SPRING SPORTS PROGRAMS

PAA BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
CBLL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL
T-BALL
TENNIS
PAA BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

PAA BASEBALL / SOFTBALL RULES

• The official’s coordinator will assign one game official unless two officials have been requested (by the home team) and are available. Officials will be paid according to the published pay schedule. Prior to each game when coaches exchange line-ups and discuss ground rules, the head coach of each team shall present the umpire with one game ball and one-half of the official’s fee (or present voucher for signing).
• League coaches shall be outfitted in attire, which indicates the member institution for which they coach. Also, coaches are responsible for having their players properly equipped as well as in proper uniforms.
• Catchers must wear batting helmets with throat protectors that have the current NOCSAE certification. Batters and runners must wear batting helmets that have the current NOCSAE certification. Players who serve as base coaches must wear batting helmets that have the current NOCSAE certification.
• Steel cleats are permitted for 7/8 grade baseball and softball only.  Rubber cleats may be used for all grade levels.
• Member institutions shall be responsible for maintaining field safety. Backstops must remain in good repair; fields must be free of debris and have properly secured bases; and there must be fencing between team benches and the field of play.
• Concussions
  • Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until they have been evaluated by a licensed medical professional and received written clearance to return to sporting activities.
  • Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will result in the referee ending the game immediately.
• The softball for both divisions shall be NFHSS (National Federation of High School Sports) approved.
  The baseball for both divisions shall be in accordance with NFHSS standards.
• Courtesy runners may be used in league games for catchers and pitchers only, providing the runner has not previously entered and then left the game. The same courtesy runner cannot be used for both the pitcher and the catcher. Players can be used as substitutes after being used as a courtesy runner.
• There are no limits established for a pitcher’s maximum number of innings.
• All batters may run to first base if the catcher misses the third strike according to NFHSS rules.
• Games called by darkness are continued whenever possible from the point at which the game was originally called. Games called by rain or other hazard are replayed in their entirety unless the game had completed 3 innings of a 5 inning game or 4 innings of a 6 inning game as a limit.
• Games tied at the end of regulation should be played until one team wins. The last out from the previous inning shall be placed on 2nd base to start any and all extra innings.
• Nine players are used at any one time in league games in the field.
• Teams must have 9 players at game time (10 minute grace period which comes off the game time) to begin a game. Teams may go to 8 players after the game begins, if due to injury or illness. An automatic out will be recorded for the injured or ill player when it is that person’s time at bat. If teams drop to less than 8 players after the game begins, that team then will lose by forfeit. Teams with less than 9 available players due to player ejection will forfeit the game.
• The penalty for using an illegal bat/equipment is:
  1. 1. For the Player: An immediate out/expulsion from game for unsportsmanlike conduct for the player attempting to use the bat/equipment.
     2. For the Coach: An immediate expulsion from game for unsportsmanlike conduct and followed by a 1-game suspension
• Maximum number of games to be played in a season is 16 – tournaments will count as 2 games regardless of the number of games played.

	Formative Division	Junior Division
	(5th & 6th Grades)	(7th & 8th Grades)
Maximum # of Innings	5	6
No New Inning After	1 HR 15 Min	1 HR 30 Min
Game Over Due to Run Rule:
13 Run Lead After	3 Innings	4 Innings
7 Run Lead After	4 Innings	5 Innings
Girls:
Mound	35 Feet	40 Feet
Bases	60 Feet	60 Feet
Lead Off Bases	No	No
Stealing	After Ball Crossing Plate	Leaves Pitcher’s Hand
Max. Per Inning Run Rule For Entire Game	6	6
Bats	ASA 2000, 2004 or the USA Softball All-Games Certification Mark, and not on list of USA Softball Non-approved bats.	ASA 2000, 2004 or the USA Softball All-Games Certification Mark, and not on list of USA Softball Non-approved bats.
Flex Rule (Must be noted before game)	No	Yes
Balk	No	No
Boys:
Mound	49 Feet	56 Feet
Bases	66 Feet	81 Feet
Lead Off Bases	Yes	Anytime during live ball
Stealing	Yes	Anytime during live ball
Max. Per Inning Run Rule For Entire Game	6	6
Baseball Bats	-10 or -8 Differential in Length & Weight with USSSA or USBAT 1.15 BPF Mark with < 2.75 Inch Barrel	-8 Differential in Length & Weight with USSSA or USBAT 1.15 BPF Mark with < 2.75 Inch Barrel
Designated Hitter	No	Yes
Balk	Yes	Yes

