GBA Rules

 

K, 1st, 2nd Grades

Only the following bats will be allowed:

All USA Stamped Bats

All Non-USA Stamped bats that are no more than 2 1/4″ in barrel diameter, no more than drop 12 (differential between length and weight), and 1.15 bpf

All helmets used MUST be equipped with a full mask. 

League rules will be communicated via coaches.

Mustang (3rd/4th Grades)

For this league the GBA will be following the latest CSYBA rules available at the start of the season which can be found here with the following modifications FOR SPRING SEASONS ONLY:

The following bats will be grandfathered in: All Non-USA Stamped bats that are no more than 2 1/4″ in barrel diameter, no more than drop 12 (differential between length and weight), and 1.15 bpf

All players must play the infield by the end of the fourth inning. If a team has 10 or less players, each player should play two innings of infield a game. If a coach believes that a player is not capable of defending himself in the infield, the coach should raise the issue with the Commissioner to obtain an exemption (parents may be consulted as well), and notify the other coach. 

The pitching limitations rule is replaced with: Pitchers may pitch a maximum of 6 outs per game. In addition, there is a 9 out maximum for each pitcher per week, beginning each Monday and ending the following Sunday evening.

Bunting is not permitted.

Only Head Coaches may address all inquiries to the head umpire and never to the youth umpire. Assistant coaches may never talk to any umpire or any opposing coach.

Bronco (5th/6th Grades)

For this league the GBA will be following the latest CSYBA rules available at the start of the season which can be found here with the following modifications FOR SPRING SEASONS ONLY:

For Spring Seasons only the following bats will be grandfathered in: All Non-USA Stamped bats that are no more than 2 1/4″ in barrel diameter, no more than drop 12 (differential between length and weight), and 1.15 bpf

No drop 3rd strike.

There is a wall at 3rd base on steals and pickoffs.

The pitching limitations rule is replaced with: Pitchers may pitch a maximum of 9 outs per game. In addition, there is a 12 out maximum for each pitcher per week, beginning each Monday and ending the following Sunday evening.

Every player should play at least one inning in the infield. If a coach believes that a player is not capable of defending himself in the infield, the coach should raise the issue with the Commissioner to obtain an exemption (parents may be consulted as well), and notify the other coach. 

Only Head Coaches may address all inquiries to the head umpire and never to the youth umpire. Assistant coaches may never talk to any umpire or any opposing coach.

Pony (7th/8th Grades)

For this league the GBA will be following the latest CSYBA rules available at the start of the season which can be found here with the following modifications:

Softball Rules

To view our current softball rules click here.

Parent and Participant Code of Conduct

 

No participant shall, on the basis of race, sex, creed, national origin, sexual orientation or disability be denied equal access to programs, activities, services or benefits or be limited in the exercise of any privilege, advantage, or opportunity.

Code of Conduct

Participants and parents are expected to exhibit appropriate behavior at all times while participating in any program or activity. It is recommended that parents discuss with their children that activities are planned for groups, and while their child may wish not to participate in a specific activity he/she is still expected to make an effort to be a part of the program. The following guidelines are designed to provide safe and enjoyable activities for all participants. Additional rules may be developed for particular programs.

Participant Requirements

Anyone on the field during a game or official practice under the age of 18 MUST:

  • Be a registered GBA participant for the current season.

  • Be wearing a catcher’s mask at all times if behind home plate or in the backstop area.

  • Be wearing a batter’s helmet at all times if serving as a base coach.

Cheering Guidelines

No cheering or chanting is allowed in any way once the pitcher steps onto the rubber. This includes both teams as well as spectators. Additionally, all cheering done at any time must be strictly positive. Anyone violating this rule will be given one warning. Upon a second violation the responsible individual(s) must leave the field.

Participants and parents shall:

  • Refrain from criticizing or arguing with umpires or coaches

  • Provide only supportive and positive comments to coaches and players of both teams

  • Stress teamwork and sportsmanship over winning

  • Show respect to all participants, staff and property

  • Take direction from program staff and supervisors

  • Refrain from using abusive or foul language

  • Refrain from causing bodily harm to self, other participants, or staff

  • Show respect for equipment, supplies, and facilities

  • Bullying is not permitted in any fashion

Discipline

A positive approach will be used regarding discipline. The GBA reserves the right to dismiss a participant or parent whose behavior endangers the safety of him or others. Each situation must be evaluated on its own merit. Appropriate action should take place as soon as possible. Physical restraint of a child will only occur it the child is putting her/himself, another participant, or an instructor/counselor/coach in immediate danger. It will not be used as a behavioral management technique.

Procedure

If a participant exhibits inappropriate actions, the following guidelines should be followed.

  • Step 1 Verbal Warning: The counselor/instructor/coach will discuss with the participant the undesirable conduct and why the action is not appropriate.

  • Step 2 Redirection: The counselor/instructor/coach will redirect the child to another activity. Redirection begins after the counselor/instructor/coach has discussed with the participant the reason for the redirection and what appropriate behavior is expected to prevent a redirection in the future. Provide positive feedback by saying, for example, “We enjoy having you in the program, but today your behavior was unacceptable”.

  • Step 3 Loss of Privilege: The counselor/instructor/coach will remove the participant from an activity chosen by the counselor/instructor/coach for one day only. The counselor/instructor/coach must explain what behaviors were inappropriate and what corrective action will prevent problems in the future.

  • Step 4 Conduct Report: A conduct report will be given to the participant after the unacceptable behavior of the child has been discussed. A discussion with a parent must accompany this level of discipline.

  • Step 5 Supervisor Meeting: Upon receiving three conduct reports, the Recreation Manager will contact a parent or guardian to arrange a meeting to discuss corrective measures and disciplinary action. If additional conduct reports are issued, a 1-3 day suspension and/or termination from the program will occur.

Bullying/Teasing

Bullying or repetitive teasing is not permitted in any fashion. Bullying and any violent, physical, or threatening actions will receive an immediate conduct report and may result in a 1-3 day suspension or removal from the program. The GBA reserves the right to dismiss a participant whose behavior endangers the safety of themselves or others, or it the behavior negatively affects the experience of other participants. No refunds will be issued.