TCS Rules

This will be considered the official playing rules of the Tri-County Select Youth Baseball and Softball
League (TCS). The TCS League consists of the following individual associations: Belpre, Godbey, Marietta
Bantam, Mineral Wells, Ravenswood, St. Marys, Vienna, and Warren. Each association will follow their
own bylaws, codes of conduct, and policies currently in place as they pertain to their fields. If a situation
is not covered by the rules set below, the default direction will be the NFHS Rules, confirmed by the
Board of TCS.

General

General
1) There will be a 5 run maximum that teams may score in innings 1-5 of a sixth inning game (1-6 of a
seven inning game), except when a batted ball travels over a fence. Teams need to record 3 outs in
inning number 6 (or 7). (14u baseball will have a limit of 7 runs per inning)
2) Any player receiving a walk may round first and try for second at own risk.
3) Runners must avoid intentional contact with any player when advancing. Runners should slide when a
play is at the plate, 2nd, or 3rd base. It is umpire’s discretion to call runners out for failing to slide or
making unnecessary contact. Coaches need to get their catchers off the plate and other fielders off
bases when no play is being made at the plate or any base. Any intentional running over the catcher by
a runner will result in that runner being declared out, and the possibility of the umpire ejecting the said
runner.
4) Slung bat will be a team warning for the first offense and after that will result in the batter being
declared out.
5) There will be no appeals for a runner missing a base, leaving early on a tag up or obstruction by a
fielder. If the Ump sees the infraction, he will signal delay dead ball and make his ruling when the play is
dead.
6) Interference from a runner to a fielder will result in a dead ball. Runner will be declared out; batter
will receive 1 free base and any additional runners will move up or stay at the base they occupied prior to
infraction. (Umpire’s discretion)
7) If a coach, player, or spectator is thrown out of a game they will be suspended for one game thereafter
the offense. They will leave the premises immediately, failure to do so will result in a forfeit by that
team. If a coach, player, or spectator is thrown out for a second time, they will be disqualified from the
league.
8) A player may only be rostered on one team within an age bracket for the season.

Equipment

Equipment

1) The batter, all runners and on deck hitter are always required to wear a helmet while on the field.
2) All bats must have USSSA (1.15 BPF for baseball 1.20 BPF for softball) or USA stamp to be approved
for play. Wood bats are permitted in baseball and must be designated for youth play. BBCOR Bats are
permitted in 12u and 14u baseball only. *Bats which meet these rules will be allowed in league play
unless the bat is listed on the USSSA Withdrawn/Non-Compliant Bats List.
3) All helmets must be NOCSAE approved.
5) The use of hit sticks or like devices are prohibited once the game begins.
6) Heart Guards are required for all pitchers. Protective face masks are required for 8u pitchers.
7) Catcher must wear NOCSAE approved headgear with mask, chest protector, shin guards and athletic
supporter with cup.
8) All 8u & 10u softball players must wear a protective face mask while playing defense.
9) Baseballs/softballs will be provided by the home team. Baseballs will be a full leather construct.
8u/10u softball will use the optic yellow 11” with a core of .47 or less. 12u/14u softball will use the optic
yellow 12” with a core of .47 or less.

Line-ups and Rosters

Line Ups & Rosters
1) Line ups must be exchanged between coaches and scorekeepers prior to games. Lineups must list
name on back of jersey and uniform number. The home team will be the official book.
2) The home team is responsible to report the score of the game into the league in a matter to be
determined at coaches meeting prior to season start within 24 hours of the game completion.
3) A team may start and finish a game with 8 players, but that team must take an out in the 9th spot of
the batting line-up. 8U & 10U teams starting a game with 9 players will not have to take an out in the
l0th spot.
4) A player showing up late after lineups have been exchanged or game has started, will go into the last
spot in the batting order and begin playing in the field whenever the coach decides.
5) Team Rosters- each team must submit a team roster with full names and birthdates for all kids on the
team prior to the start of the season. No kid may be added to any roster after that date without
permission from league commissioner or league board.