CBLL BASEBALL/SOFTBALL

CHARLIE BROWN BASEBALL/SOFTBALL RULES

• Home team is determined by coin flip.
• Games will be limited to 5 innings or 1 hour and 15 minutes. 
  • Any inning started before the minutes must be finished IF required to declare a winner. 
  • Tied games may be continued without interfering with the other games schedule at the discretion of the umpire and coaches.
• There will be a limit of 6 runs scored in any inning. Even if more than 6 runners cross the plate, only 6 runs will count.
• The game may be complete after 3 innings or 2-1/2 if the home team is ahead.
• All teams must wear matching jerseys.
• All batters and runners are required to wear helmets.
• The catcher must wear helmets, face mask with throat protector, chest protector, and shin guards.
• Concussions
  • Any player who exhibits signs, symptoms or behaviors consistent with a concussion such as loss of consciousness, headache, dizziness, confusion or balance problems, shall be immediately removed from the game and shall not return to play until they have been evaluated by a licensed medical professional and received written clearance to return to sporting activities.
  • Any coach or parent insisting on returning the player to the game without approved clearance will result in the referee ending the game immediately.
• All players MUST bat during the game in the established order at the start of the game.
• Only those players who appear on the league roster (that has been submitted) are allowed to participate.
  • Games shall not be forfeited if an opposing team does not have the minimum number of players required to start a game. Teams with less than the minimum number of players will not be penalized with a recorded out when the missing player does not bat.  If a player joins the game late, he shall bat at the end of the batting order.  It is in the best interest to allow all players equal play time per By-Laws Article VII, Section 34.
• Rules

Rule	Softball		Baseball
	1st/2nd Grade Coach Pitch	3rd/4th Grade Kid Pitch	1st/2nd Grade Coach Pitch	3rd/4th Grade Kid Pitch
Bats	Official Softball Bats	Official Softball Bats	Little League Bats with USSSA or USBAT 1.15 BPF Mark and no greater than 2-5/8″ barrel	Little League Bats with USSSA or USBAT 1.15 BPF Mark, or a -12 Differential in Length & Weight and no greater than 2-5/8″ barrel
Balls	11″ Green Dot Softball Each team must furnish 1 ball	11″ Green Dot Softball Each team must furnish 1 ball	RIF 5 baseball Each team must furnish 1 ball	Official Baseball Each team must furnish 1 ball
# Infield Players	6	6	6	6
# Outfield Players	4	4	4	3
Max # Players on Field	10	10	10	9
Mound	30 ft	30 ft	35 ft	46 ft
Coach Pitch Distance	No closer than 30 ft		No closer than 30 ft
Bases	55 ft	55 ft	60 ft	60 ft
Lead Off Bases	No – can leave when ball is hit. Leaving too soon is an out but leaving anticipating a hit is not an out.	No – can leave when ball is hit. Leaving too soon is an out but leaving anticipating a hit is not an out.	No – can leave when ball is hit. Leaving too soon is an out but leaving anticipating a hit is not an out.	No – can leave when ball is hit. Leaving too soon is an out but leaving anticipating a hit is not an out.
Stealing	No	No	No	No
Infield Fly Rule	No	No	No	No
Max # of Pitches	5 (A courtesy 6th pitch will be allowed if the 5th is a foul – if the 6th pitch is foul the batter is out.	N/A	5 (A courtesy 6th pitch will be allowed if the 5th is a foul – if the 6th pitch is foul the batter is out.	N/A
Balks	No	No	No	No
Batter is Out if:	3 called or swinging strikes or 5 pitch limit is reached	3 called or swinging strikes	3 called or swinging strikes or 5 pitch limit is reached	3 called or swinging strikes
Dropped 3rd Strike	Not in Effect	Not in Effect	Not in Effect	Not in Effect
Walks	No	Yes	No	Yes
Hit by Pitch	No	Yes	No	Yes
Pitch Limit	N/A	None	N/A	8 innings per calendar week (Sun-Sat) Throwing 1 pitch constitutes an inning
Pitching Changes	N/A	2 Trips to the mound in one inning or 3 times in a game per pitcher	N/A	2 Trips to the mound in one inning or 3 times in a game per pitcher
Pitches	Must be delivered in underhand motion with an arch that should drop between the batter’s shoulder and knees.	SLOW PITCH – must have an arc at the top of the batter’s head dropping between the shoulders and knees when crossing the plate.   No quick pitch allowed.  The ball must be seen at all times.	Pitches must be delivered in an overhand motion (flat baseball style pitch)	Pitches must be delivered in an overhand motion (flat baseball style pitch)
Dead Ball	The ball is dead when the team in the field attempts to throw the ball to the pitcher or infielder. As soon as the ball cross the plane of the infield, the ball is dead. If a runner is off base the runner is allowed to continue to the next base and stop.	The ball is dead when the team in the field attempts to throw the ball to the pitcher or infielder. As soon as the ball cross the plane of the infield, the ball is dead. If a runner is off base the runner is allowed to continue to the next base and stop.	The ball is dead when the team in the field attempts to throw the ball to the pitcher or infielder. As soon as the ball cross the plane of the infield, the ball is dead. If a runner is off base the runner is allowed to continue to the next base and stop.	Regular baseball rules
Overthrown Balls	The runner and batter are allowed to take the base they were going plus one.	The runner and batter are allowed to take the base they were going plus one.	The runner and batter are allowed to take the base they were going plus one.	The runner and batter are allowed to take the base they were going plus one.

