more than 45 minutes.
A regulation game is three (3) innings.
Score will be kept during the game and shown on the scoreboard.
Pitchers are discouraged from running directly at the runner. They are encouraged to throw the ball to the correct base and make the out.
Runners can only advance one base on an error or overthrow.
A called game is complete if three (3) innings are completed. (Typically, we aim to play four (4) innings so each batter gets 2 (two) turns at bat. If there is time and the coaches agree, they may go the full six (6) innings)
GENERAL
All players will go through Quickball stations for first half of the allotted 'game' time and a fun game will follow.
Game - all kids bat once through and kids play specific positions. If they don't hit after 3-4 swings, they just swing and run.
More info below
Stations week by week
Field Diagram
Station Diagram
Week 1 guide
Week 2 guide
HITTING
All players are on the field at any one time, including a catcher.
The coaches may be stationed in the grass in order to provide instruction to all defensive players.
The coaches stationed in the field will also act as umpires.
OTHER
If a team makes an out at any time during the game, be sure the batter/runner goes back to the bench.
Big congratulations here for the out as that is what we are trying to teach and it doesn't happen all that often!
The biggest thing is that we remember it's just a game and it's about the kids having fun!