Pitching - Baseball/Softball

Pitching

Baseball
1) Any player on a regular season team may pitch. (NOTE: There is no limit to the number of pitchers a
team may use in a game.)
2) A pitcher once removed from the mound cannot return as a pitcher.
3) The manager must remove the pitcher when said pitcher reaches the limit for his/her age group as
noted below, but the pitcher may remain in the game at another position

Division	Daily Max	0 Days	1 Day	2 Days	3 Days	4 Days
10U	75	1-20	21-35	36-50	51-65	66+
12U	85	1-20	21-35	36-50	51-65	66+
14U	95	1-20	21-35	36-50	51-65	66+

One day of rest is considered one calendar day regardless of what time the game is played. If a pitcher
throws enough pitches to dictate one day of rest on the 1st, they shall rest on the 2nd and can pitch again
on the 3rd
.
Exception: If a pitcher reaches the limit imposed in the above chart for his/her league age while facing a
batter, the pitcher may continue to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. that batter
reaches base; 2. that batter is put out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning or game.
Exception: If a pitcher reaches a day(s) of rest threshold while facing a batter, the pitcher may continue
to pitch until any one of the following conditions occurs: 1. that batter reaches base; 2. that batter is put
out; 3. The third out is made to complete the half-inning or game. The pitcher will only be required to
observe calendar day(s) of rest for the threshold he/she reached during that at-bat, if pitcher is
removed, or the game is completed before delivering a pitch to another batter.
4) The home team will keep a “Pitch Card” for each game that will be confirmed by both teams in
between innings. Submission of this card will be required by the home team during the submission of
the game score. It is the responsibility of each head coach to confirm the pitch totals are correct before
signing card. Once card is signed, it is official.
5) A pitcher may play any position in the field after leaving the mound. This includes the catcher’s
position.
6) Mound height should be 6” high.
7) Pitchers will be given ample time to warm up prior to entering a game (8pitches)

Softball

1) A single pitcher can pitch a maximum of four innings per game. One pitch during an inning is
considered an inning pitched. In the event of a double header, pitchers are limited to a total of 7 innings
pitched in a day.

Game Length

Game Length
1) Baseball 8u, 10u, 12u: 6 innings 14u: 7 innings
Softball 8u, 10u, 12u,14u: 6 innings
2) Two hour time limit for all games. Once time limit is reached, current inning will be completed. The
umpire may stop the game at 2 1⁄2 hours (Hard Stop) if the score is extremely lopsided. Game will revert
to last completed inning unless home team is ahead. The start of a new inning will begin when the last
out is recorded of the previous inning. Score will revert to last completed inning unless home team is
ahead.
3) If because of darkness or time limit a game is called, the score of the last completed inning will count
as the official score of the game, unless home team is leading. (Except for playoff games)
4) Coaches and umpires should ensure all players hustle on and off the field between innings to try to get
a full 6(7) innings played.
5) Courtesy runners may be used for pitchers and catchers but only with 2 outs.
6) Speed up play - Batters shall keep one foot in the box during an At-Bat unless time is call, a foul ball
occurs, or a play is being made at the plate.
7) No coach shall try to employ tactics to slow the progress of the game to ensure a win.
8) 4 innings will be considered a regulation (complete) game (3 1⁄2 if Home team is ahead) and those
scores will be recorded, except for playoff games. If the game is canceled due to rain/lightning prior to
the 4th inning being completed, then the game will be picked up exactly where it ended on another
night.
9) If one team has a lead of 10 runs or more after the game becomes a regulation game (4 Innings
complete), the game is over.
10) For 10u, 12u and 14u during the regular season, when the game is tied after six/seven innings have
been played, a “Texas Shootout” will take place. As follows; last out in inning is put on 2nd base, and
each batter starts with 3-2 count. Players who pitch these innings, pitches will count in their pitch totals.
For 8u, extra innings will be played with the same rules as the 6th inning.
11) All playoff games will be six(seven) innings unless the mercy rule is in effect. In addition, all playoff
games will go to extra innings if tied after the sixth inning or any inning after that (No Texas Shootout).

