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Playing Regulations - Rule 1

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A. Baseballs – All teams in Connecticut must use the Rawlings National Logo Connecticut American Legion Baseball. (R 100 CT-AL)

B. Bat Rule.  Connecticut will follow the National rule. Bats with permanently embossed BBCOR authentication will be allowed.  BBCOR designation must be permanently embossed, printed or otherwise affixed to the bat by the manufacturer and must be visible to the umpire. Stickers are not permitted.  If a player uses an illegal bat, both the player and his head coach will be ejected.  Further discipline, if any, will be determined by the State Director or his designee. 

Clarification: Wood bats are permitted under this rule.

C. The Batter – see National Rule #1C

D. Blood Rule – see National Rule #1D    

E. Catcher’s Equipment – see National Rule #1E

F. Coaches. - Only those coaches listed on the team’s National Registration Form #1 are permitted on the playing field.  No team can play a game without one of these approved coaches present on the field or in the dugout.   

Each coach, general manager, and other required volunteer must pay for and provide all requested information, so that a yearly background check, conducted by the nationally selected company, can be completed on them prior to having any team related contact with any players.  Anyone failing this review will not be allowed to be part of any American Legion Baseball Program – absolutely no involvement. No new coaches can be added or background checks requested after June 1st without the specific approval of the State Director or his designee. 

G. Courtesy Runners – Courtesy Runners are not permitted at any level of Connecticut American Legion Baseball

H. Collisions – see National Rule  #1H

I. Designated Hitter (DH) Rule – For all divisions, Connecticut follows the National Rule, a player can only DH for the pitcher.
NOTE: Per National Rule, The American Legion DH rule is the American League rule as it existed in 2021. The Ohtani rule is not in effect in American Legion Baseball.

J. Force-Play-Slide Rule. –  see National Rule #1J

K. First Aid Kit Rule. – see National Rule #1K

L. Games – In addition to the National Rule:

1. Games will only be played on July 4th if both teams agree. 

2. The Zone Chairman must approve participation in tournaments during zone play. Additional practice games are encouraged. After May 15, no team may reschedule a zone game unless approved by the Zone chairman but no later than June 1. 

3. Forfeitures - In case a visiting team fails to arrive within the designated time, the team on the field will win by forfeit after waiting fifteen (15) minutes beyond the time the game is scheduled to start. An appeal may be made to the zone chairman in the case of unforeseen circumstances such as an accident in route to the game. The home team must be ready to play at the scheduled game time without exception (no grace period).  In the event of a double header and the traveling team forfeits the first game, the scheduled time for the next game will be 15 minutes after the completion of the first game.  Example:  A team is traveling for a double header for a 1pm game and does not have enough players to start the game.  The game is officially over after the 15 minute grace period at 1:15pm.  The next game now starts at 1:30pm and would be subject to a forfeit at 1:45PM).  The home team again has no grace period and would forfeit the 2nd game at 1:15PM.  In all forfeit situations, the umpire shall place the eligible team on the field, have the pitcher throw one pitch and then officially declare that team the winner.  Any team that forfeits a game for not having 9 players eligible to start the game or fails to inform the home team they will not play the game, will reimburse  the home team for all the umpire fees. Each home team will follow the contract in place with  their board (or boards) as it pertains to the requirements for when umpires are paid in full, or in  part, for games cancelled for any reason.

 If a team forfeits games on two separate days because of its inability to field nine eligible players at the start of a game the team will be disqualified and ineligible to participate in any further American Legion games that season. With this season  ending situation all games played will stand and all subsequent games will result in  losses and potential further discipline from the State Baseball Committee.  

          If a team drops out after April 15th but prior to the start of the season, they will be required to pay a $250 non-refundable penalty fee.  This fee must be paid at the State Meeting which they attend and are reinstated.   As with the $500 forfeit penalty, this penalty can be waived by the State Committee if the team’s leadership substantially changes. 

          ANY TEAM THAT DROPS MUST REQUEST THEIR REFUND OF NATIONAL FEES AND INSURANCE BY JUNE 30TH OF THE YEAR OR

          THEY WILL NOT RECEIVE A REFUND. THIS IS THE NATIONAL DEADLINE DATE.

If a team drops before the zone season is over, all zone games will be removed from the schedule. This includes all games played prior to that date as well as all games on the remaining schedule. The remaining teams’ zone results will be adjusted accordingly for all game (wins or losses) results prior to the date.

If a disqualified team wants to return to American Legion play the next season it must pay a $500 non-refundable penalty fee plus the regular registration fee.  This fee must be paid at the State Meeting which they attend and are reinstated.  Please note that this $500 penalty is intended for teams requesting to return that have not substantially changed their leadership.  The State Committee retains the right to waive this penalty if they decide that a substantially new leadership should not be responsible for mistakes made by the people previously in charge. 

The zone chairman shall immediately notify the state director with the names of teams that forfeit games during the season.  

The State Committee is especially concerned that teams may use players known to be ineligible in order to avoid forfeitures of games due to lack of players.  Because of ethical and liability issues, this behavior will lead to severe penalties – up to and including the removal of responsible coaches and/or entire teams.    

