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1. AREA BOUNDARIES
A. District Six is composed of the following areas: Fairfax, Indian Hill,
Kenwood, Madeira, Mariemont, Miamiville and Terrace Park.
B. If a player moves from one area of the District to another area either
on or after January 1 of the current season, if the player so desires,
the player will be allowed to play the current season with a team from
the area of their former residence. The following year, unless the exception
immediately below is applicable, the player shall play with a team from
the area of current residence. A player who moves from one area to another
and if for the current year the player is eligible to participate in Class
A or B, the player shall have the option of playing either with a team
from the area of his former residence or with a team from the area of
his current residence. Once the option is exercised, it is irrevocable
for the remainder of the player's participation in Knothole for the current
season as well as any subsequent season. D. In the event that the number
of registrants are not sufficient for team formation, or for any other
showing of good cause, a player or players may be allowed to participate
with a team in an area other than the player's area of residence at the
discretion of the District Supervisor. Only the District Supervisor has
the authority to make such decisions.
2. TEAM ENTRIES
A. Team entries for B, C and D are to be entered by each respective Area
Chairman by March 30 to the District Supervisor. By the start of the season,
player agreements (Parts 1 and 2) are to be delivered for each team entered.
For a team to be entered there must be at least eleven (11) player agreements
per team. No exceptions will be made! League play will start toward the
middle of April.
B. To enter a team in Class A, Area Chairmen are to deliver player agreements
(Parts 1 and 2) to the District Supervisor no later than May 1. League
play will start in mid-May. C. If an area enters only one team in a class,
it must be in the Major Division, unless more than half of the team is
of the Minor age group. D. Entry fee of $7.00 per team is to be paid by
each area no later than March 30.
3. SCHEDULES
All games are to be played on the dates scheduled. A game may be played
before the regular scheduled date by mutual agreement of both managers.
In the event the managers, with respect to a postponed game, cannot agree
as to the date and time for rescheduling, the decision shall be made by
the District Supervisor.
4. GAME TIME
The starting time for each game will be listed on each schedule. Opposing
managers should contact one another several days before their playing
date to confirm time and location. Games should be started as close to
game time as possible. Should a game be called because of time or darkness,
the game will be continued at a later date from the point at which the
game was stopped. The managers shall agree as to a date and time for the
continuation of the suspended game. In the event the managers fail to
agree the date and time shall be determined by the District Supervisor.
A game is subject to forfeit if the start of a scheduled game is delayed
beyond 20 minutes due to: NO UMPIRE (Home team forfeits) and/or if the
one team does not show. An extra inning game will be limited to no more
than three extra innings if the next schedule game is being delayed.
5. GROUND RULES
Prior to each game, the home team manager will review the ground rules
with the visiting manager and umpire. These are to be reviewed prior to
the start of the game. In the event that the visiting team is not supplied
with a written copy of the ground rules, the decision of the umpire on
any interpretations will be final. The Sliding Base Rule is in effect
in all classes. Each manager will give the home plate umpire his line
up card prior to the start of the game. The home team is to provide a
new ball and the visiting team a good second ball. Suggestions for Ground
Rules: 1. When and where ball is out of play. 2. Location of spectators.
District Rules provide that no one should be behind backstop unless stands
are provided in this area - in which case spectators must remain in the
stands. This is the responsibility of the home team to enforce. If not
done, the umpire may forfeit the game. 3. Players on bench. 4. Location
of equipment (must be out of play).
6. STANDINGS
Each class will have a class coordinator to keep track of the standings.
Within 48 hours after each game is completed, the winning team is to call
their score into the class coordinator. If a score is not received by
the deadline, both teams can be marked, at the discretion of the District
Supervisor, with a loss. There will be no co-champions in any class. The
District Supervisor will be responsible for scheduling the date, time
and location of all play-off games. If, due to time constraints primarily
relating to the start of the City Tournament, it is, in the opinion of
the District Supervisor, impractical to conduct a play-off, the District
Supervisor shall determine the class champion on the basis of wins during
the season. If the "most wins" method fails to produce the champion, the
determination shall be made on the basis of head-to-head competition of
the teams during the year.
7. POSTPONEMENTS
If a game is postponed by rain, the home team is responsible for setting
a new date and time. This should be done at the time of postponement and
scheduled for play within two weeks. If an agreement cannot be reached,
the District Supervisor should be notified at once and he will arrange
a new date and time.
8. UMPIRES
The home team will provide the home plate umpire. The home team and visiting
team may each provide base umpires. Stationing of umpires is the home
team's responsibility. Whoever provides the umpire pays for him. No umpires
are allowed who are related to players, coaches or managers unless mutually
agreed to in writing by both managers at least two days prior to the game.
Umpires are to be at least 12 years old. No umpire may work a game for
the same Knothole age group that he would belong in. In Class A and B
Major, it is required that there be two umpires. If only one umpire appears,
both managers must agree before the game will be permitted to proceed.
It is also recommended that two umpires be used for B Minor games. The
umpires have a tough job and we as adults should give them our full support
and assistance. District Six will back our umpires 100% and any adults,
coaches, fans or players who abuse our umpires will be banned from attending
Knothole games. Minimum age for umpires shall be as follows: Class Umpire
Age D 12 C 13 B 15 A 16
9. PROTESTS
Written statements for all protested games must be in the hands of the
District Supervisor within 48 hours of the end of the game protested.
