4. The Batter

4.1 Batting Order

• All eligible players present for the game must be listed in a continuous batting order and will bat in that order for the entire game.
• If a player is injured or leaves the game, their spot in the order is skipped without penalty (no automatic out).
• A player who arrives late may bat in their original lineup position if that spot has not yet been passed.
• If their turn has already passed, the late‑arriving player is added to the bottom of the batting order.

5. The Runner

5.1 Contact Rule

Runners must slide or avoid contact with a fielder. Malicious contact results in:

• The runner being declared out (unless they scored before the infraction), and
• Automatic ejection.

5.1.1 Definition of Malicious Contact

Contact is malicious if: a) It involves intentional excessive force, and/or
b) There is intent to injure.

Malicious contact may be committed by either an offensive or defensive player.

5.1.2 Umpire Judgment

The umpire will determine:

• Whether contact was avoidable
• Whether the runner was attempting to reach the base/plate
• Whether the runner attempted to dislodge the ball

If the runner: a) Could have avoided the fielder and still reached the base, or
b) Attempted to dislodge the ball,
→ The runner is out, even if the fielder drops the ball.

The ball is dead, and all other runners return to the last base legally occupied.

5.1.3 Fielder Blocking the Base Path

• If the fielder blocks the base path without possession of the ball, obstruction is called.
  • Runner is safe (delayed dead ball).
• If the runner collides flagrantly, they are:
  • Declared safe due to obstruction, and
  • Ejected for the collision.

5.1.4 Unnecessary Contact

Any unnecessary body contact by a runner or fielder is considered an attempt to injure and results in:

• Immediate ejection, and
• Possible additional suspension.

5.2 Player Unable to Bat

• A player unable to take their turn at bat due to injury or other justifiable reason must be removed from the game.
• This is not considered an out or batting out of turn, even if the lineup drops to 7 players.

5.3 Pinch Runners

Pinch runners are only allowed:

• For injury, or
• When the catcher is on base with two outs.

The pinch runner must be the last player called out.

5.4 Injured Runners

• A player who leaves the field due to injury must remain out for:
  • The remainder of the current defensive inning, or
  • The next defensive inning if they were batting or running at the time of injury.

6. The Pitcher

6.1 Hit Batters (11U and Up)

A pitcher must be removed from the mound if they hit: a) 3 batters in a game, or
b) 2 batters in one inning.

• The pitcher may continue playing at any other position for the remainder of the game.

6.2 Warm‑Up Pitches

• A pitcher may throw up to 5 warm‑up pitches before each inning.
• In cold weather, the umpire may allow additional pitches.
• Pitchers entering the game are encouraged to warm up on the side beforehand.

6.3 Trips to the Mound

• A second trip to the mound for the same pitcher in the same inning requires the
  pitcher to be removed from the mound for the remainder of the game (but they may play other positions).

6.3.1 Second Trip During Same Batter

• A manager may not make a second trip during the same batter.
• Umpires should attempt to prevent this, but if it occurs:

Penalty:

1. The manager is ejected.
2. The pitcher must finish pitching to the current batter.
3. After that batter, the pitcher must be removed from the mound but may continue playing other positions.