4 If a game must be postponed for weather related issues, or some other reason approved by the State Director or his designee, it shall be played depending upon field availability by one of the 2 teams on the next mutually open date (commitments to tournaments and trips that have been previously posted on the team’s  website schedule, & reasonable end of the year school related functions are okay but non-zone games must be cancelled)   U19 and U17 teams will not be  required to play more than 5 days in a row although they may choose to do so. U15 and U13 teams will not be required to play more than 4 days in a row  although they may choose to do so. Teams that do give up home games may switch a later away game to their home field.  Games not made up on the next open  date, as described above, will result in the game counting as a loss for both teams.  The zone chairman should be consulted by the home team manager for  approval of the schedule change. 

5.  When it is necessary to change a field for a scheduled game, other than for weather, the visiting team manager shall be notified twenty-four (24) hours before  game time. 

6.  Suspended games may be completed on the date of the next scheduled meeting between the two teams if feasible, otherwise, they must be rescheduled  according to paragraph 5 above. 

M. Helmets. – same as National Rule #1M 

N.  Insurance Rule. – In addition to the National Rule: 

All American Legion Baseball teams must purchase insurance from The American Legion’s agent of record (K & K Insurance). Coverage must be purchasedwhen registering through the National Online Registration Process prior to the team’s first tryout, game, team activity, or Feb 15th – whichever comes first.

        NOTE: 2024 17U, 15U, and 13U must purchase insurance through The Connecticut Baseball Program and follow the same rule. Violation of this rule may result in the disqualification from any further competition.  

All teams must carry their Form 2s to all games. If a player is hurt this form may be required by the clinic or service the player is taken to for treatment as it has the insurance and contact information. 

O.  Lightning Safety – National Rule #1O

When thunder is heard, or a lightning bolt is seen play will be suspended immediately and all playing personnel will take shelter. Once play has been suspended teams are required to wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard or lightning is witnessed before play can resume. For any subsequent thunder or lightning after the initial suspension the clock is reset and a new 30-minute count is begun. Connecticut will not follow National Rule 1.O.4 (electronic detection devices.) 

P.  National Senior Tournament Rules – same as National Rule #1P 

Q.  On Deck Equipment. – same as National Rule #1Q. 

R.  Pitching Rule: 

  Note: Sections highlighted in blue are the National Pitching rule #1R 

U-19:  No player may pitch more than a total of 105 pitches per day. A pitcher will be allowed to finish a batter if he reaches or exceeds the maximum limit during an at bat, but must exit the position after that hitter. No player may enter the game as a pitcher unless having fulfilled the required rest days as mandated in the chart below. No player may make more than two appearances as a pitcher in any consecutive three-day period. PENALTY: The pitcher shall be removed from the game, the head coach shall be ejected from the game and serve an additional two game suspension if a protest is filed with the umpire-in-chief before the last out of the game. 

All teams must carry their Form 2s to all games. If a player is hurt this form may be required by the clinic or service the player is aken to for treatment as it has the insurance and contact information.

U17: No player may pitch more than a total of 95 pitches per day. A pitcher will be allowed to finish a batter if he reaches or exceeds the maximum limit during an at bat, but must exit the position after that hitter. No player may enter the game as a pitcher unless having fulfilled the required rest days as mandated in the chart below. No player may make more than two appearances as a pitcher in any consecutive three-day period. PENALTY: The pitcher shall be removed from the game, the head coach shall be ejected from the game and serve an additional two game suspension if a protest is filed with the umpire-in-chief before the last out of the game. 

     U15, 13: No player may pitch more than a total of 90 pitches per day. A pitcher will be allowed to finish a batter if he reaches or exceeds the maximum limit during an at bat, but must exit the position after that hitter. No player may enter the game as a pitcher unless having fulfilled the required rest days as mandated in the chart below. No player may make more than two appearances as a pitcher in any consecutive three-day period. PENALTY: The pitcher shall be removed from the game, the head coach shall be ejected from the game and serve an additional two game suspension if a protest is filed with the umpire-in-chief before the last out of the game. 

The chart below outlines required days or Rest and applies to all games played by a team during the season including non-zone and non-legion games

Rule 1.R.3 If a pitcher throws 45 or fewer pitches in game one of multiple games on the same day, he may return to pitch in game 2, up to the maximum 105 total pitches (in CT 95 for 17U, 90 for 15U) for the day as long as he has an appearance available. If a pitcher throws more than 45 pitches in game 1 he would be ineligible to pitch in game 2.  

Rule 1.R.4. (CT rule) If a team brings a pitcher who is ineligible under the pitch count rule into a game the offending team will forfeit the game and the head coach will be suspended for 3 games (i.e. a major infraction). The infraction must be discovered and reported to the Zone Chairman no later than the last date to play a regular season game. If the infraction occurs in a state tournament game, it must be reported by midnight of the day when the infraction occurred. 

