Pitching

A. All divisions will use a pitching net/screen. (Minimum of six (6) feet).

B. PITCHER’S DELIVERY:

1. The pitcher must throw from behind the screen and deliver an underhand pitch over the screen. He must come to a full and complete stop with at least one foot in contact with the pitching rubber and with the ball in either the pitching hand or both in front of his body prior to delivering a pitch. This position must be maintained for at least one (1) second prior to releasing the ball. Pitches not meeting these standards will be called “illegal” by the umpire and will result in an automatic and mandatory warning to the pitcher.

2. He is required to deliver a pitch within ten (10) seconds after the batter is set in the batter’s box. If in the umpire’s judgment, the pitcher takes excessive time, a “ball” can be called for the batter.

3. Pitchers must remain completely behind the screen until the ball is hit. If the pitcher moves outside the screen before the ball is hit, the umpire will call a delayed ‘DEAD BALL’ after the play has ended. This will result in an automatic and mandatory warning to the pitcher.

EFFECT: Batter will be awarded first or second base depending on the game situation (inning, count, DH status). Runners on base will advance, if forced. No putouts made during the play will stand. The batting team’s manager will have the option of accepting the play as it has finished.

4. Pitching offenses (not limited to B.1-3, above) in the judgment of the umpire, will result in a warning to the pitcher. If the manager inserts the suspended player into the lineup after being notified, that manager will also be given a two (2) game suspension. Violations of any one rule or combination of rules, after the umpire has given a warning to the pitcher, will result in the following actions:

1ST OFFENSE - pitcher will be removed as the pitcher for the remainder of that game

2ND OFFENSE - pitcher will be removed for the remainder of that game. All coaches in that division will be notified.

3RD OFFENSE - pitcher will be suspended from ALL their division games in the division that the offense occurred for a period of two (2) games (the game during which the offense happened plus the next one).

SUBSEQUENT OFFENSES (in the same season) - pitcher will be removed from the game and will be suspended for a period of (1) one week for all league games.

5. The catcher must remain within the lines of the catcher’s box (by the umpire’s definition) until the pitched ball is batted, touches the ground or home plate/mat, or reaches the catcher’s box.

C. SCREEN POSITION - The screen must be fourteen (14) feet directly in front of the pitching rubber. The screen cannot be moved from that position at any time during the game. If struck or knocked out of position, it must be moved back to the proper position before the start of the next play. For definition “the screen” includes the frame, stand, netting and any attachments.

D. BATTING RULES:

1. A batted ball that strikes/hits any portion of the screen will be called a ‘DEAD BALL’. This includes balls that hit the ground before hitting the screen.

2. A batted ball that strikes/hits any portion of the screen, if touched by a defensive player first, is in play.

E. DEFENSIVE PLAYERS’ THROWS:

1. If a defensive player throws a ball that becomes entangled or lodged in any part of the screen, the umpire will call “time.” Runner(s) on base at the time of the throw will be awarded two bases (same as any “out of play” – over a fence, in the dugout, etc. – situation).

2. Any thrown ball deflecting off the screen will be in play.