• Rules for coaches:
  1. All head coaches will be held responsible for the actions of their players, fans, and assistant coaches.
  2. Coaches should have emergency forms available on all players at all practices and games. This form should list any medical conditions, allergies, special circumstances, and all emergency numbers.
  3. Coaches should have a first aid kit at all practices and games.
  4. Coaches should be properly attired at all games & practices.
  5. Coaches should stress safety first in all circumstances.
  6. One defensive coach may be allowed on the field behind second base to help coach outfielders.
  7. Two (2) offensive coaches are allowed on the field to aid base runners.  One (1) at first and one at third.  In addition, for Coach Pitch, a third coach is required to pitch the ball to batters. 

T-BALL

T-Ball RULES

Teams can be coed or all boys or all girls (Jr. K and Sr. K)

Home team determined by coin toss

Infield shall consist of 5 infielders plus a catcher – all other players must be 12 feet behind the infield base path

Five (5) innings or 1 hour – 15 minute game length.  No new inning may start after 1 hr from the start time.

Each team will bat the full roster for each inning. (Teams are encouraged not to talk up the score since we do not keep score in the league). [Rev Summer 2021]

All players must bat during the game and in the order established prior to the start of the game.

The tee stand is placed on the home plate

All batters must hit off the tee – no pitched balls to batters

There are No strike outs in T-ball

The ball hit off the tee must travel a distance of 10 feet or more to be considered a hit. (fields should have the 10 foot area marked)

The distance between bases is 45 feet. (download layout)

Time outs- Can be called just don’t abuse the time.

One plus one on overthrows at 1st and 3rd bases.

The ball is dead when it passes the plane of the infield from the outfield – any player off the base is allowed to go to the base he/she is headed toward.

Please do not have players take extra bases – it confuses everyone –

1. 1. the fielders do not learn how to field and instead throw the ball around behind the runner
   2. the runners don’t learn how to run the bases and don’t learn to pay attention to the base coaches.

No forfeits – borrow players and play with less than 9 players if necessary.

 

Coaches:

1. 1. Defense: One (1) coach may be on the field (in the outfield) behind 2nd base.
   2. Offense: One (1) coach may be on first and one (1) on third and one (1) at home plate to help the batter and prevent injuries if bats are slung.
   3. Coaches may not touch, grab, hold, or push their players while the ball is in play.