Each protest must be accompanied by a $25.00 protest fee. The protest
fee is refundable only if the protest is allowed. For additional information
refer to the Official Knothole Rules. Protest of an ineligible player
or players may be made at any time during the season without a $25.00
fee. A player who is under protest must produce their birth certificate
within two weeks after the District Supervisor has notified his manager.
Failure to produce their birth certificate within two weeks, or if found
to be ineligible, will result in his team forfeiting all games in which
the ineligible player participated. Any team which forfeits two games
forfeits all games. No over-age players will be allowed under any conditions.
Eligibility is the manager's responsibility.
10. CLASS B MAJOR & B MINOR CLASS C MAJOR & C MINOR
No spikes (soccer type, gym shoes or rippled soles are permitted). Metal
spikes permitted in Class A.
11. CLASS D MAJOR
A. No spikes (soccer type, gym shoes or rippled soles are permitted).
B. Limit of nine batters per team per inning. It is understood that when
the ninth batter (for the same team in the same inning) becomes a runner,
the rules of baseball will apply as though two were out.
12. CLASS D MINOR
A. No spikes (soccer type, gym shoes or rippled soles are permitted).
B. No stealing.
C. No running on dropped third strike.
D. No leading off.
E. Sliding permitted.
F. No bunting.
G. Limit of nine batters per team per inning. It is understood that when
the ninth batter (for the same team in the same inning) becomes a runner,
the rules of baseball will apply as though two were out.
H. All players must bat and be listed in a set order. Example: If your
team has 14 players each player is to be listed in your score book - all
14. Instead of batting one through nine and then starting over at one,
you keep going until you reach 14 and then you start over at one.
I. COACH PITCH. For the first two innings a coach, of the batting team,
shall pitch. After the first two innings, a player shall pitch. No balls
or strikes will be called by the umpire. Instead, batters will be limited
to a maximum of six pitches. The batter must either put the ball in play
or strike out (three swinging strikes). Coaches may not walk batters.
A foul ball on the sixth pitch will end a turn at bat. If the batter has
not successfully put the ball in play or struck out after the sixth pitch,
the batter returns to the bench and an out is recorded. If a player strikes
out (three swinging strikes), the batter returns to the bench and it is
recorded as an out regardless of whether six pitches have been made. There
shall not be any coaching by the individual/coach who is pitching. PLAYER
PITCH. When a player pitches there shall be no walks. The T-stand shall
be used after ball four. The batter shall assume the same count when the
T is utilized. A swing by the batter who misses the ball on the T shall
be considered a strike. If the T-stand is utilized when the ball is put
into play, the batter and all runners may only advance two bases.
J. If the ninth batter is hit, the batter shall have the option of hitting
off of the tee or advancing to first base.
K. There shall be a two hour time limit for all D Minor games. No inning
shall start after two hours has expired since the start of the game.
13. GENERAL RULES
A. Any team which forfeits two games forfeits all games, including games
previously won.
B. Knothole rules require double ear flap helmets for all batters and
all base runners.
C. Team managers are responsible for the conduct of his players, coaches
and fans.
D. Pitching rubbers are required in A, B and C. In Class D they will be
optional.
E. Sliding bases only in Class D.
F. All male catchers are required to wear a cup and athletic supporter.
G. If during the course of a game, a player is unable to continue and
the remaining players on the bench are ineligible because of the re-entry
rule, the opposing manager will then pick the play to re-enter the game.
14. CONTRACTS
In the past we have received player agreements in all types of conditions.
Incomplete or incorrect player agreements will not be accepted.
15. CLASS COORDINATOR
We have four Class Coordinators, one for each class. They will take the
scores and help solve any problems that come up. Protests and any major
problems will be handed by the District Supervisor.
16. DEFENSIVE RE-ENTRY RULE
The Knothole re-entry rule is modified to permit free substitution in
the defensive lineup. In respect to the batting order, the Knothole re-entry
rule will be followed in all respects. If a player, due to the re-entry
rule, is eliminated from further offensive play, he still shall be eligible
to participate defensively.
17. In the event the District Supervisor elects to coach and/or
manage a team participating in District 6 and, with respect to such a
team, a dispute and/or protest arises, the following procedure shall be
followed:
A. The District Supervisor shall select an area representative who is
unaffected by the dispute and/or protest.
B. The area representative whose team is affected by the dispute and/or
protest shall select another area representative who is unaffected by
the dispute and/or protest.
C. The two selected area representatives shall select a third individual
who is unaffected by the dispute and/or protest.
D. The three selected individuals shall hear and decide the dispute and/or
protest. A majority vote will control.
E. The decision, at the request of either party, shall be subject to review
by the Board of Directors of the Knothole Club of Greater Cincinnati,
Inc.
18. MERCY RULE
In Classes D, C, and B a Mercy Rule is applicable. The game shall be declared
concluded if:
A. The visiting team has completed at least four turns at bat and the
home team is ahead by 10 or more runs or
B. The home team has completed at least four turns at bat and the visiting
team is ahead by 10 or more runs. In Class A the same rule shall apply
based on five turns at bat.
19. CONTINUOUS BATTING ORDER
At the start of the game, a coach may declare that he will bat his entire
line-up in a continuous order. Once a coach declares that he will use
a continuous batting order he may not change the batting order during
the course of the game. The use of the continuous batting order by one
team does not obligate the opposing team to utilize it.
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