General

v Games begin after a +/- 10 minute warm up.

v Since the 2004 season, this division plays at the same time at the Pee Wee II division -- they have to +/- 25 minute practice before their games begin. Because of this, you can begin your game before the Opening Pray and the National Anthem. Once the announcements begin you must stop play immediately and the players line up along the foul line at your dugout for the Opening Pray and National Anthem. Please have the players tuck their shirts into their pants, and take their hats off.

v Helmets must be worn at all times when batting and running bases. This is a zero-tolerance rule in this division. Helmets must have a face mask, even if it a child's personal helmet.

v Please line players up along the foul line at your dugout for the Pray and National Anthem. Please have the player tuck their shirts into their pants, and take their hats off.

v Players can not wear their hats backwards.

v Hair should be worn up in a pony tail, and out of the way of the face.

v No jewelry, rings, earrings, chains etc.

v There is no on-deck circle.

v 5-run per inning mercy rule. The mercy rule is waived in the top and bottom of the last inning.

v At the conclusion of the game, each team will line up on their respective foul line for the traditional good sportsmanship handshake at home plate (added to rules for 2005).

Practices

v No practices before the opening of Spring Training.

v Practices are only at St. Anthony’s Field, and never away from the CYO Complex.

v In-season practices are only on Thursday nights at specific times for one hour.

Batting

v No bunting.

v Dropped third strike—batter is automatically out, cannot advance to 1st base (too many wild throws into rightfield).

v Batter is entitled to her batting position, then the catcher can set-up.

v Strike zone is the width of the plate, and from the knees to the armpits.

Base Running

v Stealing and leading are only allowed after the catcher touches the ball or it passes the catcher.

v No stealing home.

v Bases are 60’ apart.

v Tagging up is allowed.

v Infield Fly rule is in effect.

Overthrows

v Runners can advance only one base on any over throw in the field of play or into the dugout.

v If a player is stealing a base, while there is an over throw, she is entitled to the base and then tries for one additional base.

o IE: Runner on 1st, goes to steal 2nd. Throw goes into CF. Runner can only advance to 3rd base, but can be thrown out at 3rd. Another scenario—1st and 3rd—runner on 1st steals 2nd. Throw goes into CF. Runner on first can only advance to 3rd. Runner on 3rd can go home on the over throw.

Pitching

v No windmill pitching, nor a high arc. We use a moderate arc on the pitch.

v 2 innings per game--maximum.

v Pitchers are limited to four walks per inning. Do not remove the player from the game; rotate her back into the field.

v Must pitch from the rubber or behind, closer to the plate is not allowed.

v Pitchers are allowed only two hit batters.

Please follow the St. Anthony’s CYO Philosophy rules.

Have Fun and Play Ball!

All Divisional Schedules