 

Officials:

1. 1. Coaches can serve as the officials – base coaches call the bases while their team is at bat or both coaches agree on a volunteer.

 

Equipment:

1. 1. Catchers must wear helmets
   2. Balls: Cooper soft touch, rag balls, or Incrediball™
   3. Bats: T-Ball bats

Encourage both teams to come together at the end of the games in fellowship and prayer.  Removed for Spring 2021 due to COVID-19.

TENNIS

Tennis RULES

1. Except as outlined below, all matches and tournaments will be conducted pursuant to the USTA Junior Competition Regulations that are in effect at the time.
2. PAA Tennis is open to all boys and girls in 5^th through 8^th grade.
3. No coed teams shall compete in league or championship play.
4. Team rosters should have a minimum of 6 players of the same gender.  Gender is based on the child’s birth certificate.  No roster maximum. Schools can have a boys’ team and/or a girls’ team.
5. Final rosters for all teams are distributed to all coaches in advance of the season’s first match.
6. Team rosters are to be submitted by the date of the coach’s meeting for arranging the season schedule.  No late adds.
7. Match formats:
   1. Per gender, one singles court and two doubles courts are played with each match. Coaches may collectively agree to allow a format change for matches involving teams that do not have the 5-player roster minimum.
      1. For teams that have 3 players, three singles courts can be played for a match.
      2. For those with 4 players, two singles courts and one doubles court can be played for a match. This should be agreed upon before the start of the season.
   2. Each court plays one Pro Set to 8, win by at least 2 games, with no-ad scoring.
      1. If the set gets to 8-8 tie, a 7-point tiebreaker is played.
      2. Must win by at least two (2) points.
   3. Away team brings 3 cans of new, unopened balls to every match.
   4. Home team pays any applicable court rental fees unless teams mutually agree otherwise.
   5. All 3 courts play on the same day, outside of the effects of weather. If a team doesn’t have enough players, they must forfeit any courts they can’t fill.
   6. The same player cannot play more than one court as part of a match.
   7. Team who wins at least 2 of the 3 courts wins the match. All three courts are played to completion, regardless of whether one team has already secured the necessary 2 courts for the win.
   8. Teams who use players who are not on their rosters will have to forfeit any matches played.
   9. In the event of a rainout, coaches determine mutually agreeable make-up date and location.
   10. All matches must be played by season’s end or else they are double forfeited.
   11. Scores will be submitted to the league commissioner by email, within 24 hours of a match’s conclusion. Standings will be published on a weekly basis.
8. Member institutions shall provide one adult supervisor for each match who will be designated as the “Coach”.
   1. A Coach may offer assistance or advice to any player on his team during the match, either between points or at changeovers.
   2. Advice to players is limited to Coaches only.
9. Parents and spectators must maintain a 50-foot distance from players during all matches and tournaments. Parents may not speak to players of either team during a match, at any time. If any issues arise regarding questionable calls or errors in scoring, they may alert a coach, provided it does not disrupt play. Coaches must relay these rules to their parents in advance of the season and, preferably, before each match as a reminder.
10. Players must be outfitted in shirts with logos/monograms which identify the sponsoring institution.
11. The PAA shall host a league championship at the end of the season.
    1. The tournament shall include semifinals, finals, and consolation finals per gender.
    2. The top 4 boys teams and top 4 girls teams will compete in this playoff.
    3. Played just like a head-to-head match, best of three courts.
12. If any teams are tied at season’s end, then head-to-head results determine the team that advances. If this head-to-head does not resolve the tie (e.g. they played twice and split), then the number of individual court wins is the next tiebreaker.
13. In the case of inclement weather during a match, the incomplete courts will be suspended, and the match must be rescheduled and restarted at the point where play was interrupted.
14. To enter a “team”, schools/churches are allowed to roster 4^th graders if their coach(es) determines they can compete. Fourth (4^th) graders must meet all PAA handbook requirements.