Halifax County Old Timers League Rules

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The Halifax County Old Timers League is built on competition, sportsmanship, and fun. Except as modified below, all games shall be played in accordance with the Official Baseball Rules published by Major League Baseball.

Players must be at least 37 years of age to participate in league play.

Any batter who hits a fair ball beyond the infield without the benefit of a defensive error shall be awarded first base.

A courtesy runner may be used for any player at any time.

A courtesy runner:

• May not take a lead off any base.
• May not advance on a passed ball or wild pitch.
• May not advance more than one base ahead of the runner immediately behind him.
• Is automatically declared out if he takes a lead off a base.
• Is automatically declared out if his turn at bat occurs while serving as a courtesy runner.

All players present and eligible for the game shall be included in the batting order.

Players are not required to play a defensive position to remain in the batting lineup. However, all reasonable efforts shall be made by each team captain or coach to provide defensive playing opportunities for any player who wishes to play in the field.

Defensive substitutions may be made freely throughout the game without affecting a player's place in the batting order.

During the regular season, no pitcher may pitch more than four consecutive innings.

A pitcher who has pitched four consecutive innings must be removed from the pitching position for one complete inning before returning to pitch.

These pitching limitations do not apply during postseason play.

The league encourages games to be played whenever possible.

If a team does not have enough players available to field a full lineup, players from other league teams may be used to fill vacant roster spots for that game.

Games shall consist of six innings.

No new inning may begin two hours after the first pitch of the game.

Any inning in progress at the two-hour mark shall be completed.

A new inning begins immediately following the recording of the third out in the previous inning.

Players, managers, coaches, and spectators are expected to conduct themselves in a respectful and sportsmanlike manner at all times.

Unsportsmanlike conduct, abusive language, or actions deemed detrimental to the league may result in ejection or further disciplinary action as determined by league officials.