From:  Steven M. Tellefsen, President/CEO

Date:  September 13, 2007

To:  Babe Ruth Softball Presidents

Re:  2008 Rule Changes – Softball

 

The following rule changes have been approved for 2008 and will be reflected in the 2008 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules and Regulations:

1..     Rule 0.04 – The Coaches Education Program will be added as a new Paragraph 5 - “Babe Ruth League, Inc. rostered managers and coaches are required to complete coaching education and certification.”

2.     Tournament Regulations – Rule 11.04 Documents, Paragraph 1 - “Coaching Certification I.D. Card or Certificate.  Tournament Managers and Coaches must complete coaching education and certification prior to the start of their first level of tournament competition” will be added as letter (h).

3.     Tournament Regulations - Rule 11.06, Paragraph 7 will be changed to indicate the following: The host teams for all divisions of Babe Ruth Baseball, having received eligibility approval from Babe Ruth League, Inc. and at their League President’s discretion, shall be eligible to enter official tournament competition one level below the tournament level they will be hosting.

4.    All Divisions - Rule 1.16 (b) The use of face guards on all batting helmets will be required for all divisions and levels of play.

5.    All Divisions – Rule 2.00 “Courtesy Runner” The pitcher and/or catcher may have a courtesy runner run for them every time they are up to bat. Each courtesy runner used must be a player who is not in the game at the time. Each courtesy runner may only pinch run once per inning.

6.   All Divisions – Rule 1.11(h) Uniforms for team managers and coaches – The team manager and coaches will be required to wear identical uniforms consisting of the following: (1) a collared shirt in the same colors as style and in the same colors as the team’s uniform, (2) dress shorts or pants of the same style and in the same colors as the team’s uniform, and (3) athletic footwear including running shoes, sneakers, cleats and excluding open toed footwear.

7.    Softball 12U Division Only – Rule 11.05, paragraph 12: 12U division only, the pitcher may not pitch more than nine (9) innings in any two (2) successive tournament games within the same tournament level.

8.   10U Tournament Only – Rule 3 Stealing is permitted. (Please note LOCAL LEAGUE PLAY can still prohibit stealing during all Local League Play.)

As always, thank you for the time you invest for the benefit of our young athletes. We value the opinion of our membership and base our future actions and any rule/policy changes on a group consensus.  Our goal has always been, and will continue to be, to keep as many players as possible in the great game of baseball and to make it a fun and memorable experience for all.

In closing, we truly appreciate your extra efforts and dedication in helping make 2007 another successful season for our participants.

SMT/tc

cc:    District and State Commissioners

        Board of Directors