Cancellations

Game Cancellations, Make Up Games and Playoffs
NEW FORMAT FOR 2023
The season will consist of 12 games scheduled within 6 weeks. The first 8 games scheduled within the
first 4 weeks will be developmental games. The games will be played as normal and score will be kept,
however the result will not determine end of season seeding for playoffs. We request that all of these
games play a full Six (6) innings or to the Two (2) hour time limit, whichever comes first, regardless of
the score. The last 4 games scheduled during the last two weeks will be considered seeding games.
These games will be played as normal and their result will be used to determine end of season seeding
for playoffs. Six (6) of the first Eight (8) games must be played to make it to the seeding games. All Four
(4) seeding games must be played to qualify for the end of season playoffs.

1) It is the home team’s responsibility to coordinate and reschedule all make up games at the earliest
time that both teams can be available. All games that are cancelled, should be scheduled within 48
hours to be played within ten days of the original date (if possible).

2) If both teams cannot agree on a date and time within 48 hours, the league scheduler will reach out to
the organization rep of the two teams involved and determine when to reschedule the game at the
earliest date that a field and umpire are available.

3) All teams will be placed in the end of season tournament provided they have played a minimum
number of games during the season. Games won by forfeit will be considered a game played however a
game lost by forfeit will NOT be considered a game played. (Minimum 10 games of 12 game season.
Minimum 12 games of 14 game season)

4) In order for a player on the team roster to be eligible for the end of season tournament, he/she must
play in a minimum of 8 games during the regular season for their respective team. Exceptions can be
made for kids that are injured when the season starts or suffer an injury during the season. All
exceptions will be voted on by the board of the TCS.

5) A catch-all make-up date will be selected prior to season starts. This date will be set up to host all
make-up games at one location that have yet to be made up.

6) It is in everyone’s best interest to play all games on the schedule.

7) Any team that does not qualify for the playoffs or any team that chooses not to play will be removed
from the seeding and all other teams will move up for seeding purposes. If any team is to receive a bye,
it will be the top seed(s).
8) Teams that do not qualify for the playoffs will not be eligible for end of season awards.

Age specific rules

Age Specific Rules

8u Baseball
1) Game Length: 6 innings
2) No Metal Cleats
3) Player catchers will be optional; a coach will/can stand behind the plate/catcher to retrieve the ball. If
a team does not use a catcher, any ball that travels less than 10 feet in front of the plate in fair territory
will be considered a dead ball/no pitch and the at bat will continue.
4) No more than two 8U coaches are permitted on the field (outfield only) when their team is on
defense.
5) 8U will play lead runner. Once lead runner is stopped and is not attempting to advance, the play will
be considered dead. Throwing the ball to the circle DOES NOT STOP THE PLAY. You must keep the lead
runner from advancing. If an umpire is present, they will call “Time” to end the play.
6) All batters will get up to 5 pitches regardless of whether they swing or not. The at bat will continue if
the 5th pitch is fouled off. Any hit ball that hits the coach pitcher will be considered a dead ball/no pitch.
Batter remains at the plate; all base runners will not advance. Pitching distance will be a minimum of 30
feet. Player pitcher must be within 6 feet of coach pitcher and cannot be closer to the batter than the
coach pitcher.
7) Infield fly will not be in effect.
8) Each team can field 10 defensive players (5 infielders and 5 outfielders)
9) Every team member present will be put in the batting line-up.
10) With all players being put in the lineup this enables coaches to play any player at any position any
inning during the game. Players must play a minimum of 2 innings ondefense.
11) If an injury or a situation other than ejection occurs causing a player to have to leave game, they are
just skipped over in the lineup with no automatic out occurring. If a player is ejected from a game, it will
be an automatic out when their spot in the lineup comes up.
12) If a team has less than 10 players, they may bring up players from a lower age group within their
home league to get to 10 players. Those said players being called up must bat in the last positions of the
lineup and play outfield on defense.
13) No headfirst slides unless diving back to a bag

