GLACIER CAL RIPKEN 
MAJORS DIVISION
Local League Rules

Game Times
Games are 6 innings, or no new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes. If the game is tied after 6 innings, extra inning
s will be played if the time limit hasn’t been reached. In extra innings, the Tiebreaker Rule (*see below) will be used. League 
games can end in a tie, but tournament games can’t end in a tie. The Home Plate Umpire determines whether or not 
the game is to be suspended due to darkness, weather, etc.

Tiebreaker Rule
In the event of a tie after 6 innings (or the last inning, if game is shortened due to time limit), the International Tie 
Breaker (ITB) rule goes into effect. At the start of each inning, a runner is placed on second base with one out. The 
runner is the last batter to make an out in the previous inning. At least one full inning is played, allowing each team the 
same chance to score.

Playing Requirements
The team must bat through its complete roster every game, and each ballplayer must play a minimum of 2 defensive 
innings. For disciplinary reasons, this requirement may be waived, provided that disciplinary action for more than one 
game arising out of the same event requires board approval. Coaches are expected to play each ballplayer at various 
positions throughout the season. Ballplayers are not to be categorized and should have an opportunity to experience 
numerous positions. Glacier Cal Ripken has “Free Substitution”, so that coaches can move players into various positions. 
Free Substitution is allowed in all positions except Pitcher (this will be discussed in the Pitching Category).

Specific Major 70’ Rules

Stealing: All bases. Leads are permitted. No restrictions. 
Dropped Third Strike: A catcher must catch the third strike to complete the out, regardless if a batter swings or not. If 
the catcher does not catch the third strike and first base is NOT occupied, the batter can run to first base. The catcher 
can either tag out the batter or throw to first to record an out. The batter can run to first and be called safe if the out is 
not recorded as mentioned. This same rule applies whenever there are two outs, regardless if first base is occupied or 
not. This is a live ball situation meaning the base runners are not forced to advance but they can run at their own risk. If 
they do choose to run, a tag is required since this is not a force play. 

Balks:
A balk is an action by a pitcher, deliberately or accidentally, that could deceive a base runner. There are many 
ways a pitcher can balk. Most common at this level are:
• The pitcher begins to make the motions typically associated with delivering a pitch but ceases during its delivery.
• When pitching from the "stretch" position, the pitcher does not come to a complete stop with his/her hands together.
• With the pitcher’s foot in contact with the pitching rubber, the pitcher fakes a throw to a base that is not occupied by a 
runner or fakes a throw to first base when it is occupied. Failing to complete a throw to first base after stepping toward 
the base or beginning to throw is ruled the same as faking a throw.
• With the pitcher’s foot in contact with the pitching rubber, the pitcher throws to a base before or without stepping 
toward that base. The pitcher is permitted throw anywhere after stepping off the rubber.
• The pitcher makes a motion typically associated with his pitching motion but his foot is not touching the pitching 
rubber.
• When he does not possess the ball, the pitcher takes a stance astride the pitching rubber, or with his foot in contact 
with the pitching rubber as though he has the ball.
• After pausing in the "set" position, the pitcher removes one hand from the ball or separates his hands without making 
a pitch or throw.
• The pitcher drops the ball on the pitcher's mound while his foot is in contact with the pitching rubber.
An initial balk warning (not used in tournaments) will be used by the umpire as a way to explain to the pitcher what 
he/she did wrong. This will happen throughout the season and will be the umpire’s discretion on when to actually 
enforce the extra base balk rule (usually during the second half of the season). The umpire will give both teams the same 
treatment which will be explained prior to the game. 

Mercy Rule
A game will be called when a team leads by 12 or more runs after 4 official innings have been completed. A game will be 
called when a team leads by 10 or more runs after 5 official innings have been completed. If both coaches agree, play 
may be continued unofficially to provide players with extra experience, but all pitching limits still apply.

Fielding
A team will field the 9 positions required in baseball. The team will bat the entire roster but only play 9 in the field.

Pitching
Regular Season – A pitcher may only pitch 6 innings per calendar week; a calendar week is Monday through Sunday. A 
pitcher must have 2 calendar days rest between pitching assignments if he/she pitches more than 2 innings in any one 
game. The starting pitcher is the ONLY PITCHER that is allowed to re-enter as pitcher, as long as he/she was not 
removed during the middle of an inning.

