MAJORS RULES

BATTING RULES

• Bat your full lineup.
• Each player must have at least 1 at-bat.
• Third Dropped Strike: Batter may advance if first base is NOT occupied. If there are two outs and first base is occupied, the batter is automatically out. Once the runner makes their way to their respective dugout, that runner has declared themselves and is out. Coaches and umpires must meet prior to the game to determine and agree on the point at which a player is considered to have declared themselves.

BASE RUNNING RULES

• Lead offs are allowed once the ball crosses the plate; stealing is allowed.
• Runners return to base when the pitcher is on the rubber and the ball is returned to the pitcher.
• Players MUST slide on close plays going to a base or returning to a base or they will be called out. If the ball is overthrown or missed and there is no close play, a slide is not required.
• Headfirst sliding is allowed when returning to a base on a pickoff.
• Headfirst sliding enforcement: 1st-warning → 2nd-team warning → 3rd-ejection.

PITCHING RULES

• Max 3 innings per game (1 pitch = 1 inning).
• No re-entry as pitcher once removed from pitching; re-entry may result in forfeit.
• Players warming up pitchers must wear a helmet and chest protector.

DEFENSIVE / PLAYING TIME RULES

• Each player must play a minimum of 2 defensive innings and have at least 1 at-bat.
• No infield fly rule.

GAME RULES

• 10-run rule after 4 innings.
• 6 runs per inning limit.
• 6th inning is the open inning.
• If the 6th inning is not reached, the next full inning becomes the open inning.

TIME LIMITS

• 2-hour time limit (not drop dead).
• If the time limit is reached during the bottom half of an inning, that inning will be completed.
• No new inning after 1:45.
• No ties—play until a winner is determined. See tiebreaker rules.

EQUIPMENT / SAFETY RULES

• USA bats only (no USSSA).
• Grip tape cannot cover certification stamps; umpires must verify bats before the game.
• If a batter throws the bat while hitting, the team receives a warning; the next occurrence by that team results in the batter being called out.
• Only the batter and one on-deck player may hold bats. One batter in the on-deck circle at a time.

FIELD & OPERATIONS

• Home team preps the field and provides an umpire unless prior arrangements are made.
• Weather decisions are made by directors only; unauthorized cancellations = forfeit.

FACILITY RULES

• No parking behind gate (coaches only).
• No dogs in field of play; must be secured in parking area.