Eligibility

Open to anyone completing 6th grade or younger in 2026.

1. Game Structure

1. Games are 6 innings or no new inning after 2 hours from the first pitch.
2. If the game is tied at the end of 6 innings and time permits, extra innings will be played.
3. International tiebreaker rules apply: The last out from the prior inning starts at 2nd base.
4. 10-run rule in effect: The game will be completed (considered official and ended) after 3.5 or 4 innings if one team leads by 10 or more runs.
5. No inning run limit (no cap on runs per inning).
6. Bases are set at 75-80 feet; pitching rubber at 52–54 feet.
7. The home team coach will enter the final score on the league website within 24 hours.
8. Encourage fast play: Limit warm-up throws between innings to encourage quick transitions.
9. The home team coach determines field playability (rain, etc.) and must communicate with the visiting coach.
10. Both coaches must make every effort to reschedule rained-out games.

2. Pitching Rules

1. Maximum 50 pitches per day per pitcher. If the 50th pitch is reached during an at-bat, the pitcher may finish that batter.
2. Rest day requirements (ZVBL league games/playoffs only; this count and rest day rule is separate from tournaments)
   1. Rest day table
      1. 1-25 pitches … 0 rest days
      2. 26-40 … 1 rest day
      3. 41-55 … 2 rest days
      4. 56+ … 3 rest days Max per game: 50
3. Violation: Pitcher is removed; head coach is ejected and suspended.
4. Balks will be called.
5. Curveballs and breaking pitches are allowed.

3. Hitting Rules

1. Continuous batting order: All players bat in a fixed order.
2. Dropped 3rd strike: NFHS Rules.
3. Free defensive substitution: If a player is injured and removed from the game, they do not count as an out when their spot comes up in the batting order.

3. Hitting Rules

1. Continuous batting order: All players bat in a fixed order.
2. Dropped 3rd strike: The batter is out unless first base is unoccupied (and no runner is on first base); if first base is occupied, the batter must reach first safely on a dropped third strike or is out.
3. Free defensive substitution: If a player is injured and removed from the game, they do not count as an out when their spot comes up in the batting order.

4. Base Running Rules

1. Leading off is allowed.
2. Runners may steal at any time.
3. Runners may steal any base and may advance and score on passed balls.
4. Courtesy runner for the catcher allowed at any time (use the last batted out).
5. Catcher interference: Batter awarded 1st base.
6. Runners must slide on close plays (strongly encouraged; malicious contact results in ejection).

5. Defensive Rules (Fielding)

1. 9 defensive players.
2. Do not block bases or base paths without possession of the ball. If fielder obstruction/interference is called, the runner will be awarded the base (safe).

6. Umpires & Game Management

1. Home team is responsible for supplying the umpire(s).

7. Equipment

1. No metal spikes allowed.
2. Bats:
   1. Maximum barrel: 2¾ inches.
   2. Must have USA Baseball, USSSA, or BBCOR stamp.
   3. Wood bats allowed.
   4. Unlimited weight differential.
3. Game balls: Each team supplies 1 new, game-quality baseball prior to the start of the game. No plastic-coated practice balls allowed.

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]