Rules Clarification Under 14's

[smithy]

Hi members, I need some clarification on under 14 rules.

1: I know a pitcher has a 70 pitch game maximum, but is there any restrictions on the catcher except for he can't pitch in the same game. eg. If the pitcher reaches his maximum, do we have to change the catcher as well at that point or at a certain number of innings ?

2: Does the 6 run inning rules go beyond under 12's?

3: You use to be able to take the field with eight players, I here that is not the case anymore, is that true?

[BQ Moderator]

Hi Smithy,

Whilst I'm sure there are members on the forum experienced with 14's and 16's, Because these Rules can change slightly from season to season, It would be safer that you check back through your club first as they should have allocated to all coaches a copy of this season 2009-2010 BQ by-laws and Rules.

The latest Version is also on the BQ website available to download if you wish to. ( Check main Menu, By-laws under Competition and BQ rules under Development.)

qld.baseball.com.au/site/baseball/qld/downloads/BQ%20Rules%202%20September%202009.pdf

From Rule 3.13:
An inning started before the scheduled finishing time must be completed. An inning starts immediately after the final out of the previous innings.

In all U14 Div 2 and U16 Div 2 games, the 6th run across the plate will constitute the 3rd out and end the offensive team's half inning. That is, 6 runs over the plate ends the inning.

[smithy]

Thankyou BQ Monitor,
I did recieve a copy of the BQ Rules which did not address my questions. I have since downloaded a copy of the BQ By Laws which addresses my second question. Unless I have overlooked it, but both of these publications do not address my other two questions, hence why I sought clarification through the Coaches Dugout.
Cheers Smithy

[scorekeeper]

I am not an accredited coach, but I think I may be able to help with your two unanswered questions:

Oct 8, 2009 22:57:51 GMT 10 smithy said:

Hi members, I need some clarification on under 14 rules.

1: I know a pitcher has a 70 pitch game maximum, but is there any restrictions on the catcher except for he can't pitch in the same game. eg. If the pitcher reaches his maximum, do we have to change the catcher as well at that point or at a certain number of innings ?

There are innings limitations on catchers in lower age levels, but not in U14's. Also, no junior player may pitch or catch in the same day, nor catch in more than 2 games in a day. This is all in the BQ Rules.

Oct 8, 2009 22:57:51 GMT 10 smithy said:

3: You use to be able to take the field with eight players, I here that is not the case anymore, is that true?

In senior games a team must have 9 players (according to GBL By-Law 3.8), but in BQ Rules it states that a team may start a game with 8 players, or continue with 8 if an injury reduces their lineup (see General Playing Rule F on page 6). So the GBL Sr by-law will trump the BQ rules, but juniors would still be ok with a team of 8 - however there is going to be an automatic out charged for the vacant batting spot (scored as AO and no putout, plate appearance or at bat stats are recorded). Also, the GBL By-laws allow juniors a 15 minute grace period if there are less than the required number of players to start a game - meaning 7 (see 3.17).

Something to keep in mind with all "local rules" is that if nothing is stated otherwise, then the OBR apply.