RBI Austin Baseball & Softball Rules

1. General Guidelines

• Age Division: Teams are organized by age, typically in 2year brackets (e.g., 1012, 1314).
• Eligibility: Players must be registered with RBI Austin and have a current health clearance.
• Code of Conduct: Respect for teammates, opponents, officials, and spectators is mandatory. Unsportsmanlike behavior may result in warnings, ejections, or suspension.
• Equipment: All equipment (bats, helmets, gloves, protective gear) must comply with USA Baseball/Softball standards. Players must wear matching team caps and appropriate footwear.

2. Baseball Rules

2.1 Game Length

Games consist of 6 innings. If the home team leads after the top of the 6th, the bottom half is not played. A mercy rule ends the game if a team leads by 10 or more runs after 4 innings.

2.2 Pitching

• Pitchers must use a regulation baseball (size 9, 5oz.) and a mound height of 6 inches.
• Pitch count limits are based on age (e.g., ages 1011: max 75 pitches per game; ages 1213: max 95).
• Rest requirements: 1day rest for 150 pitches, 2day rest for 5175, 3day rest for 7695.

2.3 Batting

All bats must be USA Baseball certified. The plate is 12 inches wide with a 10inch rubber plate. No bunting is allowed for players under 12.

2.4 Base Running

• Lead-offs are permitted after the pitcher releases the ball.
• Stealing is allowed after the pitchers release but not before.
• Tag-ups are required on fly balls caught in the outfield.

2.5 Fielding

All fielders may wear baseball gloves; catchers must wear a full set of protective equipment (helmet, mask, chest protector, shin guards). Infield fly rule applies as in standard baseball.

2.6 Umpiring

Games are officiated by at least two umpires: homeplate and one base umpire. All calls are final, but coaches may request a brief explanation.

3. Softball Rules

3.1 Game Length

Softball games are 5 innings. The mercy rule ends a game when a team leads by 8 or more runs after 3 innings.

3.2 Pitching

• Pitchers use a regulation softball (size 11, 12oz.) and must pitch from a flat pitching circle of 43 feet.
• Pitch count limits: ages 1011: max 70 pitches; ages 1213: max 85 pitches.
• Underhand, windmill motion is required. No dropping or slingshot deliveries.

3.3 Batting

Bats may be composite or aluminum, not exceeding 34 inches in length and 2.8 lbs. The plate is 10 inches wide. No pushbunting for players under 12.

3.4 Base Running

• Leadoffs are allowed only after the pitchers release.
• Stealing is permitted only after the ball is in play; no stealing on a pitch.
• Base runners may slide into any base, but must avoid the pitchers mound.

3.5 Fielding

Players wear baseballstyle gloves. The pitcher must keep at least one foot on the pitching circle until the ball is released. The infield fly rule applies.

3.6 Umpiring

Two umpires (homeplate and one base) are standard. Softball umpires are trained in the specific nuances of underhand pitching and the shorter base paths.

4. Safety Requirements

• All players must wear a properly fitted helmet when batting or running bases.
• Catchers equipment must be inspected before each game.
• Any player showing signs of concussion must be removed and evaluated.
• Firstaid kits must be available at each field; designated firstaid volunteers must be present.

5. Discipline & Appeals

Violations are handled in the following order:

1. Verbal warning from the umpire.
2. Technical foul (e.g., illegal equipment, pitch count violation).
3. Ejection for repeated or serious misconduct.
4. Postgame review panel may impose suspensions or fines.

Coaches may file a written appeal within 24 hours of the incident. Appeals are reviewed by the RBI Austin Discipline Committee.

6. Additional Resources

For detailed rulebooks, equipment standards, and registration forms, visit the official RBI Austin website:

• Baseball Rules
• Softball Rules
• Player Registration
• Safety Guidelines