10u Baseball

1) Game Length 6 innings
2) No Metal Cleats
3) Pitcher’s rubber will be set at 46 feet and base paths will be 60 feet.
4) No leading off. If a player is caught leaving early the ump shall declare no pitch and on the first
occasion give a team warning. On any other occasion after a team has received a warning the ump will
declare the base runner out.
5) There will be no cat and mouse between catcher, pitcher, and runner on 3rd base.
- Runner on 3rd may attempt to advance on a passed ball, a batted ball, or if a play is being made on
him/her or anywhere else in the field.
- If the catcher catches the pitch and makes a clean throw back to the pitcher, the runner on 3rd may not
advance on the throw unless the pitcher fails to catch it.
- Once runner takes a step back to third, he/she must return to 3rd base unless a play is being made on
him/her or elsewhere in the field or if the pitcher fails to catch the return throw.
6) There are no intentional walks in 10U.
7) Infield fly rule will be in effect and drop 3rd strike will not be played in 10u.
8) Each team can field 10 defensive players
9) Every team member present will be put in the batting line-up.
10) With all players being put in the lineup this enables coaches to play any player at any position any
inning during the game. Players must play a minimum of 2 innings ondefense.
11) If an injury or a situation other than ejection occurs causing a player to have to leave game, they are
just skipped over in the lineup with no automatic out occurring (unless that drops the team down to 8
players or below). If a player is ejected from a game, it will be an automatic out when their spot in the
line np comesup.
12) If a team has less than 10 players, they may bring up players from a lower age group within their
home league to get to 10 players. Those said players being called up must bat in the last positions of the
lineup, play outfield on defense, and cannot pitch.
13) No headfirst slides unless diving back to a bag

12u Baseball

1) Game Length 6 innings
2) No Metal Cleats
3) Pitcher’s rubber will be set at 50 feet and base baths will be 70 feet.
4) Leading off will be allowed and balks will be called
5) Intentional walks are allowed in 12U. (No pitches will be thrown; batter will be awarded first)
6) Infield fly rule will be in effect and drop 3rd strike will be played in 12u.
7) Headfirst slides are legal.
8) Each team will field 9 defensive players
9) Every team member present will be put in the batting line-up.
10) With all players being put in the lineup this enables coaches to play any player at any position any
inning during the game. Players must play a minimum of 2 innings on defense.
11) If an injury or a situation other than ejection occurs causing a player to have to leave game, they are
just skipped over in the lineup with no automatic out occurring (unless that drops the team down to 8
players or below). If a player is ejected from a game, it will be an automatic out when their spot in the
lineup comesup.
12) If a team has less than 9 players, they may bring up players from a lower age group within their home
league to get to 9 players. Those said players being called up must bat in the last positions of the lineup,
play outfield on defense, and cannot pitch.

14u Baseball

1) Game Length 7 innings
2) Metal Cleats are allowed, except for on portable mounds.
3) Pitcher’s rubber will be set at 60 feet 6 inches and base baths will be 90 feet.
4) Leading off will be allowed and balks will be called
5) Intentional walks are allowed in 14U. (No pitches will be thrown; batter will be awarded first)
6) Infield fly rule will be in effect and drop 3rd strike will be played in 14u.
7) Headfirst slides are legal.
8) Each team will field 9 defensive players
9) Teams can bat 9 players, the entire line-up or anywhere in between, based on the coach’s decision. If
batting less than entire roster, substitution rules will apply.
10) If batting the entire lineup and an injury or a situation other than ejection occurs causing a player to
have to leave game, they are just skipped over in the lineup with no automatic out occurring (unless that
drops the team down to 8 players or below). If a player is ejected from a game, it will be an automatic
out when their spot in the lineup comesup.
11) Players must play a minimum of 2 innings ondefense.
12) If a team has less than 9 players, they may bring up players from a lower age group within their home
league to get to 9 players. Those said players being called up must bat in the last positions of the lineup,
play outfield on defense, and cannot pitch.
13) Bats must be drop 5 or heavier and can be up to 2-5/8” barrel

