FAQs > Rules
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- What rules do we play by?
- For Spring 2012 Lakeland City Baseball has become an
independent recreational baseball league,
unaffiliated with any organization. As a previous,
long-time affiliate of Little League we closely followed
their rules and regulations, and even as an independent
organization we will continue to follow their playing
rules
and any modification of those as established by our
own Local Rules. These rules have been carefully crafted over
many decades and are designed to be consistent and have the players' safety as a primary concern.
Be aware that these rules are different in many
aspects to the game played by Major League Baseball. The
MLB-style game is for adults, while this game is for young people.
In any case, LCB is committed to a strict following and
interpretation of the rules we have adopted.
- What are Local Rules?
- Because of local circumstances particular to
LCB and our style of play, we adopt certain additional
and alternate rules known as Local
Rules. LCB publishes those yearly in a booklet known as the "white book". Every manager is given a
printed copy of each of these rule books and is expected
to become familiar with them prior to the start of the
season, plus have them available at games for reference.
For parents, LCB's Local Rules
can be download as a .pdf document on this website prior
to the beginning of each season.
- Are big-barrel bats allowed?
- Big-barrel bats (those bats with a diameter greater than 2-1/4") are NOT permitted for use in Tee Ball through Major League.
- Are composite bats permitted?
- There will be changes for the upcoming Spring 2012
season regarding the use of composite bats that will be
published on this website when available.
- Are wood bats permitted?
- Yes, wood bats are permitted at all age levels
provided they are within the rules.
- Is base-stealing permitted?
- Base-stealing is NOT permitted by rule in Tee Ball and
Coach Pitch. Base-stealing in Training and Minor League
IS permitted only after the pitched ball has reached the
batter. Base-stealing is permitted at any time during
time-in play in Major and Junior League.
- Are runners permitted to "lead off" a base prior to the ball being pitched?
- In Tee Ball through Minor League runners must remain in contact with the bag until the ball has been pitched and reaches the batter. Leading off is permitted in
Major and Junior League.
- Does my child have to use baseball cleats?
- Baseball cleats are not required but are strongly recommended.
Metal cleats are only permitted in Junior League.
- What's so bad about coaching at the fence?
- "Coaching at the fence", which could also be called "coaching from the stands" is where a parent or fan is actually calling out advice
and direction to the players during a game. At LCB we strongly discourage this practice and the board member on duty will address the issue with whoever engages in this
behavior. The team manager is responsible for coaching the players during the game. Hearing a parent or fan give instructions from across the fence is distracting to the player and diminishes the authority and effectiveness of the manager and coaches. It is also a safety concern since a player will
naturally turn to hear the voice of his or her parent, and should that happen while a ball is headed in their direction injuries may occur. Parents and fans are there to cheer, not coach. Please let the managers and coaches do their job on the field, and if as a parent you want to coach, do it at home
in your backyard. Your kids will love you for it.
- What is the tobacco and illegal substance use policy at LCB?
- In LCB's Local Rules, under Conduct, it is clearly stated that all participants in the league, from managers to players, board members to parents and fans should be good examples of conduct, integrity and sportsmanship at all times. This includes a ban on the possession and use of alcohol and illegal drugs anywhere in the park complexes. In addition, managers and coaches are prohibited from the use of any tobacco products
(including smokeless, spit and chew varieties) during any game or practice. In addition, the
City of Lakeland, who owns the properties we play on, bans the use of these substances within the park complexes. Penalties can range from the person's removal from the park complex to suspension.
- Explain the overthrow rule
- The overthrow rule applies to Tee Ball, Coach Pitch and Training League. The rule is designed to stop play
after the runner advances one base if an overthrow or an infield error occurs. For more detailed information see the Rules page
on this website.
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