Pasadena Baseball Club

Intramural Coach Pitch – “Scrimmage” Tournament Rules

1. The purpose of this “scrimmage” tournament is to provide the coach pitch players an opportunity to play three shortened practice games, and our umpires a chance to “warm-up” for the season.

2. There is no score-keeping, no tournament champion, and therefore no desperation to win a game - all adults will remember our child-oriented mission at all times.

3. Only a team manager may speak to the umpire, and then only to ask about a rule interpretation – no challenging judgment calls.

4. There will be no forfeits – if a team doesn’t have enough players they can play short in the field or borrow fielders from other team.

5. Game length – 3 full innings (both teams bat 3 innings regardless of score) or 45 minutes drop-dead – teams have to get to other fields on time.

6. Bat the Roster - All players are in the batting order whether they play in the field or not.  A late player may be added to the end of the order.  If a player leaves early, there is no out penalty.

7. Run limit – 5 runs per inning.  There is no slaughter rule.

8. Pitches – each batter shall receive up to 6 pitches, or three strikes, to hit a fair ball.  An extra pitch is allowed if the last pitch is fouled off.

9. A ball must travel at least 8 feet to be fair.  A deliberate bunt is a foul ball no matter how far it goes.

10. No sliding, leading off, or stealing.

11. A substitute runner (whoever made the last out) is allowed with 2 outs for the catcher so the catcher can dress for the next inning.

12. 10 fielders are used (four outfielders).

13. No player may play more than 2 innings at any one position in a game.

14. Stopping Play – when any infielder within the infield (umpire’s judgment) holds the ball up in the air.  An outfielder must throw the ball to an infielder.  At that point, runners who have completely passed the halfway mark shall advance to the next base; runners who have not shall be sent back.

15. Overthrows – If an infielder has already effectively stopped play, his overthrow to a pitcher shall not result in extra bases.

16. Coach Pitcher must stay within pitching circle during entire pitch, avoid contact with the ball, and must not speak to any player (offense or defense) or deceive players in any way.  Deliberate contact, ball is dead and lead runner is out.

17. A defensive coach is permitted in the outfield, must avoid contact with the ball, and can only speak to defensive players.  Deliberate contact, ball is dead and all runners advance at least one base.

18. Incidental contact of the ball with the coach pitcher or defensive coach, the ball is live and play continues.