Organized baseball has been played for more than 150 years. In the United States, junior high school baseball is often the last chance for a player to improve on fundamentals without worrying extensively about competition of professional scouts. The basic rules and fundamentals of baseball at this level remain nearly identical to the game played in major league ballparks today.
On Field Rules
Game will last six full innings, or 5 1/2 innings if the home team is winning after the top of the fifth. A 10-run mercy rule is used after four innings.
Every league has its own regulations on field dimensions, however any field that does not specifically meet the exact dimensions must notify the league office.
Games are limited to 2 1/2 hours. If the trailing team is due to bat in the same inning that time expires, the game will continue until the trailing team has finished its at bat.
All teams may carry a 10th "extra hitter" who may be play in the field at any point without reporting to an umpire.
Player Regulations
Players must be 14 years old or younger for the entire duration of the season. Any player who turns 15 before the end of the season is no longer eligible.
A player must not participate in more than three games per week. A pitcher must not pitch more than seven innings, or one complete game if less than seven inning, in any single week of play. After pitching four or more innings in a single game, a pitcher must have at least two full days of rest before entering another game.
Equipment Regulations
All catchers must wear full protective catchers gear. All batters, base runners and base coaches must wear a protective helmet.
Bats can be a maximum drop three rating of length in inches to weight in ounces.
Babe Ruth league approved baseballs are the only type allowed. The home team should provide at least four new balls still in the original wrapper before each game. In the event that a game is played on a field without bases, the home team must also provide bases.
It is the home team's responsibility to determine whether the field is playable.
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