Coach Pitch Rules

Hopewell Recreation Ministry Leadership reserves the right to make any changes that they deem necessary for the betterment of the league and its play.

Unsportsmanlike Conduct

No coach or player shall belittle or berate the players, coaches or fans of another team. This type of action will NOT be tolerated. First offense: Warning. Second offense: Ejection from game. PENALTY: Any coach or player ejected from a game will be suspended for a minimum of 1 game up to a maximum of the remainder of the season. Any coach ejected from a game will be required to meet in person with the Hopewell Recreation Minister before coaching another game. The coach is responsible to set up this meeting.
Coordinators & Referees may issue warnings to players, coaches or teams for team and personal unsportsmanlike conduct or safety concerns.
Harassment of officials and Hopewell Recreation Ministry Staff will not be tolerated. Questions should be asked by the HEAD COACH ONLY and done in an ORDERLY HUMANE and RESPECTFUL fashion about rule interpretations only. Judgment calls are NOT to be argued. Failure to comply with this rule will result in immediate ejection of the guilty party and possibly forfeiture of the game. NO WARNINGS WILL BE GIVEN!!
Judgment calls made by the referee shall NOT be contested.
There will be paid refs for each game.
With the exception of the adult pitcher, one defensive coach and base coaches, no other coaches should be on the field of play while the game is in progress.

•  A regulation game shall be six innings or 1 hour 15 minutes.
•  If a game is called for weather, darkness, or curfew, it is a regulation game if three full innings have been played, or if the home team has scored a greater number of runs in two or two and a fraction turns at bat than the visiting team has scored in three turns at bat.
•  The infield fly rule shall not be enforced.
•  Adults shall pitch under the following rules:
Each coach or designated adult shall pitch to his own team from the pitching rubber farthest from home plate. o A player shall receive seven pitches. If the batter fails to hit in seven pitches, the batter is out. If the batter fouls off the seventh pitch, then the batter will receive unlimited pitches until they get a hit, swing and miss for the 3rd strike, or watch it go by without swinging.
Balls and strikes shall not be called, but a batter may strike out swinging.
No bunting is allowed.
•  2-1/4 barrel bats are allowed for Coach Pitch softball and baseball. 2-5/8 barrel bats are allowed for Coach Pitch Baseball.
•  If a batted ball strikes the adult pitcher, it shall be ruled dead and no pitch shall be charged against the batter.
•  Adult pitchers must wear and use a fielder’s glove.
•  One adult representing the defensive team may be positioned in the outfield to provide instructional aide. If a batted ball strikes the field adult, the ball shall be alive.
•  Stealing is not allowed. Leads shall not be permitted. If a runner leads early, the pitch shall be ruled dead
•  Every player on the team shall be placed in the batting lineup and shall bat in turn. However, only ten (10 max) players shall play in the field. Free substitution of fielders is allowed, but every player must play two complete innings (nine outs) in the field, unless prevented by end game situation such as legal game shortened by weather or darkness or time limit.
•  The defensive team must play 4 outfielders beyond the infield (“in the grass”) and play one infielder in the pitching area. A catcher must also be provided.
•  The offensive team shall bat until three outs are made or until 7 runs are scored. In the last inning teams can score 9 runs.
•  If a player is removed from a game for injury, illness, or a situation beyond the coach’s control (e.g., parents removing a player from a game), No out is assessed when their time at bat comes up.
•  Play can be stopped by traditional baseball means.
•  There shall be no limit on the number of offensive and defensive conferences between coaches and players.
•  Base-running: If the ball is hit into the outfield (reaches the outfield grass), the runners may advance until the ball is returned to the pitcher or close to the pitcher’s position. A ball is returned to the pitcher when a defensive player carries the ball from the outfield grass to the pitcher's
circle or throws the ball to the pitcher. If the ball is thrown to the pitcher and it gets past the pitcher either on the ground or in the air the Umpire will call time.
•  Time is called when any runner has stopped because a fielder has control of the ball, the pitcher (player) has possession of the ball near or in the pitcher’s position, or if the ball is thrown to the pitcher and it gets past the pitcher either on the ground or in the air the Umpire will call time.
•  If a base runner is called out the runner must return to the dugout and is not allowed to run the bases.
•  Runners are not forced to slide, however, if there is contact (without sliding) with a runner and a fielder (only when the fielder has the ball) the runner will be called out. If the fielder does not have the ball the runner will be safe.
•  Runners are allowed one base per overthrow. If the overthrow happens at first base the runner may advance to 2nd. If there is an additional overthrow at 2nd base, time will be called and the runner will stay at 2nd. A ball hit to the pitcher and overthrown at 1st base will not turn into a track meet and allow the runner to have a home run off of a ball hit back to the pitcher.
•  Batters, baserunners, and on deck batters must wear protective helmets. Catchers must wear full catcher’s gear while the game is in play.
•  If the batter throws the bat, he/she will receive one warning and will be called out if it happens a second time. If the bat is thrown and hits a defensive player, the batter will automatically be called out.
•  Regular Season games can end in a tie.
•  Exterior jewelry is not permitted on players.
•  Players must have a number on uniforms for easy identification.
•  Teams are required to exhibit sportsman-like conduct after each game by shaking hands. A prayer is required at the beginning and end of each game.
•  Unsportsmanlike conduct will not be tolerated. If a coach, player, or fan is ejected from a game he or she must leave the premises immediately. If the same person is ejected from another game, he or she will be suspended indefinitely from the Hopewell Baptist Church Recreation programs pending a meeting with the Minister of Recreation.
•  The Minister of Recreation or designated Hopewell Representative reserves the right to make final determination on any rules or interpretations that may arise throughout the season.

•  Coaches, please maintain integrity, be the adult, and set a Christlike example for your players, parents and spectators!