Eligibility

Open to any player completing 2nd grade or younger in 2026.

1.  Game Structure

1. Games are 5 innings or until no new inning after 1 hour 15 minutes from the first pitch.
2. If tied after 5 innings and time permits, play extra innings (no tiebreaker rule).
3. Bases are set at 60 feet; pitching rubber at 46 feet.
4. Each inning ends with 3 outs or 5 runs scored (side retired immediately after 5th run).
5. Season begins with coach/machine pitch; mid-season transition to player pitch if teams are ready.

2.  Pitching Rules

1. Coach/Machine Pitch Phase – BOTH TEAMS WILL DO THE SAME IN GAME:
   1. Coaches pitch from 30-46 feet (standing or kneeling) or use a machine (e.g., Louisville Slugger lever action) over the rubber.
   2. Flat pitches only; no walks; batter strikes out on 3 strikes.
   3. If using a machine: Batter receives 5 pitches (6th if 5th is foul); no advance on dropped 3rd strike.
2. Player Pitch Phase (if transitioned) – BOTH TEAMS MUST AGREE TO USING PITCHERS:
   1. Maximum 50 pitches per day per pitcher. If 50 is reached during an at-bat, pitcher may finish the batter.
   2. Violation: Pitcher and head coach are ejected.
   3. Walk Limit: After 3 walks in an inning, coach pitches the remainder (no walks, strikes continue).
   4. No balks are called—umpire or coach will instruct pitcher as needed.
   5. No curveballs or breaking pitches (umpire discretion).

3.  Hitting Rules

1. Continuous batting order: All players bat in a fixed order.
2. No bunting allowed.
3. Dropped 3rd strike is an automatic out.
4. Free defensive substitution; injured or removed player does not count as an out if their spot comes up.

4.  Base Running Rules

1. No leading off. No stealing.
2. Runners may advance only on a batted ball or player pitch walk.
3. Courtesy runner for catcher allowed at any time (use last batted out).
4. Catcher interference: Batter awarded 1st base.
5. Runners must attempt to slide or avoid contact on close plays at home or bases (strongly encouraged; no penalty for not sliding, but malicious contact results in ejection).
6. Fielder obstruction: Runner awarded next base.
7. On batted balls: Runners advance freely until the ball returns to the infield.
8. If coach/machine catches or is hit by the ball: Dead ball, batter to 1st, runners advance one base.

5.  Defensive Rules

1. 10 defensive players: 6 infielders and 4 outfielders.
2. Outfielders must start on the grass, not in the infield.
3. Up to 2 coaches may stand in foul or outfield territory to assist (must not interfere; if hit by the ball, runners stop at nearest base).
4. No blocking bases or base paths without possession of the ball.

6.  Umpires & Game Management

1. Home team supplies umpire (if none, coaches umpire).
2. Home team coach determines field playability (rain, etc.) and must communicate with visiting coach.
3. Both coaches must make every effort to reschedule rained-out games.
4. Home team coach enters the final score on the league website within 24 hours.
5. Encourage fast play: limit warm-up throws between innings to 1 minute.

7.  Equipment

1. No metal spikes allowed.
2. Bats:
   1. Maximum barrel: 2¾ inches
   2. Must have USA Baseball, USSSA, BBCOR, or T-Ball stamp
   3. Wood bats allowed
   4. Unlimited weight differential
3. Game balls: Each team supplies 1 new, leather, raised-seam baseball (e.g., Rawlings R8U or equivalent; 9” reduced factor for machine pitch if used). No practice or plastic-coated balls permitted.

8. Sportsmanship & Safety

1. Players must respect all participants, including opponents, teammates, coaches, umpires, and spectators. Profanity, taunting, or any form of unsportsmanlike conduct is not tolerated. Violations may result in ejection and further review by league officials.
2. Coaches must model positive sportsmanship at all times. Any ejection results in a minimum one-game suspension; repeated offenses may lead to further disciplinary action, up to and including removal from the team or league.
3. Parents and spectators are expected to provide only positive encouragement. Negative comments, heckling, or interference with the game will not be tolerated. An ejected spectator must leave the park immediately; failure to comply may result in additional penalties.
4. Zero tolerance policy: Any act of malicious contact, fighting, verbal or physical abuse toward officials or participants, or egregious unsportsmanlike behavior will result in immediate ejection and mandatory review by the ZVBL Board. Penalties may include suspensions or bans from league activities.
5. All head coaches and assistant coaches are strongly encouraged to complete concussion and head injury awareness training (e.g., CDC HEADS UP or equivalent) prior to the start of the season.
6. Helmets: Required for all on-field offensive players (batting, base running, on-deck circle). Helmets must be NOCSAE-approved and properly fitted. Catchers must wear a helmet with face mask and throat protector at all times.
7. Pitch count log: When player pitching is used, a pitch count log must be maintained during the game and agreed upon (signed) by both head coaches at the conclusion of the game. Each team is responsible for entering their pitch counts on the league website promptly after the game.
8. Injured players: An injured player may be replaced without penalty. If a player is removed due to injury (including suspected concussion), their spot in the batting order does not result in an automatic out when it returns. Suspected concussions require immediate removal from play; the player may return only with written medical clearance from a licensed healthcare provider following the league’s concussion protocol.
9. Blood rule: Any player with visible bleeding must be removed from the field of play until the bleeding is controlled, the wound is properly covered, and any blood-soiled uniform or equipment is cleaned or replaced.
10. Jewelry: No exposed jewelry is permitted (except medical alert identification). This includes earrings, necklaces, bracelets, and rings for safety reasons.
11. Ejection and Suspension Policy: Any player, coach, or spectator ejected from a game will be suspended for their team’s next scheduled game—whether it is a league game, league playoff game, or tournament game—based on the schedule in place at the time of the ejection.
    
    If the suspension cannot be served in the team’s next game because that game is cancelled or postponed, the suspension must be served in the next game that is actually played on the schedule at the time of the infraction.
    
    Tournaments may have their own ejection and suspension policies. For ZVBL league games, the suspended individual must serve at least one full game suspension. It is acceptable for this suspension to be served in a tournament game that occurs after the ejection, provided it is the next game on the schedule. If the ejection occurs during the final game of a tournament, the suspension will be served in the next scheduled ZVBL game (league or playoff) following the ejection.
    
    Depending on the severity of the infraction or behavior, the ZVBL Board may impose additional disciplinary measures beyond the standard one-game suspension.
    
    A second ejection in the same season will result in an automatic suspension for the remainder of the season, including all remaining league games and playoff games.
    
    The ZVBL Board reserves the right to review any ejection and may extend suspensions, require additional training, or impose other penalties as deemed necessary to protect the safety, sportsmanship, and integrity of the league.

These policies are in place to ensure a safe, respectful, and enjoyable experience for all participants. The ZVBL Board will review any serious incidents and may take additional action as needed.

Approved by ZVBL Board: [Date]