2010 ESA Rules Overview

• Game times are 60/55 Minutes – NO new inning after 55 min. “D” and below
• Game times are 70/65 Minutes – NO new inning after 65 min. “C” and above
• Mercy Rule is 20 after 3, 15 after 4, 10 After 5
• 6 and 10 pitch height from the ground
• Teams may bat up to twelve players
• 1 Courtesy Runner per team per inning for this tournament
• The plate and the mat are a strike
• The Box: “The Box” is a 4’x10’ chalked box that starts at the rubber. The pitcher is permitted to pitch from anywhere in or out of the pitcher’s lane, as long as he has one foot inside the box. For the pitching rule to apply, he must have both feet in the box when the batted ball travels through the pitcher’s box.
• The Pitchers Lane: The “Pitcher’s Lane” is the 4’ width of the box that “virtually” extends all the way back to second base. If a Batter hits a line-drive below the standing height of the pitcher or a one-hop that hits the rubber or beyond and at any point travels through the lane while the pitcher is occupying the lane with both feet it’s a DBO (Dead Ball Out). If the pitcher catches a line Drive before it hit’s the ground it’s still a DBO. ***If the batter hit’s a line-drive OVER the pitchers standing height or the ball hit’s the ground anywhere before the rubber it’s a LIVE BALL.***
• NEW: Pitcher may Fake and Juke towards the mound no longer then 5 seconds prior to the pitch
• NEW Base Stealing Rule: Once the ball crosses the front of the plate, any runner may advance. Once the ball is returned to the pitcher, the ball is no longer live and runners must return to the bag if they are taking a lead.  (The play is LIVE until the pitcher has possession)
• YOUR ENTRY FEE MUST BE PAID PRIOR TO STEPPING ONTO THE FIELD TO PLAY YOUR FIRST GAME. THIS WILL BE STRICTLY ENFORCED.