8u Softball

1) Game Length: 6 innings
2) No Metal Cleats
3) Player catchers will be optional; a coach will/can stand behind the plate/catcher to retrieve the ball. If
a team does not use a catcher, any ball that travels less than 10 feet in front of the plate in fair territory
will be considered a dead ball/no pitch and the at bat will continue.
4) No more than two 8U coaches are permitted on the field (outfield only) when their team is on
defense.
5) 8U will play lead runner. Once lead runner is stopped and is not attempting to advance, the play will
be considered dead. Throwing the ball to the circle DOES NOT STOP THE PLAY. You must keep the lead
runner from advancing. If an umpire is present, they will call “Time” to end the play.
6) All batters will get up to 5 pitches regardless of whether they swing or not. The at bat will continue if
the 5th pitch is fouled off. Any hit ball that hits the coach pitcher will be considered a dead ball/no pitch.
Batter remains at the plate; all base runners will not advance. Pitching distance will be a minimum of 30
feet. Player pitcher must be within 6 feet of coach pitcher and cannot be closer to the batter than the
coach pitcher.
7) Infield fly will not be in effect.
8) Each team can field 10 defensive players (5 infielders and 5 outfielders) or if they choose to use a
catcher (1 catcher, 5 infielders, 4 outfielders)
9) Every team member present will be put in the batting line-up.
10) With all players being put in the lineup this enables coaches to play any player at any position any
inning during the game. Players must play a minimum of 2 innings ondefense.
11) If an injury or a situation other than ejection occurs causing a player to have to leave game, they are
just skipped over in the lineup with no automatic out occurring. If a player is ejected from a game, it will
be an automatic out when their spot in the line np comesup.
12) If a team has less than 10 players, they may bring up players from a lower age group within their
home league to get to 10 players. Those said players being called up must bat in the last positions of the
lineup and play outfield on defense.
13) No headfirst slides unless diving back to a bag

10u/12u/14u Softball

1) Game Length 6 innings
2) No Metal Cleats
3) Pitcher’s rubber will be set at 35 feet for 10u, 40 feet for 12u and 43 feet for 14u and base paths will
be 60 feet.
4) No leading off. If a player is caught leaving early the ump shall declare no pitch and on the first
occasion give a team warning. On any other occasion after a team has received a warning the ump will
declare the base runner out.
5) There are no intentional walks in 10u. Intentional walks are allowed in 12u/14u.
6) Infield fly rule will be in effect
7) No drop 3rd in 10u. Drop 3rd will be played in 12u/14u.
8) Each team can field 10 defensive players
9) Every team member present will be put in the batting line-up.
10) With all players being put in the lineup this enables coaches to play any player at any position any
inning during the game. Players must play a minimum of 2 innings ondefense.
11) If an injury or a situation other than ejection occurs causing a player to have to leave game, they are
just skipped over in the lineup with no automatic out occurring (unless that drops the team down to 8
players or below). If a player is ejected from a game, it will be an automatic out when their spot in the
line np comesup.
12) If a team has less than 10 players, they may bring up players from a lower age group within their
home league to get to 10 players. Those said players being called up must bat in the last positions of the
lineup, play outfield on defense, and cannot pitch.
13) No headfirst slides unless diving back to a bag
14) The look-back rule is in effect when the pitcher has possession of the ball in the pitcher's circle
during a live ball and the batter-runner has reached first base. When the look back rule is in effect, any
runner, who is stopped off base, must immediately advance to the next base or return to the base left
and any runner, who is in motion, may stop once but then must immediately advance or return. The
responsibility is completely on the runner. There is no obligation on the pitcher to look, fake, or throw.
Failure to immediately proceed will result in the runner being declared out. Once the runner has
returned or stops at any base for any reason, she will be declared out if she leaves the base. The runner
is released from the look-back rule when: 1. A play is made on her or another runner. 2. The pitcher
leaves the circle or drops the ball. 3. The pitcher releases the ball to the batter.

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