In addition to the National Rule, in order to enforce pitch count rules:

A. Each team will keep a record of pitches for both teams during the game and teams will compare counts and resolve discrepancies at the end of each inning. If teams cannot resolve their differences the home team book shall prevail per the rules of baseball. Teams may use electronic or paper means to track pitch counts. Each team is required to enter accurate data into the state website by noon of the day following the game. 

B. If a team fails to enter pitch count data to the website by noon of the day following the game, that game will be recorded as a forfeit and the team manager will be suspended for the next game. The penalties will be removed if the data is updated within 24 hours.

C. Teams will be required to carry their pitch count record (either electronically or by book) with them to each game and be prepared to present this documentation to the opposing team on demand prior to the start of each game. Teams should indicate which players are unavailable to pitch on the lineup card  at the start of each game. 

S. Re-Entry Rule – Per the option in National Rule #1S:

1. Re-entry for starters will be allowed for U-19 Division during the regular season and state tournament but is not permitted in the national tournament that begins with our final double elimination event. Re-entry for starters will be allowed in both the regular season and state tournaments for U17, U15 and Age 13 as per National rules 

T. Tobacco/Alcohol Rule

1. No tobacco is to be used in any form by players, managers, coaches and or umpires on the playing field. Failure to comply with this rule shall be suspension for that game plus the next 2 games (minor infraction).  For this rule, the dugouts, batting cages, seating areas, refreshment stands, and other similar locations are considered part of the playing field.

2.  The use of alcohol and or drugs by any player, coach, manager or other persons affiliated with American Legion baseball teams is prohibited. All teams are  encouraged to have a written policy on alcohol and drug use that is presented and agreed to by all team personnel prior to the start of each season. 

No alcoholic beverages or cannabis products are to be sold or consumed at any ballpark during American Legion baseball games, and further, any agreement for the use of any facility for Department American Legion baseball must contain a "No Alcohol" beverage clause. Any player, coach, or team-affiliated member found drinking alcoholic beverages or using cannabis products at the ballpark before, during or after a legion baseball game would be suspended for a minimum of 4 games (major infraction).  Any additional penalty will be determined by the State Director or his designee.  No advertisements for alcoholic beverages or cannabis products should appear on any uniform.  In cases where a ballpark is used by more than just the American Legion team, these rules shall only apply to American Legion events (Legion teams should not be discouraged from attempting to gain use of minor league and major league facilities where possible – this rule is not intended to preclude such usage of facilities that sell alcohol at professional games).

U. All American Legion Regular Season and Tournament games shall use a 10-run rule after five innings for a 7 inning game unless the home team is ahead by 10 runs or more after 4 ½ innings at which time that game will be halted.                                                                           

Clarification – if the visiting team leads by 10 or more runs after 4 ½ innings, the home team must complete its turn at bat before the game can be ended by this rule.

V. Uniforms. – see National Rule #1V

Additional Rules

1. Suspended Games – In addition to the National Rule, regular season games will follow Pro Rules 4.12, with the following exception: all non-regulation games will be picked up from the point of stoppage.  The following examples should clarify this rule:

1. any game cancelled prior to becoming a regulation game in the 5th inning, will now be continued from the point it is stopped

2. once a game is a regulation game (home team winning after the visiting team has 

hit in the top of the 5th inning or either team winning after the home team has hit in the         bottom of the 5th inning), and weather or other conditions force the game to be stopped, it is over unless the visiting team ties or takes the lead in a subsequent inning and the home team doesn’t have a chance to bat.  In that case, it is a suspended game and must be continued from that point at a later time (See rule I.L6).

2. Lineups – In addition to the National Rule, teams should list all eligible starters and substitutes on their lineup card prior to the start of the game. Players omitted from the lineup card who are listed on the official team roster – National Form 1 or State Team Pre-Roster that have eligibility can participate in the game without penalty to the team. Teams should also note on the lineup card any pitchers who are ineligible to pitch in that game due to the days of rest rule. 

3. Umpires – In addition to the National Rule, all umpires are required to be members in good standing of the Connecticut State Board of Approved Baseball Umpires.  This rule covers all regular season zone and non-zone games, regular season tournaments, and state and national tournament games played on our fields where the selection of umpires is under our teams or State Committee control, and all games played throughout the year (i.e. spring and fall).  

4. Championship and Tiebreaker Formats – In addition to National Rules, a zone champion and final order of finish will be determined from regular season results – first by head to head record, then by record against teams in order of finish. See state tournament rule 11.  All zone positions for U19 and U17 must be determined by results of regular season games by Sunday Jul. 21.  Please note that to count in the standings, no game may start after 6 pm on the last day of the season unless approved by the state chairman in advance and game results must be reported to both the Zone Chairman and the State Director immediately after the game.  The state tournaments will begin on July 23 or 24 at the site of the higher seed. Final standings for U15 must be completed by Tuesday July 23 and the state tournament will begin on July 26 at the site of the higher seeds. Final standings for Age 13 must be completed by Friday, July 26. The state tournaments will begin on July 28 at the site of the higher seeds.