Tournament Play – A pitcher may not pitch more than 6 innings in two consecutive games (aka “Rolling 6“)
(i.e) Game 1 – Pitcher A pitches 2 innings
Game 2 – Pitcher A can pitch 4 innings
Game 3 – Pitcher A can pitch 2 innings
The starting pitcher is the ONLY PITCHER that is allowed to re-enter as pitcher, as long as he/she was not removed 
during the middle of an inning.

Catching
Catchers must wear athletic supporters and protective cups when catching during practices and games. 
ALL PLAYERS SHOULD WEAR ATHLETIC SUPPORTERS.

All other rules can be found in the 2022 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules & Regulations & Official Playing Rules


MINORS DIVISION

Local League Rules
Game Times Games are 6 innings, or no new inning after 1 hour 45 minutes. If the game is tied after 6 innings, extra innings will be played if the time limit hasn’t been reached. In extra innings, the Tiebreaker Rule (*see below) will be used. League games can end in a tie, but tournament games can’t end in a tie. The Home Plate Umpire determines whether or not the game is to be suspended due to darkness, weather, etc.

Tiebreaker Rule
In the event of a tie after 6 innings (or the last inning, if game is shortened due to time limit), the International Tie Breaker (ITB) rule goes into effect. At the start of each inning, a runner is placed on second base with one out. The runner is the last batter to make an out in the previous inning. At least one full inning is played, allowing each team the same chance to score.

Playing Requirements
The team must bat through its complete roster every game, and each ballplayer must play a minimum of 2 defensive innings. For disciplinary reasons, this requirement may be waived, provided that disciplinary action for more than one game arising out of the same event requires board approval. Coaches are expected to play each ballplayer at various positions throughout the season. Ballplayers are not to be categorized into specific positions at this age, but should have an opportunity to experience numerous positions. Glacier Cal Ripken has “Free Substitution”, so that coaches can move players into various positions. Free Substitution is allowed in all positions except Pitcher (this will be discussed in the Pitching Category).

5-Run Rule
No more than five runs are allowed per inning, except the 6th inning or extra innings. In the 6th inning or extra innings, play continues until the 3rd out.

Stealing Bases
Base runners may steal all bases, except for home on a passed ball by the catcher during the first two weeks of the regular season. After the first two weeks, open stealing is allowed to all bases. Base runners may also advance on an errant throw from the catcher to the pitcher. The ball must cross the front of the plate before the base runner can advance.

Advancing Runners / Overthrows
Base runners may advance on overthrows at their own risk. Once the pitcher has the ball and is in the dirt/turf area of the mound, the play is dead and the runners must return to their base. A runner who is legitimately advancing (umpire’s discretion) when the pitcher receives the ball may continue to the next base at the risk of being put out.

Mercy Rule
A game will be called when a team leads by 12 or more runs after 4 official innings have been completed. A game will be called when a team leads by 10 or more runs after 5 official innings have been completed. If both coaches agree, play may be continued unofficially to provide players with extra experience, but all pitching limits still apply.

Fielding
10 positions will be played, the regular 1 – 9 positions and an extra outfield (Rover) position. This is to enable more playing time for the youngsters. The extra player must start from the outfield grass before the pitch and remain on the grass until the pitch crosses the plate.

Pitching
Regular Season – A pitcher may only pitch 6 innings per calendar week; a calendar week is Monday through Sunday. A pitcher must have 2 calendar days rest between pitching assignments if he/she pitches more than 2 innings in any one game. The starting pitcher is the ONLY PITCHER that is allowed to re-enter as pitcher, as long as he/she was not removed during the middle of an inning.

Tournament Play – A pitcher may not pitch more than 6 innings in two consecutive games (aka “Rolling 6“) (i.e) Game 1 – Pitcher A pitches 2 innings Game 2 – Pitcher A can pitch 4 innings Game 3 – Pitcher A can pitch 2 innings The starting pitcher is the ONLY PITCHER that is allowed to re-enter as pitcher, as long as he/she was not removed during the middle of an inning.

Catching
Catchers must wear athletic supporters and protective cups when catching during practices and games. ALL PLAYERS SHOULD WEAR ATHLETIC SUPPORTERS.
All other rules can be found in the 2022 Babe Ruth League, Inc. Baseball Rules & Regulations & Official Playing Rules