League Rules:
The Pocono Valley League plays by MLB/AL rules with some exceptions…
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The Pocono Valley League is a wood bat league. All bats must be wood or composite wood BBCOR certified.
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All single games are 7 innings with a no new inning after 2 hours minutes time limit.
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All doubleheaders are two 7 inning games with a no new inning after 2 hours & 15 minutes time limit.
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Each team should supply 3 baseballs at the start of the game and then ask the umpires to alternate asking teams for baseballs.
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No malicious contact (at any base). Runners must slide into the base (within arms length) or give themselves up.
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Mercy rule > Game will conclude if a team is up by 10 runs after 5 innings.
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Just like MLB, the fake pickoff to 3rd is a balk. You also cannot throw a pickoff to the 3rd baseman if he is playing off the bag. Essentially the new rule treats 3rd base EXACTLY as we have always treated 1st base. ie, if the pitcher (from the rubber) goes to pick off a runner, he MUST step directly toward the base (1st or 3rd) AND throw the ball to the base. If he does not step directly towards OR does not throw directly to the base, it is a balk.”
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Teams can bat only 9 players, DH must be included.
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If a player is forced to leave a game for any reason (prior commitment, injury, ejection, etc), that player’s spot in the batting order is skipped and IS NOT an automatic out. If said player leaving the game results in the team dropping below 8 players, the game will be declared a forfeit. **The opposing team may lend an 8th player (on defense) to allow the game to continue.
Code of Conduct:
The Pocono Valley League was founded on two principles: honoring the game and respecting your opponents. Accordingly, we expect our players and coaches to not only acknowledge these values, but embody and implement them in all League-related actions. Therefore, those players and coaches who choose to participate in the PVL agree to adhere to the following rules:
1. Fighting members of opposing teams, own teammates, coaches, league officials, spectators, or umpires is not permitted under any circumstances.
2. All umpires should be treated with respect and dignity. Players will not question an umpire’s call but let their respective coach go through the appropriate procedure to do so if necessary.
3. Blatantly showing up an opponent, an opposing coach, a league official, or an umpire is not permitted under any circumstances. Actions including taunting, teasing, or using profane language towards another player, coach, league official, or umpire, are forbidden.
4. The use of any illegal and illicit drugs during any League-related function, including games, charity events, League meetings or otherwise, is not permitted under any circumstances.
5. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited at all schools and parks where league games and events are held.
6. All property being used by the League – including dugouts, fields, bullpens, and batting cages - shall be treated with care. Any negligent or willful abuse, maltreatment, or mishandling of such property is not permitted under any circumstances.
Consequences:
All players and coaches are subject to consequences that may lead to discipline or possible termination of membership as determined necessary by the League’s Front Office due to failure to comply with the Code of Conduct. The League Committee may recommend what it believes to be appropriate disciplinary action, but final decision-making authority rests with the Front Office. All players and coaches agree to abide by these rules as part of their registration in the Pocono Valley League. It is the responsibility of all players and coaches to be familiar with the rules set forth in the Code of Conduct.